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Monday 5 December 2016 | 6 Rabia I 1438 Volume 21 | Number 7001 | 2 Riyals

King Salman arrives today on historic visit

The country is all set for the historic visit, with Qatari and Saudi flags and huge hoardings with pictures of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud adorning the roads and streets across the city.

The Peninsula to discuss issues of mutual interest as well as regional and international issues,” said the mir H H Sheikh Tamim ambassador. bin Hamad Al Thani Bilateral ties are not will lead well-wishers limited to the formal side to welcome the Custo- between the two governments dian of the Two Holy and officials but have also EMosques King Salman bin reached out to the grassroots Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Ara- level, he said, referring to the bia, who will arrive in Qatar various events which brought today on a two-day official visit. together businessmen in both The Emir and King Salman countries, besides the will discuss means of enhancing increased number of visitors the well-established fraternal from Saudi Arabia to Qatar relations and the latest placing Doha and other Qatari A huge hoarding with pictures of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques developments on the regional cities as popular tourist King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud displayed at the QNB building on the Corniche, yesterday. and international arenas. destinations for Saudi families. Pics: Abdul Basit, Kammutty VP & Mohamad Bwary/The Peninsula The country is all set for this Trade and economic historic visit, with Qatari and relations between Doha and Saudi flags and huge signboards Riyadh present an excellent with pictures of the Emir and model of the integration and The Palestinian cause and the The relations between Saudi King Salman adorning the roads strength of joint interests efforts aimed at ending the Israeli Arabia and Qatar are old, well- and streets across the city. between the two countries, the aggression against holy sites in Al established and built on Qatar's Ambassador to Saudi Ambassador said, expressing Arabia Sheikh Abdullah bin pleasure over the successful Quds and achieving the Palestinian strong pillars. It goes beyond Thamer Al Thani yesterday 'Made in Qatar Exhibition 2016' national reconciliation have been the common interests and described the visit as a organised by the Qatar and remain at the top of Qatar and bonds of neighbourly relations "consolidation of the Chamber for the first time in distinguished strong historic and Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of Saudi Arabia's diplomatic priorities to be described as a common fraternal relations between the the Qatari- Saudi Economic in all international forums. destiny relationship. two brotherly countries." Forum. The ambassador stressed In a statement to Qatar News the conformity of the two Qatar's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Qatar Agency (QNA), the Ambassador countries' policies and positions Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer Al Thani Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Aifan said that the meeting between in all Arab issues including Syria, the Emir and King Salman opens Iraq, Yemen and Libya as well as vast prospects for joint action counter-terrorism issues, which and cooperation in all areas and now threatens the region in and Saudi Arabia's diplomatic well-established, built on strong of the Saudi-Qatari Business gives me great pleasure on my priorities in all international pillars, he said, adding that the Council, for further cooperation behalf and on behalf of the forums, the the Qatari Saudi-Qatar relations go beyond between businessmen in the two Advisory Council's members to ambassador added. the common interests and bonds countries and to overcome any welcome King Salman bin The ambassador stressed the of neighbourly relations to be obstacles they may encounter. Abdulaziz Al Saud, the king of great role being played by Qatar described as a common destiny He pointed that the Qatari- firmness and determination to in the framework of the Arab relationship. Saudi trade volume reached honour us with his historic visit coalition to restore legitimacy in The Saudi ambassador about SR7bn in 2015, adding that to Qatar. " Yemen within its 'Restoring pointed out that the relations 315 companies -fully owned by He stressed the importance Hope' and 'Decisive Storm' between Saudi Arabia and Qatar Saudis- and 303 joint companies of this visit in light of operations along with the Arab, have reached a distinct stage in are working in Qatar with a total circumstances in the region and Islamic and Gulf countries all areas and at all levels. capital of SR1.252bn. taking into consideration Saudi participating in the coalition to Economic relations enjoy great Speaking to QNA on this Arabia's political weight, which protect the legitimate rights in support on both government and occasion Speaker of the Advisory represent a safety and stability Yemen and repel any malicious private sectors, where work is Council H E Mohammed bin valve for the region's peoples. attempts to tamper the security continuing, through the meetings Mubarak Al Khulaifi said: “ It → See also pages 3 & 10 of Saudi Arabia which is the security of the Gulf and the entire region. The Saudi ambassador to Qatar Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Aifan expressed optimism about the success of the visit of King Salman. Speaking to QNA, Al Aifan said: "I am confident that the talks which will be held, will also provide an important springboard to support the relentless effort to establish a emphasises more cohesion and multiple forms. stronger joint action, within the interdependence among the GCC The Palestinian cause and framework of the Cooperation member states. the efforts aimed at ending the Council for the Arab States of the “The mutual visits represent Israeli aggression against Islamic Gulf, to tackle the challenges a chance to enhance the holy sites in Al Quds and facing the region." brotherly relations between the achieving the Palestinian He stressed the depth of the two countries and peoples while national reconciliation have been two countries relations. These offering a suitable opportunity and remain at the top of Qatar relations are old and 02 HOME MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016

539 outstanding Emir inaugurates Doha Institute for Graduate Studies students honoured QNA

nder the patronage of HE the Prime Minister Uand Interior Minister, the General Authority for Minors Affairs honoured out- standing students under its auspices at a ceremony held at the Qatar National Conven- tion Center. The Authority annually honours outstanding students in order to motivate them for further success. This year, 539 honorees have achieved excellent results during the 2015-2016 school year. In a speech during the ceremony, the Chairman of the General Authority for Minors Affairs Saad Nahar Al Nuaimi commended the patronage of the Prime Min- ister and Minister of Interior in honouring outstanding stu- dents, stressing that this reflects the attention of the State of Qatar and care for all Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani inaugurated The Doha segments of society by devel- Institute for Graduate Studies, which is part of the Arab Center for oping their abilities in order Research and Policy Studies (ACRPS), in Lusail yesterday. The Emir toured to be actors in advancing the the new building and listened to a detailed explanation on its divisions, development of the country programmes and academic mission as well as the research and studies. and comes in line with the The Emir also listened to a comprehensive presentation on the Doha Qatar National Vision 2030 Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language which traces the history which is based on four key pillars, including human and of the Arabic words over twenty centuries and takes about 15 years to social development, aims at be accomplished. transforming Qatar into an advanced country.

Qatar to attend INTOSAI Congress 20 DFI-supported films in spotlight at Dubai fest THE State of Qatar will take part in the 22nd Congress of the International Organisation The Peninsula that are recipients of the Insti- $100,000 award. supported by us being chosen of Supreme Audit Institutions DFI presence tute’s grants are being An eminent jury of experts for screening in different pro- (INTOSAI), which takes palce ib ome 20 films, sup- DIFF to witness one showcased in Dubai Film Con- will evaluate the potential of the grammes, we are also delighted Abu Dhabi on December 7-11, ported by the Doha of the largest nection, the co-production three projects and choose the with many Qatari talents, nur- 2016. The Qatari delegation Film Institute, are tak- participations of market of DIFF. winner. tured by the Institute, will be led by President of State ing the spotlight at the Qatar-backed Further, Hafiz Ali Ali, a Adding to the pride of Qatar, underlining their credentials at Audit Bureau of Qatar Sheikh Dubai International Qatari producer-director, has Smicha (Qatar / 2016), a short the international festival,” said projects. Bandar bin Mohammed bin SFilm Festival (DIFF) to be held been nominated for the pres- narrative produced by Innova- Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Exec- Saud Al Thani. from December 7 to 14, 2016. tigious IWC Filmmaker Award tion Films, written and directed utive Officer , DFI. The event will discuss how In one of the largest partic- A number of films are 2016 of the festival for his by Amal Al Muftah, will mark Among the 15 films to be INTOSAI can contribute to the ipations of Qatar-backed competing for DIFF’s project, The Search for the Star its world premiere at DIFF. screened at DIFF that were sup- UN 2030 Agenda for Sustain- projects, 15 films supported by Muhr Awards. Pearl, a feature animation that The film received in-house ported by the Doha Film able Development, including the Doha Film Institute will be received the Institute’s grant development support from the Institute, six are marking their good governance and screened at the 13th DIFF, sev- for development and was nur- Doha Film Institute, and will world premiere. Six feature strengthening the fight against eral of them also nurtured at these films are competing for tured by industry experts at compete in the Muhr Gulf Short narratives will mark their corruption and professional- Qumra, the dedicated industry DIFF’s Muhr Awards, while two Qumra earlier this year. Ali will segment. MENA premiere at DIFF. isation and what can promote event where the filmmakers films are showcased in both the compete alongside Emirati “We are exceptionally Two films mark their Mid- INTOSAI's credibility to had the opportunity to discuss Cinema of the World and Ara- nominees and filmmakers proud of the firm imprint that dle East debut at DIFF in the become a more prominent diverse aspects of the film with bian Nights segments. Nujoom Alghanem and Abdul- Qatar will make this year at Muhr Feature and Arabian international organisation. industry veterans. A number of Additionally, three films lah Hassan Ahmed for the DIFF. In addition to 15 films Nights segments. Qatar Charity distributes 1,500 food baskets to famine victims in Yemen

The Peninsula distributed in the three districts periodically coordinates the (Al Khawkhah - Ad Durayhimi efforts of the humanitarian work atar Charity (QC) distrib- - Tuhayat), which are the most in Al Hudaydah governorate, uted 1,500 food baskets to affected districts by the famine Yemen. In this regard, the office Qpeople suffering from in Tihama region," said Nasr participates in meetings con- famine in the Tihama city of Qaed Alzaeem, the Director of ducted by the international war-torn Yemen. QC's office in Yemen. organisations and Yemeni offi- The aid was part of QC’s QC would continue its aid to cial bodies. relief campaign launched last Tihama regions and Al Huday- The meeting aimed at pre- month under '#Tihama_Yemen dah governorate that was senting the current interventions _ famine'. affected by the famine. These to help the people, provide QC will also distribute 1,500 efforts would ensure food secu- assistance in the most pressing Officials and teachers at the fifth anniversary celebrations of Qatar University ExxonMobil food baskets in Al Hudaydah at rity for the families for a month. areas, including food security, a total cost of QR 900,000. He praised the generous dona- health, water, sanitation, shel- Teachers Academy. "QC distributed 500 food tion of the Qatari people and the ter, addressing the problems baskets to the families affected residents in Qatar, especially in hindering the humanitarian by famine at Tuhayat District such difficult circumstances. work, and identifying the steps QU-ExxonMobil Teachers Academy and 1,000 food baskets were QC's office in Yemen that should be followed to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Al Hudaydah governorate. celebrates fifth anniversary The meeting took place between the health office in Al Hudaydah governorate, Unicef The Peninsula A number of senior repre- Academy,” said Routledge. and Tayba Foundation, in order sentatives from the Ministry of The Qatar University Exx- to facilitate opening a malnutri- xxonMobil Qatar and Qatar Education and Higher Educa- onMobil Teachers Academy is a tion clinic by QC in the city. The University (QU) recently tion, QU, Teach For Qatar (TFQ) week-long intensive profes- office visited the displaced peo- Eheld a luncheon to mark and INJAZ Qatar attended the sional development program led ple's camp to evaluate their the fifth anniversary of the luncheon. Alistair Routledge, by a group of education experts humanitarian conditions and to annual Qatar University Exxon- President and General Manager from Doha and the US. The pro- conduct a mini-survey of the Mobil Teachers Academy. The for ExxonMobil Qatar, wel- gramme is designed to help whole situation. academy is a joint collaboration comed the luncheon attendees teachers from Qatar’s independ- Many displaced Yemeni between ExxonMobil Qatar, the and spoke to them about the ent schools build on their families are leading a tough life Ministry of Education and academy, its purpose and its expertise, enhance their under- as they have lost their source of Higher Education, and QU’s accomplishments. standing of math and science livelihood. These families National Center for Education “It is an honour to stand content, and acquire interactive depended on fishing, but fled to Development, and it took place before you today to celebrate the teaching tools that will ignite Volunteers in a Qatar Charity aid vehicle in Tihama city of other villages due to the current this year from November 27 to fifth anniversary of the Qatar Uni- their students’ passion for math war-torn Yemen. tragic events. December 1. versity ExxonMobil Teachers and science. MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016 HOME 03

Smartphone users Sign of friendship can report crimes on Metrash 2

Sidi Mohamed options for reporting about The Peninsula suspected vehicles, persons, institutions, houses and criminal activities, among SMARTPHONE users can others. now report crimes to the A third service gives the authorities concerned at the option to request for aware- Ministry of Interior with a new ness lectures, field visits and CID service option on Metrash general requests, while the 2 application. last service provides contact The new service includes details to communicate with four windows; ‘reporting’ the Criminal Investigation service for informing about Department (CID) with its hot- cyber crimes, forgery, beg- line number. ging, and violation of “Metrash2” services ena- intellectual property rights, bles citizens and residents to among others. obtain a wide range of Minis- The second service has try of Interior services online.

Flags of Qatar and Saudi Arabia on the Corniche yesterday. Pic: Abdul Basit/ The Peninsula Doha Festival City appoints ELAN Media as media partner The Peninsula Doha Festival City in MIA showcases rare 12th century stucco panel February. oha Festival City, set to ELAN’s technology solu- celebrate the best in lei- tions are best-in-classand will The Peninsula Bank of America Merrill Lynch in MIA’s permanent galleries. enjoyment of residents and vis- Dsure, retail and hospitality allow local and international and formed part of the bank’s Conservation of the panel itors in Qatar,” said Daniel when it opens its doors in Feb- brands to communicate with isitors at Museum of global Art Conservation Project. began in November 2012, and Brown, Acting Director, MIA. ruary 2017, has appointed ELAN consumers in an advanced for- Islamic Art (MIA) will be Funding from Bank of America took almost four years to com- “Recognising the impor- Media as its exclusive media mat, in keeping with the Vable to see a rare monu- Merrill Lynch, one of the world’s plete. The project was led by the tance of preserving cultural partner as part of a multi-year full-platform of digital experi- mental stucco panel from Iran largest supporters of arts and curatorial and conservation treasures for future genera- deal. ELAN Media will provide ences planned for visitors to dating from the 12th Century. culture, supported the conser- departments at MIA, with addi- tions, we launched our Global best-in-class turnkey solutions Doha Festival City. Following four years of rig- vation of the stucco panel, and tional support from an Art Conservation Project in to the Mall, which will enable The Axis, which will be situ- orous conservation and marked the first time a financial archaeological illustrator from 2010. We believe our pro- brands to reach up to 20 million ated amongst it’s extensive restoration works, the panel, one institution ever partnered with the University of Pennsylvania. gramme to be particularly visitors per year. entertainment zone, will be the of the three surviving stucco pan- Qatar Museums and MIA. The “The panel is one of only relevant in today’s troubled The state-of-the art, in-mall first ever 4mm pitch rotating els from the highly celebrated panel, which features a compi- three monumental stucco pan- times, where countless sym- advertising will include three screen deployment in Qatarwitha Saljuk period of Islamic art his- lation of the ’princely cycle’, els from the highly celebrated era bols of local culture and new formats never seen before suspended Altoona digital LED tory, can be now seen at MIA’s detailing feasting, hunting, of Islamic art history, and the heritage are eroding through in Qatar - The Axis, The Run- screen with 360 degree visibil- permanent galleries. music-making and the enjoy- much needed restoration of this decline, neglect, or turmoil", way and The Torch - all of ity. The Torch is set to be the The conservation project ment of nature in the traditions iconic and important piece has said Arshad Ghafur, President of which are now available to largest Digital out of Home was a partnership between the of Persianate art and culture, enabled us to permanently dis- Middle East North Africa at Bank secure ahead of the opening of (DOOH) roadside screen in Qatar. Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and is now on permanent display play it to the public, for the of America Merrill Lynch. 04 HOME MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016 GCC summit an opportunity to discuss issues: Zayani

QNA Challenges was established in 2008 and has cohesion and solidarity, adding closer convergence and stronger reconstruction process. made many achievements. that the security cooperation bonds to serve Arab and Islamic He added that everyone ecretary-General of the Dr Abdullatif bin He also pointed to the Cus- between the GCC countries at all issues. Therefore, the GCC states knows that the Gulf Cooperation Gulf Cooperation Coun- Rashid Al Zayani says toms Union which allowed the levels is the way to meet this make every effort to support the Council attaches great importance cil (GCC) Dr Abdullatif rapid developments GCC countries to raise the level challenge and thwart its plans. joint Arab action in various fields, to Yemen, as it is a neighbour and bin Rashid Al Zayani in the region require of trade exchange from $20bn He warned that terrorism is and contribute to settling Arab brother and an active member in stressed that the 37th more consultations in 2003 to $140bn in 2015. an extraneous phenomenon to disputes and differences. many GCC organisations and insti- Ssession of the GCC Supreme He also pointed out that the our peaceful societies and con- On the crisis in Yemen, Al tutions in various fields such as and integration. Council, to be held in Bahrain establishment of the Economic trary to our tolerant Islamic faith. Zayani said that the GCC states education, health, media, youth tomorrow, is an opportunity for and Development Affairs Author- Dr Al Zayani underlined the are fully aware that the stability and others. The 37th session of consultation between Their Maj- ity and the Judicial Economic GCC countries' great efforts to fight of the Republic of Yemen and its About the Syrian crisis, Al esties and Highnesses the leaders the GCC Supreme Authority will play a prominent terrorism militarily, economically security is part of the security Zayani stressed that what is hap- of the GCC countries, and to Council will be held role in the consolidation of the and socially, adding that there are and stability of the GCC and pening in Syria is a painful exchange opinion about the in Bahrain tomorrow. economic cooperation and inte- cooperation agreements and strat- therefore it launched the GCC tragedy, adding that the GCC ongoing events and develop- gration among GCC countries egies between GCC states to initiative that contributed to the countries' stance was principled ments in the region. and will strengthen the GCC cit- combat terrorism. breakthrough of the Yemeni cri- and unchanged, which is to stop In an interview with Al izens' gains from the common On Arab political differences, sis. However, the coup by Houthi the bloodshed and support a Sharq, Al Zayani said that the regional crises and reduce their market. the GCC Secretary-General said rebels and Ali Saleh against the peaceful political solution in rapid developments in the region impact, adding that the conse- About intervention in the that the GCC countries have Yemeni government complicated accordance with the Geneva 1 require more coordination, con- quences of the crisis will not only internal affairs of the GCC, the always stressed that they are part the crisis, he added. agreement as the basis for any sultation and integration among be on the GCC states, but also on Secretary-General said that the of the joint Arab action and as He said that the GCC states political solution that preserves GCC countries, in order to pro- the regional and international GCC states are aware of the stated in the statute, the coordi- are still supporting the interna- Syria's unity, sovereignty and tect its achievements and security and peace. objectives of those interfering in nation, cooperation and tional efforts in this regard, and independence, and achieves the prosperity. Al Zayani said that the leaders its internal affairs, and are fully integration among them serve the efforts of UN Special Envoy aspirations of the Syrian people. He noted that the GCC coun- of the GCC countries have given aware that this intervention the lofty goals of the Arab nation for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh GCC has multiple political and tries seek honestly to find importance to economy, pointing seeks to destabilise their coun- and in line with the Charter of Ahmed in order to reach the diplomatic roles in this regard, peaceful political solutions to all to the GCC common market which tries and undermine their the Arab League which calls for desired solution to begin the he said. CMU-Q Hackathon goes regional for 2017

The Peninsula CarnegieApps, a student-led Conflict (PEIC). In the new cat- club at Carnegie Mellon Qatar. egory, young developers are arnegie Mellon Univer- “We’re excited to continue the challenged to think creatively sity in Qatar (CMU-Q) great tradition of Hackathon about how technology can be Cwill host the fifth annual here at CMU-Q, and we’re used to protect children in 24-hour hackathon on Janu- excited to host students from schools in conflict zones ary 27 to 28, 2017 at the Qatar and across the region. around the world. university’s campus in Educa- Hackathon is a great opportu- Education Above All is an tion City. nity for students to put the organization established by Her The CarnegieApps Hacka- skills they are learning to the Highness Sheikha Moza bint thon is an annual programming test, and to meet and share Nasser that aims to provide competition in which univer- ideas with like-minded ‘hack- quality and sustainable educa- sity students work in teams in ers,’” said Vishan Popat, a tion to the poorest and most a 24-hour race to build mobile business administration stu- marginalized of school applications, web applications dent at CMU-Q and the children. or games. This year’s event is president of CarnegieApps. As with previous years, a open to undergraduate stu- The competition features panel of professionals will dents from all majors from five categories, including a new judge the competitors in the universities throughout the one sponsored by Education categories of best technical GCC. Above All’s program, Protect idea, best overall app, best Hackathon is organised by Education in Insecurity and design, and best rookie project. QIB officials during a visit to Ahmad bin Hanbal Independent Boys School recently. QIB officials deliver lecture on banking at Independent School

