BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Rooney ‘honoured to make fi nal Qatar has contained appearance eff ect of siege to grow faster this year: IMF for England’ published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 11002 November 14, 2018 Rabia I 6, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir, Akufo-Addo discuss co-operation prospects

In brief Qatar, Ghana

QATAR | Offi cial Amir to meet Rwanda sign pacts president tomorrow His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will meet with Rwandan President and Chairman of the current session of the African to enhance Union, Paul Kagame, at the Amiri Diwan tomorrow. The Amir and the Rwanda president, who arrives in Doha today on an off icial visit to the country, will discuss the bilateral relations and ways to promote them, bilateral ties as well as issues of mutual concern and areas of co-operation between His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani holding talks with Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Amiri vention of fi scal evasion with respect Qatar and the African Union. Diwan yesterday. QNA to income tax, an agreement on the Doha regulation of the employment of labour QATAR | Diplomacy from Ghana in Qatar, an agreement on the cancellation of visa requirements PM sends message to is Highness the Amir Sheikh for holders of diplomatic and private Bulgarian counterpart Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani passports, a memorandum of under- HE the Prime Minister and Minister Hheld a session of offi cial talks standing on consultations on issues of of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Father Amir, Sheikha Moza with Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo- common interest between the Ministry Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani sent a Addo, at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. of Foreign Aff airs of Qatar and the Min- written message to Bulgarian Prime At the beginning of the session, the istry of Foreign Aff airs and Regional Minister Boyko Borisov, pertaining to Amir welcomed the president and his Integration of the Republic of Ghana, the bilateral relations and means of attend WISH 2018 opening accompanying delegation, wishing and a memorandum of understand- boosting them. Qatar’s ambassador them a pleasant stay and hoping that ing between the Qatar Chamber and to Bulgaria Rashid bin Ali al-Khater the visit would enhance the common the Ghana National Chamber of Com- handed over the message when interests of the two countries and con- merce and Industry. he met with Adviser to the Political tribute to opening new horizons for The talks and the signing ceremony Off ice of the Bulgarian Prime the development of relations between were attended by a number of minis- Minister Kristina Ninanov yesterday. them in various fi elds. ters. The Ghanaian president expressed On the Ghanaian side, they were at- QATAR | Reaction his thanks and appreciation to His tended by members of the offi cial del- Highness the Amir for the warm wel- egation accompanying the president. Israeli raids on southern come and hospitality, noting the im- Earlier, the president of Ghana was Gaza Strip condemned portance of the strong relations be- accorded an offi cial reception upon his Qatar has expressed its strong tween the two countries, which “this arrival at the Amiri Diwan. condemnation of the Israeli shelling visit will further support and develop”. The Amir hosted a luncheon banquet of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza The talks dealt with enhancing bi- in honour of Nana Akufo-Addo. Strip that left a number of martyrs lateral co-operation between the two The banquet was attended by a and injured others. In a statement countries, especially in the fi elds of number of ministers. yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign investment in agriculture, tourism, Nana Akufo-Addo left Doha yester- Aff airs considered the shelling as a infrastructure and education. The day after the offi cial visit. serious military escalation by the two sides also exchanged views on a The Ghanaian president and the Israeli occupation forces, which number of issues of common concern. delegation accompanying him were would complicate the already His Highness the Amir and the seen off upon departure from Hamad diff icult situation in the Gaza Strip president witnessed the signing of co- International Airport by HE the Min- as a result of the suff ocating siege operation agreements and two memo- ister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan imposed on it for years. randums of understanding between bin Saad al-Muraikhi, Qatar’s ambas- the governments of the two countries, sador to Ghana Mohamed bin Ahmed including an agreement on the avoid- al-Humaid, and Ghana’s ambassador Attack in Iraq’s Anbar ance of double taxation and the pre- to Qatar Emmanuel Enos. Pages 2, 26 province denounced Qatar has strongly denounced the attack in Anbar province western Hamas announces truce with Israel Iraq, which killed nine people. In a His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser attending the statement yesterday, the Ministry opening session of the 2018 World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). PICTURE: AR Al-Baker/HHOPLPages 27, 28 of Foreign Aff airs reiterated Qatar’s Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip Netanyahu’s off ice and the military firm stance on rejecting violence By Joseph Varghese day attended the opening ceremony of HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al- announced an Egyptian-brokered have yet to comment on the and terrorism, regardless of Staff Reporter the fourth World Innovation Summit Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO, ceasefire with Israel yesterday after announcement. motives and reasons. It aff irmed for Health (WISH) at Qatar National Qatar Foundation, HE Dr Hanan Mo- a severe escalation of violence But Israel’s hardline defence minister, Qatar’s full solidarity with the Iraqi Convention Centre. hamed al-Kuwari, Minister of Public threatened to descend into full-blown Avigdor Lieberman, said he did not government and its support for all is Highness the Father Amir This year, a record number of poli- Health and HE Dr Mohamed Abdul war. support stopping the strikes. measures taken to maintain security. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa cymakers, health experts, and govern- Wahed Ali al-Hammadi, Minister The groups, including Hamas, said in “The resistance will respect this The statement expressed Qata’s Hal-Thani and Her Highness ment ministers are attending the sum- of Education and Higher Education, a statement they would abide by the declaration as long as the Zionist condolences to the families of the Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairper- mit with over 2,000 attendees from were among the distinguished guests ceasefire as long as Israel did the same. enemy respects it,” a Hamas victims and the people of Iraq. son of Qatar Foundation (QF), yester- more than 100 countries. on the occasion. To Page 28 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin spokesman said. Page 12 ‘Alternatif Bank has Commercial Bank’s full support’

O Alternatif Bank’s new committed to Alternatif Bank. We have “For us, Alternatif Bank is a ‘pearl’, “And we will continue to support day. The most conspicuous signs of head off ice opened in grown up the bank substantially over which symbolises the treasured friend- them in diffi cult times of theirs. We feel this friendship have been Turkey’s the last fi ve years since we have bought ship between the brotherly countries of it is a wave of correction in the market, companionship with Qatar in the af- Vadistanbul the stakes in Alternatif Bank,” Alfardan Turkey and Qatar. Alternatif Bank will whether it is a decline in the Turkish termath of the embargo and Qatar’s By Pratap John said in an interview with Gulf Times in continue to create economic and social lira, or a correction in certain markets corresponding declaration in recent Chief Business Reporter Istanbul yesterday. value for both the countries, thanks to in the property. months to provide nearly $15bn in in- Istanbul “We are satisfi ed with the position its ambitious objectives, and the strong “But we believe these are opportuni- vestments to Turkey.” of Alternatif Bank. Returns on invest- and determined steps taken in collabo- ties, which we should benefi t from. And Industries such as construction, lo- ments in banks take a longer time. But ration with Commercial Bank. we have capitalised Alternatif Bank gistics and food stand out as major ar- ommercial Bank’s nearly $1bn we feel that we are achieving good re- “We have always believed in the very well — to be ready in the new wave eas of investments by Turkish export- investment in Alternatif Bank is turns and we see that we are paving the Turkish economy. We are saying it, we of uplift.” ers, as investments grow to even higher Cthe “highest amount of invest- way forward for better returns in the are committing to it. And we are plant- Earlier, addressing the new head of- levels, thanks to the friendship between ment to date” made in Turkey by Qa- future,” Alfardan said after formally ing the seeds for potentially very high fi ce opening ceremony, Alfardan said: the two countries. tar’s private sector, said its managing opening Alternatif Bank’s new head of- growth. “As part of the strengthened strategic In addition, Alfardan stressed: “Bi- director Omar Alfardan. fi ce in Vadistanbul yesterday. “As Commercial Bank, we have con- collaboration between our two nations, lateral trade volumes between our two “Alternatif Bank has Commercial The new head offi ce, Alfardan said, tinually increased our activities in Tur- which have stood by one another in countries are expected to double from Bank’s full support. We have made a “is a refl ection of our confi dence in key since 2013. We see Turkey as an im- times of trouble, our support in fi nance the previous year. Given these develop- signifi cant progress in terms of im- Turkey and Alternatif Bank”. portant investment destination for us, and trade is among our top priorities at ments, we foresee that the unique trade proving our collaboration and integra- “This building that we own, is in the into the long term. We pay great atten- all times. potential between Turkey and Qatar tion. heart of the most developing part of Is- tion to enabling trade and investment “The close friendship between Qa- Omar Alfardan: “We are committed to will continue for many years to come.” “We have already indicated we are tanbul,” Alfardan pointed out. fl ows in synergy with Alternatif Bank. tar and Turkey grows each and every Alternatif Bank.” Business Page1 Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 QATAR

Amir holds talks with president of Ghana

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani meeting the Ghanaian delegation headed by President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Amiri Diwan yesterday.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo witness the signing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani meeting the members of the delegation accompanying of an agreement between the governments of Qatar and Ghana at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. Woqod opens Al-Hammadi and Daniel launch attempt to cycle around Qatar

atari adventurer Abdulla al-Hammadi and his two more QFrench teammate Pierre Daniel launched their attempt to cycle around Qatar yesterday morning from Katara. The duo will cover a distance of more than 500km to visit a number of schools around the fuel stations country while promoting road safety and an active lifestyle. atar Fuel (Woqod) erated the process for the con- fers round-the-clock services Yesterday, it was an 80km trip opened the Mesaimeer struction of new petrol stations to residents and includes a Sidra to Al Thakira, which included QSouth petrol station yes- to meet the fuel and energy needs convenience store, manual car a visit to Al Khor International terday, taking its network of pet- of the country. The Woqod team wash, facilities for oil change School. Things will get serious rol stations to 78. would like to extend its gratitude and tyre repair and sale of LPG in the next three days as they will The opening came as part of to all government and private en- cylinders as well as the sale of need to cover 130-160km every Woqod’s ongoing expansion tities concerned that have con- gasoline and diesel products for day, before fi nishing their chal- plans to be able to serve every tributed/are contributing to the light and heavy vehicles. lenge at Aspire Zone on Friday, a area in Qatar, the company said completion of this project.” He added that Woqod is cur- press statement notes. in a statement. Also, he pointed out that Wo- rently overseeing the imple- “It will be a tough challenge, Woqod CEO Saad Rashid qod, has opened a mobile station mentation of 19 new petrol sta- but we are ready for it. The al-Muhannadi said, “We are in Onaiza to reduce vehicle con- tions, a large number of which weather is beautiful this time of pleased to open the new fi xed gestion and enhance customer are expected to be operational the year and that will help us. petrol station, Mesaimeer South. satisfaction. during the current year, noting After we visited two schools on Woqod aspires to expand its pet- The Mesaimeer South petrol that there are nine stations in the Monday and saw how the kids rol station network in the coun- station is spread over an area of bidding phase and 14 in the de- were eager to know more about try to meet the rising demand for 12,800sq m and has three lanes sign phase. this sport and our ride, it gave us Al-Hammadi and Daniel during the school visit. petroleum products and achieve with nine dispensers and sepa- Al-Muhannadi concluded his a lot of enthusiasm, and it was the goal of providing custom- rate lanes with two dispensers announcement by saying, “As not diff erent on Tuesday at Al will make positive eff ect on your this ride is like a bridge between ers with access to best-in-class for diesel heavy vehicles that part of its strategic expansion Khor International School - the career and life,” he added. the French and Qatari cultures. products and services at their will serve Mesaimeer South and plan, Woqod is targeting the way they received us was amaz- For Daniel, 37, an experienced Both of our governments are also convenience and comfort. its neighbourhood. achievement of a total of 130 fuel ing. We are really glad to be do- endurance sports athlete and in good relations. This is a great “Woqod has recently accel- The new petrol station of- stations by the end of 2020.” ing this to inspire the future gen- coach, who lives in Qatar, the symbol of what Qatar and France erations,” al-Hammadi said. challenge might be easier than can be,” he added. Al-Hammadi, 60, is already the one he conquered earlier this ‘Cycling Around Qatar’ is one of the most inspiring sports year, when he went around Qa- sponsored and supported by fi gures in Qatar. He was the tar on foot, covering more than Aspire Zone, Katara, Qatar Cy- oldest participant at the Samla 477km. cling Federation, Qatar Cyclists, race this year and he regularly “It will be different, and the Rasen Sports, MBM Transport, takes part in various endurance goal will also be different, this Q-Soft, and Silverfox Digital sports competitions in Qatar and time the aim is to give some- Communications. around the world. Last year, he thing back to the community. Katara – the Cultural Village cycled across Japan from north On Monday, we visited Ahmad Qatari adventurer Abdulla Foundation general manager to south. Mansour School and Lycée al-Hammadi and his French Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Su- “Age is never a limit. People Voltaire, it was a pleasure to teammate Pierre Daniel. laiti said, “We are proud to be must understand that. It is never see the kids so excited and en- sponsoring ‘Cycling Around too late, you just need to start, gaged with our presentations. warming moment for both Ab- Qatar’ and to see al-Hammadi it is the most diffi cult step, but On Tuesday, at Al Khor Inter- dulla and me.” and Daniel launching their then after that you also need national School, it was also a Daniel, who met al-Hammadi ride from Katara. They have to make exercising a vital part fantastic welcoming from the in 2015 during a charity cycling great goals, which are to raise of your daily life. It can be only children. They were truly de- ride in Europe, also see ‘Cycling awareness of road safety and walking or running or riding a lighted to see us and to talk Around Qatar’ as a demonstra- an active lifestyle, and we fully bicycle. Trust me you will reap with us about road safety and tion of the good relations be- believe in these goals and their great benefi ts. It will not only they asked about each detail tween France and Qatar. positive effect on the commu- The Mesaimeer South petrol station. improve your health, but also in the bicycle. It was a heart- “We are very close friends and nity.” Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 3 QATAR

FM participates in international conference on Libya, meets officials

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has taken part in the International Conference on Libya, hosted by the Italian city of Palermo. The conference discussed a number of political, economic and security issues to restore security and stability in Libya. HE Sheikh Mohamed also held separate meetings with the chairman of the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord of Libya, Fayez al-Sarraj, and the president of the High Council of State in Libya Khalid al-Mishri, on the sidelines of the Palermo Conference in Italy. The meetings discussed bilateral relations and ways of enhancing them, as well as the latest regional developments, especially in Libya.

Qatar to attend Kuwait book fair Katara Traditional Dhow The Ministry of Culture and Sports announced that it will participate in the 43rd Kuwait Festival to kick off on Nov 20 International Book Fair, kicking CNA-Q students off today. Head of Doha International Book QNA maritime competitions, be held on Katara beach, Fair Jassim al-Buainain said the Doha folklore shows and fi re- where a number of serv- ministry will participate with a works displays, pointing ices will be provided for pavilion, exhibiting its various out that the festival seeks visitors. publications, in co-operation with partner with HMC he Cultural Village to preserve the country’s In addition, partici- its partners Katara Publishing Foundation (Katara) identity and heritage. pating countries will or- House, Roza Publishing and Lusail Twill organise Katara Al-Hitmi added that ganise a maritime and Publishing and Distribution. 8th Traditional Dhow Fes- the organising committee crafts market showcas- He said the ministry is keen tival from November 20 to of the festival has opened ing traditional industries to participate in the Kuwait 24. registration for partici- such as shipbuilding, International Book Fair annually, to visit LifeFlight The exhibition will see pation in maritime com- ropes, sail and dredging as it is enriches the Gulf, Arab the participation of nine petitions and heritage machine, pearl extracting and international publishing ollege of the North regional and international shows after expanding from oyster and others, movement, being one of the Atlantic – Qatar countries other than hosts its scope. This year the as well as folklore teams, oldest book fairs. C(CNA-Q) Health Qatar. event will see eight mari- games and children’s He added that the publications Sciences students visited Ahmed al-Hitmi, direc- time competitions, in ad- workshops. in the pavilion will be ranging last week the helipad of Ha- tor of beach management dition to several heritage Katara Traditional from literary, heritage, artistic mad Medical Corporation’s at Katara and director of shows. Dhow Festival director and other editions to reflect the (HMC) LifeFlight. the Katara Traditional He added that the fes- noted that the festival’s richness of the Qatari cultural The visit by the students Dhow Festival, said that tival will provide visitors cultural cafe will host dia- scene. Qatar’s participation from the Advanced Care Para- the eighth edition of the with a unique display of logue sessions for selected shows the country’s creativity medicine programme was part exhibition will include a traditional sailing vessels maritime heritage re- in various artistic, cultural and of learning activity to help variety of cultural events, and dhows. The event will searchers and specialists. heritage fields. — QNA support their skillset as allied healthcare professionals. Assisted by LifeFlight crew, the students learned about providing care when a patient is being transferred via helicopter and working with an aeromedical team. They covered topics such as safe orientation around the aircraft during landing, loading of a patient and pro- cedures on how to establish a landing zone when a heli- Students from the Advanced Care Paramedicine programme visited the helipad of HMC in copter has been requested an applied learning activity to help support their skillset as allied healthcare professionals. to a scene. The students also had the opportunity and other healthcare pro- ences. “By taking students more capable, and ready to see the equipment in the viders in Qatar is what we from the classroom to the for the workforce. We are helicopter and how it can be do that diff erentiates us as fi eld, they are learning how grateful to HMC for giving confi gured to handle diff er- CNA-Q,” said Dr Andrea to put their theory into students the opportunity to ent patient situations. Smilski, dean of the col- practice. This experience help our students develop “Partnering with HMC lege’s School of Health Sci- makes students stronger, and expand their skills.” Qatar Military Logistics Conference 2018 kicks off

QNA bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, tasks and responsibilities. session of the conference Doha in the presence of HE Chief He noted that the suc- that supply is a very impor- of Staff of the Qatari Armed cess of the Qatar Armed tant tool in achieving the Forces Lieutenant-General Forces in the future, at combat capability of Qatar. he fi fth Qatar Military (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen home and abroad, will be During the conference, Logistics Conference al-Ghanem. based on the main axes of a video was displayed to T(QMLC 2018) kicked The conference brings to- excellence and innovation introduce the event and off yesterday under the title gether distinguished speak- in the field of supply and present the logistics capa- “Building Logistic Advan- ers with military, indus- military equipment, espe- bilities of Qatar, such as air tage in a Crisis, Through trial and academic expertise cially in the face of chal- transport and the fl eet of Military and Best Commer- from around the world, as lenges that can only be met ships. cial Practice, Progress and well as senior offi cers of the through expansion, speed The topics discussed dur- Technology”. Qatar Armed Forces. and sustainability in the ing the conference included The two-day conference, At the outset of the con- provision of military sup- the unprecedented retool- organised by the Supply and ference, the Chief of Staff of plies and equipment. ing process implemented Equipment Authority at the the Qatar Armed Forces said For his part, Head of Sup- by the Qatar Armed Forces Qatar Armed Forces, is held that Qatar has for many years ply and Equipment Au- in the current period, which under the patronage of HE established unique platforms thority at the Qatari Armed will give it an opportunity the Deputy Prime Minister coupled with serious work to Forces Major General Mo- to acquire highly developed and Minister of State for build a model armed forces hamed Jaber Mohamed equipment (air, land and Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid capable of carrying out its Labdah said in the opening sea).

