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Saturday 23 March 2019 | 16 Rajab 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 7839 | 2 Riyals

The big Ooredoo Your home internet will now be Supernet boost up to 5x faster for FREE! Terms & conditions apply OIC meet: Qatar condemns NZ Rwandan President meets Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs terror attack, Islamophobia Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, said that the time has come for the OIC to play its pivotal role in con- fronting the manifestations of Islamophobia and the rejection of terrorism and religious fanaticism.

QNA ISTANBUL

The State of Qatar condemned yesterday the vicious terrorist crime that targeted worshipers in the mosques of New Zealand, stressing its strong and firm stance against terrorism in all its forms regardless of its motives and reasons, considering it an act contrary to human nature and all President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame met yesterday with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of moral values. Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, during the official visit of His Excellency to Rwanda. This came in the speech by The Deputy PM conveyed the greetings of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the President of the Minister of State for Foreign Republic of Rwanda, and the wishes of His Highness for further progress and prosperity to the Rwandan people. Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al The Rwandan President entrusted the Deputy PM to convey his greetings to the Amir, wishing His Highness health Muraikhi, during the opening and happiness and the people of Qatar further progress, development, and prosperity. `P2 session of the emergency meeting of the OIC Executive Committee. The State of Qatar expressed its deep concern regarding the rise Qatar: Golan Heights an occupied of extremist ideologies that fuel hatred and religious and ethnic intolerance around the world. It Arab land and belongs to Syria expressed concern particularly on the spread of Islamophobia, com- QNA & AGENCIES of 1981 and will not change the fact beyond, President Donald Trump’s bined with the ideology of racial DOHA that the land belongs to an Arab abrupt declaration that Washington Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin superiority and racial extremism country and is under occupation, will recognise Israel’s sovereignty currently present in many of the Saad Al Muraikhi, speaking at the opening session The State of Qatar stressed yesterday pointing out that Israel’s imposition over the Israeli-occupied Golan societies, which in turn increased of the Emergency Meeting of the OIC Executive its position that Golan Heights is an of its laws, jurisdiction and adminis- Heights drew strong condemnation hate crimes against all those who Committee, in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. occupied Arab land, and strongly tration on Golan is void and without yesterday. embrace Islam and led to the cre- rejected any attempts to undermine any legal effect. Israel unilaterally annexed the ation of a wave of hostility against international resolutions which The statement also said that Golan Heights in 1981. The UN those who advocate and defend the causes and to find ways to enact international laws confirm that Golan belongs to Syria Israeli occupation must abide by the Security Council resolution 497, of Muslims. to combat these phenomena effectively and and is occupied by Israel. UN resolutions and withdraw from all issued after the annexation, refers to The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs seriously. He stressed on the importance The Ministry of Foreign Affairs occupied Arab land, including Golan Israel as “the occupying power” and pointed out that these and other phe- of dialogue among civilizations and pro- said in a statement that Qatar stresses Heights. The statement also stressed says Israel’s attempt to “impose its nomena constitute a violation of human moting a culture of tolerance and moder- that aiding Israeli occupation that any unilateral measures recog- laws, jurisdiction and administration rights and require members of the OIC to ation among all religions, cultures and soci- undermine international resolutions nising Israel’s sovereignty over the area in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights not only condemn the acts, but also to eties as one of the most important tools in related to occupied Golan Heights, represents a huge obstacle to peace. is null and void and without interna- counter the hate speech against Muslims fighting racism. `P2 particularly UN Resolution No. 497 From Syria to Turkey and tional legal effect.” `P4 Technicians can now apply for driving licence

BY SIDI MOHAMED and it is correct. But, the school General Directorate of THE PENINSULA has yet not received any official Traffic had said that the ban on letter in this regard from the some job categories to get The General Directorate of General Directorate of Traffic. licence was a temporary Traffic has announced that the The existence of a police section measure and would be lifted profession of technician is now at every driving school may be once infrastructure projects eligible to apply for Qatar the resaon behind non sending were completed. Driving licence. of an official letter.” Major General Muhammad “We have announced that “Until now, our school has Saad Al Kharji, Director of the profession of technician is eligible received one applicant from the General Directorate of Traffic, in and allowed to apply for a driving same profession and we have an earlier interview said that licence but the new relaxation is allowed him to apply,” he added. once the construction of roads only for this profession specific,” Another driving school are completed, the banned pro- a senior official from the General director said that the school had fessions will be allowed to apply Directorate of Traffic told The received information from the for driving licences. The job cat- Peninsula when asked about the General Directorate of Traffic that egories that are still barred from new relaxation in rules. the profession of technician was securing a driving licence include Al Wakrah Stadium pitch laid in record time The driving schools said that now eligible to apply for driving grocer, newspaper vendor, they had been informed about it school. In the end of 2017, some barber, servant, cosmetologist, A view of the newly-laid pitch at Al Wakrah Stadium, one of the landmark venues which will host but not received any official job categories had been declared security guard, porter, shepherd, matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The pitch was laid in a world record time of just letter. Mohamed Al Zain Ibrahim, ineligible for light-vehicle licences. butcher, tailor, goldsmith, agri- 9 hours and 15 minutes. The previous record was also held by Qatar, when Aspire Zone Foundation Executive Manager, Gulf Driving This was done as part of a national cultural worker, decoration tech- and Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy completed the pitch-laying process at the Khalifa School, said: “This news was in strategy to address traffic nician, mining technician, beau- International Stadium in 13.30 hours. circulation for the last few days congestion. tician and mechanic etc.

PAKISTAN NATIONAL DAY QPO to perform Beethoven’s Violin Concerto tonight March 23, 2019 RAYNALD C RIVERA At the heart of the concert his mastery of the distinctive One of the foremost figures 1939. A musical genre dating THE PENINSULA is Beethoven’s Violin Concerto formal and dramatic forces of the in music history, Beethoven had back to 18th century, diverti- Dr. Arif Alvi Imran Khan President Prime Minister in D Major written during the concerto form. been a tremendous influence mento is a lighthearted com- Message from the Ambassador of Pakistan

n the auspicious occasion of the National Day of Pakistan, I wish to extend my heartfelt felicita- tions to our Pakistani brothers and sisters residing Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra is most fecund phases of his Another Beethoven across all genres of Western position for a smaller music in the State of Qatar, and to the friends of Pakistan in the State of Qatar. Seventy-nine years ago on this auspicious Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during the latter’s visit to Qatar in January. Oday in 1940, the Muslims of the Sub-Continent, under the dynamic all set for tonight’s concert at creativity. favourite, Symphony No. 1 in C music extending for a long ensemble meant as a sort of Katara Opera House featuring Music lovers will enjoy this Major will also be performed period of the 19th century. entertainment for the Special pages on compositions by Ludwig van masterpiece which represents tonight. In four movements, this Also in tonight’s concert rep- audience. Bartok was con- Pakistan’s National Day Beethoven, widely considered as one of the crowning achieve- very first symphony written by ertoire is Bela Bartok’s Diver- sidered as one of the most the greatest composer who ever ments of Beethoven’s exploration the young Beethoven marks timento for String Orchestra important composers of the inside today’s edition lived. of the concerto demonstrating marked a new era in music. written in three movements in 20th century . `P3 02 HOME SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019

OFFICIAL NEWS Qatar, Rwanda review boosting relations Winners of 4th FameLab competition announced Amir condoles THE PENINSULA with Iraqi DOHA

President For the fourth consecutive year, FameLab, one of the biggest science communication compe- Doha: Amir H H Sheikh titions in the world, took place in Qatar. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani FameLab was initiated by Cheltenham held via telephone a conver- Science Festivals in the UK, and brought to sation with the President of Qatar by the British Council in partnership with the Republic of Iraq, Dr Qatar National Research Fund , a member of Barham Salih, expressing Qatar Foundation and supported by the Min- condolences on the victims istry of Education and Higher Education. of a ferry that sank in the Nearly 300 people took part in this year’s Tigris river in Mosul, wishing FameLab competition. The first three places the injured a speedy from the student category were won respec- recovery. tively by Abdulla Al Nasr from Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School, Abdulla Al Aljanahi from Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School and Ahmed Adel Abdul MME opens Hafez from Ahmed bin Hanbal Independent School. Aya Aboulazm from the Pharmacy ‘fish section’ at College won the first place in the adult cat- The Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, Edouard Ngirente, met yesterday with the Deputy Prime Minister and egory and will represent Qatar at the interna- Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, during his official visit to Rwanda. They tional finals at Cheltenham Science Festival in Al Shahaniya the United Kingdom. Dana Al Khalifa, college discussed bilateral relations and means of boosting them, as well as matters of mutual interest. H E the Deputy Prime of Pharmacy from Qatar University, Medical Minister also met with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Richard Sezibera; Rwanda’s Minister of Information, farmers’ market Chemistry won second place in the finals. Communications Technology and Innovation, Paula Ingabire; Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Claver Gatete; and a Aya Aboulazm, said, “My dream is not to number of officials, during his visit. THE PENINSULA change the world, I just want to become the DOHA most inspired version of my own self.”

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), represented by the Fish Wealth Department, opened Qatar to mark World Tuberculosis Day yesterday a ‘fish section’ at Al Shahaniya farmers’ market, QNA (UN) high-level meeting on as early detection with the Ministry of Public Health in to accelerate the progress on which offers fresh vegetables DOHA ending tuberculosis in New York highest quality standards for cooperation with Hamad Medical ending tuberculosis. from Thursday to Saturday in September 2018, in which these services, which includes Cooperation and Primary Health The tuberculosis is the from 7am to 5pm. The State of Qatar participates Qatar participated actively. The screening services for all appli- Care Corporation, along with all world’s leading killer of infec- The opening ceremony in the marking of World Tuber- elimination of tuberculosis is cants in Qatar, as well as the pro- sectors of the state, the private tious diseases, with WHO was attended by Abdulaziz culosis Day, which falls on March among the priorities of Qatar’s vision of medicines, totally free sector and civil society, have reporting that every day 4,500 Mohammed Al Dehaimi, 24 each year. public health strategy in line with for all patients. The anti-tuber- contributed to maintaining very people die from the disease, and Director of Fish Wealth The theme of this year’s the UN sustainable development culosis drugs are given under low levels of tuberculosis in 30,000 people infected every Department at the Ministry. World Tuberculosis Day is “It’s goals, which aim to eradicate direct medical supervision in all Qatar. day, despite significant progress According to the infor- Time” which was taken by the tuberculosis by 2030. cases, in addition to raising Furthermore, Qatar partici- over the past two decades in mation provided by the offi- World Health Organization The efforts of the Ministry of awareness of tuberculosis and pated in the successful minis- fighting this diseases. cials associated with the (WHO) and the world to speed Public Health are based on prevention methods among cit- terial conference on ending The emergence of multi- matter, the fish section is pre- progress in ending tuberculosis raising the awareness of tuber- izens and residents through lec- tuberculosis in Moscow in drug-resistant tuberculosis poses pared to accommodate a and meeting the promises made culosis and providing compre- tures, meetings, distribution of November 2017. The ministers a major threat to global health number of outlets so the fish- by world leaders in the Political hensive coverage of treatment publications in different lan- and leaders from 120 countries security and may jeopardize ermen can display their Declaration of the United Nations and preventive services as well guages. The efforts of the pledged high-level commitments gains in tuberculosis control. products. The facility is equipped with the necessary things like refrigerators, sep- arate area for cleaning fish and veterinary doctors to check the fish offered for sale etc. The agricultural strategy of Qatar aims at increasing local products like as vege- tables, dates, red meat, poultry, eggs, fish, milk and green fodder, taking into con- sideration the preservation of the natural resources in the country and work to make good use of them. As per an available report, farmers’ markets have achieved record sales as they offer fresh local products such as vegetables, fish, birds, municipal eggs, dairy and live- stock on competitive prices to The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi with other leaders during a session of the emergency eetingm of the OIC Executive Committee. consumers. According the officials concerned, the idea of farmers’ markets is to support Erdogan meets Al Muraikhi at OIC Executive Committee farmers and fishers by reducing their marketing QNA met yesterday with the Minister Committee held in Istanbul. Turkey, and the wishes of His convey his greetings to H H the costs, stimulating local pro- ISTANBUL of State for Foreign Affairs, H E H E the Minister conveyed Highness for further progress Amir, wishing His Highness duction, and encouraging Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, on the greetings of Amir H H Sheikh and prosperity to the Turkish health and happiness and the small or non-productive farms The President of the Republic of the sidelines of the Emergency Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to people. For his part, Erdogan people of Qatar further progress, to turn into productive Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Meeting of the OIC Executive the President of the Republic of entrusted H E the Minister to development, and prosperity. Qatar condemns NZ terror attack, Qatar discusses counter-terrorism efforts at Tampa meet Islamophobia at OIC meeting

FROM PAGE 1 measures taken to protect Muslim com- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, munities in the country. He called for H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, noted holding accountable those responsible that the time has come for the OIC to for the crime and for providing nec- play its pivotal role in confronting the essary protection for mosques and manifestations of Islamophobia and the other religious centres. He worked to rejection of terrorism and religious tackle the phenomenon of Islamo- fanaticism. He urged the Secretariat to phobia and to spread a culture of tol- update the work team formed by the erance and moderation in its coordinating committee for Islamic societies. action, which is charged with moni- He concluded his speech by reiter- toring the implications of Islamophobia. ating Qatar’s commitment to the He also called for activating the organ- support of all the OIC’s efforts in pro- ization’s observatory for Islamophobia moting a culture of peace and peaceful and the voice of wisdom center to con- coexistence guaranteed by the Islamic front this phenomenon. religion. The Minister of Foreign Affairs The Minister of State for Foreign of Turkey, Mavlut Cavusoglu, attended Affairs thanked the Government of the the opening of the meeting, which Pres- The Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces, H E Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem, took part in Republic of Turkey for its request to ident of the Republic of Turkey Recep the meeting of Central Command, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, Jordan and Egypt, in the city of Tampa, Florida, at hold this emergency meeting to discuss Tayyip Erdogan gave a speech at. The the invitation of Commander of US Central Command, General Joseph Votel. The meeting discussed the counter-terrorism the recent terrorist attacks on two meeting saw a wide participation from efforts. H E the Chief of Staff also held a meeting with the General Votel, to discuss the close military ties between the mosques in Christchurch. His Excel- delegations of OIC member states. New two countries and means to further boost and promote them. On the other hand, H E Lieutenant General Ghanem bin lency declared the State of Qatar’s full Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Shaheen Al Ghanem visited Boeing Company, the manufacturer of F-15 aircraft for the Qatari Amiri Air Force in St. Louis, solidarity with the Government and Foreign Minister also attended the USA where he met with President of Boeing Military Aircraft, Shelly Lavender. people of New Zealand, and praised the meeting. SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019 HOME 03 Qatar to open seven visa centres in India Qatar condoles with New Zealand

