BUSINESS | 01 SPORT | 09

al khaliji reports Formula One: 6% year-on-year Hamilton sees title growth in net race going on profit beyond Mexico

Wednesday 16 October 2019 | 17 Safar 1441 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 8046 | 2 Riyals

Security Forum tackles Amir, SA Minister review ties misinformation challenges

SIDI MOHAMED laws that stipulates that the pub- THE PENINSULA lication of any fake information using social media invites heavy The Global Security Forum fines. Countries like Singapore, called yesterday for addressing The two-day Forum yesterday Malaysia, France and the United the security challenges posed by States have goods laws in this the circulation of misleading called for addressing regard with policies to protect information and its impact on the security challenges privacy,” she said. the world where communica- Regarding Qatar’s dealing tions are increasingly evolving. posed by the circulation with false news, Dr. Ahmed Prime Minister and Interior of misleading information Hasnah, President of HBKU, Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah and its impact on the world member of Qatar Foundation bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani said in his speech that the first inaugurated the second edition where communications are line of defence to deal with false of the Forum being held at The increasingly evolving. news issues, is to build the moral St. Regis Hotel. system, adding that Qatar has The inauguration was made tremendous efforts in attended by a number of Their Digital Development and Chair- order to reduce and limit the Excellencies the Ministers, senior person of Es’hailsat, said that spread of this false news. officials from Arab and foreign there are reports released by Qatar also worked to countries, heads of diplomatic University of Oxford saying that educate the community that in missions accredited to the 70 countries use social media the case of false news, people country and guests of the forum. 100 percent to broadcast false should not believe in it. They The two-day event, is being news. have to be careful and use logic organised by Soufan Center in Al Jaber also said that Qatar in dealing with it, he said. Some Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met at the Amiri Diwan with the Minister of International partnership with Hamad Bin was one of the victims of fake countries are using false news Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Dr Grace Naledi Pandor, and her accompanying Khalifa University (HBKU) and information that was broadcast at the political or economic delegation yesterday. They reviewed the existing relations of friendship and cooperation between several strategic partners. The around the world, adding that level, pointing out that the siege the two countries. forum is exploring the security “If we want to publish false imposed on Qatar was based challenges posed by the prolif- news, we just need a computer entirely on false news. eration of modern disinfor- and a platform where news can Minister for Home Affairs mation and its serious be published”. and Minister for Law, Gov- implications. “The social media platforms ernment of Singapore K Shan- Fake news threatens global Speaking in the first panel are now available to more than mugam said in open debate under the title ‘General Overview 45 million of people in the held on the sidelines of the on Disinformation: Exploring the Middle East and North Africa. To Forum that the communities security: Foreign Minister Core Concepts and Threat Land- face this challenge related to should do their utmost to reduce scape’, Dr Hessa Al Jaber, Com- fake news, governments can the negative repercussions of QNA He noted that the current state, entity or organisation. missioner, United Nations ITU issue laws to regulate false news. the spread of negative and DOHA Gulf crisis and the blockade of H E the Deputy Prime Min- Broadband Commission for Some countries have enacted harmful information. `P2 the State of Qatar began with a ister and Minister of Foreign Deputy Prime Minister and cyber attack and the dissemi- Affairs added that there must be Minister of Foreign Affairs H E nation of false information that a global platform to make sure Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- had later led to the eruption of that those responsible for the rahman Al Thani warned of the the crisis which has been esca- media and even those who have risks posed by the misleading lating since then, along with an access to social media will stop Qatar beat and fake news, stressing that it unjust distortion campaign faking and misleading and to be may constitute an international started before the blockade. responsible in case of account- threat, especially with the devel- H E the Deputy Prime Min- ability for any false information Oman 2-1 opment of technology and the ister and Minister of Foreign that could harm others. growing use of social media. Affairs called on the international He underlined that the gov- Oman’s forward Speaking at a session held community to address this phe- ernment media message must Abdulaziz Al Maqbali within the framework of the nomenon through a mechanism be accountable and transparent, (centre) vies for the 2019 Global Security Forum that would ensure the account- and this must be done through ball with Qatar’s which aims to explore the ability of those who stand behind very transparent processes, and defender Tarek security challenges posed by the such misleading and false infor- accordingly any government that Salman during the proliferation of modern disin- mation campaigns. misleads its people must be held World Cup 2022 formation, H E the Deputy Prime In this context, His Excellency accountable. Asian qualifying Minister and Minister of Foreign highlighted the call of Amir H H His Excellency stressed that match between Affairs said that the phe- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al the State of Qatar works on Qatar and Oman at nomenon of misleading and fake Thani, in his address to the UN building and strengthening its Al Janoub Stadium news has become an interna- General Assembly last year, for an capabilities to counter cyber in Doha, yesterday. tional threat and can trigger international consensus on cyber- security threats and fight mis- Qatar beat Oman 2-1. wars that undermine world security and dealing with cyber leading and false information peace. threats, whether the act is from a campaigns. `P3 Local artists’ works to beautify Doha Global paediatric surgical IRFAN BUKHARI Authority, the Ministry of simplistic output, according to four government entities conference in November THE PENINSULA Culture and Sports, and the Min- a booklet of the project. through the Technical Com- FAZEENA SALEEM is a crowning achievement for istry of Municipality and Envi- The conference was held mittee for Artworks. The project THE PENINSULA Qatar and Sidra Medicine. As The artists in Qatar, both ronment (MME). at National Museum of Qatar in covers large areas of Doha city Sidra Medicine we are emerging citizens and residents, have At the conference, the Tech- the presence of Eng. Mohammed including the Doha Corniche. Sidra Medicine is preparing to on the paediatric world stage been offered a rare opportunity nical Committee for Artworks Arqoub Al Khaldi, Chairman of Its main purpose is to create host one of the largest global and hosting WOFAPS will put us to become part of Doha’s beau- invited all young artists, Qatari and the Supervising Committee of a distinctive spirit for the area paediatric surgical conferences in a leading position among top tification by presenting their residents to participate in several Beautification of Roads and with a special architectural in November. Held for the first hospitals internationally,” Dr creative art ideas for different locations of this project, provided Public Places at Ashghal; Ahmed outlook matching its nature and time in the Middle East, the 6th Mansour Ali told The Peninsula. public places. that they are over 21 years old. For Musa Al Namlah, Acting Chief history, linking its roads and World Congress of the World “The Congress aims to cover The Technical Committee more information and registration, Executive Officer of Qatar streets with pedestrian and Federation of Associations of both the most cutting edge for Artworks yesterday this link can be used: https:// Museums; Salman Ibrahim Al cycle paths, and to make the Paediatric Surgery (WOFAPS advances in pediatric surgical organised “Artworks for Beau- artwork.ashghal.gov.qa Malik, Director of the Visual Art area more lively with ease of 2019) is expected to bring care, as well as tackling the tification of Doha” conference Different locations have also Center at the Ministry of Culture access. together delegates and surgeons problem of how to deliver to present its artistic beautifi- been identified for artists’ works and Sports; Eng. Abdulrahman Eng. Mohammed Arqoub Al from all over the world. optimal care in resource-chal- cation plan. including Grand Hamad Street, Al Ishaq, Head of Public Arts Khaldi, Chairman of the Super- The event will put the spot- lenged settings,” he added. The committee is estab- Al Qubaib Mosque Plaza, Al Section at Qatar Museums and vising Committee of Beautifi- light on Qatar’s own healthcare WOFAPS 2019 will be held lished under the Supervising Meena Street Intersection Eng. Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Engi- cation of Roads and Public advancements, said Dr Mansour from November 1 to 3 under the Committee of Beautification of among others. neering Advisor at MME; in Places stated that the committee Ali, Chair of Surgery at Sidra theme ‘Moving Collaboration Roads and Public Places in At the Grand Hamad Street, addition to a number of veteran aims to strengthen the cultural, Medicine, who is also the Co- Education and Training Beyond Qatar, and it includes members the committee wants a proposal artists in Qatar. artistic and technical cooper- Chair of the WOFAPS 2019 Boundaries,’ and it will attract from the main committee at of a large-scale sculpture The Central Doha Devel- ation in the field of art and 3D Organising Committee. approximately 1000 participants Public Works Authority encapsulating the battle of Al opment Project is the first Models between the concerned “Hosting the Congress for including 100 surgeons from ‘Ashghal’, Qatar Museums Wajbah through an abstract/ endeavour of cooperation of entities of the country. `P4 the first time in the Middle East developing countries. `P7 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019

PM meets Ministers of Singapore and SA Prime Minister meets Tunisian official

Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, met yesterday with the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law of Singapore, K Shanmugam, Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, met yesterday and his accompanying delegation, on the occasion of their visit to the country to participate in the with the Director-General of National Security of the Republic of Tunisia, Rached Bettaieb, and his ongoing Global Security Forum in Doha. They reviewed cooperation relations between the two accompanying delegation, on the occasion of their visit to the country to participate in the ongoing countries, especially in the security field, in addition to a number of topics on the agenda of the Global Security Forum in Doha. At the outset of the meeting, His Excellency congratulated Rached forum. H E the Prime Minister also met yesterday morning with the Minister of International Relations Bettaieb on the success of the Tunisian elections and wished Tunisia more progress and prosperity. and Cooperation of South Africa, Dr. Grace Naledi Pandor, and the accompanying delegation, on the The meeting reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways of developing and occasion of their visit to the country. promoting them, and discussed a number of issues of common concern. Security Forum tackles misinformation challenges Shura Council Speaker meets Serbian PM

US official praises Forum QNA yesterday at the 141st General such as development and the BELGRADE Assembly of the Inter-Parlia- economy, in line with the United US Embassy Chief of Mission in Qatar and Chargé d’Affaires William mentary Union and the accom- Nations’ Sustainable Devel- Grant praised the role of this conference in tackling important The Speaker of the Shura panying meetings being held opment Goals, which are a blue- issues like terrorism and security. He added that this conference Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah under the title “Strengthening print for achieving a better and is very useful in understanding the challenges faced by this region. bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, met international law: Parliamentary more sustainable future for all Regarding the role of Qatar in fighting terrorism, he said that yesterday with the Prime roles and mechanisms, and the by addressing the global chal- United States has a very strong agreement with Qatar regarding Minister of the Republic of contribution of regional lenges they face, including those the finance of terrorism. He added that Deputy Prime Minister and Serbia, Ana Brnabic, on the cooperation”. related to poverty, inequality, Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman occasion of His Excellency’s H E Speaker also partici- climate and environmental deg- Al Thani gave a wide ranging talk on Qatar’s position regarding participation in the 141st pated in the round table dialogue radation. Also, speakers of Par- the region and its relation with other countries. Assembly of the Inter-Parlia- and its sub-sessions of the liaments discussed security and When asked about what is the most important issue, he said mentary Union (IPU) and the speakers of parliaments partic- human rights, stressing that a that ‘to pick the important issues is hard, terrorism is an issue, what related meetings. ipating in Assembly. strong rule of law protects and is going between Turkey and Syria, so there is a long list of issues During the meeting, they H E the Speakers’ dialogue promotes human rights and US Embassy Chief of Mission and all these issues are important”. He also praised that 51 coun- reviewed bilateral relations, comes as a follow-up to the first helps reduce violent crime by in Qatar and Chargé d’Affaires, tries are taking part in this conference. especially the parliamentary dialogue held in Doha in April, a providing legitimate means and William Grant. PIC: SALIM field and ways of supporting platform for high-level political measures to resolve MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA warned and if he didn’t respond the exchange of ideas and dis- them, and discussed several dialogue, focusing on scientific complaints. correctly, then referred to court cussions on the subject. The core issues of common concern. means to strengthen governance The activities of the 130th FROM PAGE 1 and imposed penalties. Senator of the forum is to address mis- Several members of the Shura and the role of parliaments, and anniversary of IPU kicked off In Singapore, a law has been Joe Donnelly Sr, Chairman of the leading information campaigns Council and Qatar’s Ambassador provides an important contri- yesterday on the sidelines of the enacted to deal with those who Board, the Soufan Center, in his that cause a major challenge in to Serbia, Sheikh Mubarak bin bution to the World Conference 141st General Assembly of the disseminate incorrect infor- speech, stressed that this year’s the collective understanding of Fahad Al Thani, attended the of Speakers of Parliaments in Inter-Parliamentary Union and mation, he said adding that the forum will be unique, and concepts such as the concept of meeting. 2020. Participants discussed best its accompanying meetings, with law is applied to a number of thanked Qatar for its hospitality truth, reality, truth and H E the Speaker of the Shura practices and proposed inno- the participation of H E the steps so that a person is initially and providing this platform for objectivity. Council also delivered a speech vative solutions to key issues Speaker and his delegation. WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 HOME 03

Qatar to celebrate centenary of ILO FM meets Minister of South Africa OFFICIAL NEWS QNA Sultanate of Oman, and the DOHA Kingdom of Morocco will par- ticipate in the ceremonial event. Qatar condemns Under the patronage of the This participation comes killing of civilians Prime Minister and Interior to emphasize the joint role in air strike in Tripoli Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin between the Ministry of Admin- Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the istrative Development, Labour DOHA: Qatar has State of Qatar, represented by the and Social Affairs and the ILO, strongly condemned and Ministry of Administrative Devel- particularly in the field of setting denounced the air strike opment, Labour and Social labor standards and policies and that targeted a popu- Affairs, will celebrate the 100th joint programs and projects in lated area in the Libyan anniversary of the International the field of labor. capital Tripoli, killing Labour Organization (ILO) today. On this occasion and in three young sisters and ILO’s Deputy Director- cooperation between the Min- wounding several other General for Field Operations and istry and the Qatar Central Bank, members of their family. Partnerships Moussa Oumarou, commemorative coins were The Ministry of Foreign Deputy Secretary-General at issued to celebrate the centenary Affairs expressed Qatar’s International Organization of of the ILO. This initiative is a rec- condolences to the fami- Employers (IOE) Matthias ognition of the ILO’s consid- lies of the victims and the Thorns, and Deputy General erable work efforts over the past government and peo- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Secretary of International Trade 100 years and is a testament to ple of Libya, and wished Thani, met yesterday with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic Union Confederation Mamadou the close partnership between the wounded a speedy of South Africa, Dr. Grace Naledi Pandor, currently visiting the country. The meeting reviewed the Diallo as well as industry pro- the ILO and the State of Qatar. recovery. QNA bilateral cooperation as well as issues of common concern. fessionals and guests from the Qatar joined the ILO in 1972. Fake news threatens global security: Foreign Minister

We disagree on many issues in Asked how much freedom Al Jazeera enjoys, the region. We do not endorse H E the Deputy Prime Minister said that the some of their activities, and they network’s employees belong to more than 100 do not endorse some of our nationalities. “In front of such number and activities, but there is an under- standing that we are neighbours diversity, the government cannot influence the and we must coexist, and this work of these journalists, direct them, or offer relationship is based on mutual them bribes. If it does, dozens of journalists respect.” will certainly stand against this method which H E the Deputy Prime Min- ister and Minister of Foreign is contrary to the ethics of journalism and free Affairs went on explaining, “Our media.” relationship with Saudi Arabia is different. The people of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and all the opinion, and this is our way of between our friends and allies peoples of the Gulf region are of dealing with all other with our neighbour, our role is one origin and of one social countries.” to calm down this conflict fabric and there is a special rela- On the role of the State of because if the interests of our tionship between them.” Qatar in bringing the views of ally are affected, we will also be He noted that the problem the United States and Iran affected. Our role must, with Saudi Arabia is that “they closer, he said, “We have a therefore, be to defuse this con- want Qatar to be a mere subor- strong alliance with the United flict. We are not mediating dinate to the Saudi policy and States in the fields of defence, between the United States and we cannot accept this situation. security, economy, education Iran, but we are trying to have Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani We respect Saudi Arabia as a big and others, and there is always something between them that speaking at a session held within the framework of the 2019 Global Security Forum which aims to country, and they should mutual trust between us as we preserves our security. That is explore the security challenges posed by the proliferation of modern disinformation. respect us as a sovereign continue on this path.” our duty and our work,” H E country and respect our “If we find a conflict added. FROM PAGE 1 relationship between the State Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al- of Qatar and Al-Nusra Front or Thani said that the United States On the role of Al Jazeera the Muslim Brotherhood or any said that it has a peace plan and Channel, the Deputy Prime Min- of these organizations, noting the State of Qatar wants to find ister explained that the channel that these accusations came a just and equitable solution for started work in 1997 at a time from countries that were afraid the Palestinian people, however, when there was no independent to be swept with the wave of the it believes that any peace plan Arab media to convey the Arab Spring. that will not include the two- correct information, and that He noted that Qatar is the state solution and recognize East matter was confined to the state second largest investor in Jerusalem as the capital of Pal- media only. Tunisia, adding: “Our positions estine and a clear fate for ref- He said that a number of have been repeated in Somalia ugees and the right of return will Arab media networks that fol- and Libya. We support legit- not be a comprehensive peace lowed the emergence of Al imate governments as long as plan or even a practical solution Jazeera are not at the same level they take care of their people.” for the Palestinian people. of credibility of Al Jazeera, On Qatar’s role of mediation Asked about the ‘deal of the which is sometimes criticized in the release of hostages by century’, H E the Deputy Prime by some governments because some armed groups in Syria, Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin they do not like what is pub- H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- Abdulrahman Al Thani said, “We lished about them. rahman Al Thani stressed that do not know what the deal of H E the Deputy Prime Min- Qatar has played the role of the century is, and all the infor- ister noted that Qatar is paying mediator between the parties, mation that comes to us comes the price of this free, responsible and everyone was confident in from unofficial parties and we and transparent media, and if its credibility, independence and cannot make a judgment Al Jazeera had not started on integrity in mediation, this is the without knowing its details.” that date in 1997, something like way by which Qatar built its Regarding Doha’s position that would have happened one trust in the world. on the Turkish military cam- day or another. “We are a small country that paign in Northern Syria, H E H E the Deputy Prime Min- does not have expansionist goals Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- ister stressed that the State of like some countries and that is rahman Al Thani said that the Qatar is more responsible with why we have become a reliable Republic of Turkey has tried to regard to freedom of expression. partner for major countries,” cooperate with the United States “This is unique to Qatar when H E the Deputy Prime Minister for more than a year to create a compared to other countries in said. He pointed to the suc- safe zone and end the threats the region,” he added. cessful experience of Qatar in on its borders posed by specific Asked how much freedom sponsoring the Lebanese dia- groups but they did not reach a Al Jazeera enjoys, H E the logue, saying that the reason for solution. Turkey cannot wait for Deputy Prime Minister said that this success was because Qatar threats to move into their the network’s employees belong did not support or sponsor one territory. to more than 100 nationalities. party against another. Turkey has a clear goal. “In front of such number and “Our mediation has always They do not want to take over diversity, the government been transparent and through the Syrian territory and the cannot influence the work of international mechanisms. We places liberated by the Turkish these journalists, direct them, do not go to this group or that army are in a much better or offer them bribes. If it does, to use it for the benefit of our position than others. There were dozens of journalists will cer- country. We have no interest no ethnic cleansing or viola- tainly stand against this method other than the stability of those tions, he added. which is contrary to the ethics countries,” he added. H E the Deputy Prime Min- of journalism and free media.” On the relationship with ister noted Turkey is not tar- Regarding the fake news Hamas, the Deputy Prime Min- geting the Kurds as a race and targeting Qatar, H E the Deputy ister and Minister of Foreign people, but is targeting groups Prime Minister and Minister of Affairs stressed that the State of that are threatening its national Foreign Affairs explained that Qatar does not support Hamas security. the aim of such news is to put as a movement but supports it On the relationship between Qatar into a certain category because it runs Gaza which is the State of Qatar and the such as talking about its rela- living in a tragic situation amid Islamic Republic of Iran, HE the tionship with the Muslim Broth- the deterioration of services due Deputy Prime Minister and Min- erhood or other organizations. to the siege. ister of Foreign Affairs said, Regarding the accusations Regarding the peace plan “Iran is a neighbour to us, and of Qatar’s relationship with Al- adopted by the United States, HE since the inception of the State Nusra Front, the Deputy Prime Deputy Prime Minister and Min- of Qatar we have not seen any Minister denied any support or ister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh violent or aggressive behaviour. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 Minister of Justice meets Singapore Minister Ooredoo delivers new smart control for IoT Connect Solution THE PENINSULA Ooredoo IoT Connect operations more efficient with DOHA is among Ooredoo’s smart rules engines, and detect key business and prevent mis-use of any IoT Ooredoo, the region’s leading offerings, supporting SIM cards.” enabler of 5G and digital business As Qatar’s industry verticals innovation, launched yesterday organisations to advance their digital transfor- a new Internet of Things (IoT) manage their mobile mation, Ooredoo expects strong connectivity management device and network demand for these IoT Connect solution for business customers, connectivity. enhancements across fields such called IoT Connect Smart Control, as smart cars; connected ports, to securely scale up IoT infra- factories, and warehouses; smart structure in the Digital Economy. SIM based on the type or change construction sites; and connected Ooredoo IoT Connect is of an IoT-enabled device. The utilities and malls. among Ooredoo’s key business Smart Control builds on the Ooredoo business customers offerings, supporting organisa- recent launch of the IoT Connect that are interested in adopting IoT tions to manage their mobile Single SIM solution, which can Connect can request a demon- device and network connectivity. enable organisations to automat- stration to show practical use Now, with IoT Connect Smart ically set, monitor, and limit data cases for their organisation. Sup- Control, organisations can find a allowances for individual mobile porting Qatar organisations in new and easy-to-use tool to devices. their IoT deployments, they can automatically monitor their SIM Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, start small with a few SIMs and usage, their IoT device connec- Chief Operating Officer, Ooredoo scale up. tivity, and generate alerts or take Qatar, said: “Our roll-out of smart Business customers can lev- actions on critical events. They control features for our IoT erage the Ooredoo Advantage, will also be able to use these fea- Connect solution can make it making Ooredoo “Best for Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, tures on 5G network as soon as easier for Qatar’s organisations Business”, thanks to its breadth and met yesterday with Minister for Home Affairs and Law of Singapore, K Shanmugam, who is currently it becomes available to them. to start and scale their IoT inno- depth of talent, best fixed and 5G visiting the country. During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of enhancing cooperation relations in One of the major business vations. Business customers can mobile networks, broadest port- the legal fields, exchanging experiences between the two friendly countries, and taking measures to benefits is a new IoT Device Lock, gain full visibility on their IoT folio of ICT services and solutions, strengthen and develop them in various fields. which can alert or control the IoT connectivity, make their and trusted partner for 60 years. Qatar to celebrate World Food Day today