The Peninsula community and collaborating with savings attitude from a young society’s institutions to support dif- age for each individual to have delegation from Qatar ferent social activities. QIB’s control over his finances saying Islamic Bank (QIB), commitment to supporting the that “it is important to learn how A Qatar’s leading Islamic educational sector is originating to earn the money necessary to Bank, recently visited Ahmad from the bank’s belief that today’s pay for what we really need, to bin Hanbal Independent Boys youth are tomorrow’s leaders. save for what we want in the School to deliver an educational Gamal addressed the stu- future and not to forget to help lecture about the banking and dents by referring to the the ones in need along the way” finance industry in Qatar. Government’s investment in Finally, he talked about The visit is part of QIB’s edu- education and the recent speech QIB’s active role in supporting cation programme on “Financial of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim and investing in Qatar’s youth Literacy” which is specifically bin Hamad Al Thani. through its summer internship focused on cultivating basic QIB’s Group CEO gave a brief programmes and by sponsoring financial knowledge among high overview of the history of banks Qatari students to complete school students in Qatar, said a and the increasingly important their studies in various fields of press release. role of banks in the daily life of education. The visit was led by Bassel individuals and businesses as well Ahmed Hussein Al Rahimi, Gamal, QIB’s Group CEO, who as in any country’s economic Licence holder and Principal of was welcomed by Ahmed Hus- development and growth. Ahmad bin Hanbal Independent sein Al Rahimi, Licence holder He spoke about the difference School, said: “I was very pleased and Principal of Ahmad bin between conventional banking to welcome senior ranking rep- Hanbal Independent School. The and Islamic banking, highlight- resentatives from QIB who were visit’s objective was to create ing how Islamic banks have very motivated to raise aware- awareness among students on recently developed innovative ness and encourage students to the important role of banks in Shariah-compliant banking solu- pursue the banking industry, spe- everyday life. tions to cover all the financial cifically, the Islamic one. This is It was organised as part of needs of individuals, institutions very important and will contrib- QIB’s social responsibility pro- and companies. ute to the development of our gramme whereas the Bank is Gamal also stressed the economy and implementation of engaging with the local importance of developing a Qatar’s 2030 vision.” QU announces registration for semesters

The Peninsula students (Diploma, Masters and highlighted the importance to Doctorate) on December 4, view the registration guidelines atar University (QU) yes- while the registration for under- which explain how to use terday announced the graduate students who finished myBanner self-service system Qearly registration for the their required credit hours will to add and drop courses. semesters of Winter and Spring start on December 5 until Al Marri explained that the 2017. Registration is available December 11. The registration’s waiting list for Spring 2017 has via myBanner and continues deadline is on February 2, 2017. been activated starting from the until the end of the add and drop Al Marri noted that students early registration on December period for each semester, a press can view the offered courses 4, 2016 until February 2, 2017. release said. through the online Course “Students may add themselves QU Section Head of Regis- Schedule, and students with dis- to the waitlist courses at the tration Noora Hamad A M Al abilities can seek assistance to closed sections,” she said. Marri explained that the Regis- register for courses from the She also noted that the pay- tration Department opened the Inclusion and Special Needs ment of the tuition fees is registration for graduate Support Center. She also mandatory to register. MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016 HOME 05 Pakistan expats IPC opens second branch in Doha The Peninsula

he International Physio- seek home therapy Centre (IPC), a Tpremium private rehabil- itation clinic, has opened its second branch on Al-Waab varsity in Qatar Street (opposite Villaggio). It opened its first branch last year. Irfan Bukhari Higher Education The opening of the second The Peninsula clinic in Al Waab is a boost for Efforts on to set up people of all ages suffering from n a bid to address the campus of a range of physical problems growing need for afford- International Islamic including chronic back and neck able higher education for University in Qatar. pain, sports injuries, post-surgi- International Physiotherapy Centre (IPC) founder Sheikh Mohammed H F Al Thani. expatriate children, Paki- cal weakness, paediatric and RIGHT: The IPC branch. stani community leaders neurological issues. The clinics Ihave ratcheted up efforts for the but also from other countries in Markhiya and Al Waab offer establishment of a Pakistani will be able to seek admissions,” a variety of rehabilitation tech- convinced we need to do more Co-Founder, added: "What really "Our passion is to improve the public sector university’s cam- Awan added. niques including physiotherapy, here locally. sets us apart is our constant health and well being of our pus in Qatar. Riyaz Ahmed Bakali, chiropractic, osteopathy, paedi- Whilst it has certainly been focus on quality. We have hired patients. Seeing someone enter Talking to The Peninsula, Founding Director, The Future atric physiotherapy and pilates challenging, we are delighted only the best medical profes- the clinic unable to walk or in Malik Qaiser Awan, President, Generation Group of schools, ensuring every patient has the that we are opening our second sionals from the US, Canada, UK, excruciating pain and seeing Pakistan Education Forum, said said that Pakistani expats were appropriate treatment plan for clinic and will continue to work Australia and Europe and our them leave visibly better is what the Forum in collaboration with facing three kinds of issues them. hard to deliver high-quality clinics provide world-class drives us to do more. I am very Pakistan Business Forum and regarding higher education of Founder Sheikh Mohammed services to the community. I healthcare in a high end, private passionate about this — and as Pakistan Welfare Forum was their children: economic, social H F Al Thani said: "The would especially like to thank and discrete environment. with our first clinic, a percent- making efforts to establish a and lack-of-choice. “With the International Physiotherapy the Ministry of Public Health, We understand that Sheikh age of any profits made will be campus of International Islamic opening of new private univer- Centre was established to help which has been very supportive Mohammed HF Al Thani and Ms donated to local charities." University, Islamabad, in Qatar. sities, the problem will be the Doha community access and helped us navigate all the Hasan intend to provide further One can find out more about “We talked in length on the resolved.” high-quality local care. I have different ministries and new services in the future, the International Physiotherapy subject with President of Paki- Expats have been com- seen far too many friends and approvals along the way!" which they intend to announce Centres in Markhiya and Waab stan, Mamnoon Hussain, during plaining about difficulties being family travel abroad for quality Tamara Hasan, the British in due course." at www.theipcentre.com, or on his recent visit to Qatar and he faced by them regarding higher care, and as a young Qatari I am General Manager and Sheikh Mohammed added: 4466 1318 / 4435 0340. assured us of his support for education of their children. accomplishing the task. Defi- Hafeezullah says: “The commu- nitely we have to go through nity is facing serious problems many phases but with the sup- regarding higher education of port of the President of their children. Either schools beIN wins major award in Dubai Pakistan, we will reach a fea- operating here should start sible option” he added. undergraduate classes with He said they were trying affiliation of universities or a The Peninsula production and post-production that the matter should be taken Pakistani university should to traditional broadcast and new up at the level of governments. open a campus here as higher eIN won the prestigious media platforms like OTT. The "Only for an operational pub- education is very expensive award of ‘Broadcast event is an annual gathering of lic sector university of Pakistan here. Ultimately, expats send bTrendsetter of The Year the prominent regional media. it is possible to fulfil criteria set their children to Pakistan for 2016’ in the recently held Broad- The winners are chosen by a by the Ministry of Education graduation and post-gradua- cast Pro Middle East Summit & panel of judges from across the and Higher Education. As its fee tion. If they are girls then Awards in Dubai. The judging MENA region with varying tech- structure will be economical mothers have to shift with them panel unanimously agreed that nical skills within broadcast and affordable, expats not only that causes great inconvenience beIN has made huge strides industry to ensure it is fully com- from the Pakistani community to the families.” within the broadcast and media petent to judge the industry in the current year. nominations. In 2016, beIN consolidated Yousef Al Obaidly, Deputy its position as the leading CEO of beIN MEDIA Group, said, regional Pay-TV network, as the “This award is a true reflection Over 2,300 camps registered company continued to attract of beIN’s achievements and con- global content partners to its tributions to the media industry The Peninsula camping rules or face action. platform. Within the past few Faisal Al Raisi, Manager of Digital Projects, accepting the in the MENA region. In the past Saad Ibraheem Al Kaabi, months, beIN has partnered with award on behalf of beIN, in Dubai. few months, beIN has truly ore than 2,300 win- General Coordinator for AMC, BBC, Bloomberg, CBS, emerged as a global media pow- ter camps have been camping during winter, said Dreamworks, Discovery, Fox, broadcast future Olympic Games to beIN through the synergies erhouse that is focused on Mregistered during that inspectors of Environ- Scripps and Turner to bring pre- through beIN. that these acquisitions can cre- growth and customers’. We 2016 /2017 winter camping mental Protection, Reserves mium entertainment content to On the global media scene, ate for the group. thank the judges for bestowing season in all land and sea & Wildlife Department will its screens, besides consolidat- beIN made two bold moves of The Broadcast Pro ME this prestigious award on beIN.” areas. The Ministry of Munic- pay inspection visits to see ing its position in the sports acquiring Hollywood studio Awards cover a broad range of Faisal Al Raisi, Manager of ipality and Environment how campers comply with the content space. On the sports Miramax and leading Turkish categories to reward excellence Digital Projects, accepted the asked all campers to follow regulations. front, beIN entered into a multi- Pay-TV operator Digi Turk. Both in various fields across the award on behalf of beIN in year exclusive deal with IOC to companies add significant value broadcast workflow, from Dubai. International Ethics Summit discusses challenges

Amna Pervaiz Rao The Peninsula

exas A&M University Qatar opened its three-day TInternational Ethics Sum- mit yesterday at the Hamad bin Khalifa University student From left: Nikhil Joseph, Senior Manager, Cistomer Relationship Management, Aster; Dr center. Sameer Moopan, CEO Aster DMH Qatar; Jotshna Dey, President, Indian Women Association Topics discussed included (IWA) Qatar; Renu Malhotra, Vice-president, IWA; and Latha Pathmanbhan General Secretary, ethical responsibility and risk in IWA, during the press conference in Doha yesterday. Pic: Abdul Basit/ The Peninsula an age of globalisation, ethics in research and development, modern humanitarianism, and IWA's inter-school quiz on Dec 9 how institutional structures can From left: Dr Eyad Masad, Vice Dean, Texas A and M University shape ethical cultures. at Qatar (TAMUQ); Dr R Seetharaman, CEO, Doha Bank; Dr Several presentations con- Joyce Marie Alexander, Dean, Texas A and M University, USA; The Peninsula mentalist Aathi is also scheduled School, MES Indian School, Phil- sider challenges unique to the and Dr Mohammed Yousef Al Mulla, MD and CEO, QAPCO, at for the event. ippine School Doha, and Gulf and address the emergence the summit. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula ndian Women's Association Jotshna Dey, President, Philippine International School of western education in the (IWA), a non-profitable Indian Womens Association- will be representing their stu- region and its effects on society Iorganisation affiliated to Qatar, said: “We are happy to dents for the quiz competition. and institutions. here for this conference. The us improve the education sys- Indian Cultural Centre under the announce the 20th edition of Entry passes of IWA- Aster Kids “International Ethics Sum- main idea was to go across the tem. The stakeholders and aegis of the Embassy of India our Inter- School Quiz Compe- Brain Quest’16 are VIP tickets mit is the tenth event of Texas academic principles. It’s not a finance department experts will will be hosting their 20th Inter- tition associating with Aster DM QR50 and Open seating at A&M University. The idea behind typical academic conference. share their experiences, which School Quiz competition, Healthcare. The quiz competi- QR20, available at ICC and the this conference was about ‘Eth- This conference will become a will help us fine-tune our future IWA- Aster Kids Brain Quest’16 tion is open for students of participating schools. Contact ical Leadership in Industry and regular forum next year and we plans. The topic today is very on December 9, 2016 at Birla classes seven to nine. Alkhor [email protected] for reser- Business, the responsibilities will look forward to the second rich in content, this conference Public School. International School, Bhavan’s vations and enquiry” and risk in the global era’. We edition”, Hassan Bashir, Asso- will help us interact with expe- This quiz contest, started in Public School, Birla public Dr Sameer Moopan, Chief will have discussions with the ciate Professor of Liberal Arts at rienced gentlemen and ladies 1986, has grown in prestige and School, Stafford Srilankan Executive Officer, Aster DMH industry leaders for next two TEXAS University and Confer- from different parts of the stature and has now entered its School, Ideal Indian School, Qatar, said: “It gives us immense days. 80 participants are taking ence Chair, told The world,” Dr Muhammad Yousef glorious 20th year. This year the DPS- Modern Indian School, pleasure to be a part of the most part in this conference from 35 Peninsula. Al Mulla, Managing Director and quiz will be hosted by Siddhar- Doha Modern Indian School, prestigious and much awaited different institutions, 27 out of “It always feels great to have CEO at Qatar Petrochemical atha Basu, a reputed quiz master Shanthinikethan Indian School, interschool quiz competition of 80 participants are from Qatar such kind of events here in Company (QAPCO) told The of India. A special show from Bright Future International the State of Qatar." institutions, 20 countries are Qatar. These kind of events help Peninsula. 06 HOME MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016 HMC suggests QDF opens new Omega store at HIA The Peninsula

atar Duty Free has steps against opened a new Omega Qstore, providing travel- lers to Hamad International Airport (HIA) Doha with the latest collections from one of winter illnesses the world’s greatest Swiss watchmakers, and further expanding the range of high- Health Care their doctors for advice about the end boutiques on offer to flu vaccination,” he said. passengers shopping in the Physician cautions He explained that heart attacks airport’s Fashion Avenue. people against asthma, are more common in winter. “There The new Omega store in flu, heart attack, may be an increase in heart attacks HIA is one of only two Omega norovirus, joint because cold snaps increase blood boutiques in the GCC and The new Omega store at Hamad International Airport (HIA). pains, and cold sores. pressure and put more strain on the offers travellers shopping in heart. Your heart has to work Qatar Duty Free more than 120 popular Speedmaster, Sea- world’s top five airports for the world’s top five airports for harder to maintain body heat when extraordinary timepieces to master and Constellation shopping thanks to our com- shopping in the 2016 Skytrax The Peninsula it's cold. It is highly recommended choose from — providing an ranges, together making the mitment to providing them World Airport Awards among to stay warm in your home, or abundance of gift ideas to brand a preferred choice with the very best shopping the more than 12.5 million s Qatar transitions from make sure to wrap up warm when travellers looking to buy a spe- among watch enthusiasts experience, personalised serv- travellers who voted. the hot summer months you go out,” Dr Al Nuaimi advised. cial present for their loved everywhere. ices, and delivering products Hamad International Air- to the cooler season, Dr Al Nuaimi said another ones this coming holiday Senior Vice-President and brands that meet world- port (HIA), the home of Qatar Hamad Medical Corpo- unpleasant common winter illness season. Qatar Duty Free, Luis Gasset wide demands for the very Duty Free, was announced as ration (HMC) is advising is norovirus, also known as the win- Omega is world-renowned said: “Visitors to Qatar Duty latest trends.” the world’s fifth ‘Best Airport residentsA to safeguard against com- ter vomiting bug. “Norovirus is an for its innovation and quality, Free will discover an excep- The new Omega store in for Shopping,’ as well as the mon illnesses that usually occur extremely infectious stomach bug. and is immortalised in history tional shopping experience and HIA is one of only two Omega ‘Best Airport in the Middle during the winter months. It can strike all year round, but is as the first watch to be worn a range of products and brands boutiques in the GCC East’ for the second consecu- HMC’s Senior Consultant in more common in winter and in on the moon, and has been that will surprise and delight Passengers will receive tive year at the 2016 Skytrax Emergency Medicine, Dr Saad Al places where you have large gath- seen by millions over the dec- them. We are very proud to expert buying advice when World Airport Awards in Nuaimi, said common illnesses are erings of people, such as shopping ades on screen on the wrist of expand our range of luxury shopping in-store and all March. At the same time HIA on the rise during the cooler malls, hotels and schools. Though Hollywood-favourite, James boutiques to welcome Omega, watches are sold with an inter- leapt into the ‘World’s Top 10 months. These include the flu, colds, the illness is unpleasant, its symp- Bond. Omega produces some which is a great addition to our national warranty. Best Airports’ ranking and norovirus, cold sores, sore throats, toms are usually over within a of the finest and most-desired world-class shopping hub. Qatar Duty Free was became the first ever Middle painful joints, asthma and heart couple of days,” he said. He recom- timepieces demanded by glo- “Global travellers have voted recently announced as a glo- Eastern airport to achieve the attacks. mends people with norovirus drink bal travellers including the Qatar Duty Free as one of the bal favourite becoming one of honour. “As the weather changes in plenty of fluids to prevent Qatar and across the GCC region, dehydration. there will be a noticeable change Those with asthma are in the spectrum of illnesses that reminded of the importance of tak- people are exposed to. These ill- ing their medications as prescribed Varied fare by HBKU Press at book fair nesses are more common in winter and keeping their inhalers close by. and might affect a large percent- “Cold air is a major trigger of age of the population, especially asthma symptoms such as wheez- The Peninsula children’s book, Manal’s World, tells a tablets available featuring the books that schoolchildren,” Dr Al Nuaimi said. ing and shortness of breath. People whimsical tale of an imaginative, wheel- bring the characters to life and allow kids According to Dr Al Nuaimi, flu with asthma should be especially here is something for everyone at chair–bound girl who doesn’t let her to read interactively. outbreaks are most concerning for careful in winter,” said Dr Al the Hamad Bin Khalifa University disability stop her from making friends HBKU Press will also release local vulnerable populations, especially Nuaimi. He added that regular TPress (HBKU Press) booth at this and playing like any other child. The title Qatari author Abdulaziz Al Mahmoud’s those aged 65 and above, and those moderate exercise, such as fast year’s Doha International Book Fair. character of the story, Manal, helps out debut children’s graphic novel, 'Arhama', with long-term health conditions walking or cycling, could help keep Located at booth B48 in the Doha Exhi- another lonely girl by extending to her the which tells the story of the famous young such as diabetes and kidney dis- asthma symptoms under control. bition and Convention Center, HBKU Press hand of friendship, proving that being adventurer who refuses to attend school, ease. “The best way to prevent the “Many people with arthritis say showcases a variety of titles that appeal compassionate and kind can bridge the thinking that he can be the greatest sailor flu is to get the vaccine. The flu their joints become more painful to readers young and old and to those gap between apparent differences alive using only his talent. vaccine provides good protection in winter, though it's not clear why interested in literature or academics. between children. One can meet the author and get a against the flu and lasts for one this is the case. Mild exercise such There is a wide selection of unique Manal’s World and several other chil- signed copy of 'Arhama' from the HBKU year. However, those with exist- as swimming can improve stiffness local and international titles for children. dren’s titles are also available for little Press booth on Thursday, December 8, ing health conditions should see of the joints." Qatari author Muneera Saad Al Romaihi’s ones to be enjoyed electronically, with from 7pm to 8pm. Experts at autism symposium shed light on problem

The Peninsula between international autism special- Foundation, said: “This is a wonderful Waqar Azeem, Chair of the Qatar described as “hugely important”. ists from the World Innovation Summit opportunity to bring the autistic serv- National Autism Working Group. Dr “I’ve always believed that families atar Foundation’s Pre-University for Health’s (WISH) Autism Forum, local ices community and the autism parents Azeem told the conference that going play a critical role in children’s lives, Education (PUE) has held a sym- education service providers, parents of network in Qatar together to talk with by current global estimates, there are especially when it comes to children Qposium to provide an overview of children with autism and other key each other and to listen to outcomes of likely to be between 3,000 to 5,000 with autism. It’s of paramount impor- the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment stakeholders who have been instrumen- international studies, which we, in turn, young people below the age of 18 with tance to help them develop skills and of autism among children in Qatar and tal in the development of Qatar’s can apply to our own services at Renad autism in Qatar. strategies that will be useful to make abroad, at Awsaj Academy in Education National Autism Plan. Academy.” He told the conference that autism their everyday lives easier. Children with City. Speaking about the importance of The gathering, sponsored by WISH assessment input is not just received in autism often need more of a tailor-made The Autism Symposium 2016 the symposium, Abeer Al Khalifa, Direc- and Sidra Medical and Research Center the clinical setting, but also more gen- approach to be successful in day-to-day brought together more than 400 guests, tor of Academic Affairs, PUE, Qatar (Sidra), was led by Dr Muhammed erally through family input, which he functioning," said Dr Azeem. Turkish food festival opens at Shangri-La