QNA The Director of the Visa Support Services employers and employees DOHA Department at the Ministry of Interior, Major complete proceedings easily,” Abdullah Khalifa Al Mohannadi, said that the Al Mohannadi stated. The State of Qatar will open Al Mohannadi explained seven visa centres in India as QVCs will be opened in the cities of Delhi, that the recruitment proce- part of its ‘Qatar Visa Centers Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Lucknow, dures available at QVCs are to (QVCs) Abroad Programme’, and Kolkata. capture fingerprints for expa- which was launched last year triates, register vital data, targeting eight labour- conduct medical examinations, exporting countries. “The QVCs will ease incon- transferred from the State of and sign the employment con- During a seminar for the veniences faced by expatriates Qatar to the expatriate coun- tract through a more trans- officials of various companies from India, simplify the pro- tries to facilitate the proce- parent and responsible about QVCs, the Director of the ceedings and ensure the pro- dures, he explained. recruitment system. Visa Support Services tection of their rights,” Al He explained that all Mohamed Al Meer, labor Department at the Ministry of Mohannadi said. recruitment fees are paid by the consultant at the Ministry of Interior, Major Abdullah Khalifa Al Mohannadi added that employer in the State of Qatar Administrative Development, Al Mohannadi, said that the QVCs will cover eight countries to allow the expatriate to com- Labor and Social Affairs, QVCs will be opened in the through the establishment of plete his recruitment proce- stressed that the establishment cities of Delhi, Mumbai, 20 service centres, in Sri Lanka, dures inside the QVCs abroad. of QVCs in India comes to facil- Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philip- Al Mohannadi pointed out itate the completion of proce- Lucknow, and Kolkata. pines, Tunisia, Pakistan, India, that the project is implemented dures for bringing in expa- The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al He pointed out that India is and Bangladesh. in cooperation between the triates in their country of origin. Mahmoud, arrived yesterday in Christchurch, New Zealand, to convey the fourth country, where QVCs He stressed that all the Ministry of the Interior, the He emphasised that these the condolences of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the have been established fol- steps to apply for recruitment Ministry of Administrative centres operate with a precise people of Qatar on the victims of the terrorist attack on two mosques in lowing the opening of centres through the QVCs are available Development, Labour and electronic system to complete the city. H E the Shura Council Speaker and his accompanying delegation in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and on the Ministry of Interior Social Affairs, the Ministry of all recruitment procedures with were welcomed at Christchurch International Airport by the Minister Pakistan, which proved to be a website and Metrash 2 service. Public Health and the Ministry ease, pointing out the impor- of Defence of New Zealand, Ron Mark, and the Ambassador of Qatar great success in providing The recruitment procedures are of Foreign Affairs. tance of these centres in guar- to New Zealand, Saad bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud. services more distinct, sim- the same as the previous pro- “An integrated recruitment anteeing the rights of both plified and advanced. cedures, but have been system with QVC will help both expatriates and applicants. QPO to perform Beethoven’s Msheireb Museums hosts photo expo THE PENINSULA participated in the month-long he concluded. Qatar Photo- DOHA workshop. graphic Society is a non-profit Violin Concerto tonight Abdulla Al Naama, Public organisation that aims to support A photography exhibition hosted Programs Manager, said: “We photographers in Qatar, provide FROM PAGE 1 by Msheireb Museums in collab- pride ourselves in being a social them with guidance, promote Bartok was also a pianist, educator and a pio- oration with Qatar Photographic history museum. We observe, their work, enhance their skills, neering ethnomusicologist hailed as one of the Society opened on Wednesday document and encourage social and raise their awareness on great architects of musical history whose style is at Mohammed Bin Jassim House, development. In that sense, we how to protect it and showcase characterised by a nationalistic inspiration paral- one of the four revived historic are always happy to support it. The management of the leled by the constant pursuit for new inspiration heritage houses in the heart of national community initiatives society takes it upon their and experimentation. Msheireb Downtown Doha. that enrich cultural dialogue.” shoulder to offer workshops and Acclaimed German violinist Kolja Blacher (pic- Titled “Reflections from “Collaborating with the photography courses for its tured) will conduct the concert as well as perform. Msheireb,” this community-led Qatar Photographic Society to members. Blacher studied at the Juilliard School of Music and exhibition highlights the amazing conduct these workshops and Abdulrahman Obaidan has performed as a soloist all over the world, with results of a series of photography host an exhibit of the partici- Fakhro, Vice-President, said: orchestras such as Berlin Philharmonic, Munich workshops conducted in pants’ work is our way of nur- “We wholeheartedly thank Philharmonic, NDR Symphony and Gewandhaus Msheireb Museums earlier. turing local talent. We invite eve- Msheireb Museums for their Leipzig. His programmatic spectrum comprises National Convention Center Auditorium 3 featuring The exhibition unveils ryone to keep an eye on our cal- support. We have a shared vision works for solo violin from Bach to Berio, the clas- compositions by Beethoven, Johannes Brahms and Msheireb from the standpoint of endar of events and activities, as and we do look forward for sical-romantic core repertoire, and contemporary Robert Schumann. Under the baton of Karl-Heinz photographers who come from we will always have more and further collaborations, bringing music for violin and orchestra. Qatar Philhar- Steffens, the show will feature Oh Joo Young on different backgrounds and cul- more educational and exciting more culturally enriching monic’s next concert is slated on April 6 at the Qatar violin and Kirill Bogatyrev on cello. tures, and who have all activities suitable for all ages,” content to the people of Qatar.” 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019 Syria vows to recover Golan as Trump’s move draws criticism REUTERS Trump’s declaration what it has called Iran-backed BEIRUT is the latest US step targets in Syria, has demanded to fuel anger in the Russia keep forces allied to The Syrian government vowed Tehran away from the boundary. to take back the Israeli-occupied region, both in states The Syrian side was held by Golan Heights as its allies and that are hostile to rebel forces for years until pro- enemies alike condemned US Israel and others that government forces recovered it President Donald Trump have relations with it in July. yesterday for moving to Jason Greenblatt, a senior recognise Israeli sovereignty and are allied to the White House adviser, said over the territory seized in war. United States. “under any conceivable circum- Trump’s statement on stance, Israel could not give up Thursday marked a dramatic Syria, condemned the statement the Golan”. “To do so would shift in US policy over the status as illegal and unacceptable. endanger Israel’s very of a disputed area that Israel “The personal decisions of existence,” he wrote on Twitter. captured from Syria in the 1967 Trump...will lead to crisis in the In the Golan itself, Druze vil- Middle East conflict and annexed region,” Iran’s foreign ministry lager Sheikh Mahmoud Nazeeh, in 1981 - a move not recognized spokesman said. also rejected the move. internationally. Turkey, a US ally and an “Trump can make his state- Against this backdrop of hos- adversary of Damascus, also said ments and say he wants to make Palestinians flee from teargas during a protest east of Gaza City, yesterday. tility towards the US move, Sec- the move had brought the Middle the Golan part of Israel. But we retary of State Mike Pompeo East to the edge of a new crisis know this will stay Syrian land,” landed in Beirut yesterday after and the legitimisation of the the 70-year-old said. visiting Israel. He is expected to occupation of the Golan Heights The European Union said its Israeli army shoot dead two raise pressure on the gov- could not be allowed. The Syrian position on the status of the ernment to curb the influence of government said the Golan was Golan Heights was unchanged the Iran-backed Hezbollah. an “indivisible” part of Syrian and it did not recognise Israeli Trump’s declaration is the territory and recovering it “via sovereignty over the area. Palestinians on Gaza border latest US step to fuel anger in the all means guaranteed by inter- Germany said any change region, both in states that are national law is still a priority”. in borders should be “done AFP the head east of Gaza City, have been killed by Israeli fire hostile to Israel and others that It said United States with its through peaceful means GAZA CITY while the older man was hit in in Gaza since protests began on have relations with it and are “stupidity and arrogance” had between all those involved”, the chest near the Al Bureij March 30 2018. allied to the United States. no right to decide the fate of the while France said it did not rec- Two Palestinians were killed by refugee camp in central Gaza, Most have been killed during It follows the US recognition area and any move to recognise ognise the Israeli annexation of Israeli fire in renewed clashes Qudra said. He did not name protests, though others have in December 2017 of Jerusalem Israeli sovereignty over it was the Golan Heights and any rec- along the Gaza border yesterday, them but said at least 55 other died in airstrikes and by tank as Israel’s capital — a decision “an illegal action with no ognition was contrary to inter- the health ministry in the people were shot. fire. Two Israeli soldiers have that also drew international crit- impact”. After remaining calm national law. enclave said. The Israeli army did not been killed. icism as the city’s disputed status for decades since a 1974 armi- The Arab League, which sus- The clashes took place a comment on the deaths but said The often violent protests are remains at the heart of the stice monitored by UN peace- pended Syria in 2011 after the week before the first anniversary “approximately 9,500 rioters demanding Palestinian refugees Israeli-Palestinian conflict. keepers, Golan re-emerged as a start of its civil war, said Trump of the weekly protests, when and demonstrators” gathered in and their descendants be Russia, an ally of President flashpoint for regional tensions had paved “the way for official organisers have pledged larger various locations, “hurling allowed to return to former Bashar Al Assad with forces in during the Syrian war. Last May, American recognition” of Israeli than usual demonstrations. explosive devices, hard objects homes now inside Israel. Syria, said Trump’s comments Israel accused Iran’s Revolu- sovereignty over the Golan and Ministry spokesman Ashraf and rocks” at troops. Israeli officials say that risked seriously destabilising the tionary Guards of launching a called this “completely beyond Al Qudra, said the two men, aged Troops were “firing in amounts to calling for the Jewish region, and it voiced hope the rocket salvo into its territory from international law”. Egypt, which 18 and 29, were shot in separate accordance with standard oper- state’s destruction, and accuse statement was just declaratory. the Syrian side of the truce line. made peace with Israel in 1979, incidents along the fractious ating procedures,” a spokes- Hamas, the Islamist movement Iran, Assad’s main regional Israel, which has mounted said it still considers the Golan border. woman said. that runs the Gaza Strip, of ally and which also has forces in numerous air strikes against as occupied Syrian territory. The teenager was shot in At least 257 Palestinians orchestrating the protests. Trump: IS ‘100 percent’ UN rights body calls for halt to Israeli expansion in Golan defeated in Syria REUTERS brought by Pakistan on behalf of the support Israel inside this Council and 1981 — a move not recognised inter- AFP/WEST PALM BEACH, UNITED STATES GENEVA Organization of the Islamic Con- outside,” Syria’s ambassador to the nationally. The resolution called on ference (OIC), with 26 states in favour, United Nations in Geneva, Hussam Israel to stop building settlements, to US President Donald Trump said yesterday The UN Human Rights Council 16 against and 5 abstentions. Edin Aala, told the talks. stop imposing Israeli citizenship and that the Islamic State group has been “100 yesterday criticised Israeli settlement European members including “The United States is justifying Israeli identity cards on Syrian cit- percent” defeated in Syria. Trump made the expansion in the occupied Syrian Britain voted against it. The United the practices by the Israeli occupation izens in the Golan, and to cease comment as he showed reporters maps of the Golan Heights a day after US Pres- States, which quit the Council last year and ignoring Security Council reso- repressive measures. region -- one showing the large areas once ident Donald Trump’s decision to accusing it of an anti-Israel bias, does lutions,” he said. “The occupied Syrian Israel’s ambassador Aviva Raz held by the group and a second that showed recognise Israeli sovereignty over the not participate. Golan was and shall remain Arab and Shechter rejected the resolution, the situation yesterday with no presence. disputed territory. “Voting for such a resolution Syrian.” Israel captured the Golan among five condemning it yesterday, “There’s ISIS, and that’s what he have right The UN rights forum adopted an should send a clear message... to the Heights from Syria in the 1967 Middle including one on its killing of Pales- now,” he said, pointing at the two maps. annual resolution on the Syrian Golan, occupying power and to all who East conflict and annexed the area in tinian protesters in Gaza. Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said “the terri- torial caliphate has been eliminated in Syria.” The White House declaration came after days of bombing and other attacks by Kurdish- Hezbollah has popular support, led forces to clear the final tiny pockets of resistance by Islamic State fighters in the village Lebanon’s Aoun tells Pompeo of Baghouz, where they made a last stand. AGENCIES by US sanctions but holds three BEIRUT cabinet posts in Lebanon. Pompeo Mozambique toll reaches flew in from Israel a day after he Lebanese President Michel Aoun became the first high-ranking 300 as rescue continues told visiting US Secretary of State American official to visit the Mike Pompeo yesterday that the Western Wall in annexed east Jeru- BLOOMBERG/ GUARA GUARA, MOZAMBIQUE Iran-backed Hezbollah salem with an Israeli prime movement was a Lebanese party minister. The death toll from Mozambique’s worst with popular support, the “Lebanon and the Lebanese flooding in almost two decades climbed to 293, Lebanese presidency said. people face a choice: bravely as the government asked for international “Preserving national unity move forward as an independent assistance a week after Cyclone Idai struck and civil peace is a priority for and proud nation or allow the the southern African nation. us,” Aoun told Pompeo, the pres- dark ambitions of Iran and Hez- At least 139 others have died in neighboring idency said on its Twitter feed. The bollah to dictate your future,” he Zimbabwe after the storm tore through the United States views the heavily said during a joint news con- two southern African nations a week ago, armed Hezbollah as a terrorist ference with his Lebanese coun- according to the official count. group. Pompeo urged Lebanon to terpart. “The US will continue to Floodwaters continued to linger over hun- pick a side as he visited the country use all peaceful means, every- dreds of square kilometers of central Mozam- on a regional tour to build a united thing at our disposal to choke off bique, as rescuers used helicopters and boats front against Iran. the financing, the smuggling the to save people stranded in trees and on He especially expressed criminal network and the misuse rooftops. Almost 90,000 people have been concern over the role of Hez- of government positions and saved, the National Institute of Disaster Man- bollah movement that is targeted influence,” by Hezbollah, he said. agement said in a statement. US hits Iran with new sanctions AP to work in Iran’s defense sector and foreign businesses and individuals and WASHINGTON form a core of experts who could can include fines, loss of presence in reconstitute that program. Fourteen the American economy, asset freezes The Trump administration hit Iran with people, including the head of the and travel bans. Officials said the threat new sanctions yesterday while organization, and 17 subsidiary oper- of such sanctions will significantly limit Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was ations are covered by the sanctions. the ability of those designated to travel denouncing Iran’s growing influence The sanctions freeze any assets that outside of Iran, participate in research on a visit to Lebanon. those targeted may have in US jurisdic- conferences or be hired for other jobs. The Treasury Department said the tions and bar Americans from any trans- “Individuals working for Iran’s pro- sanctions target 31 Iranian scientists, actions with them. But, officials say the liferation-related programs - including technicians and companies affiliated move will also make those targeted “radi- scientists, procurement agents, and with Iran’s Organization for Defense oactive internationally” by making technical experts - should be aware of Innovation and Research, which had people of any nationality who do business the reputational and financial risk they been at the forefront of the country’s with them subject to U.S. penalties under expose themselves to by working for former nuclear weapons program. so-called secondary sanctions. Iran’s nuclear program,” the State Officials said those targeted continue U.S. secondary sanctions apply to Department said in a statement. SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019 ASIA 05 Congress struggles to build alliance, giving Modi an edge

REUTERS split that would make it easier Voting begins on April “BSP once again wants to to save the constitution, if we are Congress suffered its worst NEW DELHI for Modi’s Hindu nationalist 11 and will be spread make it very clear that in Uttar not together, we will lose,” said showing in the 2014 election Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to over several phases Pradesh and in the country as a Manoj Jha, leader of the Rash- when Modi stormed to power India’s Congress party is struggling come out on top. until May 19 to cover whole we are not in any form of triya Janata Dal, a party that has with a commanding majority. to forge an opposition alliance to Officials in regional parties alliance or agreement with Con- helped put together the alliance. And opinion polls show that fight a looming election having and analysts said Gandhi’s the country involving gress,” Mayawati said. In January, 23 regional while the BJP has lost ground been rebuffed in the biggest state, strategy has been undermined more than 900 million A BSP official said that Con- groups had held a rally in the since then, it is still the front- Uttar Pradesh, regional party offi- by Congress leaders’ unwill- voters, and the gress had wanted to run in far eastern city of Kolkata vowing a runner in the coming election. cials say, improving Prime Min- ingness to compromise or play count will be made too many seats rather than give common platform to fight against Political commentators said ister Narendra Modi’s chances of second fiddle to regional politi- way to regional parties even Modi, blaming him for creating failure to stitch together an a second term. cians, some of whom have on May 23. though its victory was not a climate of fear among India’s opposition alliance would help Voting begins on April 11 and vaulting ambitions. assured in those seats. minority Muslims. Gandhi also Modi’s BJP win a second term to will be spread over several Mayawati, the powerful bank in the state, has struck a Gandhi had more success promised his support. pursue a Hindu-first agenda that phases until May 19 to cover the leader of a party championing deal to put up joint candidates alliance building in the large Some Congress leaders have undermines the secular founda- country involving more than 900 the cause of the lowest in the with another regional party rep- eastern state of Bihar. Congress argued that the grand old party tions of India’s constitution. million voters, and the count will Hindu caste hierarchy in the bat- resenting Muslims as well as has agreed to run in nine seats that led India for most of the first “The 2019 battle is not to save be made on May 23. tleground state of Uttar Pradesh, other lower Hindu castes, she out of the 40 at stake in the state, five decades since independence Gandhi family or Congress party, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said earlier this week that she said in a tweet, predicting her leaving 20 to the regional ally in 1947 needs to stand alone for the battle is to save India and its has been seeking an grand won’t tie up with Congress. alliance would win a majority of and the rest to be allotted among its long term revival, rather than future,” said Shahid Siddique, alliance with smaller regional Her Bahujan Samaj Party, the parliamentary seats in Uttar still smaller parties. depend on regional partners’ editor of Nai Dunya, a Urdu lan- parties for months to prevent a which possesses a large vote Pradesh. “In Bihar, this is an alliance support. guage weekly newspaper. Report details ‘payoffs’ Gautam Gambhir joins Modi’s party to BJP leaders, judges REUTERS / NEW DELHI

IANS and the Transport Minister Nitin Former Indian cricketer Gautam NEW DELHI Gadkari Rs150 crore each; that Gambhir joined Prime Minister he gave the home minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party Former Karnataka Chief Min- Rajnath Singh Rs100 crore; and yesterday, leaving a panel to ister B S Yeddyurappa made that he paid the BJP stalwart LK decide whether to field him as a payouts of Rs1,800 crore to Advani and the senior party candidate in the cricket-crazy senior leaders of the Bharatiya leader Murli Manohar Joshi Rs country’s upcoming general Janata Party (BJP), judges and 50 crore each,” reads the report. election. With 9 million fol- lawyers, claimed The Caravan “Besides this, the entry lowers on Twitter, Gambhir in its report yesterday, further notes, Yeddyurappa paid Rs10 could give Modi’s BJP some adding that the government did crore for “Gadkari’s son’s mar- extra pulling-power in the cam- not act, though being aware of riage.” The diary entries also paign for an election which will the matter since 2017. state that Yeddyurappa paid run from April 11 till May 23. The report, which later in Rs250 crore to “judges” and the day drew an unusually long Rs50 crore to “Advocates (fee JeM terrorist response from the Central Board paid for cases),” but does not of Direct Taxes, said, according mention any names.” Sajjad Khan held to documents accessed by it, The entries regarding pay- “the income-tax department is ments to the BJP leaders, judges IANS / NEW DELHI in possession of copies of diary and advocates were written 12-year-old boy among six dead in Kashmir clashes entries in the handwriting of the against rows dated 17 January Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) ter- Kashmiri villagers look at the remains of a house destroyed during a gun battle between militants prominent BJP leader and the 2009, while the entry regarding rorist Sajjad Khan, said to be a and Indian government forces at Hajin area, in Bandipora district of Kashmir, yesterday. A 12-year- former chief minister of Kar- the BJP central committee was close associate of Pulwama nataka, BS Yeddyurappa that note written against rows dated 18 old boy was among six people killed in three separate gun battles between rebels and security forces suicide attack mastermind payoffs amounting to over January 2009, said the report, in Kashmir, the police and army said. Mudassir Ahmed Khan, was Rs1,800 crore to the BJP’s national adding it was unclear whether arrested near the Red Fort leaders, its central committee, and the entries were made on these while disguised as a shawl judges and advocates.” dates or written in the diary on trader, police said yesterday. The report claimed, “Yeddy- a later date. The Caravan says Following a tip off, Khan was urappa recorded these alleged that each copy of the pages JKLF banned for promoting terror, secessionism caught on Thursday night, the payouts in a Karnataka state accessed by it had Yeddy- officer said, adding that he was assembly legislator’s 2009 diary, urappa’s signature. IANS unlawful association under the for the murder of four Indian Air in close contact with Ahmed in Kannada, in his own hand.” The report said that the IT NEW DELHI Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Force personnel and the Khan, who was eliminated by the Yeddyurappa was chief minister department and the BJP gov- Act. Malik is presently detained abduction of Rubaiya Sayeed, Indian Army earlier this month. in Karnataka from May 2008 to ernment at the centre have been The Indian government yes- in Kot Balwal Jail in Jammu. daughter of then Union Home A Delhi court sent Khan to NIA July 2011. The report is in some sitting on copies of Yeddyurappa’s terday outlawed the Jammu and The JKLF has spearheaded the Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed custody till March 29. ways a reminder to the Jain diary entries since August 2017. It Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) “separatist ideology in the who later became the Chief Min- Hawala diaries that had named said a senior IT official took the led by Muhammad Yasin Malik, (Kashmir) Valley and has been at ister of Jammu and Kashmir. Geelani booked senior BJP leader L K Advani. After copies to Jaitley, along with an alleging it was responsible for the forefront of separatist activ- “The organisation, along his name figured in the Jain unsigned cover note. promoting terrorism and seces- ities and violence since 1988”, side, is also responsible for illegal under FEMA hawala scam, Advani quit as MP, The Caravan said the diary sionism in the state. Gauba told the media here. funnelling of funds for fomenting deciding not to contest an election entries were made during a turf Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba “Yasin Malik was the mas- terrorism. JKFL is actively IANS / NEW DELHI till his name had been cleared. war between senior BJP leaders said that in pursuit of its strong termind behind the purging of involved in raising of funds and “The copies of the diary in the state and Yeddyurappa action against terrorism, the Kashmiri Pundits from the its distribution to Hurriyat cadres Hurriyat Conference leader pages note that Yeddyurappa when he had broken away from government had declared the Kashmir Valley and is respon- and stone-pelters to fuel unrest Syed Ali Geelani, who advo- paid the BJP Central Committee the BJP and formed the Karnataka JKLF (Yasin faction), which sup- sible for their genocide,” a Home in the Kashmir Valley as well as cates Jammu and Kashmir’s Rs1,000 crore; that he paid the Janata APaksha, according to a posedly advocates independence Ministry notification said. for subversive activities,” the merger with Pakistan, has been Finance Minister Arun Jaitley noting by the senior IT official. for Jammu and Kashmir, an The JKLF was also blamed notification said. booked under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) for illegally possessing Three rescued foreign exchange of $10,000, Jet pilots say mortgaging the Enforcement Directorate after three days said. Geelani had been fined Rs14.40 lakh following the con- under collapsed jewellery to stay afloat fiscation of the unaccounted foreign exchange from his Indian building IANS company by March 31 or we will premises in Jammu and Kashmir NEW DELHI/MUMBAI refrain from flying duties.” on Wednesday, the agency said. AFP A New Delhi-based pilot of NEW DELHI Beleaguered Jet Airways’ pilots the airline, who has already Child rescued said yesteday that they are suf- applied to other airlines for Indian emergency workers yes- fering from massive financial recruitment, said his financial from borewell terday rescued three people stress caused by non-payment position has become untenable trapped under the rubble of a of salaries for the last three since his children’s quarterly IANS / HISAR collapsed building for three days, months, which has even forced school fees are due in April. “I officials said as the death toll some to mortgage jewellery and am afraid I will not be able to After a 48-hour-long rescue rose to 17. take short-term loans. make the payment without operation, a one-and-a-half- Emergency workers were The pilots said even EMI mortgaging jewellery or my car,” year-old boy, who fell into a Indian rescuers carry a survivor recovered from the rubble of an searching for eight more people payments on car and home said the pilot who holds the rank 70-foot narrow borewell in under-construction building that collapsed three days earlier in after the five-storey building in loans might become difficult in of a co-commander. Haryana’s Hisar district, was southern Karnataka state caved Dharwad district of Karnataka, yesterday. the present circumstance. As per industry estimates, rescued yesterday. in on Tuesday, officials said. Pilots said that they along Jet’s total debt of Rs8,000 crore The child is safe and kept A video shared by M N Reddi, being trapped for more than 62 arrested — with manslaughter. with engineers and other highly in addition to payables such as under observation. His con- Karnataka’s emergency services hours. The man had no visible Heavy earth-movers and res- critical segment of employees vendors’ dues worth Rs15,000 dition is stable, an official chief, showed a man and his wife injuries and was hugged by the cuers with specialised have not been paid three-month crore. Additionally, the airline supervising the rescue oper- being pulled out of the rubble rescue team before he walked equipment and sniffer dogs were salaries from January 1 and that has also lost ground in terms of ation said. The rescue team had after remaining trapped for away from the debris and was deployed in the increasingly des- only 12.5 percent of December market shares, even as its pilots to dig a parallel well to create about 70 hours. taken to a nearby hospital. perate operation. pay has been given. and crew are said to be a passage to reach the child. While the woman was As many as 54 people have The victims were mostly “Nearly all of us have approaching other airlines for Rescuers in the Balsamand carried out on a stretcher, a been rescued alive by the team from northern Indian states who financial responsibilities. We employment. On March 20, village provided oxygen and food rescue worker lifted her husband of around 400 who have been had come to the region for work. fear that a sudden collapse of the around 260 of Jet’s pilots applied items in the borehole. Also, a on his back up the ladder out of scouring through tonnes of con- Building collapses are fre- airline might be imminent. We to join SpiceJet. Jet currently has night-vision camera was planted the debris amid claps and cheers. crete and steel. “Those rescued quent in India. Many firms use need our dues to paid by March 1,900 pilots on its rolls. to keep watch over the child. “Two more survivors — Dilip have been shifted to the hospital cheap materials and bribe officials 31 and a clear road map for our Recently, aviation regulator, Nadeem Khan, son of a road con- and his wife Sangeetha, rescued and five persons have been to evade regulations, while on-site company,” National Aviator’s the Directorate General of Civil struction worker, fell into the by our Fire Force rescuers just arrested in the matter,” emer- safety is lax. Many Indian cities Guild Vice President Captain Aviation (DGCA) said that Jet borewell on Wednesday. He is now! This takes the total rescued gency official Srikant, who goes have seen rapid growth in the last Asim Valiani said in Mumbai. Airways has only 41 aircraft in the youngest of five siblings. so far to 59. Kudos to the Rescue by one name, said. few decades with new buildings “We have decided that either its fleet for operations out of Earlier, an attempt was made to team!,” Reddi said in a tweet. Police have charged the often built without proper quality the management lets us know around 120 planes and that there pull the child out with the help Another man was rescued owner of the construction supervision, and the older ones about the progress of the reso- may be further attrition in the of a net. The hole was dug by a early yesterday morning after company — one of the five poorly maintained. lution plan and the future of the fleet size and flights ahead. villager to install a tubewell. 06 ASIA SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019