US physician discusses impact of technology in healthcare

ey the ‘Education City Speaker questions posed by the au- patients and carers to share Series’, launched by Qatar dience. their healthcare experiences K Foundation (QF) as a plat- The Education City and knowledge, and has also themes form for knowledge-shar- Speaker Series is designed served as a clinical instruc- surround- ing and public interaction to provide the community tor of medicine at Stanford ing the with experts. in Qatar with an oppor- University School of Medi- impact of The former chief health tunity to benefi t from the cine. technology strategist at Google spoke perspectives of experts and “This is the most excit- on global to members of QF’s com- thought-leaders across a ing time to be in healthcare,” healthcare Roni Zeiger munity and the wider public range of fi elds. Zeiger said. “Advances in were ex- speaking at the about ‘How Technology Is During his career, US robotic surgery, targeted plored by event. Changing Healthcare’ dur- physician Zeiger has de- therapy, and the use of Ar- US physi- ing the event at Qatar Na- veloped the Google Flu tifi cial Intelligence (AI) to cian and innovator Roni tional Library in Educa- Trends service and ‘Smart analyse medical data are all Zeiger yesterday through tion City, before answering Patients’, which enables transforming healthcare. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 QATAR

Doha Forum organises first Youth Edition The Doha Forum is launching the Doha with important and timely issues, a press Chief of Staff, Italian commander discuss military ties Forum: Youth Edition in collaboration with statement notes. It will consist of two panel QatarDebate Center (QD), a member of discussions in both Arabic and English, in Qatar Foundation (QF), on November 24 at which youth from various backgrounds the student centre, Education City. and cultures will discuss currently-trending The event will precede Doha Forum 2018, topics and issues from around the world. which takes place from December 15 to Registration is open to the public. To 16. It is designed to take a holistic view of learn more about Doha Forum: Youth policymaking in a globalised world. Edition registration procedures, one The Doha Forum: Youth Edition is critical can visit: https://apply.qatardebate.org/ in supporting and engaging the youth DohaForum2018

HE the Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem met yesterday with the commander of the Italian ground forces, General Salvatore Farina, who is visiting Qatar. They discussed the military relations between the two countries and ways of developing them. The meeting was attended by HE Commander of Qatari Amiri Land Forces Major General Mohamed bin Ali al-Ghanim, and the delegation accompanying the commander of the Italian ground forces. Italians eye partnerships in furniture-making: envoy

By Peter Alagos Business Reporter

taly is eyeing to fuse Italian and Qatari craftsmanship in the fi eld Iof furniture making, accord- ing to Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano, who noted the possibility of establishing factories in Qatar for small types of furniture. “I am happy that these family- owned Italian companies are com- ing to Doha for the fi rst time and they can even establish some small factories in Qatar, and also to teach other furniture makers here how to Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano inaugurating the three-day Index Qatar 2018 at Doha Exhibition and create these special products that Convention Centre yesterday. Italy has been doing for many gen- erations,” Salzano told Gulf Times from Italy but I think what is impor- He also said Italy will be partici- will be very useful for both Italy and on the sidelines of Index Qatar tant is that we should start produc- pating for the fi rst time in the upcom- Qatar,” Salzano added. 2018, which will run until Novem- ing these small products here,” said ing Dhow Festival at Katara because Organisers of Index Qatar 2018 ber 15 at the Doha Exhibition and Salzano, who led the event’s ribbon- “now is the time to come together said the three-day exhibition is ex- Convention Centre. cutting ceremony. and explore ways how to share with pected to attract close to 5,000 lo- “What I am looking for is to have The ambassador said he is plan- Qatar these artistic skills that are very cal and international design com- a partnership not only with big Ital- ning to propose to Katara to host specifi c and distinct to Italy.” munity from interior designers and ian companies but also with Italian artisan workshops, citing Katara – “It is a good idea to merge Italian architects to project managers, im- artisans who are handcrafting these the Cultural Village as “the best lo- and Qatari artistic skills because the porters and distributors across the furniture and other products. They cation” to hold training and similar country has a lot of resources and retail, hospitality, residential and are already selling these products activities. off ers many possibilities; doing this commercial design sectors. Qatar Duty Free launches Aigner luxury pop-up at HIA

atar Duty Free (QDF) has launched its new Aigner luxu- Qry pop-up boutique at Hamad International Airport (HIA). Passengers travelling through the airport can now discover the elite world of Aigner and enjoy a wonderful shopping experience at Concourse C. Promising visitors the complete Aigner experience, this pop-up showcases an impressive display of all things Aigner. Fashionable leath- er bags, stylish wallets, indigenous Aigner is debuting its first luxury pop-up concept in Qatar. Swiss made timepieces, fi ne jewellery, chic accessories and limited edition Schon said: “Aigner has been deeply that can be traced back to Hungary in exclusive pieces take centre stage at rooted in Qatar for over 30 years. HIA 1904, when its founder and original the iconic set-up, that has the Aigner is an important central hub for visitors designer was born. motif emblasoned in gold. from all over the world. This is why The company was based in Mu- The pop-up opens its doors to the we’ve decided to initiate one of the few nich, where the mood was one of latest collection of Aigner: Aigner luxurious pop-up concepts in QDF.” excitement and a euphoric belief in Wunderkammer. Inspired from curios- Aigner, a renowned arbiter of fi ne progress. The free-spirited nature of ities, ancient relics, and mystical treas- taste, is debuting its fi rst luxury pop- the time infl uenced the company’s di- ures, the collection highlights prints up concept in Qatar. The contempo- rection and Aigner went on to become and embroideries from distant lands. rary Aigner pop-up at QDF is whim- a cult brand by virtue of its refl ection The bold prints splayed across sical and practical in equal measure. of a life of pleasure and savoir vivre. the bags and in adoring details on The airy, well-lit space is a retail The company chose wild horses as its the timepieces and jewellery give an paradise for shoppers. symbol, as it chimed with the atmos- exotic touch to the collection. The classic white decor with gold phere, materials and designs that de- “Passengers travelling through undertones provides the island display fi ned the company, as well as the luxury Concourse C can now enjoy a taste with light, personality and movement. of upmarket horse culture. The horse- of Aigner’s craftsmanship and so- The pop-up manages the feat of trans- shoe became more than just a decora- phistication,” QDF vice president porting the opulence and exclusivity of tive symbol – it represented everything operations, Thabet Musleh, said. Aigner boutiques to the display with that the company believed in. “We recognise the importance deft structure, colour and design. Luxurious leather bags, Swiss made of pop-up stores and boutiques in From horse riding to the forefront timepieces and accessories carrying bringing new and engaging shopping of haute couture – the story of the the famous horseshoe shaped Aigner experiences to our customers, and we eponymous brand, Aigner is a spell of ‘A’ logo are timeless expressions of are pleased to have launched many passion, creativity and craftsmanship. German precision and Tuscan tradi- concepts so far this year at our home, An Aigner product is considered tion. The master touch of Aigner res- HIA,” Musleh added. by many to be a modern classic, but onates in every product of the brand, Etienne Aigner AG CEO Sibylle this contemporary brand has a history making Aigner a class apart.

‘Your Health is Precious Get Screened’ campaign concludes As part of October Breast Awareness how early detection through screening “Once again the hard work and month, a worldwide annual campaign can lead up to 100% survival rate. dedication of the Screen For Life team involving thousands of organisations, Furthermore, the mobile screening unit has been rewarded with the great to highlight the importance of breast had a full calendar of pre-scheduled success of this extensive campaign awareness, education and research, visits that covered 20 diff erent locations to further raise awareness of the The ‘Screen For Life’, Qatar’s National (both government and private sectors), Screen For Life programme and the Breast and Bowel Cancer Screening and actually spent more than one day importance of periodic examination for programme, held a month-long in some locations. The unit off ered the early detection and spreading the campaign ‘Your Health is Precious complimentary mammograms to around culture of healthy lifestyle to prevent Get Screened’, to mark Breast Cancer 300 eligible employees, who were happy it,” said Dr Shaikha Abu Shaikha, cancer Awareness Month. to receive the service at their workplace programme manager, PHCC. In line with the goal to extend its and save time and eff ort. “We would like to thank for the message and increase awareness of The reach out activities including unwavering support shown by the benefits of early detection through awareness lectures, awareness booths both the government and private screening and potentially saving lives, distribution in major malls and key sectors for making this campaign a the ‘Screen For Life’ team delivered a health centres inspired 300 women huge success. We also appreciate total of 26 awareness lectures across to register for screening and around the commitment of all those who Qatar that were attended by almost 900 women undergo a mammogram join ‘Screen For Life’ throughout 900 people during which, the outreach during the campaign in the dedicated this initiative and we look forward team enlightened the audience about screening suites and onboard the to working with them further as we breast cancer, its diff erent stages and mobile unit. continue on our mission. (QNA) Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 5 QATAR Rolls-Royce models Labour Minister meets Nepal’s Deputy PM take centre stage at Grazia Style Awards olls-Royce Motor Cars Doha fashion designer, radiated with grace team of journalists while seated inside joined the women at the fore- and sophistication as she stepped a Phantom, Ghost, Wraith and Dawn. Rfront of Qatar’s design, art, from the Rolls-Royce Phantom to offi - The 2018 Grazia Style Awards also fashion and business worlds in a cel- cially get the 2018 Grazia Style Awards saw a specially-invited party of 15 fe- HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Aff airs Yousef bin Mohamed al-Othman Fakhro ebration of 12 months of dynamism, under way. male Rolls-Royce owners, who repre- met yesterday with Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health and Population, Upendra Yadav, and his growth and achievement at the 2018 Four of Rolls-Royce’s most cel- sented Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha’s accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they discussed co-operation between Qatar and Nepal and ways to Grazia Style Awards. ebrated models, the Phantom, Ghost, VIP customers, enjoy a sophisticated support and develop them. Held at The St Regis Doha recently, Wraith and Dawn, were prominently evening of great entertainment in the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha enjoyed displayed at the event’s outdoor re- company of truly inspiring women. a special presence at the “biggest ception as well as in The St Regis Do- One of the highlights of the evening award show of the year in town”, it said ha’s grand ballroom. The luxury ve- saw Best Qatari Luxury Fashion Brand in a statement. hicles were featured on either side of from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha The 2018 Grazia Style Awards was an the main stage, which helped further presented by Tarek Moataz, Rolls- opportunity for Grazia magazine and “enhance and elevate the atmosphere Royce brand manager. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha to hon- of style, glamour and excellence that Rabih Ataya, Rolls-Royce Motor our the women who have contributed resonated through the evening”. cars Doha general manager, also at- to the continuing success of Qatar. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha’s spe- tended the 2018 Grazia Style Awards. The event saw the historic automo- cial presence at the 2018 Grazia Style “The 2018 Grazia Style Awards bile marque and its most iconic models Awards saw some of Qatar’s most im- was a celebration of inspiring women take centre stage among a glamorous portant, successful and popular so- who have pushed the boundaries and crowd that included some of the most cial media infl uencers experience the achieved incredible success in the fi elds infl uential and successful women in “sumptuous and refi ned” interiors of of fashion, art, culture, education and the country, the statement noted. the Phantom, Ghost, Wraith and Dawn. business over the past year,” Ataya said. Reem Acra, the evening’s extra-spe- The unique ‘In Rolls-Royce’ expe- “It is only fi tting that Rolls-Royce Mo- cial guest, arrived in elegant style in a rience invited seven of the best in- tor Cars Doha be at the very centre of chauff eur-driven Rolls-Royce Phantom. fl uencers in Qatar to a glamorous in- this wonderful appreciation of excep- Reem, the world-famous Lebanese terview session with one of Grazia’s tionalism. Rolls-Royce represents the pinnacle of automotive excellence and a passion to achieve greatness that is shared by all of our customers. “We were honoured to have contrib- uted to this fantastic evening and to support the pioneering women whose imagination and talent is helping to shape the future.” Bianca Brigitte Bonomi, editor-in- chief of Grazia Arabia, said: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Rolls- Royce Motor Cars Doha on one of the most prestigious events in the Qatar calendar. The epitome of luxury, Rolls- Royce was the perfect fi t for the Grazia Style Awards and ensured that our guest of honour, legendary designer Reem Acra, travelled in style through- A snapshot from the awards ceremony. out her stay in Doha.”

Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 7 QATAR

The new showroom of Techno Blue being opened at Tawar Mall by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad al-Thani, Ashraf Abu Issa, Nabil Abu Issa, R Srinivasan and Andrew Shin. PICTURES: Jayan Orma Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad al-Thani with Ashraf Abu Issa and Nabil Abu Issa during the opening of the store. 12th Techno Blue outlet opens at Tawar Mall echno Blue, the authorised both Samsung and Techno Blue en- become a commodity, Techno Blue distributor of Samsung, has hance their reach and visibility in the stores strive to off er customers prod- Topened its 12th retail showroom local market,” said Andrew Shin of ucts and services that are not matched at Tawar Mall, one of the country’s Samsung (Qatar). by other retailers.” premier shopping destinations located Shin said Samsung’s market in the Sheikh Nasser also stressed that in the Duhail area. country as well as the Gulf region has Qatar’s economy was poised for The opening was attended by Tech- grown steadily in the last few years strong growth in the coming years no Blue chairman Sheikh Nasser bin and the company hopes to continue and investment in good retail loca- Off icials at the showroom. Hamad al-Thani, Ashraf Abu Issa and its good growth in the coming days tions would drive the business of Nabil Abu Issa of Abuissa Holding and as well. premium products in the years to managing director of Techno Blue R Techno Blue offi cials said the pres- come. HBK Holding would continu- Srinivasan, among others ence of experienced multilingual sales ously invest in expanding the retail The state-of the-art Techno Blue personnel at its showrooms is of great network, service operations and sales showroom at Tawar Mall features help to customers. The sales team can infrastructure, he noted. the latest in televisions, home appli- off er expert pre-sales consulting be- Later, Shin said Samsung would ances, mobiles, IT products, small fore purchasing decisions are made launch new televisions and appli- domestic appliances, etc. The com- by customers and the products sold in ances with “ground-breaking tech- pany offi cials said at the opening an outlet are complemented by good nologies” next year to maintain its that the newly opened outlet is de- after-sales service provided directly global leader position in the television signed to maximise customer sat- by Techno Blue, a senior offi cial added. segment and also to increase mar- isfaction as people can touch and Commenting on the strategy of ket share in the premium segment in feel a product before arriving at a Techno Blue, (which is now a wholly Qatar. decision. owned subsidiary of HBK Holding), Other Techno Blue retail outlets in- “The opening of the new showroom its chairman Sheikh Nasser said: “In a clude those at The Center, Barwa Vil- in a fast-growing upmarket business highly competitive and crowded mar- lage, Fereej Al Nasr, Al Rayyan, The destination like Tawar Mall will help ket where the electronics business has Mall, The Pearl-Qatar and Al Hitmi.

A panel discussion during the 13th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum. CRA joins annual Internet Governance Forum in Paris

he Communications holder platform that brings current Internet policy is- During the annual forum, Regulatory Author- all stakeholders together sues, clustered into eight which concludes today Tity (CRA) is partici- as equals to discuss public core themes: cybersecu- (November 14), more than pating in the 13th Annual policy issues related to key rity; trust and privacy; 50 stakeholders will display Meeting of the Internet elements of Internet Gov- digital inclusion and ac- or distribute relevant in- Governance Forum (IGF ernance. IGF includes open cessibility; emerging formation about their IGF- 2018), organised by the UN forums, workshops and technologies; evolution of related activities at the IGF and hosted by the govern- sessions; it is expected to internet governance, hu- Village. ment of France under the include more than a hun- man rights, gender and The IGF 2017 in Geneva, theme ‘Internet of Trust’ at dred sessions, organised by youth; development, in- Switzerland, gathered more the Unesco headquarters in various stakeholders from novation and economic than 2,200 participants Paris. around the world. issues; media and con- from 142 countries, with The IGF is a global open, The forum addresses tent; and technical and thousands of stakeholders and inclusive multi-stake- some of the most critical operational topics. participating online. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 QATAR

Akbar al-Baker (centre) with others at the IATA Wings of Change conference. Emerging aviation markets vital for EU airlines: al-Baker

atar Airways Group chief tive in pursuing comprehensive air port agreements is key to ensure originated in Latin America, IATA clude innovation, safety, security, executive Akbar al-Baker transport agreements with Asean, the competitiveness of the EU brought the conference to Europe sustainability, diversity and avia- Qspoke passionately about Qatar, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Arme- aviation sector. for the fi rst time and will po- tion competitiveness. the challenges facing the aviation nia and Tunisia. “Protectionism should not be tentially continue to expand the Al-Baker assumed the position industry in Europe at the Interna- “In my view, it is very impor- the answer as this will hinder brand’s reach to other markets in of IATA chairman on June 5 and tional Air Transport Association tant for EU air carriers to capi- the competitiveness of the EU the future. will maintain the position for a (IATA) Wings of Change confer- talise on the growth opportuni- aviation sector and the agenda The two-day event brings to- one-year term. ence in Madrid, Spain. ties off ered in emerging aviation pursued by the Juncker Commis- gether airline CEOs, ministers IATA is the trade association In his capacity as IATA chair- markets.” sion.” and industry experts to discuss for the world’s airlines, and repre- man, al-Baker attended the con- “EU carriers should also re- LOT Polish Airlines CEO Rafal the current state and future of air sents some 290 airlines or 82% of ference and participated in a inforce their global position by Milczarski, Iberia CEO Luis Galle- transport. total air traffi c and supports many quick-fi re question-and-answer off ering greater connectivity to go and Deutsche Lufthansa chair- IATA Wings of Change takes areas of aviation activity, as well session moderated by BBC pre- EU citizens and foreign travellers man and CEO Carsten Spohr also place at a critical time for the in- as helping to formulate industry senter Babita Sharma. alike, as many European capi- joined the ‘CEOs on the Spot’ ses- dustry as it contends with an un- policy on critical aviation issues. Al-Baker said, “Aviation tals remain top in-bound tourism sion, and were quick to share with precedented increase in demand, Qatar Airways currently oper- growth has shifted to geographical markets for global tourism,” al- the audience an inside view of the capacity bottlenecks in the air and ates three daily fl ights to Madrid areas outside the EU such as the Baker said. industry and what it takes to make on the ground, and looks to har- from Doha, 18 fl ights a week to Asia-Pacifi c and the Middle East “In the long run, participation an airline successful. ness the many opportunities of Barcelona and a four-times-a- in recent years, and the European of EU carriers through the conclu- Following the success of the the digital revolution. week seasonal service to Málaga Commission has been very proac- sion of comprehensive air trans- Wings of Change concept, which Key topics on the agenda in- from June to September.

Ooredoo Qatar Airways celebrates updates ‘Welcome 15 years of operation in China Home’ atar Airways China com- ecutive Akbar al-Baker said. In total, more than 7,000 fl ight to China beginning in Oc- memorated 15 years of “We remain delighted to see school buildings were destroyed tober 2003 to Shanghai. Shahry off er Qoperation in China by students enjoying their studies in the earthquake, and almost Qatar Airways currently op- visiting the Qatar Airways Hope and playtime at this facility, and 5,000 lives were lost in Guangy- erates 45 weekly fl ights to sev- School in Guangyang, Sichuan, couldn’t be prouder to celebrate uan alone during the 2008 Si- en Greater China gateways: oredoo yesterday an- last month, with surprise ap- our 15th anniversary in China chuan earthquake. Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, nounced that it has up- pearances by the airline’s ador- with the students and teaching On the occasion of the air- Hangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu Odated its current Shahry able and friendly mascots – Orry faculty at the Qatar Airways Hope line’s 15th anniversary in China, and Hong Kong. ‘Welcome Home’ off er with and Orah. School,” he added. the Qatar Airways team brought In May and September 2018 “even more benefi ts” due to The Qatar Airways China team, “Just as we remain commit- along Oryx Kids’ Club mascots, respectively, Qatar Airways’ “popular demand.” led by vice-president for Qatar ted to the Chinese market, we are Orry and Orah, to lead the Hope award-winning Qsuite Business |Earlier this year, Ooredoo Airways North Asia, Joshua Law, committed to creating opportu- School students in an energetic Class experience debuted on the had announced that all new and journeyed to Guangyuan city, Si- nities for children in rural China morning workout session, fol- Shanghai and Hong Kong route existing Shahry customers who chuan on October 26 to meet and to leverage education as their lowed by a drawing session where and will be welcoming Beijing- upgrade their plan can enjoy bo- engage with students, teachers means to reach for the skies,” al- the students were encouraged to based passengers on board from nus data allowances. and the entire school community Baker noted. put pen to paper and depict their December. Thanks to the latest update, at the airline’s Hope School. Qatar Airways Hope School best wishes for Qatar Airways. Giving back to the community new Shahry customers will also “Qatar Airways was humbled was a joint project with China The pictures the students drew is at the core of Qatar Airways’ enjoy a free Starz Play subscrip- to have played a small part in the Youth Development Foundation, not only illustrated their congrat- values, with education being a tion until December 31, the com- rebuilding process of the Sichuan and was swiftly carried out in the ulatory messages for the airline, key focus. pany has said in a statement. province. When the school fi rst weeks following the 8.0 magni- but also showcased their own The airline is also a proud long- opened in 2010, we intended for tude earthquake which wiped out bright hopes and expectations for standing partner of Educate A it to be a lasting monument of villages and towns throughout their future. Child, a global programme which Qatar Airways’ commitment to Sichuan province in 2008. In October 2018, Qatar Airways helps provide quality primary China and the Chinese people,” The school offi cially opened in celebrated 15 years of service to school education to millions of Qatar Airways Group chief ex- June 2010. and from China, with its fi rst out-of-school children globally.

