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Saturday 1 April 2017 | 4 Rajab 1438 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7118 | 2 Riyals

Gharafa lift Qatar Cup Qatar condemns attack on mosque Consumer in Pakistan

QNA awareness THE STATE of Qatar con- demned yesterday an explosion that targeted a mosque in the city of Parachi- nar in Pakistan, leading to a on the rise number of deaths and injuries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement Sanaullah Ataullah expressing Qatar's condem- The Peninsula nation of what it described as The Consumer a criminal act that violated all ith increasing trust Protection Department humanitarian principles and among customers (CPD) received 12,674 aims to destabilise Pakistan. in the Consumer complaints against The statement highlighted Protection Qatar's position that rejects W commercial shops Department (CPD), complaints violence and terrorism in all its about consumer rights have and service providers forms regardless of its motives. increased significantly, said in 2016 compared to The statement also expressed Director of Consumer Protec- 9,075 grievances in Qatar's condolences to the tion and Combating Al Gharafa basketball captain Omar Abdelkader Salem receiving the Qatar Cup at Al people and government of Commercial Fraud Department, 2015. In the first three Gharafa Indoor Hall yesterday. Al Gharafa defeated defending champion Al Rayyan Pakistan, as well as the fami- Youssef Saad Al Suwaidi. months of this year, 104-91 in the final. Pic: Mohd Faraj → See also page 16 lies of the victims of the attack. “The Department received the CPD has recorded → See also page 5 12,674 complaints from con- 4,600 complaints. sumers against commercial shops and service providers in 2016 compared to 9,075 griev- ances in 2015,” Al Suwaidi said Al Ahli Hospital to promote healthy diet in a Qatar TV talk show. right in making complaints but Saud Sultan Al Asiri, Head in the investigations we found of Anti-Trade Monopolies and nothing against the outlet to Fazeena Saleem to provide healthy food to over- log in with a password and user Market Competition Protec- take action.” The Peninsula weight people,” he said speaking name. Each guest will have a cal- tion, also attended the “Most of the complaints on the sidelines of the ‘Obesity ories intake designed to suit their programme. “This year we were related to not providing ith an aim to combat and Overweight Symposium’ health condition and needs. have received about 4,600 the required services, delay in and reduce the burden organised by Al Ahli Hospital at Guests will be able to select from calls so far related to the issues delivering projects. For exam- Wof obesity in the coun- Katara, the Cultural Village. the menu, but if they exceeded of consumer rights. The figures ple, signing a contract with a try, Al Ahli Hospital will soon “Basically we will have 122 the designated calorie intake of complaints show that the construction company to build start a new initiative supplying different cuisines. So if anyone they will not be able to submit trust level of consumers in the a project and deliver on a stip- healthy food for people intend wants to go on a special diet or the order,” said Jamal actions taken by CPD against ulated date but the company to lose weight. lose weight, they don’t need to Hammad. erring outlets has gone up. The fail to hand over the project on The first of its kind initiative go for the usual bored food every ‘Diet to Go’ will be commer- crackdown built trusts of con- time," said Al Suwaidi. will give people a choice of more day, but choose from a wide cialised and anyone would be sumers for CPD,” Suwaidi said. Most of the complaints than 100 healthy cuisines care- selection. We hope to launch this able to order food through Initiative will “The growing number of were related to services, not fully prepared under the by end of April,” Jamal added. subscription. give people a complaints does not mean that about the goods. We expected supervision of expert dietitians, ‘Diet to Go’ food will be pro- Some 1,200 medical profes- the level of fraudulent prac- complaints about fraudulent said Jamal Hammad, Deputy duced within the Al Ahli Hospital sionals and experts are taking choice of more tices has increased in the local and cheating, said Al Asiri. Chief Executive Officer of Al Ahli campus under the strict moni- part in the two-day ‘Obesity and than 100 healthy markets because all grievances The public awareness about Hospital, yesterday. toring of dietitians on calories Overweight Symposium.’ The cuisines carefully are not related to cheating. But the consumer rights has “We are going to start up a and other factors which contrib- event hosts a number of lectures, many people complained for increased. Honestly, I would sister company called ‘Diet to ute to a healthy meal. discussions, and presentations prepared under not receiving services up to the like to say that now consumers Go,’ and for the very first time in “Guests register with the on obesity and other related the supervision of standards. In some cases, the have become third eye of CPD. Qatar will find expert dietitians hospital will be able to have diseases. dietitians. consumers thought they were → Continued on page 2 joining hands with a French Chef mobile application, so they can → Continued on page 2

UN chief alarmed by Israel’s Three new public parks to open soon approval of new settlement Reuters Sidi Mohamed The Peninsula UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Secretary- General Antonio Guterres is disappointed and he Public Parks Department alarmed by Israel’s decision to build a new set- at the Ministry of Municipality tlement on land the Palestinians seek for a state Tand Environment is all set to and has condemned the move, his spokesman open three new public parks at two said yesterday. municipalities, a senior official from Israel’s security cabinet on Thursday the Ministry has said. approved the building of the first new settle- “Three new public parks will be ment in the occupied West Bank in two decades, opened soon— one in Doha Munic- even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ipality and two in Al Khor and Al negotiates with Washington on a possible curb Dakhira Municipality,” Mohammed of settlement activity. Ali Al Khori, Director of Public Parks “He condemns all unilateral actions that, told The Peninsula. 9,234 sq metre with air-conditioned said. like the present one, threaten peace and under- The three new public parks are room for children between 2 to 5 The second park in the same mine the two-state solution,” UN spokesman for families and equipped with all years and equipped with games,”Al municipality is Al Kaaban park with Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. the required facilities including Khori said. 10,693 sq metre. It is for families and The White House appeared more accom- entertainment, sports facilities and There are playground for chil- included all facilities. It has sun- The park is also monitored by cam- modating to Israel’s plans for the new play areas for children, he added. dren aged from 5 to 12 years in shades and rubberised flooring eras. The park in Doha Municipality settlement, intended for some 40 families As part of Ministry’s project to addition to many other required instead of sand in playgrounds. It is equipped with solar power poles. evicted from Amona, a West Bank outpost develop “smart-parks” across the facilities. also has a fountain and sensor for Al Khori said his department was razed in February because it was built on pri- country, free wi-fi will soon be avail- “We are also using the modern taps in bathrooms, as well as water striving to make Qatar a green oasis. vate Palestinian land. able in the parks. irrigation system to save water con- coolers. "Among the priorities of the depart- A White House official noted Netanyahu had “Among the two parks in Al Khor sumption in addition to The lighting poles are of the type ment is to increase the number of made a commitment to the Amona settlers and Al Dakhira Municipality, is Al energy-saving as LED lights will which is more safe and also cannot public parks and renovate the exist- before U.S. President Donald Trump and the Ghuwairiya park spreading over replace traditional ones,” Al Khori be affected by climate conditions. ing ones," he added. Israeli leader agreed to work on limiting settle- ment activity. 02 HOME SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017 Thousands throng Hotel Park on first weekend of QIFF

Raynald C Rivera stalls and carts of around 130 The Peninsula New venue participating outlets which vis- Many visitors itors enjoyed at affordable prices housands of food satisfied with the ranging from QR5 to QR35. enthusiasts thronged “We were not able to go out new venue after the Hotel Park to last weekend because of the rain having the festival at savour a wide variety and today is a fine day ideal for of delectable cuisines the MIA Park for family outing and we chose to Tat the eighth Qatar International several years. come to the festival because it Food Festival (QIFF) on its first has food and entertainment weekend yesterday. Hotel Park has the which the whole family enjoys,” Apart from enjoying the food, potential to be said Mohan, who came to the fes- many of those who visited the another most tival with his entire family. festival were happy and satisfied visited attraction “This festival is something with the new venue saying it is in the city. that I look forward to because it a breath of fresh air after having only happens once a year and I’m the festival at the MIA Park for happy that it is longer this year several years. Park, which Katara Hospitality so people have more time to “It is is actually my first time opened last year, has the poten- enjoy the outdoors while the to visit the Hotel Park. I didn’t tial to be another most visited weather is still okay,” said Ber- know about it until now and I’m attraction in the city. nard, a frequent festival-goer. quite impressed of how the sur- “Located in the heart of In addition to the food rounding areas look from here. Doha, just fronting the iconic stalls, there are a number din- Festival visitors enjoy the vast green area of the Hotel Park yesterday afternoon. The view is beautiful,” said Marty, Sheraton Doha Park and adja- ing options which foodies Pic: Raynald C Rivera / The Peninsula a frequent festival visitor. cent to the Corniche which is enjoyed at the festival such as Boasting a four-storey always busy with people walk- garden picnics brought to the underground parking that can ing around, I think the Hotel Park festival for the first time by Fra- cultural performances, pyrotech- visitors including tourists from In March last year – the accommodate 2,500 cars, amaz- is a perfect spot to visit during ser Suites, the high tea and fine nic displays, live cooking neighbouring countries. QIFF has month during which QIFF was ing water features and play areas weekends. I will be coming back dining lounge by Sheraton demonstrations and workshops become one of the most popu- held – Qatar welcomed 305,014 and a breathtaking vista of the here often,” he added. Doha and Dinner in the Sky by add vibrancy to this year’s edi- lar festivals on Qatar’s calendar visitors, the highest number of West Bay high-rise towers and There is a wide array of food Four Seasons Doha. tion of the festival expected to receiving a record-breaking visitor arrivals to be recorded in the Doha Corniche, the Hotel and beverages on offer at food Film screenings, attract 240,000 200,000 visitors last year. a single month.

Advisory Council GCC Ministerial Council calls for release of abducted Qataris participates in Riyadh affirmed the GCC constant stances and its territorial integrity, prais- which included placing of some rights. The council expressed QNA and resolutions against terrorism ing its efforts to foil smuggling of persons belonging to the so- hope that the Swiss government IPU meetings and extremism. The council a number of wanted fugitives in called Saraya Al-Ashtar on the is to review its position and take he GCC Ministerial Coun- reviewed the developments in this terrorist cases. The council sup- list of global terrorists, stressing information on human rights QNA cil reiterated its concern regard. It also confirmed a contin- ported all efforts taken by Bahrain that this position reflects the from the reliable sources. The Tover the continued abduc- uation of the GCC support regarding in maintaining its security and determination of the United council stressed that these he Advisory Council is tion of a number of Qatari the international coalition to fight stability. States of America to address all rejected positions do not help to taking part in the 136th citizens in Iraq, calling upon the the ISIS in Syria and Iraq, stressing The Ministerial Council con- forms of terrorism at the regional develop and strengthen the com- Tgeneral assembly of the Iraqi government to assume its the need to protect civilians and demned the terrorist attack on and international levels. The mon relations between the GCC Inter-Parliamentary Union responsibility to ensure the return of the displaced people to the guest house of Kandahar council stressed that this stance States and the Swiss Union. (IPU), which starts today in safety of the kidnapped people their cities and villages. The coun- Governor which resulted in the represents a tangible support for On the situation in Palestine the Bangladeshi capital of and release them. cil welcomed outcomes of the martyrdom of the United Arab the efforts of the Kingdom of and developments of the Arab- Dhaka and lasts until April 5, In a statement released at the international conference to promote Emirates ambassador to Afghan- Bahrain to promote security and Israeli conflict, the Ministerial with a delegation led by Advi- end of the 142nd session of the efforts of the Islamic and friendly istan and five diplomats during peace in Bahrain. Council stressed the GCC firm sory Council Deputy Speaker GCC Ministerial Council in Riy- countries against ISIS terrorist a humanitarian mission within The Ministerial Council and permanent stances and res- Issa bin Rabia Al Kuwari. adh on Thursday and carried by organization held in Riyadh on Jan- the assistance program provided expressed its deep condemna- olutions towards the Palestinian During the meetings, dep- Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the uary 15, 2017. The council by the United Arab Emirates in tion of the statement made by Cause, stressing that a compre- uties of the 136th general Ministerial Council welcomed considered this conference as a Afghanistan. The Ministerial the representative of the Swiss hensive, just and lasting peace assembly chairman will be the outcomes of the 28th Arab commitment of the Kingdom of Council lauded the opening of Confederation before the United can be achieved only with the elected and a general discus- Summit held in the Hashemite Saudi Arabia to support all interna- the NATO Regional Center for the Nations Human Rights Council full withdrawal of Israel from all sion will be held on the Kingdom of Jordan on 29 March tional efforts to combat terrorism. Istanbul Cooperation Initiative in its 34th session in Geneva on the Arab territories occupied in handling of inequality in wel- 2017 and its constructive reso- The Ministerial Council lauded countries in Kuwait to enhance human rights in Bahrain. The 1967 and with establishment of fare and dignity as well as the lutions that serve the Arab issues the efforts exerted by the security aspects of joint coordination and council expressed its categori- an independent Palestinian state stance of parliamentarians and contribute to the achieve- services in the Kingdom of Bah- cooperation in the security fields. cal rejection of the allegations in with East Jerusalem as its capi- towards foreign intervention ment of the objectives and rain and its high efficiency in The Ministerial Council wel- the statement which ignores the tal in accordance with the Arab in domestic affairs of sover- aspirations of the Arab States. maintaining the security and sta- comed the statement issued by efforts exerted by Bahrain in Peace Initiative and the interna- eign states, and other relevant The Ministerial Council bility of the Kingdom of Bahrain the US Department of State, protecting and enhancing human tional relevant resolutions. issues. CPD takes strong action against violations → Continued from page 1 consumers, Al Suwaidi said: dealers are fully complying with To ensure the rights of con- “CPD is very strict about pro- the CPD rules. sumers, the Minister of Economy tecting the rights of customers. Recently, a young person and Commerce H E Sheikh We took strong action against went to a car dealer to buy a car. Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani per- outlets flouting rules. For exam- The salesman told him clearly sonally follows up the actions of ple, we shut down nine car about a car available in the both departments through dealers for selling damaged cars showroom that car had defect Whatsapp and holds meetings as brand new after repairing and so it was repaired. with its directors and team painting." CPD has chalked out a pro- members regularly, said CPD Now car dealers are forced gramme to conduct surprise officials. The CPD falls under the to sign a commitment letter with raids at commercial activities Ministry of Economy and buyers that the vehicle is free related to the upcoming holy Commerce. from any defect. It did not month of Ramadan, about two Regarding the poor response undergo denting and painting months ahead of month's of CPD to complaints from due to any damage. All car arrival.