US President Imran hails stance of Erdogan, Mahathir on NZ attacks foresees

ANATOLIA & INTERNEWS In a live televised meeting with KARACHI joint news conference Pakistan leaders with his Malaysian Pakistan’s Prime Minister yes- counterpart in capital INTERNEWS terday hailed Turkish President ISLAMABAD Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Islamabad, Imran Khan Malaysian Prime Minister said there were only US President Donald Trump Mahathir Mohamad for taking a a few Muslim leaders hopes to meet Pakistani leaders quick and clear stand on deadly who took stand soon as he acknowledges that terror attacks on mosques in relations between the two New Zealand. on issues affecting countries are “now very good”. In a live televised joint news Muslims across the President Trump made this conference with his Malaysian world. surprise announcement at the counterpart in capital Islamabad, end of a White House press talk Imran Khan said there were only on Wednesday afternoon when a few Muslim leaders who took lamented that all the Muslims a journalist asked him to stand on issues affecting Muslims were blamed for any crime com- comment on the current situation across the world. mitted by a Muslim individual in between India and Pakistan. Last Friday, at least 50 any part of the world. “Pakistan - we’ll be Muslims were killed and as many “Any crime committed by a meeting with Pakistan [lead- injured when a terrorist — iden- Muslim was immediately blamed ership]. I think our rela- tified as 28-year-old Australian- on the whole 1.3 billion Muslims tionship right now is very born Brenton Tarrant — entered and this was reflected in the good with Pakistan,” he said. the Al Noor and Linwood mosques Christchurch killings where a Trump made these com- in Christchurch and shot wor- man, a terrorist, brazenly filmed ments hours after a senior Visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (left), with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan shippers in cold blood, including shooting innocent women and administration official warned at a ceremony in Islamabad, yesterday. four children younger than 18. children and innocent people in at a news briefing in Washington “Unfortunately, a very few a mosque and then he didn’t that the United States remained Muslim leaders do take stands regretted. This was because of lamented. “Corruption is what Islamophobia. He said: “There with each other, we will benefit. concerned about India-Pakistan on the issues that affect the other Islamophobia,” he added. destroys institutions and takes is fear, enmity towards Muslims Today, everyone is focused on tensions as their militaries were Muslim world. One of them is Khan also appreciated away money that should be spent and the example of that is growing their economy and it is still on alert nearly three weeks Erdogan and the other is Mahathir’s war against cor- on human beings and on human Christchurch [attacks]. We need necessary that we have some after their most dangerous con- Mahathir Mohamad”, Khan said. ruption and vowed to learn from development,” he added. to find other ways of combating wealth of our own in order to frontation in decades. He was referring to Turkey’s Malaysia’s anti-corruption drive. “Pakistan is facing economic Islamophobia and I think function as nations.” The official also warned that timely steps, including an emer- “We also admire you for your challenges right now and other Pakistan and Malaysia under- The Malaysian Premier another terrorist attack in India gency meeting of the foreign stand against corruption. Your countries, including Japan, are stand this issue. Fighting back regretted that there is not a single could “be extremely problematic ministers of Organization of comeback was one of the most models for us. I spoke to doesn’t always mean killing Muslim country that can be con- for Pakistan and it would cause Islamic Countries (OIC) in remarkable comebacks and Mahathir Mohamad regarding each other. There are other sidered as developed. “Malaysia a re-escalation in tensions”. Istanbul yesterday. Pakistan has always looked upon how Malaysia moved forward things we can do to reduce this planned to become developed The briefing followed “We have seen transfor- the Malaysian prime minister as and we discussed bilateral rela- atmosphere of fear, anger by 2030 but unfortunately due media reports that both India mation of Turkey and devel- a Muslim statesman who tions,” he added. “Mahathir towards Muslims.” to changes in the government it and Pakistan had deployed opment of its economy under his changed his country,” the Mohamad’s visit to Pakistan is Regarding his talks with became an impossible target to additional forces on the Line of (Erdogan) leadership”, the Prime Premier told his Malaysian an honour for us,” the Premier Pakistan Premier, Mahathir achieve,” he stated. He further Control (LoC) and had also put Minister went on to say. counterpart. further said. Mohamad said: “We are giving said: “I think we can exchange their air forces on high alert. Terming the rising Islamo- “Corruption is a big hurdle The Malaysian Prime Min- importance to trade with Pakistan information on how to combat Several news outlets claimed phobia in the West as the reason in the path of human devel- ister, for his part, said Pakistan and had bilateral discussions on corruption in our countries. I am that India had not only deployed behind the Christchurch terror opment. Corruption can make and Malaysia understand the issues affecting the region and the honoured to be attending missiles along the LoC but the attacks, the Prime Minister any country poor and weak,” he issue of combating world. If we increase our trade Pakistan Day,” he added. Indian Air Force has also asked its government to “urgently pur- chase” more missiles. India “has continued to Islamic scholar survives maintain a high level of “oper- ational alert” since last month’s assassination attempt clashes and the Indian Army also has moved up emergency ANATOLIA them critically, he added. purchases of stock-up ammu- KARACHI He said that same group was nition, the reports added. involved in both attacks. The reports noted that A renowned Islamic scholar yes- City police chief Ameer Pakistan has responded by terday survived an assassination Shaikh said that Usmani had deploying its fighter jets close attempt in Pakistan’s port city received death threats from to the disputed border in of Karachi, police said. Pakistani Taliban, also known Kashmir and has scattered its Mufti Taqi Usmani, who is as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, aircraft across the country. The considered the pioneer of adding that the Afghan and PAF was also conducting night Islamic banking in the country, Indian spy agencies could have flights and other exercises and was on his way to offer Friday a hand in the attack. had put its air defence network prayers when motorbike-riding Speaking to Geo News, on alert, the reports added. gunmen sprayed his vehicle with Usmani said the assailants fired The Bloomberg news agency bullets on a busy road in the at his vehicle from two sides. He reported that India also sent city’s eastern district. said his wife and two grandsons nuclear submarines, an aircraft Usmani remained unhurt, were also in the vehicle at time carrier battle group and dozens however, his guard was killed of attack. “Thanks to Allah, we of other navy ships to the Arabian in the attack, provincial police all remained safe,” he said. Sea after a tense military stand- chief Kaleem Imam told Imran Ismail, governor of off with Pakistan. reporters. Gunmen also targeted Sindh province of which Karachi Diplomatic observers in another vehicle carrying the is capital, told local broadcaster Washington linked China’s scholar’s associates killing Geo News that Usmani had strong message of support for Security personnel and onlookers gather around the car of leading religious scholar Muhammad Taqi another police guard and informed him of security threats Pakistan this week with these Usmani after an attack by unidentified gunmen in Karachi yesterday, that left at least two people dead. injuring two others — one of a few weeks ago. developments. Pakistani finds fame as ‘Game UN official welcomes ‘Afghan American Idol’ won of Thrones’ doppelganger Rohingya refugee relocation plan by woman for the first time AFP supporting actor in 2012. A much RAWALPINDI anticipated final series is set to pre- AFP AFP Afghanistan’s most popular television miere on April 17. DHAKA KABUL shows. “Your win is a slap in the face Pakistani waiter Rozi Khan had never Khan works at a small Kashmiri of jealous Afghan men,” Sonita Rasa heard of the Game of Thrones — or its restaurant down a narrow line in A senior UN official has welcomed Bang- An Afghan woman has become the wrote on Zahra’s Facebook page. hugely popular character Tyrion Lan- Rawalpindi, serving customers hearty ladesh’s plan to move Rohingya refugees first to win a popular singing compe- “Hope you don’t disappear after nister — until his striking resemblance dishes such as mutton and spinach out of the country’s congested camps, but tition, with her victory coming as fears this big win and hope the situation to the dwarf anti-hero got heads curries. Owner Malik Aslam Pervez said any move to transfer some 100,000 grow that women could lose hard-won allows you to continue to get to your turning at home. described him as a hard-worker — and of them to a flood-prone island should be rights if the US does a peace deal with dreams,” Tanin, another user, wrote. The 25-year-old so resembles also a drawcard for the eatery. voluntary. the Taliban. As talks between Washington and actor Peter Dinklage — who has played “When he takes a day off or gets Volker Turk, an assistant high commis- Zahra Elham, in her 20s and from the Taliban aimed at ending the long the witty and wily nobleman since the sick, people look for him and ask sioner at the UN’s refugee agency, said that Afghanistan’s Hazara ethnic minority, war progress, many Afghans fear a hit series’ first season in 2010 — that where did he go? They get upset. the southeast Kutupalong camp, the world’s snatched first place from her male premature US withdrawal could see he gets regularly stopped by strangers They love him. There is always a largest and now home to some 600,000 runner-up on Afghan Star — a local the Taliban return to some semblance desperate for a picture. “I don’t mind. crowd here but it has boomed Rohingya refugees who have fled neigh- version of American Idol — in which of power. A lot of my pictures have been taken, because of him,” he said. bouring Myanmar, is highly overcrowded. hundreds of men and women have Young women, keenly aware of that’s why I have become very famous Born in Mansehra in northern “If you have been in Kutupalong or competed for 14 seasons. how their gender was banished behind everywhere,” he said. Pakistan, Khan says he would love to various camps in Cox’s Bazar area, it is clear “I popped the hearts of men out of doors and beneath burkas under Not only are Khan and Dinklage’s meet Dinklage, describing him as a that there is huge congestion,” the UNHCR their chests today,” a happy Elham told Taliban rule, are among the most vocal faces strikingly similar, they are also friend and brother. official told reporters in Dhaka after con- the audience during the contest’s finale in warning they will not compromise the same height at around 135cm (4 ft “I love him very much, he is my cluding a five-day visit to the country. late Thursday. their hard-won rights if the insurgents 5in). Photographs of the pair have friend... he is my height so I like him a “So we welcome the fact that the gov- “I am so so happy, I cannot even return. unsurprisingly made their way onto lot,” said Khan. ernment of Bangladesh has taken very find words to express my feelings... The Taliban have given few details social media showing the doppel- For customers, seeing Tyrion Lan- active steps to identify alternative set- Today, I represent all the girls of of what they want in Afghanistan, and gangers side-by-side. nister in the flesh is also a thrill. tlement (for the Rohingya refugees).” He Afghanistan. Today not only Zahra it is unclear what a post-conflict gov- “Wherever I go, someone says to “When I saw him, I’m happy, I feel added that the UN was still in “discussion” Elham but all the girls in Afghanistan ernment would look like — but under me: ‘Sir, who is this man with you on that I met with Lannister in real [life],” with the Bangladeshi authorities about the have won,” she said amid cheers, their strict interpretation of Islam the Facebook’, I say that he is my friend. said Zain Hadri, 20. relocation of refugees to the island of applause and even tears from the militants have never been in favour of ‘He looks like you’. I tell them he is my “Game of Thrones” tells the story Bhashan Char, in the Bay of Bengal, but admiring audience. women, or shows like Afghan Star. brother. It’s not a bad thing,” said Khan. of noble families vying for control of said refugees must be willing to move and Known for her high pitch and raspy “Peace is on its way, hope the The television series has won 47 the Iron Throne, all the while keeping be able to continue their “livelihood” there. voice, she had previously said she future peace has the Afghan Star Emmys — more than any other fic- one eye on the “White Walkers” International aid agencies have raised con- wanted to break the grasp of male contest in it,” Mustafa Azizyar, the tional show in history — along with a leading hordes of the undead toward cerns about the island’s ability to withstand winners on the competition, first show’s presenter said, after presenting Golden Globe for Dinklage, 49, for best an invasion from the North. violent storms during the monsoon. launched in 2005 and one of the trophy. SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019 ASIA 07 NZ prays a week after attack on mosques AFP As the call was broadcast around the country, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND thousands — including Prime Minister Jacinda The Muslim call to prayer rang Ardern and wounded survivors — stood in a out across New Zealand park opposite the mosque where the killing yesterday followed by two began, as the nation of 4.5 million came to a minutes of nationwide silence to standstill. mark a week since a white supremacist gunned down 50 people at two mosques in the city many embracing their Muslim sombre mood outside lightened of Christchurch. neighbours yesterday in moving markedly as non-Muslims As the call was broadcast scenes across the country. approached the mosque to lay around the country, thousands A muezzin in white skullcap flowers or embrace and take — including Prime Minister issued the call to regular Friday selfies with Muslims. Jacinda Ardern and wounded prayers at 1.30pm with chants of Koro Tini, a 46-year-old survivors — stood in a park “Allahu Akhbar” (God is greatest) Maori man with elaborate tradi- opposite the mosque where the as thousands listened in tional facial tattoos and cere- killing began, as the nation of 4.5 Christchurch’s Hagley Park, monial native cloak, embraced million came to a standstill. across from the Al Noor Mosque. and touched noses with a man New Zealand is still in shock The country then fell silent who was among a group of following the killings by alleged for two minutes, with public Muslim worshippers. Local residents gather for the call to prayer at the Masjid Umar Mosque in Auckland yesterday. shooter Brenton Tarrant, a gatherings in Auckland, Wel- “We weren’t meaning to pose 28-year-old Australian national lington and other cities. for pictures but people wanted who had hoped to foment an In neighbouring Australia, to do it after the prayers. There’s solidarity with Muslims. “I can Park with two friends, all in the front page of Christchurch ethnic war with his attacks. But people stopped in the streets and a sense of joy and rejoicing,” Tini take my scarf off if I feel afraid. make-shift hijabs. Major New daily The Press bearing the horrified Kiwis have responded in shops to mark the moment. said. Many women across the They cannot,” said Kirsty Zealand newspapers published Arabic word “Salam” (Peace) and with outpourings of love, with But after Friday’s prayers, the country wore headscarves in Wilkinson, who came to Hagley special tributes yesterday, with the names of the 50 killed. Hundreds of Kiwis call police Gunman faces life in prison in isolation to turn in weapons after ban AP of Islamic Cooperation’s Australia’s ire for comments fallen will have justice.” He AFP website with “fake” applications ISTANBUL executive committee called suggesting that Australians also screened moving photo- CHRISTCHURCH to hand in weapons covered by by Turkey to combat prej- and New Zealanders with graphs of New Zealanders the ban, which took effect at New Zealand’s deputy prime udice against Muslims in the anti-Muslim sentiments mourning the victims. Hundreds of New Zealanders 3pm Thursday. In the first 20 minister said the gunman wake of the attack. would be sent back in coffins Brenton Harrison Tarrant, contacted authorities to hand in hours after the ban took effect, accused of killing 50 people Peters’ attendance comes like their ancestors who a 28-year-old Australian, was their guns within hours of Prime nearly 500 people had called a in two mosques in the South amid controversy sparked by fought against Turks in the arrested and charged with Minister Jacinda Ardern special hotline set up by police Pacific nation would spend Turkish President Recep World War I Battle of murder in the New Zealand announcing a ban on military- for people to arrange the gun the rest of his life in isolation Tayyip Erdogan who, at Gallipoli. mosque attacks. style weapons following the hand-ins, Assistant Police Com- in prison and called for soli- election campaign rallies, has Speaking at the emer- Harrison Tarrant lives- Christchurch mosque massacres, missioner Tusha Penny said. darity to eradicate “hate- been screening video clips of gency session, Peters told treamed the attack and police said yesterday. More than 1,000 people also filled ideologies.” the attack, despite efforts by representatives of Muslim released a manifesto But police also said that notified police online that they Winston Peters was speaking New Zealand to prevent the nations: “no punishment can describing his white some people were trolling their wanted to give up their guns. at an emergency session of video’s spread. match the depravity of his supremacist views and how the 57-member Organisation Erdogan also drew crime but the families of the he planned the shootings. N Korea pulls out of inter-Korean liaison office Bali police shoot dead AFP September as the two Koreas at the liaison office or not.” The projects, among them the SEOUL knitted closer ties, but the South’s President Moon Jae-in restarting of an industrial zone Russian after robbery South’s vice unification minister was instrumental in brokering also in Kaesong and lucrative North Korea pulled its staff out Chun Hae-sung told reporters talks between the nuclear- cross-border tourist visits by AFP chief Ruddi Setiawan told of an inter-Korean liaison office Pyongyang had “notified the armed, sanctions-hit North and Southerners to the North’s pic- DENPASAR, INDONESIA reporters. The Russian embassy yesterday, Seoul said, weeks South they are pulling out of the Washington, Seoul’s key security turesque Mount Kumgang. confirmed one of its citizens was after leader Kim Jong Un’s liaison office”. ally. But the sanctions currently Bali police shot dead a Russian shot dead in Bali. summit with US President The decision had been taken Moon has long backed in place effectively block their man after a violent robbery at a “During a fight with police Donald Trump ended without “in accordance with an order engagement with the North to resumption, while a preliminary money exchange office, officials who were trying to arrest them, agreement. from an upper command”, he bring it to the negotiating table, study for a plan to renovate the said yesterday, with two more one Russian citizen was shot The office in the Northern said, adding: “They said they and has been pushing the carrot North’s decrepit rail system was accomplices arrested and dead,” it said on its Facebook city of Kaesong was opened in didn’t care whether we stayed of inter-Korean development repeatedly delayed. several others on the run. account. “Two others — one The killing happened on Ukrainian and one Russian — Tuesday on the Indonesian were detained.” The arrested holiday island after police Russian was also wounded, the China probes factory responded to calls about a embassy said, adding that four robbery and confronted the others linked to the crime are blast after 47 dead armed trio, officials said. still on the run, but “their nation- Three men, including the ality is unclear”. AFP man who was later killed, broke The embassy said the gang YANCHENG, CHINA into a currency exchange office was suspected of robbing and beat several employees another money changer in Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered local inside, knocking them December and, separately, governments yesterday to prevent any more unconscious. stealing weapons. It did not industrial disasters after a chemical plant When they woke up, they elaborate. Nearly $70,000 in blast left 47 people dead, injured hundreds were tied with their mouths Indonesian rupiah and US cur- and flattened an industrial park in the latest taped, police said, adding that rency were reportedly stolen, such catastrophe to hit the country. the employees eventually freed according to police, who named Thursday’s explosion in the eastern city themselves and called the the dead man as 45-year-old of Yancheng, Jiangsu province was one of authorities. Alexei Korotkikh. the worst industrial disasters to hit China, The police managed to Foreigners are often with Xi acknowledging that the country has locate the suspects who had fled, arrested for drugs offences in seen a rash of major accidents in recent years. but when they wanted to arrest Bali, which attracts millions of Xi — who is on a state visit to Italy — the men one of the suspects visitors to its palm-fringed urged “all-out efforts” to rescue those wanted to attack the officers. beaches every year. An aerial view shows damaged buildings after an explosion at a chemical plant in Yancheng trapped and to identify the cause of the “Our unarmed officer tried But arrests for violent crime in China’s eastern Jiangsu province yesterday. accident “as early as possible”, according to to fight back, but because the sit- are more rare. In January, Bali the official news agency Xinhua. uation was very dangerous to police apprehended four Bul- The State Council, China’s cabinet, has response efforts, state media said. The scrambled to find survivors in the wreckage our members, another officer garians accused of skimming established a team to investigate the explosion toppled several buildings in the of the plant owned by a company with a who was armed took strict bank card data at several ATM explosion, with State Councilor Wang Yong industrial park and caused a huge fire that chequered past. The windows of homes a measures against the suspect... machines in the capital headed to the scene to lead rescue and raged through the night, while rescuers few kilometers away were shattered. he then died,” Denpasar police Denpasar. Two powerful cyclones spinning Moro leader pushes for federal structure towards north Australian coast ANATOLIA the two leaders held a meeting underlined that the government and we will have peace in AP the same weekend is rare. ANKARA last on Tuesday where Nur would “fight back” if the MNLF Mindanao,” he said. Mindanao CANBERRA Bureau of Meteorology manager Misuari pressed for the feder- were to clash with the gov- forms a large island of Mindanao Todd Smith said that Trevor is Philippines’s Moro National alism initiative, the daily Manila ernment. Panelo said both sides with smaller islands in the Two powerful cyclones are expected to cross the east shore Liberation Front (MNLF) sought Bulletin reported. “want peace” and would soon southern Philippines dominated blowing towards Australia’s of the Northern Territory today action by country’s president to The newspaper said Misuari start discussions on federalism. by Moro Muslims. sparsely populated north where morning as a Category 4 storm. ensure that promises made on hoped to retrieve the lands “The President has proposed Autonomous government A around 2,000 people have been It had sustained winds of 130km federalism are fulfilled, local seized from the Moros by the the two parties to create their historic referendum was held on evacuated from the east coast per hour with gusts to 185kph media reported. central government. respective five-member panels January 21 and February 6 in of the Northern Territory ahead yesterday afternoon. Gusts of Philippine President Rodrigo “President Duterte recently to tackle the proposed shift to southern Mindanao granting of strong winds, mountainous 275kph are expected around the Duterte said if ongoing efforts revealed that Misuari threatened federalism,” he added. autonomy to Moro Muslims. waves and flooding rain that are eye when the cyclone makes towards a federal structure were to ‘go to war’ if the shift to fed- Panelo noted that Duterte On February 26, Prime Min- forecast. landfall. The Northern Territory to fail and fighting were to ensue, eralism will not be pursued,” had told Misuari that the final ister Al Hajj Murad Ebrahim of Cyclones are frequent in communities nearest the he and Nur Misuari — the leader Panelo said. proposal for federalism was still the newly formed autonomous Australia’s tropical north and expected landfall were evac- of the Moro National Liberation Quoting Duterte’s remarks subject to congressional ratifi- region took his post from the rarely claim lives. But two such uated, with most of the 2,000 or Front (MNLF) — would die that the country would celebrate cation. “I am confident that there central government’s regional large storms as Cyclones Trevor so residents going to the pro- fighting each other. Presidential if the transition came to fruition, will be an agreement, a modus governor in an official and Veronica crossing land on vincial capital, Darwin. spokesman Salvador Panelo said he said the president also vivendi between the two sides ceremony. 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019 New Zealand banned assault weapons. ESTABLISHED IN 1996 In US, it’s more complicated