THE PENINSULA world is increasing as a result of the age of five are stunted, and local level, the Ministry of Munic- the Ministry is looking through DOHA many factors and crises. 49 million people are emaciated ipality and Environment has an the participation in World Food Minister of Municipality and because of unhealthy diets. important responsibility in terms Day and the organization of a Qatar will participate in the cele- Environment H E Eng. Abdullah The Minister explained that of food security and natural number of awareness activities bration of the World Food Day bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie Qatar’s participation in the cel- resource development to that are held on this occasion today, which coincides with the said in a statement on the ebration of World Food Day increase production and increase with the participation of a establishment of the Food and occasion that unhealthy diets are comes as a confirmation of the the level of self-sufficiency. number of agencies concerned Agriculture Organization (FAO) now the main risk factor for importance of concerted efforts He said that the agricultural with food security and hunger on October 16, 1945. disease and death worldwide. at the level of governments and sector achieve a great leap in eradication, to convey the Over 150 countries around The Minister said that there is an countries to eradicate hunger, order to cover the requirements message of the need to raise the world are organising events urgent need to make healthy and and eradicating hunger is pri- of the local market and raise the awareness of the problem of that promote global awareness sustainable food systems acces- marily a moral and human proportion of self-sufficiency in hunger and forms of malnu- Minister of Municipality and and action for those who suffer sible to all, and more than 820 responsibility, and it is the task the plant, animal and fishery trition and the importance of Environment, H E Eng. Abdullah hungry at a time when the million people in the world are of all. sectors. ensuring Food security and number of hungry people in the hungry, 9 million children under He pointed out that at the The Minister stressed that healthy nutrition. bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie Local artists’ works to beautify Doha

Eng. Mohammed Arqoub Al Khaldi, (second left) Chairman of the Supervising Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places at Ashghal, and other officials during the conference on Doha Beautification at National Museum of Qatar, yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA

FROM PAGE 1 artistic culture of the people in committed to harnessing our “This could be achieved the State of Qatar.” potential, to put our artistic and through utilising artistic crea- Ahmed Al Namlah, Acting operational expertise to serve tivity and innovative pro- CEO of Qatar Museums said, this project in cooperation with Tea Time opens 40th outlet at Villaggio Mall duction of talents of people in “The general art of Qatar our partners. This cooperation IAAF High Jump champion, Mutaz Essa Barshim, with Tea Time group Managing Director Abdul Kareem, Qatar, to enrich cities and roads Museums is exhibited in the will result in the transformation renowned Basketball player Yaseen Ismail and Nasar Jamal Al Kaabi, inaugurating the 40th and first with distinctive aesthetic public places of Qatar including of the Doha Central area and outlook, highlighting the Qatari the Hamad International Airport, Doha city in general into a premium outlet of Tea Time at Villaggio Mall. Apart from selected items from the regular menu, the identity in the field of art and Salwa Road Tunnels, other main stunning and eye-catching premium outlet serves special delicacies. The outlet, the first-of-its-kind in the mall, is Tea Time’s first sculpture, and enhancing the roads and public places. We are painting. ” step towards the premium segment. Hollywood-inspired residential tower launched SACHIN KUMAR Paramount Residences’ one, effortlessly functional and THE PENINSULA two and three-bedroom luxury practical. With a residents’ units, including four elite private movie-screening room, Al Asmakh Real Estate, yesterday duplexes, which both believe pool with cabanas, state-of- inaugurated luxurious Para- that the freehold units will the-art wellness & fitness mount Residences Doha at The become aspirational invest- center and kids’ Studio Club, Pearl-Qatar, which are rede- ments for local and overseas Paramount Residences have fining opulence on Qatar’s iconic buyers. created an exclusive lifestyle island with their Hollywood- “Paramount Residences is once synonymous only with the inspired design and living expe- an iconic statement for both rich and famous. riences. The Pearl and Qatar and a “Drawing on Paramount “This is a first-of-its-kind prime investment for those who Pictures’ history, ‘Paramount project for The Pearl-Qatar, truly appreciate the epitome of Residences Doha The Pearl’ which is admired as the ‘Riviera interior design and the most effortlessly embody the Arabia.’ Paramount Residences exclusive of lifestyles,” Eng. authentic Californian lifestyle Doha The Pearl is a sublime Nasser Al Ansari, JRE Chairman, and inspirational world of Hol- address for those looking for told The Peninsula. lywood glamour,” said super-star, California-style The Residences superior Mohammed Alemadi, Executive living,” explained Ibrahim Al design criteria is in evidence Vice President- Projects Man- Asmakh, President of Regency throughout, from the bold, yet agement, Regency Group Group Holding. subtle lobby to luxurious units Holding. “With the dynamic and artistically curated right down “This spectacular devel- sensory signature elements of to the ultimate details of back opment redefines the meaning Paramount Hotels & Resorts painted glass décor, opulently of residential luxury in Qatar. throughout, these residences, retro faucets, and handcrafted, It is a major release, shaped by inspired by the golden age of Guests during the inauguration ceremony of Paramount Residences tower at The Pearl-Qatar, yesterday. exquisitely finished wardrobe a team of uniquely creative Hollywood glamour, deliver dis- PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA interiors. minds,” he added. Paramount tinctive, experiential hospitality The sleek, minimal finish in Residences Doha The Pearl is that takes Qatar’s luxury port- Pearl-Qatar for us to develop the Age Hollywood: Paramount collaboration with Al Asmakh the kitchens is seamless and in the Porto Arabia modern folio to star-struck heights. There ultimate escapist residence Pictures.” Real Estate, will overlook the stylish when it’s the backdrop Mediterranean district of The could be no better place than The created by the definers of Golden Just Real Estate (JRE), in marketing and selling of the to an intimate soiree – yet Pearl-Qatar. WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 HOME 05 Al Hammadi receives credentials of Tunisian envoy Arab delegations visit forensic lab at Ministry of Interior QNA The delegates from has the latest versions of the DOHA Kuwait, Jordan inspection, analysis and and Lebanon were detection devices, which ensure Delegations from Kuwait, Jordan briefed about the the validity of results in the least and Lebanon visited yesterday time and the achievement of the Forensic Lab at the Ministry various `sections justice for cases dependent on of Interior to learn about the of the Forensic Lab the forensic laboratory reports. laboratory’s sophisticated Department and the He noted that the Forensic equipment and the modern tech- stages of development Lab is also working on the reha- nology adopted to perform bilitation and development of reports in an accurate, efficient of these sections. the human element by providing and fast manner. scholarships for its employees The delegations were briefed to the developed countries in the about the various sections of the knowledge related to forensic field of forensic research, in Forensic Lab Department and laboratories, noting that the addition to the adoption of a listened to an explanation of the visits are conducted annually in new approach with regard to stages of development of these order to promote the cooper- internal training through the sections, including the Forensic ation and the exchange of preparation of curricula for new Biology Section, the Fire Effects expertise in this field. entrants that help them to Inspection Section, the Counter- He underlined that the Min- understand the laboratory feiting and Forgery Section, the istry of Interior in the State of system and keep up with their Weapons and Machinery Section Qatar spares no effort in mod- fellow employees in their skills The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi (right), and the Forensic Imaging and ernizing the laboratory and experience. received yesterday a copy of the credentials of Sami Al Saadi as Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia Poison Section. equipment and means of Members of the visiting to the State of Qatar. He also received a copy of the credentials of Chyngyz Eshimbekov as Ambassador Director of the Forensic Lab assistance in various branches delegations praised the of the Kyrgyz Republic to the State of Qatar. H E the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department Brig. Adel Abdul of specialties, including the advanced equipment and the wished the Ambassadors success in their duties, stressing that all support will be provided to promote Hamid Al Emadi said that such Technical Inspection Section and methods of examination and the bilateral relations between the two countries to closer cooperation in various fields. A number of the visits offer an opportunity to the Counterfeiting and Forgery testing of samples at the Foreign Ministry officials attended the credentials presentation ceremony. exchange experience and Section, so that the Forensic Lab Forensic Lab. Qatar Airways hosts LATAM Airlines board meeting

THE PENINSULA Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways, said: DOHA “We were delighted to welcome LATAM’s board and senior management to Doha and to have had such productive Qatar Airways hosted LATAM Airlines discussions about how we can continue to work together Group’s board of directors and senior management in Doha between October to benefit our millions of passengers and cargo customers. 13 and 15 . During the three-day visit, Since 2017, Qatar Airways has witnessed the significant LATAM’s board members and senior benefits that codeshare cooperation has brought, providing management toured Qatar Airways’ passengers with unrivalled service and a seamless connection state-of-the-art technical facilities and Hamad International Airport’s award- between South America and the Middle East and Asia.” winning lounges. As part of the visit, Qatar Airways announced an expanded codeshare Qatar to Sao Paulo, Brazil that connects America and the Middle East and Asia. agreement with LATAM Airlines Brazil, onwards to Buenos Aires, Argentina. In The expansion of the codeshare with immediate effect. The bilateral August 2017, Qatar Airways announced agreement between Qatar Airways and codeshare will provide Qatar Airways a unilateral codeshare agreement with LATAM Airlines Brazil will provide even passengers with connections to desti- LATAM Airlines Brazil, expanding Qatar greater connectivity for passengers of nations throughout Brazil and South Airways’ virtual network in Brazil. the World’s Best Airline and the Best America including Rio de Janeiro, Bra- Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Exec- Airline in South America.” silia, Curitiba, Lima and Bogota to name utive, Qatar Airways, said: “We were LATAM Airlines Group CEO, Enrique a few. delighted to welcome LATAM’s board Cueto, said: “We thank Qatar Airways Akbar Al Baker (left), Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways, and LATAM Airlines LATAM passengers will also be able and senior management to Doha and to for inviting us to Doha to hold our board Group CEO, Enrique Cueto, signing the expanded codeshare agreement between to travel on Qatar Airways’ flights have had such productive discussions meeting and visit its state-of-the-art the two airlines. between Sao Paulo (GRU) and Doha about how we can continue to work facilities. We had productive meetings (DOH), offering onward connections to together to benefit our millions of pas- and had the opportunity to learn about more than 25 destinations in the Middle- sengers and cargo customers. Since the products and services that make it Awards, managed by international air Business Class experience, Qsuite. East, East Africa and South Asia, 2017, Qatar Airways has witnessed the one of the world’s leading airlines for transport rating organisation Skytrax. Qatar Airways is the only airline to including Vietnam, Malaysia and significant benefits that codeshare coop- customers.” It was also named ‘Best Airline in the have been awarded the coveted “Skytrax Singapore. eration has brought, providing pas- A multiple award-winning airline, Middle East’, ‘World’s Best Business Airline of the Year” title, which is rec- Qatar Airways first began flying to sengers with unrivalled service and a Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Class’ and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in ognised as the pinnacle of excellence in Brazil in 2010 with a service from Doha, seamless connection between South Airline’ by the 2019 World Airline recognition of its ground-breaking the airline industry, five times.

The Chairman of the National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons, Brigadier Hassan Saleh Al Nesf (centre), with other officials during the meeting held at Mondrian Doha Hotel yesterday.PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA Meeting of chemical industry representatives begins

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH effectiveness of verification under training hundreds of State cadres. THE PENINSULA article VI of the Chemical Weapons Al Nesf stressed that the importance Convention. of this meeting comes from the fact that With the participation of 50 represent- Addressing the opening ceremony it brings together representatives of two atives from 25 countries and a number of the meeting, Chairman of the important pillars on which implemen- of experts, the Sixth Annual Meeting of National Committee for the Prohibition tation of the Convention on the Prohi- Representatives of Chemical Industry of Weapons, Brigadier (Air) Hassan bition of Chemical Weapons is based. and National Authorities of States Saleh Al Nesf, said that since its Senior Coordinator and Planning Parties to the Chemical Weapons accession to the Chemical Weapons Officer OPCW, Chizu Matsushita, Convention (CWC) began in Doha Convention in 1997, Qatar spared no lauded the Government of Qatar and yesterday. effort in implementing the Convention Doha Regional Centre for CBRN Held under the auspices of Deputy by supporting the activities of the Training for hosting this meeting. Prime Minister and Minister of State for organisation with its voluntary contri- “I wish to also highlight the con- Defence Affairs, H E Dr Khalid bin bution and its endeavour towards the tinuing support and generous contri- Mohamed Al Attiyah, the three-day universality of the Convention, which butions of the Government of Qatar to meeting is being organised by the contributes to the promotion of inter- the OPCW, thanks to which, OPCW has National Committee for the Prohibition national peace and security. been able to organise a number of of Weapons (NCPW) in collaboration He said that Qatar organised 34 important capacity building activities,” with the Organization for the Prohi- programmes in cooperation with the said Matsushita. bition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). technical secretariat of the organisation She said that the chemical industry The meeting will discuss the role through the Doha Regional Center, has increasingly been an indispensable of national authorities and chemical where more than 87 countries and partner in the implementation of the industry in OPCW States Parties in the international organisations and 702 Chemical Weapons Convention. Today, implementation of the Chemical trainees from the GCC and Arab coun- approximately 4,800 industrial facil- Weapons Convention, as well as efforts tries and representatives of the five ities are subjected to OPCW to further improve the efficiency and continents participated, in addition to inspections. 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 KidZania Doha announces launch of kid-sized Water Lab THE PENINSULA The collaboration bottled waters to other establish- DOHA aims to educate the ments. At the end of each activity, children of Qatar they will take home the bottled KidZania Doha, a multi award- water they made and receive winning learning and enter- about the importance KidZos (KidZania’s currency) as tainment brand, and Rayyan and value of water their fruit of work. Natural Water Company, through letting them This partnership between Qatar’s largest national supplier the two highly-reputable com- of natural mineral water, have in on the process panies is part of KidZania’s announced the launch of a of water sourcing desire and vision to provide a project – a kid-sized Water Lab and manufacturing, realistic and unique learning inside the city of KidZania while promoting and environment for children that Doha. is both fun and educational A press conference led by boosting science through role-playing, in which Qatar Entertainment Company literacy. the expertise and skills of inter- (Tasali) Board Member, Sheikh national and local brands are Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Thani, value of water through letting used as an asset in providing an and Al Rabban Holding Managing them in on the process of water all-out experience. Board Member of Qatar Entertainment, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Thani (left) and Managing Partner, Khalifa Al Rabban, took sourcing and manufacturing, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Partner of Al Rabban Holding, Khalifa Al Rabban, cutting the cake after signing an MoU between place at the KidZania Doha while promoting and boosting Al Thani, Qatar Entertainment facility, which was then followed science literacy. Company (Tasali) Board KidZania and Al Rayyan Water, at KidZania yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA by the signing of the partnership In the ‘Water Lab’, children Member, said: “KidZania is the agreement and ribbon cutting in will take on the role of a water world’s leading edutainment Holding Co, said: “We believe interest in learning.” establishments where children front of the Water Lab estab- biologist and will learn about the brand. In KidZania, kids learn our partnership with KidZania KidZania Doha is located in aged between two and fourteen lishment marking its official journey of the mineral water, through role playing and the provides a unique platform to the heart of Aspire Park in years are able to role play up to inauguration. from sourcing it through con- unique business model allows not only educate children on Doha, Qatar, with a footprint 60 ‘adult jobs’ while learning a The collaboration between ducting a series of tests to for kids to interact with brands our water bottling process, but size of over 5,500 square variety of values including self- the two top-notch companies making the finished product. and business in the country.” also the opportunity to support meters. It provides a unique reliance, teamwork, honesty, aims to educate the children of Besides this, children will also Khalifa Al Rabban, Man- the Qatar National Vision 2030 educational and entertainment integrity and societal Qatar about the importance and experience delivering Rayyan aging Partner of Al Rabban by encouraging an active experience, offering 42 awareness. AAB conducts anti-counterfeit parts awareness campaign THE PENINSULA AAB has advised customers should not compromise on this and DOHA to use genuine parts only should only use genuine parts. Fake and imitation parts are dangerous and put Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. W.L.L., to ensure safe driving. lives at risk. It was highlighted that some (AAB) the sole agent for Toyota & Lexus outlets in Qatar which are illegally using vehicles in Qatar observed one week priceless peace-of-mind. the Toyota Genuine Parts logo without from October 9 to 15 as Anti-Counterfeit AAB’s Senior Management advises the AAB’s logo mark are not the Awareness Week with a slogan ‘Coun- all Toyota customers to visit Toyota authorised agents appointed by AAB. terfeit Parts are Dangerous’ at their Service Centers and authorised parts The company does not certify that Central Parts Department, Industrial outlets across Qatar for quality service parts sold through such shops are Toyota Area, and retail outlets. and genuine parts. Imitation products Genuine Parts. The Company appre- This is part of AAB’s Customer have hit the global market in all the key ciates the positive role played by the Awareness Program to educate and items such as the Toyota parts oil filter, Consumer Protection Department for promote Toyota and Lexus customers air filter, spark plug, belts, brake pads. their frequent market inspection to raid AAB officials during the Anti-Counterfeit Awareness Week. to use Toyota Genuine Parts for their and chances of these parallel imports the counterfeit parts outlets. vehicles. Toyota Genuine Parts are to Qatar is possible. AAB is planning to conduct various designed with highest standards to keep Toyota never compromises on the improvement. Each guarantees hassle- Consumers who value security and educational programmes as part of its Toyota car running for years to come. quality and continuous product free driving and comes with that safety for their vehicles and passengers awareness drive for customers. WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 HOME 07 HBKU expert explores collaboration in trips to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

THE PENINSULA During the three-day Dr Pal took part in high-level meetings DOHA conference, Dr. Pal also at the Graduate School of Development chaired a panel on Good and the Institute of Public Policy and Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Governance: Causes, Costs, Administration at the University of Central international drive was recently solidified Asia’s offices in Bishkek. While there, he with the engagement of College of Public Consequences, exploring met with the dean of the Graduate School Policy delegates in a high-level conference the role of evaluation in of Development, Dr Bodhan Krawchenko, at the Graduate School of Public Policy of assessing the effectiveness and the rector of the university, Dr Sohail Nazarbayev University in Nur-Sultan, of political party systems and H. Naqvi. The university boasts three Kazakhstan, recently. dynamic and state-of the-art campuses Dr. Leslie A Pal, Dean of HBKU’s their impact on governance across Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kaza- College of Public Policy, delivered the and international aid. khstan. The visit examined prospects for closing plenary at the 2019 Graduate students exchange and collaborative School of Public Policy Conference on research projects. Risk, Rationality and Resilience. Dr. Pal’s “The College of Public Policy is com- Dr. Bohdan Krawchenko, dean of the speech shed light on the future of policy mitted to supporting HBKU’s internation- Graduate School of Development at the studies, as well as approaches to policy alization efforts, particularly in the central University of Central Asia, said: “We are sciences and methodologies. The confer- Asian region. Nazarbayev University has a especially pleased to be hosting Dr. Pal of ence’s over arching themes touched upon dynamic School of Public Policy, and I am HBKU’s College of Public Policy. Over the good governance, anti-corruption very pleased to showcase our own college years, he has provided valuable advice measures, public service reforms in the here and address an international audience that helped the development of the Uni- Dr. Weng Tat Hui, Dean of the Graduate School of Public Policy at Nazarbayev region; and identity policy. of scholars and practitioners. It is also a step versity of Central Asia’s Institute of Public University, and Dr. Leslie A Pal, Dean of the College of Public Policy at Hamad During the three-day conference, Dr. forward in building networks among the Policy and Administration. We are very Pal also chaired a panel on Good Gov- best schools in the world,” said Dr Pal. Bin Khalifa University. interested in bolstering cooperation ernance: Causes, Costs, Consequences, Dean of the Graduate School of Public between our institutions. Global collabo- exploring the role of evaluation in Policy at Nazarbayev University, Dr Weng discussed possible research cooperation among schools of public policy is rapidly ration programs that expose students and assessing the effectiveness of political Tat Hui, said, “It was pleasure to have Dr. between our two schools, given some of becoming the norm as a way of exposing staff to different societal contexts and party systems and their impact on gov- Pal participate in our annual conference, the similar policy challenges faced by our students and faculty to different worldviews are needed now more than ernance and international aid. and to give the closing keynote. We also two countries. International collaboration approaches and solutions.” ever. ” Embassy of Pakistan QRCS strengthens humanitarian relations with Gambia honours star wrestler QNA/DOHA raising the level of communi- cation with associate national THE PENINSULA soft image of their country across Qatar Red Crescent Society societies. DOHA the globe. He stated it was a (QRCS) has signed a cooperation During the visit, the dele- moment of honour for Pakistan agreement with the Gambian Red gation of QRCS held meetings The Embassy of Pakistan in Doha and said that the champion has Cross to enhance joint action and with Vice-President of The held a reception in the honour of made all Pakistanis proud define the general frameworks of Gambia Isatou Touray and HE Muhammad Inam Butt who won through his outstanding per- the various operational indicators Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Gold Medal in ANOC World formance in the Games. and strategic directions between Gambia Mamadou Tangara. Beach Games held at Katara The Gold Medalist said that the two parties. The Qatari delegation was Beach, Doha, Qatar. he was extremely happy after Secretary-General of QRCS briefed on some projects of needy The Charge d’ Affaires winning the Medal for Pakistan. Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi and families in villages out of Banjul Masood Gul received Muhammad Defeating Ex-Olympic Bronze Secretary-General of the Gambian capital of The Gambia. Inam Butt and the accompanying Medalist in the finals was a great Red Cross Alasan Senghore signed Also, the delegation of QRCS Masood Gul, Charge d’ Affaires of Pakistan, and other officials with officials. moment for him to cherish. He the agreement during a visit by a visited the ambulance center at Muhammad Inam Butt during the ceremony. Speaking at the occasion, the will keep on struggling to achieve QRCS delegation to the Republic the Gambian Red Cross Society Charge d’Affaires congratulated further Medals for his country in of The Gambia. premises. The delegation also Muhammad Inam Butt on future World Games as well. He Wrestling Foundation Abdul Association Asif Azeem and other In a statement Monday, QRCS briefed on some activities carried winning the Gold Medal. He said thanked the Embassy of Pakistan Mubeen Chaudhary, Secretary prominent Pakistani Community pointed out that its visit to The out by the Gambian Red Cross for that players are the goodwill for his warm welcome. General Arshad Sattar and Media members were also present on Gambia aimed at strengthening the benefit of the local ambassadors who represent the The President of Pakistan Advisor of Pakistan Olympic the occasion. humanitarian relations and community.