Khalid Al Emadi, CEO of Al Ahli Hospital, and other officials during the Obesity and Overweight Symposium by Al Ahli Hospital at Katara yesterday. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula Spring Festival at Mall of Qatar Obesity prevalence very high in Qatar → Continued from page 1 loss) procedures are conducted childhood by introducing a “The topic being discussed every week, including for peo- helathy lifestyle,” he said. is very timely, especially for the ple from the GCC region. ‘Obesity and Overweight region. It is aimed at addressing “We do at east around 15 sur- Symposium’ is also the first of the problems connected with geries every week, but this is with Al Ahli Hospital’s large scale obesity and overweight. The the traditional bariatric surgery events which is Qatar Council ratio of people, even children, or gastric sleeve surgeries. We do for Health Professional (QCHP) with obesity and overweight is another six surgeries with the new accredited. on the increase every year. We technique called folding the stom- “This symposium is aimed at believe this symposium will ach, which is basically stitching providing education and creat- address diagnosis and preven- the inner layer of the stomach to ing awareness. We have 30 tion of obesity,” said Hammad. reduce the size. So on an average speakers from several countries According to the World we do around 21 procedures,” including Holland, the US and Health Organization, in the East- said Hammad. Austria. They have come with ern Mediterranean Region, “We hope this symposium updated knowledge on how to Qatar has the highest prevalence will help people to prevent obes- prevent and manage obesity. On of obesity. Worldwide, five GCC ity and overweight. It will present the first day of the symposium we and Arab nations are included comparing the ratio of obesity in discuss about the medical aspects among the 20 countries with the Middle East and other regions and on the second day will high- high prevalence of obesity . as well as the techniques on how light on surgical procedures,” said Entertainment activities held at the Mall of Qatar as part of Spring Festival yesterday. At the Al Ahli Hospital, an to control and combat obesity, Dr Azeem Abdulwahab, Medical Pic: Kammutty VP / The Peninsula average of 21 bariatric (weight especially prevention from Director at Al Ahli Hospital. SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 03 UN urges Sacking triggers civil war in ruling ANC Johannesburg AFP more aid for he sacking of South Afri- ca's respected finance Tminister in a cabinet purge pitched the ruling ANC party into chaos yesterday, creating one of Mosul people its biggest tests since leading the fight against apartheid. The country's Deputy Pres- Mosul UN appeal ident Cyril Ramaphosa launched Reuters an unprecedented verbal attack At least 355,000 on President Jacob Zuma, whose nited Nations Sec- residents have fled midnight reshuffle sent the rand retary General fighting and some currency plunging and triggered Antonio Guterres 400,000 civilians accusations that he was promot- yesterday called on remain trapped ing graft. world powers to inside the densely- Zuma's axing of finance min- Uincrease aid to help people flee- ister Pravin Gordhan also populated Old City ing the Iraqi city of Mosul which unleashed a wave of opposition where street battles People protesting outside the Parliament in Cape Town against the dismissal of the Finance government forces have been in the African National Congress, have raged for battling to retake from Islamic which came to power under Nel- Minister Pravin Gordhan, by the President, in a cabinet reshuffle yesterday. State. weeks. son Mandela in the euphoric Iraqi forces have seized 1994 elections but has suffered with him," Ramaphosa told sacked because of an alleged television and dismissing the The UN and Iraqi back most of the country’s sec- declining support. reporters. "There are quite a intelligence report on meetings intelligence report "as absolute ond-largest city from the Sunni authorities have Gordhan was widely seen as number of other colleagues and he held in London earlier this nonsense." hardline group in a massive six- been building more a competent manager of one of comrades who are unhappy week. "For him to be removed "We hope more and more month campaign. camps but struggle the world's most important about this situation, particularly for this type of reasoning is to South Africans would make it But at least 355,000 resi- to accommodate emerging economies. Ram- the removal of the minister of me unacceptable," Ramaphosa clear that our country is not for dents have fled fighting, new arrivals with aphosa went public with his finance who was serving the said. Gordhan held a press con- sale," he added. Zuma made 20 according to the government, two families anger, openly attacking his boss. country with absolute distinc- ference on Friday, saying he new government appointments and some 400,000 civilians sometimes having to "I told him that I would not agree tion". Gordhan was reportedly heard of his sacking via in the reshuffle. remain trapped inside the share one tent. densely-populated Old City where street battles have raged for weeks. funded,” he said, referring to a Kuwaiti woman “We don’t have the 2017 UN humanitarian response Thousands flee IS-held Tabqa area resources necessary to support programme without giving held for filming these people,” Guterres said additional details. during a visit to the Hassan During his visit, which Beirut and Arab milita fighters, has coalition, the SDF has been suicide attempt Sham Camp, one of several cen- lasted about half an hour, res- Reuters been battling Islamic State advancing on Raqqa city from tres outside Mosul packed with idents complained to Guterres around Tabqa, nearly 40km the north, east and west. Thou- civilians escaping the fighting. about the quality of drinking ore than 7,000 people west of Raqqa city. sands of families have arrived Kuwait City The UN and Iraqi authori- water and poor living condi- have escaped Islamic Last week, they captured the at SDF-held positions since AFP ties have been building more tions in tents frequented by MState (IS) control in the northern entrance to the Tabqa Wednesday after managing to camps but struggle to accom- mice and insects. Tabqa area west of the Syrian Dam, a major target in their mil- flee Tabqa and nearby villages, uwaiti police have modate new arrivals with two “We want to go back to our city of Raqqa since last week, itary campaign to isolate and the SDF said. The Syrian Observ- detained a woman for families sometimes having to villages. We are fed up,” said US-backed local forces fighting capture Islamic State’s biggest atory for Human Rights said Kfilming her Ethiopian share one tent. Saqr Younis, who fled to Mosul the jihadists said yesterday. urban stronghold. clashes and air strikes had maid falling from the seventh “Unfortunately our pro- when Islamic State arrived in The Syrian Democratic With air strikes and special pushed 3,000 people to escape floor in an apparent suicide gramme is only 8 percent his village in 2014. Forces, an alliance of Kurdish ground forces from the US-led those areas over the past week. attempt without trying to res- cue her, media and a rights group said yesterday. The Kuwaiti woman filmed her maid land on a metal awning and survive, EU naval operation 'encourages' migrants: Libya then posted the incident on social media, Al Seyassah Libya The European Union way to Europe -- many of whom Kadhafi, Libya has become a key they cross Libya and then go out- newspaper reported. AFP launched Operation Sophia in depart from Libya. departure point for migrants side the Libyan territorial The 12-second video 2015 to crack down on smugglers "I think this Sophia opera- risking their lives to cross the waters," he added. "Because then shows the maid hanging out- ibyan Foreign Minister on the high seas, after hundreds tion, it's negative. It's not positive. Mediterranean to Europe. they are picked up by the ves- side the building, with one Mohamad Taher Siala of migrants died when their rick- Simply because in part they Migrants "used to calculate sels, they take them to Europe, hand tightly gripping the win- Lyesterday urged the EU to ety boats sank off southern Italy. encourage the migration," Taher the whole risk, till they reach safely. So I think they have to dow frame, as she begs for rethink its naval operation in the The operation's vessels are Siala said in an interview in War- Lampedusa or Pantelleria in rethink this operation." help in an apparent last- Mediterranean, saying it comes charged with intercepting smug- saw, where he met with his Italy," Taher Siala said, referring Hailing mainly from sub- minute change of mind. with the side effect of encourag- glers' boats and destroying them, Polish counterpart. to two islands that have become Saharan countries, most of the The woman holding the ing migrants to attempt the but they often end up rescuing Six years since a revolution migrant hubs. "Now they are migrants board boats operated camera is heard telling the perilous crossing to Europe. the migrants trying to make their that toppled dictator Moamer only calculating the risk of how by people traffickers. hanging maid: "Oh crazy, come back."

Back home Palestinian man Sudan rejects US travel freed after 17 warning for Americans years in jail Gaza City Khartoum ground because US, British and AFP AFP other diplomats have visited Darfur, Blue Nile and Southern Palestinian prisoner udan yesterday rejected a Kordofan and moved freely in freed after 17 years in new US travel advisory these areas," a statement said. Aan Israeli jail for a Swarning Americans "Allegations that there are murder he was later acquit- against visiting the country, terrorist groups in Sudan are ted of said he felt reborn particularly three conflict contradictory to all the praise yesterday, after returning to zones, due to risks of "terror- and appreciation offered by his family in Gaza. ism and violent crimes". high ranking US officials for Hatem Al Maghari was The latest advisory was Khartoum's role in fighting ter- arrested and convicted of issued by the State Department rorism and extremism in the murder after the brutal lynch- on Thursday and posted on the region." The ministry urged the ing of two Israeli soldiers in website of the American State Department to review the 2000, but was released this embassy in Khartoum. It measure, saying improved rela- week after new evidence Saad Al Ajmi, former spokesman of the opposition Popular Action Movement, with his replaces a previous travel tions with Washington are emerged, the Israeli army children upon his return home in Kuwait City. Ajmi, who was deported to Saudi Arabia warning issued in January 2016. necessary and help serve the said. He arrived in Gaza over- was allowed to return home, after two years in exile. It said "terrorist groups are common goal of fighting night, he said, and returned active in Sudan and have stated terrorism. to his family in Rafah. their intent to harm Western- The US designated Sudan a "The feeling of freedom is ers and Western interests state sponsor of terrorism in indescribable," he said by through suicide operations, 1993 and Khartoum has been phone from his family home. Congo violence could amount to war crimes: ICC bombings, shootings and subject to a US trade embargo "I didn't kill anyone." "I am kidnappings". since 1997 over its alleged sup- reborn, I felt major injustice Amsterdam including two UN experts from the International Criminal "Violent crimes targeting port for Islamist groups. and oppression in prison." Reuters Sweden and the United States Court.” Westerners, including kidnap- Former US president Maghari said he was working and their interpreter. "I am deeply concerned by pings, armed robberies, home Barack Obama eased the sanc- as a police officer in the Pal- ecent acts of violence in “There have been reports of the numerous reports over the invasions, and carjacking occur tions, but kept Khartoum on the estinian city of Ramallah in the Democratic Republic violent clashes between local past several months of serious everywhere in Sudan but are blacklist. Earlier this month, the the occupied West Bank when Rof Congo, including the militia and Congolese forces, a acts of violence in the DRC, par- particularly prevalent in the foreign ministry summoned the two Israeli reservists drove killing of foreign United Nations large number of killings of both ticularly in the Kasai province," Darfur region," it said. US citi- most senior diplomat at the US into the city by mistake. They experts, could constitute war civilians and non-civilians, kid- Bensouda said. zens should also "avoid all embassy to protest President were taken to a police station crimes, the International Crim- nappings and summary The violence has spilled over travel" to Blue Nile and South- Donald Trump's travel ban for their own safety but inal Court’s prosecutor said executions,” Fatou Bensouda from Kasai to the neighbouring ern Kordofan states, two other which bars citizens from six images filmed by an Italian yesterday. wrote in a statement. provinces of Kasai-Oriental and hotspots in Sudan, it said. Muslim-majority countries, television channel showed About 400 people have been “Such acts could constitute Lomami, leaving at least 400 "This travel warning con- including Sudan, from entering the crowd storming the killed in the Kasai region, crimes within the jurisdiction of people dead. tradicts the reality on the the United States. station. 04 ASIA SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017