Starz Play is an on-demand entertainment service that of- fers over 10,000 hours of the best Hollywood movies, docu- mentaries, children’s entertain- ment, same-day-as-the-US series and Arabic content in full HD and 4K. As well as free content, all new Shahry 100 pack customers will enjoy 10GB extra over two months, Shahry 150 customers will have 24GB extra over three months, Shahry 200 customers can enjoy 48GB extra over four months and new Shahry 250 customers can enjoy 60GB extra over four months, the statement explains. Any bonus data will be avail- able on top of regular allow- ances. The Qatar Airways China team led by Joshua Law journeyed to Guangyuan city, Sichuan, to meet and engage with students, teachers and the To fi nd out more about the of- entire school community at the airline’s Hope School. fer, one can visit Ooredoo.qa. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 9 QATAR

US lauds Qatar support to Nato mission in Afghanistan

The United States has commended the role of Qatar in supporting Nato operations in Make customers Afghanistan during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah and US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis in Washington yesterday. Pentagon spokeswoman feel important, Rebecca Rebarich told Al-Hurra, the US-based Arabic TV channel that the meeting of Mattis and HE al-Attiyah was an aff irmation of the strategic and security partnership between Washington and Doha, and they discussed a number of security expert urges and military issues that included fighting terrorism and counteracting the activities of ISIS, and the support of Qatar to Nato mission in Afghanistan. The Department of Defence said the US is looking forward to raise the capabilities of Al Udeid Airbase tourism offi cials and further develop it. Rebarich told Al- Hurra that the Qatari delegation, headed n exclusive talk by John with valuable insights and tips to Doha was ranked among ‘Top by HE al-Attiyah, off ered the US Defence DiJulius, acclaimed au- make a long-lasting connection 100 City Destinations’ world- Secretary a plan to expand the US airbase in Athor of the number one with the customer. wide (Euromonitor, 2017). Qatar. “The US side would review the details selling book on Amazon, The He advised every professional NTC, in line with its aim of po- of the off er and talks between the two Customer Service Revolution, from the tourism sector to focus sitioning Qatar as a unique des- parties could result into agreement on the highlighted the future of tourism on the basic need of every indi- tination, compiled the three-day issue,” she said. in Qatar at a conference recently. vidual – to feel important. conference agenda enriched with The event was launched by The customer service guru also valuable content, relevant top- National Tourism Council (NTC) termed each of these profession- ics and noteworthy international in partnership with IFP alongside als, regardless of their position, speakers. the annual Hospitality Qatar ex- as key instruments in off ering The council now focuses in of- hibition. this unique ‘Qatar Tourism Ex- fering authentic tourism experi- The session, titled ‘The art perience’ to each visitor. ences and developing a sustain- of delivering unforgettable ex- “The overall experience of a able tourism industry leading up periences’, presented by NTC in visitor is impacted by every touch to 2023 and beyond. Doha College and Dulsco collaboration with the Supreme point,” DiJulius said. NTC continues to work close- Committee for Delivery & Lega- According to the latest Guest ly with international and local cy, drew a large number of pro- Experience in the Middle East partnerships both in public and fessionals working in the tourism Report, released by hospitality private sectors to deliver on the value chain, from the food and and travel data providers Olery, Next Chapter’s promise of en- open recycling centre beverage to transportation, in- Qatar’s hospitality sector further hancing the end-to-end Qatar cluding hotel operators, Horeca improved its guest experience visitor experience and towards oha College (DC), to- Dulsco regional head of Com- suppliers, and investors, among ranking from fi rst place among perpetuating the country’s cul- gether with Dulsco Qatar mercial Nicola Maxwell and Ian others. the GCC to fi rst place in the Mid- tural heritage and diversifying Dand representatives from Thornhill, Business and Devel- DiJulius engaged attendees dle East. the economy. the Ministry of Municipality opment director at Doha Col- and Environment (MME) and lege. beIN Sports, offi cially inaugu- Dr Sommer was delighted rated and opened a recycling with this most recent develop- centre outside its Al Waab cam- ment and praised the work that pus recently. the staff and students have The centre, refurbished by put in to make the school ever Dulsco and decorated with greener. “Only very recently, environmentally-themed art our school’s environmental produced by Doha College stu- efforts were recognised at the dents, will segregate recyclable Qatar Sustainability Awards. waste into paper, aluminium, We are committed to continu- plastics and cardboard. Off icials at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. ing our journey on an envi- The Secondary School ronmental education so that has an Eco-School Com- manage the recycling proc- nity to take responsibility for the young generation is aware mittee and the Primary ess made possible by the their actions, be it through of their impact on the world School has an Eco-War- Colin Gilpin, CEO of Dulsco the students’ artwork on the so they can make it a positive rior selected from each Qatar who was present at walls or the collection and one. Staff and students strive year group who champion the ceremony, said: “As one segregation of recyclables at to foster an ethos of reduce, environmentally-friend- of the leading environmental the centre. We are honoured reuse and recycle within our ly attitudes and support solutions providers in Qatar, to be working on initiatives community, and the new Re- drives such as recycling we are committed to inspir- that are aligned with Qatar cycling Centre will certainly John DiJulius interacting with attendees. and composting, as well as ing change and ensuring sus- National Vision 2030.” go a long way towards achiev- monitoring the use of elec- tainability throughout our The ribbon-cutting was car- ing this goal.” tricity, single-use and dis- community. The Recycling ried out by Gilpin, Ghanim Ali To fi nd out more about the Eco posable products and more, Centre has been established from beIN Sports, DC principal School and the environmental DC has said in a statement. with the goal of educating Dr Steff en Sommer, Mohamed education at Doha College, one Workshops to be held on The students will also and motivating our commu- al-Ibrahim from the MME, can visit www.dohacollege.com. developing English-writing PBD an ‘opportunity for networking skills for school students with members of Indian diaspora’ he Ministry of Education shops will improve their language and Higher Education, in competencies and contribute to ndian ambassador P Kuma- Tpreparation for the Young enhanced levels of communica- ran has said the annual gath- Writers Competition, is organ- tion, promoting self-confi dence Iering held as part of Pravasi ising several workshops to im- and the spirit of fair competition Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is an op- prove English-writing skills for among students, the ministry has portunity for Indians in Qatar to students in Grades 5, 8 and 10 in said in a statement. understand and interact closely public schools across Qatar. Qatar National Library will with members of Indian com- The workshops are part of the host the workshops for this year’s munities elsewhere in the world. annual Young Writers Competi- edition on Saturdays, starting Kumaran said this yesterday tion held through a partnership from December. One day is al- at a gathering hosted by the In- between the English Language located for each category to al- dian Cultural Centre (ICC) as Section at the ministry’s Depart- low for a greater number of stu- part of preparations for PBD, ment of Educational Supervision dents to participate. Previously, which is to be held from Janu- Department and the US embassy the workshops targeted a limited ary 21 to 23 in Varanasi, Uttar in Qatar. number of schools in the pre- Pradesh, northern India. Indian ambassador P Kumaran addressing the gathering of community members at the ICC yesterday. Sheikha al-Rumaihi, head of paratory and secondary levels “Besides a number of net- ICC president Milan Arun, Indian Business Promotion Council chairman K M Varghese, Indian Community the English Language Section for boys and girls and they were working gatherings, there will Benevolent Forum president Davis Edkalathur and senior community member Hassan Chougale are also at the ministry, said they are The workshops are part of the delivered periodically. The pre- also be special sessions for the seen, among others. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam co-ordinating with the US em- annual Young Writers Competition competition workshops had a attendees,” he said. bassy to help students of Grades good impact in motivating stu- This is the 17th PBD and at numbers at the last PBD in Ben- The envoy and some represent- and other logistics would be ar- 5, 8 and 10 develop and improve The workshops, organised for dents to write in English. least 100 members of the coun- galuru and we hope this year’s atives of forums operating under ranged for those wishing to travel their writing skills for the cur- the fi fth year, aim to provide stu- Students are trained by a writ- try’s Indian community are ex- numbers from Qatar would sur- the aegis of the Indian embassy an- to Varanasi. PBD delegates are also rent academic year (2018-2019) dents with strategies and methods ing specialist from Virginia Com- pected to attend the three-day pass even the previous edition’s swered the queries of those present given an entry pass to view the by holding a series of training to improve their English-writing monwealth University School of gathering. “Indians from Doha record attendance of more than at the gathering yesterday. They Republic Day parade in New Delhi workshops. skills. The pre-competition work- the Arts in Qatar. were represented in substantial 100,” the ambassador said. explained how accommodation on January 26, it was told.

HBKU event to discuss role of ‘hybrid courts’ in dispute resolution

he Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- The QICDRC is unique in that brid courts and more established Lord Thomas of Cwm- Resolution Centre and a strong in International Arbitration and versity (HBKU)’s College it brings together renowned forms of dispute resolution, such giedd, the new president of the arbitration presence in the State. Commercial Law at Queen Mary Tof Law and Public Policy world jurists to adjudicate the as ordinary domestic courts, ar- QICDRC; Sir William Blair, judge Qatar is to be congratulated for University London and confer- (CLPP) is set to host a confer- cases before the court. bitration and mediation, HBKU at the QICDRC; Sir Rupert Jack- having hosted this event,” said ence co-chair, noted: “The rise of ence on ‘The Promise of Hybrid CLPP, in collaboration with has said in a statement. son, Justice at the AIFC Court, Sir William. the new ‘international commercial Dispute Resolution Fora’ on No- the Qatar International Court HBKU’s CLPP dean Susan L and Christopher Vajda, judge at “We are extremely happy to courts’ is one of the most signifi - vember 18 and 19, building on its and Dispute Resolution Centre Karamanian said, “The confer- the European Court of Justice, be hosting a conference on a cant developments in the fi eld of mission to address legal issues of and Queen Mary University Lon- ence topic is an important one will be among the conference new form of court that is pro- international dispute settlement. importance for the country from don School of Law, is set to host given the increase in number of speakers. liferating around the world, and We are delighted that a group of a comparative and transnational the world’s fi rst major conference these courts and the significant “This is an important confer- that has its origins in the Gulf. leading international lawyers will perspective. to discuss domestic, internation- role they play in the world’s ence because there are an in- Moreover, we are delighted to discuss the implications of this Qatar is one of the countries al or hybrid courts. commercial centres, such as creasing number of international have Lord Thomas, Sir William new development in November.” that have established an inter- The conference is sponsored Doha. Also, HBKU CLPP is commercial courts globally and Blair as well as the leadership of The conference will be held national court, the Qatar In- by the Qatar National Research uniquely situated to host this this is having an impact on dis- the QICDRC among other dis- at the Minaretein Building (for- ternational Court and Dispute Fund, as well as White & Case, event as the comparative ap- pute resolution. The latest to be tinguished guests with us for the merly known as the College of Resolution Centre (QICDRC), to Doha and 3VB (3 Verulam Build- proach of the conference to established is the China Inter- conference,” said Georgios Dim- Islamic Studies Building) in Edu- address private and commercial ings/Gray’s Inn, London). It will hybrid courts is in line with the national Commercial Court ear- itropoulos, assistant professor of cation City. law matters, mostly coming out examine the rationale behind the teaching method HBKU CLPP lier this year. Qatar has been a law at HBKU CLPP and the con- For more information about of the Qatar Financial Centre creation of these courts and ana- faculty members use daily in the leader in this fi eld with the Qatar ference co-chair. the event, one can visit clpp. (QFC). lyse the relationship between hy- classroom.” International Court and Dispute Stavros Brekoulakis, professor hbku.edu.qa Georgios Dimitropoulos Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 QATAR

HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari and HMC off icials along with living donors and families of donors at the event. Global healthcare leaders share knowledge on organ donation nternational healthcare ex- donation and the development of the country’s adult popula- HE the Minister of Public that is appropriate to the health- Donation Center (Hiba), said Qa- campaign has managed to bring perts from 11 countries gath- of organ transplantation pro- tion, have registered as organ Health, Dr Hanan Mohamed al- care needs of our growing and tar’s success and unique experi- about a large shift in public un- Iered in Doha this week to grammes. donors. Kuwari, said Qatar’s organ dona- diverse population,” said HE Dr ence could be replicated in other derstanding and perspective of share their expertise on organ Healthcare offi cials from the This year, there have been 45 tion programme with a unifi ed al-Kuwari. countries that share the same this important topic,” said Prof donation and the types of chal- US, Spain, India, Pakistan, Aus- transplants, including 35 kid- national waiting list, has become “Like other countries, we face socio-cultural perspectives. Fadhil. lenges they encounter working in tralia, South Africa, Croatia, the ney transplants (23 from living a model for other countries to challenges in achieving self-suf- “Qatar is a diverse and multi- This week also saw a special this fi eld. Philippines, Sudan and Oman donors, and 12 from deceased emulate. fi ciency in organ donation. Self- cultural country and the success ceremony to honour living do- The aim of the meeting was to joined experts from Qatar for a donors), nine liver transplants “With fairness and equity at its suffi ciency in organ donation can of our programme is a direct re- nors as well as the families of de- provide an opportunity for the series of high-level meetings and (four from living donors and fi ve heart, our programme has been only be achieved through inter- sult of the high-level of support ceased donors. experts to learn from each other lectures under the umbrella of from deceased), and three stem recognised internationally. Qa- national co-operation and the we have received from our lead- Forty-four expats and Qataris and develop plans for future pro- ‘Bridging Communities to De- cell transplants – all from living tar’s national strategy for organ support of countries seeking to ers such as HE Dr al-Kuwari. were awarded the ‘Medal of Al- fessional collaboration. velop Organ Donation.’ donors. donation and transplantation is develop and improve their own Our organ donation pro- truism’ for their selfl ess acts. The meeting was also used Since the Qatar Organ Donor This is compared to a decade not only world-leading in terms systems.” gramme has seen remarkable Companies who support the as a platform to discuss ways to Registry was launched in 2012, ago in 2008 when just two kidney of the clinical and ethical stand- Prof Riadh Abdul Sattar Fa- success in the past few years organ donation programme were improve the global rate of organ around 300,000 donors, or 15% transplants were performed. ards it applies but it is also one dhil, director of the Qatar Organ and our annual organ donation also acknowledged at the event.

Ashghal launches third ‘Ta’heel’ initiative conference

he Public Works Authority (Ashghal) structing Excellence” Initiative launched by rials, paving materials and road signs. yesterday held the third ‘Ta’heel’ ini- Ashghal in co-operation with the UK Con- In the building sector, local products used Ttiative for local investors and manu- structing Excellence Organisation, which include materials for electricity, mechanics, facturers to attract more Qatari manufac- aims to promote and apply best practices, fi re systems and interior fi nishing works. turers to join and participate in Ashghal’s encourage innovation, and adopt latest In addition to the approved locally made supply chain. technologies in order to improve and devel- cement, Gabro and asphalt factories. The forum highlighted the advantages of op the construction sector in Qatar, through Vendor Management Unit leader at Ash- the participants in the ‘Ta’heel’ initiative, applying the best practices in Ashghal’s ghal Engineer Mohamed Ehab Samir said: launched by Ashghal in collaboration with projects vendors and suppliers’ manage- “Ashghal continues to market the initiative Qatar Development Bank to allow Qatari ment. and raise awareness to support Qatari man- manufacturers to participate in the imple- During the forum, Ashghal Technical Of- ufacturers and service providers through mentation of Ashghal engineering and con- fi ce manager Engineer Ahmed Ali al-Ansari many workshops and training courses of- struction programmes and projects. said: “Since the launch of Ta’heel initiative, fered by Ta’heel”. It also aims at including national com- Ashghal has succeeded in increasing Qatari He added: “Some factories certifi cations panies in Ashghal’s approved supply chain, Ashghal Senior Engineer and Technical factories by 86 to reach 131 factories by the such as ISO, which is required by Ashghal in addition to encouraging new national Off ice manager Ahmed al-Ansari end of October 2018. The number of locally to approve the quality of the product, Qatar investors to invest in the establishment of addressing the forum. manufactured materials, which are used in Development Bank provides 50% of its cost. new factories that contribute to the require- infrastructure projects were increased by Manufacturers and pre-approved vendors ments of Qatar projects that Ashghal and projects, and how they motivated the Qa- 114 materials and are now 165 building ma- from other entities such as ‘Kahramaa’ are other bodies are working on, QNA reported. tari manufacturers to develop their facto- terials manufactured in Qatar.” easily accredited”. The third ‘Ta’heel’ Forum also presented ries and products to get international cred- The construction materials approved by He pointed that the accreditation process one of the leading models that joined Ash- its and tenders to supply their products to the Public Works Authority from July 2017 is completed within 3 weeks from the date ghal initiative road lighting units used by Asian countries. until end of October 2018 vary between of the request, if all the requirements and the authority in the implementation of its The forum also addressed the “Con- sewage pipes, lighting poles, lighting mate- documents are obtained. Amiri Diwan Adviser addresses future leaders at QLC event

atar Leadership Centre of leadership at play in a high- (QLC) has hosted HE the stakes environment,” he added. QAdviser to the Amiri Di- Dr al-Kuwari held several wan and formerly Minister for prestigious offi ces since launch- Culture, Arts and Heritage, Dr ing his career in the government Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, in 1972. He served as a career in the latest edition of the Cen- diplomat, including as an am- tre’s ‘Meet a Leader’ series. bassador during the later stages This comes in line with QLC’s of his professional occupation, to “commitment to groom a cadre nations across the Middle East, of well-grounded and astute na- Europe, and the Americas. tional leaders”, it said in a state- From 1997 to 2014, he was a ment. member of the Advisory Board of Dr al-Kuwari, who has been the Co-operation Council for the at the vanguard of Qatar’s in- Arab States of the Gulf. ternational diplomatic eff orts as At home in Qatar, he served ambassador to France, the US, as Minister for Information and Unesco and the UN during the Culture in 1992 and later as Min- course of his career, spoke to QLC ister for Culture, Arts and Herit- National Leadership Programme age from 2008 to 2016. participants. HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari with participants of QLC’s ‘Meet a Leader’ lecture series. Notably, he is also a recipient His lecture described how his of the highest Qatari distinction public service career enabled him al-Kuwari told the participants, stantly learning and acquiring three National Leadership Pro- QLC acting executive direc- preciation of the opportunities – the Hamad Bin Khalifa Rib- to cultivate a depth of invaluable and highlighted the importance diverse knowledge are all best grammes, namely, Government tor Dr Ali Jassim al-Kubaisi said: and challenges these successful bon – as well as international ac- knowledge through nearly fi ve of determination and ambition practices of leadership,” he add- Leaders, Rising Leaders, and Ex- “Through the ‘Meet a Leader’ leaders have encountered during colades, including the National decades of leadership experi- when facing crises. ed. ecutive Leaders, routinely meet series, National Leadership Pro- their careers. Order of Merit of the French Re- ence. “Taking advantage of oppor- “A leader views crises as op- notable local and international gramme participants are able to “Furthermore, the candid in- public. “Assuming a leadership po- tunities, building diplomatic portunities and the blockade industry leaders from across ask direct questions and engage teractions with government and To date, QLC has produced sition necessitates one view- relationships that are based on against Qatar is a perfect case- private, public and government in constructive discussion with market stewards allow partici- nearly 500 alumni from its ing challenges as opportuni- mutual cultural respect and un- in-point.” sectors as part of their core cur- our esteemed guests. This access pants to achieve unique insights three National Leadership Pro- ties to develop and thrive,” Dr derstanding, in addition to con- Participants from the Centre’s riculum. helps them achieve a greater ap- into the diverse modes and styles grammes. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 11 QATAR