Global paediatric surgical conference in November FROM PAGE 1 paediatric surgery and updates “The event promises to attract about Sidra Medicine’s surgical paediatric surgeons interested in milestones including renal trans- learning about international pae- plant, twin separation, epilepsy diatric cases as well as supporting and neuro surgery and others. surgeons from around the world The WOFAPS 2019 has been to experience the pediatric inno- accredited as a Group Learning vations that have occurred around Activity (Category 1) as defined by the globe,” said Dr Mansour Ali the Qatar Council for Healthcare (pictured). “The program of Practitioners - Accreditation WOFAPS 2019 is arranged around Department. The Accreditation a comprehensive discussion of the has been approved for a problems in paediatric surgery. It pediatric surgery and take the maximum of 35 hours. includes pre-workshops, the main knowledge back to their WOFAPS was founded in 1974 congress and post workshops – countries. in Sao Paulo, Brazil during a Pae- we have developed symposiums, “WOFAPS 2019 will unite both diatric Surgery Congress with rep- seminars and workshops that will new and experienced surgeons resentatives from 43 Countries. appeal to all our surgeons,” he and give exclusive networking WOFAPS has been conducting its added. opportunities with experts from ‘World Congress’ on a triennial He emphasized the oppor- every aspect of paediatric basis since 2004. Previous events tunity for surgeons coming from surgery,” said Dr Mansour Ali. have been held in Washington developing countries to meet and The Congress will also shed D.C., Berlin, New Delhi, Buenos learn from the pioneers in light on Qatar’s best practices in Aires and Zagreb. Safari promotion starts today THE PENINISULA/DOHA

Safari, the leading hypermarket chain in Doha, Qatar is celebrating the glorious 9th anniversary of its outlet ‘Safari Mall’, one of the largest Mall located in Abu Hamour. In conjunction with the celebration, Safari has planned price which no other hypermarket mutton kabsa, chicken majboos, unique offers and exclusive gifts has given. mutton chops and mixed fried for its valuable customers. The As part of anniversary cele- rice, mutton fried rice, cream promotions will begin form today. bration, Safari Bakery & Hot food caramel, chilli prawns fry, Hong- Safari has always introduced division has organised Flavour Kong fried rice, chilli beef, Sin- distinctive promotions, offers and 2019 Food Festival. In this food fes- gapore chicken fried rice, mutton events which no other hyper- tival, the customers can taste and peshawari, dal fry etc will be market has ever done. For the 9th experience the famous cuisines. available in Flavours 2019. anniversary celebrations, they Customers can relish on vari- The promotions and offers have some extensive promotions, eties of food flavours from across don’t stop here; even customers can offers and competition lined up. India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bang- find offers on Fresh food, fruits and Selected items will be ladesh, Arabic, Filipino, Chinese, vegetables, Grocery, Household, available for attractive price; like and Pakistani. Dishes like Chet- Cosmetics, electronics, toys and QR32/ Punjab basmati rice 5kg tinad chicken curry, beef vindaloo, stationery, Garments and bed ware bag is now only for QR23.75, 100 Hyderabadi chicken dum biryani, items. These promotions is ml Jaguar perfume for QR38.75 Sindhi biryani, thalappakatti available in all the outlets of Safari. instead of QR74, Ariel 3kg 2 chicken dum biryani, Alappuzha In addition to exclusive offers packets for QR52 in place of shrimp curry, butter bread, marble and Flavours 2019, Safari has QR87.50, Tiger 1.6 litre vacuum cake, mothichoor laddu, Indian announced ‘Biryani Eating Chal- flask for QR69, Molineux brand sweets, devil chicken, kothu lenge’ competition for the food 1.5 litre mixie for QR129, QR999 porotta, watalappam, mutton lovers on Oct 20. Participants who worth I-life Zed Air X laptop for momo, Arabic mutton, seekh eat 1 kg biryani in minimum time only QR699. Safari offers the best kabab, Arabic chicken kabab, will be the winner. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 Qatar calls for firm policy on disarmament ESTABLISHED IN 1996 and non-proliferation issues

QNA CHAIRMAN NEW YORK SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI he State of Qatar has expressed its keenness on adopting a firm EDITOR-IN-CHIEF policy on disarmament and DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI Tnon-proliferation issues, [email protected] affirming its firm belief that achieving international peace and security is the shared responsibility of States. ACTING MANAGING EDITOR It stressed that the multilateral MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED framework was the only way to [email protected] address disarmament, non-prolifer- ation and international security issues and rid humanity of weapons of mass DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR destruction in general and nuclear MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI weapons in particular. [email protected] This came in a statement delivered today by Deputy Permanent Represent- ative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Talal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, in the general debate on “Disarmament and International Security” before the First Committee of the seventy-fourth EDITORIAL session of the General Assembly. Talal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Deputy Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar With the acceleration of progress to the UN, speaking in the general debate on “Disarmament and International in ICT and insufficient international Security” before the First Committee of the 74th session of the General Assembly. legislation in this vital area, promoting Qatar’s role in global growth cybersecurity has become a complex States in this field, within the that human security is a top priority for challenge for the international com- framework of the State of Qatar’s com- the international community and a goal he ambitious 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) munity, and the misuse of cyberspace mitment to international cooperation in that deserves collective action to of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, adopted has become a threat to States and indi- the face of common challenges. achieve it. Achieving this goal is linked Tby the member states of the United Nations on January viduals, and has become a source of In this regard, he pointed out that to the elimination of tensions in our 1, 2016, targets the all round development of everybody and conflict and disagreement, he said, the State of Qatar announced its read- world today, which requires the a sustainable upkeep of the planet. Over the course of 15 years, stressing that regulating how to deal iness to host an international con- engagement of all actors at the interna- as the new Goals universally apply to all, countries are expected with this threat is critical and is in the ference, under the auspices of the tional level in a dialogue that reflects on to mobilise efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequal- interest of all. United Nations, to discuss ways of reg- dealing with all issues related to ities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is The Deputy Permanent Represent- ulating the issue of cybersecurity in weapons of mass destruction, which left behind. The SDGs, building on the progress of Millennium ative noted in this context that the accordance with the provisions of pose a grave threat to international Development Goals (MDGs), aim to go further to end all forms State of Qatar suffered from a cyber- international law. peace and security. of poverty, and call for action by all countries, poor, rich and attack in the The Deputy Permanent Repre- The statement added that the con- middle-income, to promote prosperity while protecting the past period sentative stated that the expanding ference on disarmament is the only planet. Sustainable development has been defined as devel- when the and growing internal and regional negotiating forum for discussing disar- opment that meets the needs of the present without compro- website of armed conflicts posed a serious chal- mament issues, stressing the impor- mising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Qatar News lenge to the security of States and con- tance for the conference to adopt a bal- Qatar has been playing a pioneering and leading role in The Deputy Agency (QNA) tributed to their destabilisation, which anced and comprehensive program of achieving the global agenda through monetary contribu- Permanent was hacked reflected negatively on the regional work leading to the aspirations of the tions to the different UN agencies, hosting international con- Representative and the and international security situation. international community in this field. ferences of parties interested and cooperating with other stated that the hacking led to He added the proliferation, availa- It reiterated the State of Qatar’s countries by helping them in their efforts toward achieving the creation of bility and use of weapons by rival grave concerns over the lack of the development parameters through contributing to the expanding and an interna- groups raises the risk of these progress in the Middle East nuclear education and employment sectors. growing internal tional crisis weapons being transferred to terrorist weapon free zone, the failure to Yesterday, Qatar affirmed that and regional armed with serious groups and transnational human traf- implement the obligations resulting the next phase in the journey to conflicts posed a repercussions ficking networks, stressing the urgent from the 1995 NPT Review Conference, achieve the 2030 agenda, requires on regional need for concerted international the 2000 Review Conference and the strengthening of the global part- serious challenge and interna- efforts to address these serious chal- 2010 Plan of Action, as well as the Qatar is keen to nership, reiterating its continued to the security tional peace lenges and to intensify work in the failure of the 2015 Review Conference follow its words commitment to establishing part- of States and and security, field of conflict prevention and of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non- peaceful settlement, in accordance Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. with actions nership with the international com- contributed to their pointing out whether it is in munity to achieve common goals. that the State with international law. In this context, the statement of Tamim Khalid Al Mansouri, destabilisation, of Qatar has He pointed to the international Qatar’s Permanent Delegation stressed peace-making member of Qatar’s delegation to the which reflected intensified its agreements on disarmament, which the great importance of holding the mediation or 74th session of the UN General negatively on efforts in the laid the foundations for achieving the United Nations Conference under the Assembly at the Second Committee field of cyber- goals of the international community, chairmanship of Jordan next November help providing the regional and education, meeting to discuss sustainable security, as it and stressed the importance of on the establishment of a Middle East development, said that the meeting international has reviewed resorting to constructive dialogue in nuclear weapon free zone, in jobs, or basic is another opportunity to move security situation. and updated resolving differences, which is the only accordance with UN General Assembly necessities forward in the common endeavour the relevant way to enhance confidence, reduce Resolution 73/546, hoping that the con- for the most to ensure that no one is left behind national the proliferation, use and development ference will achieve its intended goal to and to address the obstacles to legislation. of weapons in order to achieve the contribute to the promotion of regional needy. There development, the world needs to In the context of the exchange of stability of States and societies. and international peace and security. are thousands take into account priorities, needs experience and knowledge, he said, the The statement stressed the State of Concluding, the statement reit- of examples of and specifics of developing and least State of Qatar was keen to participate Qatar’s support for international efforts erated the commitment of the State of such efforts for developed countries in particular. in the activities organized by the United in collective prevention of crises and Qatar to strengthen its partnerships He referred to Amir H H Sheikh Nations, including the meetings of the resolving them by peaceful means to and cooperation within the framework everyone to see. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s open-ended working group established settle disputes in accordance with the of the United Nations to advance announcement at the UN Climate by General Assembly Resolution 73/27 provisions of Article 33 of the Charter international efforts to achieve inter- Action Summit of the contribution of $100m to support small on regulating responsible behaviour of of the United Nations. He pointed out national peace and security. developing island states and least developed states to deal with climate change. Qatar had announced $500m during the Doha Forum last year for the UN organisations which will benefit the enhanced implementation of the Sustainable Qatar committed to global partnership for Development agenda. The world has already witnessed the contribution of Education Above All Foundation in equipping the less privileged, out of school children with necessary edu- Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 cation and employment opportunities. Qatar is keen to follow its words with actions whether it QNA understanding of the urgent need of mul- access to quality and inclusive education is in peace-making mediation or help providing education, NEW YORK tilateral concerted action to address the is one of the most important enablers of jobs, or basic necessities for the most needy. There are thou- risks of climate change, as one of the sustainable development, given its pivotal sands of examples of such efforts for everyone to see. The he State of Qatar affirmed that greatest challenges that undermine the role in building a better future, developing global community can be assured of Qatar’s proactive efforts making a progress towards the progress made in the sustainable devel- skills, promoting tolerance and respect immensely contributing to achieve the SDGs by the target date. Sustainable Development opment field, and its keenness to assume and promoting the culture of peace. TAgenda 2030 in the next phase its role as an active partner with the inter- Within this trend, and based on the requires the strengthening of the global national community, the Amir H H Sheikh belief that education is the key to devel- partnership, reiterating its continued Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani announced at opment, the State of Qatar has paid con- commitment to working and establishing the UN Climate Action Summit the State of siderable and remarkable attention to the partnership with the international com- Qatar’s contribution of $100m to support issue of education and employment, he munity to achieve common goals. small developing island states and the said, pointing out that the Education QUOTE OF THE DAY This came in the State of Qatar’s least developed states to deal with climate Above All Foundation (EAA) has achieved statement delivered by Tamim Khalid Al change, especially since these countries a major achievement in collaboration with The world is facing Mansouri, Member of the State of Qatar’s bear the brunt of the consequences of international partners by providing quality delegation participating in the 74th climate change, he said. education services to 10m children and increasing challenges session of the United Nations General He pointed out that the Qatar National young people worldwide. to international Assembly, before the Second Committee Vision 2030 set the main economic, As part of its efforts to fulfill its com- cooperation and to on item (19) on sustainable development. social, human and environmental goals, mitments in the implementation of this The meeting is another opportunity to and put development at the center of its Agenda, the State of Qatar, during the many human rights move forward in the common endeavor priorities, noting the State of Qatar’s sessions of the High-level Political Forum treaties, laws and to ensure that no one is left behind, to multi-year and non-earmarked support on Sustainable Development, provided a values. emphasize all efforts to achieve the ambi- for core resources of the UN organisations transparently reporting on the progress tious aspirations of the Sustainable Devel- by $500m. made by the State in implementing the opment Agenda 2030, and to address As part of this support, a multi-year Sustainable Development Goals, Michelle Bachelet obstacles to development, taking into contribution of $20m has been allocated including ensuring access to affordable, UN Human Rights Chief account the priorities, needs and specifi- to support the Qatari laboratory network reliable, sustainable and modern energy cities of developing and least developed to accelerate the UNDP Sustainable for all, and revitalising the global part- countries in particular, Al Mansouri said. Development Goals, he added. nership for sustainable development, Al In this regard, and out of the State’s Al Mansouri stated that equitable Mansouri added. WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 GULF / MIDDLE EAST 09