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR ew Zealand’s swift ban on MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED semi-automatic weapons [email protected] after the Christchurch mas- Nsacre showed how political courage can spur change, but in gun- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR obsessed America, lawmakers and MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI activists desperate to curb firearm vio- [email protected] lence looked on with both admiration — and bitterness. “Not thoughts. Not prayers. Action,” urged Ted Deutch, a Demo- cratic congressman from Florida where a deadly school shooting last year galvanized a youth gun control EDITORIAL movement, but produced no tangible change to federal laws. The speed of New Zealand’s response — days after a white supremacist slaughtered 50 A productive exercise people at two mosques — stood in stark contrast to the congressional ith a number of new initiatives launched and new inaction that has followed a string of business deals matured, 7th International Agricul- horrific mass shootings in the United Wtural Exhibition (AgriteQ) and Qatar’s First Inter- States in recent years. national Environmental Exhibition (EnviroteQ) has concluded. Nearly 40,000 people were killed As many as 51 countries participated in AgriteQ, an annual by firearms in the United States in event, which is very important for local market and Qatari 2017 — two thirds of them suicides -- farmers where famous international companies showcase the highest annual toll in five decades, People gather to form a “ring of peace” around a mosque to show solidarity with the their agricultural products and latest farming according to government figures. victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand, in Toronto, Canada, yesterday. technologies. The numbers suggest Americans Among hundreds of business-to-business meetings between should be scrambling to clear the and even the most shocking of mas- grade ratings on gun issues. Qatari and foreign farm-based companies, an important hurdles to combatting gun violence. sacres can fail to move the needle, “The @NRA is already exploiting project to plant one million trees in Qatar as part of the efforts Why aren’t they? It’s complicated. partly due to the high threshold in the the New Zealand tragedy and subse- to support the global initiative on climate change and sus- “The role of guns in our society is 100-member US Senate, where 60 quent legislative actions to try and tainable environment was also unveiled at the AgriteQ 2019. very, very different. It goes way back votes are needed to advance legis- juice gun sales in the US,” warned The one million trees project aims at utilising treated as part of our culture, unfortunately,” lation. After a gunman slaughtered 20 Shannon Watts, founder of gun safety sewage water for irrigation, reducing the wastage of water, Democratic congressman John Yar- children and six adults at Sandy Hook group Moms Demand Action. enhancing biological diversity, improving air quality, mouth told Elementary School in 2012, congres- Senator Bernie Sanders — one of increasing greenery to reduce carbon footprint. CNN sional Democrats introduced an several 2020 Democratic presidential The Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Thursday. expansion of background checks. It hopefuls who spoke out in praise of Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Subaie said that in recent years The failed in the Senate. Ardern — called for Americans to Qatar had paid great attention to the development of the United States Today, a similar background stand up to the gun lobby. country’s wealth, including agri- “Not thoughts. has more checks bill has passed the Democrat- “We must follow New Zealand’s cultural sector. Not prayers. firearms than led House, in the wake of several lead, take on the NRA and ban the sale The Minister pointed out that Action,” urged people. recent mass shootings including last and distribution of assault weapons in the Ministry had provided all Ted Deutch, Frontier year’s killing of 11 worshippers at a the United States,” Sanders tweeted. means to support agricultural culture and a Pittsburgh synagogue. But it lan- President Bill Clinton signed an producers by distributing agri- a Democratic form of guishes in the Senate despite an over- assault weapons ban in 1994, but it Among hundreds cultural support materials, green- congressman rugged indi- whelming majority of Americans sup- came with a 10-year sunset, and of business-to- houses, honey bee cells, and agri- from Florida vidualism, porting tightening such checks. renewal efforts failed. Republican Donald Trump had business meetings cultural production requirements where a deadly forged in the Democratic congressman David between Qatari such as seeds, fertilizers, pesti- 19th century Cicilline offered a bleak rationale for initially appeared ready to challenge cides, marketing packages and school shooting American why New Zealand Prime Minister the NRA after the Parkland shooting and foreign farm- others, while livestock breeders last year settlement Jacinda Ardern could act so decisively, claimed 17 lives in Florida last year, based companies, were supported by concentrated galvanized a westward, while Americans appear unable to supporting a rise in the minimum age feeds and animal production persist. Cit- reduce gun violence. to buy assault rifles from 18 to 21, and an important youth gun control project to plant requirements such as milk and izens can “Their politicians aren’t bought and more expansive background checks. sheep wool cutting machine movement, but legally carry paid for by the gun lobby,” Cicilline But the president -- who cham- one million trees among many more. produced no firearms in tweeted. US civilian gun ownership has pioned gun rights during his campaign in Qatar as part During four-day exhibition, the tangible change some state been a hotly debated, constitutionally -- subsequently backed away from of the efforts Ministry of Municipality and Envi- capitols. protected right for more than two federal action on either front, and ronment (MME) also revealed its to federal laws. Gun centuries. three months later appeared on stage to support the ambitious ‘Strategic Food Security control Leading the charge to preserve gun before a cheering crowd at the NRA’s global initiative Projects 2019-2023’ to increase efforts have rights is the National Rifle Association annual conference. on climate change food production including fish, veg- always proved divisive, and Repub- lobbying group beloved and reviled by Still, advocates believe progress is and sustainable etables, red meat, eggs and shrimps lican lawmakers have been highly opposing cultural forces. NRA spokes- possible. The March for Our Lives aimed at reaching a level of suffi- successful at preventing what they woman Dana Loesch appeared to movement that emerged after environment was ciency by 2023. describe as an assault on their right to dismiss Ardern’s action as antithetical Parkland is galvanizing youths and also unveiled at The projects will help increase bear arms under the Second to America. “The US isn’t NZ. While changing American attitudes. the AgriteQ 2019. the production of fish from the Amendment of the US Constitution. they do not have an inalienable right to Kris Brown, president of the Brady current 74 percent to 90 percent Little has been done at the bear arms and to self defense, we do,” Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, and vegetables from 24 percent federal level to rein in gun sales, Loesch wrote. said she and others are inspired by to 70 percent by 2023. The production of red meat will go broaden background checks, or Gun control advocates say the New Zealand’s response. up from the current 18 percent to 30 percent and eggs will prevent people who may pose a threat NRA exerts powerful influence on US “Most Americans are looking at increase from 28 percent to 70 percent. Qatar will become from acquiring guns. lawmakers by donating millions to New Zealand and saying ‘Why can’t self-sufficient in shrimp production by 2023 and green fodder Incremental action can take years, their campaigns and giving letter- we do this in the US as well?’” she said, production will increase from 56 percent to 63 percent. A day before conclusion of the exhibition, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) and Qatar Development Bank (QDB) launched an initiative to encourage the production Pay careful attention to the risk of changes in global economy of table eggs in Qatari farms. Director of Animal Wealth JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI Department at the MME, Engineer Abdulaziz Al Zeyara, said expansion period marked in January is such industries as logistics and retail, that the aim of the joint initiative was to achieve food security the longest in postwar history. Yet which are suffering from serious labor in Qatar, pointing out that the idea was aimed at allowing on’t this situation cause doubt about that view is growing shortages, but it is a cause of anxiety Qatari farmers to set up table egg production projects within the risk of an economic stronger. The government and the that moves to raise wages are slow in registered farms, financed by QDB, and contributing to an slowdown? Now is the Bank of Japan should levelheadedly the manufacturing industry in increase in egg production and achieving food security. Wtime for careful analyze the economic circumstances particular. discernment. while avoiding prejudgment. Companies with ample financial The government has revised down Uncertainty over the situation resources are steadily increasing its assessment of the economy for the abroad, such as the trade friction wages. They also keep making future- first time in three years in its monthly between the United States and China oriented investments to increase pro- QUOTE OF THE DAY economic report for March. and issues related to Britain’s exit from ductivity. The government backs the It has changed its statement the European Union, could also weigh creation of new industries through Just as humanity assessing the overall economy from on the economy. deregulation and priority budgetary “mildly recovering” to “mildly recov- BOJ Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda has allocation. It is hoped the government fought against anti- ering although weakness is seen presented a view that the Chinese and and the private sector will coordinate Semitism after the recently in exports and some parts of European economies will improve in with each other to shore up the Holocaust disaster, it production.” the latter half of this year. In contrast, economy. This seems to have stemmed no optimism is warranted about the The consumption tax rate is should fight against mainly from the economic slowdown future of the U.S. economy due to the scheduled to undergo a hike in rising Islamophobia in in China, which is a major trading nation’s political turmoil. It is nec- October. In order to ease consequent the same determined partner of Japan. Exports of electronic essary to pay the utmost attention to financial burdens on households, the fashion. parts and other products are sluggish, changes in the world economy. government is planning to take such thus putting a brake on companies’ The key is how to vitalize domestic measures as introducing a reduced tax production. demand. rate system and a reward-point Recep Tayyip Erdogan If this slowdown in exports con- Consumer spending, which program. It is necessary to implement Turkish President tinues, it could cool corporate capital accounts for the greater part of Japan’s these measures smoothly to minimize investment. The government states it gross domestic product, lacks strength. possible adverse impacts on consumer is highly likely that the economic Substantial pay raises were realized in spending SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019 OPINION 09 Thailand’s vote of tomorrow will not matter

he people of northeast the general election scheduled for on the appointment of prime minister. attempts to amend the Thailand have learned to be March 24. Campaign rallies, many This means that the army-backed constitution. resilient. More than a century with tens of thousands attending, are NCPO can give the premiership to A less ideal scenario is a demo- Tago, local power was lost to now commonplace in the region. anyone of their liking (such as current cratic coalition winning the elec- Bangkok which viewed their eth- But behind all the cheering and prime minister and coup leader, Gen tions but failing to secure enough nicity, language, and culture as bar- flag waving at rallies in the Northeast, Prayuth Chan-ocha) if they win just a seats in the House to prevent barian. They have been accused of also known as “Isaan”, there is also a quarter of the House seats. Prayuth from becoming prime min- DAVID STRECKFUSS being socialists and communists, and grim acceptance that the election laws The amendments also linked the ister. The majority in that case AL JAZEERA suspected of harbouring republican and the new constitution are designed constitution to a 20-year strategic would strangely become the sentiments. The region is the poorest to frustrate the will of the majority. If plan that would make any policy that majority opposition against a economically and Northeasterners these legal obstructions prove inade- is not in line with it unconstitutional minority government. One potential have long been characterised in quate, the military government has and create a supra-government body chink in NCPO’s plan is the consti- popular culture as backwards, buf- other tricks up its sleeve if the vote over any government until 2038. tutional provision on no-confidence foonish, uneducated, and gullible. goes terribly wrong. The second step was for the mil- vote: they are left entirely in the And yet, over the last two decades, The election is the latest step in a itary government to use its absolute hands of the House, which means the people of this region have been long game laid out by the coup- power to pursue popular policies that the so-called majority opposition the strongest advocates of democracy makers, the National Council for could win the hearts and minds of the could vote the prime minister and The election is the and human rights. The political Peace and Order (NCPO), which over- majority, with the help of a loyal his cabinet out of power. latest step in a long parties they have supported have won threw the elected government in May media sector. The worst outcome, perhaps game laid out by every national election since 2001. of 2014. The third step was to set out most expected by Northeasterners, They are resilient because in the same The first step in the plan was to restrictive election laws that could be is that in desperation, the NCPO the coup-makers, period three times the party they sup- bring into effect a constitution that used to remove opposition figures or elects the nuclear option: to use the the National Council ported was dissolved by the courts. would weaken larger parties and parties. At present, one democratic constitutional court to eliminate as for Peace and Order Twice their prime ministers have create conditions for unstable coa- party has been dissolved, the lead- many opposition leaders or parties been removed by court order. And lition governments to be elected. ership of another party could be as possible, eventually, maybe, (NCPO), which twice they have been overthrown by The 2017 constitutional amend- jailed, and the Pheu Thai party, the giving its candidates and other overthrew the elected military coups. ments allow the Thai military to largest of the parties aligned with pro-military parties a majority in government in May of This region, with a third of the appoint the 250-seat senate in its former Prime Minister Thaksin Shina- the house. 2014. Thai population, has another chance entirety, which, along with the 500- watra, is under investigation for Whichever way this election to direct the country’s future through seat House of Representatives, votes allegedly having Shinawatra control goes, it is clear that its outcome will its affairs from abroad. likely be an unworkable All the democratic parties in the government. meantime are tiptoeing around, trying But this does not necessarily to avoid violating any election laws. bother the Northeastern political The NCPO succeeded in passing a leaders. After all, they have learned largely undemocratic constitution but patience and perseverance. with a weak economy and limp pol- The military government will icies to address rural problems, the likely take extreme measures to military government has failed to win prevail in the upcoming election. much support, especially in the Isaan, Let them, Isaan people say. Every where the latest poll for the region action they take in this direction indicates its Palang Pracharat Party is will only serve to further delegit- projected to get only 11 percent of the imise the military government and vote. pave the way for a free and fair Meanwhile, the same poll showed election. that an overwhelming majority will It is that one that will really vote for democratic, anti-military count and that the northeast will parties. surely dominate. Political “revenge” seems to be on the mind of many voters in the northeast. Despite the playing field skewed against them, it is expected they would come out en masse to inflict a humiliating blow to the NCPO. At the same time, insiders of pro- democracy camp say in a matter-of- D-RING ROAD fact way that they expect their POST BOX: 3488 parties to be dissolved or otherwise DOHA - QATAR crippled in some way. They have no [email protected] illusions about this election. At best, the pro-democracy parties will be able to cobble together enough of a EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE majority in the House and form a TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 government that will find itself FAX: +974 4455 7758 restricted by the 20-year plan, Future Forward Party’s secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul gestures during the party’s final major campaign various constitutional provisions, MANAGING EDITOR TEL: rally in Bangkok, yesterday. and a senate poised to defeat any 4462 7505

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769 hana’s reputation as a Eye, which exposed deep-seated cor- in attacks on the media. beacon of media freedom in ruption in West African football and “The state is not interested in pur- LOCAL NEWS SECTION an otherwise turbulent Ghana’s judiciary. suing its own people,” said Anyenini, TEL: 4455 7743 region has come under Other attacks include the 2015 who has represented the media in G civil cases against the state. threat following a spate of attacks on murder of a radio reporter and BUSINESS NEWS SECTION journalists. another alleged assault by police in He is planning to sue the police on TEL: 4462 7535 Earlier this month, reporter 2018, which left photographer Latif behalf of photographer Iddrisu and STACEY KNOTT Raissa Sambou was rushed to hospital Iddrisu with a fractured skull. his company. The Ghanaian Times is SPORT NEWS SECTION AFP after allegedly being assaulted by The Ghanaian Times reporters also looking to bring a civil case. TEL: 4455 7745 said they were attacked for filming an According to local media, there altercation with the police over a have been no criminal prosecutions in ONLINE SECTION traffic offence in the capital on March more than 20 attacks against the TEL: 4462 7501 14. One of them said he was beaten press by police and the military since [email protected] and left injured in a cell, before even- 2006. Many of the incidents Ghana journalists tually being taken to hospital. appeared to be around journalists PUBLIC RELATIONS Sambou, who is recovering from filming or photographing security TEL: 4455 7613 personnel on the job. a Caesarean section, was allegedly hit [email protected] fear ‘rule of jungle’ in the stomach and required medical Ghana Police spokesman David Eklu said these reports were “a major treatment. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT The editor of the Ghanaian Times, issue of concern” but pointed out that TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 after attacks David Agbenu, said he had never seen there were often no complaints filed. FAX: 4455 7870 such a level of violence against the While there is no law preventing [email protected] media in his 26 years’ experience. the filming of police on duty in Ghana, police in the capital Accra. Two of her The Ghana Journalists Association Eklu said this was a “grey area” with CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT colleagues were also attacked. said it considered the assault “bar- concern about privacy and fears TEL: 4455 7857 This came just two months after baric in an era of rule of law when the videos would be doctored. [email protected] unknown gunmen shot dead an police are supposed to be law The Committee to Protect Jour- undercover reporter. enforcers rather than law breakers”. nalists (CPJ) Africa researcher SUBSCRIPTION & Ghana prides itself as being one of “This incident must not be added Jonathan Rozen said it was investi- DISTRIBUTION the most stable democracies in West to the list of unresolved cases of gating reports of the latest “violent TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 Africa. assault against journalists by police altercation”. FAX: 44557819 The West African nation is ranked officers. This culture of impunity must “Press freedom in Ghana cannot [email protected] 23rd in the 2018 World Press Freedom end now!” it added. flourish when journalists are Index -- first place in Africa, and “Twenty-seven years (since the repeatedly attacked and impunity The West African higher than Spain, France, Britain and end of military rule), it is important prevails,” he added. the United States. for the police to appreciate that we Hussein-Suale’s boss, Anas Are- All thoughts and views nation is ranked But that high ranking is now in live under the rule of law and not the meyaw Anas said he had become dis- 23rd in the 2018 jeopardy. rule of the jungle.” illusioned with the hunt for his slain expressed in these columns World Press Muheeb Saeed, a programme On Wednesday, the police said colleague’s killer that he had started are those of the writers, Freedom Index officer with the Media Foundation of three officers accused of involvement his own probe into the shooting. not of the newspaper. West Africa (MFWA), said they were in the attack had been suspended. The The distinctive undercover -- first place in “deeply concerned” about the latest publication wants police to bring reporter, who never appears in public Africa, and higher attacks. criminal charges. without his face covered, accused the All correspondence than Spain, France, “It has the potential to induce self But lawyer Samson Anyenini said police of “apathy”. regarding Views and Britain and the censorship amongst journalists and securing a criminal prosecution “People are not forceful enough,” Opinion pages should be thereby kill the fight against cor- against the police was rare in Ghana. he said in an interview with the Inter- sent to editor-in-chief United States. But ruption,” he said. “Oftentimes we do not have so national Press Institute, suggesting that high ranking is The most notorious case involves much trust in the criminal process,” powerful figures in football were office or mailed to the now in jeopardy. the January murder of Ahmed he said, adding that civil cases seemed “making sure that we don’t find the [email protected] Hussein-Suale. He worked for Tiger a more reliable way to secure justice killer”. 10 EUROPE SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019 EU leaders grant UK Brexit extension

REUTERS BRUSSELS Petition to cancel Brexit European Union leaders warned passes 3 million signatures Britain yesterday that it had a final opportunity to leave the ANATOLIA online Wednesday, and caused bloc in an orderly fashion after LONDON parliament’s petition webpages giving Prime Minister Theresa to crash more than once. May two weeks’ reprieve until In the two days since it was The petition reads: “The April 12 before Britain could posted on parliament’s official government repeatedly claims tumble out without a deal. petition website, more than 3 ‘exiting the EU is the will of Arriving for a second day of million people have signed a people.’ We need to put a stop a summit dominated by talks petition asking the British to this claim by proving the over Britain’s departure, Bel- government to cancel Brexit. strength of public support now European leaders posing for a family photo at the end of an EU summit focused on Brexit, in Brussels, gium’s prime minister said he The number climbed dra- for remaining in the EU. A peo- yesterday. hoped for a “rational” decision matically in the less than 36 ple’s vote may not happen - so by British lawmakers to back the hours it was opened for signing, vote now.” second day of the summit but and when Britain would leave withdrawal treaty that May con- leading the Petitions Com- The European Court of returned to London to seek on or after April 12 are still cluded with Brussels. mittee to tweet: “The rate of Justice previously ruled that UK support for the withdrawal somewhat vague. Preparations for a no-deal, signing is the highest the site can unilaterally revoke Article agreement. It might leave abruptly at in which Britain would face has ever had to deal with.” 50 of the Lisbon Treaty — the Belgium’s Prime French President Emmanuel midnight (2200 GMT) on that sudden trade barriers and The petition received more section of the treaty Britain Minister Charles Macron argued at the summit Friday night. But EU officials said restrictions on business, still than a quarter of a million sig- invoked to leave — and stop that if the leaders left their it could also agree a date with were underway, however, natures shortly after it was put Brexit to remain in the bloc. Michel said that the decision until late next week, the EU to leave later, deal or no Charles Michel said. 27 EU leaders were they would be seen as either deal. “This is perhaps the last not blind to the risks pushing Britain out or blinking That could give some weeks chance for Britain to say what it A first-ever leaders dinner rallies behind the British prime of a no-deal. at their own deadline. to make a no-deal exit somewhat wants for the future. More than debate over the EU’s China policy minister next week. If it does not, Instead, they have pushed less chaotic, though the EU will ever, this is in the hands of the at the summit was delayed until Britain will have until April 12 to the trigger back to Britain, which refuse attempts to try and British parliament,” he said, Friday, for example. offer a new plan or choose to quit liament convenes. will be confronted by a choice emulate the smoothness of the adding that the 27 EU leaders May, who met leaders at the the bloc without a treaty. “We wanted to support May by April 12 on whether to hold withdrawal treaty. were not blind to the risks of a summit but missed out on the That date corresponds to the and we showed that,” German an EU election as part of a long- It would also try to insist on no-deal. dinner because the 27 were six weeks’ legal notice required Chancellor Angela Merkel told term rethink or prepare to quit Britain being out by May 22 to Seven hours of summit brain- forced to focus on Brexit rather for the EU election — which the reporters. “It was an intensive, by May 22, or possibly in June, avoid any problems over the EU storming on Thursday kept a host than China, originally wanted to bloc would insist Britain hold on but successful evening.” without a deal. election on May 23-26, but some of options open for leaders, who be able to delay Britain’s May 23 if it remains a member. A senior EU official said the “Everything is now in the leaders indicated that they could said they regret Britain’s decision departure until June 30 to tie up If it does not hold the election, key achievement was to shift the hands of the House of Commons. cope with Britain leaving any to leave but are eager to move on legislative loose ends. leaders said, the very last date focus of responsibility to London That’s the message,” a senior EU time until June 30 — before the from what they increasingly see But now, a May 22 departure Britain must leave would be June from Brussels. official said. new European Parliament con- as a distraction. date will apply if parliament 30, before the new EU par- May did not attend the The details of exactly how venes on July 2.