Saudia Hypermarket in Al Khor marks anniversary NBK, Khaya in pact to off er exceptional services for 2022 FIFA World Cup BK Holding, one of the leading busi- to utilise their joint expertise and services in a move which will allow regional and in- Saudia Hypermarket - Al Khor’s branch manager, marketing manager, purchase co-ordinator ness holding groups in Qatar, and to support the serviced accommodation and ternational visitors planning to attend the and other staff members attended a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the branch’s anniversary NKhaya Global, a travel and logistical travel needs of the World Cup staff and visi- 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar to benefi t from last week. support organisation, have signed an agree- tors, NBK Holding has said in a press state- their international expertise, coupled with ment to support the 2022 FIFA World Cup in ment. our local knowledge and resources. Through Qatar. Relying on their individual expertise and this partnership, NBK will be able to provide The agreement was signed at the NBK long history operating within the sector, state-of-the-art services for visitors and headquarters in Doha by Sheikh Nawaf bin NBK and Khaya will merge the skills of each staff , ensuring they enjoy this eagerly antici- Nasser al-Thani, chairman of NBK Hold- organisation to present tailor-made serv- pated event. ing, and Volkhard Bauer, CEO and founder ices for all visitors. These include market “Thanks to the vision of our wise leader- Huawei Mate 20 Series launched of Khaya, in the presence of Sheikh Khalid research, planning, accommodation, fl ights ship, we are moving forward to contribute bin Nasser al-Thani, Business Develop- and comprehensive tailored trip programmes eff ectively in delivering a legacy event that ment manager of NBK Holding, and repre- - including for must-try restaurants and top will remain in the memory of all generations, uawei Consumer Busi- sentatives of both parties, including Volker cultural and tourist destinations, and a host both at home and abroad.” ness Group (CBG) un- Schmidt and Imad Saifan of NBK and Kyung- of other services. Bauer added, “As a company specialis- Hveiled on Monday the won Han, Khaya Operations manager. Sheikh Nawaf said of the new partnership, ing in accommodation and travel arrange- Huawei Mate 20 Series to users The agreement will allow NBK and Khaya “We are honoured to be working with Khaya, ments, we are pleased to partner with the in Qatar during a launch event leading business group in Qatar, Nasser Bin that took place at Doha Festival Khaled, which we believe is a perfect fi t to City. our business, and will facilitate the provision The launch took place in the of world-class services that will ensure an presence of dignitaries and unforgettable experience for the estimated phone lovers from across the 1.2mn visitors to the World Cup in Qatar.” country. Khaya is a global travel and logistical sup- “Huawei takes pride in being port organisation highly experienced in the a pioneer in On-Device Artifi - provision of customised accommodation, cial Intelligence, shaping the travel and hospitality solutions at major evolution of smartphones into international sporting events. Founded in intelligent tools that under- South Africa in 2007, and with nine offi ces stand users in order to assist around the globe (Portugal - head offi ce, Bra- them. This series has always zil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, brought best-in-class per- Ian Li and Khalifa al-Haroon during the launch event. Russia and South Africa), Khaya has “per- formance and innovation to the fected the supply of service apartments and mobile phone market, focus- the new Huawei Mate 20 series Huawei is in the centre court accommodation and employs the best local ing on new chipset technology, on stage. at Doha Festival City and will expertise, who speak the language, know the processing power, and battery Designed with the indus- be open to shoppers and resi- culture and – above all – understand and im- performance,” said Ian Li, gen- try’s most powerful and so- dents of Qatar until November plement the needs of the client”. eral manager of Huawei Con- phisticated process technol- 20. NBK Holding is one of the leading family sumer Business Group, Middle ogy, the latest Huawei devices Huawei’s Mate Series is one business groups in Qatar. Founded in the ear- East. set a new bar by which all 2018 of its two fl agship lines of mo- ly 1950s by the late Sheikh Nasser bin Khaled During the launch event, Li smartphones will be measured. bile phones that have consist- al-Thani, the group had a distinct vision and presented the brand’s perform- The Mate 20 Pro is available ently delivered true innovation was committed to establishing a world-class ance in the region and how at QR3,299, while the Mate 20 and breakthrough technology company, one in which entrepreneurial ex- Huawei has grown to become is QR2,499, available in the like no other. cellence was the norm, whose innovative and the second largest smartphone Huawei showroom on Al Nasr Mr Q, Khalifa al-Haroon ethical business practices would benefi t not brand regionally and globally. Street in Doha and other au- from I Love Qatar, delivered the NBK Holding and Khaya Global off icials at the agreement-signing ceremony. only its individual customers, but also Qatar. He also unboxed and unveiled thorised dealers. keynote address. GAC Motor’s GS4 models Pulitzer Centre journalists share delivered to ‘Al-Futtaim insights on covering global issues ournalists from the Pulitzer Centre on Crisis Reporting Vehicle Rentals’ fi rm Jdiscussed their experience reporting on issues that have a global impact and may be con- oha Marketing Services Company (Do- The brand has gone from strength to strength troversial to cover to students masco), the authorised distributor of GAC and increased its market penetration during the at Northwestern University in DMotor in Qatar, recently delivered GAC past years.” GAC Motor has seen “incredible suc- Qatar (NU-Q). GS4 models to Al-Futtaim Vehicle Rentals (AVR). cess” with its model range, the statement noted. Ian James, a reporter for The The handover comes as part of a new deal be- Each vehicle is awarded a 5-star rating in C-NCAP Arizona Republic, and Shar- tween GAC and AVR, a “relationship that ben- tests highlighting how its design meets the highest ron Lovell, visual journalist efits the customer”, Domasco has said in a press safety standards. Off ering remarkable quality and and an educator based in Bei- statement. leading-edge design, the signature GAC GS4 is also jing, discussed work they have AVR specialises in vehicle rentals and leasing a proud holder of the “Innovation for the Future” done reporting on the depleting operations. award by Yahoo Finance. water supply and the eff ects it The company houses a wide range of the lat- The brand is currently enjoying success thanks may have on a global crisis. The est models, which stretches across economy and to its flagship SUV GS4, the high-end premium journalists have produced mul- super-mini-cars to luxury sports cars and four- SUV GS8 and the sedan GA8. Built on the pillars timedia projects with support wheel drives. of quality, performance and durability, GAC Mo- from the Pulitzer Centre about Faisal Sharif, managing director of Domasco, tor “stands ready to create a better life of mobil- how water is being carelessly said: “With this deal, AVR customers will now be ity”, the statement added. depleted or also how this fi nite able to experience the GS4 vehicle that combines Fleet customers are eligible for flexible in- resource is being mismanaged. the best in modern technology, elegant design and house finance with GAC Motor. Customers can Everette E Dennis, dean and the highest of safety standards. Customers have visit the exclusive GAC Motor showroom on CEO of NU-Q, noted that the embraced the GAC Motor brand in Qatar, which Salwa Road, near the Qatar Decoration signal, students at NU-Q benefi ted is evident by the strong sales performance in the opposite HSBC Bank. The showroom is open from hearing from working country. from Saturday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm. journalists who are able to pro- vide them with insights on how Journalists Ian James and Sharron Lovell discussed their experience reporting on issues that have a to handle reporting on global global impact with students at NU-Q. issues, as well as learning more about these issues – including bal Crisis of Vanishing Ground- James’ work has appeared on they have produced with the water insecurity. water’, the consequences of NPR’s Morning Edition, the support of the Pulitzer Centre, In a documentary James pro- groundwater depletion in plac- PBS NewsHour, and other ra- Lovell and James told the stu- duced with Steve Elfers of USA es around the world from In- dio and television programmes. dents that reporting on a global Today, ‘Pumped Dry: The Glo- dia to Morocco were explored. He also helped produce a 2014 crisis requires that they do ex- series about climate change in tensive research, be well pre- the Southwest that won an As- pared, and be culturally aware sociated Press Media Editors’ of the society they are covering. Journalism Excellence Award The journalists were ac- for Digital Storytelling. companied by Pulitzer Centre Lovell, meanwhile, produced executive editor Indira Laksh- a documentary, Drinking the manan, an international and Northwest Wind: China’s South national correspondent, and North Water Transfer Project, columnist for newspapers, that focused on the millions magazines, radio, and televi- of Chinese citizens who have sion. She spent a dozen years as been relocated over the past an international correspondent half-century to make way for for The Boston Globe from the hydroelectric projects, which Balkans and Latin America to has resulted in millions living in Afghanistan and China and has poverty. Lovell’s work has been been a columnist for The Bos- published in National Geo- ton Globe since 2016. graphic books, Newsweek, The NU-Q’s partnership with the In a documentary James produced with USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, and Forbes centre also off ers students the consequences of groundwater depletion in places around the among many other news out- opportunity to apply for fellow- Domasco and Al-Futtaim Vehicle Rentals off icials mark the occasion. world were explored. lets.In discussing the work that ships at the centre. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 REGION/ARAB WORLD

Kuwait, Bolivia Palestinian factions agree on seek urgent UNSC meet truce if Israel ends attacks Agencies United Nations Reuters Gaza/Jerusalem uwait and Bolivia yester- day requested an urgent alestinian fi ghter groups Kmeeting of the UN Secu- in Gaza said yesterday rity Council to discuss the es- Pthey would halt cross- calation of violence in the Gaza border attacks immediately if Strip. Israel did the same after the Kuwait, which represents most serious exchanges of aerial Arab countries at the coun- fi re since a seven-week war in cil, and Bolivia asked that the 2014. closed-door meeting be held An Israeli offi cial, speak- later, diplomats said. ing on condition of anonym- Palestinian groups including ity, responded by putting the Hamas, which rules Gaza, issued onus on the Palestinians to stop a joint statement earlier an- their strikes, saying Israel’s ac- nouncing an Egyptian-brokered tions would be determined by ceasefi re with Israel. their “steps on the ground”. The groups said they would Since Monday, Israeli air strikes abide by the truce as long as Is- have killed seven Palestinians, rael did the same, but there was at least fi ve of them gunmen, no immediate comment from armed factions said. the Israeli side. Rocket attacks from Gaza ARAB LEAGUE CALL killed a Palestinian, a resident of Meanwhile, the League of the occupied West Bank, living Arab States called on the in- in an apartment in Israel, where ternational community to im- he worked. mediately intervene to stop the The salvoes were the fi ercest The father of Palestinian Khaled Sultan, who was killed in an Israeli ongoing Israeli aggression, QNA since the Gaza war in 2014, the A view shows the remains of Hamas’ TV station building that was destroyed by Israeli air strikes, in Gaza air strike, mourns at a hospital in the northern Gaza Strip. reported. third between Israel and Hamas City, yesterday. The Arab League said that the in a decade as part of the wider multi-floor structure. It was Abu Habboush, 22, said he international community is re- Israel-Palestinian confl ict. towards a ceasefi re, Yuval Stein- The military said the Iron flanked by five-storey build- was awakened by shouts from sponsible for providing interna- Yesterday, the joint command itz, a member of Prime Minister Turkey urges Israel Dome anti-rocket system in- ings still standing after the air neighbours to get out of his tional protection to Palestinian of the Palestinian armed fac- Benjamin Netanyahu’s security to ‘stop’ strikes tercepted more than 100 pro- strike, their shattered stone residential building after what people and for achieving the just tions in Gaza said in a statement cabinet, told YNet Internet TV: jectiles. Israel responded with facades adding to the tall pile Israel terms the “tap on the peace that peoples of the region they would abide by a cease- “I would say that a more ac- Turkey yesterday called on Israel to dozens of air strikes, hitting of rubble. roof” warning. They all gath- aspire to. fi re mediated by neighbouring curate defi nition is that the Is- “immediately stop” strikes against the buildings overnight that in- Violence has simmered ered in a room on the first floor It condemned yesterday the Egypt “as long as the Zionist raeli military landed a harsh and Gaza Strip, urging the international cluded a Hamas intelligence since Palestinians launched to wait out the attack. continued Israeli escalation in enemy does the same”. As far as unprecedented blow on Hamas community to act as the escalation compound and the studios of weekly border protests on Meanwhile, an Israeli strike the Gaza Strip and held the Is- the factions were concerned, an and the fi ghter groups in Gaza, in violence threatened to descend Hamas’s Al-Aqsa Television, March 30 to demand the eas- in the northern Gaza Strip raeli occupation authorities offi cial in one of the Palestinian and we will see if that will suf- into full-blown conflict. “Israel must whose employees had received ing of the blockade on Gaza killed a Palestinian yesterday, fully responsible for the con- groups told Reuters, “the truce fi ce or whether further blows immediately stop its attacks against advance warnings from the and the right to return to lands Gaza’s health ministry said, sequences of the aggression has gone into eff ect”, condition- will be required.” the Gaza population,” Turkish presi- military to evacuate. lost in the 1948 war of Israel’s raising the death toll in the and its repercussions, Assistant al on Israel’ actions. Hamas said it was retaliating dential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin In aerial attacks yesterday, founding. Israeli troops have enclave to five in less than 24 Secretary-General for Palestine Hamas and other armed fac- for a botched Israeli commando said, quoted by state news agency Israel’s military said it took out killed more that 220 Palestini- hours. The Israeli military said and the Occupied Arab Ter- tions fi red over 400 rockets or raid in Gaza that killed one of its Anadolu. “The international commu- a rocket-launching squad and ans during the confrontations, its aircraft had fired towards a ritories ambassador Said Abu mortar bombs across the fenced commanders and six other gun- nity, which stays silent in the face of fired at several Palestinians which have included border fighter who was part of a group Ali said in a statement on the border after carrying out a sur- men on Sunday. Israel’s attacks, must take responsibil- infiltrating through the border breaches. launching projectiles at its sidelines of the second forum of prise guided-missile attack on An Israeli colonel was also ity and take action,” he added. fence around Gaza, which Is- In fighting over the past territory, without confirming electoral administrations in the Monday on a bus that wounded killed in that incident. rael keeps under blockade. two days, Israeli missiles the death. The ministry iden- Arab countries, which started an Israeli soldier, the military Sirens rang out in southern In Gaza City, people gath- flattened seven buildings, tified the man killed as Khaled yesterday at the headquarters of said. Israeli towns yesterday and estinian rockets crashed into ered in front of a large mound mostly in Gaza City includ- al-Sultan, 26. Another person the Arab League. Asked if Israel was heading people ran for shelter after Pal- several homes overnight. of debris that was once a ing the TV station. Abdallah was wounded, it said.

PRECAUTION Kuwait to suspend Coalition air strikes work today Families stock up on food after floods ‘killed 28 in east Syria’ Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) has suspended work at all of its companies yesterday due to after lull in Yemen battle AFP trieved earlier because air raids the extreme weather which has Beirut were ongoing, he said. hit the country in recent days. A coalition spokesman did Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works, Reuters He visited a school in Ho- “I am confi dent that the par- operations and endanger mil- not immediately reply for a Hussam al-Roumi, resigned on Hodeidah deidah yesterday to oversee the ties are ready to work on a po- lions of civilians as it remains ir strikes by the US-led request for comment, but has Friday because of the extensive distribution of food coupons litical solution...The logistical the main source of Yemen’s coalition have killed previously said that it would damage to public property caused which allow families to obtain preparations are under way to food imports as well as human- A28 people in an eastern investigate any credible by heavy rains and floods. Kuwait fter a night of air strikes a basket containing fl our, sugar, prepare for the upcoming round itarian aid. Syria holdout of the Islamic claims of civilian casualties. Oil Company lifted a state of on Yemen’s Hodeidah, milk, oil and canned beans. of consultations. An air strike hit the port’s State group on the Iraqi border, The coalition has been emergency on Saturday following Acalm descended to al- “Thank God there is calm and We are in a position to move entrance yesterday and killed a war monitor said yesterday. backing a Kurdish-led alli- the flooding, in which one person low hungry families to stock up security today. We went out to forward,” Griffi ths said in a three guards, a witness and Those killed in the village of ance called the Syrian Dem- died, and said that facilities were on food in the Houthi-held Red buy things for the house with- statement. The UN is reviving Houthi media said. Al-Shaafa on Sunday included ocratic Forces fighting the operating normally. However, Sea port city yesterday. out fear,” said Fattoum Ahmad, eff orts to fi nd a political agree- The WFP is still unable to 22 civilian members of IS fami- militants. Kuwait Oil Company said in a Saudi-led coalition war- a housewife and a resident of ment that would end a war that access grain silos containing lies, the Britain-based Syrian The SDF late last month statement that Kuwait Petroleum planes had resumed air strikes Hodeidah city. “There were no has killed more than 10,000 and 51,000 tonnes of wheat which Observatory for Human Rights suspended its fight against IS Corp (KPC) had suspended work late on Monday despite a lull in explosions or gunfi re. I wish the pushed the country to the verge were seized by coalition forces monitor said. in protest at Turkish shelling at all its companies after Kuwait’s street battles between Houthi war would not resume.” of famine. during the fi ghting, spokesman “On Tuesday, 22 bodies of of Kurdish militia positions cabinet decided yesterday to insurgents and coalition forces It was unclear if the fi ghting The alliance led by Saudi Herve Verhoosel said yesterday. civilians were retrieved includ- along Syria’s northern border. suspend work in all government which had trapped families and stopped because of Beasley’s Arabia and the United Arab Verhoosel, speaking in Ge- ing nine children, as well as the But they said on Sunday they institutions today, including minis- endangered hospitals. visit and whether the UN had Emirates renewed its off en- neva, said those supplies could remains of six other people not were resuming their battle af- tries and schools. Kuwait National World Food programme liaised with the Saudi-led coa- sive on Hodeidah, a lifeline for feed 3.7mn people in northern yet identifi ed,” Observatory ter “intensive contacts” with Petroleum Company (KNPC) has (WFP) executive director David lition. millions of Yemenis, as Wash- and central Yemen for a month. chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. the international coalition and also given its employees a day-off Beasley arrived in Yemen on The UN special envoy to ington and London called for a The WFP said last week it “The strikes targeted IS “strong diplomatic activity” to today, except those whose jobs Sunday to assess food security Yemen Martin Griffi ths wel- ceasefi re amid renewed UN-led plans to double its food assist- homes in Al-Shaafa,” he said, defuse the crisis. require them to be in their work in the Arab country that has comed the reduction of hostili- peace eff orts. ance programme for Yemen, inside a last pocket under IS overran large parts of Syria places. Subsequently, KNPC put been pushed to the brink of ties in Hodeidah and called on The international commu- aiming to reach up to 14mn militant control in the eastern and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, off the second pre-tender meeting famine by more than three years the parties to show continued nity fears that an attack on Ho- people “to avert mass starva- province of Deir Ezzor. proclaiming a “caliphate” in for Al-Dibdibah Solar Power Plant of war. restraint. deidah port would disrupt its tion”. The bodies could not be re- land it controlled. project, which was supposed to be held today. In a statement posted on its twitter account, KNPC said the meeting has been resched- uled for Monday, November 26. Kuwait Banking Association said in a statement yesterday that it Rival Libya leaders meet for fi rst time since May had also suspended work in all its banks today.

stitutional conference. “Haftar knows not participate in the conference, pho- Reuters POLICY Palermo, Italy the action plan and is committed to tos showed him with Serraj and Ital- the national conference,” Salame said. ian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte New Tunisian “I think every Libyan now knows that embracing and smiling in a three-way ibya’s two main rival leaders met there is not a third way. Either the po- handshake. The Libyan rivals were also minister hopes to for the fi rst time in more than fi ve litical process moves forward or new pictured with dignitaries including boost tourist visits Lmonths at a conference hosted by clashes could take place anytime.” Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al- Italy yesterday and the prime minister There were no announcements of Sisi, European Union Council President Tunisia’s new tourism minister endorsed a United Nations plan for an diplomatic breakthroughs. Donald Tusk, Russian Prime Minister sought to brush aside concerns election next year. But Serraj’s spokesman said on Twit- Dmitry Medvedev and French Foreign about his Jewish background More than seven years after long- ter the prime minister was committed Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. yesterday by laying out plans to serving dictator Muammar Gaddafi was to a UN road map to hold an election in However, Haftar skipped the offi - dramatically boost tourist visits to a toppled by Western-backed rebels with the spring after a constitutional frame- cial fi nal summit photo, as did his for- terrorism-struck country. Nato air support, no central authority work is put in place. eign ally Sisi. Conte told reporters it “It is a historic day. I have been work- has asserted control over oil-producing A previous UN plan for elections next had been important to invite all Libyan ing in the tourism sector in Tunisia Libya and armed groups control the month was shelved last week. players. He said he was sorry that the for 20 years, and today I have new streets. A draft communique, reviewed by Turkish delegation had walked out the ideas,” Rene Trabelsi said. “The goal That yesterday’s meeting in Palermo, Reuters, said Libyan delegations had conference, blaming regional “sensi- in 2019 is to reach 9mn tourists,” Sicily took place at all could be seen as Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte with Libya’s Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj as he agreed to prepare for the election by tivities” which he did not specify. he added, hoping to reverse a a success in a fraught diplomatic en- arrives at the venue of the international conference on Libya in Palermo, yesterday. spring 2019 and abide by the results. Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay downward trend sparked by terror- vironment in which factions on the An Italian diplomat said Haftar had said earlier that Turkey had walked out ist attacks in recent years. Tourism ground in Libya and their foreign allies Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al- Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe given his backing for Serraj to remain in with “deep disappointment” after ap- has suff ered since 2015, when the have rarely seen eye to eye. Serraj, whose weak but internationally Conte and UN Libya envoy Ghassan offi ce as prime minister until the elec- parently being excluded from events. Northern African nation saw a string In a sign of the tense atmosphere, the recognised government is based in the Salame, speaking at a joint news con- tion can be held. “You don’t change the “Any meeting which excludes Turkey of attacks that were mostly claimed Turkish delegation stormed out early, country’s west, met Khalifa Haftar, the ference, said the Palermo gathering horse until you cross the river,” the dip- would prove to be counter-productive by the Islamic State militia. Arrivals complaining of being excluded from a military strongman who rules most of was a step forward for a UN plan to hold lomat quoted Haftar as saying. for the solution of this problem,” he in 2015 fell to 5.3mn, compared to meeting. the east of the North African state. elections in 2019 after a national con- Despite Haftar having said he would said. 7.1mn tourists in 2014. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 13 AFRICA

SOLACE SUPPORT PRICE MISDIRECTION FINANCE POLITICS German, French ministers Tanzania’s Magufuli orders Nigeria firm routes Google Zimbabwe’s inflation at Gabon opposition raises visit Mali after suicide attack army to buy cashew nuts traff ic through China highest in a decade heat on Bongo’s health

The German and French defence ministers Tanzanian President John Magufuli has ordered Nigerian Internet provider Main One Cable Co Inflation in Zimbabwe soared last month to its A Gabonese opposition party yesterday yesterday visited their troops stationed in northern the army to buy up the entire country’s crop of yesterday took responsibility for a glitch that highest level since 2008, off icial data showed accused the government of peddling a “lie” Mali, hours after a suicide bomber killed two people cashew nuts after private companies refused to caused some Google traff ic to be temporarily yesterday, after a severe dollar shortage led to over the health of President Ali Bongo after and injured 30 others in the same town. The attack pay the price fixed by his government. The move misrouted through China, saying it accidentally a surge in prices of food, drinks and clothes. he was hospitalised in Saudi Arabia nearly took place Monday night in the town of Gao, on comes just days after Magufuli fired Agriculture caused the problem during a network upgrade. The annual inflation rate shot up to 20.85% in three weeks ago. “A group of people within the the outskirts of the town where the United Nations Minister Charles Tizeba and Trade Minister Charles The issue surfaced on Monday two firms that October, statistics agency Zimstat said, from president’s office has opted for evasiveness, peacekeeping mission to Mali (MINUSMA) is Mwijage for “failing in their obligations” to the monitor internet traff ic said that some people 5.39% in September after the dollar shortage duplicity and even (for telling) a state lie,” the stationed. Militant group JNIM, which has links to the cashew industry. Magufuli ordered soldiers to buy trying to reach the Google services had seen their led to a collapse in Zimbabwe’s parallel ‘bond National Union party said in a statement. On Al Qaeda terrorist network, claimed responsibility up the nuts at $1.44 per kilogram, higher than the traff ic routed through China and Russia. Main One note’ currency, triggering sharp price hikes in Sunday, Bongo’s spokesman, Ike Ngouoni, for the bombing, which targeted a humanitarian price companies were willing to pay, according to told Reuters that it had caused a 74-minute glitch many goods and services. Some businesses acknowledged that Bongo had been treated aid organisation, according to MINUSMA. The a government statement issued Monday. Magufuli by misconfiguring a border gateway protocol are now demanding cash in US dollars only and for a serious illness. The National Union attack was “bitter and sad,” said German Defense ordered in October that the price of cashews be filter, networking gear that routes traff ic across the have raised prices by more than three times for called on Prime Minister Emmanuel Issoze Minister Ursula von der Leyen with her French almost doubled from $0.65 per kilogram, a price Internet. That resulted in some Google traff ic being Zimbabweans who pay for their goods using the Ngondet to fly to Riyadh “with a nationally colleague, Florence Parly, in a co-ordinated visit. farmers said barely covered their production costs. sent through Main One partner China Telecoms. bond note, mobile money or bank cards. representative delegation” to meet Bongo. Ethiopian govt Promoting innovation cracks down on security services