Kuwait Amir to Turkey pushes offensive, despite sanctions return home today from US REUTERS withdrawal gives a free hand to would threaten more sanctions MANBIJ, SYRIA Washington’s adversaries in the to persuade Turkey to reach a Two Turkish soldiers martyred after medical care world’s deadliest ongoing war, ceasefire and halt its offensive. in shelling from Manbij Turkey pressed ahead with its namely Syrian President Bashar The measures announced on REUTERS/DUBAI offensive in northern Syria Al Assad and his Russian and Monday - mainly a hike in steel AFP/ISTANBUL yesterday despite US sanctions Iranian allies. tariffs and a pause in trade talks Kuwait Amir H H Sheikh Sabah and growing calls for it to stop, The United States announced - were less robust than financial Two Turkish soldiers were killed yesterday after shelling from Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah will while Syria’s Russia-backed army on Sunday it was withdrawing markets had anticipated, and the Manbij region, where Ankara’s forces had clashed with Kurdish return home today from the moved on the key city of Manbij its entire force of 1,000 troops Trump’s critics derided them as militants the night before, the defence ministry said in a statement. United States where he had that was abandoned by US forces from northern Syria. Its former too feeble to have an impact. The soldiers were killed “following artillery fire by the ter- been admitted to hospital, in Donald Trump’s retreat. Kurdish allies immediately The Turkish lira, which had rorists from the Manbij region,” the ministry said. Seven soldiers causing him to postpone a Journalists accompanied forged a new alliance with fallen on the expectation of were initially wounded in the attack, it added. The statement meeting with US President Syrian government forces who Assad’s government, inviting the tougher U.S. measures, recovered did not provide the precise location but said the army returned Donald Trump, state news entered the centre of Manbij, a army into towns across the after the sanctions were fire and killed at least 15 “terrorists.” agency Kuna said. flashpoint where US troops had breadth of their territory. announced, as did its bond and Six Turkish soldiers have been killed since Ankara launched its The Amir has ruled the previously conducted joint patrols In Manbij, Syrian troops were stock markets, with traders cross-border operation last Wednesday against Kurdish militants country since 2006 and steered with Turkey. Russian and Syrian manning joint checkpoints noting that Trump had spared in Syria. Syrian forces have moved into Manbij following a deal its foreign policy for more than flags were flying from a building alongside regional Kurdish Turkish banks. between Damascus and the Kurds over the weekend to try to hold 50 years. The Amir’s office in on the city outskirts, and from a militia (YPG), witnesses said. Bilateral trade between back Turkey’s advance. Shelling from Kurdish positions in Syria August said that H H Sheikh convoy of military vehicles. A YPG official said Turkish- Turkey and the United States is killed two civilians and wounded 12 others yesterday in the Turkish Sabah had suffered a health Russia’s Interfax news backed fighters were still 15 km relatively small - around a tenth border town of Kiziltepe in Mardin province, the Anadolu reported. setback while in Kuwait agency, citing Moscow’s Defence north of the city. Turkey’s state- the size of Turkey’s trade with without providing details. He Ministry, said later that Syrian owned Anadolu agency said six Europe. Washington’s most US: No major escape of IS militants then travelled to the United forces had taken control of an civilians were killed and 13 effective form of economic lev- States for the Trump meeting area of more than 1,000 square wounded in three villages near the erage would be to hinder Tur- AFP/WASHINGTON which was cancelled when he kilometres around Manbij. This town of Jarablus in a YPG attack key’s access to US financial was admitted to hospital. included Tabqa military airfield, launched from north of Manbij. A markets, a step Trump has so far The United States is not aware of any “major” escape of Islamic two hydroelectric power plants cameraman on the Turkish frontier avoided. State (IS) extremists since Turkey launched its assault on Syrian Israeli police and several bridges across the reported heavy bombardment on In a potentially more dam- Kurdish fighters holding the prisoners, an official said. Euphrates river, it said. Tuesday morning of the Syrian aging blow, German carmaker “We haven’t seen any major successful breakout so far of the free Palestinian Trump’s unexpected decision border town of Ras al Ain where Volkswagen said it was post- detainees,” the senior administration official told reporters on to withhold protection from an SDF spokesman reported a poning a final decision on condition of anonymity. officials Syria’s Kurds after a phone call fierce battle going on. whether to build a ¤1bn ($1.1bn) His remarks appeared at odds with US Defence Secretary with Turkish President Tayyip Trump announced a set of plant in Turkey, citing concern Mark Esper who, criticising Turkey on Monday, said the incursion AFP/JERUSALEM Erdogan a week ago swiftly sanctions on Monday to punish over “current developments” “resulted in the release of many dangerous ISIS detainees.” upended five years of U.S. policy Ankara, and on Tuesday a senior after international condemnation Israeli police have released the in the Middle East. The US official said Washington of the incursion. Palestinian governor of Jeru- salem and a local Fatah official after arresting them and ques- UN Security Council to meet tioning them for hours, their lawyer said yesterday. on Turkey’s Syria offensive Police arrested governor AFP/UNITED STATES Adnan Ghaith and the Fatah general secretary for Jerusalem, The UN Security Council will convene today to discuss Turkey’s Shadi Mutour, at their homes in military offensive in northeast Syria, diplomats said, with Ankara Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem showing no sign of relenting in its move on Kurdish rebels. on Monday. This session was requested by European countries with seats They were released late on on the 15-member council, the diplomats said yesterday. Monday after being questioned At a first meeting last Thursday, the council was divided, and about alleged Palestinian only the European members issued a statement calling for an end Authority activity in Jerusalem, to the Turkish offensive. On Friday, Russia and China blocked a US- lawyer Mohammed Mahmud sponsored text that also called for an end to the assault. said. PA activities in Jerusalem A diplomat said there may not be consensus this time either as are barred by Israel, which the council meets on the offensive, with Russia possibly preventing occupied east Jerusalem in the members from showing a unified front. There will likely be another Six-Day War of 1967 and later statement issued by the European countries on the council, the dip- annexed it in a move never rec- lomat said. Russia risks becoming increasingly isolated on the council. ognised by the international It has already used its veto power as a permanent member 13 times community. since the war in Syria broke out in 2011. It considers the entire city The United States is calling in increasingly firm language for an its capital, while the Pales- end to the incursion, and announced sanctions against Turkey. China tinians see the eastern sector also called on Turkey to halt its military operation and “return to Smoke rising from the Syrian town of Ras Al Ain, from the Turkish side of the border at Ceylanpinar as the capital of their future the correct way of political resolution.” district in Sanliurfa, during Turkey’s military operation against Syrian Kurdish fighters, yesterday. state. Mahmud alleged the arrests were to prevent the two from Trump threatens to ‘target’ Determined to clear terrorists from accompanying a Saudi football delegation to east Jerusalem’s Turkey’s economy with sanctions northern Syria: Turkish Vice-President Al Aqsa mosque compound. Saudi staff visited the AP/WASHINGTON ANATOLIA/LONDON former alliance with the US and who says what,” he added. Al-Aqsa compound on Monday Britain, Oktay called it “a pity if Turkey last Wednesday and prayed there ahead of the Targeting Turkey’s economy, President Donald Trump announced In its current operation, Turkey the British or any other country launched Operation Peace team’s World Cup qualifier sanctions aimed at restraining the Turks’ assault against Kurdish fighters is “determined to clear” northern around the world would ally Spring to eliminate terrorists against Palestine, their first- and civilians in Syria — an assault Turkey began after Trump announced Syria of terrorists “no matter with the terrorists.” from northern Syria in order to ever game in the occupied West he was moving US troops out of the way. Some of those US troops leaving what happens or who says “So we hope that they do secure borders, aid in the safe Bank. northern Syria are being shifted to Iraq, where they could conduct cross- what,” Turkish Vice-President have a misunderstanding of who return of Syrian refugees, and The highly sensitive site is border operations against Islamic State (IS) group militants. Fuat Oktay said yesterday. they (YPG/PKK) are, otherwise ensure Syria’s territorial the third-holiest in Islam after The United States also called on Turkey to stop the offensive “You cannot negotiate and we don’t want to consider that integrity. Makkah and Madinah. and declare a ceasefire, and Trump is sending Vice-President Mike you cannot talk to a terrorist any country who allies with us Ankara wants to clear Ghaith has been taken in Pence and National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien to Ankara as soon organization, this is unrealistic,” are the allies of the terrorists,” northern Syria east of the for police questioning several as possible in an attempt to begin negotiations. Pence said that Trump Oktay told British news channel he said. Rebuffing threats of Euphrates River of the terrorist times in recent months. Police spoke directly to Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who promised Sky News. sanctions over Operation Peace PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the had not commented in detail not to attack the border town of Kobane, which in 2015 witnessed the “There is a state fighting Spring, Oktay said no sanctions PYD/YPG. In its more than on the latest arrest. On Monday, IS group’s first defeat in a battle by US-backed Kurdish fighters. against a terrorist organisation, can pose a threat bigger than the 30-year terror campaign against police spokesman Micky The Americans were scrambling for Syria’s exits, a move criti- fighting against terrorism, and terrorist threat to Turkey coming Turkey, the PKK — listed as a Rosenfeld said that “two rep- cised at home and abroad as opening the door to a resurgence of you expect us to sit down and from the other side of the Syrian terrorist organization by Turkey, resentatives were arrested by the IS group, whose violent takeover of Syrian and Iraqi lands five talk with terrorists?” he said, border. the US and the European Union police and are being ques- years ago was the reason American forces went in the first place. referring to Operation Peace “As Turkey, we are decisive — has been responsible for tioned,” but did not give further Trump said the approximately 1,000 US troops who had been Spring, which Turkey launched and very determined to clear the deaths of 40,000 people, details. He had not responded partnering with local Kurdish fighters to battle the Islamic State in last week. area from the terrorists no including women, children and to a request for comment northern Syria are leaving the country. Asked about the YPG/PKK’s matter what happens, no matter infants. yesterday. Lebanon turns to neighbours for help fighting forest fires AFP/BEIRUT amid unusually high tempera- Interior Minister Raya El- tures and strong winds. Hassan said Cyprus and Greece Lebanon has turned to its neigh- Thick smoke has been seen had responded to Lebanon’s call bours for help with battling drifting over the outskirts of for help. “Two Cypriot planes forest fires that have ravaged Beirut, over the mountainous have been working to put out the homes and killed a volunteer Chouf region to its southeast, and fires since yesterday,” she said firefighter in the Mediterranean the southern city of Saida. on Twitter. country, the premier said In the Chouf, an area known “Greece has responded to yesterday. for its trees, a volunteer fire- our request and will send two “We have contacted the fighter lost his life trying to put planes to help us,” she added, Europeans who will send means out the flames, his family said. while Jordan also said it was of help,” Prime Minister Saad In an area south of Beirut, ready to help. NNA said the Hariri said in comments carried firefighters have for two days army was working together with by national news agency NNA. been unable to stop the blaze, helicopters and the Cypriot Dozens of fires have erupted which has burnt four homes to planes to fight the blaze, with around Lebanon in the past few the ground and caused dozens access sometimes impeded by Fire takes out forests in the mountainous area that flank Damour river near the village of Meshref in days, the head of civil defence, to suffer from breathing diffi- thick smoke and high-voltage Lebanon’s Shouf mountains, southeast of the capital Beirut, yesterday. Raymond Khattar, told NNA, culties, NNA said. power lines. 10 HOME WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 11 Young Tunisians, the force behind Saied’s victory AFP/TUNIS New Tunisian president Behind the landslide victory of conservative political outsider denies ‘Arab Spring’ tweet Kais Saied in a run-off presidential ANATOLIA/TUNIS vote were millions of young voters, who describe him as a A Tunisian source has denied a tweet linking newly-elected Pres- leader worthy of their trust as ident Kais Saied to the Arab Spring revolutions. Tunisia’s democracy takes root. Local media said that Saied has described himself in a tweet According to a poll by the as a “son of the Arab Spring”. Sigma polling institute, around “We — the sons of the Arab Spring — will always believe that 90 percent of voters aged 18 to both freedom and democracy are the people’s hope and their 25 voted for political newcomer sole path to progress and prosperity, while dictatorships and mil- Saied, massively shunning his itary coups are the way to ignorance, backwardness and rival, business tycoon Nabil destruction,” the alleged tweet said. Karoui. “In the first round, I But a source close to his election campaign denied that Saied didn’t think he would win. But had made the tweet. “Kais Saied has no Twitter account,” the now that he has won I can truly source said. Tunisia was the birthplace of the Arab Spring revo- believe in the transparency of lutions that swept the leaders of several Arab countries from our elections,” 20-year-old law power in 2011. student Mayssa Jlassi said. Protests continue in Algeria “We had to everything pos- Algerian demonstrators chant and wave their country’s national flag as they take part in an anti- sible to mobilise all young people Alert, which works closely with The anti-establishment government protest in the capital Algiers, yesterday. Algerian students held their 34th weekly like me to vote en masse” for young people. Saied is seen as uptight and demonstration, demanding political reforms and the removal of regime insiders. Saied, she added. Jlassi joined a According to Sigma, 37 unwavering, and beneath his volunteer group that went door- percent of young voters cast austere style is a commitment to to-door, with very modest their ballot for Saied in the Sep- socially conservative views that means, to canvass for votes for tember 15 first round — twice many young people reject. her candidate. Saied, a 61-year- the national average—while the But he has said he will Lawyers in Sudan open torture old retired law professor, disparity was magnified further respect the social freedoms scooped 72.71 percent of votes, in Sunday’s runoff. Despite enshrined in law in recent years official results showed. having spearheaded the Arab that civil society groups have case against former spy chief According to Sigma’s data, Spring revolt that ousted dic- hailed as freedoms. And what his Tunisians were sharply divided tator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in young supporters see in him ANATOLIA Altybe Nour Aldaim against months. In July, the Transitional by age group. The older the 2011, young people had largely above all is an honest leader who KHARTOUM former spy chief Salah Gosh, Military Council (TMC) approved voter, the more likely his or her shunned the ballot box in pre- is offering them the keys to Nafia Ali Nafia and Abdul Hafiz another three-month state of ballot went to Karoui, who swept vious elections in Tunisia’s new building Tunisia’s future. A group of lawyers in Sudan Bashir,” he said. emergency. up 50.8 percent of the over-60s’ democracy. This time was Saied has promised “to chal- opened a case against the coun- “That would be under many Sudan has been rocked by votes. “The main reason for different. lenge the top-down nature of try’s former intelligence chief articles, including Articles 21 and popular protests since last (Saied’s) victory was the extraor- Saied “managed to win the power and to change the rules and other former regime officials 24 of the criminal code, Article 143 December, with demonstrators dinary mobilisation of young trust of young people... not with of the game of politics, which are over the alleged torture of a on the use of violence in power decrying Bashir’s failure to people aged 18 to 25,” said Olfa promises but by offering answers the root cause for the exclusion Sudanese citizen. and Article 144 on the use of ter- remedy the country’s chronic Lamloum, director of the Tunis to the failures of representative of young people”, Lamloum said. Wail Ali Saeed, secretary- rorism. So our case number is economic woes. branch of the NGO International democracy”, Lamloum said. For his acolytes, Saied rep- general of the Sudanese Lawyers 12988, and we have a lot of evi- A nation of 40 million, resents “the promise of real Democratic Front, said they dence that proves the torture,” he Sudan has struggled to recover democracy, dignity, and a break opened a case against ex-intel- stressed. Sudan’s parliament from the loss of some three from a political class that is dis- ligence chief Salah Abdallah voted to extend a nationwide quarters of its oil output — its connected from the people and Mohamed Saleh, commonly state of emergency by another main source of foreign cur- which is obsessed with power known as Salah Gosh, former three months, the head of the rency — since the secession of and its privileges”, she added. presidential adviser Nafia Ali country’s Sovereign Council said South Sudan in 2011. The incoming president has, Nafia and former security official late on Thursday. Sudan is being ruled under in recent years, “established a Gen. Abdul Hafiz Bashir. The extension was effective a power-sharing deal between strong relationship of trust with He said the case was opened as of Friday, Mohamed al-Faki the TMC and the opposition young people, by meeting them on behalf of Altybe Nour Aldaim, Suleiman said in a statement. Forces of Freedom and Change across the country, thus who claimed he had been sub- In February, then-President (FFC) coalition. building for himself a circle of jected to torture by the three Omar al-Bashir announced a Bashir was removed from young people who ran his cam- officials. countrywide state of emergency power by the military in April Tunisian Electoral Commission President Nabil Baffoune announcing paign for him”, sociologist “We as a group of 25 lawyers for a one-year period, but par- after months of protests against the results of Presidential elections in Tunis. Mohamed Jouili said. opened a legal case for our client liament approved a period of six his 30-year rule.

Unicef: 1.3 million Public buses return to Tripoli after 30 years South Sudanese AFP/TRIPOLI white buses will run 20 routes, services in Tripoli, a city that has taking a taxi or relying on vast desert landscape in a children risk from Janzour 15km west of suffered in its absence,” he said. rundown private minibuses — country of more than 1.7 million Parked in a hangar in downtown Tripoli to Tajoura, 12km east of The system will “prioritise known locally as Ivecos after sq kms. With fighting still imper- malnutrition Tripoli, some 35 buses awaited the city. Another route will travel workers who need public their manufacturer — which ply illing certain districts around ANATOLIA/ANKARA this week’s launch of a new 25km south to the airport transport the most... reducing con- the main roads. Qormane said Tripoli, shopkeeper al-Bouzedi urban public transport scheme (though the facility is not gestion during rush hour,” he said. al-Sahem had contracted worries for the future of a public Some 1.3 million South — the first in the Libyan capital operational). Every day, Mohamed al-Bouzedi Chinese manufacturer King Long bus project. “The situation on the Sudanese children under five in three decades. Transport company Al commutes via minibus or ancient to provide 145 vehicles over two outskirts of Tripoli, particularly in years old are at risk of suffering Imported from China, the Sahem — whose name means taxi from his home in Janzour to his years at a cost of $13m (¤11.8m). the southern suburbs, is bad. from “acute malnutrition” in brand new vehicles will make arrow — wants residents to re- clothing shop in town. Selecting the capital for Al Rocket fire is indiscriminate and 2020, Unicef warned in a report their first trips in the coming embrace public transport as a “There hasn’t been public Sahem’s pilot project was a unpredictable. It would be tragic yesterday. The organization days, across a city that for six way to reduce congestion in this transport in Tripoli for decades... logical choice, Qormane said: “A if a rocket hit a bus filled with 40 alerted in its new report that the months has lived with the deadly Mediterranean city where this project will be really helpful third of Libya’s population lives passengers,” he said. Another incidence of acute malnutrition rhythm of combat in its outer urbanisation sprawls along the to residents,” said Al Bouzedi, in Tripoli and its roads present no obstacle to the transport network among children in the country suburbs. Since April, eastern coast. With commutes length- whose journey is often punc- great challenges, beyond a general is more mundane: severe traffic increased from 13% in 2018 to strongman Khalifa Haftar has ening, increasingly dilapidated tuated by breakdowns and traffic disregard for the road code.” clogs Tripoli’s roads daily. 16% in 2019, exceeding the been battling forces loyal to the private transport options aren’t jams. “Modern buses should help After launching its Tripoli In an oil-rich country, where emergency threshold of 15%. UN-recognised Government of meeting people’s needs, said al- me get to my shop in less time. project, Al Sahem hopes to subsidised petrol costs about 10 “Every child in need of National Accord for control of Sahem head Aboubakr Qormane. I’m eager to try it,” he said. introduce intercity lines, in par- cents a litre (less than bottled treatment for malnutrition is a Tripoli. Equipped with wifi and “We urgently need to re- Until now, those without a ticular connecting isolated water), the average household failure, a failure in preventing air conditioning, the blue and establish public transport car have had the choice between southern cities dotted across a owns two to three cars. the suffering,” Dr. Mohamed Ag Ayoya, a Unicef Representative in South Sudan, was quoted in Somalia marks 2nd anniversary the report. “Preventing malnu- trition is an essential part of realising every child’s right to of worst terror attack health. Young children can ANATOLIA/MOGADISHU suffer lifelong consequences and in worst case die if malnutrition Security was tight in Somalia on Monday on the second anniversary is not addressed timely during of the country’s worst-ever terror attack, which claimed the lives of the first crucial years in life,” he more than 600 people. On October 14, 2017, terrorists of the Al Qaeda- added. The report highlighted affiliated group Al Shabaab carried out two truck bombings in the that only 7% of South Sudanese capital Mogadishu, destroying a hotel and also injuring some 300 people. children aged under five years On the anniversary, busy roads in Mogadishu and business enjoyed an adequate diet. places remained closed as people thronged to the site of the bombing The report underlined the to commemorate and mourn their loved ones. link between child malnutrition “I thank everyone who came in to help us. I lost my mother who and suffering common diseases, was a doctor, but I have left everything to God,” Ahmed Abshir including malaria, which it said Mohammed said. Before the attack, the 29-year-old medical student were often “the starting point for was set to meet with her mother at a hotel near ground zero but malnutrition”. Unicef reported was delayed by an errand. that in South Sudan, only 50% of Abdulrashid Abdikadir, the brother of bombing victim Dr. households had access to clean Mohamed Abdikadir, who operated a clinic in Mogadishu, praised water while 10% had access to his brother, saying his dream was to help others with affordable improved sanitation. “Ensuring treatment. “Just after university, he used to treat people even without Libyan clashes clean water and addressing poor pay,” said Abdikadir. “He would go to their houses even if they sanitation and hygiene practices A damaged car from clashes is seen in Ain Zara, Tripoli, Libya, yesterday. Libya’s UN-recognised couldn’t walk to his clinic. When he became a professional, he con- are also essential to preventing Government of National Accord (GNA) accused forces of strongman Khalifa Haftar of launching the tinued treating people even for free, he was out to live his dream.” diarrheal diseases causing mal- Two years later families are still feeling the impact of the attack, criminal air strike. nutrition,” the organization he said. added. 12 ASIA WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019