The Peninsula

urkish food festival ‘A Culinary Jour- ney to the Bosphorus’ has been Tlaunched at Shangri-La’s Sridan res- taurant for Turkish cuisine lovers. The festival, which runs until Decem- ber 14, showcases the well-known restaurant’s expanding range of authen- tic Turkish delicacies for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day but Friday. Ryan Sonson, Executive Chef at Shangri-La, Doha, said, “The idea of this promotion is to offer a far wider variety of choices within Sridan Restaurant’s five tan- talising culinary sections: hot buffet, cold buffet, mezzes and salads, grills, and desserts.” Chef Taylan Yucel and Chef Necdet The wife of Turkish Ambassador Ahmet Demirok (fifth left) with Shangri-La Doha Kaya – both here from Shangri-La Bos- phorus in Istanbul – have transformed the officials and staff at the launch of Turkish food festival at Sridan restaurant. Sridan buffet into a spread worthy of a sul- Pic: Salim Matramkot/ The Peninsula tan, said Sonson. The restaurant has largely retained its existing décor for the Festival Airlines is a pair of round-trip, business- #TurkishAirlines #EvilEyeatSridan and except for the addition of traditional Turk- class tickets to Istanbul for three nights’ stay #ShangriLaDoha. The lucky winner will ish ‘Evil Eye’ decorations in crisp white and at the famous Shangri-La Bosphorus. be selected at random and announced on brilliant blue. But in an unusual twist, the The prize draw is open to all Doha res- December 18 via social media. universally recognised motifs have been idents over 21 holding a valid Qatar The Turkish Festival runs until Decem- cunningly concealed around Sridan so that residency permit. To participate, one has ber 14 for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and visitors may find, photograph, and post to visit Sridan and look for hidden ‘evil features iconic traditional dishes, such as them on social media in order to be entered eyes’. Take a picture or a selfie with one, Sucuk Ekmek, Doner Garnituru Ile, Pilic into a lucky prize draw. and share with Shangri-La on Facebook, Topkapi, Tarcini Kuzu Incik and Begendi, The grand prize sponsored by Turkish Instagram or Twitter using the hashtags and Leverek Buhulama. MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016 HOME 07 Ties with Qatar very strong: China envoy

Irfan Bukhari of China-Qatar trade but The Peninsula also in China’s trade with other regional countries mbassador and Qatar’s trade with FROM LEFT: Dr Mohammed Salih Ibrahim, Deputy GM of RAF; Sheikh Thani bin Ali bin Saud Al of China to other countries of the Qatar Li world. Thani, Chief of CSR Committee; Falih Hassan Al Hajri, Al Sharq Acting Editor-in-Chief; Hassan Chen yes- To another question, Al Oubeidly, Support Fund; Shaikh Hammad Abdulqader Al Shaikh, Director General of lslamic terday said he said that the countries Dawah Organisation; and Mohamad Ali Al Mahmoud, Head of Medicine Purchase Department thatA China aspires to were importing large at PHCC at the press conference at St Regis Hotel yesterday. Pic: Kammutty VP/ The Peninsula combine its One Belt number of goods from One Road initiative China including Qatar and with Qatar's vision for with the growth of bilat- development hoping eral relations this import Ten firms chosen for Social that it would bring would also grow. “Till now “great common pros- only consumer goods perity” to both were being imported from countries. China, now more and Responsibility Awards “The Silk Road Eco- more countries are nomic Belt and the importing heavy machines 21st-century Maritime and automobiles,” he Sidi Mohamed the best international practices Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani, the Silk Road also named added. The Peninsula in social responsibility, and to Governor of Qatar Central Bank as One Belt One Road Economic relations encourage them of creating (QCB). (OBOR) is the greatest were more than trade, he en companies have been initiatives which serve the Al Hajri said that “the main initiative and we want said, adding many Chinese chosen among 45 compa- society and contributes of eco- goal of the conference is to to cooperate with many companies were cooper- Tnies which applied applied nomic development”, he encourage companies and insti- countries economi- ating with Qatari for Social Responsibility Awards added. tutions to develop strategies cally, culturally companies on various (SRA). The press conference was regarding social responsibility. including Qatar to projects like Hamad Port, “The categories of the attended by Faleh Al Hajri, Act- The second day of the Confer- increase inter-connec- highway, Lusail stadium, awards include the best local ing Editor-in-Chief of Al Sharq ence titled “Qatar and Africa tivity between them,” Lusail city etc. bank, the best big, medium and and other top officials from Day” will gather Qatar charita- Chinese Ambassador Li Chen during a the ambassador said In the field of financial small companies, the best real Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah ble organisations and some while talking to The meeting held at Shangri-La Hotel. cooperation, Chen said estate sector company among Foundation for Humanitarian governmental institutions under Peninsula after an Pic: Kammutty VP/ The Peninsula some Chinese banks have others”, Sheikh Thani bin Ali Services (RAF), Islamic Dawah one roof to discuss Qatari aid to informal session in branches in Qatar and bin Saud Al Thani, Award Com- Organization and Primary Africa”. which a tourism docu- Qatari banks have mittee Chairman said Health Care Corporation. He also added that the con- mentary on China was screened Bilateral Ties branches in China. yesterday in a press conference The 4th edition of the Con- ference would shed light on the for media. The event was organ- “We want to broaden further announcing the 4th ference will also witness the Qatari efforts in humanitarian ised to mark Qatar-China China aspires to mutual investments between edition of Social Responsibil- launching of 4th edition of the field in Africa, mentioning Qatari Cultural Year (2016) that is set combine its One Belt China and Qatar to the greatest ity Conference to be held from white book 2016 about “social charitable organisations were to end soon. One Road initiative scale,” he said. Chen said that December 7 to 8. “The award responsibility practices for com- making great efforts of provid- Li Chen said that the lead- with Qatar's vision 2016 was marked as Qatar- aims to encourage companies panies and institutions” under ing aid to people across the ership of both countries had for development: Li China Year of Culture in which and Qatari institutions to adopt the patronage of Sheikh world. attached importance with the Chen both countries hosted a number OBOR initiative meant for eco- of events in China and Qatar for nomic and infrastructure taken," the ambassador said. cultural exchanges. development. He said that bilateral trade To another question about Chen said that relations was growing with the passage the possibility of China’s win- Demand for honey surges at farmers' markets between two countries were of time. “Although on seeing the ning the project of making seeing new heights since 2014 figures (financial), one may long-distance railway network The Peninsula Vegetables and other fresh pro- Mazrouah Yard in Umm Salal when the Emir H H Sheikh note a slight decrease but it is between GCC countries, Chen duce taken directly from local sold the highest amount — 61kg Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani vis- due to drop in oil and gas prices said: “We have not heard any- ocally-produced honey farms also saw good business. honey, followed by Al Khor- ited China. but the volume is increasing,” thing from them yet. But, we are showcased at farmers’ The markets sold a total of Dakhira market with 33kg. The "During this visit the deci- he said. He said that this phe- willing to engage in such big Lmarkets attracted a large 114kg honey at the weekend sale of honey at Al Wakrah sion to build relations on nomenon (oil prices impact) was projects like GCC rail network,” number of customers last week. (December 1 and 3). Al market reached 20kg. strategic partnership was not being witnessed only in case he added. Fourth Ajyal Youth Film Festival ends today

The Peninsula against the backdrop of climate change as human activity increases its impact he fourth Ajyal Youth Film Festi- on the continent. Young jurors impress filmmakers val will mark its closing ceremony Hunt for the Wilderpeople (New Ttoday with the red carpet screen- Zealand) by Taika Waititi will be The Peninsula ing of The Red Turtle (France, Japan). screened at 3pm at Katara Drama Unaided by dialogue and carried Theatre. rab filmmakers showcasing their along by Laurent Perez Del Mar’s mag- Serbia’s entry for the Oscar for Best films at the fourth Ajyal Youth ical score, it is a visually stunning tale Foreign Language Film last year, AFilm Festival, presented by Doha that has all the deep feeling of a famil- Enclave (Serbia, Germany) directed by Film Institute, are enthused by the pos- iar myth. The film is directed by Goran Radovanović about a young boy itive response from the young Ajyal Academy Award-winning Dutch ani- who is taken to school every day in an Jurors. mator Michaël Dudok de Wit. The MENA armoured vehicle accompanied by sol- “It is not often that you get the premiere of the film, which celebrates diers, will be screened at 7.30PM at opportunity to interact with the jury, the themes of humanism and compas- Katara 12- Theatre B. and here in Ajyal, meeting with the sion, at 7pm will follow the closing Do not miss Sonita (Iran, Germany, young juror was important for me as a ceremony, where the winners of Ajyal Switzerland) by Rokhsareh Ghaem filmmaker to understand their percep- Competition in the three categories — Maghami, a powerful and deeply movie tion,” said Ely Dagher, whose film Mohaq, Hilal and Bader — chosen by cinema set in Tehran, where an 18-year- Waves’98 (Lebanon) screened in com- over 550 young Ajyal Jurors will be old Afghan refugee dreams of being a petition in the Bader Shorts Film feted. world-famous rapper, at 6.30PM at Programme. The recipient of Doha Film With the theme of positive social Katara 12 – Theatre A. Institute’s Grant, the film won the Palme change, the festival over the last five The final day screenings also d’Or with its depiction of the complex Ely Dagher, whose film Waves’98 (Lebanon), was screened at the festival. days had seen the participation of 70 include two films that have captivated relationship of contemporary Beirutis thought-provoking films, inspiring the world audiences this year: I, Daniel to their troubled home city. youth and stimulating discussions about Blake (UK, France, Belgium) directed The sentiment was echoed by Faiza Muslim women from wearing head- for Yellow, and Mohammed says the fes- relevant issues that affect them globally. by Ken Loach, the Palme d’Or winner Ambah, the director of Mariam (France, scarves in public institutions. tival brought the film to a wide young The line-up included 24 features and at Cannes this year. Laying bare one of Qatar, Saudi Arabia), about the epony- “Resonating with Ajyal’s themes of audience. “They asked interesting ques- 46 short narratives/documentaries, from Great Britain’s most damaging social mous protagonist who finds her life women empowerment and positive tions about the film, which shows they 33 countries. ills, the film will screen at 9.30pm at suddenly becoming very complicated change, the film made an emotional had built a relationship with it, and Today, celebrated actor Meg Ryan Katara 12- Theatre A. when France passes a law that bans connection with the audiences. They being here at Ajyal helps to reach out to will address the Ajyal Jurors, speaking The final screening at Ajyal this year were really engaged with the film, and more people in the industry.” about her first feature-length directo- is of The Salesman (Iran, France) by were clapping and laughing,” said Basil Khalil, whose Ave Maria (Pal- rial debut Ithaca (USA), which will Asghar Farhadi at 10.15 PM at Katara 12 Ambah. She says the film has helped estine, Germany, France), which screen at 3pm at Katara 12- Theatre A. – Theatre B, a brilliant, complex story bring perception shifts about Muslims, screened at Ajyal, and was nominated The tale of a young telegraph delivery of two people suddenly at odds in a and puts forth the message that women for the Oscars, says it was made to sup- boy in the small town of Ithaca, USA, space contaminated by uncertainty and empowerment is really about the free- port his submission to the Doha Film during World War II, Ryan’s sure- mistrust. The film won the prizes for Best dom to exercise one’s choice. Institute to make a full-length feature handed direction underlines the power Screenplay and Best Actor at Cannes this Saudi filmmaker Mohammed Sal- film. That project A Gaza Weekend is the of speaking out clearly against a world year. man was pleasantly surprised with the recipient of the DFI Grant. On Palestine, forever embroiled in conflict. Tickets are priced QR25 for general informed comments from the Ajyal films making strong inroads at interna- Audiences can also watch Seasons screening, and are available for pur- Jurors to the screening of his film Yel- tional festivals, Basil says films serves as (France, Germany) directed by Jacques chase 24 hours a day at ajyalfilm.com low (Saudi Arabia) about the personal the only voice left for the community to Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud at 4.30pm or from the Ajyal Katara Main Box Office relationships that long-term taxi driv- express their views to the world. at Katara 12- Theatre B, a new docu- in Katara Building 12 or Ajyal FNAC Faiza Ambah, the director of ers in Dammam have with their “We work under so many restric- mentary that narrates adventures from Ticket Outlet, FNAC Qatar (at Lagoona Mariam. vocation. tions that we feel there is nothing to lose, the point of view of many creatures Mall). Ajyal marks the third festival entry and it makes us more brave and driven.” 08 MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016 46 dead in Idlib air raid; army advances in Aleppo

Aleppo Rebels to stay warplanes hit several places in AFP/Reuters the town, including a local mar- Rebels in Aleppo have ket. The Observatory says it told the United States determines whose planes car- uspected Russian air they will not leave ries out raids according to their strikes killed at least 46 their besieged type, location, flight patterns people in opposition- enclave in the city and the munitions involved. held parts of Syria after Moscow called The group said 18 people yesterday, a monitor were also killed in suspected for talks with Ssaid, as government forces Russian strikes on the town of Washington over their advanced in fierce clashes with Maaret Al Numan, where a pho- rebels in east Aleppo. withdrawal, signalling tographer saw rescue workers Syria's government is wag- they will fight on even and residents trying to pull sur- ing an offensive to recapture all as their top vivors from the rubble at a of second city Aleppo, and it has commander was vegetable market. so far captured more than 60 wounded. The monitor reported two percent of the eastern districts additional deaths, one in an ear- that fell to rebels in 2012. lier strike on Maaret Al Numan Syrian men and Civil Defence volunteers, also known as the White Helmets, evacuate victims Rebels in Aleppo have told With more than 30,000 and another in Al Naqir, also in from a building following an air strike on a vegetable market in Maaret Al Numan, in the northern the United States they will not people uprooted by the latest Idlib. leave their besieged enclave in fighting, residents who fled east- And it said six civilians, four province of Idlib, yesterday. the city after Moscow called for ern Aleppo for government-held of them children, had been talks with Washington over their areas early in the war began killed in a government barrel In Aleppo, government forces which has made steady gains and under pressure in the remaining withdrawal, signalling they will returning to the Hanano district bomb attack on the town of Al- advanced against rebels in east threatens to deal Syria's opposi- southeastern districts under their fight on even as their top com- recently captured from the Tamanah in the south of Idlib. Aleppo, taking two small neigh- tion its worst defeat of the control. State news agency Sana mander was wounded. rebels to inspect their homes. Russia is a staunch ally of bourhoods and pushing into a country's five-year civil war. said the air force was dropping A Syrian military source said In Idlib province, in north- President Bashar Al Assad's gov- third, state media said. State television said that the leaflets over rebel-held areas urg- the army aimed to take full con- west Syria, at least 26 civilians ernment and began a military The army and allied forces army had captured the districts of ing "militants to abandon their trol of Aleppo within weeks, were killed in suspected Rus- intervention in support of are nearly three weeks into an Karm Al Tahan and Myessar and weapons and... allow civilians and after seizing swathes of the city’s sian strikes on the town of Kafr Damascus in September 2015. operation to recapture all of Syr- advanced into the Qadi Askar the sick and wounded to leave." rebel-held east in an advance Nabel, the Britain-based Syrian Moscow says it is targeting ia's second city, divided between neighbourhood. The operation has Damascus says rebels are poised to deal a major blow to Observatory for Human Rights "terrorists" and has dismissed regime and rebel forces since already seen some 60 percent of preventing civilians from leaving the rebellion against President monitor said. reports of civilian casualties in 2012. Tens of thousands of civil- east Aleppo fall to the govern- the east and attempting to use Bashar Al Assad. An eyewitness said that its strikes. ians have fled the offensive, ment, and rebels are increasingly them as human shields. Fatah party ends conference with boost for Abbas

Ramallah presidency or his top jobs in eventual succession bids. aging movement that has failed the future." The elections took delegates approved Abbas' long- AP Fatah and the Palestine Libera- Barghouti is serving multi- to deliver on Palestinian dreams place during a Fatah conference standing political program of tion Organization. ple life terms after being of statehood and is out of touch that was also meant to block the setting up a Palestinian state alestinian President Mah- On Saturday, more than convicted in deadly attacks and with the concerns of ordinary return of Mohammed Dahlan, a through negotiations with Israel moud Abbas tightened his 1,300 Fatah delegates confirmed has no imminent prospects of Palestinians. Diana Buttu, a former Abbas aide who fell out even though the strategy has hit Phold on the governing Fatah Abbas' continued Fatah leader- release, but remains by far the former legal adviser in Abbas' with his boss several years ago and a dead end. Gaps have been too party and shut out a key rival, ship role by acclamation and most popular Fatah leader. Party self-ruled government, noted a went into exile. wide between Abbas and Israeli according to results yesterday of elected 18 members of the move- officials have mentioned the pos- lack of diversity in the Fatah Several Arab countries, hard-liner Benjamin Netanyahu, leadership elections in the move- ment's top decision-making sibility of Barghouti joining leadership body, with only one including the United Arab Emir- in power since 2009, to allow for ment that has dominated West Central Committee. Top vote get- forces from behind bars with woman among the 18 members ates, have been pressing Abbas meaningful negotiations. Bank politics for decades. ters were Marwan Barghouti, a another Fatah leader in filling the and most of the remaining men to allow Dahlan, a millionaire Asked about the challenges The election comes as sen- Palestinian uprising leader jailed role of president. in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. businessman, to reclaim a lead- ahead, including dealing with Don- ior Fatah members are battling by Israel, and Jibril Rajoub, a While Abbas cemented his Fatah leaders "believe that ership position in the West Bank. ald Trump in the White House, behind the scenes to succeed former West Bank security chief. control over the movement, the they are entitled to these posi- In arranging the conference, Rajoub said: "We will be open to Abbas one day. The 81-year-old Both are seen as potential Abbas re-election of party stalwarts and tions," she said. The re-election Abbas effectively blocked Dah- any efforts to revive the peace leader has given no sign that he successors, and their strong Abbas loyalists is bound to affirm of party veterans "is saying to me lan's return to the top ranks of process according to the rules set plans to retire from the showing could improve their Fatah's public image as a stale, that they don't have a vision for Fatah. During the conference, the by the international community."