Funeral preparations 333 whales Indian state dead in Japan Antarctic hunt Tokyo hardens law to AFP

A JAPANESE whaling fleet returned to port Friday after protect cows an annual Antarctic hunt that killed more than 300 of the mammals as Tokyo pursues Gandhinagar Heinous crime the programme in defiance IANS of global criticism. Cow is symbol of The fleet set sail for the he Gujarat assembly Indian culture. Cow Southern Ocean in Novem- yesterday made its protection is not ber, with plans to slaughter anti-cow slaughter only about religious 333 minke whales, flouting a law the toughest in sentiments but also worldwide moratorium and the country with the is of great economic opposition led by Australia Toffence now becoming non- benefit to our and New Zealand. bailable and punishable with a society: Minister "The fleet consisted of five life-time in jail. ships, three of which arrived The Gujarat Animal Preser- in the morning at Shi- vation (Amendment) Act, 2017, The state government monoseki port in western was passed with the ruling has also put curbs on Japan," the country's Fisher- Bharatiya Janata Party's brute transportation of ies Agency said. majority and the opposition cows in the state More than 200 people, Congress remaining suspended during night hours. including crew members and from the house for the entire their families, gathered in the day on the last day of the rain for a 30-minute ceremony Workers assemble steel for one of the pavilions surrounding the late Thai king Bhumibol Budget session. state government would in front of the Nisshin Maru, Moving an amendment, "strictly" implement the new Adulyadej's funeral pyre in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, yesterday. according to an official of the Minister of State for Home Pra- law. Shimonoseki government. deepsinh Jadeja said: "During "Earlier it was a bailable this auspicious occasion of offence and legal provisions Chaitri Navratri, the govern- were relatively mild. This did ment, on suggestions of many not act as an efficient deterrent sadhus and sants, has made for those committing this hei- Manipal and Visvesvaraya among top varsities amendments to the Gujarat nous crime," he added. Animal Protection (Amend- Explaining the rationale for Bengaluru versities in the state. In the specialist university In an effort similar to the ment) Act, 2011. This is the a tougher law, Jadeja said sev- IANS In the established universi- category, University of Agricul- Central government's National harshest law in the country." eral religious saints and leading ties category, Gulbarga tural Sciences, Bangalore, is Institutional Ranking Frame- The new law provides for citizens had in the past peti- anipal University has University was rated at the top rated at the top for inclusiveness work (NIRF), Karnataka is the financial penalty from Rs 1 lakh tioned the Chief Minister for been rated first in inno- for research productivity, Ban- and social impact whereas Kan- first state in the country to to Rs 5 lakh for such a crime. making a stricter law for cow Mvation and research galore University for research nada University and University undertake a detailed evaluation "If anyone is found to ille- protection. quality while Visvesvaraya citations and KLE University for of Agricultural Sciences, Dhar- of the universities. gally keep or transport a cow, "Cow is symbol of Indian Technological University tops in industrial memorandum of wad, score high on the faculty "We have engaged ICARE the new Act has provision for culture. Cow protection is not the improvement in research understandings. with Ph.D parameter. Ratings, the research and anal- 10 years' imprisonment and only about religious sentiments category, in a new comprehen- In the young universities cat- "The assessment of univer- ysis division of the Indian Centre minimum of 7 years in jail and but also is of great economic sive assessment of all egory, JSS University and NITTE sities will help Karnataka for Academic Rankings and a fine of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh". benefit to our society," he said. universities in Karnataka. University score high in teach- government to prepare a plan Excellence. The work began in There is also provision for The state government has The Karnataka State Higher ing excellence and international for providing infrastructure for last July. permanent seizure of vehicles also put curbs on transporta- Education Council (KSHEC) on diversity. Among the universi- the state government universi- There are 51 universities in used for transportation of ani- tion of cows in the state during Friday released the inaugural ties established in the last five ties. It will help the students to Karnataka, of which around 40 mals for slaughter as against the night hours. edition of the Karnataka State years, M S Ramaiah University select good and efficient univer- universities were assessed. earlier version which allowed Even the legal, licenced Universities Rating Framework has been rated very high on pat- sities for higher studies," state Twelve universities are yet to only impounding of such vehi- movement of cattle would not (KSURF), which is a detailed ents, PES University for domestic Minister for Higher Education submit the required documents cles for six months. be allowed between 7pm and audit and evaluation of all the diversity, Reva University on Basavaraj Rayaraddi told report- for assessment," Executive The minister said that the 5am. state, private and deemed uni- infrastructure. ers here. Director of KSHEC S A Kori said.

Thaksin not interested in reconciliation Bangkok revenue department sent him bullied, but had not been Reuters a $500m tax bill over the sale expected to play a part in the of shares in a telecoms com- reconciliation process set up hailand's ousted former pany more than a decade ago. ahead of elections, which prime minister Thaksin Thaksin said it was the lat- could happen next year. TShinawatra yesterday est example of him and his "We're only discussing the accused the junta of bullying family being "blamed and present and the future," him over a $500m tax bill and bullied". Sansern Kaewkamnerd told said it should count him out of "For the reconciliation Reuters. reconciliation efforts. process, I urge every side to The reconciliation process, Thaksin has lived in exile please remove me from the and the accession of new King since being overthrown in equation," Thaksin said. Maha Vajiralongkorn last year, 2006, but his populist move- "Those in power also had stirred speculation in ment remains at the heart of shouldn't use miracles and go Thailand of a possible deal political division in Thailand. out of their way just to get rid with Thaksin, who lives in Thaksin's rare public com- of me." exile to escape corruption ments, made in a Facebook A government spokesman charges he says are politically post, came days after the Thai said Thaksin had not been motivated.

China jails two Malaysia vows to retain HK activists Ousted South Korean president Park Geun-hye leaves the prosecutors' office as she is ties with North Korea transferred to a detention house, in Seoul, yesterday. Hong Kong Reuters Kuala Lumpur Reuters Park arrested on bribery charges TWO Chinese activists who supported pro-democracy alaysian Prime Minis- protests in Hong Kong were ter Najib Razak Seoul connection with the corruption have long been closely tied. jailed by a court in southern M(pictured) said he will AFP scandal that brought millions of It is a dramatic step in dis- China yesterday for subverting not sever ties with North Korea, people onto the streets and saw grace of South's first woman state power, but their lawyer state news agency Bernama outh Korea's ousted presi- her impeached. president. said their heavy sentences reported, after a diplomatic row dent Park Geun-hye was Prosecutors have yet to The liberal Democratic were part of an ongoing crack- between the two countries Sspending her first day in specify the formal charges Party, which is favourite to win down on civil society. ended this week. custody yesterday after a court against her, but have previously the election on May 9 to choose "Su Changlan and Chen Kim Jong Nam, the half- ordered her arrest, with her said she is suspected of bribery, Park's successor, said in a state- Qitang, who both faced brother of the North Korea's swap deal that saw nine Malay- opponents crowing and her sup- abuse of authority, coercion, and ment that the move showed "all "incitement to subvert state leader Kim Jong Un, was mur- sians allowed to return home porters crying. leaking government secrets. are equal before the law". power" charges, were jailed dered at Kuala Lumpur's airport from Pyongyang. The former head of state "It is justifiable and neces- "We hope today's landmark for three and four-and-a-half on February 13 in a bizarre China confirmed that the stared straight ahead, appar- sary to arrest as key charges decision will provide fresh years respectively by a court assassination using toxic nerve body had arrived in Pyongyang ently trying to maintain her were justified and there is risk momentum in revealing the in Foshan," according to their agent, sparking a row between - after transiting through Bei- composure, as she was driven of evidence being destroyed," truth about the scandal of an lawyer, Liu Xiaoyuan. the two countries that had jing -- along with "relevant" to the Seoul Detention Centre the court said in a statement. unprecedented scale," it added. At least four other Chi- friendly relations before. North Korean nationals. through a barrage of flashbulbs The decision made Park, 65, But Park's own Liberty nese activists who have been Three North Koreans Both countries expelled shortly before dawn. the third former leader to be Korea party -- which has put behind bars for support- wanted for questioning over the each other's ambassadors and After a marathon hearing on arrested over corruption in changed its name in an effort to ing Hong Kong's large murder left Malaysia yesterday barred their citizens from leav- Thursday a court in the capital Asia's fourth-largest economy, distance itself from her -- called pro-democracy, "umbrella along with the body of Kim Jong ing, in a bitter stand-off over ordered Park's arrest in where politics and big business the move "regrettable". movement" protests in 2014. Nam after Malaysia agreed a the killing. SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017 ASIA 05 22 dead in Pakistan blast Philippine govt seeks Terror act ceasefire with rebels Shia leaders and Manila country began in 1968 and is residents angered by AFP one of the longest running in the attack, quickly the world. accused security he Philippines called for It has claimed an esti- forces of failure, with a new ceasefire yester- mated 30,000 lives, small spontaneous Tday with insurgents according to the military. protests numbering after rebels killed two gov- Duterte, a self-described ernment soldiers ahead of socialist who once boasted of dozens of people peace talks in Norway. his links to the communist breaking out. Negotiations between rebels, opened talks with the Manila and the rebels col- 4,000-strong communist Peshawar lapsed in February after the rebel movement after taking AFP guerrillas killed several sol- office in June last year. diers and police in a series of He released captured t least 22 people were attacks, spurring President rebel leaders and both sides killed and 57 Rodrigo Duterte to angrily call declared separate ceasefires wounded yesterday off the talks. to pave the way for peace when a car bomb Duterte later softened his talks overseas. tore through a mar- stance and agreed to resume However, the talks soured ketA in a mainly Shia area of discussions with the commu- as Duterte refused to release Pakistan's tribal belt, officials nist-led National Democratic hundreds of other detained said, in an attack claimed by the Front. guerrillas. The insurgents Taliban. Residents gather at the site of a powerful explosion at a market in Parachinar, capital of the "The first agenda item later resumed armed attacks. Survivors described hiding Kurram tribal district, yesterday. that we will tackle starting It followed a pledge last inside shops after hearing a April 2 will be the issue of a weekend by the Communist "huge bang" -- then stumbling said. He saw his father yesterday. condemned the attack, urging bilateral ceasefire agree- Party of the Philippines to through dust-choked air filled "drenched in blood and dust", "We have 22 dead bodies "complete annihilation" of ter- ment," Silvestre Bello, the launch a unilateral ceasefire with the sound of screams, trip- while the two clients in their here at the hospital and 57 rorism in Pakistan. government's chief negotia- in support of the Oslo talks. ping over bodies as they store were lying dead on the injured, including women and But Shia leaders and resi- tor, said. The rebels also urged the searched for the wounded in the floor. "We closed doors of the children," Moeen Begum, a sur- dents angered by the attack, the "We expect the discussion government to reciprocate by busy market in Parachinar, cap- shop as we thought there might geon at the local second major blast in Parachi- in this round of talks to be ceasing armed operations ital of Kurram tribal district. be a second blast, but we heard government-run hospital, said. nar this year, quickly accused very difficult and exacting," against them. "People were screaming for gunshots for a while and peo- Shahid Ali Khan, an admin- security forces of failure, with Bello said. However Bello stressed help... When I looked back eve- ple were shouting, so we got istration official, confirmed the small spontaneous protests The communist insur- that only a truce negotiated rything was filled with dust," out," Muhammad Ali, a resident blast had been a car bomb. numbering dozens of people gency in the poverty-stricken by both sides would suffice. shopkeeper Sardar Hussain at another shop, said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif breaking out.