Goa Speaker SMS services in hears plea for J&K blocked after disqualification of 10 MLAs trucker shot dead IANS PANAJI AFP Separately Indian SRINAGAR officials said that a Goa Assembly Speaker Rajesh 24-year-old woman Patnekar yesterday said that he Text messaging services were would hear the petitioner, the blocked in Indian Kashmir just died in the latest Congress, once more, before hours after being restored when exchange of artillery deciding on whether notice a truck driver was killed by fire with Pakistan should be issued to 10 MLAs, suspected militants and his over their de-facto who split the party and joined vehicle set ablaze, authorities the ruling BJP in July. said yesterday. border dividing The Speaker was hearing a Separately Indian officials the blood-soaked disqualification petition filed by said that a 24-year-old woman Himalayan region. state Congress President Girish died in the latest exchange of Chodankar, alleging that the artillery fire with Pakistan over owners say they are refusing to merger of the 10 MLAs into the their de-facto border dividing harvest this year to protest BJP did not qualify as valid the blood-soaked Himalayan against the government’s move Royal pose under the 10th Schedule of the region. Security sources said the to scrap Kashmir’s autonomy. Indian Constitution. Dutch King Willem-Alexander (left) and Queen Maxima pose for a photo as they visit the Mughal-era decision to cut text messaging Indian authorities say that “The Speaker’s office had Safdarjung’s Tomb in New Delhi, yesterday. services was taken to reduce the militants — backed by arch-rival given the petitioner a date to ability of militants to Pakistan — have been intimi- make a representation. The communicate. dating farmers and busi- petitioner will be called again Indian authorities had only nessmen. The latest death from for a hearing before a decision restored call and text services Pakistani artillery fire over the SC to wrap up Ayodhya case hearing today on the issue of notice to the 10 for mobile phones on Monday, Line of Control (LoC) dividing MLAs is taken,” an official following a 72-day blackout in Kashmir brings the number of IANS According to lawyers, the apex deadline to wrap up hearing fol- attached to the Assembly said. the restive northern territory fatalities on the Indian side to NEW DELHI court has also hinted at taking lowed by moulding of relief in Chodankar, in August, had imposed after New Delhi three in the past four days, the up the moulding of relief, in the the Ayodhya dispute and accord- said that the split engineered scrapped the region’s semi- Press Trust of India reported. The hearing in Ayodhya title Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid ingly developed a schedule after by the 10 MLAs in the autonomous status. Authorities Two Indian soldiers were dispute case is likely to end dispute, after the hearing today. having consultation with lawyers 15-member Congress Legis- said SMS services were cut again killed in two separate incidents today instead of tomorrow, with “It is unlikely that court from both sides. In October, the lative Party and their subse- on Monday night following the on Friday and Sunday, PTI said. Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi would be able to complete apex court revised the deadline quent merger into the BJP was attack on the driver of a truck Also yesterday, police hinting that the argument in the moulding of relief today. The to October 17. After the Muslim illegal. In all, 13 Congress MLAs carrying apples in Shopian. arrested 13 women activists in 70-year-old dispute will come court would probably allocate side’s arguments, three counsels have quit the party and joined Residents said two masked Srinagar after they staged a to an end today itself. sufficient time for it tomorrow from the Hindu side are likely the BJP since 2017. gunmen told the driver to use protest calling for civil liberties On the final day of the and then finally reserve the slotted to present their argu- his truck to block the road, but and the release of detainees. hearing, the Chief Justice, who judgement,” said a lawyer ments before the court followed India’s ‘Missile Man’ it skidded and got stuck. “The The women, wearing black heads the five judge bench involved in the case. by assorted parties who claimed gunmen then fired at the truck armbands, were arrested for hearing the case, has allocated The Chief Justice has asked to be representing clients remembered on and set it on fire,” a witness said. “breaching the peace” and for a initial 45 minutes to Hindu the lawyers from both sides to attached to the matter. Senior birth anniversary Apples are a sensitive issue contravening a ban in place parties followed by one hour to judiciously distribute the four 45 advocate Sushil Jain, repre- in Kashmir, which exports vast since early August on public Muslim side, and then four slots minute slots amongst them- senting Nirmohi Akhara, is yet NEW DELHI quantities of the fruit to markets gatherings of more than four of 45 minute each to assorted selves. In September, the apex supposed yet to make his final IANS across India. Many orchard people, police said. parties involved in the matter. court had set October 18 argument on the matter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to late President A P J Abdul Kalam, also known India will not allow water to flow to Pakistan: Modi the country’s ‘Missile Man’ on his birth anniversary yesterday. IANS rights over the water that is said to me that he had seen campaign would not have been rallies, I don’t campaign for the Modi shared a 1.21 minute HARYANA flowing to Pakistan and was not ‘Dangal’ which showcased effective without the support of BJP in Haryana, I don’t ask for video on Twitter and said being stopped by earlier Indian excellent performance of Haryana villages.” He slammed votes in Haryana. Haryana itself Kalam dreamed of an able and Prime Minister Narendra Modi governments. daughters of India. I felt really Congress leaders for spreading calls me. I can’t stop myself from capable India of the 21st century yesterday said India would not “Modi aapki ladai ladega proud of Haryana on hearing lies over Article 370. coming here. You have given me and made his own special con- allow its water to flow to (Modi will fight your battle),” he this,” he added. “At a time when the country so much love.” Confident of his tribution in this direction. Pakistan. assured the people at the rally. Two-time Commonwealth is hailing the decision to abrogate party’s return to the second con- “As a scientist, he takes the “For 70 years, the water The Prime Minister said that Games gold medalist Babita Article 370 from Jammu and secutive term, the Prime Minister country to greater heights. His which belongs to India and the Chinese President Xi Jinping Phogat, daughter of wrestling Kashmir, a few Congress leaders in 45-minute address said the life-long efforts were an asset farmers of Haryana flowed to during their informal summit in coach and Droncharaya award were spreading lies in the BJP was going to form the gov- to the nation. Not his words but Pakistan. Modi will stop this Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, the winner Mahavir Singh Phogat country and the world about it.” ernment again in the state. He his personality use to speak a water (from flowing into latter told him that he had whose character was portrayed Modi dared the Congress by said this Diwali should be dedi- lot. “In my life also he has been Pakistan) and bring to your watched the Aamir Khan-starrer by Aamir in the blockbuster saying: “If you have guts, then cated to “our daughters”. Elec- a guide. His work is an inspi- houses,” the Prime Minister said “Dangal” “which showcased movie, is contesting the October say we will bring Article 370 (if tions to the 90-member Haryana ration to take the country in an election meeting, the excellent performance of 21 Assembly polls from Dadri. we are voted to power).” Assembly will be held on October forward,” Modi said in his second in two days, here. daughters of India”. “During my Praising Chief Minister Playing an emotional card, 21 along with 288-member tweet.Kalam’s birth anniversary He said the farmers of recent informal summit with Manohar Lal Khattar, Modi said: the Prime Minister said: “I don’t Maharashtra Assembly. The vote is also celebrated as World Stu- Haryana and Rajasthan have the Chinese President Xi Jinping, he “’Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ come to Haryana for election counting is on October 24. dents’ Day. US lunar Sena snubbed as orbiter to look out for moon Narayan Rane’s lander Vikram MSP merges with BJP IANS CHENNAI IANS finally happened today. There SINDHUDURG is hardly any competition here... Has the Indian moon lander The BJP will benefit hugely with Vikram been found or not is a In a major snub to ally Shiv the Ranes... entry to the party,” question that the US space Sena, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, cocking a snook agency National Aeronautics Fadnavis presided over the at the Sena which has given a and Space Administration Bharatiya Janata Party’s long- ticket to Satish Sawant and (Nasa) will soon be able to awaited “merger” with former vowed to teach Nitesh Rane a answer. A Nasa official had Chief Minister Narayan Rane’s “lesson”. earlier said in New York that on Maharashtra Swabhiman Party, He said journalists often October 14, its Lunar Recon- here yesterday. asked when “Rane Saheb” is naissance Orbiter (LRO) would Rane and his two sons — BJP joining — a few day ago Nitesh fly over the site, where Vikram candidate from Kankavali joined, today Nilesh joined, Heavy air pollution is pictured around Rashtrapati Bhavan and other buildings in New Delhi, yesterday. might have landed. Nitesh and former Congress MP “Rane Saheb is already a Rajya The US space agency had Nilesh — formally joined the Sabha Member and also our earlier said its LRO had passed ruling party, as the Sena was left member,” Fadnavis said amidst over the landing site of Vikram Delhi pollution action plan comes into force fuming. a huge round of applause. on September 17 and acquired AFP Other measures that will surrounding Delhi. According to Going a step further, Fad- The BJP-MSP merger would a set of high resolution images NEW DELHI come into effect as smog levels government data, concentrations navis also addressed an election have a bearing on the political of the area. However, the Lunar rise, particularly following the of particles measuring less than rally in favour of Nitesh Rane, dynamics of the coastal Konkan Reconnaissance Orbiter New Delhi banned the use of Diwali festival in late October, 2.5 microns across — which can who was the sitting Congress region which is considered a Camera (LROC) team was not diesel generators yesterday as include banning trucks and penetrate the lung barrier and MLA before he quit the party support base of the Sena. able to locate or image the pollution levels in the Indian setting up a “war room”. enter the blood — hit 108 micro- recently, leaving many red faces The aggressive Rane Sr. lander, Nasa had said. capital exceeded safe limits by From November 4-15, a grams per cubic metre yes- in the Sena which had bitterly served as the CM for almost a “It was dusk when the more than four times. road-rationing scheme will terday. This was more than four opposed the CM’s visit to year during the latter part of landing area was imaged and Every winter, New Delhi is come into force, meaning cars times the recommended World Kankavali last week. Sena-BJP alliance government thus large shadows covered enveloped in a noxious blanket with odd and even plates would Health Organization safe daily A massive tug-of-war was 1995-1999, and after it lost much of the terrain; it is pos- of smog of car fumes, industrial be allowed on alternate days in maximum of 25. In previous witnessed between the two power to the Congress-NCP, he sible that the Vikram lander is emissions and smoke from that period. “We will hand out years, the level has regularly allies over the past few days became the Leader of hiding in a shadow. The lighting stubble burning at farms outside anti-pollution masks to school- exceeded 400. Last year, a UN with the Ranes proclaiming Fad- Opposition. will be favourable when LRO the megacity of 20 million children next week but the date report found 14 of the world’s 15 navis would come to campaign However, in July 2005, the passes over the site in October people. The ban on generators is yet to be decided,” the official most polluted cities were in in Kankavali, and the Sena’s late Sena patriarch Bal and once again attempts to is part of the Graded Response said. Indian authorities have also India, with one US study saying ministers including Desai dis- Thackeray expelled him from locate and image the lander,” Action Plan (GRAP) that entered sought to reduce the burning of it kills a million people prema- missing it. “All eyes were on this the party for revolting against Nasa had said. into force yesterday. stubble by farmers in areas turely every year. (merger) for a long time... It has Uddhav Thackeray’s authority. WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 ASIA 13 All smiles as Britain’s William and Kate meet PM Imran Prince William and Kate also met President Arif Alvi and visited a government- run school as well as the Margalla Hills.

AFP ISLAMABAD

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan yesterday gave a warm welcome in Islamabad to Brit- ain’s Prince William, the son of his late friend Princess Diana, Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and his wife Catherine who is on his first official trip to (right), Duchess of Cambridge, meet schoolchildren during their the country with his wife Kate. The Duke and Duchess of visit to a government-run school in Islamabad, yesterday. RIGHT: Cambridge were greeted with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan receives the British royal handshakes by a smiling Imran, couple at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, yesterday. who first met William when the prince was a young boy, on the suit and tie. couple showed William smiling steps at the Prime Minister’s It came after a busy morning as he was told the girls were “big House in the capital. for Kate and William, the first fans” of his mother, who died in Pakistani media simultane- British royals to come to Pakistan a car crash in 1997. ously aired archive images of since William’s father Charles “That’s very sweet of you,” Diana with Imran — then a visited with his wife Camilla in he could be heard saying in the World Cup-winning cricketer 2006. video. “I was a big fan of my who had just launched his The couple launched their mother too.” political career — during her own five-day tour of the South Asian Education official Khadija visits to Pakistan more than 20 country by signalling their Bakhtiar said the couple helped they could be seen walking with Empire — as well as the moun- sidelined from education in a years ago. support for women’s education some of the students solve conservationists in the sun. tainous north and the region near country where women have Kate wore a traditional Paki- with a visit to a girls school in problems. William and Kate also met the border with Afghanistan in struggled for basic rights for stani dress in vibrant green and Islamabad. William and Kate spent President Arif Alvi, and later in the west. decades. white with a dark green dupatta, They dropped in on a math- roughly half an hour at the gov- the evening they attended a Meeting young people and For many in Pakistan, nos- or long scarf, draped over her ematics class, where televised ernment-run school before they reception in their honour held at promoting education is one of talgia for Diana has lain heavy shoulder — a change from earlier images showed them sitting with were waved off by smiling the Pakistan Monument. their priorities for the trip, Ken- over the trip. She first charmed in the day, when she wore a royal some of the young students, students. Security is extremely tight for sington Palace has said. Nearly Pakistanis with an official visit in blue shalwar kameez, traditional whose blue uniforms matched They were whisked away the five-day visit, during which half of Pakistani school-age 1991, and is remembered fondly Pakistani long shirt with trousers. the Duchess’s dress. under heavy security to visit the the couple is set to visit Paki- children — 23 million — do not for her efforts on later private But the Duke opted for A video tweeted by a British Margallas, the Himalayan foot- stan’s second-largest city Lahore attend school, UNICEF says. visits to help Imran raise money Western attire again — a dark reporter accompanying the hills that nestle Islamabad, where — once the capital of the Mughal Girls are particularly for a charity cancer hospital. Afghan army 85 civilians dead in attacks targeting Afghan election: UN copter crashes, AP The report said that attacks The UN Assistance Secretary-General’s Special Rep- and properly complete the seven dead KABUL aiming to disrupt the electoral Mission in Afghanistan resentative for Afghanistan. election process. process killed 85 people and says that more than “Many Afghan people, Preliminary figures from the AP The UN released yesterday a wounded 373 others across the however, defied the threats and UN indicated that overall civilian KABUL special report that describes the country. The number includes one-third of civilian cast their votes.” casualties were significantly severe toll of election-related 277 civilian casualties, 28 killed casualties were Afghan President Ashraf lower in 2019 as compared to the Afghan officials said yesterday violence on Afghanistan’s of whom were killed on the children. Ghani pushed to hold the con- 2018 parliamentary elections - that an Afghan army helicopter civilians, mainly from the Tali- polling day. troversial vote despite the abrupt both in the period leading up to, had crashed in northern Balkh ban’s campaign targeting its The UN Assistance Mission collapse in US-Taliban peace and on the polling day. Province, leaving at least seven presidential election last month. in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in leading up to and during the talks earlier in September. The However, civilian casualties army personnel, including the Afghans voted on September the report that more than one- elections. election’s results have also been on September’s voting day were crew members, dead. 28 despite the militants’ threats third of civilian casualties were “These attacks, along with delayed, further deepening the higher than those on voting day Mohammad Afzel Hadid, and violence. However, the children. public statements made by the political uncertainty gripping the in the 2014 presidential election, head of the provincial council polling was marred by wide- The report not only docu- Taliban, revealed a deliberate country. which went into a second round. in Balkh, said the late afternoon spread misconduct and accusa- ments the casualties caused by campaign intended to undermine Hawa Alam Nuristani, head The report blamed more crash yesterday was the result tions of fraud — as well as con- the Taliban’s violent offensive to the electoral process and deprive of the Independent Election than 80% of all election-related of a technical problem on the troversy over what appeared to disrupt the election, but also Afghan citizens of their right to Commission, said that the goal civilian casualties on Taliban outskirts of Mazar-e Sharif, the be low turnout and claims from highlights a pattern of abduc- participate in this important is to announce the preliminary attacks, which it said were capital of Balkh. a lead contender, Abdullah tions, threats, intimidation and political process, freely and results by a deadline of October responsible for an even higher Hadid said the mishap was Abdullah, that he had won the harassment carried out by the without fear,” said Tadamichi 19. The UN also urged the elec- 95% of casualties on the day of not caused by enemy fire and vote. insurgents against civilians Yamamoto, the UN toral commission to safeguard polling. that area has no insurgent activity. Hanif Rezaie, spokesman for the army corps in northern Rajapaksa vows to scrap Sri Lanka Only 2.5% candidates clear Balkh, also confirmed the crash of the chopper near the Hai- CSS exam in Pakistan ratan area outside the city. war crimes probe if elected INTERNEWS He said an investigation is AFP appeared for the exam had ISLAMABAD going on to find out what cause COLOMBO managed to clear it. the crash. Of them, 261 were recom- Sri Lanka’s front-running pres- Only 2.56 per cent of the mended for appointment to gov- idential candidate Gotabhaya students who sat Pakistan’s ernment posts. Bangladesh court Rajapaksa vowed yesterday that prestigious Central Superior The exam this year was held if elected he will scrap Colombo’s Services (CSS) competitive exam for recruitment to BS-17 posts sentences five pledge to investigate war crimes this year managed to pass. in various government services committed during his brother According to the Federal including the Commerce and people to death Mahinda’s decade in power. Public Service Commission Trade Group, Foreign Service of Gotabhaya was defence sec- (FPSC) of Pakistan, 23,403 can- Pakistan, Information Group, ANATOLIA retary during his brother’s rule, didates applied for the CSS com- Inland Revenue Service, Military DHAKA when troops were accused of petitive examination 2019. Of Lands and Cantonments Group, killing up to 40,000 Tamil them, 14,521 appeared for the Office Management Group, A Bangladeshi court yesterday civilians while crushing the written part of the exam and Pakistan Administrative Service, sentenced five people to death Tamil Tigers. only 372 cleared it. Pakistan Audit and Accounts for committing crimes against A later government co-spon- The FPSC notified that the Service, Pakistan Customs humanity during the Liberation sored a US-led resolution to candidates who had passed the Service, Police Service of War in 1971, local media reports appoint an independent panel written exam would be inti- Pakistan, Postal Group and the said. to look into the actions of both mated about the schedule of the Railways (Commercial and The International Crimes sides in the final stages of Sri medical examination, the psy- Transportation) Group. Sri Lankan presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa (left) and Tribunal (ICT), a local court Lanka’s bloody separatist con- chological assessment and the To revamp the civil service formed to hear cases related to flict, although it was never opposition leader and former president Mahinda Rajapaksa take viva voce (oral exam) in due in the country, the government the war that marked the coun- formed. part in a press conference in Colombo, yesterday. course of time. has decided that candidates try’s secession from Pakistan, But the 70-year-old Gota- In comparison, 567 (4.77 per would first undergo a screening convicted them of killings, bhaya yesterday said he would the Tamils were more interested international sanctions because cent) of the 11,887 candidates test before being permitted to abduction, confinement, not honour the commitments in jobs, education and infra- of its refusal to investigate the who appeared for the exam last take the CSS exam. torture, arson attack and made to the UN Human Rights structure than raking over the alleged war crimes when he was year had passed. The screening test was pro- looting, Daily Star reported Council, saying people needed past. The Rajapaksas insist no defeated at the January 2015 The number of candidates posed by the FPSC earlier this citing court records. to “move on” In response to civilians were killed by gov- elections. who had cleared the written year. In a report, the com- Only one of the convicts questions about Sri Lanka’s ernment forces in the latter Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was exam was 569 but two of them mission suggested that a Ranju Miah, 60, attended the wartime human rights record, stages of the war, and accuse the addressing the press yesterday were unable to clear the viva screening test was necessary to hearing, while the others were he said: “Why are you talking all rebels of using tens of thousands for the first time since launching voce. Of those who had cleared filter out non-serious candi- tried in absentia. the time on the past. Ask (about) of civilians as human shields. his bid to become president in the CSS exam, 281 were recom- dates, improve the quality of The court asked the police the future. At least 100,000 people an election scheduled for mended by the commission for competition, ensure objectivity to arrest the absconding con- “I am trying to become the were killed in the conflict November 16. The presidential appointment to BS-17 posts in in paper assessment, and speed victs at the earliest. The tribunal president of the future Sri Lanka. between 1972 and 2009. poll has attracted a record 35 the federal government. up the process of exam to is accused of being used against So if you concentrate on the Mahinda Rajapaksa’s admin- candidates, with nearly 16 In 2017, 312 (3.32 per cent) reduce the timeframe and political opponents. future, it is better.” He said even istration was on the verge of million people eligible to vote. of the 9,391 candidates who reduce the financial cost. 14 ASIA WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 Japan rescuers still scrambling as typhoon toll tops 70 Papua New Guinea police AFP More than 3,000 TOKYO people were rescued seek to arrest Rescuers in Japan were working in the wake of the around the clock yesterday in an disaster, which former PM increasingly desperate search for affected 36 of REUTERS survivors of a powerful weekend the country’s 47 MELBOURNE typhoon that killed more than 70 people and caused widespread prefectures. Papua New Guinea police have destruction. issued an arrest warrant for Hagibis slammed into Japan heavy rain that caused the most former prime minister Peter on Saturday, unleashing fierce damage. O’Neill on suspicion of “official winds and unprecedented rain Deaths were reported across corruption” but he was that triggered landslides and many prefectures and included declining to cooperate with caused dozens of rivers to burst a man whose apartment was police handling the case, the their banks. flooded, a municipal worker acting police commissioner Public broadcaster NHK put whose car was caught in rising said. the toll at 72 yesterday night, waters and at least seven crew The warrant, issued last with around a dozen people aboard a cargo ship that sank in Friday, stemmed from an inves- missing. The government’s tally Tokyo bay on Saturday night. tigation, however police gave was lower, but it said it was still By the evening yesterday, no details of what O’Neill was updating information. some 24,000 households were wanted for, citing the sensitivity Prime Minister Shinzo Abe still without power, and 128,000 of investigations. said there was no plan to slow homes had no water. “The warrant was obtained rescue operations, with around Tens of thousands of people upon the weight of the evidence 110,000 police, coast guard, fire- spent Monday night in gov- brought forward by the inves- A flooded area near the Abukuma river in Koriyama, Fukushima prefecture, Japan. fighters and military troops ernment shelters, with many tigators,” Acting Commissioner involved. unsure when they would be able of Police David Manning said “Rescue work and searches affected 36 of the country’s 47 Agency official said. The royal October 22. Government officials to return home. in a statement yesterday. for the missing are continuing prefectures. couple “expressed their sincere warned that more rain was The government pledged O’Neill quit as prime min- around the clock,” Abe told The defence ministry has condolences for those who lost expected throughout the financial support to affected ister in May after seven years parliament. called up several hundred their lives... and heartily hope Tuesday in several parts of the regions without specifying how in the top job amid a wave of “Where rivers flooded, work reserve troops – in addition to that those who are unaccounted country affected by the typhoon. much aid it would set aside. discontent over a perceived is ongoing to fix spots where active duty soldiers — for the first for will be found as soon as pos- “We ask people not to drop “Support for the victims of lack of wealth flowing from banks broke, and water is being time since the 2011 earthquake sible,” the official said. their guard and to remain fully the disaster is an urgent task,” major resource projects, and pumped out where floods and tsunami. Despite the scale of the dis- alert,” chief cabinet secretary Abe said. complaints about corruption, occurred,” he added. Emperor Naruhito and aster, the government has no Yoshihide Suga told reporters. “There are concerns that the which he denied. His office said more than Empress Masako were “deeply plan to delay a palace ceremony Hagibis crashed into land impact on daily life and eco- A senior police official 3,000 people were rescued in grieving for so many people and parade to celebrate packing gusts up to 216km per nomic activities may be asked O’Neill, who was at the the wake of the disaster, which affected”, an Imperial Household Naruhito’s enthronement on hour, but it was the storm’s long-lasting.” Crowne Plaza hotel in the PNG capital of Port Moresby yes- terday morning, to go with him to a police station to be HK not becoming a South Korea unveils fighter jet processed. “As we speak, he has police state, says Lam mock-up amid program challenges refused to cooperate with police thus far,” Manning said AP REUTERS in the statement, urging O’Neill HONG KONG SEONGNAM to make himself available to investigators. Hong Kong’s leader said South Korea has displayed the Manning said he was com- yesterday that “it’s totally irre- first full-size mock-up of the mitted to looking into all out- sponsible and unfounded” to KF-X fighter jet it is developing standing criminal cases of suggest the semi-autonomous with Indonesia, after officials national significance, including Chinese territory is becoming a said the program passed key high-level corruption cases. police state as her government design reviews in September. “Rest assured that under my grapples with protests now in The next-generation aircraft leadership I will not allow their fifth month. being developed by Korea Aero- police investigations to be polit- In a spirited defence of Hong space Industries (KAI) is designed icised nor allow for people with Kong’s 30,000-strong police to be a cheaper, less-stealthy vested interests to use the Hong Kong Chief Executive force and her handling of the alternative to the US-built F-35, police for personal vendetta or Carrie Lam protests in response to criticism and the plan is to eventually a witch-hunt,” Manning said. from visiting US senators, Carrie replace most of South Korea’s Lam challenged the notion that The court adjourned what older fighter jets and produce the territory is losing its would have been a first hearing more for export. Indonesia shuts freedoms, unique in China, as for Hui Tim-lik, because the sec- The mock-up was displayed police battle demonstrators in ondary school student is still in on Monday at the Seoul Interna- some schools the streets. a hospital in the wake of his tional Aerospace and Defence “I would challenge every arrest. Police said the charge Exhibition (ADEX). due to haze A full-scale mock-up of South Korea’s KF-X fighter jet is displayed politician to ask themselves if carries a possible sentence of up South Korea has ordered 40 at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition in the large extent of violent acts, to life imprisonment. of the advanced F-35A aircraft REUTERS and all those petrol bombs and The teen was initially from the United States, the first Seongnam, South Korea, yesterday. JAKARTA arson and deadly attacks on detained on a preliminary of which arrived this year. policemen, happened in their charge of attempted murder. North Korea has condemned Jakarta agreeing to pay 20% of systems, like a radar, which is Indonesia warned its citizens own country, what would they Although not the first case South Korea’s purchase of the the cost. now being developed by Hanwha of more choking smoke from do? What would their policemen during the protests of intentional F-35s, as well as the development Last year, however, Indo- Systems. forest fires yesterday as several do?” Lam said. “So my simple wounding, the attack has of other advanced weapons. nesia sought to renegotiate to But KAI says the project is provinces closed schools due response is: To describe Hong attracted particular attention KAI is currently manufac- take pressure off its foreign progressing, and is helping South to worsening air quality. Kong as a police state is totally because it involved a sharp turing a KF-X prototype and exchange reserves and has since Korea build on its earlier aircraft An El Nino weather pattern unfounded.” Her comments blade, described as a box cutter plans to carry out ground testing offered to pay its share of the cost programs. this year has intensified annual came as a Hong Kong court by Hong Kong media, and was and flight tests in 2021 and 2022, in the form of a barter. “We could not have done dry-season fires, often caused addressed one of the most star- caught on news media video. respectively, company officials The KF-X program also hit a KF-X if we did not have expe- by slash-and-burn clearing of tling cases of violence so far, Lam will deliver an annual said. snag when South Korea was rience in building T-50 and forests and bush for farming, involving an 18-year-old policy speech today to address South Korean and Indonesia forced to develop several key FA-50,” a senior company official including plantations. charged with intentional some underlying problems in agreed in 2014 to jointly develop technologies after the United said, speaking on condition of The number of hot spots in wounding for a slashing attack Hong Kong that have also the KF-X in a project worth 7.5 States refused to provide anonymity. “We are advancing parts of Sumatra and Borneo on a police officer on Sunday. fuelled discontent. trillion won ($6.33bn) with approval for the use of some step by step.” islands has been on the rise over the past week despite some rain, Indonesia’s weather Four dead in agency said in a statement, Indonesia steps up security warning that residents should China chemical be on alert for smog. and bans protests ahead of A total of 1,547 hot spots, plant explosion which indicate fires or presidential inauguration heightened risk of fire, were AP/BEIJING detected in six provinces, the REUTERS have turned violent at times. agency said, adding that smoke An explosion at a chemical JAKARTA Argo Yuwono, a spokesman for from the blazes may affect plant in southern China Jakarta’s police, said the more provinces depending on yesterday killed at least four Indonesia will deploy more than decision not to issue permits for the wind direction. people and injured six, the local 30,000 police and military rallies was intended “to The statement made no government said, in the latest personnel to ensure security for maintain the dignity of the mention of potential cross- of a string of such accidents. Sunday’s inauguration of Pres- state”, particularly given the boundary smoke. Thick haze The Guangxi regional emer- ident Joko Widodo and will not inauguration would be attended from fires had drifted to neigh- gency rescue service said on its allow demonstrations over the by foreign leaders. bouring countries at the height official microblog that an inves- period, police said yesterday. Since the attempt on of the dry season last month, tigation was underway into the Security has been stepped Wiranto’s life, authorities have triggering a diplomatic dispute Armoured vehicles are stationed inside the parliament complex accident in the plant that made since the chief security minister, raised security for officials. between Indonesia and ahead of the presidential inauguration in Jakarta, yesterday. ` the commonly used plastic Wiranto, was stabbed by a sus- Police said on Monday they had Malaysia. Bakelite. pected militant last week during arrested 22 suspected militants Some schools which had Similar accidents in recent a visit to a provincial town. He in various places as part of a were plotting suicide bombings with leaders from neighbouring reopened after air quality months have killed scores of is recovering in hospital. preventive strike by the in the cities of Solo and countries such as Australia and improved, shut again this week. Chinese, despite a push to boost The Southeast Asian counter-terrorism unit. Yogyakarta. Malaysia expected to attend. Authorities in Palembang, safety and crack down on the country, which has the world’s Separately, national police He said the plot was not Indonesia scrambled to the provincial capital of South corruption that facilitates it. biggest Muslim population, has spokesman Dedi Prasetyo said linked to the inauguration. tighten its anti-terrorism laws Sumatra, closed schools for Nine people were killed on also seen anti-government police had arrested two Prasetyo said 31,000 military after a series of suicide bombings three days from Monday with Sunday in a restaurant gas rallies, led by students, in recent members of the Islamic State- and police would guard the inau- linked to the JAD group killed an extension if conditions did explosion in the eastern weeks in Jakarta and other cities linked militant group Jamaah guration of Widodo, who won a more than 30 people in the city not improve, state news agency province of Jiangsu. in opposition to new laws that Ansharut Daulah (JAD) who second term in an April election, of Surabaya last year. Antara reported. WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 EUROPE 15 EU, Britain close in on draft deal as last-gasp talks continue