Spain plans to bring Utrecht attack suspect claims he acted alone: Prosecutors back worker who AP morning confessed the criminal slaughter with terrorist intent. personal problems combined A 40-year-old man who was UTRECHT acts he is charged with” at a Prosecutors have said that with a radicalised ideology.” detained a day after the shooting left during crisis hearing before an investigating the suspect, who has a long The team investigating the has been released without The main suspect in a deadly judge, the public prosecutor’s criminal record, did not know shooting has asked a forensic charge after no evidence was AFP shooting in a tram in the central office said in a statement. any of those who were shot on psychiatry and psychology found that the man helped Tanis MADRID Dutch city of Utrecht has Prosecutors did not elaborate the tram, according to their institute to carry out a person- in the shooting, prosecutors said. confessed to the attack and said on the confession and said the investigations so far. ality test on the suspect. Later yesterday, a silent Spain’s Socialist cabinet he acted alone, prosecutors motive for Monday’s attack, They said the nature of the At yesterday’s behind- march was held from Utrecht’s approved a plan to persuade announced yesterday. which left three people dead and shooting and a note found in a closed-doors hearing, an inves- main railway station to the inter- some of the roughly one million The shooting is being inves- three more seriously wounded, getaway car led to strong suspi- tigating judge extended Tanis’ section where the shooting hap- workers who left the country tigated as a possible extremist remains under investigation. cions of an extremist motive. detention by two weeks so that pened in a show of solidarity during its 2008-2013 economic attack, but prosecutors would Tanis, a Utrecht resident of In a statement on Thursday, investigations can continue. In a with the victims. slump to return home. not say if the suspect, Gokmen Turkish descent, was arrested the local prosecution office said statement, the court said the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Among the 50 measures Tanis, has said anything about hours after the shooting and is investigations also are con- judge ruled that “the suspicion Rutte and the mayors of the included in the two-year plan his motive. being held on charges including tinuing into whether the sus- is strong enough to detain the Netherlands’ four biggest cities are scholarships and grants for “The 37-year-old suspect this multiple murder or man- pect’s actions “flowed from man for longer.” took part. scientific researchers and lower social security payments for selected workers, the gov- German police ernment said in a statement. ‘Bus hijacker wanted kids as human shields for escape’ The plan also calls for the foil terror plot, creation of an online search AFP Ousseynou Sy as telling ended when police managed to Milan’s counter terrorism police, engine for job opportunities in 11 arrested ROME investigators. smash windows open and get said Sy had posted a video on Spain and a web-site which will “I didn’t want to harm those on board out just as Sy set Youtube with the message: make it easier to complete the AFP The driver of a school bus who anybody,” insisted the 47-year- fire to the vehicle. “Africa, rise up.” bureaucracy related to moving BERLIN torched the vehicle to protest old of Senegalese origin, who Sy now faces having his Media reports quoted him as back to the country. Mediterranean migrant deaths hijacked the bus Wednesday Italian citizenship, obtained saying he had no regrets as “it The plan will cost $27.5m German police arrested 11 planned to use his young while taking 12-13 year-olds through marriage in 2004, was something I had to do and and the government hopes it people yesterday accused of passengers as human shields and from a gym to school in Crema, revoked. would do again, 100 times. Why will lead 23,000 Spanish having planned an “IS terrorist escape to Africa, Italian media east of Milan. According to the Corriere did I do it? To send a signal to workers to move back to Spain, attack” using guns and a yesterday quoted him as saying. Armed with two petrol can- della Sera, Sy has told investi- Africa”. government spokeswoman vehicle, prosecutors said. “I wanted to get to the isters and a cigarette lighter, Sy gators he hates white people for He reportedly said that Italy’s Isabel Celaa said. “These people The suspects, whose runway at (Milan’s) Linate threatened the youngsters, took having “invaded and colonised” impounding Tuesday of migrant left, with their talent and nationalities were not specified, airport using the children as their telephones and told the Africa, forcing Africans to emi- rescue ship “Mare Jonio” off the training which Spain gave had plotted to “kill as many human shields and from there adults to tie them up with electric grate and “die in the Italian island of Lampedusa with them, most of them seeking ‘non-believers’ as possible,” head to Africa by plane,” Cor- cable. Mediterranean”. 48 people aboard had been a opportunities that they could Frankfurt prosecutors said in a riere della Sera daily quoted Their 40-minute ordeal Alberto Nobili, head of tipping point for him. not find in their own country.” statement. Some 200 police com- mandos carried out raids in Hesse and Rhineland-Palat- Catalan govt backs down over inate states. The main suspects were pro-independence banners two brothers aged 31 from the city of Wiesbaden and a AP 28. 21-year-old from Offenbach. SPAIN On Thursday, the regional gov- They had allegedly made ernment removed a different banner contact with various arms Catalonia’s regional government which displayed a yellow ribbon symbol dealers, rented a large vehicle yesterday removed eye-catching pro- used to express support for the and amassed cash to cover the independence banners from its head- prisoners. expenses. quarters in Barcelona, hours before The electoral board deemed the Police were investigating 10 police were due to take them down on ribbons to be an unacceptable “tool of of those detained for terror- orders from the country’s electoral political propaganda” and ordered their financing and criminal con- board. removal earlier this month. spiracy. They were aged Workers removed a large banner But Quim Torra, Catalonia’s regional between 20 and 42. from a balcony on the front of the cen- president who always wears a small During the raids, police con- turies-old palace, which said in Catalan yellow ribbon in his lapel, asked for fiscated several knives, more and English “Free political prisoners and more time to do so and argued that it than $22,000 in cash, small exiles.” was an issue of free speech. amounts of drugs and written That referred to the prosecution and Meanwhile, opposition parties and electronic documents. self-imposed exile of Catalan separatist chided the socialist government for not Germany is on the alert fol- leaders for their role in a failed attempt taking a harder line with the lowing several jihadist attacks to declare independence in 2017. secessionists. in recent years. The most Elected officials and public institu- The public prosecutor’s office deadly was committed in 2016 tions are prohibited from expressing announced Friday it is opening an inves- by Tunisian Anis Amri, who support for one particular party or ide- tigation into Torra’s conduct for pos- A banner reading “Free political prisoners and those exiled” bearing a white ribbon killed 12 people when he stole ological position during a campaign sible disobedience. with a red brush stroke replaces an older one bearing a yellow ribbon on the balcony a truck and ploughed it through period. Torra has said he will challenge the a Berlin Christmas market. of the Generalitat, in Barcelona, yesterday. Spain’s general election is on April electoral board’s order in court. SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019 EUROPE/ AMERICAS 11 Man pleads guilty to mailing bombs to Democrats

AFP Cesar Sayoc’s guilty homemade devices from mate- Robert De Niro and several Dem- the prompt arrest of defendant.” arrested in Florida five days after NEW YORK plea does not rials including plastic piping, a ocratic lawmakers, including Sayoc had initially been the first device was discovered guarantee a more digital alarm clock with electric 2020 presidential hopefuls Cory charged with 30 counts, already in Soros’s upstate New York A supporter of President Donald lenient sentence — wiring attached, fireworks and Booker and Kamala Harris. putting him at risk of life in prison. mailbox. Trump pleaded guilty to mailing glass fragments. None of the packages His guilty plea does not guarantee The episode heightened crude bombs to prominent but Judge Jed Rakoff “I know these actions were exploded and most did not come a more lenient sentence — but political tensions in the lead-up Democrats including former stressed he did not wrong and I am sorry,” he told anywhere near their intended Judge Jed Rakoff stressed he did to the November 6 US midterm president Barack Obama and have to hand down the court. recipients. not have to hand down a life sen- elections, which saw Democrats former Democratic presidential a life sentence in The slew of charges relates “Our democracy will simply tence in September. gain control of the House of Rep- nominee Hillary Clinton. to 16 package bombs Sayoc sent not survive if our political dis- A former club manager and resentatives while Republicans Cesar Sayoc, 57, who was September. from a Florida post office to course includes sending bombs bodybuilder and martial arts retained control of the Senate. arrested in Florida in October, leading Democrats as well as the to those we disagree with,” said practitioner, Sayoc was an ardent Police found Sayoc’s finger- pleaded guilty to 65 counts and he apologised for his actions Manhattan offices of CNN. General John C Demers, Assistant supporter of Trump, who has prints and DNA on the packages. could face life imprisonment at during an appearance in a US Besides Obama and Clinton, Attorney for the National rejected accusations that his Sayoc has a criminal record his sentencing in September. District Court in New York. those targeted included bil- Security Division. “I applaud the rhetoric fuels extremism. dating back to 1991, peppered Appearing in court in a blue Reading a statement pre- lionaire George Soros, former efforts of so many in our law Sayoc, who lived in a white with convictions for theft, fraud, prison jumpsuit, and with his pared with his lawyers, he president Bill Clinton, former enforcement community whose truck plastered with pro-Trump violence and a threat to blow up hair pulled into a gray ponytail, admitted he fashioned the vice president Joe Biden, actor alertness and tirelessness led to and anti-Democrat stickers, was his electric utility company.

Two Indiana cops Trump intensifies charged in beating of handcuffed man effort to discredit AP ELKHART

Mueller report Two Indiana police officers who are seen on video repeatedly AP special counsel was “best friend” punching a handcuffed man WASHINGTON to Comey, who succeeded were charged with a federal Mueller as FBI director. There’s civil rights crime. President Donald Trump no evidence the two are close Cory Newland and Joshua yesterday intensified his attacks friends. Titus of the Elkhart Police on special counsel Robert Muel- Mueller was appointed fol- Department were indicted by ler’s Russia investigation in his lowing the recusal two months a grand jury on a charge of latest effort to undermine the earlier of then-Attorney General depriving Mario Ledesma of his findings in Mueller’s highly antic- Jeff Sessions. That action rights through excessive force. ipated report, saying “people will entangled Rosenstein, whose Police video shows them not stand for it.” memo castigating Comey was punching Ledesma after he spat The probe is widely expected cited by the White House as jus- at Newland while sitting hand- to end in the coming weeks, but tification for his firing. In cuffed in a chair at the police Trump was focused on its begin- addition, Rosenstein didn’t station in January 2018. nings rather than its conclusion, appoint Mueller to write a report Newland and Titus have complaining about Deputy — that’s simply the ordinary been on leave since November Attorney General Rob Rosen- course of action laid out in the Members of the press wait outside one of the office buildings used by independent prosecutor and and have pleaded not guilty to stein’s appointment of Mueller special counsel regulations. former FBI director Robert Mueller, in Washington, DC, yesterday. separate state charges. A in May 2017. Rosenstein The president, speaking to message seeking comment was appointed the special counsel reporters on the White House indicated that his probe is in its when he or Rosenstein decided clear evidence of a conspiracy left with Elkhart police after Trump fired FBI Director lawn before leaving for meetings final stages. Justice Department an action Mueller proposed “was between Russia and his 2016 yesterday. James Comey, who was leading at his Florida estate, again regulations require only that so inappropriate or unwar- campaign. And Trump and his “The FBI won’t tolerate the an investigation into possible repeated his claim that “There Mueller give the attorney general ranted” that it should not be advisers are considering how to abuse of power or victimization collusion between the Trump was no collusion. There was no a confidential report that explains pursued. After Mueller turns in weaponise those possible of citizens by anyone in law campaign and Russia. obstruction. Everybody knows the decisions to pursue or decline his report, Barr has said he will findings for the 2020 race, enforcement,” said Grant “I have a deputy, appoints a it. It’s all a big hoax. It’s all a prosecutions. That could be as draft a second one for congres- painting the probe as a failed Mendenhall, who heads the FBI man to write a report on me, to witch hunt.” simple as a bullet point list or as sional and public consumption. coup while railing against inves- in Indianapolis. “The alleged make a determination on my Guessing when Mueller’s fulsome as a report running hun- Trump and his allies have tigations launched by House actions by these individuals presidency,” Trump said in an report will be turned over to the dreds of pages. spent nearly two years trying to Democrats. went against everything in the interview with Fox Business Department of Justice has Attorney-General William discredit Mueller. But the pres- Even if Mueller’s final report oath they took to serve and Network. “People will not stand become a popular Washington Barr is required only to say the ident has grown increasingly does not implicate the president protect.” for it.” parlor game, though the special investigation has concluded and confident the report will produce in criminal conduct, the investi- Trump bemoaned that the counsel has not officially describe or explain any times what he has insisted all along: no gation was far from fruitless. ‘Florida man’ social Hurricane, border mission media challenge strain US Marines’ budget becomes viral AP AP time in their preparation cannot ORLANDO WASHINGTON be recouped.” In the memo, Neller asks It turns out there’s a “Florida A number of unexpected costs, Spencer for help getting funding Man” in all of us. including major hurricane freed up for Marine priorities. A social media challenge is damage repairs and unplanned Neller lists nine unplanned encouraging people to look up deployments to the US-Mexico factors that led to the problem, what version of Florida Man they border, are forcing the Marine but the Marine Corps said that, are based on their birthdays. Corps to cancel training exer- by far, the most significant issue Florida Man has become cises and will degrade combat forcing the training cuts is the shorthand for a unique brand readiness, the top Marine widespread hurricane damage. of news story mined from the general warned. About $3.5bn in damages Sunshine State that usually Gen Robert Neller said in a was done to Camp Lejeune in involves guns, drugs, booze or memo this week to the Navy North Carolina and surrounding reptiles — often in startling secretary that the Marines have facilities by Hurricanes Florence combination. pulled out of three military exer- and Michael. The challenge asks people cises and cut equipment main- Neller said that earlier hopes to run their birthday and tenance. And he warned that that Congress might approve “Florida Man” through a search Police searching the area outside the Russian Consulate, in Athens, yesterday. Marine participation in more requests to move larger amounts engine to find out which Florida than a dozen other exercises will of money around in the budget Man headline pops up. Then, also be cancelled or reduced and now appear unlikely. He called like all good things, they must Grenade thrown at Russian Consulate in Athens other cuts will be needed if the the situation in North Carolina post the result on social media. service doesn’t get budget help. critical, noting that hurricane The challenge has become AP a motorbike throwing a small The foreign ministry issued The problem, said Neller, is season begins in June and a social media sensation, which ATHENS object in the early hours of the a statement condemning the “imposing unacceptable risk” to Marines and sailors are working isn’t surprising given that the morning at the fence beside the attack, which it said would not Marine Corps combat readiness. in “compromised structures” Florida Man concept crept into Assailants suspected of consulate’s security guard post, affect “the traditional and inher- “Marines rely on the hard, that must be repaired quickly. the nation’s consciousness with belonging to a left-wing militant reportedly causing minor ently long-term friendly rela- realistic training provided by The Defense Department is the @_FloridaMan Twitter group threw a hand grenade at damage. No security guard was tions ... with Russia.” it said a these events to develop the indi- seeking more than $2bn in account in 2013. the Russian Consulate in Athens at the post at the time. thorough investigation would be vidual and collective skills nec- funding for hurricane damage The Twitter account, with yesterday, causing minor Police cordoned off the area carried out to catch the essary to prepare for high-end in the 2020 fiscal year budget. the tagline “Real-life stories of damage and no injuries, Greek around the consulate, located in perpetrators. combat,” Neller said in the memo But Neller said Marine Corps the world’s worst superhero,” authorities said. a suburb north of the city centre. Authorities were examining sent to Navy Secretary Richard needs more than $600m in this has been home to recent head- Police sent a bomb disposal Greece’s counter-terrorism a motorbike found partially Spencer. “Although some effects current fiscal year to do those lines such as “Florida Man Fire team to the consulate after police were investigating the burned in a central Athens can be mitigated, the experience needed repairs and address Bombs Garage That Impounded cameras showed two people on attack. neighbourhood. lost by these units at a critical other shortfalls. His Car, Hits His Own Vehicle.” German minister urges sanctions on EU states flouting principles REUTERS core EU principles such having could provide important quences,” he added. Wednesday to suspend the the courts, the media and the BERLIN an independent judiciary and leverage. Cutting funding “is the only Fidesz party of Hungarian Prime economy, as well as education freedom of the press. “There are basic core prin- language that is understood Minister Viktor Orban amid con- and now scientific research. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told German broad- ciples that all must respect,” there,” he said of countries which cerns it had violated EU prin- The EU is also at odds with Maas said that the European caster ZDF that countries like Maas said on a ZDF programme. pass laws to restrict freedom of ciples on the rule of law. Poland and Romania over legal Union should cut funding and Romania, Hungary and Poland With members that breach them, the press, for instance. Orban, who took power in steps that critics say undermine impose sanctions on members received more EU funding than “we’ll have to investigate if that The European Parliament’s 2010, has tightened controls over the rule of law and other core which pass laws that contravene they provided, so curtailing that should have financial conse- main centre-right bloc voted on Hungarian public life, including European values. 12 AMERICAS / CLASSIFIEDS SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019

Ecuador President Lenin Moreno, Chile President Sebastian Pinera, Argentina President Mauricio Macri, Peru President Martin Vizcarra and Colombia President Ivan Duque during the Prosur summit, at the Presidential Palace La Moneda, in Santiago, Chile, yesterday. South America nations form new regional bloc

REUTERS Chile and Colombia had led the push for the SANTIAGO new ‘Prosur’ political grouping after criticism that a previous bloc, Unasur, failed to take A group of South American action on crisis-stricken Venezuela. leaders signed a declaration yesterday to create a bloc they say is open to any country, firm and clear commitment to presidency in January. Guaido regardless of ideology, to collab- democracy, freedom and a respect did not send a representative to orate on solving regional for human rights,” said Chilean the summit. problems. President Sebastian Pinera fol- Bolivian President Evo Presidents from Argentina, lowing the signing ceremony. Morales, a close ally of Maduro, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Venezuelan President and Uruguayan President Tabare Paraguay, and Peru attended the Nicolas Maduro was not among Vazquez also did not attend. summit in the Chilean capital of the leaders invited to meet in Unasur was created in 2008 Santiago. Santiago yesterday. when leftist populism advocated Chile and Colombia had led Some leaders have criticised by Maduro’s predecessor Hugo the push for the new ‘Prosur’ the organisers for leaving out Chavez was at its strongest in political grouping after criticism Maduro and instead inviting South America. But in recent that a previous bloc, Unasur, Venezuelan opposition leader years, the bloc has been para- failed to take action on crisis- Juan Guaido, recognized by lysed by divisions as center-right stricken Venezuela. many countries as head of state governments have risen to “This will be a forum with a after he assumed the interim power.

Driver in Canada US announces new hockey bus crash Venezuela sanctions jailed for 8 years REUTERS AP The US had already sanc- OTTAWA PALM BEACH tioned scores of top Vene- zuelan officials and has blocked The driver who caused the The Trump administration US banks from doing business deaths of 16 people on a rural announced additional sanc- with that country, imposing a Canadian road in Saskatchewan tions for Venezuela in response financial strangle-hold on the after crashing his truck into a to what it describes as the cash-strapped nation. The bus transporting a junior illegal arrest of opposition sanctions announced yesterday hockey team was sentenced leader Juan Guaido’s chief of also came as members of Con- yesterday to eight years in staff. gress from both parties con- prison, Canadian media The Treasury Department demned Marrero’s arrest. reported. announcement came while the “The international com- Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, 30, President Donald Trump met munity is closely watching pleaded guilty in January to 29 with leaders from five Car- Maduro’s actions and will counts of dangerous operation ibbean nations, where Vene- respond accordingly to any that of a motor vehicle causing zuela was at the top of the threaten the safety of the oppo- death or bodily harm, saying he agenda. The region has been sition and Interim President did not want to make things far from united in joining the Juan Guaido,” said Rep Michael worse by proceeding with trial. US call for the ouster of Pres- McCaul, R-Texas. The prosecution had asked ident Nicolas Maduro. Trump is hosting the for 10 years. The defence had The department is specifi- leaders of Jamaica, Bahamas, made no recommendation but cally targeting Venezuela’s Haiti, Dominican Republic cited cases whose sentences national development bank, and St. Lucia at his Mar-a- ranged from 18 months to four BANDES, and four additional Lago club to show his support years, according to CBC News. subsidiaries that BANDES owns for Caribbean countries that The Humboldt Broncos or controls. back democratic transition in hockey team was on its way to “The regime’s continued Venezuela. The five have a playoff game before the crash use of kidnapping, torture, and either denounced Maduro or last April, which killed players, murder of Venezuelan citizens joined more than 50 countries staff, a radio announcer and the will not be tolerated by the US in recognising Guaido as the bus driver. or the international coalition rightful interim leader of the Yesterday, at the hearing, that is united behind President nation. Judge Inez Cardinal read out Guaido,” said Treasury Sec- Trump told the leaders as nearly 100 victim impact state- retary Steven Mnuchin. the meeting kicked off that he ments, a reporter Jason Warick “Roberto Marrero and other would be “discussing ways that posted on Twitter. political prisoners must be we can be beneficial to you and Along with the sentence, released immediately.” you can be beneficial to us.” Sidhu’s driver’s licence was also suspended. US adds $3.7bn in support to finish new N-reactors AP fallen years behind schedule President Donald Trump has SAVANNAH while its price tag has nearly singled out both the country’s doubled since the government nuclear and coal industries for Energy Secretary Rick Perry approved two new reactors at support from his administration, announced that the Trump the plant in 2012. But Perry said although the more politically administration has finalised the administration is determined influential coal sector has gotten $3.7bn in new loan guarantees to see the project finished most of the regulatory breaks so to support completion of the first despite the setbacks. far. new US commercial nuclear “The message that gets sent The Green New Deal pushed reactors in a generation, calling on this plant: America is back in by some Democrats has served the expansion of nuclear energy the nuclear energy industry, to boost interest in nuclear “the real” Green New Deal. folks,” Perry told workers in power, which doesn’t emit The expansion of Plant hardhats. “We are back. We’re greenhouse gasses that con- Vogtle in eastern Georgia has going to be leading the world.” tribute to global warming. SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019 CLASSIFIEDS 13

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 E-mail: [email protected] www.iescoqatar.com. 44557857 BUSINESS Saturday 23 March 2019 PAGE | 15 PAGE | 15 Deutsche Bank chief Pound up, paid $8m as top bosses but still gain first bonuses for faces four years pressure