Islamabad opens computer labs Myanmar militants vow to protect Rohingyas Yangon with the principle of They were killed at border documented widespread abuses claims. “We do not commit any for schoolgirls Anatolia self-defense.” posts in the Maungdaw area of by security forces. form of terrorism against any The statement, which bore Rakhine state, sparking a violent The government has said at civilian regardless of their reli- Islamabad militant group operating the group’s crossed Armalite rifle crackdown on Rohingya across least 106 people were killed dur- gious and ethnic origin as we do Internews in western Myanmar logo, declared its attacks had the region. ing the operation but activists not subscribe to the notion of A issued a statement l out- “only been aimed at the oppres- Around 1.2 million Rohingya, have said around 400 Rohingya committing terrorism for our A PROJECT to turn 33,000 lining its role in defending sive Burmese regime in described by the UN as one of were killed. legitimate cause,” the statement schoolgirls in the rural areas Rohingyas. accordance with international the world’s most persecuted It has labelled ARSA a terror- said. of the federal capital of Islam- The Arakan Rohingya Salva- norms and principles”. minorities, live in Rakhine, ist organization and has said its The group called for peace- abad “computer literate” was tion Army (ARSA) said it would It also denied any ties to any which lies along the border with leader was trained by the Tali- keeping troops to be sent to launched by the Ministry of “defend, salvage and protect terrorist group. Bangladesh and is also known ban and has links to foreign Rakhine to protect the Rohingya Information Technology. Rohingya… as we have the legit- ARSA claimed responsibility as Arakan. terror groups. community from “genocide as Finance Minister Moham- imate right under international for the killing of nine police During the crackdown, the ARSA leader Ata Ullah, who well as crimes against mad Ishaq Dar, State Minister law to defend ourselves in line officers last October. UN and rights groups signed the statement, denied the humanity”. for Information Technology Anusha Rahman Khan and Minister of State for CADD Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry watched the signing cere- Australia boosts security mony of two agreements to establish computer labs in more than 100 government on flights from Mideast schools for girls which launched the project. Sydney "Our changes are in line State Minister for Infor- AFP with the UK, which recently mation Technology Anusha announced that people travel- Rahman Khan said her min- ustralia said yesterday it ling from Doha, Abu Dhabi and istry’s Universal Services will increase security Dubai will be subject to random Fund (USF) signed one agree- Achecks for flights from explosive trace detection ment with the Federal some Middle East airports, but screening. Directorate of Education for stopped short of implementing "There is no ban on the car- setting up computer labs and the laptop ban introduced by riage of electronic devices on another with Microsoft for the United States and Britain. flights to Australia at this stage." training over 90 teachers to Britain and the US banned The airlines affected are run the computer labs. laptops and tablet computers Qantas Airways, Etihad Air- Welcoming the project, in cabins on flights from some ways, Emirates, and Qatar Finance Minister Ishaq Dar countries in the Middle East and Airways. The increase security praised the efforts of the peo- North Africa earlier this month, checks will hit passengers fly- ple and institutions involved citing fears of possible attacks. ing direct to Australia from in promoting ICT amongst "Explosive detection screen- Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. girls from rural areas. ing will be conducted for "In response to national This project aims to train randomly selected passengers security advice the federal gov- schoolgirls of rural back- and their baggage. Checks may ernment has made ground in digital coding skills also include targeted screening precautionary changes and and building early stage apti- of electronic devices," Transport instructed airlines to implement Afghans, whose asylum applications have been rejected, arrive from Germany in Kabul airport. tude for ICT related careers. Minister Darren Chester said. new protocols from next week." Europe sends Afghan refugees home

Kabul returning voluntarily, but depor- integration have encouraged Maldives oppn faces crackdown Reuters tations are rising and some politicians to take a tougher line. migration experts say expelling "We are committed to the Colombo The bid failed after Presi- when Yameen was briefly wo more planes carrying people to a country where the agreements but we need more AFP dent Abdulla Yameen ordered detained in 2010 allegedly Afghans deported from government controls less than assistance from the interna- troops to remove the dissent- under orders from Nasheed, TEurope landed in Kabul two thirds of territory amid a tional community to help these pposition parties in the ing MPs from the floor of who was president at the time. this week, failed asylum seek- Taliban insurgency is wrong. people," Miakhel said, referring Maldives accused the parliament, causing chaotic The opposition said sev- ers sent back under an Fifteen deportees arrived by to an agreement between the EU Ogovernment yesterday scenes. eral others who support agreement between European chartered flight from Germany and the Afghan government. of waging a revenge campaign Nasheed, the head of the Nasheed's bid to oust the Union and Afghan on Tuesday, while 19 landed on "There is a war against the against their leaders after they Maldivian Democratic Party, speaker had been intimidated government. Wednesday from Austria and 10 Taliban, against Islamic State, narrowly failed to seize con- was sentenced to 13 years by police in the days since. "The arrivals mean 248 peo- from Sweden. Another flight, against Al Qaeda and this year trol of parliament. prison in 2015 and has been "I urge the wider interna- ple have been deported from from Finland, is scheduled to we will have more forced depor- Mohamed Nasheed, the living in self-imposed exile in tional community to clearly Europe to Afghanistan this year, arrive this Tuesday. tees than last year," he said. leader of the main opposition London since last year. observe the intricacies of the compared with 580 throughout European governments say "Afghanistan will welcome party, was slapped with fresh "President Yameen has laws of the Maldives before 2016," said Hafiz Ahmad Mia- those deported back have failed more returning migrants than any terrorism charges this week instigated new charges of ter- rushing to judgement," the khel, spokesman for the Ministry rigorous asylum tests. other country in 2017, including just days after he remotely rorism against Nasheed," the government quoted fisheries of Refugees and Repatriations. Afghans were the second up to one million from neighbour- lead an effort to wrestle con- joint statement said. minister Mohamed Shainee as The number of Afghans largest group of asylum seekers ing Pakistan," said Masood trol of parliament. The charges stemmed from saying. deported from Europe is small in Europe in 2015, and concerns Ahmadi at the International compared to the thousands about security and their Organisation for Migration. 06 EUROPE SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017 Scotland urges UK for independence vote

Edinburgh Letter to May held by early 2019, before Brit- AFP ain leaves the EU. First Minister Nicola However a government he Scottish govern- Sturgeon wrote a spokeswoman has reiterated ment yesterday letter to British Prime May’s position that “now is not formally asked British Minister Theresa May the time” for a second inde- Prime Minister telling her that pendence referendum, adding Theresa May for a Scotland did not want that the government “will not Tsecond referendum on inde- be entering into negotiations on to leave Europe’s pendence, deepening a the Scottish government’s single market, two constitutional crisis sparked by proposal”. days after Britain the Brexit vote. “At this point, all our focus First Minister Nicola Stur- launched the process should be on our negotiations geon wrote a letter to May telling of leaving the with the European Union, mak- her that Scotland did not want European Union. ing sure we get the right deal for to leave Europe’s single market, the whole of the UK,” she added. two days after Britain launched But Sturgeon said that the Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon working on her Section 30 letter to British Prime the process of leaving the Euro- compromise” on Brexit—a ref- new referendum would give Minister Theresa May requesting a second Scottish independence referendum at Bute House, pean Union. erence to her proposal for Scots “the choice of following in Edinburgh, yesterday. “The people of Scotland must Scotland to be allowed to stay the UK out of the EU and single have the right to choose our own in the European single market market on the terms you nego- future,” Sturgeon, leader of the even as the rest of Britain leaves. tiate, or becoming an unfavourably to London ignor- the legally binding poll in 2014. people have broadly the same ruling Scottish National Party, “There appears to be no independent country”. ing the will of the Edinburgh The Spanish region of Cata- opinions on the European Union said in the letter. Scotland voted rational reason for you to stand May now faces a battle on parliament. lonia’s separatist government as the rest of Britain. to remain in the EU in last year’s in the way of the will of the Scot- two fronts as she seeks to nego- Sturgeon has already indi- held a non-binding referendum Professor John Curtice, sen- referendum but Britain as a whole tish parliament and I hope you tiate a good deal from Brexit and cated she will take unspecified in 2014, but the 80 percent vote ior research fellow at NatCen, voted to leave. will not do so,” she said. tame nationalist sentiment in “steps” for holding a referendum for self-determination was called said: “For the most part voters on Sturgeon argues that this The Scottish Parliament Scotland. anyway in case her request for into question amid reports of a both sides of the border want means the circumstances have voted by 69 votes to 59 on Tues- Opinion polls show support one is ignored. boycott by unionists. much the same outcome—free changed since a 2014 independ- day for another referendum, but for independence is broadly Sturgeon’s predecessor Alex The SNP wants to prevent trade, immigration control and ence referendum in which 55 it cannot hold a legally-binding unchanged from 2014, but May’s Salmond frequently threatened Scotland being “dragged out of retention of much of the con- percent voted to stay part of vote without London’s approval. firm stance against discussing a to hold a non-binding “consult- the EU against its will”, but a sur- sumer and environmental Britain. She said the government Sturgeon has said she vote now is widely regarded as ative referendum” in 2012, before vey by NatCen Social Research regulation currently afforded by had rejected “all attempts at wants the referendum to be a gamble as Scots could react London relented and approved on Thursday found Scottish the EU. EU demands progress on Brexit divorce before trade talks N Ireland's main parties to Valletta sent out to leaders of 27 remain- will have to pay, estimated to be AFP ing EU countries, which will €60bn ($64bn, £52bn), and the suggest changes ahead of a spe- border between Northern Ire- resume talks on he European Union cial summit in Brussels to land and Ireland. demanded that Britain approve the plans on April 29. “The European Council (EU govt formation Tmake “sufficient progress” Germany and France had leaders) will monitor progress on its divorce before talks on a already set out a united and closely and determine when suf- Belfast trade deal can start as it laid out uncompromising stance against ficient progress has been Reuters its tough Brexit negotiating plans May’s demands. achieved to allow negotiations yesterday. “Starting parallel talks on all to proceed to the next phase” on NORTHERN Ireland’s main EU president Donald Tusk issues at the same time as sug- a future relationship, the draft political parties will resume ruled out an immediate start to gested by some in the UK will not guidelines say. A decision on that talks on Monday to break a parallel talks, as demanded by happen,” Tusk said. could come by end of this year, deadlock that threatens British Prime Minister Theresa “Once and only once we a senior EU official said. devolved government, corner- May on Wednesday in her letter have achieved sufficient progress The EU said no trade deal can stone of peace in the province triggering the historic two-year on withdrawal can we discuss be agreed on before Brexit takes for almost two decades, the Brexit process. the framework for our future effect. But it is also open to a tran- British government said. Tusk’s draft negotiating relationship.” The guidelines say sitional arrangement after Brexit A political crisis has guidelines add that other 27 President of the European Council Donald Tusk (left) and the EU called for a “phased as a “bridge” to a future deal some gripped Northern Ireland countries are ready for a transi- Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat during a joint news approach” that prioritises an years down the line, but said it since Irish nationalist party tional deal after Britain’s exit in conference about Brexit in Valletta, Malta, yesterday. orderly withdrawal that reduces would have to be under EU rules Sinn Fein pulled out of gov- 2019, but that any such arrange- disruption caused by Britain’s and European Court of Justice. It ernment in January, which ment must be under strict EU departure in March 2019. said it will “prepare itself to be sparked a March 2 election rules. talks. The EU is keen to stress its The fate of three million EU able to handle the situation also that ended the majority pro- Former Polish premier Tusk “The EU 27 does not and will unity as it faces the wrenching citizens living in Britain and one if the negotiations were to fail.” British unionists had enjoyed said it was his “first divorce and not pursue a punitive approach. departure of one of its biggest million British people within the The EU’s chief negotiator, for almost a century. I hope the last one”, adding that Brexit itself is already punitive members, the first time a coun- bloc’s 27 other nations is at the France’s Michel Barnier, is No one is predicting the while he hoped it would not be enough,” he told a news confer- try has left the bloc in its 60-year top of leaders’ agenda. expected to get the green light to political impasse might pitch confrontational the EU would ence in the Maltese capital history. Also looming large is the so- start talks with Britain on May Northern Ireland back into stick to its principles during the Valletta as he revealed his plans. Tusk’s guidelines will now be called “exit bill” which Britain 22, an EU official said. the violence between Catho- lic nationalists and Protestant unionists that killed 3,600 people in three decades Dutch seize before a 1998 peace deal. Russia not interfering in French polls: Fillon But the impasse may increase sectarian tensions paintings & and freeze decision-making. Paris may not have done. He denies subsequent action in eastern The last time devolved gov- gold in hunt Reuters any wrongdoing, but he has Ukraine. ernment collapsed, it took plunged far behind the leaders, Repeatedly attacking 39 five years to reinstate it. for tax evaders rance’s conservative pres- centrist Emmanuel Macron and year-old Macron for his “inex- This week, nationalists idential candidate far-right leader Marine Le Pen, perience” and “immaturity”, and unionists missed a dead- Amsterdam Fyesterday dismissed as in opinion polls. Fillon, a former prime minister, line to form a coalition Reuters “fantasy” concerns that Russia A daily opinion poll pub- said Russia was not the biggest government after three weeks could be interfering in the elec- lished by Opinionway yesterday threat to France and should not of talks. But the British gov- DUTCH investigators have tion and said he would seek a put Macron and Le Pen neck- be treated as such. ernment has said it will not seized paintings, a gold bar better balance in relations with and-neck in the April 23 He said that provoking Rus- start to revert powers to Lon- and jewellery and arrested a country that was nevertheless first-round vote on 24 percent sia by putting missiles along its don until April 18, giving the two people as part of a inter- “dangerous”. with Fillon on 19 percent. borders or admitting states parties an additional two national hunt for tax evaders, Francois Fillon (pictured), The Kremlin has repeatedly under its sphere of influence into weeks to strike a deal. after receiving a tip-off about who had been favourite to win denied that it was behind the Nato would just add fuel to After criticism from all 55,000 suspect accounts at a the election until a scandal over media and internet attacks on the fire. sides about the format of the Swiss bank, prosecutors said his wife’s work broke in Janu- the campaign of frontrunner “Today, it’s a new cold war talks, the parties are to agree yesterday. ary, has said European Union Macron, who, contrary to Fil- even though our priority is to an agenda and hold struc- The country’s office for sanctions against Moscow are and review France’s existing lon, has suggested imposing defeat Islamic totalitarianism,” tured, bilateral and financial crimes prosecution totally ineffective, creating a military operations overseas. new sanctions on Moscow he said. roundtable meetings over- (FIOD) said the coordinated “cold war” climate that needs to “There is enough unwel- should it not implement its side “We’ve always had a diffi- seen by the British and Irish raids began on Thursday in be reversed. come interference in this of a deal to resolve the crisis in cult relationship with Russia. It’s governments, the London the Netherlands, Britain, Ger- The head of the US Senate electoral campaign to not need Ukraine. a country that doesn’t have the said in a statement. many, France and Australia. Intelligence Committee, which to go and seek some in Russia. President Vladimir Putin last same democratic system as in The talks will also explic- The Dutch are “investi- is investigating the Russian We’re sufficiently capable our- week met Le Pen, who has called the West so it’s a country that is itly address “the gating dozens of people who hacking of the 2016 US presiden- selves,” he said. for a closer alliance with dangerous,” he said. implementation of outstand- are suspected of tax fraud tial campaign, said on Fillon has said he is a victim Moscow. “We can consider it an ing issues from previous and money laundering”, the Wednesday that the Kremlin was of a plot from within France and Fillon himself has come enemy and prepare a clash or agreements”, it said. prosecutors said in a trying to interfere in the French has accused the French govern- under fire from the left in adopt a second strategy to try Sinn Fein argues that pre- statement. vote. ment of orchestrating his France for advocating a softer and engage in a serious and vious deals to give legal status Suspects deposited “We must avoid these fan- downfall. tone towards Putin that con- frank dialogue to put in place to the Irish language and to money in an unidentified tasies,” Fillon told reporters as He has been placed under trasts with the Socialist conditions for peace in proceed with inquiries into Swiss bank and did not dis- he outlined a defence pro- judicial investigation on suspi- government’s hard line on EU Europe,” he said, adding that deaths during the decades of close that to authorities, the gramme that would prioritise cion of embezzling state funds sanctions put in place over his he would seek that approach if sectarian violence have not statement said. defeating “totalitarian Islam” by paying his wife for work she annexation of Crimea and elected. been honoured. SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017 EUROPE 07 Germany balks at US call for more Nato spending