Reuters since Prime Minister Ably Aimed came to Opposition politician Berhanu Nega Addis Ababa power in April promising to rein in the se- welcomed the development and said the curity services and tackle what he called vast majority of Ethiopians were happy economic mismanagement, corruption with the arrests. thiopia yesterday arrested the and rights abuses. “People believe it is about time such former head of a military-run in- He has pushed through reforms that measures are taken to address the issue of Edustrial conglomerate and fl ew him have upended decades-old policies and justice in the past but also to indicate in People attend the launching of the first innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Somaliland ‘HarHub’ in handcuff s to the capital, state media re- hierarchies in east Africa’s economic pow- the future that these kind of crimes are not during the Global Entrepreneurship week organised by local NGO Shaqodoon in Hargeisa, the capital ported, a day after authorities announced erhouse — including moves to let private acceptable in the future,” he told Reuters. of the self-declared republic of Somaliland in northern Somalia. investigations targeting senior members investors get stakes in the huge conglom- A list of the arrest warrants released of the security forces. erates run by the army and other state by the attorney general’s offi ce named 27 Kinfe Dagnew, a Brigadier General in bodies. METEC current and former executives Ethiopia’s army and former chief execu- There was no immediate statement from including the head of military equipment tive of METEC, was taken into custody the attorney general on Kinfe’s arrest. production and the head of corporate lo- close to the border with Sudan and Eritrea, The Prime Minister’s offi ce referred Re- gistics and supply. One of those arrested state-run broadcaster EBC said. uters to the attorney general. was “caught...while trying to destroy evi- Families of Cameroon kidnap State media broadcast footage showing On Monday, attorney general Berhanu dence”, the document read. Kinfe surrounded by a ring of soldiers and Tsegaye said investigations had uncov- There was no immediate comment from later images of him in handcuff s arriving ered corruption at METEC (Metal and the defendants or their lawyers. victims feared Chibok repeat by military helicopter in the capital later Engineering Corp), which makes military Abiy — Ethiopia’s fi rst leader from its yesterday. equipment and is involved in sectors from majority Oromo ethnic group — was cho- A day earlier the attorney general an- agriculture to construction. sen by the EPRDF to head it after three Reuters university student — who declined pregnant. I imagined all this hap- nounced the arrests of other METEC ex- Reuters has not been able to contact years of street protests and strikes piled Bamenda, Cameroon to be named for his safety — whose pening to my daughter.” ecutives in a corruption investigation and METEC for comment — senior public rela- pressure on the coalition to reform. younger brother and sister were The scale of the kidnapping was the detention of security offi cials accused tions offi cials were among those arrested. Some analysts say Abiy’s reforms have both kidnapped. unprecedented in the country’s of abusing prisoners — moves that were The attorney general said 27 METEC of- targeted the old guard of the EPRDF, long he families of 80 pupils kid- About 220 Nigerian girls were long-running separatist crisis and welcomed by rights groups and a promi- fi cials had been detained — alongside 36 dominated by the minority Tigrayan eth- napped from a school in kidnapped from their school in a lack of offi cial information fueled nent opposition politician. intelligence offi cers, police and other mili- nic group. Twestern Cameroon before Chibok by Boko Haram militants confusion in the wake of their dis- Amnesty International said the arrests tary offi cials accused of abusing prisoners. But others have suggested he must have being released days later said they in 2014. appearance. announced on Monday “are an important He also accused senior members of the high-level backing from senior members feared their children would face a Since then, about half of the girls The Cameroonian army has ac- fi rst step towards ensuring full account- security services of ordering an attack on of the TPLF, the Tigrayan political party in similar fate to Nigeria’s Chibok girls. have been found or freed, dozens cused Anglophone separatists of ability for the abuses that have dogged the the prime minister in June. the coalition. Kidnappers freed on Monday have been paraded in propaganda carrying out the kidnappings, but country for several decades”. The detained METEC employees and “It would be a recipe for confl ict to go the last of 80-odd children taken videos and an unknown number a separatist spokesman has denied One Western envoy, who asked not to be security offi cials appeared in court later on against these big fi sh without consent, hostage last week in a raid on a have died. involvement. named, described the crackdown as a “full Monday. A judge denied the suspects bail or some bargaining from the TPLF,” said school in the city of Bamenda — a “The whole family was trau- The secessionists have imposed frontal assault on the establishment”. and gave police 14 days further to investi- one Ethiopian analyst who declined to be centre of the country’s troubled matised,” the student said, adding curfews and closed schools as Kinfe’s arrest was the most high-profi le gate. None were charged. named. English-speaking region where that he had worried his siblings part of their protest against Biya’s separatists are fi ghting to form a would be forced to become child French-speaking government and breakaway republic. soldiers for separatist groups in its perceived marginalisation of Most were released last Wednes- Cameroon’s Anglophone regions. the English-speaking minority. day, but two boys, the principal Other relatives dreaded the The government has denied dis- and a dormitory warden remained prospect of their girls being raped criminating against them. SA home aff airs minister Gigaba resigns hostage until Monday. and impregnated by the unknown Following the release of the pu- Moments after being reunited kidnappers. pils, several parents said they did with the freed pupils in a school “I feared the worst,” said the not want their children to return Reuters Gigaba was thrust into the role of fi nance yard, several relatives told the father of one young girl, who like to school. Johannesburg minister after South Africa’s then-president Thomson Reuters Foundation they other relatives asked not to be “I think she shouldn’t go to Jacob Zuma sacked Pravin Gordhan, a move feared that they would never see named for safety reasons. school anymore,” said the father of that unnerved investors and roiled markets at the children again — and were now “A young girl is fragile and I re- a girl who had been kidnapped. outh Africa’s Home Aff airs Minister the time. afraid to let them return to school. membered the Chibok girls, some “If she had been killed, school Malusi Gigaba has resigned, the presi- Pressure on Gigaba mounted when South “I immediately thought of the of whom have never been found. wouldn’t have been of much use Sdent’s offi ce said yesterday, following Africa’s offi cial anti-graft watchdog said last Chibok girls in Nigeria,” said one I heard that others had become to her.” calls from opposition parties for him to stand week that he should be disciplined for lying down over a High Court ruling which said he under oath about the wealthy Oppenheimer had lied under oath. family’s attempt to open a private airport im- Congo Ebola outbreak to last at least six more months: WHO Gigaba, who was fi nance minister between migration facility. March 2017 and February 2018, has denied A South African court ruled last Decem- he Ebola outbreak in north- ables that are outside our control, deadly virus, and is now the worst any wrongdoing. ber that Gigaba had violated the constitution eastern Democratic Repub- but certainly we’re planning on at in Congo’s history. Gigaba, who in February was reappointed when he denied having ever approved an ap- Tlic of Congo, which has al- least another six months before The location of the disease is home aff airs minister, apologised last month plication by the Oppenheimers to operate an ready killed more than 200 people, we can declare this outbreak over,” perhaps the most diffi cult the over a private sex video that was leaked on immigration service for wealthy VIPs at Jo- is expected to last until mid-2019, WHO emergency response chief WHO has ever enountered, due social media after his phone was hacked hannesburg’s main airport. a senior World Health Organiza- Peter Salama told reporters in Ge- to a dense and mobile local popu- when he was fi nance minister. Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane last tion offi cial said yesterday. neva. lation, insecurity caused by two “The president has accepted the minister’s Wednesday directed President Ramaphosa to “It’s very hard to predict time- The outbreak in Congo’s North armed groups, and its spread by resignation,” Cyril Ramaphosa’s’s offi ce said discipline Gigaba and to inform her of the ac- frames in an outbreak as compli- Kivu province has caused 333 con- transmission in health centres, Gigaba ... under a cloud in a statement. tion he had taken within 20 days. cated as this with so many vari- fi rmed and probable cases of the Salama said. Instant forest? ‘Tree hopping’ takes off in Kenya

By Kagondu Njagi, Reuters popularity with Kenyan farmers digenous and exotic trees grow Nations’ goal to “increase forest “When arid areas benefi t from hopping” could help them as well. “I would like to use this meth- Kerita, Kenya who are trying to produce more among the fi elds of maize and area by 3% worldwide by 2030.” this fast way of reforestation, Kioko Mutuku, 38, a farmer od here, but I do not know an food on limited amounts of arable wheat. Currently, 7% of Kenya is covered their pasture will be protected from the village of Kivaa in east- expert who can help me with the land without further damaging Other trees fence the paddocks by trees. by the natural climates that trees ern Kenya, said he has seen the skill,” he said. he sun beat down on Sam- the environment. where his cattle and sheep graze. Over 5mn trees are cut down create, reducing tensions”, he villagers’ reliance on charcoal Gitiba said the Kenya Forestry uel Rono’s farm in Kerita, a Tree hopping involves dig- Trees can help shelter plants every day for fi rewood, charcoal said. burning deplete the area’s indig- Service, a government agency, is Tvillage in southern Kenya, ging up mature trees where they and animals from the sun and or other uses, according to Isaac The technique can also be a enous trees over the years. organising farmer fi eld days to as six young men struggled to grow close together and relocat- protect crops from being dam- Kalua, chairman of the Green Af- good income generator: Rono He thinks if his neighbours show farmers how tree hopping load one of several large trees into ing them to areas where forest is aged by strong winds. rica Foundation. said he earns about 2,000 Ken- cover their farms with trees, they works. a waiting truck. more scarce. But the dense canopy of the Tree hopping allows farmers to yan shillings ($20) for each tree could start to heal the degraded But for many farmers, lack of “They (the trees) are not for Putting some more space trees on his farm often stunts legally thin out their forests while he sells. land. training is not the biggest obsta- making timber,” Rono explained. between trees can let in more plant growth and creates a chilly helping others boost the number Besides the purchase price, But the neighbours complain cle. “They are being moved to a new sunlight and make an area’s mi- environment for his animals, the of trees on their land, experts say. buyers also pay for transport, the trees take too long to mature, Njue Njagi Kaithungu, a coun- location to be planted there.” cro-climate more suitable for 67-year-old farmer said. Chachu Ganya, a member of which can cost $20 to move a set he said. ty executive in Tharaka Nithi By removing a few trees from farming, said Laban Gitiba, the Kenyan law prohibits the fell- the Kenyan parliament’s com- of trees within a 5km range, Rono “This is why farmers are plant- County, said the reason tree hop- his 10 acre farm, Rono can make sub-county forest offi cer in Ker- ing of trees without a permit, mittee on environment and nat- said. ing fast-maturing trees like blue ping is not catching on across the more space for his livestock to ita village. even on private farms. ural resources, said moving trees Digging up trees, and digging gum. But the (Australian native) country is that many families graze and for him to grow more At the same time, transplant- Permits are only granted if the can be particularly helpful in sta- holes to replant them is usually trees end up sucking up under- cannot aff ord the cost of trans- maize. ing the trees helps restore de- landowner can prove there is an bilising rainfall — and avoiding done by hand, he said. ground water,” the father of two porting the trees or buying them But, instead of simply cutting graded areas, Gitiba told the urgent need to cut down the tree confl icts — in areas where trees Gitiba, the forest offi cer, said said. from other farmers. down the 5m trees — and poten- Thomson Reuters Foundation. — if there is a risk it will fall over have disappeared. about a thousand trees had been Bringing over mature native “At the end of the day, a poor tially breaking the law — he sells “It will create a new home for in a storm, for example. Ganya said only about a fi fth of moved so far this year in the Rift trees would speed up the process household will choose to spend them to other farmers who need birds, insects and other organ- The government also obliges Kenyan land is suitable for farm- Valley’s Uasin Gishu County, of restoring the environment, he on food, shelter and health fi rst more trees on their land. isms which contribute to im- all landowners to have trees on ing, and that fi gure is declining which includes Rono’s farm. added — but no one in his village before embarking on labour- The locals call the technique proving soil fertility.” at least 10 % of their land, as part due to reduced rainfall and land Farmers in other parts of the is familiar with moving larger consuming tasks,” Kaithungu “tree hopping”, and it is gaining At Rono’s farm, a mix of in- of its commitment to the United overuse. country think adopting “tree trees. said in a telephone interview. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 AMERICAS

DISTASTEFUL ART SALE INSPIRATION EDUCATION MOURNED Wisconsin school under Magritte painting fetches Canadian voice of HAL in Fewer foreign students fire over boys’ Nazi salute $26.8mn at NY auction 2001: A Space Odyssey dies coming to US: survey

A school district in the US state of Wisconsin A painting by Rene Magritte sold for $26.8mn Douglas Rain, the Canadian actor who voiced The number of international students entering US came under fire Monday for a photo of high Monday at a Sotheby’s auction in New York, vengeful supercomputer HAL 9000 in Stanley colleges and universities has fallen for the second school boys apparently giving the Nazi salute setting a record for a work by the Belgian Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, a precursor of year in a row, a nonprofit group said yesterday, after the photo was shared on social media. surrealist. The painting entitled ‘Le principe du artificial intelligence in smartphones, has died. amid eff orts by the Trump administration to tighten More than 50 boys are shown in the photo, plaisir’ topped the price fetched by ‘La corde He was 90. According to the Stratford Festival, restrictions on foreigners studying in the United laughing with their right arm extended. It was sensible’, which was sold in February 2017 in a repertory theatre festival of which he was a States. New enrolments for the 2017-18 school year snapped outside the school grounds on prom London for $17.9mn. Sotheby’s had estimated the founding member, Rain died in hospital near slumped 6.6% compared with the previous year, night, according to the superintendent of the painting sold Monday as being worth between Toronto of natural causes Sunday morning. according to an annual survey released by the school. Only one boy is not holding up his arm. $15mn and $20mn. Other paintings on off er on “Canadian theatre has lost one of its greatest Institute of International Education. That follows a Lori B Mueller, superintendent of Baraboo School the second night of the autumn art auctions in talents and a guiding light in its development,” the 3.3% decline in new international students tallied District, said the photo appears to have been New York also surpassed their estimated value. festival’s artistic director Antoni Cimolino said in a in the 2016-17 academic year. Visa and immigration taken about six months ago. It is not reflective of ‘Improvisation on Mahogany’ by Russian-born statement. He arguably inspired virtual assistants policy changes by the Trump administration have Flowers and mementos are left behind on the the educational values and beliefs of the school Wassily Kandinsky, fetched $24.2mn, compared such as Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa in the deterred some international students from enrolling, star of late Marvel Comics co-creator Stan Lee district, Mueller said. to its pre-sale estimate of $15mn and $20mn. iPhone and Google Home devices, respectively. college administrators and immigration analysts said. on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.

CNN sues White House over revoked credentials

Reuters “That’s enough, that’s enough,” Washington Trump told Acosta last week, as a White House intern attempted to take the mi- crophone away from Acosta. “You are a NN yesterday fi led a lawsuit against rude, terrible person.” the Trump administration over the The White House suspended his cre- Crevocation of press credentials for dentials later that day, with Sanders al- White House correspondent Jim Acosta, a leging that Acosta had put his hands on frequent target of President Donald Trump. the intern who was trying to take the mi- The cable network demanded the re- crophone from him. turn of Acosta’s credentials in the lawsuit However, videos of the encounter fi led in US District Court in Washington. show Acosta pulling back as the intern It said the White House violated the moved to take the microphone. First Amendment right to free speech “While the suit is specifi c to CNN and as well as the due process clause of the Acosta, this could have happened to any- Constitution providing fair treatment one,” CNN said. through judicial process. “If left unchallenged, the actions of Sarah Sanders, the White House press the White House would create a danger- secretary, dismissed the action as “just ous chilling eff ect for any journalist who more grandstanding from CNN, and we covers our elected offi cials.” will vigorously defend against this lawsuit.” The lawsuit noted that Trump told The White House revoked Acosta’s reporters at the White House on Friday credentials last week in an escalation of there “could be others also.” the Republican president’s attacks on the Theodore Boutrous, a lawyer for CNN news media, which he has dubbed the and Acosta, said the White House was “enemy of the people.” punishing Acosta for the contents of his Trump has steadily intensifi ed his reporting. criticism of the reporters who cover The White House Correspondents As- him, lashing out with personal jabs in sociation said revoking Acosta’s creden- response to questions he does not like, tials was a disproportionate reaction to including those about Special Counsel what happened at the news conference. Robert Mueller’s probe of whether his “The president should not be in the Crews begin removing abandoned vehicles from the streets after the Camp Fire tore through the area in Paradise. campaign worked with Russia to sway business of arbitrarily picking the men the 2016 presidential election. and women who cover him,” it said. CNN, and Acosta in particular, have US Representative Jerrold Nadler, who been regular targets of Trump. is likely to become the Democratic chair- The day after the November 6 con- man of the House Judiciary Committee in gressional election, Trump erupted into January, supported the CNN lawsuit. anger during a news conference when “@CNN is right to fi ght back against Acosta questioned him about the Russia the cynical, unfair, and authoritarian probe and a so-called migrant caravan treatment of @Acosta for doing his job,” California wildfi re travelling through Mexico. he said in a Twitter post. Top court to review Virginia death toll tops 42 voting districts in race case Reuters destroyed overnight Thursday, just including Oregon, Texas, Missouri through yesterday, heightening the Paradise, California hours after the blaze erupted. and Georgia, have sent fi re crews or risk of fresh blazes ignited by scat- Reuters had found the 11 districts, as well as one One hundred fi fty search-and-re- other resources to combat the fi res. tered embers. Washington other district, to be lawful. The justices covery personnel are expected, bol- Authorities were probing the cause Cal Fire said 57,000 structures said the lower court had not suffi ciently he deadliest and most de- stering 13 coroner-led recovery teams of the fi res. were still in harm’s way from the analysed the consideration of race by the structive wildfi re in California in the fi re zone, said Butte County A spokeswoman for the Califor- Woolsey Fire. he US Supreme Court said yester- Republican legislators in the process of Thistory has burned a further Sheriff Kory Honea. nia Public Utilities Commission said Some evacuees in Malibu, a seaside day it will review for a second time drawing Virginia’s electoral map. 8,000 acres and remained only 30% The sheriff has requested three yesterday the regulator has launched community whose residents include Twhether Republican legislators in The voters who brought the lawsuit contained, California fi re offi cials said portable morgue teams from the US investigations that may include an a number of Hollywood celebrities, Virginia drew electoral districts in the accused Republicans of packing black yesterday as search teams resumed military, a “disaster mortuary” crew, inspection of the fi re sites once Cal were allowed to return home Monday state in a way that unlawfully diluted the voters into certain districts to diminish sifting through charred wreckage in a cadaver dog units to locate human Fire allows access. but found themselves without power clout of black voters. their voting power and make surround- hunt for human remains. remains and three groups of forensic PG&E Corp, which operates in or cellphone service. The high court will hear an appeal by ing districts more white and more likely The “Camp Fire,” raging about anthropologists. northern California, and Edison In- California has recently endured the Republican-led state House of Del- to support Republicans. 280km north of San Francisco, has Some 52,000 people remained un- ternational, the owner of Southern two of the worst wildfi re seasons in egates of a June ruling by a federal three- The case involves allegations of gerry- expanded to 125,000 acres, more than der evacuation orders, Honea said. California Edison Co, have reported its history, a situation experts at- judge panel that said the 11 state House mandering, a term that refers to manipu- four times the area of the city, the In Southern California, two people to regulators that they experienced tribute in large part to prolonged districts in question all violated the lating the boundaries of a voting district California Department of Forestry died in the separate “Woolsey Fire,” problems with transmission lines or drought across much of the western rights of black voters to equal protection to increase the clout of certain voters at and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said. which has destroyed 435 structures substations in areas where fi res were United States. under the law under the US Constitu- the expense of others. The death toll remained at 42 peo- and displaced about 200,000 people reported around the time they start- President Donald Trump on Mon- tion’s 14th Amendment. At issue was the state legislative map ple, the most on record from a Cali- in the mountains and foothills near ed. day night declared a major disaster Democrats have accused Republicans drawn by Republicans after the 2010 na- fornia wildfi re and 228 individuals Southern California’s Malibu coast, Speaking to KRCR TV yesterday, exists from the fi res, making federal in Virginia and other states of crafting tional census. Since then, Democrats have were listed as missing. west of Los Angeles. PG&E spokesman Blair Jones said funds available to people and local such legislative maps in a way that crams made gains in Virginia in both state and More than 7,600 homes and other The Woolsey Fire was 35% con- prior to the outbreak of the Camp government agencies in Butte, Los black and other minority voters into federal elections. The current governor structures were destroyed, also an tained, up from 30% a day earlier, Cal Fire, the site had not been “an area we Angeles and Ventura counties. certain districts in order to reduce their and attorney general are both Democrats. all-time high. Fire said. were looking as a potential shut-off The pledge came two days after overall sway in the state. Yesterday’s brief court order said the Much of the damage was concen- Nearly 9,000 fi refi ghters have been area.” Trump blamed the brush fi res on for- When the litigation fi rst reached the justices will examine the issue of stand- trated in Paradise, a Butte County battling the wildfi res. Winds of up to 60kph were expect- est mismanagement, tweeting “Rem- high court, the justices last year threw ing when they consider the case. A ruling town of 27,000 that was virtually Cal Fire said that 16 other states, ed to continue in Southern California edy now, or no more Fed payments!” out an earlier lower court ruling that in the case is due by the end of June. Democrats gain Senate seat as Arizona Republican concedes