Your Global Remittance Partner Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate QAR/INR : 18.79 QAR/PHP : 14.31 QAR/LKR : 48.75 QAR/BDT : 23.05 EUR/QAR : 4.25 GBP/QAR : 4.93 CAD/QAR : 2.83 AUD/QAR : 2.72 CHF/QAR : 3.79 SGD/QAR : 2.80 KWD/QAR : 12.16 OMR/QAR : 9.55 MAIN BRANCH LULU HYPER MARKET SANAYYA (STREET 17) AL KHOR PH: 44441448 PH: 44650768 PH: 44510088 PH: 44213444 MATAR QADEEM MANSOURA - AL MEERA ABU HAMOUR BIN OMRAN - ALMEERA PH: 44655559 PH: 44357552 PH: 44621271 PH: 44162002 alzamanexchange www.alzamanexchange.com 44441448 Palladium’s China trade hot rally may be coming to deal likely, an end BLOOMBERG LONDON

says Trump Palladium has been one of the hottest commodities for a while now, but analysts think this REUTERS Top US officials are year may be the time to book WASHINGTON profits. headed to Beijing in Prices have rallied to fresh US President Donald Trump said coming days, with records on tighter supplies of trade negotiations with China a summit possible the material mainly used in were progressing and a final between Trump and gasoline vehicle autocatalysts. agreement “will probably But analysts surveyed by happen,” adding that his call for Chinese President Xi Bloomberg see the metal ending tariffs to remain on Chinese Jinping to seal any the year 15 percent lower than imported goods for some time final deal. now, partly as shortages are did not mean talks were in priced in and car sales in key trouble. Chinese President in Rome markets slow. Trump, in a television best segment by far. And yes, we Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian President Sergio Mattarella shake hands after addressing a forum Prices have jumped in interview aired yesterday, also will absolutely be able to keep of businessmen, at the Quirinal Palace, in Rome, Italy, yesterday. recent years as autocatalyst said he expected to keep a 25 it - not only keep it going, I really manufacturers scrambled to get percent tariff on European light think we have tremendous hold of the metal to meet more trucks amid separate ongoing potential,” he told the network stringent emissions controls, trade talks with the European in the interview, which was particularly in China. That’s also Union, but that companies could taped on Thursday. helped fuel even bigger gains avoid it by building factories in “I’ll tell you what the end German bond yield crashes below zero in lesser known sister metal, the United States. game is. They’ll build their plants rhodium. For palladium, scarce The Trump administration in the United States and they supplies have created a is engaged in ongoing trade talks have no tariffs,” Trump added. for first time since 2016 on bleak data lucrative business where with both the European Union Then, asked if he would agree REUTERS which together account for more percent, putting both on track investors lease out metal from and China as part of the Repub- to zero tariffs, he said: “I would LONDON than two-thirds of the economy, for their largest one-day fall exchange-traded funds to meet lican president’s “America First” do it for certain products, but I fell to 51.5 in March, its lowest since December 2016. demand. agenda. Top US officials are wouldn’t do it for cars.” Germany’s 10-year government reading since June 2013. Other 30-year bond yields “Palladium is the most headed to Beijing in coming Shares of German auto- bond yield yesterday turned The broader euro zone PMI were down around five basis overrated precious metal,” said days, with a summit possible maker Daimler jumped briefly negative for the first time since showed that businesses across points, as investors looked for Georgette Boele, co-coordi- between Trump and Chinese after the interview. October 2016, as a survey the entire euro zone have per- yield further down the curve. nator of FX and precious metals President Xi Jinping to seal any The United States in July showing German manufac- formed much worse than “The narrative behind it strategy at ABN Amro Bank NV. final deal. agreed not to hit EU car imports turing contracted for a third expected this month with isn’t a big surprise... But the size “First, the shortage is more than “The European Union ... with extra tariffs while the straight month fuelled concern factory data contracting at its of the surprise is fairly material. reflected in the price. Second, frankly, treats us as badly as Washington and Brussels sought about a widespread European fastest pace in nearly six years, These things happen very prices don’t yet reflect the China,” Trump told Fox Business to improve economic ties, but slowdown. hit by a big drop in demand. rarely, and the surprise is what weaker outlook on the global Network. the U.S. ambassador to the EU Germany’s 10-year bond The euro extended its losses matters the most for market car sector.” “Our deal is coming along on Thursday said Europe was yield fell almost five basis tumbling more than half a activity,” said Antoine Bouvet, Palladium may fall to about very well. We’ll see what falling short in trade talks. points to -0.014 percent. percent to below $1.13 on the rates strategist at Mizuho. $1,350 an ounce by year-end, happens,” Trump said regarding Additionally, the US Com- It has tumbled around ten day, while Europe’s STOXX 600 Germany’s 10-bond yield down from $1,583 now, China. “I think the deal will merce Department has given the basis points this week alone index fell to a session low and last hit zero percent on October according to the average probably happen. I think they White House a report regarding amid uncertainty regarding was on track for a weekly drop 21, 2016, when Mario Draghi estimate of nine analysts sur- need it very badly.” the legal basis to impose steep Brexit and as the Federal of 0.7 percent. dispelled market concerns veyed by Bloomberg. That Asked about his remarks tariffs on cars on national Reserve ruled out raising Other euro zone bond about tapering and said the ECB would wipe out much of the 25 earlier this week about US security grounds. interest rates this year. The yields also fell sharply, with remained committed to its asset percent rally so far this year. tariffs on Chinese goods Asked if autos and auto parts weak German purchasing man- French 10-year bond yields purchase programme. Three analysts expect prices to staying in place for a period of posed a security risk, Trump agers survey data only added to also at their lowest since “We think Bund yields can end the year higher than now. time and whether that meant said: “well, no.” the gloomy outlook for global October 2016, and down now certainly revisit the minus Demand for autocatalyst there was a snag in the nego- “What poses a national growth, giving bond yields a around five basis points. The 0.15 percent area which refo- metals has been even more tiations, Trump said, “No, not security risk is our balance fresh push lower on Friday. move was more pronounced at cuses investor concerns about supportive for rhodium, which at all.” sheet. We have to have -- we IHS Markit’s flash composite the long-end however, with the growth trajectory,” said is much less liquid and not Trump then segued to the need a strong balance sheet. Purchasing Managers’ Index German and French 30-year Rabbani Wahhab, senior fixed traded on an exchange. Prices European auto sector, including Otherwise you don’t have measuring activity in German bonds down eight basis points income fund manager at are up 34 percent this year to trucks. “We get a 25 percent national security,” Trump added. services and manufacturing, to 0.60 percent and 1.35 London and Capital. $3,300 an ounce, according to tariff on that segment - that’s our “We’re straightening it out.” Johnson Matthey Plc. GM plans $1.8bn US investment after Trump criticism BLOOMBERG attacked GM over its decisions how many people continue to with that,” Dittes said when he MICHIGAN announced in November to idle work for the company outside took the podium after Barra an Ohio plant and four other of that plant. spoke. “These four plants will General Motors Co. committed We’re taking the steps underutilized factories in the “We still have 4,000 jobs not be forgotten.” Dittes said that to investing $1.8bn at plants in and being responsible US and Canada. As part of a and 4,000 employees in four even the sedan plant in Detroit- six states and to creating 700 broader restructuring that’s additional Ohio plants,” Barra Hamtramck that GM has com- new jobs, as the largest US auto- to make sure that we also affecting salaried told reporters. “We spend more mitted to keep open only until maker looks to ward off months can continue to grow in employees, the company is than $6bn in Ohio every year. the end of 2019 has a shaky of criticism by President Donald these areas, and con- cutting or displacing upwards GM is committed to supporting future. The challenge for the Trump. tinue to have a strong of 14,000 jobs. manufacturing, including in UAW is that even if the auto- The bulk of the new jobs “No one wants Trump Michigan and Ohio.” The United maker closes all four of the will go to a factory in Michigan US manufacturing base tweeting negatively about them, Auto Workers won’t be pacified plants that have no product allo- where GM plans to add pro- that creates a lot of but General Motors has demon- easily. Terry Dittes, the vice cated for the future, several duction of another fully electric good paying jobs.” strated that it is going to run its president who oversees the other plants aren’t busy enough vehicle. The carmaker will business,” said Michelle Krebs, union’s GM department, said he right now to warrant adding spend $300m and add 400 a senior analyst at car-shopping will still fight to save factories in more workers. workers at the plant in Orion workforce. “This is an industry being responsible to make sure researcher AutoTrader. “This is Ohio, Michigan and Maryland “We’re still waiting to see Township, north of Detroit, that is under just dramatic that we can continue to grow a significant investment in GM’s that face uncertain futures due what’s going to happen with where the Chevrolet EV will be transformation,” Chief Exec- in these areas, and continue to electrification future.” to a lack of future product to other GM plants, like Detroit- built alongside the Bolt model. utive Officer Mary Barra (pic- have a strong US manufacturing Addressing Ohio Barra build. Hamtramck,” AutoTrader’s Factories in states including tured) said in an interview with base that creates a lot of good addressed Trump’s barbs about “There is hardship among Krebs said. “There are still some Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Bloomberg Television. “So paying jobs.” The moves may GM ending production in Lord- four of our locations and we’ve plants that are underutilized. Texas will also boost their we’re taking the steps and help assuage Trump, who’s stown, Ohio, by talking about made it clear that we disagree What will they do with those?” SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019 BUSINESS 15 Deutsche Bank chief paid $8m as top bosses gain first bonuses for four years

REUTERS apparently wants to plunge into FRANKFURT a bad merger,” Schick said. A spokesman for Deutsche Deutsche Bank paid its Bank declined to comment. management board members Deutsche Bank has paid large Pound up, their first bonuses in four years fines for past misdeeds, including in 2018, with Christian Sewing’s a $7.2bn US penalty in 2017, but still faces (pictured) €7m ($8m) total spooking clients. package making him one of the Last year it was ensnared in pressure best paid chief executives in a money laundering scandal European banking. involving Danske Bank and its AFP Deutsche Bank’s politically offices were raided over two days HONG KONG sensitive pay disclosures, which in November in relation to a sep- were revealed in its annual report arate inquiry. The pound rose yesterday but was yesterday, come as it contem- Sewing, who be- Litigation costs are expected struggling to claw back its latest plates a merger with Com- came CEO in April to be “significantly higher” in losses after the EU gave Britain a merzbank, which unions fear 2019 than in 2018, Deutsche Bank Brexit deadline extension, while could lead to up to 30,000 job last year, led Deut- said in the report. equity markets were boosted by a cuts. sche Bank to its first John Cryan, Sewing’s prede- positive lead from Wall Street. Sewing, who became CEO in profit in four years cessor, received €8.7m in sev- At a summit in Brussels, Prime April last year, led Deutsche Bank erance pay and a €2.2m payment Minister Theresa May was given until to its first profit in four years and and is heading the to compensate him for what he April 12 to push her divorce is heading the talks with Com- talks with Commerz- could earn with a competitor. agreement through a fractious par- merzbank. He earned €2.9m for bank. He earned Last year’s management liament next week. If she manages 2017. €2.9m for 2017. reshuffle, which involved Cryan to get it passed, the exit date will be His 2018 pay was higher than and three other board members, pushed back until May 22. that of CEOs at several other was costly for Deutsche Bank, The sterling has come under major European investment in Germany, where many politi- which paid a combined€ 25.8m pressure owing to the uncertainty in banks, including HSBC’s John cians and public opinion are in severance and restraint on the past few days, falling to as low as Flint and Barclays boss Jes Staley. critical of high pay and Anglo- competition fees for the four $1.3004 Thursday, though it has However, the Deutsche Bank Saxon style capitalism. executives, figures in the annual recovered slightly and is still main- CEO received less than his Credit Fabio De Masi, a prominent report and provided by the bank taining its position, helped by this Suisse counterpart Tidjane leftist lawmaker in the German revealed. Garth Ritchie, head of week’s dovish outlook on interest Thiam, who received 12.65 parliament, said that anyone who Deutsche’s investment bank, rates from the Federal Reserve. million Swiss francs ($12.7 can pay 1.9 billion in bonuses was the highest paid board However, OANDA senior market million). does not need to cuts jobs. member with earnings of €8.6m analyst Jeffrey Halley (pictured) Deutsche Bank’s annual “The board doesn’t have all last year. remained wary. “The investor com- report also revealed that its man- their wits about them,” De Masi Deutsche Bank pared down munity continues to price the pound agement board received total pay, said. the investment bank last year, as if a no-deal Brexit is not possible, including bonuses, of €55.7m in Gerhard Schick, finance particularly in the United States, looking for excuses to buy rather 2018, up from €29.8m a year activist at Finanzwende and a as part of efforts to cut costs. than sell,” he said in a note. earlier. former member of the German An executive with Blackrock, “A close look at the text of the EU The overall bonus pool for parliament, questioned Deutsche a major investor in both Deutsche announcement suggests this is not a 2018 was €1.9bn, down 14 Bank’s bonuses if they were Bank and Commerzbank, said that guaranteed outcome.” The Bank of percent from €2.3bn a year meant as incentives for good a merger between the two lenders England on Thursday expressed earlier, partly as a result of a performance. “will not work” if the “objective in concern that further “uncertainties” reduction in headcount, Deutsche “It adds to the negative this operation is to try yet again to over a “cliff-edge” no-deal Brexit Bank said. overall picture of the bank, which create a large, US-inspired “could have a significant effect on Bonuses are a sensitive issue is reeling from scandals and now investment bank operation”. spending” by businesses.

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Ottam (2D/Malayalam) 2:15pm; Mard Ko Nahin Ottam (2D/Malayalam) 2:30pm; Manou The Swift Hota (2D/Hindi) 4:45 & 9:15pm; Ulan (2D/ (2D/Animation) 3:00pm; Mirai (2D/Animation) 5:00pm; Tagalog) 7:15pm; Hotel Mumbai (2D/Thriller) US (2D/Horror) 7:00 & 11:30pm; Captain Marvel (2D/Action) 9:15pm; Badla (2D/Hindi) 11:30pm; 5:00 & 9:15pm; The Brand New Adventures Of Aladdin (2D/ Manou The Swift (2D/Animation) 2:00 & Comedy) 2:30pm; Badla (2D/Hindi) 4:30 & 11:30pm; 5:15pm; Five Feet Apart (2D/Romance) 7:00pm; Hotel Mumbai (2D/Thriller) 7:00pm; Damascus Aleppo US (2D/Horror) 9:15pm; Wonder Park (2D/Ani- (2D/Arabic) 9:15pm; Five Feet Apart (2D/Romance) 7:15pm; mation) 3:45pm; Captain Marvel (2D/Action) Ulan (2D/Tagalog) 9:30pm; Tolet (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm. 11:30pm; Badla (2D/Hindi) 2:30pm; The Brand New Adventures Of Aladdin (2D/Comedy) 5:00pm; Damascus Aleppo (2D/Arabic) 7:00pm; Tolet (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm. ASIAN TOWN Ottam (2D/Malayalam) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 10:00pm; Mr & Ms LANDMARK Rowdy (2D/Malayalam) 2:00pm; An International Local Story Ottam (2D/Malayalam) 2:30pm; Manou The (2D/Malayalam) 5:00, 11:00pm; June (2D/Malayalam) 2:00, Swift (2D/Animation) 5:00pm; Five Feet Apart 8:00pm; Kumbalangi Nights (2D/Malayalam) 8:00pm; Koda- (2D/Romance) 6:45pm; Damascus Aleppo (2D/ thisamaksham Balan Vakkeel (2D/Malayalam) 2:30, 5:00 & Arabic) 9:00pm; June (2D/Malayalam) 11:15pm; 11:00pm; Mard Ko Nahin Hota (2D/Hindi) 6:00pm; Tolet (2D/ Wonder Park (2D/Animation) 3:00pm; The Tamil) 8:30pm; Ispade Rajavum Idhaya Raniyum (2D/Tamil) Brand New Adventures Of Aladdin (2D/ 11:00pm Comedy) 5:00pm; Mard Ko Nahin Hota (2D/ Hindi) 9:15 & 11:30pm; Badla (2D/Hindi) 2:30pm; Tolet (2D/Tamil) 5:00 & 11:30pm; Hotel Mumbai ROXY (2D/Thriller) 9:15pm; US (2D/Horror) 7:00pm; Captain Marvel (2D/Action) 7:00pm. Captain Marvel (2D/Action) 11:30am, 3:30, 6:20, 8:30 & 11:30pm; Kesari (2D/Hindi) 10:30am, 1:45, 5:00, 6:00, 8:00 FLIK Mirqab Mall & 11:00pm; Ottam (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 1:00, 3:40, 8:50 & 11:30pm; US (2D) 10:30am, 1:00, 2:00, 3:30, 6:00, 9:00 Captain Marvel (Action) 2D 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, & 11:30pm; Wonder Park (2D) 11:00am, 1:00, 3:15 & 5:30pm 7:20, 9:50pm 3D 2:20, 7:20pm & 0:20am; Five Feet Apart 11:40am, 4:20, 8:50 & 11:10pm; Greta (2D/Thriller) 11:25am, 1:35, 6:15, 8:25, 11:35, 10:20pm & 0:30am; AL KHOR Hotel Mumbai (2D/Thriller) 11:10am; 1:40, 4:10, 6:40, 9:10 & 11:40pm; Captain Marvel (2D/Action) 11:15am, 1:45, 4:15, 6:45, 9:15 Yesterday’s answer Kesari 12:20, 3:30, 6:35, 9:40pm & 0:45am; & 11:45pm; Ulan 10:40am, 12:45, 2:50, 4:55, 7:00, 9;10 & Wonder Park (2D/Animation) 10:30am, 12:30, 2:30 & 11:25pm; 4:30pm; US (2D) 2:00, 3:30, 7:50, 10;10pm & 0:30am; Hotel Mumbai (2D/Thriller) 11:00am, 4:00 & 9:00pm; Wonder Park (2D/Animation) 10:15am, 12:10, Ottam (2D/Malayalam) 6:30, 9:00 & 11:30pm; 2:05, 4:00, 5:55 & 6:50pm US (2D) 1:30, 6:30 & 11:30pm

Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice.

MANOU THE SWIFT Manou the Swift features Kate Winslet, Willem Dafoe as the seagull ... Known for their visual effects for films as Wes Anderson’s The Grand. SPORT Saturday 23 March 2019 PAGE | 17 PAGE | 19 Osaka Kohli vs Dhoni advances; as RCB meet Nishikori falls CSK in IPL in Miami opener Derwael, Carey strike gold in Doha