Brussels US firm on stand spending and would continue to Reuters do so “because we know it is Reiterating necessary and makes sense to ermany said yester- Washington’s demands, further strengthen our armed day that Nato’s Rex Tillerson said allies forces”. agreed target spend will need to pay up or Members have until 2024 to of two percent of outline plans for how comply with the spending members’ yearly they plan to meet the target. Geconomic output was neither threshold when Nato Tillerson did however offer “reachable nor desirable” coun- leaders meet on May 25 assurances of Washington’s tering a call by US Secretary of for the first top-level commitment to Nato during his State Rex Tillerson for all allies brief stop in Brussels, although summit of the alliance. to comply and quickly. US officials said he did not have The United States provides time for one-on-one meetings, nearly 70 percent of Nato’s which are customary during such budget and is demanding that leaders meet on May 25 for the meetings. Nato allies make clear progress first top-level summit of the alli- “The United States is com- towards the agreed target this ance. US President Donald mitted to ensuring Nato has the year. Only four European Nato Trump will attend that capabilities to support our col- members - Estonia, Greece, meeting. lective defence,” Tillerson said Poland and Britain - have done “Our goal should be to agree at the meeting in Brussels. “We so. at the May leaders meeting that will uphold the agreements we “Two percent would mean by the end of the year all allies have made to defend our allies.” military expenses of some will have either met the pledge Tillerson said the Nato alli- €70bn. I don’t know any German guidelines or will have devel- ance was fundamental to politician who would claim that oped plans that clearly articulate countering Russian aggression, is reachable nor desirable,” Ger- how...the pledge will be fulfilled,” in particular in Ukraine. A meet- FROM LEFT: Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and many’s Foreign Minister Sigmar Tillerson said. ing on Thursday between British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson take part in a meeting of Nato foreign ministers at Gabriel said at the first Nato “Allies must demonstrate by ambassadors from Nato and Rus- the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels, yesterday. meeting attended by Tillerson. their actions that they share US sia called on Moscow to do more Tillerson, however, reiter- government’s commitment.” to rein in armed separatists bat- members and the United States strong” and “stepping up Nato defence spending plans yester- ated Washington’s demands and In Berlin, German govern- tling Kiev’s forces. were “rock solid”. efforts to project stability and day as the bloc seeks to respond said allies will need to pay up or ment spokesman, Steffen Seibert, Meanwhile, Nato Secretary- He said the ministers would fight terrorism”. to the new, harsher tone from outline plans for how they plan said the government was com- General Jens Stoltenberg said ties discuss “fair burden sharing to Stoltenberg confirmed min- across the Atlantic, which has to meet the threshold when Nato mitted to increasing defence between European Nato keep the trans-atlantic bond isters would discuss national galvanised European Nato allies. Poland may ink $7.6bn deal for Patriot systems Hungarian PM denounces

Warsaw sped up efforts to overhaul its is all done,” Bill Schmieder, Battle Command System (IBCS), Soros-backed college Reuters military following Russia’s Raytheon’s head for Europe, told designed to give commanders a annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea the same briefing. “But we have better perspective of their oper- Budapest oland expects to sign a deal peninsula in 2014 and in very high hopes that the proc- ating environment to make Reuters worth up to $7.6bn with US response to Moscow’s renewed ess will proceed normally.” better informed decisions. Pfirm Raytheon to buy eight military and political assertive- The Patriot mobile missile Starting with delivery of ungarian Prime Minis- Patriot missile defence systems ness in the region. defence interceptors are third system, Patriots will also ter Viktor Orban by the end of the year, Defence “Those systems allow us to designed to detect, track and be equipped with 360-degree H(pictured) said yester- Minister Antoni Macierewicz guarantee security of the Polish engage unmanned aerial vehi- rotating surveillance radars. day a Budapest university said yesterday. state,” Macierewicz told a news cles (UAVs), cruise missiles and Poland spends about 2 per- founded by financier George Warsaw sees the deal as cen- conference. The contract still short-range or tactical ballistic cent of its gross domestic product Soros had “cheated” in award- tral to a thorough modernisation requires approval from the US missiles. on defence, in line with Nato’s tar- ing its diplomas and violated of its armed forces by 2023, in Congress, as it involves a pur- Poland should receive the get. But some military officials are Hungarian laws. light of what Macierewicz called chase of advanced military first of Patriot systems within pressing for more, saying nearly Orban, outspoken critic of “growing aggression and a grow- technology for which special two years of signing the contract, two-thirds of hardware dates liberal civil organisations funded ing threat from the East.” permission must be obtained. Macierewicz said. All of the units from the era when the country by Soros, said the Central Euro- “The CEU utterly rejects the Nato member Poland has “It’s premature to say that it would come with the Integrated was in Moscow-led Warsaw Pact. pean University’s fate depended Prime Minister of Hungary’s now on talks between Hungary false allegations that CEU is and the United States. The US ‘cheating’,” CEU said in a state- State Department said in a state- ment. “We have been lawful Austria to file ment that CEU was a “premier partners in Hungarian higher Taking tough lessons academic institution” that pro- education for 25 years and any moted academic excellence and statement to the contrary is legal challenge critical thinking. false.” “We urge the Government A year before 2018 elec- against German of Hungary to avoid taking any tions, Orban has raised the legislative action that would stakes in his fight against civil highway toll compromise CEU’s operations organisations funded by US fin- or independence,” acting ancier and philanthropist Soros. Vienna/Berlin spokesman Mark Toner said. Earlier this week, his gov- Reuters In an interview on state ernment submitted a bill to radio, Orban said the CEU vio- parliament to regulate foreign AUSTRIA said yesterday it lated rules by issuing diplomas universities, which could force would file a legal challenge recognised both in Hungary and the CEU founded by Soros in against plans by Germany to the US as the university operates 1991 out of the country. introduce a road toll for for- exclusively in Hungary and has CEU has said the bill, which eign-registered cars using no campus in the United States. Hungarian news web site 444. German highways. “Hungary is a sovereign hu said could be discussed in Cross-border traffic country, it supports knowledge Parliament as early as Monday, between the two countries is in all cases but does not tolerate threatened academic freedom common and a frequently cheating,” Orban said. “Not even in Hungary. used route connecting the city a billionaire can stand above the Hungarian scholars and of Salzburg to the west of law, therefore this university teaching organisations have Austria passes through a part must also obey the law.” come out in support of CEU, of Germany. The CEU said it operated saying it was one of the preem- “We are taking legal action lawfully and was accredited to inent centres of thought in the Members of Austrian special operations unit Jagdkommando perform an exercise in in Luxembourg,” Austrian award Hungarian and US country and deserved to be Transport Minister Joerg Leich- Wiener Neustadt, Austria, yesterday. degrees. saved. tfried told reporters, apparently referring to the seat of the European Court of Justice, the European Union’s top court. “Italians have to pay, the Germany’s FDP to woo voters with lower taxes French have to pay, Austri- ans have to pay—only Germans don’t. I believe that Berlin enough support to cross the 5 instead of ‘German angst’. “For us, Turkey in its current role as the decisive force in shap- is discriminatory and against Reuters percent threshold to enter the The FDP wants to manage state under the despotic regime ing a coalition government in the European law.” Bundestag lower house of par- the balancing act of lowering of Erdogan can no longer be a country. Leichtfried’s comments ermany’s business- liament in elections on taxes and increasing investment candidate for accession,” FDP “I want to be the chancellor came hours after the toll plan, friendly Free Democrats September 24. in education and digital infra- party secretary general Nicola maker,” he said. which the European Commis- G(FDP) want to win back Presenting the FDP’s plat- structure by privatising state Beer told reporters. Asked about possible coali- sion approved in January voters and become kingmaker form titled “No longer on the assets. Lindner repeated his stance tion partners, Lindner only ruled after adjustments were made, in coalition talks after a federal sidelines”, party leader Christian Lindner told reporters that that Greece could only stay in the out joining forces with the anti- cleared Germany’s upper election in six months by prom- Lindner yesterday said that the the government could raise euro zone and receive more immigrant Alternative for house of parliament. ising lower taxes, higher FDP wanted to become the voice over €10bn by selling stakes in financial aid from its European Germany (AfD) and the far-left Austria’s legal action, investment in infrastructure and of the “impatient centre” of soci- firms such as Deutsche Bahn, partners if it implemented the Linke. though not fundamentally a tough stance on Turkey. ety by emphasising Deutsche Telekom and Deut- structural reforms agreed in its The FDP’s power in state leg- affecting its ties with Ger- Recent polls put support for self-responsibility and liberal sche Post. bailout programme. islatures has been diminished in many, marks an ugly episode the FDP, which was the junior values. On foreign policy, the FDP The likely alternative would recent years by the rise of other at a time when the EU is try- coalition partner to Chancellor “People can do great things called for the European Union to be a debt cut, which would result parties, including the AfD. It ing to project unity as it gears Angela Merkel’s conservatives if you just let them,” Lindner told quit membership talks with Tur- in its departure from the euro failed to win enough votes for up for negotiations with Brit- from 2009 to 2013, at 5 to 7 reporters, adding that the FDP’s key and freeze any further zone, he said. representation in the Bundestag ain over its departure from percent. motto in the election campaign financial aid to the government of Lindner said that he wanted lower house of parliament in the bloc. That suggests it will get would be ‘German courage’ President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. the party to regain its traditional 2013. 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL

Israeli arrogance

srael has again ridiculed the world and expressed its deep contempt for international laws and the rights of Palestinians by Iannouncing new settlement construction. The Israeli cabinet gave unanimous backing on Thursday for the first officially sanctioned newsettlement in the occupied West Bank in more than 20 years. The announcement is a direct French elections: challenge even to US President Donald Trump who is backing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the hilt and has promised to upend the decades-old US foreign policy in favour of Tel Aviv. This is because Trump has undertaken a Manufacturing consent mission to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and had earlier said that unrestrained and discourse were banal. In contrast, far It is a bit of a contradiction for a man settlement building will not help the peace process. Ali Saad left-wing candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, clearly close to France’s top business cir- But Netanyahu has now thrown the last of the Al Jazeera who had distinguished himself during the cles to say that he stands against policies caution to the wind and embarked on the most debate both by his innovative political pro- “preserving the privileges of some to the dangerous phase of his settlement expansion. The posals and his provocative style, did not detriment of millions of others”. latest announcement is also a violation of the get the media coverage to match his The mainstream media has painted a settlement construction guidelines presented to the ground-breaking political platform. picture of Macron as the only candidate Trump administration. The guidelines were residential elections in France have So what could justify such bias in capable of confronting the danger that the presented as evidence of restraint and a goodwill never been as scandalous and con- favour of Macron and the media’s insist- extreme right candidate Marine Le Pen gesture, but the details seem to indicate the troversial as this year’s. But what ence on constructing popular support poses. But any candidate, whether on the opposite. The new settlement is near Nablus to really sets the 2017 election apart from around his candidacy? Especially since left or right, who enjoys popular support, rehouse illegal Jewish settlers from the Amona previous ones is how French main- Macron, presented as an anti-system can- will be able to win the elections over outpost, which was demolished on the instruction of Pstream media is behaving itself in terms of didate who has ambitions to revolutionise Marine Le Pen in a runoff. an Israeli court. objectivity and fair standards of coverage. the French political landscape, is the very Some media business tycoons have Palestinians have been saying that the settle- In a democratic context, the general objec- product of the system? expressed outright support for Macron. ment expansion is the tive of media coverage during an election Until August 2016 Macron served as Pierre Berge, co-owner of the newspaper biggest impediment to campaign should ultimately be the dissemina- minister of the economy under the social- Le Monde, has publicly supported him, peace, and peace talks tion of fair and impartial information, through ist Francois Hollande’s presidency, and while Bernard Mourad, deputy managing Netanyahu cannot restart unless an equal distribution of broadcasting time before that he served as deputy secretary- director of SFR Media, which controls could be looking Israel halts the con- among all candidates taking part in the elec- general at the Elysee Palace. In addition, L’Express, Liberation, BFM TV and RMC, to sabotage struction. Netanyahu tions, as well as an objective and critical analysis he graduated from the prestigious French resigned from his position to join Macron’s Trump’s so-called too understands this of the candidates’ discourses and/or policy plat- National School of Administration and election campaign. Such staunch support and he has unleashed forms while avoiding granting preferential worked as a banker at Rothschild & Co. from media tycoons cannot but influence peace efforts by an unprecedented con- treatment to one candidate at the expense of all In April 2016, the Mediapart, an inde- the content and discourse of the media out- announcing a struction with the others. pendent news website, disclosed that the lets they own. new settlement sinister motive of killing By law, airwave time and exposure is mon- legal address of Macron’s “En Marche” This way of promoting a particular can- construction. the peace process. His itored and enforced by the state’s Conseil (Onwards) political movement was hosted didate and granting him excessive media latest move could be Superieur de l’Audiovisuel (High Council for at the private residence of the director of exposure at the expense of all other candi- part of an agenda to Audiovisual) which stipulates that the media the Institut Montaigne. The institute is a dates is a clear case of media bias. sabotage the ‘peace should “ensure that candidates enjoy fair rep- liberal think-tank close to the Mouvement Furthermore, framing the electoral compe- process’ which the Trump team is planning. By resentation and access to the media space”. des Entreprises de tition as an inevitable duel between only two planning more construction, he hopes to further However, serious questions can be raised about France, the largest entre- possible candidates - Macron, who would infuriate the Palestinians while the Trump adminis- the media’s compliance with such guidelines in preneur federation in be “France’s saviour”, and Le Pen, who would tration watches helplessly. Interestingly, reacting to the 2017 elections. France which has lobbied be the ultimate threat to society - can only Thursday’s development, the White House yester- Furthermore, France is now going through against various labour aim to create a sense of urgency among vot- day cautioned Israel on ‘unrestrained settlement tough socioeconomic problems that provide the rights. ers to support the former. building, while in the same statement giving a green media outlets with enough material to question Thus a media machine owned by busi- signal to Netanyahu for more settlements. “While different candidates’ platforms and visions in ness tycoons is manufacturing popular the existence of settlements is not in itself an terms of strategies and means that they intend Promoting a particular consent around a candidate supported by impediment to peace, further unrestrained settle- to employ to address these challenges. Rather candidate and granting financial circles which are far from con- ment activity does not help advance peace,” a the mainstream media coverage of the candi- cerned with democratic ethics or the White House official said. It flies in the face of com- dates’ electoral campaigns mostly tends to focus him excessive media general population’s interests. mon sense how an administration that completely on political scandals and trivial issues, such as exposure at the expense George Orwell once wrote: “In times sides with the aggressor hopes to negotiate a solu- the prices of Francois Fillon’s costumes and of all other candidates is a of universal deceit, telling the truth tion to an intractable conflict. Trump is either watches, or the daily obsession over the possi- clear case of media bias. becomes a revolutionary act.” Well, in foolish or naïve, and abject failure is likely to be the ble scenarios regarding the elections’ second present times, French mainstream media most natural outcome of his half-baked efforts. round. are surely not revolutionary! The new Israeli settlement guidelines have set But the most striking example illustrating off alarm bells for a different reason - they go the media’s complacency and bias is the case of beyond the agreement between the late Israeli Emmanuel Macron, former Socialist minister of prime minister Ariel Sharon and George W Bush for economy under the presidency of Francois Hol- settlement construction and far beyond what the lande, and now an independent candidate under Obama administration called for. a social democratic banner. Framed as “the renewal candidate”, and France’s “saviour”, Macron, who has never been tested at the ballot box, enjoys unprecedented media coverage in France. QUOTE OF THE DAY Even before he announced his candidacy, mainstream media was reporting on rumours about the announcement of his candidacy. And when the day came, Macron made headlines in The separation of major dailies such as Le Monde, Le Figaro, Lib- eration and Le Parisien, and his announcement powers is essential for was also featured on all major radio and TV sta- democracy to function, tions. For two consecutive days, the national and keeping democratic channel France2 reserved half of its prime-time spaces open is essential newscast for Macron’s announcements, while the other candidates did not enjoy such to ensure human rights coverage. are protected. And in the aftermath of a national TV debate, bringing together five of the 11 candidates, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein almost all major media outlets anointed Macron as the most convincing personality of the debate. UN High Commissioner for Marine Le Pen, French National Front leader and candidate for the presidential Human Rights A simple critical look at the debate in question would suffice to see how Macron’s performance election, talking to residents as she visits a market in Concarneau, yesterday. SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017 OPINION 09 Mosul shows difficulty of removing militants

Dan Perry & Susannah George AP

s the fight for the Iraqi city of Mosul drags on, many might ask: Why has it taken the combined militaries of the United States and Iraq backed by an international coa- lition more than two years to dislodge a relativelyA small force of militants lacking heavy weaponry? Donald Trump raised the question during his campaign, promising to turn up the heat against the Islamic State group if he became president. Now the growing controversy over the high number of civilian casualties believed caused by recent US airstrikes has touched on a major part of the answer: The mili- tants are mingled among tens of thousands of civilians in Mosul and are willing to take the popula- tion down with them. Inevitably, the more force brought to bear to crush the fighters, the greater the danger civilians will be killed. To avoid that, strikes must be more surgical and more cautiously used, and the battle turns to street-by-street fighting where the techno- logical edge is often neutralised. Minimising civilian deaths is more than just a humanitarian concern: Heavy bloodshed can fuel public resentments that push some to join militant groups. Another factor is whether the extremists have support from at least part of the population. It’s even further complicated if they can claim to be fighting Iraqi security forces drive past civilians fleeing their homes in Mosul’s old city, yesterday. for national liberation — as, for example, with the Hamas group in its battles with Israel in Gaza. In Iraq and Syria, the Islamic State group clearly holds the Mosul, launched in mid-October, has been the long- precision munitions inflicted heavy casualties. In leaders who met in US-run prisons population hostage in many cases, but it also seeks to est battle yet. With each fight, the Islamic State group western Mosul, IS fighters forced civilians into explo- transformed it into the Islamic State sway some support by claiming to defend Sunnis has adapted its use of civilians as human shields, cre- sives-rigged homes, then took up positions on the group by exploiting Iraq’s Sunni- against a mostly Shiite force from Baghdad. ating increasingly deadly battlefields. roofs, Iraqi and coalition officials said. Shia divide, which worsened after After a March 17 explosion that residents say In Tikrit and Sinjar, IS let the population flee A similar battle looms in the Islamic State group’s US forces left in 2011. killed at least 100 people in Mosul, the US military early on, allowing Iraqi and coalition forces to liber- Syrian stronghold of Raqqa. acknowledged an airstrike was involved. But the top ally use airstrikes and artillery to retake the areas by There, the militants have taken even greater commander of US forces in Iraq said investigations the autumn of 2015. pains to trap the population. Land mines and check- may reveal a more complicated explanation, includ- IS then tightened its grip on other cities and points circle the city. And all the men have been ing the possibility that militants rigged the building towns. It locked down Ramadi in western Anbar ordered to wear the jihadis’ garb of baggy pants and with explosives after forcing civilians inside. province with checkpoints to prevent civilians from long shirts, making it difficult to distinguish militants Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend said recent fleeing. Only those with serious health conditions from civilians. civilian casualties in Mosul were “fairly predictable” were allowed out — and only if they left behind a rel- The US has faced backlash over civilian deaths in given the densely populated urban neighbourhoods ative, property or thousands of dollars to guarantee nearly all its recent conflicts — Korea, Vietnam, and D-RING ROAD the IS fighters are defending against Iraqi troops. their return. more recently Iraq and Afghanistan. Public fury in POST BOX: 3488 Over the past 2½ years, Iraqi forces backed by US After Iraqi forces punched into Ramadi, fleeing IS Iraq and Afghanistan over deaths in airstrikes and at special forces and coalition airstrikes have managed fighters forced civilians to go with them to thwart checkpoints and abuses by US troops has been a DOHA - QATAR to push IS out of most of the territory they overran in airstrikes. Moving west along the Euphrates River, major factor shaping the evolution of US tactics since [email protected] the summer of 2014 — retaking three major cities Iraq’s military responded to the use of human shields 9/11. The response has been to turn increasingly to and numerous smaller communities. The fight for by largely emptying towns of their populations as special operations forces and armed drones and to they retook territory. The massive displacement work with local fighters. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE resulted in humanitarian crises. Thousands were left In Iraq from 2005 to 2007, the more secretive TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 without shelter and little food or water in desert elements of U.S. special operations, led by Lt Gen FAX: +974 4455 7758 Minimising civilian camps. Stanley McChrystal, combined intelligence with night deaths is more than just So the government changed tactics. It asked civil- raids to capture or kill insurgents, including the MANAGING EDITOR ians to stay in their homes, a decision that was leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Musab Al Zarqawi. TEL: 4462 7505 a humanitarian concern: controversial with commanders faced with clearing This — and the enlisting of Sunni tribesmen to fight militants from dense residential areas. the insurgents — proved far more effective than con- Heavy bloodshed can fuel DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR In Mosul, an estimated 1 million people were in ventional forces kicking in doors. public resentments that TEL: 4455 7769 the city when Iraqi forces breached its eastern edge. Still, drone strikes that kill civilians continue to push some to join militant IS fighters fired from the rooftops of homes where raise an outcry in Yemen, Pakistan and elsewhere. groups. civilians sheltered, targeting those who fled with And militants also evolve. Al Qaeda in Iraq was all LOCAL NEWS SECTION mortars and gunfire. In denser neighborhoods, even but extinguished by 2009, but a kernel of militant TEL: 4455 7743