AFP week’s closely-watched midterm elec- worked to help others see our common Washington tions. humanity & fi nd common ground,” she With almost all ballots counted from said on Facebook. the November 6 election, Sinema had “That’s the same approach I’ll take to rizona Republican Martha Mc- expanded her lead each of the last four representing our great state in the Sen- Sally conceded her razor-thin US days. ate, where I’ll be an independent voice ASenate race Monday, providing On Sunday evening, Sinema held a for all Arizonans.” Democrats a key pickup in a state that lead of 38,197 votes, or 1.72 percentage Her race was one of three Senate bat- has not elected a Democrat to the Senate points. tles that remained undecided. in three decades. Trump weighed in to the Arizona race A fi erce fi ght remains in Florida, where “I just called Kyrsten Sinema and con- after the election, crying foul when au- authorities are conducting a recount in gratulated her on becoming Arizona’s thorities took days to count ballots and the race for the seat held by Democratic fi rst female senator after a hard-fought used a procedure that allowed voters to Senator Bill Nelson, who is facing a chal- battle,” McSally said in a video statement confi rm their signatures in cases where lenge by Republican Rick Scott. posted on her Twitter account. there were discrepancies. Mississippi’s Senate race is headed to US networks Fox and CNN called the “Just out — in Arizona, SIGNATURES a run-off , which is expected to be won race in Sinema’s favour. DON’T MATCH. Electoral corruption,” by Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde- She will replace the retiring Sena- Trump said on Twitter, citing no proof of Smith. tor Jeff Flake, a conservative Republi- wrongdoing. The Arizona race was among the most can who is a critic of President Donald “Call for a new Election? We must hotly contested of 2018, with a reported Trump. protect our Democracy!” $50mn spent between the two parties The victory by Sinema, an Arizona Sinema, who at 42 will be one of the and outside groups. congresswoman, will provide Democrats Senate’s youngest members, said she McSally is famous for being America’s a critical extra vote in the 100-member would be addressing supporters in Phoe- fi rst female fi ghter pilot to fl y in combat. chamber, which Republicans will still nix. She had embraced Trump and his pol- Newly-elected Democratic Senator Kyrsten Sinema at a meeting yesterday with senior Democratic leaders at the control when the dust settles from last “As long as I’ve served Arizona, I’ve icies during her Senate race. Capitol in Washington. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 15 ASIA Bangladesh must Lanka Supreme Court halt plans to return Rohingya: UN

AFP hingya Muslims fl ed Myan- Geneva mar’s western Rakhine state restores parliament following a military crack- down from August last year, AFP “I will go to parliament to- he UN rights chief yes- bringing with them stories of Colombo morrow and we will show we are terday urged Bangladesh murders, rapes and torture. the legitimate government of Sri Tto halt plans to repatri- They have joined some Lanka,” Wickremesinghe said ate more than 2,200 Rohingya 300,000 Rohingya already liv- ri Lanka’s Supreme Court at the Temple Trees residence Muslims to Myanmar, amid ing in squalid camps in Bang- yesterday overruled Presi- that has become the opposition reports of continued violations ladesh’s southeast for years. Sdent Maithripala Sirise- headquarters. against the minority. Many of them witnessed the na’s dissolution of parliament Wickremesinghe called the Bangladeshi authorities killing of members of their fam- in a major boost to sacked prime court ruling a “a victory for the plan to begin returning Ro- ilies and the burning of their minister Ranil Wickremesin- people and a victory for decent hingya refugees, who have fl ed homes and villages, the UN ghe’s fi ght to reclaim the post politics in this country.” what the UN has called ethnic rights offi ce said, adding that it from an arch-rival. Parliamentary offi cials said cleansing, to the Buddhist ma- continued to receive reports of The heavily guarded court Speaker Karu Jayasuriya called jority country from tomorrow. ongoing violations against Ro- also halted preparations for a a meeting of political party But the prospect has created hingya still in Rakhine. snap election in the latest twist leaders today morning ahead panic in the camps, prompting Despite the fact that the ref- in a power struggle that be- of a formal meeting of legisla- some families who were due ugees have repeatedly said they gan when Sirisena dismissed tors who could vote between to be among the fi rst to be re- do not wish to return under the Wickremesinghe on October 26 Wickremesinghe and Rajapakse. patriated to fl ee, according to current conditions, some 2,260 and replaced him with former There was no immediate com- community leaders. of them are scheduled to enter strongman president Mahinda ment from Sirisena or Rajapakse “We are witnessing terror Myanmar from Bangladesh’s Rajapakse. after the Supreme Court’s and panic among those Ro- southeastern Cox’s Bazar dis- The 225-member parliament unanimous decision. hingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar trict in the fi rst repatriations could meet as early as today to The UNP led petitions who are at imminent risk of starting tomorrow. decide which of the duelling pair against the dissolution of par- being returned to Myanmar The UN pointed out sev- it backs. liament and the three-judge against their will,” UN High eral of the refugee families ap- Amid mounting international bench, headed by the Chief Commissioner for Human parently listed for return are concern, Wickremesinghe has Justice Nalin Perera, gave the Ranil Wickremesinghe speaks to media after Supreme Court suspended a presidential decree to dissolve Rights Michelle Bachelet said headed by women or children. refused to accept his sacking landmark decision to a packed parliament and hold fresh elections, during a news conference in Colombo, yesterday. in a statement. “Some of the refugees have and has remained in his offi - court guarded by hundreds “Forcibly expelling or re- threatened suicide if they are cial residence while Rajapakse of heavily armed police and Security at the courtroom the strategically important island in 2009 by crushing the Tamil turning refugees and asylum forced to repatriate, and two has sought to build a parallel commandos. had been beefed up ahead of the nation of 21mn people. Tigers. seekers to their home country elderly men in Cox’s Bazar administration. The court said it would give a hearing as authorities feared Only China has recognised the But 40,000 ethnic Tamils would be a clear violation of have already attempted sui- Wickremesinghe’s United fi nal verdict on the petition on clashes between rival supporters. appointment of Rajapakse, who were allegedly massacred in the the core legal principle of non- cide,” the rights offi ce said. National Party (UNP) is the larg- December 7, after three more However, there was no trouble during his decade as president process. refoulement, which forbids Bachelet stressed that “the est single party in the assembly. days of hearings. and supporters of Sirisena melt- until 2015 relied heavily on Bei- During his time in offi ce from repatriation where there are human rights violations com- He told reporters that he expect- The judges ordered the inde- ed away when it was known that jing for diplomatic and fi nancial 2001 until 2004, Wickremesin- threats of persecution or seri- mitted against the Rohingya in ed the legislature to meet today, pendent Elections Commission parliament had been restored. support. ghe is credited with pulling Sri ous risks to the life and physi- Myanmar amount to the worst as was scheduled before Sirisena to halt preparations for the Jan- The United States, European As president from 2005 un- Lanka out of its fi rst ever reces- cal integrity or liberty of the atrocities, including crimes dissolved the body to prevent a uary 5 vote, which Sirisena had Union and other nations have til 2015, Rajapakse ended Sri sion, in part with reforms that individuals,” she said. against humanity and possibly majority test. announced on Friday. raised concerns over the crisis in Lanka’s four-decade civil war have endeared him to the West. More than 725,000 Ro- even genocide.”

15 charged with illegal surrogacy Thai rappers lay into in Cambodia A Cambodian court yesterday charged 15 people with illegal surrogacy as authorities look to stamp out the trade before it gets junta, social conformity a foothold in the kingdom. Cambodia banned surrogacy in 2016 in an attempt to prevent the lucrative AFP says one of Elevenfi nger’s lyr- ing everything from the length practice from spreading in the Bangkok ics – in a video called Equality of haircuts to the educational country after neighbouring Thailand about Thailand’s poor educa- curriculum. pulled the plug on it the previous year. tion system, which is ranked That has cramped their abil- Police said yesterday’s case among the worst in Asia. ity to problem-solve, Jacoboi involved 15 people, including 11 country killing the peo- “It’s like governments don’t says. “Thais are not taught to alleged surrogate mothers, two ple... doesn’t give a want people to think,” Eleven- think critically.” cooks and two managers, who Adamn about its children, fi nger, whose real name is Tha- Like many Thais brought up were arrested in a raid last week spits 17-year-old Elevenfi nger, nayut Na Ayutthaya, said. under that system, rappers usu- in the capital Phnom Penh. one of a legion of acerbic young His videos presaged the ex- ally did not engage in political Phnom Penh Municipal Court rappers ripping into Thailand’s traordinary success of RAD – conversations, he added. spokesperson Ly Sophana said politics, dire education system “Rap Against Dictatorship” – But that changed as the coun- that the suspects where were and calcifying social mores. whose lyrical attack on the junta try lurched deeper into crisis. Rapper Elevenfinger, second right, posing with students in scout uniforms at a government school charged with “selling for cross- Thailand’s hip-hop scene has racked up over 30mn views A decade-long power strug- in Bangkok. border transfer and acting as an used to be anodyne, imitating on YouTube. gle between the deeply con- intermediary in surrogacy”. the swagger – and profanity – The song Prathet Ku Mee servative royalist elite and a themselves against hierarchi- year ago as a way to “break the the genie cannot be put back in Kea Thea, the head of Phnom of its American forefather but (What My Country’s Got?) grassroots movement loyal to cal teachings, social boundaries walls” of Thai education. the bottle. Penh’s anti-human traff icking not the socially-charged lyrics. delivers stinging verses billionaire ex-premier Thaksin and the order to be ‘good’,” ex- “I know these students have got Sociologist Anusorn says unit, refused to give further But that has started to change against censorship, corrup- Shinawatra has seen two coups plains Anusorn Unno, a sociolo- something to say. And I want this rap could be a game-changer details about the case. as pugnacious, political rhymes tion and the lack of elections and countless rounds of bloody gist at Thammasat University. room to be their safe zone to say for Thai society and “take China’s easing of its one-child replace the bubble-gum verses, since the military seized street protest. “And rap has given them the whatever they want,” he explained. down Thailand’s old hegem- policy has seen demand for fertility taking swipes at the ruling junta power in 2014. While older Thais have wea- space to rebel.” As Thailand gears up for elec- ony and create new cultural clinics in the region go up, with and the kingdom’s sharp social “We want people who listen to ried of the confl ict, anger at the At a Bangkok state school tions early next year, dissent is possibilities”. figures estimating that 90mn hierarchies. the song to come out and speak ageing political class govern- around 30 students, aged be- spilling out across subcultures In a small recognition of its women became eligible for another YouTube videos by teens their minds,” said Jacoboi, a co- ing their lives has intensifi ed tween 12 and 15, rehearse from pro-democracy punks to power, junta chief Prayut Chan- child after the rule was relaxed. and schoolchildren in uniform founder of the group. among many young people. rhymes in a club founded by graffi ti artists mocking the rich O-Cha backed down from veiled But surrogacy is illegal in China, – some as young as 12 – have In Thai schools, students are And the ruling generals have Elevenfi nger. and powerful. threats about Prathet Ku Mee as forcing those who can aff ord it to garnered massive social media expected to learn most subjects provided ample material, as they Elevenfi nger, known for his But rap has brought social the RAD video went viral. look for potential options abroad. followings. by rote and are taught defer- try to control dissent. verses on the social stigma of critiques mainstream. But risks remain for rap- In July, 30 women were charged “You’ve built the skytrains ence to age, status as well as “The young generation feel living in the Thai slums where And with the success of RAD’s pers who want to denounce the after they were accused of being but education’s a dead end,” army-scripted rules cover- frustrated and want to express he was born, started the club a viral anti-junta rap, analysts say strongmen. paid to deliver babies. (AFP)

Boy, 13, killed in Nepal festival Thai boxing fight Amnesty pulls Suu Kyi award A 13-year-old boy has been killed after being knocked out in a Thai boxing fight in central Thailand, a hospital AFP Amnesty International chief mation Aung Hla Tun said such staff member said yesterday. Yangon Kumi Naidoo said in a letter to moves would only “make the The boy was declared dead Suu Kyi released by the group. people love her more”, he added. at a local hospital just outside “Amnesty International People on the street in Yan- Bangkok late Monday, two yanmar authorities cannot justify your continued gon were defi ant. days after he was rushed to the and citizens leapt status as a recipient of the “Their withdrawal is pretty hospital after being knocked out Mto the defence of Ambassador of Conscience childish. It’s like when chil- by his opponent and suff ering Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday award and so with great sad- dren aren’t getting along from brain haemorrhage. after Amnesty International ness we are hereby withdraw- with each other and take back The brain damage occurred when stripped her of its top award ing it from you.” their toys,” 50-year-old Khin the boy’s unprotected head hit over indiff erence to atrocities But domestically, Suu Kyi Maung Aye said. the ground, local broadcaster committed against Rohingya remains popular across vast “We don’t need their Workpoint TV reported. Muslims, doubling down on swathes of Myanmar and within prize,” said Htay Htay, 60. The death of the boy, who support for the civilian leader her party, the National League Suu Kyi became a democra- according to the news channel in the face of global ire. for Democracy, which won elec- cy icon after spearheading the had started his boxing career Suu Kyi’s international tions in 2015 ending decades of opposition movement to the when he was eight years old, reputation as a rights icon is military-backed rule. feared military junta, which came amid growing calls for a in pieces and Amnesty’s move The stripping of awards resulted in her spending some ban on underage boxing. is the latest in a string of not only harms the “dignity” 15 years under house arrest “This is such an unnecessary death, rescinded accolades. of Suu Kyi, but also that of before her release in 2010. as there was no medical attention Canada revoked her honor- all NLD members, the party’s She has yet to comment on provided on site,” said Jiraporn ary citizenship last month and spokesman Myo Nyunt said, Amnesty’s decision herself Laothamatas, director of Thailand’s the US Holocaust Museum adding he thought this was all but has in the past shrugged Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Center. in March took back an award part of a wider conspiracy. off questions about with- According to Jiraporn, whose named after concentration “All these organisations are drawn awards. five-year study on child boxers camp survivor Elie Wiesel. working for the Bengalis who Calls to revoke Suu Kyi’s indicated patterns of accumulated Amnesty’s “Ambassador of have left the country in order 1991 Nobel Peace Prize have brain damage and memory loss, Conscience Award” was be- to get citizenship,” he said, been rebuff ed by the commit- new laws are being mulled to stowed in 2009. using a pejorative term for tee that oversees it. better protect young fighters, but “Today, we are profoundly the Rohingya that is widely Some think, however, that Am- it is hard to ban it altogether. dismayed that you no longer accepted in Myanmar and nesty’s move will be taken more “These kids come from A devotee offers a prayer during the ‘Chhat’ Festival of Nepal along the bank of Bagmati River represent a symbol of hope, falsely implies they are illegal personally because she became a impoverished families. It’s their in Kathmandu yesterday. courage, and the undying immigrants from Bangladesh. cause celebre for the rights group way of making a living,” she defence of human rights,” Deputy Minister for Infor- during her house arrest. added. (DPA) Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Pioneering democracy trio prepare for trial in Hong Kong

AFP but now it is the turn of the older ing crowds. The Occupy trio years. He says he is “hoping for amount to a political prosecution. pearing, Tai believes there is still spearheaded the Umbrella Move- Hong Kong generation whose original idea of urged people to join what became the best, but preparing for the The trio each face three charges an independent judiciary and the ment, the rallies would not have taking to the streets to demand a known as the Umbrella Move- worst” ahead of his trial, which based on a colonial-era law: con- court will be fair. Analyst Su- happened without the trio’s Oc- fairer system was a precursor to ment as protesters used umbrel- starts on November 19, but adds spiracy to cause public nuisance, zanne Pepper, an honorary fellow cupy Central campaign. Both Tai hree leading Hong Kong the rallies. las to shield themselves from tear he does not feel afraid. “I’ve seen inciting others to cause public at the Chinese University of Hong and Chan say they do not regret democracy campaigners Sociology professor Chan Kin- gas and pepper spray. many of my friends suppressed nuisance, and inciting people to Kong, said the political reason for their involvement. Chan believes Tgo on trial next week over man, 59, law professor Benny Tai, The three men are among nine by the Chinese government and incite others to cause public nui- the trial was to discredit the de- Hong Kongers still want to fi ght their involvement in massive ral- 54, and baptist minister Chu Yiu- pro-democracy defendants fac- I already feel privileged to have sance. Tai describes “inciting to mocracy movement. for democracy, but it is becoming lies calling for political reform, as ming, 74, founded the “Occupy ing “public nuisance” charges for been able to fi ght against that in incite” as a “far-fetched charge” The charges refl ect the aim more diffi cult under China’s tight- room for opposition in the semi- Central” movement in 2013, call- their participation in the protests, Hong Kong,” he told AFP. and accuses authorities of rede- of the Hong Kong government ening grip. autonomous city shrinks under ing for the occupation of Hong which ultimately failed to win He has chosen to testify in fi ning the meaning of rule of law to seek guilty verdicts through He says he is angry at the an assertive China. The justice Kong’s business district if the political reform, despite bring- court to set the record straight. to suit their own agenda. “Order “long-unused legal excuses to city’s government for doing Bei- department has prosecuted lead- public was not given a fair vote for ing parts of the city to a standstill “We’d like to take the witness is the most important, national pursue what is essentially Bei- jing’s bidding. “The speed that ing activists from the 2014 pro- the city’s leader, who is appointed for over two months. Chan says stand and tell our story, tell peo- security is important, other basic jing’s political agenda”, she said. the government is trying to drag tests, with some also barred from by a pro-Beijing committee. he has become a marathon run- ple why this happened and the rights are irrelevant. This is their The explicitly non-violent prin- down Hong Kong and turn it into standing for offi ce and others The campaign was overtaken ner to prepare for the physical idea behind it,” says Chan. “We way now,” he said. ciples of the campaign could pose a a mainlandised city is beyond my thrown out of the legislature. by a student movement that ex- and mental challenges of a possi- need to restore history.” However, despite the grow- challenge for prosecutors, Pepper expectations,” he said. “I didn’t Most of those prosecuted so ploded in September 2014 when ble jail sentence – the maximum Chan and Tai argue the charges ing concerns that Hong Kong’s added. She believes that although anticipate the government would far have been young campaigners, police fi red tear gas on gather- term for public nuisance is seven against them are nonsensical and cherished freedoms are disap- the younger generation ultimately have no shame.” VP Pence pushes Japan for bilateral free trade deal Reuters The visiting US vice president held talks with Tokyo Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and has said S Vice President Mike that sanctions on Pyongyang would remain in Pence, keeping up pres- full force until a fully verified denuclearisation of Usure on Japan to cut its trade surplus with the United North Korea was achieved States, said yesterday Ameri- can goods and services too often arrangement that appeared, grounds, two administration of- A planned meeting between faced barriers in Japan and a bi- temporarily at least, to pro- fi cials said in Washington. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lateral trade agreement off ered tect Japanese automakers from In June, North Korean lead- and North Korean offi cials in the best way forward. further tariff s on their exports, er Kim Jong-un and Trump New York on Thursday was can- Speaking to reporters after which make up about two-thirds pledged to work toward denu- celled. The State Department talks with Japanese Prime Min- of Japan’s $69bn trade surplus clearisation at a summit in Sin- gave no reason for the delay. ister Shinzo Abe, Pence also said with the United States. gapore, but there has been lit- A US think tank said on Mon- that sanctions on Pyongyang Japan has insisted the new tle headway on specifi c steps. day it had identifi ed at least 13 would remain in full force until a Trade Agreement on Goods “Our joint actions together with of an estimated 20 undeclared fully verifi ed denuclearisation of would not be a wide-ranging South Korea and the wider world missile operating bases inside North Korea was achieved. free trade agreement, but US have brought North Korea to the North Korea, underscoring the “The United States has had a Trade Representative Robert negotiating table and opened the challenge for US negotiators to trade imbalance with Japan for Lighthizer has said he was aim- promise of peace on the Korean persuade Pyongyang to give up too long. American products and ing for a full free trade deal re- Peninsula,” Pence said. its nuclear weapons and long- services too often face barriers quiring approval by Congress. range missiles. to compete fairly in Japanese Abe did not comment directly on US President Donald Japan has said it will not nor- markets,” Pence said at a joint the nature of a future deal. Trump has criticised Japan malise relations with Pyongyang media appearance with Abe. “As for the economy, we reaf- over trade, asserting that until it takes irreversible and “The best opportunity for fi rmed that we intend to further Tokyo treats the United verifi able steps to dismantle free, fair and reciprocal trade expand bilateral trade and in- States unfairly by shipping its nuclear and ballistic mis- will come in a bilateral trade vestment in a mutually benefi - millions of cars to North sile programmes and reveals the agreement,” he added. US Presi- cial manner in accordance with America while blocking fate of all Japanese kidnapped dent Donald Trump has criti- the Japan-US joint statement in imports of US autos and by North Korean agents decades cised Japan over trade, assert- September, and to realise eco- farm products ago, and to return any who may ing that Tokyo treats the United nomic development of the Indo- still be alive. States unfairly by shipping mil- Pacifi c region that is free, open He said more work remained After meeting Abe, Pence lions of cars to North America and based on fair rules,” Abe to be done, and noted that an- — who repeated that Wash- while blocking imports of US said. other summit between Trump ington remains committed to autos and farm products. The US Commerce Depart- and Kim was being arranged. the Indo-Pacifi c region — will Japan says its markets for ment has submitted draft rec- “The sanctions will remain in head to Singapore for a meeting manufactured goods are open, ommendations to the White full force until we achieve the fi - of regional powers and then to although it does protect politi- House on its investigation into nal, fully verifi ed de-nuclearisa- the Asia-Pacifi c Economic Co- cally sensitive farm products. whether to impose tariff s of tion of North Korea. The United operation forum in Papua New In September, Abe and Trump up to 25% on imported cars States, Japan and the world will Guinea. Trump is not attending US Vice President Mike Pence and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reach out to shake hands behind agreed to start trade talks in an and parts on national security accept nothing less,” Pence said. the meetings. teleprompters at their joint news announcement at Abe’s off icial residence in Tokyo, Japan.