REUTERS The main sticking last week that he was confident LUXEMBOURG/DUBLIN point in talks has he could get a Brexit deal been the border through the British parliament. Britain and the EU made between EU member If London is unable to clinch headway in eleventh-hour talks a deal, an acrimonious divorce yesterday to reach a Brexit deal Ireland and the British could follow, that would hit trade in time for a leaders’ summit, but province of Northern and business, roil financial with hours left to clinch an Ireland. markets and potentially lead to agreement it was still unclear if the United Kingdom splitting. London could avoid delaying its Even if he wins the approval scheduled October 31 departure. the British province of Northern of Europe’s big powers, Johnson The European Union’s Brexit Ireland. Three years after Britons must still sell any deal to a British negotiator Michel Barnier made voted in a referendum to quit the parliament in which he has no clear at a meeting of ministers EU, negotiators are still wrestling majority. in Luxembourg that if an with the question of how to However, Steve Baker, the agreement wasn’t reached on prevent the border becoming a leader of a strongly pro-Brexit Tuesday, it would be too late to backdoor into the bloc’s single faction within Johnson’s Con- send anything for the bloc’s market without erecting controls servative Party, said yesterday leaders to approve at their which could undermine the 1998 he was optimistic that “a tol- meeting on Thursday and Friday. peace agreement that ended erable deal” could be struck that Anti-Brexit protesters hold flags outside the Houses of Parliament in London, yesterday. However, as technical talks decades of conflict. he could vote for in continued in Brussels, word Irish Prime Minister Leo Var- parliament. emerged that gaps on an adkar told reporters in Dublin A leading figure in the 2016 agreement had narrowed and that the Brexit talks had moved referendum who came to power DUP leader says no to mooted plan on tariffs the two sides were close to in the right direction. as head of ruling Conservative REURTERS is around customs, with dip- how those tariffs are set.” agreeing on a text. “The initial indications are Party in July, Johnson has DUBLIN lomats and officials saying “We want to get a deal but it One EU official said an that we are making progress, pledged to take the country out London is proposing that has to be a deal that respects the agreement was “close but not that negotiations are moving in of the bloc on October 31 The small Northern Irish party Northern Ireland stays in the UK economic and constitutional 100% certain”, adding “there are the right direction,” he said. “But whether or not a withdrawal supporting Britain’s minority customs area but that EU tariffs integrity of the United Kingdom still parts that need to be nailed whether we will be able to con- agreement has been reached. government insisted yesterday are applied on all goods crossing and that means all of the United down”. Others were more cau- clude a revised withdrawal But parliament has passed a that the region must remain from mainland Britain to the Kingdom, Northern Ireland tious: one senior official said it agreement, which after all is an law saying Britain cannot leave within the United Kingdom island. included,” Foster told BBC was “way too premature” to con- international treaty, in time for without an agreement and customs union as part of any Asked if the DUP could Northern Ireland. clude that a deal was at hand. the summit on Thursday, that’s Johnson has not explained how Brexit deal and not have to follow support an arrangement where “I think it’s very important Sterling surged to its highest as of now unclear.” he can get around that. tariffs set by the European Union. Northern Ireland would stay in that we say that we must remain level against the dollar and the He added that some hours Deal or no deal, the EU The Democratic Unionist the UK customs territory but within the United Kingdom euro since May on rising hopes earlier the gap was “still quite believes another delay to Brit- Party’s 10 lawmakers in London essentially adhere to the EU customs union, it’s a principle for a deal. wide, particularly on the issue ain’s October 31 departure date will play a key role in deciding customs rules on tariffs, DUP that has always been there and a The main sticking point in of customs.” Varadkar said is still likely. Extension options whether Prime Minister Boris leader Arlene Foster said “no principle that will forever be talks has been the border British Prime Minister Boris range from as short as an extra Johnson can pass any Brexit deal because we would have no say there. We have to be entirely between EU member Ireland and Johnson told him at a meeting month to half a year or longer. in parliament. The main obstacle in those tariffs and in relation to within the United Kingdom.” Scottish nationalists want new independence vote EU leaders to debate Albania,

AFP the new year. “Before the end of closely fought referendum cam- marched in Edinburgh last Sat- N Macedonia accession bids ABERDEEN, UK this year, I will demand the paign. But Brexit has put the urday to call for a fresh vote. transfer of power that puts the issue back on the table. Sturgeon said Brexit had AFP Minister Amelie de Montchalin The Scottish National Party will legality of a referendum beyond Sturgeon said after the been a “disaster” and, deal or no LUXEMBOURG said her country was against call for a new referendum on any doubt.” landmark 2016 vote on Britain’s deal by the end-of-the-month opening accession talks for the independence next year, its The devolved government in membership of the European deadline, “neither of these out- EU leaders at a summit this two Western Balkan countries. leader said yesterday, after polls Edinburgh, which Sturgeon leads Union that there had been a “sig- comes is in Scotland’s interest”. week will consider bids by “The (EU) countries have indicated growing support of a as first minister, has to seek per- nificant and material change in She welcomed the prospect Albania and North Macedonia very divergent positions,” she breakaway from the rest of mission from British parliament circumstances” to allow another of a snap election, saying it to start accession talks despite said. She added that the Neth- Britain. in London to hold a second vote. Unlike England and Wales, would be an opportunity to send opposition from some member erlands and Denmark also Nicola Sturgeon told dele- referendum. Scotland voted by nearly two- a message demanding inde- states, officials said yesterday. opposed Albania’s bid, and that gates at the party’s annual con- Members of the Scottish par- thirds to stay in the EU. pendence and Scotland’s right Finnish Foreign Minister France did not want to separate ference in Aberdeen it was liament in 2017 gave their A Sunday Times Scotland to choose its own future. Tytti Tuppurainen, whose Albania’s case from that of North “beyond doubt” that it was time backing for a request but the survey published this week sug- In London, Prime Minister country holds the rotating EU Macedonia — which has broader to offer a choice on the issue. then-prime minister Theresa gested 50 percent of voters now Boris Johnson’s spokesman told presidency, said the issue was EU support — as suggested by “My call is that the refer- May said it was “not the time” to backed independence, up one reporters: “The referendum being put on the summit agenda Finland. endum must happen next year,” be talking about a new inde- point over the last poll in June which took place in Scotland was after EU ministers failed to come “Nobody said no,” she told she said, adding that legal prep- pendence vote. and five points from the 2014 a once in a generation event. to a decision. reporters on leaving the arations were under way for the Scottish voters said “no” to vote. Tens of thousands of pro- “They were the words of the “Unfortunately today meeting. vote and would be completed in independence in 2014 after a independence supporters Scottish National Party at the time.” (Tuesday), the council (of EU “France says it is not asking foreign ministers) was not able for anything new. We’re not to reach a unanimous decision,” saying no. We are just asking Notre-Dame French police seize euthanasia drugs in raids she said in Luxembourg, ahead that criteria set back in June of the summit on Thursday and 2018 be fully applied.” She high- restoration yet AFP/PARIS France’s right-to-die laws several packages containing Friday. lighted needed reforms that she allow only so-called “passive” Nembutal, a brand name for the She added: “I regret that. said Albania and North Mace- to start: Officials French police carried out euthanasia for severely ill or drug pentobarbital, had been However, the discussion was donia had not yet completely nationwide raids yesterday to injured patients, often by discovered en route to France useful to clarify the positions of met, such as setting up a special REUTERS seize dozens of bottles of a removing a person’s life marked as cosmetics. member states.” For the talks prosecutor’s office in Skopje. PARIS suspected illegal barbiturate support systems. It does not let A prosecutor said 130 with Albania and North Mace- She said a “very, very large often used by people intent on ill or elderly people take their bottles suspected of containing donia to start, all EU countries majority” of EU countries sup- Six months after the massive performing assisted suicides or own life. US authorities alerted Nembutal were seized at 103 have to agree. ported a reform of the accession fire that almost razed Paris’ euthanasia, prosecutors said. French colleagues last July that different sites. French European Affairs process. Notre-Dame, the restoration work at the iconic cathedral has not started in earnest and the official reopening date is yet to Russia bids farewell to first man who walked in space be determined, officials said yesterday. AFP Many ordinary Russians also came to “We’re still in the first MYTISHCHI, RUSSIA pay their respects including students who phase, the phase of securing skipped classes to attend the funeral. (the monument’s structure) Hundreds of people including Russian and “This is a loss for the entire Soviet which is lasting longer than ini- US astronauts and top officials bid farewell people and the whole of mankind,” Boris tially planned,” Monsignor yesterday to Alexei Leonov, a legendary Yesin, who worked with Leonov at the Patrick Chauvet, the top admin- Soviet cosmonaut who was the first man Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan, said. istrative cleric of Notre-Dame, to perform a spacewalk. “Working with him was hard but said yesterday. Thomas Stafford, an 89-year-old interesting.” On March 18, 1965, at the age “Then there will be the retired NASA astronaut, Valentina Ter- of 30, Leonov made history when he left second phase, dedicated to eshkova, the first woman to travel into a spacecraft during the Voskhod 2 mission assessing the situation, we will space, and Russian Defence Minister for a spacewalk that lasted 12 minutes and work out how much the resto- Sergei Shoigu were among those gathered nine seconds. ration will cost. The third phase, outside Moscow to pay their last respects That spacewalk nearly killed him as which will start in 2021, will be to the Soviet space icon. his spacesuit became inflated due to the the restoration phase itself,” Leonov was laid to rest at a military lack of atmospheric pressure. He had to Chauvet told a news cemetery in Mytishchi in a ceremony that bleed off some of the oxygen in his suit, conference. included a gun salute and a service by a risking oxygen starvation. The April 15 fire caused the Russian Orthodox priest. His return to Earth also nearly ended roof and spire of the Gothic Ahead of the burial fellow astronauts in tragedy when Leonov and pilot Pavel landmark to collapse although took turns praising Leonov next to a flag- Belyayev were forced to crash-land deep Officers carry a coffin of Alexei Leonov, the first man to conduct a space walk in 1965, the main bell towers and the draped casket that bore his body. in the Russian woods. during his funeral in Mytishchi, outside Moscow, Russia, yesterday. outer walls were saved by fire- Stafford, who shared a historic space Russian President Vladimir Putin, who fighters, as well as religious handshake with Leonov at the height of was on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, last week relics and priceless artwork. the Cold War in 1975, spoke fondly of the States. Leonov was commander of the today,” said the 82-year-old Tereshkova. sent his condolences to Leonov’s widow An official cause of the cosmonaut. Soyuz 19 spacecraft and Stafford com- Russian cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev called and his daughter, calling him a “true trail- blaze has yet to be “Alexei, we will not forget you!” manded the Apollo. Leonov also helped him a “great patriot”, while Leonov’s blazer” and a “heroic person”. determined. Stafford said in Russian. Stafford adopt two Russian boys. friend, Lieutenant General Yury Babansky, Leonov became a legend at home and French President The two men took part in the ground- Soviet cosmonaut Tereshkova called said his passing was “an irreplaceable his feats were immortalised in cinema and Emmanuel Macron has set a breaking Apollo-Soyuz mission that Leonov a true friend. loss”. literature. He was a friend of Yuri Gagarin, target of five years for restoring opened a new era of space cooperation “It’s hard to come to terms with the “We said our goodbyes but we will who became the first man in space in 1961 the cathedral. between the Soviet Union and United fact that we have to say goodbye to you remember as long as we live,” he told AFP. and trained with him. 16 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019

Boat captain Romania’s President names liberal as new PM expected to face

AFP I hope the political government of Viorica Dancila’s in a political crisis and that we government,” PSD chief Dancila charges over BUCHAREST decision-makers Social Democratic Party (PSD). have to quickly come up with a said, adding that PSD lawmakers Danube disaster understand that we Since taking power in late solution,” said Iohannis. will not attend the plenary Romania’s President yesterday are in a political crisis 2016, the PSD has faced massive The liberals are counting on session during which the next REUTERS named Ludovic Orban, chief of protests and criticism from the votes of the five other parties government will ask for a vote. BUDAPEST the National Liberal Party (PNL), and that we have Brussels over controversial which supported the no-confi- Iohannis has said he does not as the next prime minister after to quickly come up judicial reforms seen as helping dence vote to see their gov- oppose snap elections, but Hungarian prosecutors are the previous left-wing with a solution: Klaus politicians to escape corruption ernment installed, with some insisted the Romanian consti- expected to charge the captain government collapsed in a Iohannis sentences. trading strict conditions in return tution makes such a scenario of a cruise ship that struck and no-confidence vote. The designation of Orban for their support. highly unlikely. sank a small tourist vessel on Orban, 56, a former transport was expected after his party suc- But one of them — the The next parliamentary elec- the River Danube, killing 28 minister, must now receive tions with parliamentary groups. cessfully spearheaded the no- centre-right Union Save tions are scheduled for late 2020. mostly Korean tourists, after backing from the fragmented Speaking alongside Iohannis, confidence vote. Romania (USR) — has already One of the main challenges police finished their investi- parliament as the poor, cor- Orban vowed to “respect the rule Orban, whose father comes called for snap elections, arguing of the next government will be gation, officials said yesterday. ruption-plagued EU-member of law and judicial inde- from Romania’s Hungarian that a government with a limited to write next year’s budget, com- The tourist boat Mermaid, struggles to overcome months pendence”. “I am putting all my minority, has ten days to form a mandate will not have enough plicated by an explosion of public with 35 people on board, sank of political instability. experience and my energy to cabinet and ask for parliament’s traction to take on profound spending in recent months as the in seconds in May after the river President Klaus Iohannis work toward the public interest,” approval, which is far from a reforms. PSD struggled to stay in power. cruiser hit it from behind under named Orban — a familiar face in he said. done deal given that PNL has The PSD, which have 201 The political shift comes one a bridge in the Hungarian Romania’s political landscape for Lawmakers last week voted only 95 of 465 seats. seats, said they will not support month before the first round of capital during heavy rain, in the the past two decades — after narrowly in favour of a no-con- “I hope the political decision- the new government. presidential elections, scheduled worst disaster on the Danube holding two rounds of consulta- fidence vote against the makers understand that we are “We won’t vote Iohannis’s for November 10. in more than half a century. Lawyers for the Ukrainian cruiser captain, identified by police as 64-year-old C. Yuriy Russian journalists receive threats after from Odessa, who has been in custody since he was arrested investigating secret military group after the incident, have said he is devastated but did nothing REUTERS to break into his staff’s personal People with ties to the wrong. They could not be MOSCOW accounts on Facebook, the Tel- Wagner group have previously reached for further comment. egram messenger service and said that it has carried out clan- “The (cruiser) captain was A group of Russian journalists Google mail, he said, and one of destine combat missions on the definitely in the control cabin who investigated the activities his journalists was followed in Kremlin’s behalf in Ukraine and at the time of the accident,” of a secretive group of Russian the street by an unknown man Syria. Russian authorities deny Budapest deputy police chief mercenaries in Africa and the who filmed her with a video Wagner contractors carry out Adrian Pal told a news con- Middle East have been subject camera. their orders. ference announcing their inves- to a campaign of physical threats “This is all simply an attempt The Wagner group was tigation had been concluded. and harassment, their editor-in- to make us nervous, to distract thrust into the spotlight last year “Neither alcohol nor other chief said. from our journalistic work, to when three Russian journalists psychoactive substances could “Proekt,” an independent make it clear that we’re under were killed in Central African be detected in his bloodstream,” Moscow-based online news surveillance and that they’re Republic while investigating its Pal said. “He just did not notice outlet which specialises in inves- watching us,” Badanin said. alleged presence there. the Mermaid, simple as that. He tigations, began to publish a Badanin said he could not Russian private military con- never saw it before he hit it.” series of articles in March prove who was behind the har- tractors use a defence ministry Police transferred the case looking into the role of a assment campaign, which he base in southern Russia con- to prosecutors and proposed shadowy group of mercenaries said peaked last month when taining barracks that were built pressing formal charges against known as Wagner. Proekt ran an investigation into by a company linked to busi- the captain. Around the same time, Wagner’s alleged activities in nessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, Prosecution spokesman Roman Badanin, its editor-in- Libya. Reuters reported in April. Ferenc Rab said prosecutors chief, said his journalists began Proekt did not complain to Russia is regularly criticised would prepare and submit to get e-mailed threats prom- the police over the incidents, he by media freedom watchdogs charges after a mandatory ising physical retribution for said, saying he had instead who say attacks on journalists 30-day waiting period, adding their work. decided to speak out publicly to in the country often go the captain would remain in Unknown individuals tried draw attention to the problem. unpunished. custody to prevent him escaping. Launch of new European Commission likely to be delayed REUTERS/BRUSSELS governments for commissioners, original date of November 1. be in place is in the hands of the several EU officials said on. The delay is to give the gov- three governments and the The launch of the new European Josep Borrell, the incoming ernments of Hungary, Romania European Parliament,” one EU Commission, the European EU foreign affairs chief, told and France time to propose new official said. Breast cancer awareness Union’s executive arm, is likely reporters in Luxembourg it was candidates for commissioners A likely date for a parlia- to be delayed by a month “reasonable” to expect a delay after their initial choices failed mentary vote approving the People walking in a street under hundreds of pink umbrellas because the European of the start of the new Com- to pass EU Parliament hearings. Commission as a whole was a hanging to raise awareness of breast cancer screening in Montpellier, Parliament has rejected three mission of Ursula von der Leyen “The schedule of when plenary session in Strasbourg on southern France, yesterday. candidates proposed by EU until December 1 from the exactly the new Commission can November 28, the official said. Austria father, son Second Greece migrant camp in flames get jail terms over Berlin urges ‘restraint’ mafia arms supply REUTERS inside. Earlier, three Syrians had and migrant flows across the ATHENS been taken to hospital with stab Aegean Sea from Turkey since a after Turkish-Kurdish AFP wounds suffered in a fight with 2015 crisis when more than a VIENNA A fire in a severely overcrowded a group of Afghans, police said. million streamed into Europe, migrant camp in Greece forced Several tents and housing many of them entering the con- clashes in Germany An Austrian court slapped jail hundreds of people into the containers were destroyed and tinent via Greece. AFP nearby kiosk, the statement terms on a father and son for streets, compounding their plight 600 people were given shelter A regional governor, Costas BERLIN added. supplying hundreds of illegal with more refugees arriving on by aid groups, the Medecins Sans Moutzouris, described the “Some of them stormed into weapons to the Camorra Greek islands daily in what an Frontieres (MSF) charity said. It current situation on Greece’s German authorities yesterday the kiosk, attacked two people neapolitan mafia in Italy. aid group called a worsening estimates that half of the camp’s frontline islands as “tragic” and appealed to its Turkish and inside and injured them” as well A court in Klagenfurt gave “nightmare”. residents are women and called on the government to act. Kurdish communities to avoid as breaking a window. the men, aged 74 and 48, jail Greece sent more police to children. Athens has announced a echoing the Middle Eastern The demonstration con- terms of 24 and 20 months the island of Samos yesterday “This nightmare must end!” stricter migration policy to deal conflict, after clashes between tinued and someone threw a respectively. after the fire, which occurred MSF wrote on Twitter. “Children with the crisis, including plans the two groups over Ankara’s bottle at the marchers from a They were found guilty of two weeks after a deadly blaze and other vulnerable people to deport 10,000 migrants by the offensive in northeastern Syria. Turkish-owned cafe as they supplying 820 hand guns and at a troubled camp on nearby must be evacuated from the end of next year. Police said at least five passed. dozens of Kalashnikov assault Lesbos triggered protests there. Greek islands to safe But efforts to ease over- people had been injured in fights “The reaction was very emo- rifles to the group since 2011. The Samos fire flared outside accommodation.” crowding have borne little fruit between the two communities tional and angry” as several par- When the trial started, the the camp on Monday night, fire- Greece is struggling with the as arrivals have surged to record late on Monday. ticipants again rushed into the pair had denied knowingly fighters said, before spreading biggest resurgence in refugee levels. “We have a responsibility to cafe, breaking windows and fur- dealing with the mafia, insisting prevent the conflict in the region niture and injuring at least one they had thought they were becoming a conflict in our person inside, as well as one of working with “vegetable society... in Germany,” inte- the police officers who inter- traders”. The pair can still gration commissioner Annette vened to stop the fighting. appeal the verdict. Widmann-Mauz told the Funke Nevertheless, “the police A Naples prosecutor newspaper group. were able to calm the situation” announced in March that Italy “I expect all sides, especially and the demonstration ended as and Austria had busted an migrant organisations and reli- planned when the marchers international arms trafficking gious communities, to take reached their destination in the ring that supplied the Camorra responsibility and contribute to centre. with guns, including “weapons restraint.” Of the roughly three million of war”, to start a war with The commissioner advises people with Turkish nationality other clans. the government on integration or roots living in Germany, The year-long Italian inves- and serves as a point of contact around one million are Kurds. tigation led to the arrests of 22 for migrants and community Politicians regularly warn of people, including the Austrian organisations. tensions between the two com- gunsmiths and several Camorra The clashes happened as munities, which have been couriers. around 350 people were stoked by Turkey’s offensive The Camorra is one of marching through the western against Kurdish fighters inside Italy’s three main organised city of Herne Monday against Syria. crime groups, along with Sic- Turkey’s offensive in Kurdish- Separately in Berlin, local ily’s Cosa Nostra, commonly controlled areas of Syria, police police said a man wearing a known as the mafia, and the said in a statement. jacket with a Turkish flag was Burned beds and tents are seen at a camp for refugees and migrants following a fire on the island ‘Ndrangheta, centred in the They were “provoked with beaten by around 15 people, of Samos, in Greece, yesterday. Calabria region. hand signals” by people at a leaving him with a facial injury. WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 AMERICAS 17 John Bolton called Giuliani a ‘hand grenade’