BUSINESS NEWS SECTION TEL: 4462 7535

SPORT NEWS SECTION Hundred days without my father TEL: 4455 7745

ONLINE SECTION international airport for a holiday. He has been the radio station, and later in the Egyptian TV news sector. He TEL: 4462 7501 Zahra Mahmoud Hussein working in the field of media and journalism for later joined a number of Arab TV channels until he eventually [email protected] Al Jazeera more than 29 years. During those years, he con- joined Al Jazeera. veyed the voices of Egyptians, their happy and sad Everybody knows he works there, and his work proves PUBLIC RELATIONS moments, their needs and creative projects. And how professional his performance is. If the people who when the crowds revolted, he rushed to convey the detained him tried to Google his name, they would find what TEL: 4455 7613 o other people feel the days voice of his homeland to the entire world. an honourable and professional man he is. They would real- [email protected] passing by as we do? Oh, Dad! Hussein started his career working with the ise that my father has never said a single word that harms the We are counting every hour, Egyptian Al Ahram newspaper, then at interests of his homeland. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT minute and second. One hun- If they go through the history of his life, they would find TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 dred days have passed since nothing but good deeds and virtues. “Your message is your FAX: 4455 7870 Dyou were taken away from us, handcuffed manners and principles, and the evidence to that is your [email protected] and exhausted. No matter how hard you Zahra, daughter of detained work” - a sentence that my father was always repeating to us had worked and how little you had slept, Al Jazeera journalist to strengthen the foundation of our thinking. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT you called us every single day to check on Mahmoud Hussein, writes Mahmoud Hussein is a good father and friend. He TEL: 4455 7857 us. We no longer receive those calls. about her father’s legacy. encouraged us to study the Holy Quran, and at the same time [email protected] Millions of Egyptians live abroad to earn took us to the theatre and made us listen to music to nourish their living and secure a decent life for their our souls with art and melodies. SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION families. One of them is my father, Mah- He explained to us the different kinds of art and music TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 moud Hussein (pictured). He never got until we developed excellent skills to distinguish the exquisite FAX: 44557819 used to staying away from his country and genres of art. He introduced us to all kinds of books, poetry, family for a long time. Still, he put up with literature, philosophy, history and languages to enable us to [email protected] living abroad and was satisfied with his fre- absorb as much information as possible. quent visits to check on the big family he He took us to visit old cafes to get to know the ancient and takes care of. eternal roots of the Egyptian spirit. He also got us deeply All thoughts and views However, his last visit to Egypt was involved in all the developments under way in our country so expressed in these columns different. This time, he was welcomed we would never fall behind. My father has taught us how to with handcuffs on his hands instead of his face challenges and keep going. We are still inspired by him to are those of the writers, not family’s embrace, and he stayed in dark keep going. But what we cannot understand is why my father of the newspaper. detention cells instead of his warm bed has been in detention for 100 days on false charges. There is among his caring family. He has always no case or reason for this that I can explain to my little siblings. All correspondence been described as the “soul” of the family, Why do we have to spend our days off standing in long regarding Views and as he brings life to it when everyone, old queues in extremely cold weather or under the burning sun Opinion pages should be and young, gathers around him. waiting to visit him in jail? Why do we need permits to meet Hussein, an Egyptian journalist, was him or wait to just hear his voice while being transported in a mailed to the arrested after arriving at Cairo’s tiny vehicle? That is what he never prepared us for! [email protected] 10 AMERICAS SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017 Protests begin against Venezuelan president

Caracas Court move flayed Ally Russia, however, bucked Agencies the trend in a statement on Fri- The court move day urging the world to leave enezuelan opposition brought Venezuela alone. protests began and condemnations and “External forces should not foreign pressure add fuel to the fire to the conflict concern from the mounted yesterday inside Venezuela,” it said. “We are United States, over a court takeo- confident in the principle of non- verV of Congress that many Organisation of interference in internal affairs.” viewed as a lurch into dictator- American States, OAS head Luis Almagro has ship by a leftist government European Union, major been pushing for its suspension grappling with a plunge in Latin American nations from the 34-nation regional bloc popularity. and the top UN human and wants an emergency meeting “We will not accept usurpa- rights official. after the latest developments. tion by the Supreme Court,” said “It’s false there has been a a student group in Caracas coup d’etat in Venezuela,” Ven- marching to the nation’s top tri- pro-Maduro court this week said ezuela’s foreign ministry said, bunal which has assumed the it was assuming the legislature’s alleging a regional right-wing functions of the opposition-led functions because it was in “con- conspiracy against it. National Assembly . tempt” of the law. “On the contrary, institu- Elsewhere, protesters Outraged foes of President tions have adopted legal blocked a main Caracas motor- Nicolas Maduro accused him of correctives to stop the deviant way, joined by opposition staging a “coup” against an and coup-seeking actions of Venezuelan opposition activists scuffle with National Guard personnel during a protest in front lawmaker Miguel Pizarro. elected body. opposition parliamentarians of the Supreme Court in Caracas, yesterday. “We mustn’t give up or stop, The court move also brought openly in contempt of decisions we have to demand our rights,” condemnations and concern by the republic’s maximum “permanent session” and prom- Court rulings that consolidated official in Venezuela to criticize he said. from the United States, Organi- tribunal.” ised rolling street protests. the socialist president’s power court rulings this week that Having already shot down sation of American States (OAS), Venezuela’s opposition Dem- Meanwhile, Venezuela’s as a “rupture of constitutional effectively dissolved the oppo- most of the National Assembly’s European Union, major Latin ocratic Unity coalition, made up attorney general surprisingly order.” sition-majority legislature and measures since the opposition American nations and the top UN of about two dozen parties and broke ranks with Maduro yes- Attorney General Luisa revoked lawmakers’ immunity won control in 2015, the human rights official. groups, declared itself in terday, condemning Supreme Ortega is the first high-level from prosecution.

Wooing voters Former Trump adviser Flynn offers testimony for immunity Washington with Russian Ambassador Sergey place,” the lawyer added. AFP Kislyak during presidential tran- The New York Times quoted sition concerning Washington’s a congressional official as say- ichael Flynn has “a story sanctions on Moscow. ing investigators are wary of to tell,” his lawyer said The Journal said it wasn’t cutting a deal with Flynn until Myesterday, amid reports clear what exactly Flynn had they are further along in their that the ousted US national offered to discuss. But it quoted probe and have a better idea of security adviser has offered to one unnamed official as saying what information Flynn might testify in exchange for immu- the retired army general’s bid offer. nity about potential ties between for immunity suggested poten- The Times also quoted an Donald Trump’s presidential tial “legal jeopardy” for him. expert as urging caution over campaign and Russia. Robert Kelner, a lawyer for Flynn’s offer of testimony. Flynn proposed his deal to Flynn, said “General Flynn cer- “At this early stage, I Federal Bureau of Investigation tainly has a story to tell, and he wouldn’t read anything into this and House and Senate intelli- very much wants to tell it, request beyond smart lawyer- gence committees, The Wall should circumstances permit. ing,” Mark Zaid, a Washington Street Journal reported. “Out of respect for the com- lawyer specialising in national A close adviser of Trump’s mittees, we will not comment security cases, was quoting as 2016 campaign, Flynn was right now on the details of dis- saying by the Times. forced to step down just weeks cussions between counsel for “In such a politically The Ecuadorean presidential candidate for Creating Opportunities party, Guillermo Lasso into the security job last month. General Flynn and the House charged, high-profile national (centre), speaks during the closing rally of his campaign in Guayaquil, ahead of the April His resignation came after it and Senate intelligence commit- security case, I couldn’t imag- 2 run-off election. emerged that he made mislead- tees, other than to confirm that ine not first asking for ing statements about talks he held those discussions have taken immunity,” he added. Fire collapses Two Democrats back US Supreme Court pick portion of Washington and North Dakota’s Heitkamp are If confirmed by the Senate 35 of the 48 Democrats in the to avoid such a move, including highway in Reuters up for re-election next year in to fill a vacancy created by the 100-seat Senate oppose Gor- Chris Coons of Delaware. states that voted for Trump in the February 2016 death of conserv- such, the Colorado-based “I’m open to anyone who’s enators Joe Manchin and 2016 presidential election. ative Justice Antonin Scalia, federal appellate judge nomi- got a reasonable suggestion for Atlanta Heidi Heitkamp yesterday “I hold no illusions that I will Gorsuch, 49, would restore the nated by Trump in January for how we might slow what seems Sbecame the first Democrats agree with every decision Judge nine-seat high court’s conserv- a lifetime post on the high to be an inexorable path towards Atlanta to support the confirmation of Gorsuch may issue in future, but ative majority. court. changing the rules,” Coons said Reuters President Donald Trump’s I have not found any reasons why Senators Maria Cantwell of Most Democrats have said yesterday. Supreme Court nominee Neil this jurist should not be a Supreme Washington state, Catherine they would back an effort to The Senate Judiciary Com- A BRIDGE on Interstate 85 in Gorsuch, giving Republicans two Court justice,” Manchin said. Cortez Masto of Nevada and block a confirmation vote using mittee is set to vote on sending Atlanta collapsed yesterday as of eight Democratic votes Heitkamp said Gorsuch “has Tammy Duckworth of Illinois a procedural hurdle called a fil- the nomination to the Senate a fire raged beneath it, author- needed to avoid a nasty fight on a record as a balanced, meticu- said yesterday said that they ibuster that requires 60 votes to floor on April 3. Republican Sen- ities said, sending black smoke the US Senate floor next week. lous and well-respected jurist would vote against Gorsuch. allow a confirmation vote. ate leaders hope to confirm into air and briefly causing a Both West Virginia’s Manchin who understands rule of law.” Their announcements mean But there are some seeking Gorsuch on April 7. fireball before the structure fell in on itself. There were no immedi- ate reports of casualties in the incident, which snarled traf- fic for miles (km). SpaceX successfully launches “We are trying to assess the damage and determine how quick we can repair it,” Republican Georgia Gover- first recycled rocket booster nor Nathan Deal told a news conference. Cape Canaveral, Florida and shorten intervals between of access to space. If we can Black smoke billowed so Reuters space shots. “This is a huge day,” achieve that, it means humanity thickly from the bridge in the Musk told reporters after the can become a space-faring civi- heart of Atlanta that area res- SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch. “My mind’s blown.” lization and be out there among idents told local media they recovered at sea from its It took Space Exploration the stars. This is what we want for thought a storm was coming A maiden flight last year Technologies Corp, as the Califor- the future,” he said. or that the sun had set early blasted off again from Florida nia-based company is formally The Falcon 9 booster, which when the fire started at yesterday in the first successful known, 15 years to demonstrate previously flew in April 2016, lifted around 6 p.m. local time. launch of a recycled orbital-class that a rocket typically discarded off from Kennedy Space Center at Then flames rose several booster, then capped the feat in the ocean after a single flight 2227 GMT to put a communica- stories high from under the with another return landing on could be recovered and reused. tions satellite into orbit for bridge before a section col- an ocean platform. The SpaceX chief executive Luxembourg-based SES SA. lapsed around 7:30 p.m., even The unprecedented twin said his next goal is to turn the The booster’s main section as dozens of firefighters achievements of re-launching a booster around for relaunch in then separated from the rest of fought it, causing a brief used rocket and salvaging the 24 hours, a milestone he said the rocket and flew itself back fireball. vehicle yet again were hailed by could be accomplished before to a landing pad in the Atlantic, Hours after the collapse, billionaire SpaceX founder Elon the end of the year. where it successfully touched Space X's Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from space launch complex vehicles were still stuck try- Musk as a revolutionary step in “The potential is there for (an) down for its second at-sea ing to get off the highway. his quest to slash launch costs over 100-fold reduction in the cost return. 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, yesterday. SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017 CLASSIFIEDS 13

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CONCEPTIS SUDOKU

6:30 101 East 05:00 Food Factory 08:15 Rugged 13:20 Girl Meets World 7:30 Talk To Al Jazeera 05:24 The Unexplained Justice 15:25 Jessie 8:30 Rewind Files 09:10 Restoration 16:15 Disney 9:00 Witness 06:12 How The Earth Wild Cookabout 10:00 News Works 10:05 Gangland 16:40 Austin & Ally 10:30 Inside Story 08:38 Food Factory Killers 17:05 Eco Club 11:30 The Listening Post 09:26 How Do They Do 11:00 Life At Vet 17:10 Elena Of Avalor 12:00 News It? University 17:35 Stuck In The 12:30 Counting the Cost 11:26 How The Earth 11:55 Bondi Vet Middle 13:00 NEWSHOUR Works 12:50 Snake Sheila 18:00 Disney The 14:00 News 15:26 Mythbusters 13:15 Snake Sheila Lodge 14:30 Inside Story 15:26 Mythbusters 14:10 Snake Sheila 18:25 Pocahontas 15:00 In Search Of Putin's 19:30 NASA's 18:20 Village Vets 19:55 Welcome To The Russia Unexplained 18:45 Village Vets Ronks 16:00 NEWSHOUR Files 19:15 There's A Rhino 20:05 Stuck In The 17:00 News 20:20 Sport Science In My House! Middle 17:30 The Cure 21:10 Strip The 20:10 Restoration 20:30 Bizaardvark Yesterday's answer 18:00 newsgrid Cosmos Wild 20:55 Bunk'd 19:00 News 22:00 Food Factory 21:05 Pit Bulls & 21:20 Shake It Up Conceptis Sudoku: Conceptis Sudoku is a number- 19:30 Fault Lines USA Parolees 21:45 Disney The placing puzzle based on a 9×9 grid. The object is to 20:00 News 22:25 Food Factory 22:00 Pit Bulls & Lodge place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so 20:30 Inside Story USA Parolees 22:10 Best Friends that each row, each column and each 3×3 box 21:00 NEWSHOUR 22:50 The Unexplained 22:00 Village Vets Whenever contains the same number only once. 22:00 News Files 22:25 Village Vets 22:35 Jessie 22:30 The Listening Post 23:40 The Big Brain 22:55 Gator Boys 23:00 Kirby Buckets 23:00 23:50 23:25 CROSSWORD Al Jazeera World Theory Gator Boys Sabrina Secrets HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