Firm response Controversy hits Israel submarine deal over Iran link unless Obama stops sanctions Jerusalem The attorney general had would benefit from the Jewish owned around seven percent of representative on the company's AFP already ordered police to look state's defence purchases have the company until May 2003, supervisory board was also into allegations of improper con- made headlines. Media reported when it fell below five percent, removed. renewal: Iran srael was embroiled in fresh duct in the planned purchase of that Iranian holding company without providing details on the Israel is reportedly negotiat- controversy yesterday over the submarines, and reports of IFIC continues to own a 4.5 per- size of its current stake, if any. ing to buy the three submarines Dubai Iits purchase of submarines Iran's link to the company have cent stake in the German firm. Reports at the time said the at a combined price of ¤1.2bn Reuters from German company Thys- fuelled more criticism. "Israeli money, Iranian prof- United States had pressured ($1.3bn), to replace the oldest senKrupp after reports that the Israel sees Iran as its main its," a headline in the newspaper ThyssenKrupp to reduce Iran's vessels in its existing Dolphin IRANIAN President Hassan country's arch-enemy Iran holds enemy in the region, and sug- Yedioth Ahronoth said yesterday. stake to below five percent. fleet, which began entering serv- Rowhani demanded yester- a stake in the firm. gestions that the Islamic republic ThyssenKrupp said that IFIC The Iranian state's ice in 1999. day that Barack Obama block an extension of sanctions passed by the US Congress, saying Tehran would other- wise “firmly respond”. Anti-IS operation in Mosul Bahrain court upholds In a speech to parliament, Rowhani denounced legislation passed by the US Congress to three death sentences extend the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) for 10 years as a violation of Tehran’s nuclear deal with six Dubai officer and two Bahraini police- major powers. The deal curbs AFP men. The appeals court upheld Tehran’s nuclear programme in the three death sentences and return for the lifting of interna- Bahraini court yesterday life terms for the other seven tional financial sanctions. upheld three death sen- defendants, who were also “America’s president is Atences and seven life stripped of their citizenships. obliged to exercise his author- terms against a group convicted The Emirati officer was part ity by preventing its approval of killing police including an of a Saudi-led Gulf force which and particularly its implemen- Emirati officer in a bomb attack, rolled into Bahrain in March tation ... and if this gross a judicial source said. 2011 to boost Bahraini security violation is carried out we will The same appeals court forces in quelling a month-long firmly respond,” Rouhani said adjourned to December 12 the protest led by the island's Shi- in the speech, carried live by trial of Bahrain's Shia opposi- ite majority. state television. President tion chief, cleric Ali Salman, In the case of the opposi- Obama is expected to sign the after the court of cassation tion leader, Salman had been legislation into law, the White overturned in October a nine- sentenced in July 2015 to four House said on Friday. year jail term for allegedly years in jail after being con- The US Congress move inciting hatred and calling for victed of inciting hatred in the was a blow to Rowhani, a prag- regime change by force. Sunni-ruled kingdom. matist who engineered the The court of cassation had But the appeals court in May diplomatic opening to the West ordered a retrial in the case of more than doubled his jail term that led to the nuclear deal. US Fighters from the Hashed Al Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Units) drive a lorry transporting the 10 defendants found guilty to nine years after reversing an officials have said the ISA military vehicles near the village of Ayn Nasir, south of Mosul, yesterday, during the of planting a bomb in March earlier acquittal on charges of renewal would not infringe the ongoing operation against Islamic State (IS) group. 2014 in a Shia village west of calling for regime change by nuclear agreement. Manama that killed an Emirati force. MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016 ASIA / AFRICA 09 Call for peace ahead of Ghana presidential vote

AFP head-wrap. "We see ourselves as Accra Peace move one people and we think about Ghana's presidential our future." hana is internationally candidates — Despite their dreadlocks and renowned for being a including front love of tie-dye, in many ways the peaceful country on a runners Nana Akufo- ubiquitous Rastafarian commu- continent scarred by Addo and incumbent nity in Ghana embodies the ethnic clashes, dicta- John Mahama — last country's commitment to peace. Gtors and crime. Their message of one love week signed a As the heated campaign isn't so different from that of ordi- enters its final stretch, there is an declaration "against nary Ghanians on the street who increasing call for peace in Ghana, electoral violence, pride themselves on respecting where its reputation for stability impunity and each other — and the democratic has made it an attractive destina- injustice." process. "Rastafarians contribute tion in Africa for investors. a lot during and after election Ghana's presidential candi- nation Nigeria, plagued by ethnic time. Everything we do is peace, dates — including front runners rivalry and suspicion, Ghana at peace, peace," Quarpong said in Nana Akufo-Addo and incumbent independence emphasised unity. Ghana's coastal capital of Accra. John Mahama — last week signed In the days before the hotly A black and white portrait of a declaration "against electoral contested presidential vote on the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile violence, impunity and December 7, Rastafarians in the Selassie, a Rastafarian idol, is injustice." West African country say they painted on the wall beside post- After signing the accord, have the answer. "It's because ers advertising a "Peace in Ghana" Mahama said "our democracy and we've put Ghana first before eve- concert featuring local reggae progress is too precious to be rything," said Martin Quarpong, stars Ras Kuuku and Jah Wyz. Just gambled away on a quest to attain a Rastafarian in his late 30s wear- because Quarpong believes in A man rests by posters advertising concert of local and international artists of the reggae or hold onto power." ing a green and orange tie-dye peace over politics doesn't mean scene at the beachside Rising Phoenix hotel in Accra. Unlike fellow West African shirt with his hair in a black he won't vote. Fake US embassy in Ghana shut down

Reuters ment said in a statement. The statement did not say and heavily fortified complex in Accra Turkish citizens, who spoke how the gang obtained the Cantonments, one of the capi- English and Dutch, posed as con- authentic visas. And the State tal's most expensive uthorities in Ghana have sular officers and staffed the Department did not say how neighbourhoods. Lines of peo- busted a fake US embassy operation. Investigations also many people were believed to ple queue outside each day for Ain the capital Accra run by uncovered a fake Dutch have illegally entered the United visa appointments and other a criminal network that for a embassy, the State Department States and other countries using consular business. decade issued illegally obtained said. Officials in the Netherlands visas issued by the crime ring, The fake embassy was open authentic visas, the US State were not immediately reacha- which used bribery to operate three mornings a week and did Department said. ble for comment yesterday. unhindered. "The criminals run- not accept walk-in appoint- Until it was shut down this The crime ring issued fraud- ning the operation were able to ments. Instead, the criminals summer, the sham embassy was ulently obtained but legitimate pay off corrupt officials to look advertised on billboards in South Africa's President Jacob Zuma addressing at the housed in a run-down, pink two- US visas and false identification the other way, as well as obtain Ghana, Togo and Ivory Coast and Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban yesterday. storey building with a corrugated documents, including birth cer- legitimate blank documents to brought clients from across West iron roof and flew a US flag out- tificates at a cost of $6,000 each, be doctored," the statement said. Africa to Accra where they side. Inside hung a portrait of the statement said. There was no immediate rented them hotel rooms in President Barack Obama. During raids that led to a comment from Ghana's Crimi- nearby hotels. "It was not operated by the number of arrests, authorities nal Investigations Division. US authorities conducting a Zuma pushes to United States government, but also seized authentic and coun- Visas for Western countries broader security operation were by figures from both Ghanaian terfeit Indian, South African and are in high demand in Africa and tipped off about it and assem- and Turkish organised crime Schengen Zone visas and 150 embassies say the visa market bled a team including the Ghana rings and a Ghanaian attorney passports from 10 different is a big target for organised Detectives Bureau and police as overturn probe practising immigration and countries along with a laptop crime. The real US embassy in well as other international part- criminal law," the State Depart- and smart phones. Ghana is a prominent ners to shut down the ring. AFP Zuma to set up a judicial inquiry Johannesburg into the allegations that the Guptas had influence over min- Somali pirates outh African President isterial appointments and Mass burial for victims of Uganda unrest Jacob Zuma has launched lucrative government contracts. free hostages Sa court challenge to a "To accede to that instruction... AFP unbearable considering such (a) every corpse to attempt to iden- watchdog probe that raised would be to abdicate my held for Kampala high number." tify them later. "Each of the dead allegations of misconduct responsibility," he said in the The government accused has been buried in separate against him, an affidavit affidavit quoted in South Afri- nearly 5 years he bodies of 51 unidenti- Rwenzururu King Charles Wes- grave so that once relatives showed yesterday, as he fights can papers yesterday. fied victims of fierce ley Mumbere of stoking a show up the bodies can be to hold on to power. "(I) cannot be instructed by SOMALI pirates have freed 26 Tfighting in a local kingdom secessionist rebellion and exhumed," said Bigogo. Zuma, who last week beat anyone as to when I should Asian sailors held captive in a in Uganda's restive Kasese stormed his palace on Novem- Explaining why so many back an attempt within ruling appoint a commission of small fishing village for more region were buried in a mass ber 27, a day after his palace bodies were not identified, he ANC party to unseat him, has inquiry." than four years, an official and ceremony yesterday, officials guards attacked local officers, said: "Some of the bodies were been under pressure since the The affidavit was lodged in a maritime expert said. said.They were among nearly according to police. burnt beyond recognition dur- probe uncovered possible crim- Gauteng High Court on Friday. The sailors — from China, 90 people killed in fighting last The local monarch was ing the raid at the palace." inal activity in his relationship "We look forward to opposing the Philippines, Cambodia, month between palace guards taken to the capital Kampala Another local official, Alex with the Guptas, a wealthy busi- this application," the main Indonesia, Vietnam and Tai- of a tribal monarch and security where he was charged with Byamugisha, said: "We may ness family. opposition Democratic Alliance wan — were seized when the forces in the western region, murder. The death toll from the never know how many people The president, who came to party said. "This is a desperate Omani-flagged FV Naham 3 said Kasese district official Geof- clashes stands at 87, although could have died as security power in 2009, has faced grow- move by Jacob Zuma." was hijacked close to the Sey- frey Sibendire Bigogo. local reports suggest the real barred us from accessing the ing calls to resign over multiple The ANC is due to elect a chelles in March 2012. "No relatives had turned up number could be more than 100. sites where clashes took place." graft scandals and the country's new leader at the end of next Their period of captivity is to claim them. It is a painful Ugandan government and Kampala alleges that king- poor economic performance, year, ahead of the 2019 general one of the longest among hos- exercise but we had no way out," local authorities agreed to Sun- dom hardliners want to secede with unemployment at a election when Zuma, 74, must tages seized by pirates in the he said. "The bodies were rot- day's mass burial, but ordered and establish an independent 13-year high. stand down after serving two Horn of Africa nation. "We are ting away and the stench is DNA samples to be taken from state they call the Yiira. The watchdog instructed terms. very pleased to announce the release of the Naham 3 crew early this morning," said John Steed, East Africa region man- ager for the Oceans Beyond Relatives of MH370's missing seek help in Madagascar Piracy group. "The crew is staying overnight in Galkayo. They will arrive in Nairobi at AP path from Malaysia to Beijing on March 8, 18.30 local time tomorrow." Antananarivo 2014. "Mobilizing the local population is a He said they were in the good start," said Nathan. hands of authorities in Galmu- elatives of some of the 239 people Nathan and her fellow travellers plan dug, in central Somalia, and who were on a Malaysia Airlines to talk to church leaders and non-govern- would be repatriated on a UN Rplane Flight MH370 that vanished in mental groups that can spread the word in humanitarian flight before 2014 arrived in Madagascar to ask for help rural communities that are "not so savvy being sent back to their home in the search for debris from the missing with the Internet" and might not even have countries. aircraft that may have drifted across the heard about the missing plane. Mayor Hirsi Yusuf Barre Indian Ocean. The relatives who arrived in Madagas- said the "crew did not say if Half a dozen relatives travelled to car included Malaysians and Chinese who ransom was paid". Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital, ahead flew from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They Steed said one member of of meetings with community leaders and were met at the airport by Blaine Gibson, the crew had died during the a journey to coastal areas to talk to villag- an American who found a piece of debris hijacking while two suc- ers about the missing plane. in Mozambique that officials say was almost cumbed to illness. Among "We hope that we can raise awareness, certainly a horizontal stabiliser from a those released, one was being teach them about how to identify debris, Flight 370 wing. treated for a gunshot wound how to collect debris, what to do with it He has also collected pieces of poten- to the foot and three were dia- when they find it," said Grace Nathan, a tial debris in Madagascar. betic. The sailors were held in Malaysian whose mother was on Malaysia A Frenchman who lost family mem- Relatives of some passengers of MH370 address journalists at the Gassy Dabagala near the town of Airlines Flight 370. The Boeing 777 jet is bers on the missing flight was expected to Harardheere, about 400km Country House Hotel in Antananarivo yesterday ahead of a search of the believed to have crashed in the southern join the group of relatives after arriving on northeast of Mogadishu. country's beaches for debris from the missing plane. Indian Ocean after deviating from its flight a separate flight. 10 VIEWS MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Setback in Aleppo Qatar & Saudi Arabia: Historical he large territorial gains the Syrian government is making in Aleppo is giving credence to our worst fears – that Bashar Al TAssad could finally establish control over ties and continued cooperation the entire rebel-held city. Even his staunchest opponents may not have doubts on this possibility. A number of factors are working in Assad’s favour, the latest being the election of Donald Trump as US stressing that what threatens the King- relations between the two brotherly president, which has given carte blanche to Assad QNA dom of Saudi Arabia is a threat to the countries and ways to support them and his ally Russia to do whatever they want in State of Qatar. were discussed. Syria, without facing the risk of retribution or The State of Qatar was keen to par- The strong relations between the rebuke. Secondly, the West has chosen to look the ticipate in the North Thunder Exercise, State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi other way as the Syrian regime continued to commit in which 20 Arab, Islamic and friendly Arabia are reflected in the overall popu- war crimes and failed to support the opposition in a countries took part, in addition to its lar and economic relations between the meaningful way. The opposition has also been he visit of the Custodian of the Two participation in the Peninsula Shield two countries. plagued with disunity and failed to represent all of Holy Mosques King Salman bin Force aimed at consoli- Qatar is the favourite tourist desti- Syrians. Abdulaziz Al Saud to Qatar due to dating the concept of nation for families from Saudi Arabia. The army has seized 60 percent of the former begin tomorrow comes within the Islamic Arab Force The country received 2.18 million visi- rebel stronghold in east Aleppo and is building on its Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad troops’ strength to face tors during the first nine months of gains. The rebels are suffering the harshest blows TAl-Thani’s keenness to promote the excellent any provocative 2016, of which more than one million since they seized more than half the city four years relations between the two countries and take attempts. visitors were from the GCC countries ago. Tens of thousands of people are fleeing the city, them to greater heights for the benefit of the and Saudi Arabia topped the list of hundreds have been two brotherly peoples. exporting markets for tourism to the killed, hospitals and The Qatari - Saudi relations are an excel- The Qatari-Saudi relations State of Qatar, where the total number are an excellent model This is a war that schools have been lent model for cooperation and integration of visitors from Saudi Arabia to Qatar destroyed and the between the two sisterly countries, which for cooperation and exceeded 740,000 visitors between has dragged on regime forces are share historic ties and deeply-rooted bonds of integration between the January and September 2016, repre- senting an increase of 8% compared to for five years, and determined to retake the love and brotherhood. Bilateral relations two sisterly countries, driven five million city at any cost – even if between the two countries enjoy a permanent the same period last year. that means wiping out coordination in most issues of concern for the which share historic ties The trade volume between the two Syrians into exile the entire population. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) or the Arab and deeply-rooted bonds countries in 2015 reached about QR 7bn and killed at least Assad will go down in region, particularly the situation in Syria, of love and brotherhood. of which QR 1.8bn for the benefit of the a quarter of a history as a dictator who Yemen and the Palestinian cause along with State of Qatar, and QR 5.1bn for Saudi million people. swam across the rivers the need to achieve an international solution Arabia. 315 companies — fully owned by of blood of his own to the Libyan issue based on the United The Establishment of the Qatari- Saudis — are operating in Qatar in addi- people. Nations resolutions. Saudi Coordination Council in 2008 tion to 303 joint companies with a total So, will Assad finally This historic visit of the Custodian of the came as a step toward activating and capital of QR 1.252bn. These companies win? No. His victory, if he achieves it, will be Pyrrhic. Two Holy Mosques is an extension of several developing the cooperation between work in several fields including trade, The insurgency will continue for years, and rebels, meetings, which brought together the two Qatar and Saudi Arabia to realise the contracting, engineering, construction, ousted from cities, will move to the countryside and leaders this year, including the friendly meet- aspirations of the leadership in the two jewellery, transport, medical services then again to the cities and try to avenge the killings ings held on the sidelines of GCC forums or countries and agreeing on full coordina- and other fields of investments. and destruction carried out by Assad. This is a war private visits as well as the continuous and tion in various fields in addition to Thanks to this activity, Qatar Cham- that has dragged on for five years, and driven five permanent communications and messaging developing bilateral relations in political, ber of Commerce and Industry chose the million Syrians into exile and killed at least a which clearly reflect the depth of relations security, fiscal, economic, trade, invest- city of Riyadh as the first foreign station quarter of a million people. Every Syrian has been between the two countries. ment, cultural, media and other fields to for the “Made in Qatar” fair which was affected and the whole country is a wasteland. The visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy achieve interests of the two countries held in November with the participation Assad is too toxic to rule the country and he will not Mosques to Doha to offer condolences on the and the two brotherly peoples. of more than 200 Qatari industrial be accepted by the Arab world and the international death of the late H H the Grandfather Emir The council is considered to be a fur- companies. community, except by a few of his allies. He will get Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani reflected therance to the march of the GCC and Doha and Riyadh agree on the need a broken Syria and will rule over an economic the strength and durability of these distinctive realisation of its objectives of achieving to restore the balance to international oil wasteland afflicted with so many ills. bilateral ties . coordination, integration and intercon- prices. The two countries have joined Asking Assad to cede power at this stage to pave This year witnessed continuous and ongo- nection in all fields between the Member efforts in and outside the Opec in order to the way for a negotiated end to this conflict would ing meetings and communication between States and strengthening the linkages set a fair price for oil to revive global be meaningless because he is beginning to ‘taste HH the Emir and his brother the Custodian of and cooperation between the peoples of economy and bring gains for producing victory’. But his ultimate victory would depend on the Two Holy Mosques at various official the GCC countries in various fields. and exporting countries. It is worth men- the response of the international community. occasions, including their meeting on the The Council held four sessions, the tioning that Doha hosted the international Recognising Assad would be a travesty of justice and occasion of HH the Emir’s participation at the first of which was in Riyadh, and most negotiations on oil prices, and coordi- an injustice to millions who have sacrificed Closing Ceremony of Raad Al Shamal Exercise recent was in Doha 2013 when ways to nated positions with Saudi Arabia to bring everything for change. in Hafr Al-Batin in March at the invitation of develop cooperation in military, secu- momentum to Qatar’s efforts on this the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. rity, economic, trade, agriculture, important topic. H H the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al cultural and media areas were Thani and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud discussed. also met during the Summit of the GCC Lead- Reflecting the meanings of integra- ers and the US President Barack Obama in tion between Doha and Riyadh, the QUOTE OF THE DAY Jeddah in May before meeting again in August Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh in the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani residence in the Moroccan city of Tangier. said that the competent authorities in The meetings which brought together HH Qatar and Saudi Arabia will implement What›s the use of the Emir and his brothers Prince Mohammed the directives of the leaders of the two Doha and Riyadh agree bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, countries with regard to the continuous Aung San Suu Kyi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Inte- coordination for the implementation of on the need to restore the having a Nobel prize? rior and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed joint projects in order to achieve the balance to international oil We want to tell Aung bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Qatar National Vision 2030 as well as prices. The two countries San Suu Kyi, enough Premier and Minister of Defense stress the the vision of Saudi Arabia 2030. join efforts in and outside continuous communication between leaders This came following the talks that is enough... We must of the two countries. took place between HH the Emir Sheikh the Opec in order to set a and we will defend Confirming the unity of destiny of the two Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and HRH fair price for oil to revive Muslims and Islam. brotherly countries, the State of Qatar took Saudi Deputy Crown Prince, Second global economy and bring part in the North Thunder Exercise within the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of gains for producing and Arab coalition forces to protect the legitimacy Defence Mohammed bin Salman bin Najib Razak in Yemen against the Houthi coup in support Abdul Aziz Al Saud, during his visit to exporting countries. Malaysia’s Prime Minister of the unity of the Gulf and Arab ranks while Qatar in May, during which fraternal MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016 OPINION 11 How Facebook hurt the Syrian Revolution