AP Fiona Hill testified investigation that Bolton also told earlier this year of former Hunter Biden admits error in WASHINGTON that former national her he was not part of “whatever ambassador to Ukraine Marie drug deal Sondland and Mul- Yovanovitch, according to a A former top White House security adviser John vaney are cooking up,” in ref- person familiar with the judgement, insists no wrongdoing adviser on Russia told House Bolton described erence to talks over Ukraine. testimony. AFP impeachment investigators there Giuliani as “a hand Sondland is expected to Yovanovitch testified to the WASHINGTON were concerns at high levels of grenade who is going appear for a deposition under impeachment investigators on President Donald Trump’s subpoena on Thursday and will Friday that Trump pressured the Hunter Biden denied any wrongdoing in his business dealings in administration about Rudy to blow everybody certainly be asked about those State Department to fire her. Ukraine and China but acknowledged he exercised poor judgment Giuliani’s activities in Ukraine, up.” talks. He’s expected to tell Con- The interview is one of what and cashed in on the fame of his last name. testifying behind closed doors gress that a text message could eventually become dozens In an interview, Biden said he had failed to anticipate how that former national security and Ukrainian President Volo- released earlier this month reas- of closed-door depositions in the those activities would be become fodder for critics of his father, adviser John Bolton described dymyr Zelenskiy, in which suring another envoy that there impeachment probe. There are former vice-president Joe Biden, as he runs for the Democratic Giuliani as “a hand grenade who Trump urged that Zelenskiy was no quid pro quo in their five more scheduled this week, presidential nomination. is going to blow everybody up.” investigate political rival Joe interactions with Ukraine was mostly with State Department “Did I make a mistake? Maybe in the grand scheme of things,” Fiona Hill testified for more Biden’s family and Ukraine’s own based solely on what Trump told officials, though it is unclear if Biden said in the interview, excerpts of which were released ahead than 10 hours as part of the Dem- involvement in the 2016 presi- him, according to a person they will all appear after Trump of its airing today before another Democratic presidential debate. ocrats’ impeachment probe into dential election. familiar with his coming declared he wouldn’t cooperate “But did I make a mistake based on some ethical lapse? Abso- Trump’s dealings with Ukraine. A whistleblower complaint testimony. with the probe. lutely not,” Biden, 49, insisted. “I don’t think there’s a lot of things She detailed Bolton’s con- about that call, later made public, The cache of text messages Deputy Assistant Secretary that would have happened in my life if my last name wasn’t Biden.” cerns to lawmakers and told prompted House Speaker Nancy was provided by one of the of State George Kent is also Biden held a lucrative position on the board of a Ukrainian them that she had at least two Pelosi to launch the inquiry’s first witnesses, former scheduled to testify. energy company, Burisma, while his father was vice-president meetings with National Security impeachment inquiry. Giuliani Ukrainian envoy Kurt Volker, While interviews have under Barack Obama and helped engineer the ouster of that coun- Council lawyer John Eisenberg is Trump’s personal lawyer and and detailed attempts by the dip- focused on the interactions with try’s prosecutor general on grounds he was weak on corruption. about the matter at Bolton’s was heavily involved in the effort lomats to serve as intermediaries Ukraine, the probe could Biden Jr said in the interview that the Trump administration request, according to a person to pressure Ukraine on the around the time Trump urged broaden as soon as next week to has spread a “ridiculous conspiracy theory” about his work in familiar with the testimony who investigations. Zelenskiy to start the investiga- include interviews with White Ukraine. requested anonymity to discuss Hill also referred to US tions into a company linked to House budget officials who may “I gave a hook to some very unethical people to act in illegal the confidential interview. ambassador Gordon Sondland Biden’s son. be able to shed light on whether ways to try to do some harm to my father,” Biden said. “That’s Those meetings took place and acting White House chief of Hill also told the investi- military aid was withheld from where I made the mistake. So I take full responsibility for that. in early July, weeks before a July staff Mick Mulvaney, telling the gators that she had strongly and Ukraine as Trump and Giuliani Did I do anything improper? No, not in any way. Not in any way 25 phone call between Trump three committees leading the repeatedly objected to the ouster pushed for the investigations. whatsoever,” he added. Biden, Warren and FBI helping in probe of homicide Sanders face scrutiny recorded on video AP the first primary contest just over AP WESTERVILLE three months away. The event, ANCHORAGE hosted by CNN and The New Joe Biden is facing baseless but York Times, will be held in Ohio, The FBI will help Anchorage persistent allegations of wrong- a state that has long helped police with the investigation of doing overseas that could decide presidential elections but a homicide recorded with undermine his argument that has drifted away from Demo- photos and video. he’s best positioned to defeat the crats in recent years. KTVA reported the FBI is president. Bernie Sanders is Sanders, a Vermont senator, providing investigative and recovering from a heart attack will be under pressure to prove technical assistance in the that raised questions about his he has the physical and mental investigation of the death of ability to withstand the vigor of stamina to stand on a podium for 30-year-old Kathleen Henry. a presidential campaign. And three hours less than two weeks Her body was found on October Elizabeth Warren is fending off after suffering a heart attack. Age 2 along a highway. new scrutiny of her biography. was already a concern for the Forty-eight-year-old Brian A dozen Democratic presi- 78-year-old even before he was Steven Smith is charged with dential candidates will meet taken to a Nevada hospital first-degree murder. A woman today for the most crowded earlier this month and had two on September 30 told police she presidential debate in modern stents put in to clear a clogged found a memory card with evi- history. But it’s the three leading artery in his heart. dence of a crime. candidates — Biden, Sanders and Sanders and his allies insist The 12 candidates’ podiums stand ready before the fourth US Democratic presidential candidates The card had photos and Warren — who face the most the health scare has only 2020 election debate at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. videos of a man beating and intense spotlight that could strengthened his commitment to strangling a woman. Detectives expose glaring liabilities in their the 2020 contest — and his case for the first time as a front- she has embraced Sanders’ left on her own. Warren is linked a voice on videos to Smith quest for the White House. for his signature “Medicare for runner, a status that makes her single-payer plan instead. standing by her story. from a previous investigation. The debate marks the first All” health care plan. Sanders a top target of rivals in both Republicans, meanwhile, The debate will also feature time the candidates will meet plans to note, as he has in recent major political parties. have raised questions about Buttigieg, California Sen. Kamala since the House moved forward days, that millions of Americans Biden, 76, and others have whether Warren, 70, was Harris, New York entrepreneur Felicity Huffman with an impeachment inquiry without health insurance could jabbed her intense focus on actually forced from her teaching Andrew Yang, former Texas Rep. starts serving prison against President Donald Trump. have been forced into bank- detailed liberal policies that may job because of a pregnancy Beto O’Rourke, Minnesota Sen. While they are united on that ruptcy — or worse — under the be difficult to implement with a nearly a half century ago, a claim Amy Klobuchar, New Jersey Sen. time in college scam issue, the debate will again same circumstances. divided Congress. South Bend, that has become a core part of Cory Booker, former Obama expose a political party strug- The stakes are also high for Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg her personal message. Critics housing chief Julián Castro, bil- AP/DUBLIN gling to coalesce around a uni- Warren, Sanders’ ideological ally, has highlighted the absence of a have pointed to past speeches lionaire activist Tom Steyer and fying message or messenger with who stands on the debate stage specific Warren health care plan; and documents that suggest she Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. “Desperate Housewives” star Felicity Huffman reported yesterday to a prison in Cali- Explosive device Latest search for Amelia Earhart plane comes up empty: NYT fornia to serve a two-week sentence in a college admissions blows up at AFP The National Geographic Pacific near remote Howland aerial drones. Despite not finding scandal, a representative said. WASHINGTON Channel, which sponsored the Island while on one of the final a single piece of Earhart’s A brief statement from Montana school expedition, is to air a documentary legs of their epic journey. Lockheed Electra, Ballard told the Huffman’s publicist, the TASC AP/HELENA The mystery continues. The latest about the search on Sunday. One of the most popular the- newspaper he remains confident Group, said that she “is pre- hunt for the remains of the plane Earhart went missing while on ories is that Earhart and Noonan it will eventually be discovered. pared to serve the term of An improvised explosive device of Amelia Earhart, the famed a pioneering round-the-world crash-landed on uninhabited “This plane exists,” Ballard imprisonment Judge Talwani blew up in an elementary American aviatrix who disap- flight with navigator Fred Noonan. Gardner Island, now known as said. “It’s not the Loch Ness ordered as one part of the pun- school playground in Helena- peared over the Pacific in 1937, Her disappearance is one of Nikumaroro, part of the Republic monster, and it’s going to be ishment she imposed for Ms. yesterday just before classes has turned up nothing. the most tantalising mysteries in of Kiribati, where she survived found. Huffman’s actions.” A began, authorities said, causing The New York Times reported aviation lore, fascinating histo- briefly as a castaway. “I’m not giving up,” he said. spokesman for the agency no injuries but leaving investi- that an extensive search con- rians for decades and spawning The Times said Ballard and his Earhart, who won fame in refused to be named. gators to puzzle over what was ducted by a team led by Robert books, movies and theories galore. team conducted a two-week 1932 as the first woman to fly solo A federal judge in Boston behind the explosion in Ballard, discoverer of the The prevailing belief is that search around Nikumaroro in across the Atlantic, took off on sentenced Huffman last month Montana’s quiet capital city. wreckage of the Titanic, had not Earhart, 39, and Noonan, 44, ran August, using the state-of-the-art May 20, 1937 from Oakland, Cal- to 14 days in prison, a $30,000 No threat was made against turned up any evidence of out of fuel and ditched their twin- research vessel E/V Nautilus, ifornia, hoping to become the first fine, 250 hours of community Rossiter Elementary school, Earhart’s aircraft. engine Lockheed Electra in the underwater submersibles and woman to fly around the world. service and a year’s probation. Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton said, adding that the device blew up at 8:21am, just minutes before the morning bell Fire department says Los Angeles rang to start classes. “No children were in the vicinity and he did not immediately blaze began beneath power lines know whether the explosion AP/LOS ANGELES 31sq km and destroyed 17 struc- the reported location and time damaged any property.” tures and damaged dozens more. of the fire, spokeswoman Susan Students were evacuated A destructive fire that broke out Officials say one man died of a Cox said. “The report was filed from the school after author- on the edge of Los Angeles began heart attack in the fire that began “out of an abundance of caution.” ities made sure the path was beneath a high-voltage trans- in Sylmar and spread to Porter Terrie Prosper, a spokes- clear of other devices. The mission tower owned by Ranch. woman for the commission, said children were placed on buses Southern California Edison, fire The fire department had said the report is confidential and not and sent to another location officials said. on Friday that they believed the publicly available. “Electric util- where they could be picked up Los Angeles Fire Department fire started at that location. ities must file reports in four by their parents, Helena public arson investigators determined SoCal Edison has not com- instances: when there is a fatality school officials said. the origin of the Saddle Ridge mented on the fire’s source but or injury that involves electric All schools in Helena and Fire was beneath power lines on says it reported to state regu- facilities, when there is damage East Helena were locked down a dry, steep hillside above the lators that its system was to property over $50,000, when and were being searched by city’s Sylmar neighbourhood, affected. The utility filed a report there is significant media cov- officers. School officials said in Capt. Erik Scott said. The cause Friday to the California Public erage, and when there is a major Firefighters checking on a backfire during the Saddle Ridge Fire in a statement that the lockdown has not yet been determined. Utilities Commission that said outage to at least 10% of the Newhall, California on Sunday. was a precautionary measure. The fire burned more than “our system was impacted” near service territory at once.” 18 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 Kin of slain cops angry; Obrador defends policy

AP President Andrés Mexico’s most powerful gangs. MORELIA Manuel López Obrador At the funeral home in the called the attack state capital, Morelia, relatives Grieving family members of the “regrettable” but said of the dead described a situation 13 police officers killed in an in which relatively young, new, apparent cartel ambush gathered he remains committed lightly armed police were sent outside a funeral home in the to his security in to confront hardened foes with Mexican state of Michoacan approach emphasising heavier armament, without any yesterday, many of them angry underlying social support. at the government and police González graduated from the chiefs they believe sent their problems. police academy just nine months loved ones to a certain death. earlier; he left behind a 1-year- “The good ones are here,” committed to his security old son and a wife who is five said the brother of slain officer approach emphasizing under- months pregnant. Marco Antonio González, 20, lying social problems, which he “They asked for help, rein- gesturing at the massive funeral often references as “hugs, not forcements, and it never hall. “And those responsible for bullets,” in the face of national arrived,” his brother said, this, they are also here,” he said homicide figures that have been alluding to recordings of des- just as the state’s police chief and setting all-time highs. perate radio calls sent out as the Security forces patrol along a road after police officers were killed during an ambush by suspected his top brass got out of cars. The “We are going to continue convoy came under intense fire. cartel hitmen in El Aguaje, in Michoacan state, Mexico, yesterday. man and other relatives refused with our strategy,” López The attackers let loose with to give their names for fear of Obrador said yesterday, adding munitions including .50 caliber El Aguaje is the reputed In August, police found 19 extortion and killings by cartels. reprisals. he is “optimistic” that peace can sniper rifles and AR-15 and birthplace of Nemesio “Mencho” bodies in the town of Uruapan, But some of the self-defence More than 30 suspected be achieved in the country. AK-47 assault rifles, and at least Oseguera, leader of the hyper- including nine hung from a or vigilante groups later became cartel gunmen waylaid the police “This is a violent area and we some were in armored vehicles, violent Jalisco New Generation. bridge. Later, an area roughly infiltrated by cartels and gangs, officers in the town of El Aguaje are going to continue addressing state prosecutors said. Some of After the attack, the area in 70km north of Aguililla was the and the government launched a on Monday as they were the causes that create this social the officers’ bodies were still western Mexico’s so-called “hot scene of fierce clashes between process to disarm, legalize and traveling in a convoy to serve a decomposition,” the president inside patrol trucks when they lands” was reinforced by federal members of Jalisco New Gener- incorporate the vigilantes into warrant. said. “For us it is very important were set on fire. and state security forces, which ation and regional self-defense official security forces. Nine officers were also for there to be well-being, that Gonzalez’s brother suggested set up checkpoints to hunt for the groups. Besides avocado orchards, wounded in the worst attack on peace with justice can be there must have been an assailants. In 2013, civilian groups faced Michoacan for decades has been Mexican law enforcement in achieved ... and also avoiding informant and the officers were Michoacan, an important with what they said was state known for marijuana plantations years, in a western state where that authorities mix with crime.” set up. avocado-growing state, has inaction armed themselves in and the making of violence blamed on drug gangs Signs left at the scene of the “They say this is not going to recently has seen a spike in vio- Michoacan to fight the Knights methamphetamine. has jumped in recent months. attack in the town of El Aguaje, go unpunished, when we know lence that has brought back Templar cartel, one of whose It is home to the port of President Andrés Manuel Aguililla municipality, were that in this state everything goes memories of the bloodiest days bases was Aguililla. They said Lázaro Cárdenas, a key entry López Obrador called the attack apparently signed by the Jalisco unpunished,” the officer’s uncle of Mexico’s war on drug cartels they took up arms to defend point for precursor chemicals “regrettable” but said he remains New Generation cartel, one of said. between 2006 and 2012. themselves from kidnappings, used to make synthetic drugs. Guam avoids Fort Worth cop charged with coral bleaching murder in shooting at home predicted for this year: Officials AP statementt after Dean’s arrest in FORT WORTH which he pledged that the AP department’s major case and HAGATNA A white former Fort Worth internal affairs units were police officer was being held in working “around the clock” for Vulnerable coral reefs on Guam jail on a murder charge after justice in the case. have not experienced severe shooting a black woman through “To the citizens and resi- bleaching that was predicted for a window of her home, and the dents of our city: We feel and this year, in part because of department told a grieving understand your anger and dis- stormy weather that reduced community that investigators appointment and we stand by water temperatures, officials said. would ensure “no stone is left you as we work together to The Guam Bureau of Sta- unturned” in the search for make Fort Worth a better place tistics and Plans said a mass answers. for all of us,” Daniels said. coral bleaching event indicated Aaron Dean, 34, was jailed Earlier in the day, Jefferson’s by satellite measurements of on Monday night on $200,000 family had demanded that Dean, sea surface temperatures did bond after being charged with a member of the force for 1½ not occur, Pacific Daily News murder in a shooting that began years, be fired and arrested. reported . with a call about an open front “Why this man is not in “We have so far been very door. Earlier in the day he handcuffs is a source of con- lucky,” said Whitney Hoot, a resigned from the force, and the tinued agitation for this family coral reef resilience coordinator police chief said he would have and for this community,” family with the statistics and plans been fired if he hadn’t. attorney Lee Merritt said, hours An aerial view of firefighters searching for the survivors through the rubble after a seven-floor bureau. Police bodycam video before Dean was booked into residential building collapsed in Fortaleza, Ceara state, in Brazil, yesterday. The National Ocean and showed Dean approaching the jail. Atmospheric Administration’s door of the home where Ata- Following Dean’s arrest, Coral Reef Watch programme tiana Jefferson, 28, was caring Merritt said the family “needs to indicated in July that the island Building collapse in Brazil leaves one dead for her 8-year-old nephew early see this through to a vigorous would likely experience signif- Saturday. He then walked prosecution and appropriate icant bleaching, which often AFP reach two people trapped in the state fire brigade and civil around the side of the house, sentencing” and added that that precedes coral death. RIO DE JANEIRO debris, while 10 have been defence, told Globo TV during pushed through a gate into the “the city of Fort Worth has much Stormy weather including reported by their relatives as an interview. fenced-off backyard and fired work to do to reform a brutal Super Typhoon Hagibis may At least one person was killed missing. Rescuers wearing bright through the glass a split-second culture of policing.” have contributed to the coral’s when a seven-storey residential Vehicles parked in the orange clothing scrambled over after shouting at Jefferson to Police went to Jefferson’s survival through cloud cover building collapsed in Brazil streets around the scene were the rubble as they searched for show her hands. home about 2:25 a.m. after a that cooled surface water tem- yesterday, an official said, as covered in dust. more survivors. Dean was not heard identi- neighbor called a non-emer- peratures. Storms and wind are rescuers searched through the It was not immediately clear Building collapses in Brazil fying himself as police on the gency line to report a door ajar. also likely to have exchanged rubble for survivors. what caused the building to col- tend to happen in poor neigh- video, and Interim Police Chief In a statement over the weekend, hot water in shallow areas with Seven people were pulled lapse at around 10:30am (1330 borhoods, known as favelas, Ed Kraus said there was no sign the department said officers saw cooler water from deeper areas, alive from the wreckage of the GMT), when most people would where illegal construction is Dean or the other officer who someone near a window inside officials said. “Coral paling, building in Fortaleza, the capital have been at work. rampant. responded even knocked on the the home and that one of them which is the precursor to of the northeastern Ceara state, “There could have been 10 But TV footage shows the front door. drew his gun and fired after “per- bleaching, has affected some after it imploded, sending thick to 15 people inside the building tower in Fortaleza appears to be “Nobody looked at this video ceiving a threat.” corals, and the island is still under clouds of dust into the air, cell at the moment it collapsed, but in an upper middle-class area and said that there’s any doubt The video showed Dean a bleaching warning, which is phone footage broadcast by these numbers are totally spec- near the city center, which is that this officer acted inappro- shouting, “Put your hands up! anticipated to remain for up to Globo TV showed. ulative,” Lieutenant Romario populated by many modern- priately,” Kraus said. Show me your hands!” and four weeks.” Rescuers were trying to Fernandes, a spokesman for the looking buildings. Sgt Chris Daniels read a immediately firing.