FAWAD HUSSAIN still needs to qualify as a team so YESTERDAY’S RESULTS THE PENINSULA we are going to do try and do that MEN’S FINALS at the World Championship in Nina Derwael and Jade Carey Stuttgart this year,” she added. FLOOR EXERCISE yesterday stole limelight on the Yilin (14.933) took the silver 1.Alexander Shatilov (Israel) 14.633 first day of finals at FIG ART Indi- medal while Russia’s Anastasiia 2.Rayderley Zapata (Spain) 14.433 vidual Apparatus World Cup in Iliankova (14.700) secured bronze 3.Carlos Yulo (Philippines) 14.266 Doha, winning gold medals to medal in the event. consolidate their chances of qual- Meanwhile, American star POMMEL HORSE ifying for Tokyo Olympics. Carey clinched gold to make it a 1.Chih Kai Lee (Chinese Taipei) 15.400 Five gold medals were brace of victories in vault within 2.Kohei Kameyama (Japan) 15.400 decided at the Aspire Dome yes- a week. Carey, who had won both 3.Kaito Imabayashi (Japan) 15.333 terday, which saw a full house of vault and floor gold at the Baku fans backing their favourite gym- World Cup last week, maintained STILL RINGS nasts. Secretary-General of the her top form to complete her hat- 1.Xingyu Lan (China) 15.100 Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) trick of gold medals. 2.Artur Tovmasyan (Armenia) 14.833 Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, The 18-year-old controlled 3.Vahagn Davtyan (Armenia) 14.825 Qatar Gymnastics Federation her landing perfectly to top score President, Ali Al Hitmi and Qatar with 14.833 points, finishing ahead WOMEN’S FINALS Swimming Association President, of Russian Maria Paseka (14.766) Khaleel Al Jabir were among the and Frenchwoman Coline Dev- VAULT spectators. illard (14.549). 1.Jade Carey (USA) 14.883 Belgium’s Derwael, as Yesterday’s win boosted 2.Maria Paseka (Russia) 14.766 Gold medallist Jade Carey (centre) poses along with silver medallist Maria Paseka (left) and bronze expected, won gold medal in Carey’s World Cup series ranking 3.Coline Devillard (France) 14.549 medallist Coline Devillard after the medals ceremony for women’s vault event, yesterday. uneven bars after claiming 15.033 points to 85, putting her first in the points. It was a typical Derwael vault race for Olympics UNEVEN BARS performance as she kept things qualifications. 1.Nina Derwael (Belgium) 15.033 dangerous and doing them com- “I think it was a really good 2.Yilin Fan (China) 14.933 fortably. The gold medal helped performance”, the ever smiling 3.Anastasia Iliankova (Russia) 14.700 the Belgian leapfrog to third Carey said. position in overall rankings of “It is cool to be in Doha, after uneven bars with 60 points. missing last year’s World Cham- She is now behind Chinese pionships. I am happy that I made pair of Lyu Jiaqi (75) and Fan Yilin both vaults, especially the first (65) in race to getting Olympic one, because it is the first time I berth in the discipline. have tried it in competition. I am Derwael, who will turn 18 on looking forward to final on the My preparation Tuesday, was delighted with her floor”. for this event was third triumph of her career in The 43-year-old Oksana not good enough Doha. Chusovitina finished fifth with which is why I am “My preparation for this event 13.866 points. The Uzbek, who has was not good enough which is competed in seven Olympic very happy to win why I am very happy to win a Games, is gunning for her eighth a gold. I had some gold,” Derwael, who also won a appearance as she looks to book little injuries that gold at World Championships in her place at the 2020 Tokyo prevented me Doha last year, said. Games. “I had some little injuries that from doing other prevented me from doing other Chih-Kai claims gold; Qatar Gymnastics Federation President Ali Al Hitmi (centre, competitions. But competitions. But now I am really heartbreak for China’s front), along with QGF officials poses with medal-winning now I am really happy to be back on the podium. Ruoteng gymnasts of men’s still rings event. happy to be back I wasn’t really anxious as I was comfortable out there and I knew In men’s pommel horse final on the podium. I could do it. I just did what I yesterday, world bronze medallist China’s Zou Jingyuan, the competition after a fall and a in Doha. Epke Zonderland will be I wasn’t really usuallyusually do inin training,”training,” she said. Lee Chih-Kai of ChineseChinese TaipTaipeiei reigningreignin Asian Games gold med- couple of mistakes on his seen in action on horizontal bar anxious as I was TheThe teenagerteenagerger hailedhailed Doha pippedpippeddf f formerormerwor worldworld allist,allist, missed out on a medal programme. as the Dutch star hopes to repeat as oneone ofof herherfar favouritefavourite championchamchampionpion KohKoheiei Kam-Kam- afterafter he missed his hand his gold medal-winning per- comfortable out venues,venues,s, sayisayingng sshehe willwilli eyamaeyameyyamyama oof JapanJapappann oonn placementpplaceme and came off early Derwael, Carey eye formance in Doha after his there and I knew returnreturnn ffromromm thee basibabbasiss ofo superiorsupsu erioioor on.o HHe also tumbled for a second brace of gold in Doha triumph in World Championships I could do it. I just QatariQatariic ccapitalapittal wwithithh difficultydiffififfffficuiccuculculu tyy sscores,coreoro ss, timetimme tot finish seventh 12.866. last November. did what I usually moree goodgoogo d afterafteaft r boboththh However,HHo China also Today five more finals will be Derwael will vie for second memories.memoorieses. earnedeearnedd1 15.40015.405..4000 receivedrecereceiveivive a gold medal, yesterday played bringing an end to the gold as she will compete in do in training: “II ama mrm reallyreallyallal pointspoinp i tstsas apiece.a piecpie ee. whenwhwhew en XXingyu Lan emerged as the four-day event, which is being balance beam while Carey will Nina Derwael happyhappppy too bee backbbaack Kameyama’sKamKameKamemem yamayam ’s undisputedundiu disp winner with 15.100 held for the 12th consecutive year feature in the floor exercise final. herehere,e, I havehha e wonw n countrymancouncouc trymtr mana points.poipoinntts The Armenian duo of goldd thrthricericicee nonownow inn KaitoKaitKaiKaaita o ImIma-ma- ArArtuArturtur Tovmasyan and Vahagn Doha.Doha. I am goinggoingi bayashibayabbaybay shish tooktkook DavtyanDaavtty were second and third to prepareprepapap ree forfor thethhe bronzebronb zeze afterafftfterfteer respectively.resrespespspspeec EuroEuropeanpeane champi-chah mmpmpi- tallyingtallta lyingngg 15.33315.333333 Earlier,Ea Alexander Shatilov onshiponshshhipppn now,”now,”w saidsaisasaiid points.poinp ntss.s. off IsraelIsra was the first winner of Derwael.Derwael.aea thethhee day,dada earning first place on “I aammmve vveveryry eexcitedxcicitteedd thehehe floorflofl with 14.633 points with aboutabououu ttTo TToTokyokykyoy Spain’sSpaiSppain’ss Rayderley Zapata coming Olympics.Olymmppicspic . TheThThe onon secondse place with 14.333 BelgianBelgiana teteameamamm points.popoinppoiooininntsts TheThTh World Championships bronzebrbronronz medalist, Philippine’s CarlCaCarCCarlosarla losos Yulo was only third (1((14.266),114..26 after his impressive pperperfperformancee f o in the qualification.qquaququalualif 4 TheT Chinese star Xiao RuotengRuoRuotuotot disappointed his fans, Lee Chih-Kai of Chinese Taipei (centre), Kohei Kameyama (left) of sincessincncc he managed only Japan and his compatriot Kaito Imabayashi pose with their medals. sevessevseseventheveeve place in the FIG WORLD CUP: TODAY’S FINALS

MEN HORIZONTAL BAR VAULT WOMEN FLOOR PARALLELPARA BARS Alexey Rostov (Russia) Jorge Vega Lopez (Guatemala) BALANCE BEAM Coline Devillard (France) FerhatFerha Arican (Turkey) Randy Leru (Cuba) Christopher Remkes (Australia) Nina Derwael (Belgium) Vanessa Ferrari (Italy) MitchellMitch Morgans (Australia) Hidetaka Miyachi (Japan) Wei-Sheng Tseng (ChineseTaipei) Marine Boyer (France) Kim Bui (Germany) VasiliVasili Mikhalitsyn (Belarus) Milad Karimi (Kazakhstan) Giarnni Regini-Moran (Great Adela Sajn (Slovenia) Varvara Zubova (Russia) MatteoMatte Levantesi (Italy) Epke Zonderland (Netherlands) Britain) Hua-Tien Ting (Chinese Taipei) Marta Pihan-Kulesza (Poland) JingJingyuany Zou (China) Shudi Deng (China) Hakseon Yang (Korea) Yumika Nakamura (Japan) Lara Mori (Italy) VVladislavlad Poliashov (Russia) Carlo Macchini (Italy) Artur Davtyan (Armenia) Qui Li (China) Jade Carey (USA) AndreiAndr Likhovitskiy (Belarus) Tin Srbic (Croatia) Igor Radilov (Ukraine) SoyFinalska Hanawa (Japan) Marine Boyer (France) PhuongPhuon Thanh Dinh (Vietnam) Marian Dragulescu (Romania) Aneta Holasova (Czech Republic) Nina Derwael celebrates with her gold medal. SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019 SPORT 17 Qatar down Afghanistan in opener

THE PENINSULA Two goals in yesterday. While an early goal DOHA from Yousuf Al Malki proved the opening 35 decisive, Oman squandered a Qatar got off to a flying start at minutes proved number of chances to extend the AFC U-23 Championship insurmountable their lead, particularly in a dom- Thailand 2020 qualifying, inant second half display. defeating Afghanistan 2-0 in for Afghanistan, The Omanis came into the tie their opening game in Doha, as the Qataris as warm favourites, and took the yesterday. made a successful lead when an overlapping Al The Qatari players looked in first step in their Malki found space on the left good form at the Aspire pitch as hand side before beating Nepal they led their opponents right bid to return to goalkeeper Arpan Karki with an from the start to claim win, the Finals, where accurate low finish on 13 which took Al Annabi on top of they finished minutes. Group A. third in 2018. Nepal held their own in the Two goals in the opening 35 minutes that followed, although minutes proved insurmountable Oman came closest to finding the for Afghanistan, as the Qataris net before half-time, with Zahir made a successful first step in Al Aghbari hitting the upright in their bid to return to the Finals, the 34th minute. After the break where they finished third in Oman assumed full control of the 2018. tie, but they were persistently Boasting a strong line-up thwarted in their search for a featuring AFC Asian Cup- second goal, with Karki making winning stars Bassam Al Rawi a save to deny Muhsen Al and Tarek Salman, Qatar were Ghassani and then Al Aghbari, in the ascendancy from the while Al Malki sent a thunderous beginning, and they took lead Qatar U-23 players long-range effort into the after a marauding run from celebrate a goal against crossbar. Abdurahman Moustafa set up Afghanistan yesterday. Qadhafi Al Mahruqi wasted Hassan Ahmad Palang for a close another opportunity when he range finish in the 13th minute. missed a free header in the dying Albert Caballeria’s men con- 10 minutes before half-time. a late blow when captain Aman- their strong start against Nepal Earlier, Oman got their qual- minutes, but it had no impact on tinued to pile on the pressure, Afghanistan fought valiantly ullah Sardari was shown a tomorrow, while Afghanistan ifying campaign up and running, the end result, as Oman ensured and they doubled their lead after the break, but they were second yellow card in the third need a result against Oman to securing three points with a 1-0 they will go into Sunday’s when Al Duhail’s Abdullah Al unable to make any inroads on minute of stoppage time. keep their qualification hopes win over Nepal in their opening meeting with Afghanistan with Ahrak converted a penalty kick the scoresheet, and they suffered Qatar will look to continue alive. Group A clash in Doha, three points under their belt. Osaka advances; Nishikori falls in Miami Finch century leads Australia to comfortable AFP Naomi Osaka of Meanwhile, Canadian teenage MIAMI Japan in action sensation Bianca Andreescu against Yanina pulled off a Miami Open great victory over Pakistan World number one Naomi Osaka Wickmayer escape by fighting back from a set of Japan opened her campaign at of Belgium and match point down to beat a AFP Ashraf, the only other success the WTA and ATP Miami Open (not pictured), dazed Irina-Camelia Begu 4-6, SHARJAH Pakistan’s new-look bowling yesterday by outlasting Yanina yesterday. 7-6(2), 6-2 in the first round on attack could achieve. Wickmayer 6-0, 6-7 (3/7), 6-1. Thursday. Aaron Finch’s fine century Pakistan rested six of Since winning her second The 18-year-old who stunned drove Australia to a their key players including consecutive Grand Slam title in the Tennis world last week by convincing eight-wicket win regular skipper Sarfraz January at the Australian Open, winning her first career title at the over a new-look Pakistan in Ahmed in order to keep them Osaka has failed to go deep in BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells the first one-day interna- fresh for the World Cup Dubai or Indian Wells. raised eyebrows again with a tional yesterday. starting in UK from May 30. But she appeared in sold form gritty and spirited comeback that The Austraian skipper But the young and inex- against 141st-ranked Wickmayer, underscored her status as a rising scored 116 off 135 balls for his perienced Pakistan led by digging deep after the Belgian star. 12th one-day international Malik proved no match for forced a third set. “The harder the battle, the century that helped his team Australia, who are on a roll “I had to work hard out there,” sweeter the victory,” Andreescu overhaul the 281-run target after their win in India earlier Osaka said. told reporters. in 49 overs on a flat Sharjah this month. “In the second set, I got really “I have gained a lot of expe- stadium pitch. Left-hander Sohail, who emotional, so in the third, I just Osaka broke twice for a 3-0 disappointment for her compa- rience from today, but hopefully The win gives Australia reached 1,000 runs in his tried to shut off my feelings,” she lead in the first set and blitzed triot Kei Nishikori. The fifth seed I don’t have to actually be down the lead in the five-match 27th one-day international added. through the final set as well to lost to Serbian Dusan Lajovic 2-6, match point to win matches. series and has come on the when on 40, anchored Paki- Osaka advanced to a third- capture her first match in two 6-2, 6-3. “Maybe I needed to almost back of their 3-2 series win stan’s innings, adding 98 for round matchup against Taiwan’s hours and nine minutes after an Serena Williams and Novak lose to wake up. That’s obviously in India earlier this month. the third wicket with Umar Hsieh Su-Wei, who defeated opening-round bye. Djokovic take the court in later what happened today. I’m really Finch’s match-winning Akmal who made a 50-ball American Alison Riske 6-2, 7-5. On the men’s side, there was matches. grateful how I managed.” knock overshadowed Haris 48 in his first international Sohail’s maiden one-day match for two years. hundred (101 not out) which Sohail took a single to helped Pakistan to 280-5 in complete his hundred in the Qatargas Chess: Gowtham clinches their 50 overs. last over, finishing with six The 32-year-old boundaries and a six. smashed Shoaib Malik for a Pakistan had handed huge six towards deep mid- one-day debuts to opener Rapid title as Indian players shine wicket to complete his Shan Masood and Abbas -- century -- his first since June who have played 15 and 14 THE PENINSULA QATARGAS RAPID The players last year against England at Tests respectively. DOHA taking part Chester-Le-Street -- off 120 Masood put on 35 in an CHESS TOURNAMENT in Youth balls. opening stand with Imam- India’s Gowtham Ramamoorthy U-16 event at Finch, who knocked four ul-Haq (17) before off- FINAL RANKING yesterday clinched the Qatargas Qatargas Chess sixes and eight boundaries, spinner Nathan Lyon dis- Rapid Chess Tournament title, 1: Ramamoorthy Gowtham (IND) Championship added an innings-building missed Imam in the seventh scoring a brilliant score of nine 2: Firdaus Rayyan (MAS) at Al Mirqab 172 runs for the second over, caught and bowled. points from as many rounds at 3: Mathews Chris (IND) Mall yesterday wicket with Shaun Marsh Masood, who hit five Al Mirqab Mall in Doha. who scored an unbeaten 91 boundaries in his 62-ball 40, Building on his overnight lead, 4: Gireesh Shivapriya (IND) off 102 balls with four bound- was then bowled by which the U-10 chess star shared 5: De Joya Yuri Evgeni (PHI) aries and two sixes. paceman Nathan Coulter- with his compatriot Anupama 6: Jayachandran R. Madhav (IND) With 46 needed Finch Nile who finished with 1-38 Sumith Aman after three rounds 7: Benov Anith (IND) became Mohammad Abbas’s in his 10 overs. on the opening day of the event, maiden wicket but Peter Umar smashed three Gowtham went on to sweep all 8: Allen Tom (IND) Handscomb hit 30 not out to sixes in one Jhye Richardson five of his games yesterday to top 9: Biju Adithya (IND) help Marsh cross the line. over but fell one short of his the standings. 10: Sharvesh Balagi (IND) Finch and Marsh came half century. Rayyan Firdaus of Malaysia together after opener Usman Malik fell for 11 and collected eight points out of eight Khawaja fell for 24 to Ashraf and Imad Wasim games to win the second place Rawda Qassabi, Layan Qassabi medium pacer Faheem scored 28 each. ahead of Indian U-12 player Chris and Aisha Al Khelaidi were named Mathews, who bagged seven Best Qatari Girls. SCOREBOARD points to finish third. The Rapid Chess Tournament India’s Gireesh Shivapriya for youth (U-16) was part of the PAKISTAN Maxwell 10-0-57-1 (2w), Zampa 10-0-44-0, secured fourth spot ahead of De 6th Qatargas Chess Championship, Imam-ul-Haq c and b Lyon ...... 17 Stoinis 2-0-14-0 (1w) Shan Masood b Coulter-Nile ...... 40 AUSTRALIA Joya Yuri Evgeni from the Phili- organised by the Qatar Chess Haris Sohail not out ...... 101 Usman Khawaja c Malik b Ashraf ...... 24 phines who booked the fifth Association. Umar Akmal c Finch b Coulter-Nile ...... 49 A. Finch c Rizwan b Abbas ...... 116 place. Today, the Qatargas Open Blitz Shoaib Malik b Maxwell ...... 11 S. Marsh not out ...... 91 Jayachandran R. Madhav, Tournament will take place at the Faheem Ashraf c Stoinis b Maxwell ...... 28 P. Handscomb not out ...... 30 Benov Anith, Allen Tom, Biju same venue, starting at 10.30am Imad Wasim not out ...... 28 Extras: (b4, lb8, w8) ...... 20 Adithya and Sharvesh Balagi com- and will be carried out over nine Extras: (lb1, w 5) ...... 6 Total: (for two wkts; 49 overs) .281 pleted the top 10 standings as rounds. Total: (for five wkts; 50 overs) 280 Did not bat: P. Handscomb, G. Maxwell, M. India accounted for eight out of The Blitz Open Tournament Did not bat: Mohammad Rizwan, Moham- Stoinis, A. Carey, N. Coulter-Nile, J. Richard- mad Amir, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas son, N. Lyon, A. Zampa the 10 best players of the will be conducted according to the Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Imam), 2-78 Fall of wickets: 1-63 (Khawaja), 2-235 tournament. Swiss System, same as the junior (Masood), 3-176 (Umar), 4-190 (Malik), (Finch) Ali Al Saadi, Abdulla Al event, consisting of nine rounds. 5-239 (Ashraf) Bowling: Amir 9-0-59-0, Abbas 10-0-44- Homaid and Taleb Saeed Dahman The closing ceremony and the Bowling: Richardson 8-1-65-1 (1w), Coul- 1, Imad 10-1-50-0 (7w), Ashraf 9-0-50-1 were adjudged the Best Qatari award presentation will begin at ter-Nile 10-0-61-2 (1w), Lyon 10-0-38-1, (1w), Yasir 10-0-56-0, Malik 1-0-10-0 Boys of the tournament while 6.30pm. 18 SPORT SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019 Belgium and Croatia battle to wins as 2020 qualifying starts

AP LONDON

The stars of last year’s World Cup had to dig deep as European Championship qualifying began on Thursday. World Cup finalist Croatia nearly dropped points against F1: Mick Azerbaijan, only to be saved by a fine curling shot from Andrej Schumacher Kramaric for a 2-1 win. Belgium needed two goals from Eden happy to be Hazard to defeat Russia 3-1 after a costly Thibaut Courtois error compared allowed the Russians back into the game. to his father The Netherlands failed to qualify for the last two major REUTERS tournaments but showed no sign BERLIN of nerves in a 4-0 win against Belarus. Memphis Depay gave Mick Schumacher (pic- the Dutch an early lead and fin- tured, above) says he has ished with two goals and two no problem with people assists. comparing him to father Even with Romelu Lukaku Michael as he prepares for and Kevin de Bruyne missing a Formula Two debut in through injury, Belgium took a Belgium’s forward Eden Hazard (rear centre) scores a penalty kick past Russia’s Bahrain next week. big step toward qualifying by goalkeeper Guilherme during their Euro 2020 qualifying match at the Roi Baudouin The 19-year-old beating Russia, its main rival in Stadium, in Brussels on Thursday. German is already part of Group I. the seven-times world Youri Tielemans’ early goal champion’s old Formula for Belgium was cancelled out penalty which Hazard converted. Cyprus routed San Marino There was violence ahead of After a poor 2018 for Poland, One team Ferrari, having when a Courtois gave away the Belgium could have scored more 5-0 in the third Group I fixture. the other Group E game as vis- its first game of 2019 offered joined their driver ball in a rare blunder which but for Michy Batshuayi hitting Ever since losing to France iting Hungarian fans clashed fresh hope in a tight 1-0 win over academy in January. allowed Russia’s Denis the post and having another shot in the World Cup final, Croatia with Slovakian supporters and Austria in Group G. One rung below Cheryshev to score. cleared off the line. has struggled to replicate the police. Slovakia beat Hungary Poland arrived at last year’s Formula One, he won the A new-look Russia team Far away in Central Asia, form of its greatest ever tour- 2-0. World Cup fresh off a dominant European F3 title last year. struggled to track Hazard and perennial outsider Kazakhstan nament showing. Memphis Depay needed just qualifying campaign, but went “Being compared to when defender Yuri Zhirkov celebrated a rare win over an Relegation in the Nations 50 seconds to score as the Neth- on to finish bottom of both its my father was never a tried, he ended up tripping the established football nation, League last year was followed erlands continued its fine form World Cup and Nations League problem for me. It is pretty Belgian and giving away a beating Scotland 3-0. on Thursday by a come-from- from the Nations League with a groups. simple,” he said in a video behind win over lowly straightforward win over Belarus Krzysztof Piatek scored the released by his Prema EURO 2020 QUALIFYING RESULTS Azerbaijan in Group E. in Group C. winner in the 69th minute as team, who won the 2017 F2 Azerbaijan - by far the The Dutch failed to qualify Austria failed to clear the ball title with current Ferrari Group C lowest-ranked of all next year’s for the 2016 European Champi- from its penalty area. That ended driver Charles Leclerc. In Rotterdam, the Netherlands 12 European Championship hosts onship and 2018 World Cup, but a six-game winless streak for “Being compared to Netherlands 4 (Depay 1, 55, Wijnaldum 21, Van Dijk 86) Belarus 0 - took the lead with a fine solo are now unbeaten in five games Poland, including friendlies. the best driver in F1 history In Belfast goal. Ramil Sheydaev sprinted including Nations League wins Also in Group G, Israel drew is the goal you want to Northern Ireland 2 (McGinn 56, Davis 75-pen) Estonia 0 down the right flank in the 19th over the last two World Cup 1-1 with Slovenia and North Mac- achieve and to have that as Group E before striking the ball over the champions, Germany and edonia beat Latvia 3-1. my idol and my father is In Zagreb goalkeeper. France. There are a few key differ- something very special,” he Croatia 2 (Barisic 44, Kramaric 79) Azerbaijan 1 (Sheydaev 19) Azerbaijan then sat back to Depay backheeled a pass ences to European Champi- added. In Trnava, Slovakia defend, frustrating Croatia, who from Denzel Dumfries for onship qualifying this time. The “I feel honoured to be Slovakia 2 (Duda 42, Rusnak 85) Hungary 0 came close with headers from Georginio Wijnaldum to score in top two teams in each group compared to him because Andrej Kramaric and Luka the 21st, then converted a penalty qualify automatically, but third Group G I can just learn and try to Modric. in the 55th. His cross for Virgil place no longer means a shot at improve.” In Vienna Croatia finally leveled in the van Dijk to make it 4-0 in the qualifying through the Michael Schumacher, Austria 0 Poland 1 (Piatek 69) 44th thanks to Borna Barisic’s final minutes capped a dominant play-offs. now 50, has not been seen In Skopje quick reactions to jab the ball in display. That safety net is now for the in public since he suffered North Macedonia 3 (Alioski 11, Elmas 29, 90+3) Latvia 1 (Isajevs 87) on a rebound. The defender has now scored 16 teams who performed best in a serious head injury in a Group I A moment of skill from Kra- three goals in his last four games their Nations League tiers last skiing accident in France In Nicosia maric finally cracked the tena- for the Netherlands. year but who don’t end up with in 2013. Cyprus 5 (Sotiriou 19-pen, 23-pen, Kousoulos 26, Efrem 31, Laifis 56) cious Azerbaijan defense as he Northern Ireland ended a automatic spots. The German won five San Marino 0 cut in from the left flank and four-game winless run by That means Scotland is of his titles with Ferrari, In Nursultan curled the ball in at the far post. beating Estonia 2-0 in the other assured of a second chance to the sport’s most glamorous Kazakhstan 3 (Pertsukh 6, Vorogovskiy 10, Zainutdinov 51) Scotland 0 “It was difficult, more than Group C game. That helps its qualify in March 2020 even team, between 2000 and In Brussels we expected,” coach Zlatko Dalic chances of reaching the though a top-two finish now