Driver found guilty of murdering six in China scours social media, erases thousands of accounts Australia carnage A driver who deliberately mowed Reuters cent years with new legislation history, slandering heroes and term “self-media” is mostly ficial sources. Online com- no sign of violations and wrote down shoppers in the heart of Beijing to restrict media outlets, sur- defaming the nation’s image.” used on Chinese social media mentators noted that some of emotive content in a well-be- Australia’s second-largest city, killing veillance measures for media CAC also summoned social to describe independent news the accounts closed had been haved manner. Why were they six people and injuring 27, was found sites and rolling campaigns to media giants, including Ten- accounts that produce original sharing false or pornographic still blocked?” the Weibo user guilty of murder by a jury yesterday. hina’s top cyber au- remove content deemed unac- cent’s Wechat and Sina-owned content but are not officially content — both of which are wrote. James Gargasoulas, 28, pleaded not thority has scrubbed ceptable. Weibo, warning them against registered with the authori- illegal in China — but also la- “You get blocked if you write guilty to the January 2017 rampage C 9,800 social media ac- The Cyberspace Administra- failing to prevent “uncivilised ties. mented that some of the ac- the truth, get blocked if you on Melbourne’s Bourke Street, which counts of independent news tion of China (CAC) said in a growth” and “all kinds of cha- Such accounts have pro- counts targeted in this latest write lies, so what are we now police determined was not terror- providers deemed to have statement that the campaign, os” among independent media liferated in recent years and sweep appeared to have merely supposed to say?” related. Bourke street, a popular posted sensational, vulgar or launched on October 20, had on their platforms. range from hard-hitting in- been too critical. NGOCN, an group that pro- shopping and restaurant area, was politically harmful content erased the accounts for viola- “The chaos among self- vestigative journalism to ce- One Weibo user questioned duced popular articles about so- the scene of a deadly knife attack on the Internet, it said late on tions that included “spread- media accounts has seriously lebrity gossip or lewd content. why an art and entertainment cial issues in China, also had two and attempted car bombing last Monday. ing politically harmful infor- trampled on the dignity of the Many are hugely popular due blog called “youshuguang” was accounts deleted but pledged in Friday which police called a terror China’s strict online censor- mation, maliciously falsifying law and damaged the interests to offering more novel and blocked. “The one I really don’t a statement to continue produc- attack and which left two men dead, ship rules have tightened in re- (Chinese Communist) party of the masses,” CAC said. The sensational news than of- get is youshuguang, who made ing content. including the attacker. The Supreme Court jury took less than an hour to find Gargasoulas guilty of 33 charges Beijing rejects ‘hearsay’ on internment — six of murder and 27 of reckless conduct endangering life. Those Off to work killed included a three-month-old China defended its internment reintegrated into society. But baby in a pram, a 10-year-old girl and of Muslims in the country’s the programme has faced rising a Japanese student. Victims and northwest as a terror criticism outside the country – families wiped away tears as the jury prevention measure yesterday, notably from the United States foreman read out the guilty verdicts calling on the international and human rights groups. “We after the one-week trial, Melbourne’s community to reject “hearsay” hope our journalist friends Herald Sun reported. Prosecutor and believe its off icial line. Up and our other foreign friends Kerri Judd earlier told the jury that to a million Uighurs and other will take into consideration “this is the clearest case of criminal Chinese Turkish-speaking the information and briefings liability that you will ever come minority groups have been on the situation given by the across”, the newspaper added. placed in political re-education Chinese authorities,” said Gargasoulas had told the court on camps in the Xinjiang region, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Monday that he apologised “from the according to a group of experts Yi. “Rumours and hearsay heart” for his actions. “But that’s not cited by the United Nations. should not be believed,” he said going to fix anything if I say sorry. After originally denying the standing next to his German Neither will a lengthy sentence fix existence of the centres, Beijing counterpart Heiko Maas at a what I’ve done.” has repeatedly described press conference. He did not deny his involvement the camps as vocational “It’s quite clear that the in the carnage and went on a rant, “training centres” that were government in Xinjiang knows speaking about premonitions, with built to help people drawn to best what is happening in the judge having to interrupt him. A extremism to stay away from Xinjiang – not other people and Workers sit on a three-wheeled vehicle transporting them to their work place, near Manggarai bus station in Jakarta, Indonesia. plea hearing is scheduled for January terrorism and allow them to be third party organisations.” 29 next year. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 17 BRITAIN

Govt to publish Brexit legal advice after Commons defeat

Guardian News and Media to publish the advice covering Lidington said it was a “per- expressed concern about the calling for the legal advice to be During the debate, Courts Prominent Tory Remainers London the legally binding withdrawal fectly fair request” that MPs scope of the motion. Liding- published in its draft form or as it quipped that Lidington’s of- appeared sceptical of the Labour agreement, including the Irish should know the legal implica- ton said that to publish all legal is given, on a rolling basis,” he said. fer sounded “very similar” to proposal in their interventions in backstop plan, before any Brexit tions of the withdrawal agree- advice to date would mean the A Labour source confi rmed the the compromise amendment in the debate. Dominic Grieve, the he government will be deal is put before parliament. ment before a vote. He promised publication of “at a conservative party would not push for any fur- his name. The group had said former attorney general who led forced to publish the full The shadow Brexit secretary, that MPs would be provided with estimate, upwards of 5,000 dif- ther disclosures of past legal ad- it would abstain on the motion rebel eff orts to force a “meaning- Tlegal advice on the fi nal Keir Starmer, used the arcane “detailed legal analysis of the ferent pieces of documentation”. vice, even if they would techni- should its amendment be reject- ful vote” on the fi nal deal, said Brexit deal after it was defeated in procedure of a “humble address”, meaning and implications of the Starmer underlined that La- cally be covered under the terms ed, another sign the government he had “great sympathy with the the Commons by Labour, backed which the party has used previ- agreement” and said the attor- bour was requesting “the fi nal of the Labour motion. would be defeated if Tories were anxieties” but said the proper by the DUP. ously to force the release of Brexit ney general, Geoff rey Cox, would advice provided by the attorney The wording of Lidington’s whipped to vote against the La- practice would be government Ministers conceded defeat by impact assessments. take questions in the Commons. general to Cabinet concern- compromise off er was strikingly bour motion. publication of the legal position ordering Conservative MPs to During a debate in the Com- However, Labour refused to ing the terms of any withdrawal similar to an amendment tabled The former Tory minister after the negotiations were con- abstain in a Commons vote, after mons, the Cabinet Offi ce min- accept the compromise and the agreement”. by a group of hard Brexiter To- Anna Soubry, a prominent pro- cluded. it became clear they would lose ister, David Lidington, off ered a Tory whips then instructed MPs He said it should be made avail- ries, including Robert Courts and Remain MP, angrily asked why “And if that differs from what any attempt to stop the disclo- last-ditch compromise of publish- to abstain, rather than risk a hu- able to all MPs after any with- Jacob Rees-Mogg. That amend- MPs had been instructed to ab- the attorney general has ad- sure when the DUP said it would ing legal analysis of the deal, but miliating defeat. The motion was drawal agreement is reached with ment had been rejected for de- stain, saying: “Who is running vised, I’d expect the attorney support the move. stopped short of committing to passed without a vote. the EU but before MPs are asked bate by the Commons Speaker, this country – the government or general to resign forthwith,” he Ministers will now be required distributing the full legal advice. During the debate, some MPs to vote on the deal. “We are not John Bercow. the ERG?” said.

COUNTDOWN TO BREXIT

With a hint of a breakthrough in Brex- it talks in sight, it seems likely there will be a packed timetable between now and Britain’s off icial departure date in March 2019. This is what the likely schedule looks like: Today May calls for An emergency Cabinet meeting has been scheduled for 2pm so ministers can – if they think the proposal is one they can support – formally endorse it. If not, this could be the moment for ministers to resign. Ambassadors from the EU27 are already scheduled to meet in Brussels today and this Cabinet meet would be their first chance to look over the agreement made between the negotiators from both sides. Following week to 10 days This would be a chance for the EU27 to further scrutinise the plan, with likely meetings including the EU am- bassadors, again, and the EU’s Brexit to sign off working group, among others. November 25 This would be the likely date for an emergency EU summit on Brexit. The hope had been to hold it earlier, but the delay in reaching agreement be- tween the negotiating teams makes this the most likely date, not least as Brexit deal several EU leaders will be heading to the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires, Guardian News and Media not, parliament will block it.” They will also want to see if the Argentina only days later. London Boris Johnson, who resigned as agreement contains any role for December foreign secretary, said he believed the European court of justice in The potentially long and diff icult the deal was “vassal state stuff ”. He resolving disputes, such as over process of getting an agreement inisters have been sum- said the UK will be bound by laws the termination of the backstop. through parliament would begin, with moned to an emergency over which it has no say, which was An EU source confi rmed that a the government very keen to get this MCabinet meeting today “utterly unacceptable”. “stable text” had been sent to Lon- completed – if it happens – before afternoon, where they will be The principal document, the don, but offi cials were not calling Christmas. Some expect the week asked to sign off Theresa May’s -fi withdrawal agreement, runs to it a deal, saying full agreement at beginning December 10 to be the nal Brexit deal with Brussels. more than 400 pages of dense le- political level was still needed. “It most likely time for the start of this The critical meeting will review gal text. Ministers will be given is now about seeing if this sticks,” process. the fi nal text of the withdrawal an opportunity to read the docu- said the source. This is also the period in which agreement, which was reached ments before the meeting, and will If the Cabinet agrees the plan preparations for what to do in the yesterday by British and European be scrutinising them carefully to today, the EU expects to hold a spe- case of a no-deal departure will begin Union negotiators as the fi rst step see when and how the Irish border cial Brexit summit on November 25, in earnest, both in the UK and the in the long process of ratifying the backstop can be terminated and with EU aff airs ministers likely to EU, particularly if a deal still looks in UK’s withdrawal from the EU. what is contained within its provi- prepare the ground at an extraordi- doubt. Ministers were being sum- sions. nary meeting on November 19. December 13-14 moned to No 10 individually for Brexiters in the Cabinet – such Parliament will then ratify The final scheduled European council briefi ngs on the latest develop- as Andrea Leadsom and Penny the deal in a keenly anticipated summit of the year, which would ments from the early evening. One Mordaunt – have repeatedly raised “meaningful fi nal vote” that will be the last chance to iron out any source said they would be allowed concerns that the UK must not take place in the middle of Decem- diff erences or problems with the with- to see the key papers later but not sign up to a backstop arrangement ber. One Westminster source sug- drawal agreement. take them home. that traps the country in a perma- gested that could happen on De- January/February 2019 “Cabinet will meet at 2pm to- nent customs union. cember 10, following at least two The European parliament will have to day to consider the draft agree- Others who have voiced unhap- days of debate. approve the withdrawal agreement. ment the negotiating teams have piness in recent meetings include Those hoping to hold a second March 29 reached in Brussels, and to decide Sajid Javid, the home secretary, referendum are expected to use Brexit day. Departure will off icially on next steps,” a No 10 spokesman and Jeremy Hunt, the foreign that moment to try to win over a happen at midnight in Brussels, 11pm confi rmed. “Cabinet ministers secretary, both of whom are con- majority in the Commons to the UK time. The transition period will have been invited to read docu- sidered to be potential alternative idea. then begin, as well as talks on the mentation ahead of that meeting.” leaders. Rumours were also swirl- “I hope that fi nally we have more substantive part of the depar- Hard Brexiters swiftly react- ing in Westminster last week that something. I think it’s pretty close ture – the UK’s future relationship with ed negatively to the prospec- Dominic Raab was close to resign- now,” a senior EU source said, the EU in areas such as trade. tive deal – and indicated they ing amid concerns about the back- drawing a distinction between a December, 31, 2020 intended to vote against it if it stop. failed attempt to fi nd a deal last The transition period is due to end – if came to parliament. Jacob Rees- “Brexiters in the Cabinet will month that ended when the Brexit it is not extended due to slow-running Mogg, the chairman of the Eu- have to look deep in their souls secretary, Dominic Raab, met the talks on a future relationship. ropean Research Group said: “I now,” one Conservative Brexit EU chief negotiator, Michel Barni- An anti-Brexit demonstrator holds a placard opposite the Houses of Parliament, in London yesterday. hope Cabinet will block it, or if source added. er, in Brussels. Far-right activist Top Tory aide denies expenses wrongdoing fails to get US visa Guardian News and Media she falsifi ed documents relating London to campaign expenses, Little re- plied: “I would never do anything Guardian News and Media ported that Robinson could make comment on individual accounts like that. I have never falsifi ed or London more than £1mn from his US trip but added in a statement: “We do senior Conservative cam- knowingly done anything like – making him one of the best not allow PayPal services to be paigner has denied breach- that.” funded far-right fi gures since used to promote hate, violence, Aing strict election spending Little, of Ware, Hertfordshire, he British far-right activ- World War II, according to an or other forms of intolerance that limits to help defeat Nigel Farage in denies three counts of intention- ist Tommy Robinson has analysis by anti-fascist cam- is discriminatory.” the key South Thanet general elec- ally encouraging or assisting an Tnot been granted a US visa paigners. A state department spokes- tion seat in 2015, a court has heard. off ence under the Serious Crime in time to meet with Republican Fifty-fi ve British lawmakers person told the Guardian they Marion Little, 63, was said to Act 2007. members of Congress in Wash- from both major political parties US law prohibited them from have eff ectively run the campaign Mackinlay, from Ramsgate, ington this week, according to an recently wrote to the US Secre- discussing individual visa cases for the local Tory candidate, Craig Kent, denies two charges of mak- organiser of the meeting. tary of State, Mike Pompeo, re- and they could not speculate on Mackinlay, who eventually won, ing a false election expenses dec- Robinson is the founder of the questing that Washington ban whether someone may or may fi ghting off the challenge from laration under the Representation English Defence League (EDL) Robinson from visiting. They not be eligible for a visa. “Ap- Farage, then the leader of Ukip. of the People Act 1983. which in the past has staged vio- said they were concerned he plications are refused if an appli- Little, who began working for A third defendant, the 29-year- lent demonstrations. would use a US visa to launch a cant is found ineligible under the the party in 1974, said while the old Tory aide Nathan Gray, of Robinson is on bail after being fundraising tour. Immigration and Nationality Act seat was considered important for Hawkhurst, Kent, denies a similar charged with contempt of court and The 35-year-old has growing or other provisions of US law,” the Tories to win, she did not cre- charge. has a string of previous convictions support in the US. Joe Mulhall, said the spokesperson. ate or falsify documents. Prosecutors previously sug- in Britain. He was jailed by British a senior researcher at Hope not Pipes said his group was still Giving evidence from the wit- gested to jurors that Mackinlay, authorities in 2013 for using a pass- Hate, said: “The inevitable me- optimistic that Robinson, whose ness box for the fi rst time in the 52, Gray and Little deliberately port in someone else’s name to travel dia coverage that will surround real name is Stephen Yaxley- trial at Southwark crown court, submitted “woefully inaccurate” to the US from Britain. the visit will no doubt lead to an Lennon, could be granted a US which began on October 16, Lit- expenditure returns. Daniel Pipes, president of the increase in his already signifi cant visa at a later date. tle said the South Thanet seat had Declared spending on the cam- conservative Philadelphia-based monthly donations from Ameri- Robinson is set to visit Aus- been top of the list of Conservative paign came in under the strict Middle East Forum which invited ca.” Last week PayPal banned Rob- tralia in December for a fi ve-city priorities. £52,000 limit set for the MP’s South Robinson to the US, said the British inson from using its service. Rob- speaking tour with the Vice co- “It was a very important seat Thanet constituency. Prosecutors activist recently applied for a visa at inson said he had been told he did founder Gavin McInnes. The pair because of all the media Farage had allege up to £66,600 of additional the US embassy in London but now not fi t within the company’s user call themselves The Deplora- gathered,” she said. expenditure went on staffi ng, ac- realises it “will take a while” for him guidelines and would never be able bles, a reference to Hillary Clin- Asked by the defence counsel, commodation, advertising and oth- to be allowed into the country. to use the platform again. ton’s name for some of Donald Jim Sturman QC, whether it was er costs for Mackinlay’s campaign In October the Guardian re- The company said it does not Trump’s supporters. Tommy Robinson: setback considered “so important” that that was not declared. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 BRITAIN/IRELAND

CRIME OFFBEAT DISCLOSURE PEOPLE LAW AND ORDER Man charged for crossbow Irish authorities probe 11 wrongly deported from Mel B accuses ‘sick’ person Thief who looks like Ross murder of pregnant woman UFO sightings by pilots UK have died: minister of slashing her car tyres from Friends arrested

A man has appeared in court charged The Irish Aviation Authority is investigating Eight more members of the Windrush The singer Mel B has accused an unnamed Police in London have made an arrest in the with murder after a pregnant woman was after an unidentified flying object was sighted generation who may have been wrongly person of slashing the tyres of her car, the case of a suspected thief who resembles the killed with a crossbow at her home in east by pilots flying over Ireland. On November 9 deported by UK authorities have been found second such incident this year. Posting images Friends actor David Schwimmer. The case went London. Ramanodge Unmathallegadoo the pilot of British Airways flight BA94 from to have died, taking the total to at least 11, the of the damaged tyre on Instagram, the Spice viral shortly after Lancashire constabulary appeared at Barkingside magistrates court Montreal called air traff ic control in Shannon home secretary has confirmed. Sajid Javid Girls star wrote: “What dangerous sick person posted an image of the suspect who was wanted yesterday charged with the murder of Devi to report seeing an object moving past her said British off icials had also been unable to would do that to a mother who uses her car to over the theft of a jacket and wallet. Social Unmathallegadoo and will appear at the Old aircraft, and asked if there were any military contact many of those thought to have been drive her kids to school and back … when I took media users were quick to point out that the Bailey on November 15. Devi Unmathallegadoo, exercises taking place off the west coast of caught up in the scandal, suggesting the true off my tyre to change it, to my shock there were man captured in CCTV footage bears a strong 35, was shot in the stomach at her home in Ireland. “It was moving so fast,” she said. death toll could be higher still. The shadow exactly 33 small knife slashes and two huge knife resemblance to Schwimmer. Following the Ilford at 7.40am on Monday. She was taken to “It came up on our left-hand side and then home secretary, Diane Abbott, called the slashes all on the inside of the tyre.” The incident widely-seen appeal, police announced that a hospital where she was pronounced dead at rapidly veered to the north. It was a very bright latest revelations a “complete disgrace”. She comes after a post she made in February, again 36-year-old man was arrested in Southall, west 11am. Doctors managed to deliver the baby light that disappeared at very high speed.” demanded justice for those aff ected and an end accompanying a picture of a punctured tyre, London. The original appeal on social media was boy, named Ibrahim, by emergency caesarean. According to a recording of the conversation by to the hostile environment policy championed writing: “I wake up to do my school run, and wow, inundated with jokes, with many Facebook users Police said he was in hospital in a stable Airlive, a site for enthusiasts, the pilot was told by the prime minister, Theresa May, during her my Range Rover tyres are slashed and you don’t posting references to some well-known lines of condition. there were no military exercises in the area. six-year stint as home secretary. think I know who you are”. Schwimmer’s character Ross Geller.