More importantly, social media created Riham Alkousaa the illusion that one can change and chal- Al Jazeera lenge the events on ground by being active online. Aleppo has been severely bombed since September 2015 with the Russian intervention. This year, when news erupts ill I die, miss? Will I die?” asks that the situation is catastrophic, thousands a Syrian boy in panic. The of Syrians around the world protest … by recent video shot in a changing their Facebook profile picture. wrecked hospital in Aleppo People react virtually while not much is in the aftermath of a chlo- changing on the ground. The number of “Wrine gas attack went viral on social media. Just a few actual protests on the ground for Syria had months earlier, Aleppo hit the newsfeeds with another declined by 2013. The feeling that social shocking image of an injured child: five-year-old media gives you that you’ve done your bit Omran Daqneesh sitting in an orange ambulance by posting online is one reason for this chair. demobilisation. Aleppo has been one of the highest trending news In this regard, Syria is like Palestine, on social media in the United States for a while now. where calls for a third Intifada have not People express anger, sadness, disappointment; they materialised into actions, despite the grow- like and share; they tweet. And what of it? Nothing ing number of Israeli violations. changes in Aleppo. In fact, this trend is obvious, not just in At the same time, across the ocean, in the US, the Middle East, but globally. In the 1990s, A Syrian man connecting to his Facebook account at an internet cafe, in Damascus, recently. there has been a heated discussion about the major before the advent of social media, around role social media played in the recent elections. Some 70 percent of nonviolent social movements have argued that Donald Trump’s tweets got him But with a society under constant and pervasive various state institutions would force its workers to succeeded while this number plummeted more media coverage and attracted voters’ atten- surveillance, how could the Syrians develop a mature rally … or else. Social media also limited social move- to only 30 percent in the Facebook and Twit- tion while fake news, which spread on social media, political opposition? The brief period of political ments to only one tactic: street demonstrations. ter era. helped him seal his victory. relaxation following the death of Bashar’s father, Crowds of protesters were easy targets for killing Social media, of course, is not the only So why is it that social media can help win an Hafez Al Assad, in June 2000, could’ve been an oppor- (live ammunition was widely used) and mass arrests, reason why the Syrian uprising failed. But election in one country and cannot stop a month- tunity to start this process. quickly shrinking the numbers of those willing to it is something that Syrian revolutionaries long massacre in another? But the Damascus Spring, as this period of intense come out. should think about when thinking about the Erica Chenoweth, a professor at the School of political and social debate was later called, ended in People react virtually while not much is chang- future of their movement. International Studies at the University of Denver, has the autumn of 2001 with serious government ing on the ground. The number of actual protests on Facebook posts cannot defeat an unscru- argued that social media is helping dictators, while repressions. the ground for Syria had declined by 2013. The feel- pulous dictator armed with a brutal giving the masses an illusion of empowerment and In March 2011, it looked easy to be in opposition ing that social media gives you that you’ve done your repressive apparatus and resolved to use it political worthiness. on Facebook; it was a great platform for those who bit by posting online is one reason for this at will. At a recent lecture at Columbia University, when wanted to protest. The Facebook page “Syrian Rev- demobilisation. Riham Alkousaa is a Syrian journalist asked for an example where social media played a olution” was just a click away and its followers quickly The few attempted boycotts would also fail for covering refugees in Europe and conflict in negative role in a social movement, Chenoweth grew above 100,000. What few people knew in Syria the same reason. In December 2011, activists tried to Syria. She is currently a masters’ student of paused a little to finally say, “what comes to my mind was that the administrator was actually a Syrian liv- organise a trade boycott, encouraging shops to close Politics and Global Affairs at Columbia Uni- now is Syria.” ing in the safety of Sweden and that only 35 percent down; many refused to do it after they saw all the versity, Graduate School of Journalism. Indeed, social media hurt the Syrian uprising. It of those liking the page were Syrians actually living shops that were burned in Deraa after a similar The views expressed in this article are gave the Syrian people the hope that the old dicta- in Syria. initiative. the author’s own and do not necessarily torship can be toppled just by uploading videos of It is not surprising, therefore, that the numbers The use of social media also made activists and reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial policy. protests and publishing critical posts. Many were turning up sometimes at scheduled protests were regular protesters highly vulnerable. When the regime convinced that if social media helped Egyptians get low. Many were waiting for a huge sit-in to be in allowed direct access to Facebook (which had been rid of Hosni Mubarak, it would help them overthrow Umayyad Square in the heart of Damascus, or at least only accessible through VPN until then) in February Bashar Al Assad. in Abaseen Square near the big stadium. It never 2011, it was clear that it is doing so to facilitate sur- Social media didn’t highlight the differences in happened. veillance and the targeting of the protest the political structures of Egypt, Tunisia and Syria. Instead, the regime was able to organise major movement. The absence of a developed political opposition in counter-marches in the same squares. The differ- Many were arrested for just sharing a photo, com- Syria didn’t come to the mind of those young pro- ence is that Assad wasn’t relying on Facebook to menting or uploading a video. Facebook-organised D-RING ROAD testers eagerly posting on Facebook and Twitter. gather the crowds. He had some loyal supporters protests also allowed the regime to know in advance POST BOX: 3488 Egypt had decades of experience with political oppo- who would volunteer to turn up and the rest of the the location and prepare its crack-down sition to the regime and Syria didn’t. crowd would get volunteered - that is to say, accordingly. DOHA - QATAR [email protected]

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE Italy’s referendum: A spectre haunting Europe? TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758

around 100 senators. Although senators would be electoral system. It has been claimed that instability is only MANAGING EDITOR Marta Simoncini covered by parliamentary immunity and other bene- marginally connected to the bicameral system, as it derives TEL: 4462 7505 Anatolia fits, they would not receive parliamentary indemnity, from the fragmentation of the political party system. Its aban- a measure championed as a useful means to save donment cannot ensure by itself lasting executives, but its DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR public money. coinciding with a new electoral law system for the Chamber TEL: 4455 7743 The vocation of the new Senate, however, is conferring a large majority to the executive – now at the exam talians voted a referendum yesterday on ambiguous. It would have no institutional obligation of the Constitutional Court – might favour this outcome. the reform of the Constitution. The goal to represent the interests of the regions, and politi- The many problematic legal aspects of the reform and the LOCAL NEWS SECTION Iof the reform is to modernise the Italian cal membership would seem to continue to frame intense political conflict that characterised its adoption – as TEL: 4455 7769 state by changing significant parts of its func- its organisation. Senators would also remain mem- it is perceived as a creature of the government – suggest that tioning and organisation. The reform touches bers of their territorial institutions. This “part-time” we should expect delays and uncertainty in its implementa- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION on many matters. The pillars are the aban- nature of the Senate has raised doubts about the tion. Yet, the reform would not solve by itself Italian TEL: 4462 7535 donment of the parliamentary system where organisation of its agenda and its effective capabil- problems, which are deeply rooted in the poor enforcement the Chamber of the Deputies and the Senate ity to commit to institutional responsibilities. of laws and in maladministration, and not in the (still-byzan- SPORT NEWS SECTION have equal powers – the so-called “perfect The participation of territorial autonomies in the tine) lawmaking process. The key challenges that Italy should TEL: 4455 7745 bicameralism” – and the recentralisation at Senate would not aim at federalism. It would coexist face are the inefficiencies of public administration, the aver- the state level of a number of regional leg- with a significant reduction of the legislative powers age long length of judicial proceedings, and the poor fiscal ONLINE SECTION islative powers. of the regions, in favour of the exclusive compe- fidelity, which favour corruption. The incapability of the TEL: 4462 7501 Since 1948 both chambers have passed tence of the state. The acknowledged reason for this political class to respond to widespread unemployment and [email protected] laws by voting on exactly the same text, revision is to rationalise the distribution of compe- to support effective economic growth makes things worse. and both have had the prerogative to hold tencies also in the light of the huge case law of the The banking system and the recapitalisation of Monte dei PUBLIC RELATIONS confidence votes on the executive. The Constitutional Court, which for years has been Paschi di Siena (MPS), one of the biggest Italian banks, are 2016 reform introduces a differentiated called on to arbitrate the conflicts of attribution particularly problematic. The bail-in of retail investors has TEL: 4455 7613 form of bicameralism where the Senate between the state and the regions. The new text of been frozen until the referendum in order not to affect the [email protected] loses most of its powers. Laws would be the Constitution, however, does not rule out the political situation. The government has supported a rescue approved only by Chamber of Deputies, opening of a new season of conflicts, due to the for- plan to be carried out with private funding. It has been ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT and the Senate could only input the law- mal suppression of cooperative instruments in the observed that the outcome of the referendum may affect the TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 making in various forms. Perfect design of relations between the state and the implementation of this plan, as the future of the government FAX: 4455 7870 bicameralism would be maintained only in regions and the restoration of the supremacy of the is linked to it. Whatever the results of the referendum, how- [email protected] a few, well-defined cases (e.g., constitu- state. ever, the bail-in procedure is not definitely excluded and the tional reforms, electoral laws, the The reform aims to promote the efficiency of the systemic dimension of the bank cannot rule out a further CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT implementation of EU law and policies, institutional system and to favour political stability. public rescue either. TEL: 4455 7857 fundamental functions, and the organisa- The drastic reduction of the lawmaking powers of At the beginning of the electoral campaign the prime [email protected] tion of local governments). the Senate should help a faster adoption of laws. minister wagered his job on the outcome of the referendum. The Senate would also lose the prerog- The deprivation of the Senate’s vote of confidence Most of the referendum campaign has been exacerbated by SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION ative to hold confidence votes, so that the should make governments less dependent upon the endorsement or the opposition to the government of Mat- TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 government would be accountable only to unstable majorities. However, the stability of gov- teo Renzi, with the consequence that factors of political FAX: 44557819 the Chamber of Deputies. The new Senate ernment is strictly connected to the nature of the opportunity rather than of constitutional merit have domi- would represent territorial institutions nated the Italian political debate. A negative outcome of the [email protected] (regions and local governments) at the state referendum would probably involve the resignation of Renzi, level, not citizens. Regions would elect the even if he kept a majority in Parliament. New elections, how- members of the Senate in conformity with The reform aims to ever, are not a short-term option as long as the electoral law All thoughts and views the choices expressed by the people voting promote the efficiency for the Senate still needs revision after a 2014 ruling of the expressed in these columns for the election of the regional organs. This of the institutional Constitutional Court declared some parts unconstitutional. verbose formula is a compromise between Considering the delicate position of Italy in Europe, this are those of the writers, not those who supported direct election and system and to favour political instability might affect the credibility of Italy in the of the newspaper. those who preferred its abandonment. The political stability. The markets, and a wave of financial speculation with an concrete modalities for the election of the drastic reduction of the increase of the spread cannot be ruled out. This context All correspondence Senate are still under discussion, but in the lawmaking powers of the explains why, despite his clash with Renzi on austerity poli- regarding Views and last few days the government has reassured cies, the German minister of the economy, Wolfgang Opinion pages should be that people will be able to vote for the Sen- Senate should help a faster Schäuble, recently endorsed the reform. In addition, the ate in the regional elections. Membership of adoption of laws. Movimento 5 Stelle , the main force of opposition, has an mailed to the the Senate would be reduced from 315 to ambiguous approach to European economic integration. [email protected] 12 ASIA / PHILIPPINES MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016 Philippine Vice-President to quit Cabinet Japan plans to boost AP the burial of long-dead dictator death penalty and "attacks Manila Major differences Ferdinand Marcos in the coun- against women" among the issues Leni Robredo cites try's Heroes' Cemetery and a on which she differed with anti-missile he Philippine Vice- "major differences in bloody crackdown against ille- Duterte, who took office on June President said principles and values" gal drugs that has alarmed 30. The last straw, she said, was defences yesterday that she will with President Western governments and when she was notified by Cabi- resign her Cabinet post, Rodrigo Duterte. human rights watchdogs. net Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. INCREASINGLY worried citing "major differ- Robredo is the second key through a cellphone message about North Korea’s grow- Tences in principles and values" Robredo is the second official to resign from Duterte's about the president's order for ing arsenal of ballistic missiles with President Rodrigo Duterte key official to resign administration in less than a Robredo "to desist from attend- and nuclear weapons, Japan and an unspecified plot to remove from Duterte's week. Maria Serena Diokno quit ing all Cabinet meetings" starting is considering buying and her from the vice presidency. administration in less as head of the government's his- today. Evasco said Duterte deploying the United States’ Leni Robredo (pictured), a than a week after torical commission on Tuesday decided to bar her from Cabinet most advanced anti-missile human rights lawyer and Maria Serena Diokno to protest Duterte's decision to meetings because of her "irrec- system. After South Korea, respected political newcomer, quit as head of the allow Marcos' burial in the hal- oncilable differences" with the Japan would be the second said in a statement that she will lowed cemetery. Diokno has Duterte administration. Duterte's country in Northeast Asia to government's tender her resignation today as since joined street protests by move, Robredo said, made it acquire the Terminal High- historical commission housing secretary, an appoint- anti-Marcos groups condemning impossible for her to do her work. Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) ment made by Duterte, but will to protest Duterte's the November 18 burial, which The VP said the budget for system — Washington agreed stay on in her elected post as decision to allow was secretly carried out while government agencies dealing to begin deploying THAAD in Vice-President. Marcos' burial in the left-wing petitioners were pre- with housing has been signifi- South Korea this July. In the Philippines, presidents hallowed cemetery. paring to appeal a Supreme Court cantly slashed, her recommended Japan’s government plans and vice presidents are separately ruling that upheld the president's appointments have not been to appropriate around 200bn elected and have often come from decision to authorise the acted on and an executive order yen ($2bn) in the third sup- rival political parties, like Duterte allow the will of the people to be fill their dream for a better life." entombment. aiming to make her agency, the plementary budget for fiscal and Robredo. thwarted," Robredo said without Her resignation comes amid Robredo cited her opposition Housing and Urban Development 2016 after the first. "I will not allow the vice pres- elaborating. "I will continue to a political storm Duterte has to the burial, the drug killings, Coordinating Council, effective Usually this budget is idency to be stolen. I will not serve the Filipino family and ful- faced over his decision to allow Duterte's plan to reimpose the has not been signed. reserved for public works projects to simulate the econ- omy, so it is sign of Tokyo’s growing concern that it would even consider using this Indonesians rally budget. To date, North Korea has conducted two under- ground nuclear tests and fired off more than 20 ballistic mis- for tolerance after siles this year. One of the missiles landed in the Sea of Japan — also known as the East Sea — less blasphemy protests than 200 nautical miles (370km) from the shoreline of Japan. There is growing AP against Governor Basuki "Ahok" speculation that the North is Jakarta Tjahaja Purnama, who is being getting close to developing a prosecuted for alleged blas- deliverable nuclear weapon ens of thousands of Indo- phemy. The movement against by marrying a miniaturized nesians rallied in the centre Ahok, who is the first ethnic Chi- nuclear warhead to a missile. Tof the capital Jakarta yes- nese to be governor of Jakarta At the time of the second test, terday, calling for tolerance and and the first Christian in half a Japanese Prime Minister unity after massive protests by century, has raised communal Shinzo Abe said that the conservative Muslims against the tensions and challenged Indone- threat from Pyongyang was city's minority Christian sia's reputation for practising a in a “different dimension” governor. moderate brand of Islam. than previous tests. The crowds filled a major A demonstration against Defence Minister Tomomi traffic circle in the heart of the Ahok on Friday drew at least People attend a rally calling for national unity and tolerance in central Jakarta yesterday. Inada is planning to make a city and sprawled into its main 200,000 people. An anti-Ahok trip soon to Guam in part to thoroughfares. protest on November 4 attracted The rally coincided with a weekly and it featured traditional dances nation united. examine the THAAD system The demonstrators waved at least 100,000 people and car-free morning in Jakarta when from Sabang in westernmost "We have to fight to materi- first hand. Washington "We Are Indonesia" signs and a turned violent, with one dead and a central artery of the city is Aceh to Merauke in easternmost alise the aims of our deployed the THAAD system giant red-and-white national flag dozens of protesters and police handed over to pedestrians for a Papua. National leaders of polit- independence. That will not hap- to Guam in 2013 because of was held aloft by hundreds of injured. few hours. ical parties under the pen if we are scattered, the looming threat from people. Hard-line Muslim groups are Police estimated 30,000 peo- pro-government coalition behind blaspheming, humiliating each North Korea. Pyongyang has The capital of Indonesia, the demanding Ahok's immediate ple turned up, said Jakarta police President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, other and no longer trust each successfully tested intercon- world's most populous Muslim arrest. Police say his detention is spokesman Argo Yuwono. an ally of Ahok, delivered short other," Surya Paloh, chairman of tinental ballistic missies with nation, has been rocked in the not necessary and have called for Organisers called it the speeches on the importance of the National Democratic Party, sufficient range to potentially past month by two major protests the legal process to be respected. "Parade of Indonesian Culture" keeping the ethnically diverse said from the main stage. reach Guam. Suu Kyi must stop Rohingya 'genocide': Malaysian PM

AFP Kuala Lumpur

ung San Suu Kyi must step in to prevent the "geno- Acide" of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, Malaysia's Prime Minister said yesterday as he mocked the Nobel laure- ate for her inaction. Addressing a 5,000-strong rally in Kuala Lumpur, Najib Razak said the Myanmar gov- ernment must stop the bloody crackdown in its far west that has sent thousands of Rohingya fleeing, many with stories of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak gestures while rape, torture and murder. Police carry a bag containing debris and belongings recovered from an aircraft carrying 13 addressing ethnic Rohingya Muslim refugees during a "What's the use of Aung San police personnel which went missing on Saturday in Batam, Riau Islands, Indonesia, yesterday. gathering in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Suu Kyi having a Nobel prize?" Najib asked a raucous crowd. "We want to tell Aung San Arrivals in Bangladesh said embassy in the Malaysian cap- Remains found of Indonesian plane Suu Kyi, enough is enough... We horrifying stories of gang rape, ital carrying banners must and we will defend Mus- torture and murder at the hands denouncing the "genocide." lims and Islam," he said. "We of Myanmar's security forces. A senior minister has called AP National Search and Rescue Agency chief Henry want the OIC (Organisation of Myanmar has denied alle- on Asean, the ten-country Jakarta Bambang Soelistyo. Islamic Cooperation) to act. gations of abuse, but has also Southeast Asia bloc, to review He told a news conference that body remains "Please do something. The banned foreign journalists and Myanmar's membership, while ndonesian rescuers yesterday recovered body probably of the victims were found in the area UN do something. The world independent investigators from a strongly worded statement parts in the sea where a police plane with 13 where villagers earlier retrieved a seat and a bag cannot sit and watch genocide the area. from the foreign ministry Sat- Ipeople aboard is believed to have crashed after containing a cellphone and police documents. taking place," said Najib. Muslim-majority Malaysia urday accused Myanmar of takeoff. The light aircraft lost contact on Satur- TV footage showed police uniforms and other More than 10,000 Rohingya has recently upped its criticism engaging in "ethnic cleansing." day on the way to the island of Batam off the clothing also were retrieved from the sea. have fled to Bangladesh in of Myanmar for its handling of But analysts said the issue is southeast coast of Sumatra island near Singapore. Search teams involving Indonesia's navy, cus- recent weeks, the United the crisis. a convenient smokescreen for All those aboard, including five crew and eight toms office and maritime police as well as aircraft Nations said on Wednesday, Last month it summoned the Najib, who is fighting allegations police passengers, are feared dead, officials said. from Singapore were scouring a 518-sqkm sea escaping a bloody army crack- Myanmar ambassador, while he took part in the looting of bil- The M28 Skytruck plane is believed to have area for the wreckage of the aircraft, Soelistyo down in the north of Rakhine around 500 Malaysians and lions of dollars of public cash plunged into 24-meter (79-feet) deep waters, said said, adding that divers also were deployed. state. Rohingya marched to the through state fund 1MDB. MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN 13 Military court trials of terror cases to end