IMF welcomes attempt to Brazil graft probe targets Bolsonaro’s party leader

resolve dispute in Ecuador REUTERS concealed transfers of party Riding Bolsonaro’s coat- AP RIO DE JANEIRO funds in the state of tails in last year’s election, WASHINGTON Pernambuco. PSL politicians made it the Brazilian police launched a corruption According to the source, second-largest party in the The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it welcomes the decision probe yesterday into the head of President who spoke on condition of lower house of Congress. by Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno to cancel an austerity package Jair Bolsonaro’s right-wing Social Liberal anonymity to disclose details Yet the campaign finance following more than a week of protests. Party (PSL) Luciano Bivar (pictured), a of the operation, PSL is the scandal has added to Gita Gopinath, director of the IMF’s Research Department, said police source said, adding to tensions within party under investigation and infighting in a party packed yesterday that the agency welcomes the attempt “to bring in all stake- the fractious governing coalition. police were executing nine with political newcomers. holders and to make decisions about macro reforms taking into account The widening investigations into the search and seizure warrants Yesterday’s probe the various communities that are going to be affected by it.” PSL’s alleged campaign finance fraud, in addresses related to PSL comes amid a public spat Moreno and leaders of Ecuador’s indigenous groups struck a deal late which have already resulted in charges president Bivar. between the president and Sunday to cancel an IMF-backed package that included a sharp rise in against the tourism minister, threaten to A lawyer for PSL and Bivar Bivar, with Bolsonaro fuel prices after protests that left seven people dead and 1,152 arrested. muddy Bolsonaro’s anti-graft message and said in a statement that “there threatening to leave the Gopinath did not address the status of the $4.bn loan Ecuador slow progress on his economic agenda. is no evidence of fraud in the electoral party. received in March during a press conference kicking off the annual In a statement yesterday, federal police process,” adding the probe started 10 Last week, Bolsonaro and PSL law- meeting. said they were investigating whether rep- months ago and several witnesses had makers dissatisfied with Bivar requested resentatives of a political party had testified. information on the party’s finances. WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019 HOME 19 QNRF recognises Qatar’s outstanding research projects at annual forum

THE PENINSULA DOHA

More than 80 research projects focused on tackling Qatar’s most pressing issues have been awarded funding under Qatar National Research Fund’s National Priorities Research Program. The awards were made at its 11th Annual Forum, held at Qatar National Convention Centre, where five proposals from its Path towards Pre- cision Medicine funding track – a collaboration with fellow Qatar Foundation (QF) member the Qatar Genome Programme – also received grants, and an audience comprising members of Qatar’s academic and research community was briefed about Qatar National Research The winners of the Best Research Office with officials during the QNRF Forum. Fund’s (QNRF) achievements and progress over the year. innovative technological solutions and public Structure of Peridotite’, while Weill Cornell Med- Dr. Abdul Sattar Al Taie, Executive Director policies which have potential to create global icine-Qatar was named the Best Research Office of QNRF, said: “Over the past 13 years, QNRF has impact,” he said. “A good portion of QNRF- for this year. served as the main driver of research in Qatar. funded projects have now started producing Dr. Hisham A Sabir, Director – Technical, “Through our various funding programs and intellectual property rights, including provisional QNRF, also highlighted the outcomes of a recent initiatives, we have helped build significant patents and invention disclosures.” survey conducted by the funding agency to human capacity in research at all levels and During the event, 88 research proposals from measure the impact of its flagship program, across all sectors in Qatar, nurtured and sup- 15 institutions across Qatar were awarded under NPRP. Meanwhile, Dr. Nefissa Chakroun, QNRF’s ported a research culture, and played a major the 12th cycle of the National Priorities Research Intellectual Property and Innovation Program role in establishing the foundations of physical Program-Standard (NPRP-S), and the winners Manager, briefed the audience on the intellectual research infrastructure locally.” of the Best Research Image Outcome (BRIO) com- property rights generated by QNRF-funded pro- Dr. Al Taie emphasized QNRF’s role in petition and Best Research Office were also grams and its goal of strengthening Qatar’s patent moving the value chain of research from input announced. Dr. Nayef Alyafei from Texas A&M registration mechanism and the framework of to output and technological and societal impact. University at Qatar, a QF partner university, won its intellectual property laws to support local “We have helped in the development of the BRIO competition for his image titled ‘Micro researchers and engineers. VCUarts Qatar professors win award for documentary THE PENINSULA Institute for Advanced Studies in informal settlement (favela) located projecting onto the ocean.” DOHA Systems Research and Cybernetics above the Katete area of Rio de While favelas have long had a (IIAS) for their documentary film, Janeiro, in respect with the juxta- negative reputation, the film show- Faculty from VCUarts Qatar’s “Living in the Above: Taveres Bastos position and negotiation amongst cases a desirable life of the inhab- Liberal Arts and Sciences and Favela.” nature and architectural design, itants of this particular Interior Design departments have The film, a collaboration while leading a team of interna- neighborhood. won an award for a documentary between an architect (Granberg) tional film makers. Granberg said, “We see the film that highlights the lives of the resi- and a sociologist (Yyelland) is an Greg Andonian from the IIAS as a declaration of love for a for- dents of one of Rio’s favelas. ethno-architectural portrait of life said that the film portrays “Favela gotten place that has much to offer Liberal Arts and Sciences in a small neighborhood in Brazil. life worth living to its fullest, within in the dialog of how we create our Assistant Professor Dr. Byrad Yyelland and Granberg con- the individual means, when one modern cities.” Yyelland and Interior Design Asso- ducted research on social interac- indeed loves living in a secure and The film has been shown in film ciate Professor Dr Johan Granberg tions, identity development and trustful social micro environment, festivals, conferences and has been have received the Golden Film community-building for over five in harmony with nature, with used as teaching material award from the International years on Tavares Bastos, a small thrilling panoramic views of the city worldwide.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Manoharam (2D/Malayalam) 2:00pm Adhya Rathri (2D/Malayalam) 2:15pm; Adhya Rathri (2D/Malayalam) 2:30pm; Aruvam (2D/Tamil) 2:15pm Gemini Man (2D/Action) 5:00pm War (2D/Hindi) 2:30pm; War (2D/Hindi) 2:00, 6:00, 8:45 & 11:30pm Joker (2D/Crime) 4:45, 7:00, 9:15 & 11:30pm The Big Trip (2D/Animation) 4:15pm; A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Faramageddon (2D/Animation) 5:00pm; Joker (2D/Crime) 4:45, 7:00, 9:15 & 11:30pm Gemini Man (2D/Action) 7:00pm; Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil (2D/Adventure) 7:00, 9:15 & Manoharam (2D/Malayalam) 4:00pm; 11:30pm Petromax (2D/Tamil) 5:30pm; Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil (2D/Adventure) 8:00, 9:15, 10:30 & 11:30pm LANDMARK

Adhya Rathri (2D/Malayalam) 5:30pm; Katapadi Kattappa (2D/Tulu) 3:00pm ROXY War (2D/Hindi) 6:00pm; Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil (2D/Adventure) 8:00, 9:00, 10:30 & 11:15pm A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Faramageddon (2D/Animation) 4:30, 8:40 A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Faramageddon & 12:30pm (2D/Animation) 2:30pm; Ganagandharvan (2D/Malayalam) 4:30 & 11:30pm Adhya Rathri (2D/Malayalam) 3:00 & 8:30pm; Joker (2D/Crime) 7:00 & 9:15pm; Abominable (2D/Animation) 2:20 & 6:20pm Petromax (2D/Tamil) 3:00pm; Gemini Man (2D/Action) 12:30, 1:00, 5:40, 8:40, 10:50 & 11:10pm AL KHOR Manoharam (2D/Malayalam) 12:30, 6:00 & 11:30pm Joker (2D/Crime) 3:00, 3:20, 6:00, 8:10 & 10:50pm Manoharam (2D/Malayalam) 11:00am & 6:30pm The Sky is Pink (2D/Hindi) 3:10 & 8:40pm War (2D/Hindi) 11:45am, 5:30 & 11:15pm Gemini Man (3D/Action) 10:30am, 3:30 & 8;30pm; Petromax (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 6:00 & 11:30pm Gemini Man (2D/Action) 4:00 & 11:30pm Adhya Rathri (2D/Malayalam) 1:30 & 9:00pm The Sky is Pink (2D/Hindi) 2:45 & 8:30pm ASIAN TOWN Joker (2D/Crime) 1:00, 6:00 & 11:00pm FLIK Mirqab Mall Manoharam (2D/Malayalam) 5:00, 7:30 & 10:00pm Adhya Rathri (2D/Malayalam) 5:30, 8:00 & 10:30pm Abominable (2D/Animation) 11:45am, 1:30, 3:30, 4:10, Aruvam (2D/Tamil) 3:30, 8:45 & 11:15pm 6:10 & 7:55pm War (2D/Hindi) 6:00pm; The Sky is Pink (2D/Hindi) 6:00pm Ad Astra (2D/Adventure) 12:05 & 4:55pm Petromax (2D/Tamil) 1:00 & 11:30pm Gemini Man (2D/Action) 10:40, 11:10am, 12:20, 1:00, Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. 2:40, 3:20, 5:00, 5:40, 7:20, 8:00, 9:40, 10;20pm & 12:00 midnight. Gemini Man (3D/Action) 11:20am, 1:40, 5:00, 6:20, 8:40 & 11:00pm Joker (2D/Crime) 10;45am, 11:45am, 1:10, 1:45, 2:10, 3:35, 4:35, 6:00, 7:00, 8;25, 9:25, 11:10 & 11:50pm War (2D/Hindi) 8:10 & 10:50pm

MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is an American dark fantasy adventure film produced by Walt Disney Pictures, directed by Joachim Rønning, and written by Linda Woolverton, Micah Fitzerman-Blue. 20 MORNING BREAK WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 16 AM Qatar Philharmonic SHOROOK 05. 33 AM

ZUHR 11. 19 AM MAGHRIB 05. 08 PM Orchestra to play Bruch ASR 02.38 PM ISHA 06. 38 PM

WEATHER TODAY concerto tomorrow

RAYNALD C RIVERA musicianship and memorable lyricism. THE PENINSULA Although Bruch wrote a plethora of music in various genres throughout his prolific The instrumental bravura and tender lyricism career including three operas, 45 choral of German Romantic composer Max Bruch’s works, three symphonies, and 15 other works beloved First Violin Concerto is set to cast a for solo instruments and orchestra; his First spell on classical music lovers at Qatar Phil- Violin Concerto remains his most popular harmonic Orchestra’s concert tomorrow work. night featuring German violinist Tobias The show concludes with Beethoven’s Feldmann. Symphony No. 7, one of his many master- To be “a genuine musical delight from pieces that had influenced every generation its beginning to the very end,” the concert of composers and left indelible mark in the repertoire also includes masterpieces by music world. German violinist Tobias Feldmann Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig Van As one of his most famous symphonic Beethoven. works, the Seventh Symphony is a magnif- led by young conductor David Niemann. Second prize winner of the Thursday night’s concert opens with icent creation in which he showcased tech- 2015 Malko Conducting Competition, Niemann, who was initially a Mozart’s Overture to “Lucio Silla,” an opera nical innovations whose profound influence passionate violinist, is considered one of the most promising con- seria (serious opera) he wrote when he was on 19th century music was undeniable. ductors of his generation. 16 years old for the carnival season in Milan Dubbed by classical music magazine Classical music lovers can look forward to Qatar Philharmonic’s in 1772. A remarkable child prodigy, Mozart Gramophone “an artist to watch,” tonight’s concert on November 8 in which they will perform Johannes Brahms’ was able to compete with established Italian guest violinist Tobias Feldmann is considered First and Third Symphony under the baton of Italian conductor Gian- masters when he was in his teenage years. one of the most promising artists currently luigi Gelmetti. This will be followed by Bruch’s Violin touring the world’s concert stages. He is The orchestra is also gearing up for its performance at the United Concerto No. 1, one of the most popular widely recognised by the classical music Nations Headquarters on October 24 under the theme “Building Pros- o o violin concertos in the world which has world’s most distinguished institutions for perity for All through Culture, Education, Gender Equality, Sports, 30 C 35 C won a permanent place in the violin rep- his vibrant and intense performances which and Sustainability” featuring female artists including the conductor Minimum Maximum ertoire continuously performed and had met huge success at numerous interna- Eimear Noone, composers Hala Al Emadi and Dana Al Fardan and recorded by many violinists for its solid tional competitions. The orchestra will be most of the Qatar Philharmonic’s musicians. Misty at some places at first becomes rel- atively hot daytime with local clouds and a chance of thundery rain at some places by afternoon. Internet game Fortnite HIGH TIDE 06:05 – 17:02 LOW TIDE 00:30 – 13:02

Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department launches Chapter 2 after Call of Duty challenge

REUTERS/NEW YORK

Epic Games’ launched a “Chapter 2” reboot of its battle royale smash hit “Fortnite” yesterday, drawing the eyeballs of millions of gamers globally as it bid to halt defections to rivals “Apex Legends” and “Call of Duty”. Fortnite, which as of earlier this year had 250 million registered players https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/ fortnite-battle-royale-player-numbers, has been down since Sunday, giving users no option other than staring at a black screen after a season-ending in-game event where its original island was sucked into a black hole. The new version of the game features 13 new loca- tions, water gameplay where characters can swim, fish and ride motorboats as well as new places to hide and a host of new avatars and guns. The changes, hashtagged #FirstDrop, were received well by gamers, with ‘Fortnite is back’ trending on US In this file photo taken on July 27, 2019 Richard Tyler Blevins (on screen), aka Ninja, speaking to the Twitter with 13 thousand tweets. crowd at the start of the 2019 Fortnite World Cup Finals - Round Two at Arthur Ashe Stadium, in Nearly 80,000 tuned in to watch the new game being played live by gamer Turner “Tfue” Tenney on video game New York City. live-streaming platform Twitch, less than two hours after its launch. any other single title, according The mobile version of Activ- Shares in Activision, EA and Fortnite and its early rival, Tencent-backed “PlayerUn- to Nielsen data. ision’s long-running “Call of Grand Theft Auto-maker Take- known’s Battlegrounds” (PUBG), popularised an arena- The runaway successes of Duty” franchise launched on Oct. Two Interactive Software all style battle royale survival concept where 100 gamers are the games prompted Electronic 1, and has already racked up 125 inched higher in trading on the dropped onto an island to fight each other to the death. Arts to launch its similarly- million unique downloads and New York Stock Exchange. The games are free to download and play but users themed Apex Legends earlier more than $28m in gross player Fortnite publisher Epic was pay for upgrades, like the “skins” displayed on characters. this year and competition con- spending, according to data worth $15bn when it last raised Fortnite raked in $2.4bn in revenue in 2018, more than tinues to mount. website SensorTower. capital from investors last year. World’s rarest pearl to be showcased at Index Qatar 2019

THE PENINSULA/DOHA Seaquarium will also exhibit The Granada Col- The ‘rarest pearl in the lection, bridging the gap world’ — the Pearl of between geology and con- Nuntius — is on its way to temporary design with a Qatar to be displayed for careful selection of the exhibitors and visitors to most valuable natural Aletsch glacier above Bettmeralp, Swiss Alps. The mighty Aletsch — the largest Index Qatar 2019, the third treasures, remarkable glacier in the Alps — could completely disappear by the end of this century if edition of the Interiors and pieces created from rare nothing is done to rein in climate change, a study showed. fit-out event, being held at gemstones and ancient the Doha Exhibition and fossils. One of the most Swiss glaciers shrink 10% in five years Convention Center (DECC) unique fossils in the col- from October 22 to 24. lection is the only complete AFP/GENEVA metres measured in some places as late According to Volker skull in existence of a Pale- as June. Bassen, the conservationist orhinus, an ancient croc- Switzerland’s glaciers have lost a But during two weeks of intense and philanthropist who odile-like creature that tenth of their volume in the past five heat at the end of June and again in late owns the pearl, it is the could be found in what is years alone — a melting rate July, “the volume of snow and ice third largest in the world and the best to Qatar’s interior and fit-out show, I now Morocco over 237 million years unmatched during observations melting on Swiss glaciers... was equiv- quality pearl of its kind. The Pearl of invite them to come along and see how ago, a true rarity. stretching back more than a century, alent to the country’s total annual con- Nuntius has been defined as a baroque Mother Nature merges with interior Qatar has a long history when it a study showed yesterday. sumption of drinking water,” it said in blister pearl by Gem-A (the Gemmo- design.” comes to pearls, and evidence shows Measurements on 20 Swiss gla- a statement. logical Institute of Great Britain, and GIA Bassen is the CEO of Seaquarium that the first pearl-diving settlement ciers have shown that melt rates this The result, it said, was that the (the Gemological Institute of America), Ltd., specialists in interior design whose dates back 7,000 years. This is sure to year have reached “record levels”, thick snow layer quickly disappeared a pearl that grows from a giant clam- handiwork includes unique luxury items make the Pearl of Nuntius one of the according to the annual study on the and the strong melt continued until shell and resembles porcelain. crafted from ancient relics found in prized attractions for the more than state of the glaciers, published by the early September. “This means that, There are only six pearls in nature. Seaquarium is among this year’s 14,000 visitors expected at Index Qatar Cryospheric Commission at the Swiss over the past 12 months, around two existence from the now-extinct giant many top exhibitors at Index Qatar, 2019. Over 200 exhibitors from more Academy of Sciences. The study, percent of Switzerland’s total glacier clamshell species, Tridacna Gigantea, where Bassen will also be displaying than 20 countries have confirmed their released amid growing global alarm volume has been lost,” the commission which is what makes the Pearl of several of the one-of-a kind fossils he participation at the high-profile three- over climate change, found that intense said, adding that the rate of loss over Nuntius so exceptionally rare. Both the turns into stunning, timeless furnishings day event dedicated to the interior heatwaves over the summer in Swit- the past five years “exceeds 10 percent.” pearl and its 320kg clamshell will be as part of his highly sought-after Venus design and fit-out industry; Index Qatar zerland had dashed hopes that an That marks “a rate of decline never showcased at Index Qatar 2019. Collection. 2019 will feature thousands of the latest exceptionally snow-filled winter would previously observed in the time series Bassen said: “Nobody should miss After careful restoration, which can products and solutions designed to meet limit the glacier melt this year. extending back for more than a century,” the experience of appreciating this rare often take several months, skilled the country’s future demand for interior The commission said that in April it said. Study comes less than a month ancient relic. It is so remarkable that it craftsmen painstakingly transform the products and services to complete and May, snow cover on the glaciers after a “funeral march” was undertaken simply must be seen with one’s own fossils, through a process of grinding and stadia, hotels, and residential units was between 20 and 40 percent higher up a steep mountainside to mark the dis- eyes. And for those curious why I’ve polishing, into luxury décor items, such ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2022, than usual, with depths of up to six appearance of the Pizol glacier. chosen to bring such a spectacular find as washbasins and fossilized tables. and beyond.