NOVO — Pearl SHOWING AT VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Get Out (2D/Horror) 10:30am, 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45, 11:55pm & 12:00midnight Smurfs: The Lost Village (Animation) 3D 10:00am, 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm 2D 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00, 11:50pm Chips (2D/Action) 10:15am, 12:30, 2:45, 3:00, 5:00, 7:15, 7:30, 9:30 & 11:45pm Power Rangers (2D/Action) 11:00am, 4:00 & 9:00pm Kong: Skull Island (2D/Action) 1:30, 6:30 & 11:30pm Life (2D/Thriller) 10:30am, 2:50, 7:10 & 11:30pm Autobahn (2D/Action) 12:40, 5:00 & 9:20pm Killing Ground (2D/Thriller) 10:15am, 4:10 & 10:10pm El Qerd Beytkalem (2D/Arabic) 12:05, 6:00pm & 12:00midnight Daylight’s End (2D) 2:00 & 8:00pm Logan (2D/Action) 10:25am, 3:00, 7:35pm & 12:00midnight 30 Days of 3Izz (2D/Arabic) 1:00, 5:35 & 10:10pm Sleepless (2D/Action) 10:00am, 2:30pm & 12:00midnight Yesterday’s answer Beauty And The Beast Kong (2D IMAX/Fantasy) 10:00am, 2:45, 7:30pm & 12:00midnight 2D 12:00noon, 4:30, 7:00 & 9:30pm Life (2D IMAX/Horror) 12:35, 5:20 & 10:00pm

MALL Naam Shabana (2D/Hindi) 2:30 & 11:00pm Smurfs: The Lost Village (2D/Animation) 2:15, 3:45 & 5:30pm Honey Bee 2 (2D/Malayalam) 5:00pm Dora (2D/Tamil) 11:15pm Northern Lights: A Journey To Love (2D/Tagalog) 7:30pm Killing Ground (2D/Thriller) 9:15pm Beauty & The Beast (2D/Family) 3:00 & 7:15pm Guru (2D/Telugu) 4:45pm Chips (2D/Action) 7:15pm 30 Days of 3Izz (2D/Arabic) 9:00pm Daylight’s End (2D/Action) 9:30pm Get Out (2D/Horror) 11:00pm

LANDMARK Honey Bee 2 (2D/Malayalam) 2:30pm Beauty & The Beast (2D/Family) 2:15 & 7:00pm Chips (2D/Action) 4:30 & 11:30pm Smurfs: The Lost Village (2D/Animation) 2:30, 4:00 & 5:45pm 30 Days of 3Izz (2D/Arabic) 5:00pm Daylight’s End (2D/Action) 7:00pm Northern Lights: A Journey To Love (2D/Tagalog) 6:15pm Barbie Video Game Hero (2D/Animation) 8:00pm Get Out (2D/Horror) 9:00pm Guru (2D/Telugu) 8:00pm Get Out (2D/Horror) 9:00pm Kavan (2D/Tamil) 10:30pm Killing Ground (2D/Thriller) 11:00pm

ROYAL PLAZA

Smurfs: The Lost Village (2D/Animation) 2:30, 4:15 & 6:00pm Yesterday’s answer Honey Bee 2 (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 8:30pm Chips (2D/Action) 5:00pm Northern Lights: A Journey To Love (2D/Tagalog) 7:45pm Beauty & The Beast (2D/Family) 2:00 & 6:30pm Kavan (2D/Tamil) 10:45pm ALL IN THE MIND Power Rangers 4:15pm Chips (2D/Action) 5:00 & 8:45pm 30 Days of 3Izz (2D/Arabic) 6:45pm Killing Ground (2D/Thriller) 9:30pm Get Out (2D/Horror) 11:00pm Daylight’s End (2D/Action) 11:15pm

BOISTEROUS, BUMPY, ASIAN TOWN BURNISHED, COARSE, Honey Bee 2 (Malayalam) 3:15, 6:00, 8:45 & 11:30pm CRUDE, FLAT, FLOWING, Kavan (Tamil) 12:30, 6:15pm & 01:45pm Dora (Tamil) 12:30, 3:30 & 11:00pm Guru (Telugu) 12:30 & 3:15pm Naam Shabana (Hindi) 6:00 & 11:30pm FLUENT, FLUID, Ezra (Malayalam) 12:30, 3:15, 6:00, 8:45 & 11:30pm GLOSSY, GRATING, HARSH, IRREGULAR, JAGGED, LEGATO, AL KHOR LIQUID, PUGNACIOUS, Smurfs 11:00am, 1:00 & 3:00pm Ezra 11:30am, 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm REFINED, RIDGED, Kavan 10:30am, 5:15 & 11:00pm Dora 2:30 & 8:15pm Honey Bee 2 1:15 & 11:30pm ROCKY, ROUGH, SATIN, Chips 4:00 & 9:15pm Naam Shabana (Hindi) 6:15pm SERRATED, SILKY, SLEEK, SLICK, SMOOTH, ROXY STACCATO, SUAVE, Power Rangers 2:00, 4:30pm Ezra 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm WRINKLED. Chips 2:00, 4:15, 6:30, 8:45 & 11:00pm Beauty & The Beast 7:30 & 10:00pm Dora 5:10 & 11:10pm SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017 HOME 19 20 MORNING BREAK SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017

PRAYER TIMINGS

FAJR 04.09 am Fox serves up apes and aliens at CinemaCon SHOROOK 05.26 am Las Vegas ZUHR 11.38 am MAGHRIB 05.52 pm AFP ASR 03.06 pm ISHA 07.22 pm th Century Fox opened day four of WEATHER TODAY CinemaCon with stunning new foot- age from "Alien: Covenant," some o o 20CGI apes and a singalong with Aus- tralian showman Hugh Jackman. 23 C 33 C The studio has a deserved reputation for razz- Minimum Maximum matazz at the annual Las Vegas gathering, and opened this year with an illuminated dance troupe high kicking in the dark to a remix of "There's No Business Like Show Business." The presentation was book-ended by big Broad- way moments, with "Logan" star Jackman coming onstage to introduce footage from his PT Barnum biopic "The Greatest Showman" as a chorus of sing- ers took to the stage at Caesar's Palace and balloons fell from the ceiling. Hollywood's biggest studios decamp to Sin City for four days every spring, providing news and foot- A view of the stage at the Big Screen Achievement Awards during CinemaCon in Las Vegas, age from their upcoming movies to the theater operators who will be showing them. Despite the Nevada, US. bells and whistles, Fox's presentation was less star- studded than many of the studios' shows, and there starring Idris Elba and Kate Winslet. Then it was onto And then came the moment much of the crowd had was no word on the progress of James Cameron's the main event, with an extended look at "War For been waiting for, as Ridley Scott appeared on the now fabled "Avatar" sequels. The Planet Of The Apes," the third installment in the giant screen to deliver a pre-recorded message intro- But there was a crowd-pleasing start to the show rebooted series. ducing "Alien: Covenant." with an appearance from Amy Schumer and Goldie The spectacular CGI-laden footage followed Cae- "What you're about to see is a small window into Hawn, who star in kidnap comedy "Snatched." sar, mo-capped by Andy Serkis, and his heavily the hell that awaits our characters as they arrive at "Goldie Hawn is up here! She is such an inspira- armed fellow apes as they chase a new character on a strange new world," Scott said, expressing in strong tion to me. I love the way you live," Schumer horseback through a snowy forest. language his hope that the footage would cause audi- Hazy to misty at places at first be- comes relatively hot daytime with enthused, noting that her co-star used to be a dancer Fox debuted footage from spy comedy sequel ence members to lose control of their bowel slight dust and scattered clouds. in Vegas. There were presentations for comedy "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," "Red Sparrow," movements. "Alien: Covenant," due out on May 19, reboot "Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul" and another spy movie starring Jennifer Lawrence and is the follow-up to "Prometheus" in the "Alien" pre- survival drama "The Mountain Between Us," Kenneth Branagh's "Murder On The Orient Express." quel trilogy, and the sixth film overall in the series. HIGH TIDE 07:15 - 20:45 LOW TIDE 02:15 - 13:30

Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Rare image of Harriet Tubman New treatment for antibiotic resistant is up for auction in New York bacteria developed New York Reuters he unusual approach of removing anti- bodies from the blood stream can photograph of Harriet Tubman, believed to be Treduce the effects of chronic infec- the earliest-known image of the anti-slavery cru- tions, according to a study published in the Asader and showing her as younger than she is American Journal of Respiratory and Crit- normally depicted, is up for auction in New York. ical Care Medicine. The photograph, previously unseen by scholars, In the study, two patients with bron- shows Tubman in her late 40s, wearing an intricately chiectasis who suffered from chronic decorated blouse and voluminous skirt, and sitting in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections that a chair, leaning one arm on its back. were resistant to many antibiotics; a “It’s quite remarkable: This is what she looked like 64-year-old male, diagnosed with bron- in her prime Civil War period when she was working chiectasis aged fifteen, and a 69-year-old as a spy for Lincoln,” Wyatt Day, the specialist organ- female who had bronchiectasis from izing the sale at Swann Auction Galleries, said in a childhood. telephone interview. "These patients had an excess of a par- He noted the photograph was taken about three ticular antibody in the bloodstream. In years after the American Civil War ended in 1865. “All contrast to the protective effect normally of the images show her as an older woman, maybe in associated with the antibody, in these her 70s. She looks a bit tired, and here she looks vibrant patients the antibody stopped the immune and strong.” system killing the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Kate Clifford Larson, a historian and Tubman biog- bacterium and this worsened the patients' rapher, said the photograph, which was brought to to freedom using the Underground Railroad and became lung disease," Ian Henderson, Director of Swann last year after being purchased at auction by a a Union Army spy during the Civil War and women’s the Institute of Microbiology and Infection collector of vintage photos about 10 years ago, could suffragist. at the University of Birmingham said help the public “reimagine” Tubman. The US Treasury Department said last year it explaining the study. "We decided to remove “There are so many details about it that are thrill- planned to put her on the face of the $20 bill, replacing this antibody from the bloodstream and the ing,” she said in a phone interview. “She’s so much former President Andrew Jackson, making her the first outcomes were wholly positive," he said. younger and she’s dressed so beautifully, so it helps us African-American so honored. "This shows that we can improve patient look at her in a different way.” The photograph for auction is in the form of a carte well being significantly, by reducing the Tubman, who escaped from slavery in Maryland de visite, a 19th-century custom in which people would need for treatment and the numbers of days when she was in her 20s, later led dozens of black slaves leave photos of themselves as a calling card. spent in hospital," he added. Robot helping autistic children with their social skills

London the last 10 years. But with approxi- Reuters mately 700,000 people in Britain on the autism spectrum, according to the his is nice, it tickles me,” National Autistic Society who will mark Kaspar the social robot tells World Autism Day on Sunday, the uni- “Tfour-year-old Finn as they versity want Kaspar to help more play together at an autism school north people. “Our vision is that every child of London. in a school or a home or in a hospital Kaspar, developed by the Univer- could get a Kaspar if they wanted to,” sity of Hertfordshire, also sings song, Kerstin Dautenhahn, professor of arti- imitates eating, plays the tambourine ficial intelligence at the University of and combs his hair during their ses- Hertfordshire, told Reuters. sions aimed at helping Finn with his Achieving that goal will largely LEFT; Kaspar, a child-sized humanoid robot at the University of social interaction and communication. depend on the results of a two-year If Finn gets too rough, the similarly clinical trial with the Hertfordshire Hertfordshire in Stevenage, Britain. RIGHT; Harrison, who is autistic, sized Kaspar cries: Community NHS Trust, which, if suc- plays with Kaspar. “Ouch, that hurt me.” A therapist cessful, could see Kaspar working in is on hand to encourage the child to hospitals nationwide. TRACKS, an for play sessions. “We were trying to really, really enjoyed feeding Kaspar, rectify his behaviour by tickling the independent charity and specialist teach a little boy how to eat with his making him eat when he was hungry, robot’s feet. early years centre for children with peers. He usually struggled with it things like that. Now he’s started to Finn is one of around 170 autistic autism in Stevenage, have seen posi- because of his anxiety issues,” said integrate into the classroom and eat children that Kaspar has helped in a tive results from working with Kaspar, deputy principal Alice Lynch. “We alongside his peers. So things like that handful of schools and hospitals over who sports a blue cap and plaid shirt started doing it with Kaspar and he are just a massive progression.”