No extension Islamabad schedule of the Pakistan Army providing or receiving funding the legislation with the political extend the powers of military Internews Act (PAA) 1952. According to Min- from any foreign or local sources parties.The amendment related court for a certain period,” he While the law is set ister of State for Interior Affairs for terrorism; “overawing” the to the military courts was passed said. to expire in a month, Baleeghur Rehman, “since the state or any section of the public with a sunset clause of two years. After the interior ministry there is no progress he power of military situation is under control now, or a sect or religious minority and While the law is set to expire submits the proposal, the law in the law ministry courts to try civilians is there is no need to extend such creating terror or insecurity in or in a month, there is no progress ministry will begin the process for extending it. The likely to end in a month wartime legislation”. outside the country. in the law ministry for extending to table the bill in parliament. authorities were as the government of The amendment extended Earlier, civilians could only it. An official of the ministry said Political circles, however, Pakistan does not the scope of scheduled offences face a court martial if they that the authorities were await- believe that the government is awaiting a signal Tappear interested in extending of the PAA. It envisaged trial by “seduce, or attempt to seduce” ing a signal from the interior not in a position to extend the from the interior the relevant amendment to the military courts of those who persons subject to the PAA or if ministry for preparing the draft military courts’ powers without ministry for Constitution, which will lapse on claim or are known to belong to they were working at military of a bill in this regard. the support of other parties. The preparing the draft January 2. any terrorist group or organisa- installations or employed at tem- He said the interior ministry opposition PPP’s Senator Saeed of a bill in this On January 3 last year, par- tion using the name of religion porary military setups. was monitoring progress on the Ghani, when contacted, said the regard. liament passed the 21st or a sect, those who take up Another anti-terrorism law, National Action Plan (NAP) powers of military courts given Constitution Amendment, bring- weapons or wage a war against the Protection of Pakistan Act against terrorism and the mili- under the 21st Amendment could The government is ing the civilian suspects of Pakistan or attack the armed (PoPA), also lapsed in July after tary courts had been given the not be extended without the not in a position to terrorism under the jurisdiction forces or law-enforcement agen- completing its two-year term. powers to try civilians as its approval by a two-thirds major- extend the military of the military courts which are cies; those involved in kidnapping The government was initially part.“The interior ministry has ity in parliament, which the courts’ powers otherwise meant to try person- for ransom; possession or stor- indecisive about its renewal but consulted the law ministry over ruling PML-N lacked. “The without the support nel of the armed forces for ing of explosives, firearms or days before PoPA’s expiry it con- the military courts and the lat- PML-N government has not of other parties. disciplinary reasons or for suicide jackets; using or design- stituted a high-level team to ter advised it to forward a made any contact with the PPP offences mentioned in the ing vehicles for terrorist acts; discuss the revival of written proposal if it wanted to to get its support,” he said. Next week crucial for First-ever Pakistan Film Panama case hearing Festival opens Islamabad the alleged corruption of the Internews ruling Sharif family. On the last in New York date of hearing, Bukhari had he Supreme Court of Paki- ensured the bench that he Islamabad stan is likely to adopt a would conclude his arguments Internews Tdecisive course of action in 35 minutes. in the Panamagate case next Independent experts he first-ever Pakistan week in view of the imminent believe the top court cannot Film Festival kicked off retirement of Chief Justice give a final ruling without hold- Ton Friday night with a Anwar Zaheer Jamali on ing a detailed inquiry into the largely-attended red carpet December 31. matter. They believe the judges reception at United Nations Justice Jamali heads the are not in the mood to disqual- Headquarters in New York in five-judge larger bench which ify Premier Sharif on the basis the presence of some of the is hearing a slew of petitions in of available evidence. biggest Pakistani stars, connection with the Panama Of all the petitioners, three ambassadors accredited to the Papers which revealed in April are in favour of a judicial com- UN, community members, that Prime Minister Nawaz mission, but the PTI and the media and movie buffs. Sharif’s three children had ruling PML-N are not interested UN Deputy Secretary- stashed money in offshore in the formation of the commis- General Jan Eliasson, who was companies. sion.The Sharif family’s counsel the chief guest, congratulated An Afghan refugee boy pushes a wheel barrow with oranges at the main fruits and vegetables While Justice Jamali will Akram Sheikh said it was his the Pakistan Mission to the UN remain in office till the last day personal opinion that the top market in Islamabad, yesterday. for organizing the two-day of the month, a full-court ref- court should decide the case festival that will showcase at erence and farewell dinner will itself as the petitioners have Asia Society top-rated Paki- be hosted in his honour on failed to present substantial evi- stani movies over the December 15 due to winter dence against his clients to Afghan refugees may get another weekend, saying that cultural recess in the apex court. The establish their case. events such as this one played recess will end on January 2. Sheikh, who has a long legal a key role in promoting bet- If Justice Jamali retires career spanning 44 years, ter understanding among before giving any decision in claimed that he would quash extended stay in Pakistan till 2018 peoples of the world.Paki- the case, then a new bench will all the allegations against his stan’s Ambassador to the be constituted by his successor clients and would conclude his Islamabad are about 1.3 million refugees refugees return to their country. United Nations Maleeha Justice Mian Saqib Nisar. How- arguments, most likely, in one Internews holding Proof of Registration The spike in returns coincides Lodhi, who took the initiative ever, Justice Jamali, while day.Sources close to Sheikh said (PoR) cards while about 0.6 mil- with the introduction of tighter to hold the festival, read out hearing the case on October 31, he had taken up the case after uccumbing to the pressure lion are unregistered. Similarly, border management controls at a welcome address, saying the had observed that ‘time is short’ he was satisfied with the evi- of political parties, the gov- only about 33 percent are resid- the Torkham border between films from Pakistan will con- and that “we have a lot of work dence, which have been Sernment of Pakistan is ing in camps while 67 percent are Pakistan and Afghanistan on vey the energy and dynamism to do”.Legal experts believe the provided by Sharif’s children to considering for the fifth time an off-camps. Among them, 74 per- June 1. that defines today’s next week will be crucial in the establish the money trail. extension in the stay of Afghan cent refugees were born in The Safron ministry recently Pakistan. Panamagate case. A Supreme Another member of the Sharif refugees in two phases till 2018. Pakistan and about 70 percent shared a document with the In his brief remarks, Eli- Court official said that before family’s legal team said it was As the voluntary repatria- of them are below the age of 24. members of an all parties’ con- asson, the UN deputy his retirement Justice Jamali a ridiculous claim of the PTI tions came to a halt on Friday for The repatriation drive gained ference at the ministry where the secretary-general, also said might give the last ruling of his that Sharif family owned lux- a routine winter break, the gov- momentum when earlier this plan for repatriation was dis- that art, film and music build career in this case. ury London flats prior to 2006, ernment is likely to formally year the government of Khyber- cussed and agreed upon. The bridges across cultures and The hearing of case will adding that they were well-pre- announce another extension in Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) urged the APC was held after the federal promote peace through inter- resume on December 6, and pared to respond to the Al plans for the return of refugees. federal government to send back cabinet on November 9 proposed cultural understanding.He Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s lead Towfeek case judgment, According to the population pro- the refugees to Afghanistan. that the Safron ministry create welcomed Pakistani film stars counsel Naeem Bukhari will wherein these properties were file of the Ministry of States and The year 2016 saw 381,246 consensus among political par- to the United Nations, saying, continue his arguments against attached by a UK court. Frontier Regions (Safron), there or the maximum number of ties about the extension date. “You have given life to this building.” “You have already conquered Pakistan, now you will conquer New York,” he said, as applause rang out. Cultural dance Pakistani actors, who Suspect in Karachi travelled to New York from Pakistan, included Mahira Khan, Mawra Hocane, Nabeel factory fire caught Qureshi, Saba Qamar, Waja- hat Rauf, Yasir Hussain, Sheheryar Munawar, Asim Karachi He was tracked by Thai Raza, Tooba Siddiqui, Adeel Anatolia Interpol following a Pakistani Hussain, Sanam Saeed, Jer- arrest warrant, the newspaper jees Seja (JJ), Producer, Afia angkok police have reported, adding that the sus- Serena Nathaniel and arrested a prime suspect pect was being repatriated to Mehreen Jabbar. Bin Pakistan’s deadliest fac- Pakistan.\ Bhola’s wife, Samina The films to be screened tory fire, which killed over 250 Bano, told reporters in Karachi include two brand new ones, workers in the southern port city that her husband had been on which will premiere in New of Karachi in 2012, officials and the run for the last several York, Dobara Pher Say and the accused’s family confirmed months on the “advice” of the Lahore Say Agay. Others will on Saturday. party leadership. include Actor in law, Paki- Abdul Rehman Bhola, 46, an A police investigation found stan’s Oscar nomination, activist for the Muttehida Quami that the country’s worst indus- Mahe Meer, Oscar award win- Movement (United National trial disaster was not an accident ner Sharmeen Obaid’s Movement or MQM), a major but a “planned act of sabotage animated film, 3 Bahadur, opposition party with strong and terrorism,” as the factory Dukhtar, Dance Kahani and roots in Karachi, was arrested owners failed to pay a heavy Ho Mann Jahan.Ambassador in a police raid on a hotel in extortion fee demanded by the Lodhi told the gathering that Bangkok’s red light district Fri- accused and his accomplices. the festival has been organ- day evening, reported Thailand Bhola and other suspects had ized to both acknowledge the English daily the Bangkok Post, acted on the directives of Ham- remarkable revival of Paki- A woman dances with others during Sindh Culture Day in Karachi, yesterday. quoting senior police and Inter- mad Siddiqui, then-head of stan’s cinema and to pol officials. MQM’s organizing committee. showcase and celebrate it. 14 INDIA MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016

Currency Don't misuse exchange racket busted in Odisha Bhubaneswar Jan-Dhan IANS

disha Police yesterday busted a currency accounts: Govt Oexchange racket in scrapped notes with the sei- zure of over `1.42 crore and New Delhi Sudden surge arrest of eight persons in IANS Sambalpur district. The Sam- Investigation being balpur police also recovered conducted by the two pistols, five live rounds fter a sudden surge Income Tax of bullets and a car from their in deposits in Prad- Department across possession. han Mantri India into the sudden The police have seized ` Jan-Dhan Yojana surge in cash 1,42,91,000 out of which accounts showed `85,62,000 is in newly-intro- deposits in Jan Dhan People queue outside an ATM to withdraw cash in Kolkata, yesterday. upA various inconsistencies, the duced denomination notes. accounts have government yesterday again Sambalpur SP Akhilesh- revealed various cautioned such account hold- var Singh said `85 lakh in ers not to allow their deposits inconsistencies Delhiites protest with 'ATM pooja' new currency notes and `24 to be misused in the wake of `40 lakh has been lakh in scrapped currency the November 8 demonetisa- were seized from the arrested seized from one such tion move. New Delhi currency notes," the man in his expenditure in order to partly persons. account in Bihar. "Investigation being con- IANS 30s said. Another man, Punit limit the major impact on India's "It would not be possible ducted by the Income Tax Tiwari said, "Earlier, we used to GDP. to get such a large amount of Department across India into Minister has urged Jan Dhan rustrated over "No Cash" see couples and elders going for "With 86 percent of the cash new denomination notes the sudden surge in cash depos- account holders to hold on to messages displayed out- morning and night walk, but out of circulation and replen- without the involvement of its in Jan Dhan accounts have the black money deposited by Fside banks and ATMs, nowadays we can find couples ishment facing difficulties, the bank officials. Questioning is revealed various inconsisten- elements seeking to launder ill- residents of an east Delhi local- running their vehicles on the Private Final Consumption on and the police will probe cies," a Union Finance Ministry gotten wealth. ity yesterday organised a 'pooja' streets looking for the ATMs Expenditure (PFCE) in the third to elicit information how they release here said. "I want to tell holders of Jan of an ATM, praying that it dis- with cash." quarter is expected to see a size- managed to get so much of "Undisclosed moneys of Dhan accounts that they should penses some cash. On November 8, the govern- able reduction to the extent of new currency," Singh said. approximately `1.64 crore not withdraw this money. Write The unique worship was ment demonetised `500 and at least 35-40 percent and A bank official's involve- deposited by persons who have to me if someone intimidates organised in east Delhi's Jagat- `,000 currency notes to curb slightly lower in the fourth quar- ment has been established in never filed returns of income you. I am trying to figure out puri area, where over 50 local black money and corruption. ter," the Associated Chambers the case an he is among the being below the taxable limits, how it (the money) can come to people went to the State Bank People have been queuing of Commerce and Industry of arrested persons, the police into their Jan Dhan accounts you," Modi said at a public of India ATM and worshipped up at branches of banks, ATM India said in a statement here. officer added. "Prima facie, it have already been detected at meeting in Moradabad, in Uttar the cash dispensing machine. kiosks and post offices to with- "In terms of expenditure, appears that a bank official Kolkata, Midnapore, Ara Pradesh. Over 25 crore Jan Bhola, a resident of the area, draw cash, which has been in PFCE, popularly known as -- was involved in the trading (Bihar), Kochi and Varanasi. Dhan accounts for financial said: "The ATM of the SBI has short supply for over three India consumption story of the scrapped notes. "`40 lakh has been seized inclusion have been opened in not been dispensing cash since weeks now. -- accounts for close to 60 per- Involvement of more bank from one such account in Bihar, the country as on November 25 demonetisation, so we per- With private consumption cent of the country's Gross officials cannot be ruled out," Undisclosed income so detected last. However, there were formed its pooja, so that it being grossly affected by the Domestic Product at current said the Sambalpur SP. will be brought to tax as per the reports that the poor are being dispenses some cash." cash crunch because of the prices and 55 percent at con- Singh said a businessman, provisions of the Income Tax "used" by black money hoard- "We did this to highlight the demonetisation of high value stant prices (base 2011-12)," it who was among the eight Act, 1961, apart from other ers and huge amounts are being problems the people of Jagat- bank notes, industry chamber said pointing to the enormity of arrested persons, was hoard- actions depending upon the deposited in their Jan Dhan puri area are facing since the Assocham on Sunday urged the the figures involved in case of ing the currency notes to outcome of investigations," it accounts does not stand up to government demonetised government to ramp up the GDP. evade tax. added. Meanwhile, Prime scrutiny.

Woman shot ` Navy Day celebrations dead for IDS bags 67,382cr refusing a dance unaccounted money Chandigarh IANS New Delhi which were not taken on record IANS in the above figure because they 22-year-old dancer at were found to be suspicious in a marriage function in he government yesterday nature being filed by persons A Punjab's Bathinda dis- revised upwards the of small means," the statement trict, was killed when an Tamount of black money said. It said a family of four intoxicated man, enraged at disclosed under Income Dec- headed by Abdul Razzaque being refused a dance, fired laration Scheme (IDS) to Mohammed Sayed, resident of at her from close range, `67,382 crore, even as it did not Bandra, Mumbai, made a total police said yesterday. take into account two high- declaration of `2 lakh crore The victim, Kulwinder value disclosures. which was rejected by the Kaur, had refused to dance "After final reconciliation, Department as three out of the with a guest who was drunk the revised figure of actual dec- four PAN numbers were origi- and was carrying a weapon larations received and taken on nally in Ajmer which were freom which he fired at her record was `67,382 crore which migrated in September 2016 to in a rage. had been made by 71,726 Mumbai, the place of the Naval personnel demonstrate a marching exercise in front of the Gateway of India during Police have registered a declarants," the Finance Min- declarations. case of murder and booked istry said in a statement here "After due enquiry it was the Navy Day celebrations in Mumbai, yesterday. four people, including the on IDS 2016. "On Oct 1, 2016, it found that these declarants alleged killer, the marriage was announced that declara- were persons of suspicious palace owner and two tions totalling `65,250 crore nature and very small means, friends of the killer. were received from 64,275 and the declarations could have Station House Officer declarants, subject to reconcil- been misused," the ministry `49.7 lakh recovered from car in MP (SHO) Daljit Singh said that iation," it said. The Income Tax said. "Therefore, after due con- the accused was absconding Department did not take into sideration, the Income Tax Neemuch search of vehicles, a box con- unabated. When the cash was after the incident. consideration the `13,860 crore Department decided by IANS taining the cash was recovered counted, `32 lakh was found in The incident took place declaration made by Ahemda- November 30, to reject these from a car. Four youths hailing `2,000 denomination notes, he late on Saturday evening bad-based Maheshkumar two sets of declarations of ` 2 ash amounting to from Indore, Ujjain and Mand- said. The remaining amount was during a marriage function Champaklal Shah, which was lakh crore and `13,860 crore `49,70,000 was recov- saur were travelling in the car." in bundles of 100, 50, 20 and 10- at Aashirwad Marriage Pal- reported prominently, as well respectively. The Department Cered from a car here in According to Sisodia, even rupee denomination notes. ace in Maur Mandi town of as another made from has commenced enquiries which four persons were trav- though over-the-counter Police cited the youths as Bathinda, nearly 200km Mumbai. against these declarants to elling, police said yesterday. exchange of demonetised notes saying that they were going to a from here. "Among the declarations determine the intention behind Neemuch Cantt Police Sta- in banks has been discontinued, local trader to exchange his old Kulwinder Kaur, who received, there were two sets these false declarations," it tion Incharge Yogesh Singh the illegal trade of converting notes. They would have made a was reportedly two months of declarations of high value added. Sisodia said: "During a routine black money into white goes on profit of 21 per cent in the deal. pregnant, fell on the stage even as her colleagues of the dance and orchestra troupe continued their perform- ance. They realised only Kerala opposition blames minister for cash hassles moments later that she had collapsed. Carrying of weapons is Thiruvananthapuram Professor of Economics-turned- callous attitude and the manner burden on the state treasuries kept speaking about the coop- banned under law during IANS Kerala Finance Minister Thomas in which he handled staff and banks that disburse the sal- erative banks' issue and the marriage functions and at Issac for the sufferings of virtu- payments. aries and pensions," said CPI-M held a hartal and spread marriage palaces. erala Finance Minister ally every section of the society "While the Finance Ministers Chennithala, challenging the panic among the people. The In an incident last month, Thomas Issac was since the central government's in other states chalked out plans minister to publish the minutes state cabinet could have taken a self-styled godwoman, Kattacked yesterday by the demonetisation move. to mitigate the sufferings of peo- of the meeting that he held with the decision to toe the line of the Sadhvi Dev Thakur, and her opposition over the way he han- Senior Congress leader and ple, Issac did not come out with the bank officials. Centre within 24 hours..." accomplices had gone on a dled the post-demonetisation Leader of Opposition in the any crisis management meas- Senior Bharatiya Janata "After creating a panic-like firing spree during a wed- situation in the state, causing dif- assembly Ramesh Chennithala ures and conducted a meeting Party leader and state unit situation, the state finally agreed ding function near Karnal ficulties to both salaried class told reporters that it pained him of banking officials only at the spokesperson PK Krishnadas to go the the central government town in neighbouring Har- and pensioners. The Congress- when Issac went personal eleventh hour, which com- said that going by his statements, way. In Tripura, where also the yana, leaving a woman guest led United Democratic Front and against him as he (Chennithala) pounded the crisis," Chennithala Issac appears to be a bundle of CPI-M rules, there appears no dead and two others injured. the state BJP severely criticised talked about the minister's said. "Hence, there was a heavy contradictions. "For 22 days, he panic at all. MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016 INDIA 15 India & Afghanistan urge action against terror