2004 and still holds the Belgium 3 (Tielemans 14, Hazard 45-pen, 88) Russia 1 (Cheryshev 16) said. European Championship for the seems unlikely following its sur- record of 91 race wins. “We were patient, persistent second time ever, following a run prise opening-day loss to “I can learn so much and deserved this win.” to the last 16 in 2016. Kazakhstan. from Ferrari because they have so much experience,” said Mick. Liverpool as champions the stuff of nightmares for Rooney

NEWNEW YORKYORK thoughtthought that old foes Liverpool would rather defending cham- bear to see them win it, it would REUTEREUTERSRS mightmight win thethe Premier pions Manchester City won the be a nightmare for any Being compared to LeagueLeague titletitle tthishis season.season. league instead. Evertonian. Former MancManchesterhester Rooney,Rooney, whowho beganbegan Liverpool are top of the table “I remember in 2005 (Liv- the best driver in F1 UnitedUnited andand EvertonEverton hhisis cacareerreer wiwithth LivLiver-er- with two points more than erpool) won the Champions I hope Man City get history is the goal forwardforward WayneWayne pool’s MerseysideMerseyside rivals second-placed City, who have a League and they’re still talking over the line before you want to achieve RRooneyooney Everton beforebefore movingmoving game in hand. about it now so it would be Liverpool. I couldn’t and to have that ((pictured)pictured) to MManchesteranchester “It’s a great reason to be out another 10 or 15 years of that,” bear to see them hashas saidsaid hehe UUnited,nited, the country when those two are he said. as my idol and my cannotcannot sasaidid he going head-to-head for the title,” Liverpool have not won a win it, it would be a father is something bear Rooney, who now plays for league title in 29 years and nightmare for any very special: Mick thethe Major League Soccer side DC ending that drought this season Evertonian: Wayne Schumacher United, told talkSPORT. would allow them to move to 19 Rooney “I hope Man City get over the title wins in the English top flight, line before Liverpool. I couldn’t one behind United’s record. Els in the hunt for Maybank Championship title

AFP attention at the Saujana Golf and by Sunday, you have a chance so I am finishing the day with a 68. “I don’t MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP SCORES KUALA LUMPUR Country Club in Kuala Lumpur with a looking forward,” Els added. want to think too much about the consistent display under sweltering Pieters, who started the day in scale of the event. I was able to stay 136 - Thomas Pieters (BEL) 67-69 South African Ernie Els surged into conditions to sit tied fourth at six-under sixth, finished with a three-under par focused and my game plan and I did 137 - Nacho Elvira (ESP) 65-72, Danny Masrin (INA) contention at the halfway stage of the par 138. 69 for the slim advantage courtesy of that well.” 69-68 Maybank Championship yesterday after Els, a four-time Major winner, was four birdies. Despite the lead, big-hitting American David Lipsky also put 138 - David Lipsky (USA) 72-66, Dean Burmester he posted a 70 to sit two shots behind happy with his position despite the testy Pieters said it was not his best day. himself in the running by ending on tied (RSA) 68-70, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 66-72, leader Thomas Pieters. conditions. “I struggled off the tee early on, at fourth alongside compatriot Paul Ernie Els (RSA) 68-70, Paul Peterson (USA) 70-68, Joint overnight leader Nacho Elvira “It is quite difficult because the the end it was a lot better. It didn’t feel Peterson. Lucas Herbert (AUS) 69-69, Maximilian Kieffer (GER) lies one shot away from Pieters, with winds are swirling a bit. But I happy like a good day to me, I made the best Malaysian favourite Gavin Green 71-67 Spaniard Elvira sharing tied second with my game. Hopefully it’s not too of what I had,” he said. did well to make the cut after he fin- 139 - Shubhankar Sharma (IND) 71-68, Scott Hend

with rank outsider Indonesian Danny far away tomorrow,” he told Indonesian underdog Masrin, ished tied-55. (AUS) 69-70, Prom Meesawat (THA) 68-71, Zach Mur- Masrin. reporters. ranked 1,000 on the world rankings, The US$3m event is co-sanctioned ray (AUS) 68-71, Masahiro Kawamura (JPN) 69-70 But it was Els who got the crowd’s “Even if you are three or four shots refused to get carried away despite by the Asian and European tours. SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019 SPORT 19 Choi fires 65 ICC gives green light to name in return to LPGA tour

and jersey number in Tests AFP PHOENIX IANS Manager Claire Furlong said. whose calender was released in bilateral cricket over the next five NEW DELHI The ICC in recent times has June 2018, is being seen as a tool years. For Choi Na-yeon a boozy already taken major strides in the to make bilateral ties more “The World Test Champi- round of practise golf may not In a bid to further popularise Test direction to highlight Test format contextual. onship will get underway next be what the doctor recom- cricket the International Cricket -- the introduction of the World The move to introduce jerseys year with the ODI league kicking mended, but it served its Council (ICC) has allowed players Test Championship was in this line. with the name of players and their off in 2020 as part of the quali- purpose at the time given the to have their names and numbers The championship will start numbers will only make it more fication towards the ICC Cricket pressures involved in returning on the back of their shirts starting from July 15 and go on till April exciting for the fans who seem to World Cup 2023. from a back injury. with the World Test Champi- 30, 2021, with the final being be more interested to follow the “Bringing context to bilateral “I tried to drink some beer onship from August 1. played in June 2021. shorter formats of the game. cricket is not a new challenge, but and get a little tipsy and The Ashes series between With an aim to attract more Commenting on the fixtures with the release of this FTP, our playing golf,” Choi said of an England and Australia will be the fans to the game, the ICC has of the Test championship, ICC CEO members have found a genuine early round in her slow and first instance when the players approved the idea of having David Richardson had said: “The solution that gives fans around the steady comeback from the will sport these jerseys. players’ names and numbers on agreement of this FTP (Future world the chance to engage reg- injury. “Because we always “They will come into force on their shirts even in the longest Tours Programme) means we ularly with international cricket play golf in serious mode. I just August 1 as part of the World Test format of the gentleman’s game. have clarity, certainty and most that has meaning and the possi- like to play with more fun.” Championship,” ICC General The World Test Championship, importantly context around bility of a global title at the end.” That’s something the 31-year-old South Korean would never have thought of when she stopped playing on the LPGA Tour in April 2018 because of nagging back problems. This August 30, “I just kept playing golf and 2018 file photo my swing got worse and worse shows a freeze and hitting my ball going left frame from and right,” said Choi, who fired the fourth Test an opening round 65 in her between England first round in 11 months on and India at Thursday at the LPGA Tour’s the Ageas Bowl Founders Cup. in West End, “My mentally was like Britain. totally broken, so I just needed my body get ready first.” After she stopped, the first part of her recovery was to take a two week vacation to Europe, forget about golf for a Kohli vs Dhoni as RCB meet CSK in IPL opener while and get a fresh per- spective on life. IANS “I didn’t think about golf,” NEW DELHI Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli (left) Choi said. “I didn’t set the and Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. alarm every day. I just wake The Indian Premier League (IPL) up whenever I wanted and I is back and the 12th edition of just ate whatever I want. the cash-rich league couldn’t “It was a different life. I have hoped for a better start as was kind of a robot when I was defending champions Chennai growing up and then playing Super Kings (CSK) are all set to golf well in LPGA Tour. I was take on the star-studded Royal living in the box. I couldn’t do Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in anything besides golf. Only the opening game at the MA golf, only golf. Like 100 percent Chidambaram Stadium in focused on golf.” Chennai today. The 2012 US Women’s Cricket might be a team Open champ is one shot behind game, but today, it will be all leader Celine Boutier of France about CSK skipper Mahendra -- which is a big surprise con- Singh Dhoni versus Virat Kohli, sidering her lack of tour- captain of the RCB. nament action over the past He might be the former year. skipper of the Indian team, but “Golf is really funny game. for his legion of fans, Dhoni is no Chennai Super kings batsmen take part in a practice session ahead of their I didn’t expect any good scores less than god. Add to that the opening match of the IPL against Royal Challengers Bangalore, which will today because this is first day,” home factor, and there are no be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai today. said Choi. points for guessing that Chennai Boutier finished her round will be all yellow on the night of of 64 with a four-foot birdie the opening game. CSK and RCB, the Bengaluru raring to go after resting his back an India cap on the basis of his runs against the RCB, the most putt on the par-four ninth hole. Kohli, on the other hand, outfit have managed only seven during the last stretch of the IPL performance. Not to forget by any batsman against the She captured the Vic Open last might be a demi-god himself for victories. Pakistan Super League (PSL). the tactical acumen of part-time franchise. month in Australia for her first his fans, but when it comes to In fact, the last time these They also have a young power spinner Suresh Raina and Kedar The IPL might not have an LPGA Tour title. fighting it out against Dhoni, he two teams met -- in Pune last hitter in Shimron Hetmyer of the Jadhav. opening ceremony this time Alana Uriell, Charlotte might just come out second best. season -- Chennai were all over West Indies to add to the arsenal. In the batting department around as the fund budgeted for Thomas, Ko Jin-young and For the record, RCB have Bengaluru and it was a cakewalk But CSK have the experience to too, if RCB have a run-machine the same is being handed over Nanna Koerstz Madsen joined lost six of the seven games they for Dhoni’s boys. But a lot has tackle the swashbuckling in Kohli, Dhoni too is coming on to the families of the Pulwama Choi at 65. have played so far at the changed since then and the batsmen in the RCB ranks. the back of an outstanding pre- martyrs, but one couldn’t have Top-ranked Park Sung- Chidambaram Stadium and the senior most team in the IPL -- If Harbhajan Singh was the vious season when he showed asked for a more blockbuster hyun, Jenny Shin, Spain’s numbers are again pitted CSK -- have grown a year older. stand-out bowler for CSK last why he is still one of the best in start to the 12th edition of one of Carlota Ciganda, Thailand’s heavily in favour of CSK. The positive for RCB is the season, Deepak Chahar too the business. the most followed domestic T20 Pornanong Phatlum and Overall, in 22 meetings between fact that AB de Villiers is fit and showed great maturity to earn In fact, Dhoni has scored 710 leagues in the world. Cheyenne Knight shot 66. Kenyans lament Diamond League scrapping 5,000m

AFP talented 17-year-old high school Athletes compete in the men’s 5,000m event during the IAAF Athletics Diamond League meeting individual meetings will still, NAIROBI student Zakayo, who is also the at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich, Switzerland in this file photo. however, have the opportunity reigning African 5,000m to stage a 5,000m race outside Kenya’s Commonwealth and champion. of the 90-minute international world junior 5,000m champion “Since the Diamond League broadcast window. Edward Zakayo expressed is not offering the 10,000m, and “The decision to reduce the concern yesterday over the both events having been dropped Diamond League international future of distance runners from the World U-20 athletics broadcast window from 120 following the axing of the event championships, we have no minutes to 90 minutes came from the Diamond League. alternative but to drop to the after consultation with both Last week the International road races and the marathon, current and prospective Association of Athletics Feder- which will very hard for the Diamond League broadcasters, ation (IAAF) announced the over- younger runners like me.” the majority of whom requested hauling of its lucrative track and Both Kenya and Ethiopia a faster, sharper and slightly field series by dropping the have criticised the decision as more concentrated product,” 5,000m, reducing the number “illegitimate” and even accused said IAAF CEO Jon Ridgeon. of events from 32 to 24 and it of being made to “target “In addition to the 90-minute leaving the 3,000m as the African nations” which have international window, please be longest race in the Diamond dominated the distance events. aware that the Diamond League League programme. Olympic and world mar- meetings will also offer a further “I took great offence with the athon record holder Eliud Kip- 30 minutes of additional cov- announcement to remove all the choge has also voiced his disap- erage to their own domestic distance races from the Diamond proval, saying the 5,000m had result into a great marathon world championships title in Berlin Marathon, and breaking broadcaster, which will include League, since the decision means been crucial to his career, and career,” said Kipchoge, who Paris in 2003. the previous record by 1 minute extra events. If deemed to be of most of the distance athletes like helped him to be runner that he stormed the 5,000m field when Described as the greatest and 18 seconds. sufficient quality, this additional me will not get the chance to is. he defeated Ethiopia’s Kenenisa marathon runner of the modern While the 5,000m will no coverage will also be offered to make a smooth progress from “I believe in long term Bekele and Moroccan great era, Kipchoge set a new a world longer be an official event on the the international one event to another,” said the careers where track and field can Hicham El Guerrouj to win the record time of 2:01:39 at the 2018 Diamond League programme, broadcasters.” 20 MORNING BREAK SATURDAY 23 MARCH 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 19 AM SHOROOK 05. 35 AM

ZUHR 11. 41 AM MAGHRIB 05. 48 PM ASR 03. 08 PM ISHA 07. 18 PM

WEATHER TODAY

Indian music legend A R Rahman performs in front of a packed crowd at Khalifa International Stadium, yesterday. PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA A R Rahman mesmerises audience at Khalifa International Stadium

THE PENINSULA DOHA

o o Indian music legend A R Rahman 22 C 26 C rocked Doha last night in front of Minimum Maximum packed crowd at Khalifa International Stadium. Moderate temperature daytime with scat- He showcased some of his biggest tered clouds and chance of scattered rain at hits from his Bollywood and interna- first and slight dust to blowing dust at places. tional movies in the biggest musical

HIGH TIDE 05:48 – 18:21 LOW TIDE 00:50 – 13:27 show held in Qatar. The 35,000 plus Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department crowd was on their feet throughout the show enjoying the peppy numbers by the music maestro. He kicked of the spectacular event on a huge stage lit with gigantic graphics with song Naadan Parinday Ghar Aja from the movie Rockstar. The Indian music legend was accompanied by a long-list of popular artists like playback singer and King of Melody Udit Narayan Jha, award- winning singer Shweta Mohan, Car- natic vocalist, playback singer and musician Haricharan Seshadri, A R Rahman’s sisters and popular singers from the South Indian film industry The packed crowd at Khalifa International Stadium. Reihana and Isshrathquadhre, playback singer from the Malayalam honour of the 150th birth anniversary production Slumdog Millionaire. In the entire audience could get a mem- film industry Alphons Joseph, Bol- of Mahatma Gandhi. addition to the two Oscars, Rahman orable up-close and personal expe- lywood playback singer Javed Ali, The concert, organised by Katara also boasts of two Grammy awards, a rience with the singer. singer-actor Benny Dayal, Indian film Studios, was held as part of the Qatar- Bafta, a Golden Globe, as well as a slew The musical fest in Doha was score composer Ranjit Barot, Rahman’s India 2019 Year of Culture 2019. of awards in India, including six organised in association with Qatar troupe singer Dilshad Shabbir Ahmed A two-time winner and five-time National Film Awards, 15 Filmfare Airways and the Supreme Committee Shaikh and Indian-born Canadian nominee of the Academy Awards Awards and 17 Filmfare Awards South. for Delivery and Legacy (SC) as part singer Jonita Gandhi. (Oscar), Rahman is popularly known For the show, the Khalifa Interna- of the Qatar-India 2019 Year of Qatari composer and musician as the man who has redefined con- tional Stadium pitch was converted Culture, that is intended to promote Dana Al Fardan presented some of her temporary Indian music. He shot to into a giant 90-metre-long stage with mutual understanding, recognition compositions as an opening act. She international fame with his compo- 80 artists performing live. Large LED and appreciation between the two also presented a song composed in sition for the 2009 Hollywood screens around the stage ensured that countries. New Liam Gillick sculpture at MIA Park First large scale exhibition of M. F. THE PENINSULA DOHA Hussain’s works on show at Mathaf A new 10-piece sculptural work by Liam Gillick called Folded RAYNALD C RIVERA Extracted Personified is on THE PENINSULA display at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park. The first large scale exhibition Now accessible for public of India’s most celebrated 20th viewing—and interaction—Gil- century artist of international lick’s work is the latest instal- acclaim M. F. Husain never fails lation in QM’s Public Art to take the breath away of every Program, which brings engaging, art lover that visits Mathaf: Arab large-scale artworks into dia- Museum of Modern Art. logue with people in the civic The quintessential show of landscape of Doha. the late artist dubbed by Forbes The installation comprises a New sculpture by Liam Gillick on display at MIA Park. as the ‘Picasso of India’ features series of ten irregularly shaped an stunning assortment of over panel sculptures—each a flat thousands of MIA Park users and installed in the vicinity of the 100 works spanning more than Mumbai-based poet, art critic, and cultural theorist, Ranjit Hoskote, surface folded into a zigzag— was commissioned on occasion MIA playground, which offers 60 years and showcasing his curator of M. F. Husain: Horses of the Sun, explains some of the which bear images abstracted of the opening of the Jean Nou- areas suitable for people of dif- versatility and fluency in art, woks on display at Mathaf. PIC: RAYNALD C RIVERA / THE PENINSULA from works in MIA and the vel-designed NMoQ. ferent ages. with pieces ranging from oil and National Museum of Qatar Other major works in the Abdulrahman Al Ishaq, Head watercolour painting to lithog- curator of the exhibition, told heavily coded with symbols that (NMoQ). These sources from the Public Art Program that are now of Public Art at Qatar Museums raphy and serigraphy to instal- reporters at a media preview. needed to be broken down and extensive museum collections on view include “Desert Horse” (QM), said, “Through displaying lation and film. In the first section, Bait (house) he un-codes it in Arabian per- range from C12thIraqi illustra- by Qatari artist Ali Hassan, “Shift various forms of art in public Launched on Wednesday, the pieces on display relate to spective, said the curator. tions to Turkish armor circa to Light” by Qatari artist Yousef space, we aim to inspire local the exhibition titled M. F. Husain: Husain’s childhood memory and Dar (door, gateway or court), 1475-1525 to Iranian portraiture Ahmad, Richard Serra’s East/ talent and establish an organic Horses of the Sun will impress his ancestral country which is the final section, delves into of the early C19thperiod and West, West/East and 7, Louise connection between art and the art connoisseurs and enthusiasts Yemen, among others. One of the Husain’s quest for understanding examples of pearl jewelry. Bourgeois’sMaman, Damien local community. We hope these until end of July through its three more interesting pieces here is a the concept of ‘belonging,’ hence There are two images on Hirst’s The Miraculous Journey, works speak to people who may sections namely Bait, Manzil and 1950 oil painting titled “Doll’s the collection comprises a tapestry each two-meter-forty-high Urs Fischer’s Lamp Bear, Tony envision themselves as cultural Dar teeming with works repre- Wedding,” one of his early works of diverse artworks depicting his sculpture. Circular holes, cut into Smith’s Smoke, Dia Azzawi’s producers, creative practitioners, senting the artist’s varying concept which celebrates childhood play experimentation of different the surface enable people to peer Flying Man, and Sarah and museum professionals in of home. In many of his works, the and traditional Indian weddings. media and disciplines such as through, after the fashion of Lucas’sPerceval. Temporary years to come.” artist had always had penchant in The second section, Manzil collage, textiles, sculpture, archi- “head-in-the-hole” attractions installations by Qatari ARToon- Liam Gillick said, “Public art depicting the lively and free spirit (goal or destination) explores the tecture and film. Shown here is at carnivals and fairs. Distributed istGhada Al Khater are also on adds a new conversation about of horses and had considered artist’s curiosity on religion, his award-winning short film at carefully chosen sites view through the program, as is our context - both cultural and himself a global nomad. science, culture and knowledge, “Through the Eyes of a Painter,” throughout MIA Park, the sculp- Martin Creed’s Everything is personal. This work is intended “Each of the three exhibition specifically Islamic and Indian a 17-minute documentary which tures serve as invitations to the Going to be Alright, which was to celebrate the spirit of a diverse spaces was conceived based on civilization. Among the works was not reportage or investi- public to interact with one commissioned to commemorate cultural landscape and provide the concept of home as defined showcased here are paintings he gative but a cinematic poem, another, performing for the anniversary of the blockade an opportunity for spectators by Husain. He saw himself as a did during his stay in Doha in the Hoskote explained. The exhi- observers and being photo- imposed on Qatar by neigh- from all different backgrounds global nomad so his idea of home later part of his life. In one of the bition concludes with a quote graphed. The multi-part instal- boring countries. to playfully intersect. It is a is different from the normal idea paintings “The Last Supper of from Husain which says: “Take lation also invites playful inter- Taking advantage of the tribute to the immense historical of what we define as home,” the Desert in Red” created in life with you, take creation with action with the deep collections intergenerational nature of MIA traditions of art and craft in the Mumbai-based poet, art critic, and 2008, Husain looks at the iconic you. If you have to keep moving, of Qatar museums by the many Park, Gillick’s sculptures are region.” cultural theorist, Ranjit Hoskote, Leonardo da Vinci painting as take the whole world with you.”