Amritsar Move against terror Ghani thanked Pakistan for IANS its pledge to donate $500m for While Ghani was Afghan reconstruction but said: unequivocal in "This fund, Mr. Aziz, could very fghanistan President asserting Pakistan well be used for containing Ashraf Ghani yester- was the source of extremism because without day unambiguously cross-border terror peace any amount of assistance named Pakistan for in his country, Modi will not meet the needs of our supporting cross- didn't name any people." "Afghanistan suffered borderA terror and shared Prime the highest number of casualties nation but urged the Minister Narendra Modi's con- last year. This is unacceptable. world to act against cern over the threat that has Some (countries) still provide "those who support, endangered "peace in the entire sanctuary for terrorists." South Asian region". shelter, train and The Prime Minister, how- Ghani and Modi spoke in the finance" terrorists. ever, called for collective will to presence of Islamabad's top dip- fight terrorists. "We must dem- lomat Sartaj Aziz, who appeared Ghani thanked onstrate strong collective will to shocked with the Afghan Presi- Pakistan for its defeat terror networks. Support dent's remarks at the inaugural pledge to donate for peace alone is not enough. It function of the 6th ministerial $500m for Afghan must be backed by resolute 'Heart of Asia conference - Istan- reconstruction. action," Modi said. bul Process on Afghanistan' held "Silence and inaction against in this Punjab city near India's terrorism in Afghanistan and our border with Pakistan. "The state-sponsored sanc- region will only embolden ter- While Ghani was unequivo- tuaries exist in Pakistan. As Mr. rorists and their masters." cal in asserting that Pakistan was Kakazada, one of the key figures The conference, attended by the source of cross-border ter- in the Taliban movement, representatives of over two ror in his country, Modi didn't recently said if they didn't have dozen countries and interna- Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) shakes hands with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani during name any nation but urged the sanctuary in Pakistan, they tional groupings, was aimed at world to act against "those who wouldn't last a month," Ghani finding ways to help Afghanistan, the 6th Heart of Asia (HoA) Ministerial Conference in Amritsar, yesterday. support, shelter, train and said. He directly addressed Aziz, battling decades of unending finance" terrorists. Pakistan's de facto foreign pol- war, in its political and economic country was "absolute and between India, Iran and Afghan- inaugurated in June by Modi The Afghan President said icy chief, and said no amount of transition. Modi emphasised that unwavering". istan was very important for along with Ghani in Herat the Pakistan military was selec- financial assistance can help sta- bilateral and regional commit- Ghani earlier appreciated regional trade and connectivity. province. tive in fighting terrorists and bilise the war-ravaged ments of assistance for India's unconditional support for He spoke about India's assistance The President said the sought to know what was being Afghanistan if "support to terror- Afghanistan's development must the economic development of his in the construction of Salma dam Chabahar port development done to "prevent the export of ists" continued from the continue and increase. He said country and said the expansion -- officially called the Afghan- project "is very important for terror". neighbouring country. India's commitment to the of the key Chabahar port India Friendship Dam -- that was connectivity and commerce". Fire breaks Don't blame one country for terrorism: Aziz out at Kolkata Amritsar "The first and foremost in our "It's simplistic to blame only positive results". "We need to Afghan conflict and all our efforts IANS view is continuing violence and one country for the recent make an objective evaluation of should be to achieve a politically shopping mall acts of terrorism claiming scores upsurge in violence. We need to our efforts for peace and stabil- negotiated settlement through eiterating that his country of human lives. This needs to be have an objective and holistic ity in Afghanistan." an Afghan-led Afghan-owned "is committed to lasting addressed urgently and effec- view," Aziz said at the two-day Aziz said his government process." Advocating the need to Kolkata Rpeace in Afghanistan and tively through collective efforts," conference. stood in solidarity with the promote connectivity across the IANS the region", Pakistan's de facto Aziz said at the 6th ministerial Aziz said Pakistan had "been elected government and people borders, the diplomat said Paki- foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz 'Heart of Asia Conference - making serious efforts for facil- of Afghanistan in furthering the stan was committed to fire broke out at the yesterday said only one country Istanbul Process on Afghanistan' itating peace talks between the objective of peace, stability and enhancing facilitation for tran- plush South City Mall cannot be blamed for rising ter- in this Punjab city near India's Afghan government and Taliban development. "In our view, there sit of Afghan goods through Ahere early yesterday. rorist violence in the region. border with Pakistan. that have not yet produced is no military solution to the Pakistan. There was, however, no report of casualty, a fire department official said to reporters on an enquiry about Mass wedding the incident. Jayalalithaa suffers The fire started at around 9am from the false ceiling of the food court on the mall building's third floor, he also cardiac arrest: Apollo said. "There was thick smoke coming out from the food Chennai and dehydration on September court. The fire has been con- IANS 22. The doctors later said she trolled completely. Overall, 21 needed a longer hospital stay fire tenders were deployed amil Nadu Chief Minister as she was suffering from infec- and no casualty was J Jayalalithaa suffered a tion, and put her on respiratory reported," the official said. Tcardiac arrest yesterday support. According to Apollo The fire was under con- evening and is being treated by Hospitals, a team of specialist trol by 11.30am with the a team of specialists at Apollo doctors -- cardiologists, respi- timely intervention of con- Hospitals, the hospital said. ratory physicians, consultants trolled officials and the fire In a statement issued here, for infectious diseases, diabe- force. However, an official the hospital said: "She is being tologist and endocrinologist informed that the cause of the treated and monitored by a -- treated her. fire was yet to be team of doctors including car- Recently Apollo Hospitals ascertained. diologists, pulmonologists and Chairman Pratap C Reddy told "The shops were yet to critical care specialists." media that Jayalalithaa is open when the fire broke out. The 68-year-old AIADMK returning to normalcy and all Only the morning film shows Brides wait for their turn to take vows during a mass wedding in Ahmedabad, yesterday. supremo was admitted to the her vital organs are function- were on. Everybody has been hospital for treatment of fever ing well. evacuated," said West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sovan Chatterjee. Panic struck moviegoers and workers at the mall. "We were working down- The snake-catching tribe saving lives in India stairs. Suddenly we heard a fire alarm but were not sure what happened. Then we Chengalpattu country. It also provides much- treatment for a human bitten by were told to evacuate the AFP needed income for the Irula, one a venomous snake, although the mall," a worker inside the of the region's most deprived Irula also use herbal treatments mall said. Around the time small scythe, a crowbar groups, who used to hunt snakes that they say give them more when smoke was seen at the and a bundle of canvas and sell the skins but lost their time to reach a hospital. popular mall, none of the Abags are all that Kali and livelihood overnight when India India has 244 snake species shops had opened and the Vedan carry when they venture banned the practice in 1972. and the four most venomous, the only place where people were into the fields of southern India Kali learned the intricate skill cobra, krait, Russell's viper and seen was near the movie the- to catch some of the world's of tracking and then catching saw-scaled viper, are found atre with the morning shows deadliest snakes. snakes from his father, whose throughout the country. Thou- running. Their skills, passed from abilities were renowned in the sands of people die every year "We saw a family of four generation to generation of the small community. from snakebites in India, still a entering the theatre for a Irula tribe they belong to, are Now the 36-year-old uses predominately rural economy show. All those at the movie crucial for the production of those same skills to catch snakes where farmers run the risk of halls were immediately evac- anti-venom in a country with the for the cooperative, which keeps being bitten every time they go uated after the alarm," world's highest number of deaths them for a month under licence into their fields. The extractor another worker said. from snake bites. from the government and har- takes out the snake, gripping it "We were watching a Since it began in the 1970s, vests their venom before below the head, which he places movie and suddenly the the Irula snake-catchers' coop- returning them to nature. in front of a thin piece of leather screen turned black. We got erative on the outskirts of the Non-lethal amounts of that has been stretched over the very scared as we were asked southern city of Chennai has rev- venom from four snake species top of a small glass jar to imitate to evacuate the place from the olutionised the treatment of are injected into horses, which skin. As the snake opens its jaw back door," a woman, who A snake catcher extracts venom from a cobra at the venom snake-bites in India, enabling it then produce antigens that are and sinks its fangs into the went to watch 'Kahaani 2', extraction centre of the Irula snake-catchers co-operative on to produce enough anti-venom used to make antivenom for all leather covering, the deadly liq- said to reporters during an to supply hospitals across the bites. That is the only reliable uid drips into the jar. the outskirts of Chennai. interaction. 16 EUROPE MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016 Europe holds its breath as Italy votes for change Rome PM's fate at stake the proposed reforms. AFP A bumper turnout looks like If the centre-left the only prediction anyone can talians went to the polls Renzi’s proposals to make with any certainty, as polls yesterday in a constitu- streamline a have been banned since Novem- tional referendum on 68-year-old ber 18. Up until then the “No” which reformist Prime parliamentary camp was leading comfortably— Minister Matteo Renzi has system are voted but with a quarter of the Istaked his future. electorate undecided, Renzi is down, he has vowed Whatever the outcome of a to resign. counting on a silent majority of vote being anxiously watched shy reformers to pull off a sur- in capitals across Europe and If Renzi wins, the prise turnaround. carefully scrutinised on trading The campaign has also sent country’s youngest floors around the world, it will many voters back to their high ever prime minister lead to change. school textbooks to reconsider the If the centre-left Renzi’s will be energised in merits of a much-loved constitu- proposals to streamline a his bid to transform tion, producing an invigorating Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi casts his vote for the referendum on constitutional reform 68-year-old parliamentary sys- Italy. national discussion that has as he is flanked by his wife Agnese, in Pontassieve, near Florence, yesterday. tem are voted down, he has recalled Scotland’s 2014 inde- vowed to resign. self-serving political caste that pendence referendum more than stripped of most of its powers to after just over 1,000 days in start to personalise the vote by That would usher in a period has exploited institutional weak- the rhetorically-charged Brexit block and revise legislation, and office. “I’m voting Yes because I saying he would quit if the No of political uncertainty and ness to stymie change. or US presidential debates. to unseat governments. want Italy to change. I don’t like camp wins,” said young voter potential economic turmoil for “If we miss this chance it Renzi wants to drastically Other changes involve trans- it as it is now,” said Rome mar- Elena Piccolo, a student in Naples. the country and its European won’t come back for 20 years,” scale back the size and powers ferring some regional powers to ket trader Marina Marabitti. “In doing so he concentrated Union allies. he warned voters before cam- of the parliamentary second national government, making it But in a reflection of how the the country’s discontent on him- If Renzi wins, the country’s paigning was suspended. chamber, the Senate. easier to get major infrastructural campaign has gone, her vote was self,” she added. youngest ever prime minister Voters, who have been Under his proposed works approved, and abolition of set to be cancelled out by the man Overseas there has been will be energised in his bid to known to head to the beach reforms, a body of 315 directly- a costly policy agency in Rome. she works alongside six days a strong support for Renzi with US transform Italy. rather than the ballot box when elected and five lifetime Inevitably in light of his week. President Barack Obama, German Victory for Renzi will mean a less important referendums lawmakers will become one pledge to stand down should he “I would be for ‘Si’ (Yes) if it Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU new mandate to pursue reforms have fallen on a sunny day, have with only 100 members, mostly lose, the vote has also become was not for Renzi. I can’t stand Commission chief Jean-Claude he sees as key to unshackling Ita- spent weeks passionately nominated by the regions. something of a referendum on him,” said Giancarlo Sallusti. Juncker all openly calling for a ly’s creativity from influence of a embracing the pros and cons of The body would also be Renzi’s personality and record “Renzi was wrong from the “Yes” vote.

Germany arrests Clocking funds Teen charged over fire bomb militant ‘leader’ attack on Berlin police, the security services and police in France AFP US interests in Turkey. The prosecutor said he was Évry, France radical marxist suspected carrying out several roles in AFP of belonging to a left- Europe, principally fundraising Awing extremist group for European arm of DHKP-C. A 17-YEAR-OLD boy has accused of terrorism by Turkey German authorities believe been charged and held in has been arrested in Germany, that such fundraising could be connection with an attack on judicial sources said. used to finance terrorist activ- French police by youths who The 55-year-old citizen of ity and the acquisition of threw molotov cocktails at the Netherlands, whose name weapons. officers, leaving two with was given as Musa A, was Musa A. will appear in court severe burns, prosecutors said. arrested in Hamburg, Germa- today before a judge who will The boy has been charged ny’s federal prosecutor said. rule whether to remand him in with “complicity in the The man is thought to be a custody. attempted murder of persons “leader” of Revolutionary Peo- In August 2015, the DHKP- French Canadian singer Garou (centre left) is flanked by French TV host Nagui (centre of public authority,” said Eric ple’s Liberation Party/Front C claimed responsibility for an right) and guests as they stand under the board displaying final number of the evening Lallement, prosecutor from (DHKP-C) — a radical marxist attack in Istanbul by two of its of the 2016 French Telethon fundraising television event against muscular dystrophy, at Evry, south of Paris. group outlawed by Ankara after militants on police guarding the Hippodrome de Longchamp in Paris, yesterday. The unnamed youth is the allegedly staging several attacks offices of Prime Minister Ahmet first to be charged over Octo- and assassinations against Davutoglu. No one was hurt. ber incident that led to angry wildcat protests by police over mounting attacks on officers. On October 8, four Putin terms Trump clever and successful man officers were injured when a group of around 15 youths Moscow analysts said he was unlikely to in business, it suggests that he is a Broadway show and early-morn- as part of “one China”. from a housing estate in Reuters want to dial up anti-Western clever man. And if (he is) a clever ing invective on Twitter - show Speaking about Russia’s rela- the Paris suburb of Viry- rhetoric before Trump’s inaugu- man, then he will fully and quite Trump is out of his depth. tions with the West, Putin said Chatillon swarmed their S President-elect Donald ration in January. quickly understand another level China lodged a diplomatic attempts to create a unipolar cars and threw Molotov Trump is a clever man “Trump was an entrepreneur of responsibility. We assume that protest on Saturday after Trump world had failed: “The situation cocktails at them. Uand will quickly under- and a businessman. He is already he will be acting from these posi- spoke by phone with President is changing. I think it is not a A 28-year-old male stand his new responsibilities, a statesman, he is head of US, tions,” Putin said. Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, the first secret to anyone, everyone sees officer suffered very serious Russian President Vladimir Putin one of the world’s leading coun- Putin’s comments appeared by a US President-elect or pres- it, that many of our partners burns on his hands and body said in an interview with NTV TV. tries,” NTV quoted Putin as to address criticism from Trump’s ident since Jimmy Carter already prefer to stick to princi- and is still in hospital, while Putin has spoken previously saying in the interview on www. opponents who say his unconven- switched diplomatic recogni- ples of international law, his 39-year-old female part- of his hope that Trump will help ntv.ru yesterday. tional actions since the election tion from Taiwan to China in because the world’s balance is ner was badly burned on the restore US-Russia relations, and “Because he achieved success - including railing at the cast of a 1979, acknowledging Taiwan being gradually restored.” hands and face, police said. Five Ukraine policemen dead in friendly fire mix-up

Kiev confirmed the incident, while arrival of the State Guard Serv- AFP President Petro Poroshenko ice—a police force that protects wrote on Twitter “the causes of property—whose officers ive Ukrainian police were this painful tragedy must be promptly detained the two killed by friendly fire in investigated and all the guilty undercover police. The special Fwhich officers mistook must be punished.” police officers then mistakenly colleagues for burglars, officials The deadly mix-up came as thought the burglars had cap- said yesterday. special police staked out a “dan- tured their undercover Three burglars initially gerous gang of burglars” in small colleagues and opened fire. escaped the crime scene amid town of Knyazychy, some 30km A firefight between special a gunfight between different east of Kiev, Gerashchenko said. police and the National Guard security forces, although they Two undercover police from officers lasted just a few min- were later detained. criminal investigation depart- utes but killed five. “Last night a devastating ment were watching the scene “Two State Guard Service tragedy took place that killed as special police prepared to officers, two undercover police five police officers,” Anton detain the gang. “But a tragic and a KORD special police officer Gerashchenko, a lawmaker and series of chance events ruined were killed,” Gerashchenko said. advisor to interior ministry, the plan,” Geraschenko said. The gang of three burglars fled the An armed policeman stands guard as police experts examine a crime scene in Knyazychy, some wrote on Facebook. A burglar alarm went off in scene but were detained as they 30km east of Kiev, yesterday where five policemen were killed in a friendly fire. The regional police force a house nearby, prompting travelled back to Kiev. MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016 EUROPE 17 Freedom Party concedes defeat in Austria poll

Vienna Greens win Populist groups across AFP Europe, on the right and the left, Greens-backed have benefited from a growing ustria’s Freedom independent sense of unease about globalisa- Party conceded Alexander Van der tion, multiculturalism, rising defeat yesterday in Bellen swept 53.6 inequality, and austerity cuts. its bid to elect percent of the votes, The Austrian vote was being Europe’s first far- while his rival of held on the same day as a high- rightA president, as projections stakes referendum in Italy, which anti-immigration showed its candidate Norbert could bring about the resigna- Freedom Party Hofer lagging behind in a bitterly tion of its prime minister and fought election re-run. received 46.4 renew chaos in a bloc already Greens-backed independent percent, projections weakened by Britain’s shock vote Alexander Van der Bellen, 72, showed. in June to quit the EU. swept 53.6 percent of the votes, One worrying aspect for EU while his rival of the anti-immi- decision-makers was that Hof- gration Freedom Party (FPOe) was then annulled over ballot er’s rise to power might also pave received 46.4 percent, projec- counting breaches. the way for a return to govern- tions showed. His defeat will also see EU ment of his popular FPOe, The official result of the mar- leaders breathe a sigh of relief in founded by ex-Nazis. athon presidential election, which the wake of the anti-establish- Some 6.4 million Austrians lasted nearly a year, is not ment tide sweeping many were eligible to vote in yester- expected before today, but the countries following Brexit and day’s election. party conceded defeat within min- Donald Trump’s shock election The official result will only utes of poll projections released, victory in the US. be known once the postal vote shortly after voting ended. Gun enthusiast Hofer had has been tallied today. “I would like to take this vowed to “get rid of the dusty Back in May, this is what had Alexander Van der Bellen, candidate for presidential election, and his wife Doris Schmidauer opportunity to congratulate Mr establishment”, seek closer ties swung the ballot in favour of ex- (left) leave a polling station after casting their ballots at 6th district in Vienna, yesterday. Van der Bellen,” FPOe chief with Russia and fight against Greens party chief Van der strategist Herbert Kickl told Aus- “Brussels centralising power”. Bellen, 72, who beat his rival by The far-right candidate had His polished style saw him One worrying aspect for EU trian media. Observers feared that a win just 31,000 votes. largely avoided inflammatory triumph in a first round in April, decision-makers had been that The outcome deals a crush- for the Austrian far-right could “The new president has to rhetoric, instead tapping into knocking out candidates from a win for Hofer might also have ing blow to Hofer who already trigger a domino effect with key unify the country, this long elec- public anxieties about record the two main centrist parties that paved the way for a return to narrowly lost to Van der Bellen elections next year in France, tion has polarised society,” voter immigration and rising have dominated Austrian poli- government of his poll-leading in a first runoff in May, which Germany and The Netherlands. Katharina Gayer said in Vienna. unemployment. tics since 1945. FPOe, founded by ex-Nazis.

Three women Skyline silhouette UK may back some shot dead in Finland EU members after

Helsinki AFP Brexit: Johnson A GUNMAN shot dead three London the Erasmus student exchange women, including a local Reuters programme and Horizon pro- council official, as they were gramme for research. leaving a restaurant in a small ritain could pay in to some “(Paying in for single mar- Finnish town on Saturday EU programmes after ket access) is obviously night, police said. BBrexit but the govern- something that David Davis is Investigators cited by the ment will take back control of considering. That doesn’t mean SST news agency yesterday its own money and will no that a decision has been taken.” said the municipal council longer spend large amounts in “The crucial thing to under- head and two local journal- Brussels, Foreign Minister Boris stand is very large sums of ists were killed in the town of Johnson said yesterday. money will be coming back to Imatra by a man who was Businesses, investors and this country which ... could be swiftly arrested. opposition lawmakers are spent on priorities like national The 23-year-old suspect, clamouring for clarity on gov- health service,” said Johnson, had a record of violent crime, ernment’s negotiating position who campaigned for Britain to police said. Fishermen line the banks of the River Mersey as the sun rises behind the skyline of before it triggers the formal exit leave the EU on a “battle bus” that He was interrogated yes- Liverpool, northern England, yesterday. procedure from the EU by the had written on its side: “We send terday but the motive for the end of March. the EU £350m a week, let’s fund attack remained unclear and Last week, Brexit minister out NHS instead.” the attacker could have David Davis said Britain could Johnson has been criticised picked his victims at random, pay into EU budget to get access for saying health service could investigators said. to bloc’s single market of 500 benefit to such a large extent No other suspect was Spain rescues 92 migrants million customers, easing fears during the campaign and since being sought. Finland enjoys that the government is heading then has found some of his relatively low crime rates Málaga, Spain “complicated” rescue operation between Africa and the EU. for a “hard Brexit” involving a comments have come back to compared to other European AFP in rough seas around 49 nauti- Authorities used a system clean break with the bloc. haunt him. nations but, with many cal miles from the coast, a that detects heartbeats to detect But Johnson, speaking on the Brexit spokesman for Finns keen hunters, it has panish authorities said 92 maritime rescue officials said. migrants, said Irene Flores, a BBC’s Andrew Marr television Labour Party, Keir Starmer, one of the biggest gun own- migrants travelling in five The group included three spokeswoman for Melilla gov- programme, declined to confirm called on government to offer ership rates in the world. Smakeshift boats were res- women and a child and a boy ernment. The 22 were taken to whether that was a priority for parliament more clarity on its Town mayor Pertti Lintunen cued off Spain’s coast. who had to be hospitalised after a migrant centre in Melilla government, saying ministers plans. “Government must put its confirmed that among the Among those rescued were suffering from hypothermia. where they will be eligible to were considering several options. basic plan before parliament so victims was social-democrat 63 people from sub-Saharan Also, Spanish authorities lodge a request for asylum. The “I’ve always thought that we can discuss it, at the moment council leader Tiina Wilen- Africa, officials said without stopped 22 migrants hiding in a lorry driver and his assistant there were aspects of EU coop- ... we are all going through trying Jappinen. Names of the slain specifying their nationalities, lorry who were trying to enter were detained. eration ... where actually ... to be to find fragments of evidence as journalists were not revealed. and 29 Algerians. Melilla, a Spanish enclave in The Spanish interior minis- part of that in the future might to what approach they are going Imatra is a small lakeside Most of the migrants were north Africa which, along with try has said more than 11,600 be a good idea, certainly would to take,” Starmer said. town of 17,000 people in taken to the port of Malaga in another enclave called Ceuta, migrants and refugees arrived be a good idea if it involved pay- But Johnson said govern- southeastern Finland. southern Spain, following a are the only land borders in Ceuta and Melilla last year. ing in,” Johnson said, referring to ment was clear in its aims.

Jail term for Rwanda genocide convict upheld Tribal touch

Bobigny, France was decided by nine jurors and Alain Gauthier, head of the Since Simbikangwa went on AFP three magistrates. Civil Plaintiffs Collective for trial, two other Rwandans have His legal team blasted the Rwanda, hailed the decision. been prosecuted in France over French court upheld a 25 decision as “botched”. “This legitimises the fight we’ve the genocide—Octavien Ngenzi year prison sentence “We were naive—we wanted been leading for 20 years with- and Tito Barahira, who are both Ahanded to a former Rwan- to believe that he would not be out any glory,” he said. appealing life sentences they dan intelligence agent jailed in sentenced in advance,” his law- The International Federation were handed in May. France’s first trial over African yer Fabrice Epstein said as she of Human Rights and Human Simbikangwa, who has been country’s 1994 genocide. left the court in Bobigny outside Rights League, which were also confined to a wheelchair since Pascal Simbikangwa was Paris. among the civil parties, said the a car crash in the 1980s, was found guilty of genocide and She said the proceedings had ruling gave a voice to “victims accused of organising road- complicity in crimes against been treated as a wider trial on who have been waiting for jus- blocks where Hutu militia humanity in a landmark 2014 the genocide that left more than tice to be done for more than 20 murdered many of their victims, trial that marked a turning point 800,000 people dead, “rather years”. mostly members of the Tutsi in France’s approach to geno- than the trial of Mr Sim- Previously, France, widely minority. cide suspects living on its soil. bikangwa” alone. considered to have supported He was also accused of arm- Simbikangwa, a 56-year-old Lawyers for the five activist the Rwandan Hutu regime that ing the militia. former presidential guard mem- groups that were civil parties in carried out the bulk of the kill- “I was a soldier but after my ber who insists he is innocent, the case meanwhile left the ings, had been accused of accident I returned to civilian Britain's Prince Harry wears a traditional headdress during launched an appeal in October courtroom to applause from dragging its feet on prosecuting life,” he told the court earlier this an official visit to Surama, Guyana. prompting a six-week trial that supporters. cases. week. 18 AMERICAS MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016

Cuban President Raul Castro salutes next to Venezuelan President Nicolas Mduro (right) and Brazilian former presidents Dilma Rousseff (left) and Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, during the last ceremony to pay homage to the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro in Santiago. RIGHT: Workers fix a plaque with Fidel Castro’s name at his tomb at Santa Ifigenia cemetery in Santiago, yesterday. Castro’s ashes interred in private ceremony

Santiago the events live on national and President Raul Castro, gathered in the eastern city of revolutionary fighters Camilo AP End of an era international television. Inter- announced that Cuba would pro- Santiago. Cienfuegos and Ernesto “Che” The Cuban military national media were also barred hibit the naming of streets and He said that Cuba’s National Guevara became common across idel Castro’s ashes were fired a 21-gun salute from the ceremony. monuments after the former Assembly would vote in its next Cuba in the decades since their interred in a private and crowds at the Martial music could be leader, and bar the construction session on the law fulfilling the deaths. ceremony yesterday, entrance to the heard outside the cemetery, of statues of the former leader wishes of his brother, who died Mourning for Castro has been ending nine days of where Ines de la Rosa was and revolutionary icon, in keep- last week at 90. The legislature fervent and intense across the cemetery sang the mourning for the man among the mourners gathered. ing with his desire to avoid a cult generally holds a meeting in country since his death, partic- national anthem as Fwho ruled Cuba for nearly half She said she would have liked of personality. December and under Cuba’s sin- ularly in rural eastern Cuba, a century. the ashes entered to watch the ceremony on tel- “The leader of the revolution gle-party system, parliament where huge crowds have been The military caravan bear- the cemetery. evision, but “we understand rejected any manifestation of a unanimously or near-unani- shouting Castro’s name and lin- ing his remains in a flag-draped how they as a family also need cult of personality and was con- mously approves every ing the roads to salute the funeral cedar coffin left the Plaza of the a bit of privacy.” sistent in that through the last government proposal. procession carrying his ashes. Revolution in the eastern city of entrance to the cemetery sang Fellow mourner Elena hours of his life, insisting that, Fidel Castro, who stepped “All of us would like to put Santiago at 6:39 am. Thousands the national anthem as the ashes Vinales said she wasn’t surprised once dead, his name and like- down in 2006 after falling ill, Fidel’s name on everything but of people lined the two-mile entered about 40 minutes later. that the images of the ceremony ness would never be used on kept his name off public sites in the end, Fidel is all of Cuba,” route to Santa Ifigenia cemetery, The ceremony lasted more were not broadcast. “It seems to institutions, streets, parks or during his near half-century in said Juan Antonio Gonzalez, a waving Cuban flags and shout- than an hour and took place out be a family moment,” she said. other public sites, and that busts, power because he said he 70-year-old retired economist. ing “Long live Fidel!” of the public eye after Cuban The decision to hold a pri- statutes or other forms of tribute wanted to avoid the develop- “It was a decision of Fidel’s, not The Cuban military fired a officials made a last-minute can- vate ceremony came the would never be erected,” Raul ment of a personality cult. In Raul’s, and I think he has to be 21-gun salute and crowds at the cellation of plans to broadcast morning after Castro’s brother, Castro told a massive crowd contrast, the images of his fellow respected.” California party fire 1 dead & 7 hurt in cheerleader bus crash

Big Spring, Texas District Superintendent Kevin happened so fast that the bus Lubbock, said three remained toll could reach 40 AP Allen told reporters. was unable to react to the hospitalised — two in critical and The semitractor-traillor, oncoming semitrailer. one in satisfactory condition. woman was killed and travelling eastbound on I-20, One of the cheerleader spon- The cheerleaders ranged in Oakland the two-story warehouse seven other people were lost control trying to avoid hit- sors was killed. DPS identified age from 14 to 17. The other AFP known as Oakland Ghost Ship, A injured when a semi- ting a car that had slammed its her as 52-year-old Elizabeth cheerleader sponsor was a said Oakland Fire Chief Teresa trailer crashed into a bus brakes, said Texas Department Pope of the small West Texas 48-year-old woman. ire crew in California Deloach Reed. carrying a group of West Texas of Public Safety Sgt. Oscar Vil- community of Iraan. Pope also Allen said the school district worked into the night sift- The sheriff’s office station high school cheerleaders, larreal. The semitrailer then ran a computer lab in the dis- planned to have counselors at Fing through the remains in Oakland became a center for authorities said yesterday. veered across the center median trict’s elementary school, Allen the high school on Monday and of a warehouse gutted by a relatives of the missing. The The small activity bus, and entered the westbound lanes said. Tuesday. The high school has 125 blaze during a rave party, with Salvation Army dropped off 50 which was carrying six cheer- of I-20, hitting the bus. The seven injured people students, while the entire district officials saying they fear the meals for them, the San Fran- leaders and two cheerleader Investigators are still trying were taken to hospitals in Big has about 550 students. death toll could reach 40. cisco Chronicle reported. sponsors, was headed home to determine the cause of the Spring and Lubbock. Four had “Nobody in our community Relatives of dozens of peo- Daniel Vega said he is look- after a football game in Colo- crash but the road had been wet been treated and released later has ever gone through this. We ple missing in the blaze in a ing for his brother Alex and his rado City, Texas, when it was due to rainy conditions, Villar- in the day. are trying to figure out how do district of Oakland near San girlfriend, who had said they hit on Interstate 20 near Big real said. Eric Finley, spokesman for we best handle this for our kids,” Francisco continued their anx- were going to a party in Oak- Spring, Iraan-Sheffield School Allen said the crash University Medical Center in he said. ious wait for news. Nine people land. “If he is dead, if he is in are confirmed dead so far. the rubble, fine, I’ll get over it. The rickety two-story But I just want to find him,” warehouse was used by artists Vega told the Chronicle. as a living and work space but Some of the missing are High achievers honoured Researchers had no licence for this, officials from overseas, making identi- said, nor for the electronic fication of victims—thought to look for cause dance party under way when be in their 20s and 30s—more the blaze broke out. The cause difficult. The warehouse had behind oyster was not yet known. numerous partitions added to Firefighters had to pull out the original building. of the building to shore it up Friends and families of par- outbreaks when part of the fragile struc- tygoers took to social media to ture and some of the walls search for news about their Durham, New Hampshire began to move. loved ones, with some posting AP Sergeant Ray Kelly of the information on the event’s Alameda County Sheriff’s Facebook page. A TEAM of New Hampshire department told a news con- “Please tell me you are researchers is hoping their ference that about two dozen safe,” one woman wrote, add- work in finding disease-caus- people who were reported ing a friend’s name, while ing bacteria in New Hampshire missing had been located. others posted prayers. waters leads to a system that But at least two dozen more An artist told Fox television will eventually alert the indus- remain missing, he said. affiliate KTVU the fire broke out try when a dangerous “We don’t know how far in the back of building where pathogen is in the waters. into the process we are, because some 18 artists shared space. The work of scientists at we don’t absolutely have a The man, who was not the University of New Hamp- number of people that we know identified, said he tried to help shire comes as the number of are deceased inside of there,” a fellow artist who had broken cases of people falling ill from he said. his ankle to flee the inferno, but eating raw oysters has spiked. An official, said yesterday was obstructed by the smoke Researchers found that the death toll could rise to 40 and flames as well as the mess Kennedy Center Honourees pose for a group photo after a gala dinner at the US State cases of disease from certain or even higher. of objects. Department, in Washington. (Seated from left) Actor Al Pacino, singer Mavis Staples, harmful bacteria strains have Most of those who perished “I hope he is OK,” he fur- pianist Martha Argerich, singer-songwriter James Taylor; (Standing) members of rock increased from five in New in the blaze were thought to ther told the station, his voice band Eagles, Joe Walsh, Don Henley and Timothy B Schmit. England in 2000 to 147 in have died on the upper floor of breaking up. 2013. MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016 AMERICAS 19 Trump's talk with Ing-wen a courtesy call: Pence

Washington Reuters Nothing unusual Tweets: Trump The Vice-President- S President-elect elect said the call was fires back after Donald Trump’s similar in nature to phone conversation one between Trump being mocked with Taiwan Presi- and Chinese dent Tsai Ing-wen, Washington President Xi Jinping Uwhich prompted a diplomatic AFP protest from China, was simply after the November 8 a “courtesy call,” Vice President- election. PRESIDENT-ELECT Don- elect Mike Pence said on NBC ald Trump sent a dismissive yesterday. tweet in response to a com- Asked whether any shift in Trump transition team and the edy sketch that mocked his policy should be read into the Chinese government since Fri- penchant for sending call, Pence said: “I don’t think so.” day, and did not expect Trump’s tweets. The call with Tsai was the first team would reach out this week Trump again lambasted by a US President-elect or pres- to ease tensions with China, the show Saturday Night ident with a Taiwanese leader which claims Taiwan as its own. Live, on which he is played since President Jimmy Carter Pence said the call was sim- by actor Alec Baldwin. switched diplomatic recognition ilar in nature to one between “Just tried watching Sat- from Taiwan to China in 1979. Trump and Chinese President Xi urday Night Live “This was a courtesy call. The Jinping after the November 8 - unwatchable! Totally democratically elected president election. biased, not funny and the of Taiwan called to congratulate “I think I would just say to Baldwin impersonation just the president-elect,” Pence said. our counterparts in China that can’t get any worse. Sad,” China’s Foreign Ministry said this was a moment of courtesy. Trump wrote. on Saturday it has lodged “stern The president-elect talked to In the latest sketch, the representations” with what it President Xi two weeks ago in President-elect is gently Kellyanne Conway, campaign manager and senior advisor to the Trump Presidential Transition called the “relevant U.S. side,” the same manner. It was not a chided by aides for send- urging the careful handling of the discussion about policy,” Pence Team, hugs visitors at Trump Tower in New York, yesterday. ing retweets, one from a Taiwan issue to avoid any unnec- said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” country a currency manipulator good on that pledge, Pence said “It will be for the president- high school student, dur- essary disturbances in ties. Trump lambasted China on his first day in office. decisions on policy would come elect to decide whether he ing a national security Pence said he was not aware throughout the U.S. election Asked on ABC’s “This Week” after Trump takes office on Jan. implements that policy after the briefing. of any contact between the campaign, pledging to label the whether Trump would make 20. inauguration,” Pence said.

Murders in Dragon dance Police use ‘fake news’ Chicago in sting aimed at gang

top 700 Los Angeles lying in city in last 15 months.” AP The phony announcement Chicago issued in February was discov- Reuters olice investigating a noto- ered in court documents and rious gang in a city on only reported this week by MURDERS in Chicago have PCalifornia’s central coast Santa Maria Sun, a weekly already topped 700 this year, issued a fake press release that newspaper in the city. police said, as a surge in vio- the chief credited with saving The newspaper and local lence in the third largest two men by deceiving gang television stations were una- UScity has sent the number members who wanted to kill ware the information in the of killings to its highest point them, but the ruse was criti- release was false when they in nearly two decades. cised by news organisations reported that two men, Jose There were 77 murders in who reported it as fact. Santos Melendez, 22, and Jose November, according to Chi- Santa Maria Police Chief Marino Melendez, 23, were cago Police Department, Ralph Martin defended the tac- picked up for identity theft and bringing number of murders tic when it came to light, saying handed over to immigration to 701 for the year to date. he had never done such a thing authorities. Murders have surged 55 in his 43-year career, but he In fact, detectives eaves- percent from same period last wouldn’t rule out doing it again. dropping on the deadly MS-13 year, according to CPD “It was a moral and ethical gang had raced to home of two spokesman Frank Gian- decision, and I stand by it,” cousins in nearby Guadalupe camilli. The rate is highest Members of Lohan School of Shaolin perform a traditional Chinese lion dance during grand Martin said. “I am keenly aware and took them into protective since 704 people were killed opening celebration of Lucky Dragon Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday. and sensitive to community and custody after learning hit men in 1998 and 761 in 1997. the media. I also had 21 bodies were on their way there. The number of murders in Chicago, a city of 2.7 million, exceeds those in Los Angeles and New York combined. Much of Chicago’s vio- Brazilians take to streets against corruption lence occurs on its poverty stricken west and south sides. “These are human disas- Rio de Janeiro uncovered mass embezzlement The uproar was only the lat- Protesters were also taking people are really rallying ter zones. And we have to get AFP by politicians and top executives est twist in a series of scandals to the streets in the capital Bra- together. We hope that today all to a point where we build at state oil company Petrobras shaking allies of President Michel silia, the country’s commercial the factions and ideological divi- infrastructure to improve the razilians took to the streets and other businesses. Temer who came to power in powerhouse Sao Paulo, and sions will join,” said university communities,” said William of Rio de Janeiro and other “Car Wash—protected by the August after the impeachment some 200 other cities, organis- teacher Sergio Giacomo, 50. Hall, 32, a local pastor and Bcities yesterday to defend people,” read one placard car- of Dilma Rousseff, promising to ers promised. “Here you will find builders, founder of the Acts of Love a huge anti-corruption probe ried by a man wrapped in the put recession-battered Brazil In Rio, early arrivals said bus drivers, teachers—not just Campaign in Chicago, a social against what they said were green and yellow Brazilian flag. back on track. that the desire to fight corrup- the well-off. We’re workers who services organisation. attempts by the scandal-plagued Demonstrators were furious Several of Temer’s cabinet tion was uniting Brazilians who are fed up with the institution- Trust in the city’s police Congress to shut it down. at a vote earlier this week by the ministers have resigned in the have been bitterly divided all alisation of corruption in our force has eroded due to a Hundreds of people began lower house of Congress—where face of corruption allegations this year over the Rousseff country,” said his fellow pro- number of high-profile inci- streaming to Copacabana for the many deputies are themselves and this week the Supreme Court impeachment, which her tester Joana Darc, 51, also a dents, most notably the first of what organisers said suspects in criminal probes—to ruled that one of Temer’s key leftwing supporters saw as a university professor who had shooting death of Laquan would be nationwide demon- weaken a long-planned anti- political partners, Senate Presi- coup mounted by Temer and come from one of Rio’s gritty McDonald, a black teenager, strations in support of Operation corruption bill and to undermine dent Renan Calheiros, must his centre-right PMDB party. suburbs to the well-to-do Copac- by a white police officer. Car Wash, a probe that has the authority of prosecutors. stand trial on corruption charges. “It’s the first time where the abana shoreline. Veterans gather near Dakota protest camp

Cannon Ball and the group’s GoFundMe.com who flew the first leg of the jour- North Dakota authorities AP page had raised more than $1m of ney, then met up with other have said they’ll move away its $1.2m goal by yesterday— veterans and rode from Bismarck from a key bridge if demonstra- ilitary veterans started money due to go towards food, in the back of a pickup truck. tors agree to certain conditions, to gather yesterday near transportation and supplies. “For people to recognise we which were outlined in a Mor- Mthe main Dakota Access Navy veteran and Harvard are here says a lot,” Grayson said, ton County Sheriff’s Office news pipeline protest camp, where graduate student Art Grayson adding though he has finals this release. they’ll join several hundred peo- came to camp because he week, he told professors “I’ll see “The question was asked if ple who are against four-state, “couldn’t stand by and watch you when I get back.” we would consider pulling back $3.8bn project that’s largely people being abused,” a refer- The government has ordered from the Backwater Bridge,” Cass complete. ence to contentious and debated people to leave main encamp- County Sheriff Paul Laney said The group Veterans Stand for clashes between protesters and ment, which is on federal land in in the release after a conversa- Standing Rock will meet in Can- law enforcement. southern North Dakota, by today. tion between law enforcement non Ball, about a mile south of the “People are fighting for But demonstrators say they’re and the organisers with Veter- Oceti Sakowin, or Seven Council something, and I thought they prepared to stay, and state and ans Stand for Standing Rock, Protestors continue to demonstrate against plans to pass the Fires, camp. Already, a few hun- could use my help,” said the local authorities say they won’t “and the answer is yes! We want dred of them have arrived in camp 29-year-old from Massachusetts, forcibly remove the protesters. this to de-escalate.” Dakota Access pipeline near Cannon Ball. 20 HOME MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016

PRAYER TIMINGS

FAJR 04.44 am Qatari students complete WCM-Q scholarships in US SHOROOK 06.05 am The Peninsula ZUHR 11.24 am MAGHRIB 04.46 pm ASR 02.25 pm ISHA 06.16 pm atari high school students who won summer scholar- ships to study in New York WEATHER TODAY in WCM-Q’s Healing Hands Qessay competition returned o o to the college to speak about their experiences. Back in May, four high 23 C 30 C school students were judged to have Minimum Maximum written the best essays out of a large number of submissions and were awarded the fully-funded, two-week Doctors of the Future Scholarships to study at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and Cornell University at Ith- aca, upstate New York. This year’s winners were Aljohara Salem Al Marri (Al Eman Independent The winners of Healing Hands competition with Dr Marco Ameduri (left), Dr. Javaid Sheikh and Dr. Rachid School for Girls), Fatima Mohammed Al Naimi (International School of Lon- Bendriss (right). don-Qatar), Jassim Ahmed Al Mansoori (The English Modern School) and at Ithaca, the students attended lec- most interesting thing for me was Ameduri, Associate Dean for Pre-med- ImanehQaedi (Al Eman Independent tures on a wide range of subjects and going on rounds in the clinic, getting ical Education, Dr Rachid Bendriss, School for Girls). Having completed enjoyed experiential learning sessions to talk with patients and having the Assistant Dean for Student Recruit- their summer scholarships, Jassim, such as visits to Cornell’s veterinary doctors explain the different cases to ment, Outreach and Foundation Aljohara and Imaneh returned to hospital and to real, working us. They showed us CT scans and Programs, Noha Saleh, Director for WCM-Q to give reports about their laboratories. explained the differences between Student Recruitment and Outreach, experiences. The Doctors of the Future The students then travelled to Weill healthy and abnormal physiology, so and Dr Krystyna Golkowska, Associ- Scholarship was launched in 2008 and Cornell Medicine-New York where we got a real insight into what it’s like ate Professor of English. is organised by WCM-Q’s Student they spent a week in the labs of Randi to be a practicing doctor. “I have Dr Golkowska said, “We were Recruitment and Outreach office, part Silver, Associate Dean of the Weill always wanted to study medicine and extremely impressed by the aptitude of the Division of Pre-medical Educa- Cornell Graduate School of Medical become a doctor - the scholarship and enthusiasm of the students. They Expected strong wind at places. Hazy to misty at places at first, be- tion, with the aim of giving promising Sciences and Professor Of Physiology experience has helped show me the worked extremely hard, were open to comes mild daytime with slight dust Qatari high school students the chance And Biophysics, and Stefan Worgall, way. I’m so glad I had this chance. ” every new experience, and always had to blowing dust at times, relatively to explore the possibilities of a career Distinguished Professor Of Pediatric Jassim said: “I enjoyed the experience smiles on their faces. We were also cold by night. in medicine. Pulmonology And Chief Of The so much, especially the lectures, which very pleased that the students were HIGH TIDE 08:45 - 20:00 LOW TIDE 00:30 - 16:45 This year’s programme was the Division Of Pediatric Pulmonology, were really interesting. Since I got back enriched by the newly created visit to first to feature a week in Ithaca; pre- Allergy And Immunology. At the end I have been inspired to read and learn Ithaca and we have plans to continue Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department viously, students spent the full two of the week, the students presented as much as I can about a wide range this next year.” Dr. Sheikh said: “They weeks at Weill Cornell Medicine-New their results to the lab teams. While in of subjects, from DNA and how it were excellent ambassadors for their LATEST NEWS York. Dr. Krystyna Golkowska, WCM- New York the students also toured replicates through to theories about high schools, for WCM-Q and for Qatar. UPDATE Q’s Associate Professor of English, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell addiction. The whole experience was We hope that they will continue their designed the new Ithaca program to Medical Center, one the best academic very intellectually stimulating.” journeys as scholars of science and we give the students an idea of what it is medical centers in the United States. Each of the students was presented welcome them to apply to study here www.thepeninsulaqatar.com like to study for an undergraduate Imaneh said the scholarship had with a certificate of participation at a with us at WCM-Q so that they can degree and to acquaint them with Cor- been “truly inspirational.” “It was a ceremony attended by Dr Javaid become physician-scientists able to nell as an institution. During their stay really great experience,” she said. “The Sheikh, Dean of WCM-Q, Dr Marco serve their community.”