Premier attends Lord Mayor’s Banquet Mother and daughter shun new home to live in hospital

Daily Mail to London for years because most London of her family live there. They said she often complained the council would not rehouse her mother and her disabled to the capital. daughter who have been A former friend, who asked not Aliving in an NHS hospital to be named, said: “She always for 15 months are ignoring mes- wanted to move back to London sages from the council off ering because her family is there. She did them a home, it emerged. not want to live in Grimsby in the The NHS has provided them fi rst place. She was claiming peo- with accommodation at an esti- ple were vandalising her house and mated cost of £150,000 to taxpay- trying to put windows through. ers. As many as 100 patients could She made out like she didn’t like have missed out on a hospital bed. it here, but she had everything she Health chiefs claim they are wanted. She had a brilliant home. powerless to evict chef Mimi Te- “She had a disability car which beje, 50, and Ruth Kidane, 21, was leased, a big gold disabled Lord Mayor of London Peter Estlin and his wife Lindy Estlin, Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip May pose during the annual Lord Mayor’s Banquet at from their top-fl oor room at Bar- cruiser specially adapted. The car Guildhall in London. net Hospital in North London be- was outside her home for months cause they have no council house just sat there. We had the coun- to return to. cil knocking on the door asking But l the local authority in the about her. They couldn’t take the pair’s home town of Grimsby said house back for ages because she they have suitable accommoda- didn’t tell anyone.” tion all ready for them. North East The neighbour added: “She Lincolnshire Council also said the played the system to give herself family have ignored off ers of help an easy life.” from housing offi cials. The debacle began when Ki- Neighbours claimed the moth- dane – who uses a motorised Illegals ‘exploiting lax ports er and daughter were not evicted scooter, although it has not been from their former home, but sim- revealed how she is disabled – ply refused to return after realis- was admitted to Barnet Hospital ing they could live rent-free in the in July last year for unknown rea- London hospital. sons. One former acquaintance said Her mother stayed with her on security to enter Britain’ they had ‘played the system’ so a fold-up bed in her small room, they could live in the capital, which contains a bed, chair, TV Daily Mail unit has seen its budget fall from ity to search tourist vehicles be- in 2017-18, including a drop from escape the impression that Bor- where Ethiopian-born Tebeje’s and sink. Within weeks Kidane London £617mn in 2012-13 to £552mn last cause of low numbers. 792 to 503 at Dover. der Force believes it knows best elder daughter and son are said was declared fi t for discharge, but year. In Portsmouth, guards said This was attributed to “up- and will make changes only on its to live. the family told the hospital they Staff said groups of migrants migrants would split up and hide stream activity”, including im- own terms and at its own pace.” The claims raised questions had no home. llegal migrants are exploiting had “better intel” than them – in diff erent trailers in the belief proved security at Channel ports A Home Offi ce spokesman over why the Royal Free London Kidane has enrolled at an art understaff ed checkpoints to seemingly knowing where guard that if one was found there would and the clearance of migrant insisted improved Border Force NHS Foundation Trust, which and design course at a London col- Isneak into Britain, a damning shortages would make it hard to not be the “capacity” to continue camps in France. operations had resulted in a de- runs the hospital, is still agree- lege, according to The Sun. Nurses report revealed. catch them. searching. But there were rises at Port- crease in clandestine arrivals, but ing to accommodate the pair and are said to deliver her packages Guards are not checking the The report examined major Migrants also move from one smouth and Poole, suggesting added: “We accept that improve- cover their living costs when they from the clothes fi rm ASOS, and boots or back seats of vehicles or seaports and smaller harbours freight vehicle to another prior that migrants had switched to ments can be made and will be have the option to leave. they are served two meals a day. scouring vessels for stowaways. and marinas along the south to disembarkation to minimise ferry ports in Normandy and taking forward the recommenda- Tebeje and her daughter said Kidane often posts on Insta- The 85-page report by David coast from Dover in Kent to Fal- the build-up of carbon monoxide Spain. tions.” they were forced to live in the gram, where her profi le reads: Bolt, the independent chief in- mouth in Cornwall. that can be detected by machines. Bolt said: “I recognise that Yvette Cooper, the Labour hospital after a new tenant was “If you don’t love yourself how is spector of borders and immi- Referring to operations in There are also concerns that Border Force is dealing with many chairman of the Commons home moved into their housing associa- anyone going to love you back.” A gration, found ports were “not Poole and Portsmouth, the report easier and cheaper access to challenges, not just along the aff airs committee, said: “Border tion bungalow in Grimsby. spokesman for the NHS Trust re- secured by any stretch of the im- said: “Offi cers were not routinely small seacraft risks creating more south coast but nationally, and Force offi cers are badly over- But neighbours said the tenant fused to answer questions about agination”. inspecting the boots or the back opportunities for people-smug- that its job is not made any easier stretched and under-resourced, moved into the specially-adapted the case due to patient confi den- He said migrants had adapted seats of vehicles, including where gling gangs. by having to prepare for the UK’s to the extent that they cannot be home in January after the family tiality, but confi rmed there had their tactics to take advantage of the latter were obscured by tinted The number of “clandestine exit from the EU without clarity even remotely confi dent about ‘disappeared’. They also claimed been no change in the living ar- Border Force’s limited resourc- windows.” Offi cers told inspec- detections” at south coast ports as yet about what exactly this will preventing all clandestine entry Tebeje had been desperate to move rangements. es. Part of the Home Offi ce, the tors that they had limited capac- fell from 1,119 in 2016-17 to 882 involve. However, it is diffi cult to attempts at the border.”

Official visit Prisoners create war Lawmakers to review confi dentiality deals memorial outside jail Thomson Reuters Foundation be forced to report on types and London numbers of NDAs used. This new inquiry will focus on Guardian News and Media Their co-ordinator, who goes could feel proud that we too were their wider use in other cases in- London by the nom de plume Jailhouse marking events despite being in awmakers will examine rules volving other forms of harassment Moose, said it had been a way of prison.” that allow employers to si- or discrimination,” Maria Miller, breaking free from the “prison Wayne, who left the military Llence victims of workplace chair of the Women and Equalities risoners have collaborated bubble”. with post-traumatic stress dis- sexual harassment and racist or Committee. with stonemasons to cre- “It is tempting to isolate one- order, said the project had given pregnancy discrimination, as the In Britain, 40% of women and Pate a war memorial that self from the outside world, to him a feeling of connection with use of confi dentiality agreements 18% of men were sexually har- will stand behind the razor-wire become wrapped up in a bubble,” his fellow prisoners and the world come under greater scrutiny assed in the workplace, from cat- topped fences of their jail. he said. “Yes, I am serving a sen- outside the gates. “Being in the around the world. calls to sexual assault, polling fi rm Twenty inmates from Erlestoke tence, yes I deserve to be serving army meant you were in a team. Non-disclosure agreements ComRes found last year. prison, in Wiltshire, designed the that sentence, but it is still my This was about being part of a (NDAs) are ubiquitous in commer- Confi dentiality agreements memorial together with seven time, it is still up to me to make as team again,” he said. cial transactions such as mergers have come under more scrutiny in masons from Salisbury cathedral, much positive use of my time as I The prisoners came up with the and acquisitions and are com- Britain amid the ‘Me Too’ move- who then carved it out of a block can. idea as part of a wider education monly used to protect company’s ment around the world against of limestone from a quarry close “One of our intentions was to and art project for the World War confi dential information and trade sexual harassment and assault. to the gates of the facility. show that the majority of pris- I anniversary celebrations. Their secrets. In March, the Solicitors Regu- Prisoners and masons met for oners are trying to fi nd a better early designs for the memorial Such deals were thrust into the lation Authority, which regulates the fi rst time yesterday at a dedi- version of themselves in here. were complicated and too expen- spotlight by the sexual assault law fi rms, issued a warning notice cation ceremony led by the dean We are not all drug-taking vil- sive. scandal that has engulfed movie about the improper use of NDAs of Salisbury, the Very Rev Nicho- lains spending our days playing After much to-ing and fro-ing mogul Harvey Weinstein, who and that such agreements should las Papadopulos. Previously only on game consoles. Often the dif- and countless e-mail messages used NDAs as part of settlements not be used to prevent people from one of the cathedral’s craftspeo- ference between us and those passed on through the prison’s with alleged victims. reporting misconduct. ple had been able to go into the outside is that we reacted in an learning and skills manager, If an individual breaches an That was followed by a July re- prison and talk face to face with instant of weakness or pressure. Elizabeth Williams, a stripped- NDA they could face a lawsuit. port on workplace sexual harass- the inmates. “Our eff orts here meant that down design was arrived at that A parliamentary committee ment by the Women and Equali- Afterwards, prisoners, some of as I watched the remembrance paid tribute to the army, air force yesterday launched an enquiry to ties Committee, which urged the whom are former members of the events I felt a sense of connection and navy. It includes the inscrip- examine whether NDAs should government to “clean up” the use armed forces, spoke emotionally with society. As I saw the docu- tion: “Now listen for a moment/ Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel leaves Downing Street, be banned or restricted, how eas- of NDAs amid concern the agree- about what the project meant to mentaries, the memorials and the world is silent/peace be with in London, Britain. ily victims can access legal aid, ments are being used to silence them. the special edition newspapers I you.” and whether companies should victims. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 19 EUROPE EU offi cial urges Romania to halt Merkel echoes call judicial overhaul

Reuters of the EU’s eastern member Strasbourg states. Social Democrat leader Liviu for an EU military Dragnea, who has a suspended he European Union jail sentence and is on trial in Reuters meant to show European willing- bloc, which is an economic giant ropean Union, Merkel said the a budget for the single currency sought yesterday to in- a separate abuse of offi ce case, Strasbourg ness to meet US demands that but a geopolitical minnow. eurozone would only work if all area but failed to deliver any big- Tcrease pressure on Ro- has been pushing for further Europe do more for its own se- With Britain’s pending depar- member states meet their treaty bang reforms. mania to freeze disputed judi- legislative changes, includ- curity and rely less on America’s ture from the EU, there may be responsibilities. Few concrete steps have been cial reforms and prevent any ing a bill that would retroac- erman Chancellor Angela security umbrella. more momentum for remaining “Our common currency can taken since. move away from democratic tively cancel wiretap evidence Merkel has called for an However, on Twitter on No- member states to fi nd common only function if every individual Yesterday she kept her vision values as Bucharest prepares collected by the intelligence Gintegrated European Un- vember 9, Trump accused Ma- ground on defence, although member fulfi ls their responsi- for deeper monetary co-oper- to take over the bloc’s rotating agency on behalf of prosecutors ion military, echoing language cron of seeking to develop the there remain divisions. bility for sustainable fi nances,” ation vague: “We need to de- presidency. based on court warrants. used by French President Em- EU’s own military to defend itself Supporters of a European de- Merkel said, adding that other- velop our monetary policy bet- The EU’s deputy chief exec- Transparency International manuel Macron last week that from the United States, which EU fence union say that the EU has wise the strength and the stabil- ter. We’re working on a banking utive said proposed changes to ranks Romania as one of the infuriated US President Donald and French offi cials said was a struggled in military and human- ity of the euro zone were at risk. union. the judicial system and crimi- EU’s most corrupt states and Trump. misunderstanding. itarian missions in the Balkans, “We want to extend a hand to “We have to look at respon- nal code made by the ruling Brussels has been keeping its Merkel told the European Par- Yesterday Trump took aim at Libya and Africa, and that it was Italy,” the German chancellor lat- sibility and control, a banking Social Democrats were wrong- justice system under special liament that such an army would Macron again, blasting France caught off guard by Russia’s an- er said. “But Italy also agreed to union and then later a European headed and signalled a reversal monitoring since its 2007 en- not undermine the US-led mili- over its near defeat to Germany in nexation of Crimea. all sorts of rules and it can’t just insurance system.” of a decade of democratic and try. tary alliance Nato but would be two world wars, its wine industry Merkel’s address comes at a tear them up.” Merkel also trained her sights market reforms. “The Commission’s report complementary to it, remarks and Macron’s approval ratings time when the EU is searching for Merkel dominated European on Poland and Hungary, two The European Parliament and the European Parliament’s that were met with loud ap- (see report below). answers to a US president who politics for over a decade, but she countries whose leaders other also passed a non-binding resolution address the same plause in the legislature though In his remarks on November views the EU with contempt, to is now a diminished force, weak- member states worry are under- resolution urging a greater fi ght things,” centrist President also with boos from nationalist 6, Macron had been referring to the rise of illiberal democracies ened by the fragility of her coali- cutting democratic institutions. against corruption, condemn- Klaus Iohannis told reporters. members. computer hackers who could at- and nationalist parties within its tion and the rise of the far-right The European Parliament in ing police brutality during an- “They tell us Romania has gone “The times when we could rely tack Europe from anywhere, in- borders, and to Britain’s vote to in Germany. September voted to sanction ti-graft protests and demand- back in time to before its 2007 on others are over. This means we cluding from inside the United leave the bloc. She announced in late Octo- Hungary for fl outing EU rules ing an end to what it called the EU accession.” Europeans have to take our fate States, offi cials said. She made appeals for tolerance ber that she would step down as on democracy, civil rights and erosion of the rule of law. “Dragnea is fi ghting against fully into our own hands,” Merkel First proposed in the 1950s and and solidarity, saying that “na- leader of her party, though re- corruption, while concerns have “The developments over the Romania, not for it.” said. “We should work on a vision taken up four years ago by Eu- tionalism and egotism should no main chancellor. grown in the EU over Warsaw’s last 12 months sadly have called Brussels, which is already of one day establishing a real Eu- ropean Commission President longer have a place in Europe” to Her foot-dragging over far- accelerated judicial overhaul. into question and sometimes considering sanctions against ropean army.” Jean-Claude Juncker as a re- a sustained applause. reaching reforms to the eurozone “Solidarity is always linked to even reversed the progress Poland and Hungary for weak- Macron’s call, which refl ected sponse to fraying EU unity, an EU As a deadline looms for Italy’s has frustrated the energetic Ma- commitments of the community, made over the last 10 years,” ening the rule of law, is con- a broad trend of EU thinking but armed forces is seen as strength- eurosceptic government to re- cron. and the principles based on rule Commission First Vice-Presi- cerned Romania is following is not universally accepted, was ening the global power of the submit budget plans to the Eu- In the summer, they agreed to of law,” Merkel said. dent Frans Timmermans told a suit. news conference in Strasbourg. While Timmermans stressed “We need to stand fi rm and that unlike in Hungary or Po- support the Romanian popula- land, the Commission was not tion,” he said, setting out eight seeking to penalise Bucharest, areas where Bucharest had to Romania’s turn as EU president Days after visit, act quickly, including on press for six months from January freedoms. puts it in the spotlight. The Commission’s concerns “Bucharest should use the stem from a series of legal and opportunity of its presidency Trump unleashes personnel changes made by the to lead on good governance Social Democrats in the two and start by implementing re- years since they took power forms that strengthen the rule that are seen as threats to ju- of law at home,” said Ska Keller, tirade on Macron dicial independence that could a German EU lawmaker who intensify a creep away from leads the Greens in the parlia- democratic values in some ment. Reuters White House director of Washington/Paris strategic communications Mercedes Schlapp, meanwhile, You can’t copyright taste, EU court cast Trump’s Paris trip in a S President Donald positive light. says in setback for food industry Trump attacked his “It was clearly a successful UFrench counterpart trip,” Schlapp told Fox News Europe’s top court dealt the food industry a blow yesterday as it yesterday in a series of tweets yesterday, saying that Trump dismissed an attempt by a Dutch cheese maker to copyright its that underscored how much and Macron “had a produc- cream cheese, saying that the taste of a food product does not the once-friendly ties between tive meeting” on trade and the qualify for copyright protection. NOT SEEING EYE TO EYE: This file picture taken last year shows Trump, Macron, and Merkel. the two leaders have soured, North Atlantic Treaty Organi- Dutch company Levola Hengelo, maker of a cheese spread called just two days after returning sation (Nato). Heksenkaas (witches’ cheese), took rival Smilde to court for making from Paris. “He has sent a strong mes- what it said was a copy of its product and hence infringed its In fi ve posts sent on the sage to our European allies. copyright in the taste of the cheese. same day that French offi cials And we have seen some chang- The Dutch court subsequently sought guidance from the marked the anniversary of es and some positive shifts Luxembourg-based European Court of Justice (ECJ). Italy clears Rome migrants camp the 2015 terrorist attacks that coming from our allies to pay The top court’s judges backed the July recommendation of the killed 130 people in Paris (see more to Nato. We need their court adviser. page 20), Trump blasted the support,” she said. “The taste of a food product is not eligible for copyright protection,” AFP as diggers rumbled through the Rome’s two main train stations. key US ally over its near defeat French Foreign Minister the ECJ said. Rome camp, run by the Baobab Experi- Around 100 migrants had been to Germany in two world wars, Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Unlike a literary, pictorial, cinematographic or musical work, the ence association. living there after leaving Italy’s its wine industry and Macron’s Monday that Trump had iso- taste of a food product cannot be identified with precision and Men could be seen wheeling reception system. approval ratings. lated himself at one of the objectivity, judges said. talian police has bulldozed a away their belongings in shop- In 2015, when the borders were Trump returned to Wash- weekend events by deciding Furthermore, taste depends on the person tasting the product, age, symbolic makeshift camp in ping trolleys, while youngsters still open, some 35,000 migrants ington from a weekend in Paris not to attend the Paris Peace food preferences and the environment and context in which the IRome which has housed tens hugged tearfully as tents were transited through Baobab on to commemorate the 100th Forum, which Macron, Ger- food is consumed, the court said. of thousands of migrants during dismantled around them, ac- their way to the rest of Europe. anniversary of World War I, man Chancellor Angela Mer- Heksenkaas, now a subsidiary of Dutch food maker Salad Signature their journeys to northern Italy cording to an AFP photographer. The association was behind where strained relations be- kel and Russian President which bought it from Levola Hengelo early this year, said it was and the rest of Europe. A cut out photo of Salvini’s a protest last week against Sal- tween the American president Vladimir Putin attended. disappointed with the court ruling. “Stateless, lawless no-man’s head glared from the side of a vini’s security decree, which the and European allies were on Trump also travelled in a “We find it a pity and incorrect that the creative expression in food lands will no longer be tolerated,” rolled up mattress as a crane UN’s human rights body has said full display. motorcade to the Armistice and perfumes do not have copyright protection and that everyone Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, swept up discarded belongings in confl icts with international laws Yesterday, Trump rejected commemoration while most can make a copy of it,” said Heksenkaas director Michel Wildenborg. head of the far-right League, said the abandoned parking lot near on refugees and human rights. Macron’s warnings against other world leaders walked the the threat of nationalism, de- last 100m (328’) or so to the livered during an emotional ceremony at the Arc de Triom- ceremony in Paris on Sunday phe. attended by scores of world Asked on television if the leaders. United States was still a French Wanted Macedonian leader seeking asylum in Hungary A stony-faced Trump, who ally, Le Drain answered yes. listened a few feet away, has The weekend started un- described himself as a na- comfortably. AFP from the Hungarian authori- ruling Social Democrats. A Skopje court upheld the sen- name to resolve the dispute with tionalist and has promoted an Before his arrival, Trump Skopje ties,” the 48-year-old wrote on Skopje said it was checking tence in October. Greece, which has its own prov- “America First” policy. had blasted comments that his offi cial Facebook page. “Dur- with Budapest about Gruevski’s He resigned as leader of ince called Macedonia. Trump, a real estate devel- Macron made in a radio in- ing the past couple of days I have whereabouts. VMRO-DPMNE in 2016 after a Greece has blocked Skopje’s oper and former reality televi- terview in which he appeared acedonia’s former received numerous threats on my “We suspect that (Gruevski) scandal over allegations of wide- entry into the North Atlantic sion star who owns a Virginia to cast the United States as a prime minister Niko- life.” has fl ed,” Macedonian Interior spread wire-tapping of his op- Treaty Organisation (Nato) and winery, said Macron has a threat. Mla Gruevski, who has Saying he was a victim of po- Minister Oliver Spasovski told ponents. the EU over the issue for decades. “low approval rating”, accused Discussing the dangers of been sentenced to jail for abuse litically motivated persecution, AFP. Gruevski also faces a number VMRO-DPMNE now appears France of unfair trade practices cyber-hacking, political med- of power, said yesterday that he Gruevski wrote that he remained Hungarian Foreign Minister of other charges of corruption, divided over changing the coun- over wine, and attacked the dling and the US decision to was in Hungary where he has re- “faithful to the Macedonian Peter Szijjarto said Budapest did abuse of power, electoral fraud as try’s name. news coverage of his trip. withdraw from a missile treaty, quested political asylum. cause”, adding: “I will not give not “wish to confi rm or deny in- well as illegal wiretapping. A party spokesman said it had Trump pointed to Macron’s Macron said Europe needed to Macedonian authorities on up.” formation regarding (Gruevski’s) The cases come at a tense time “no idea where the honorary recent comments about Eu- protect itself against “China, Monday issued a warrant for the In the past Gruevski has indi- current location”. in the Balkan nation, with a new president (Gruevski) is or what rope’s need to protect itself, Russia and even the United arrest of Gruevski, who domi- cated he was close to Hungarian “We are not in a position to ruling coalition trying to push he is doing”. tweeting “it was Germany in States”. nated the country for nearly a Prime Minister Viktor Orban. comment on ongoing asylum ap- through a deal to change the Spokesman Dimce Arsovski World Wars One & Two – How He went on the interview to decade until 2016, after he failed In 2017, Orban publicly sup- plications,” Szijjarto added. country’s name to end a long- said he last saw Gruevski “nine did that work out for France? talk about the need for a Eu- to turn up at the prison to start ported Gruevski during his cam- Gruevski was convicted in May running row with Greece. or 10 months ago”. “I don’t know They were starting to learn ropean army, citing the threat his two-year sentence. paign for municipal elections of using a €600,000 ($676,009) When he was in power, when current president (Hris- German in Paris before the US from Russia and saying that Eu- “I am now in Budapest, where in which Gruevski’s rightwing government Mercedes for per- Gruevski took a hardline stance tijan) Mickoski spoke to him for came along. Pay for NATO or rope needed to “better defend I have requested political asylum VMRO-DPMNE party lost to the sonal travel. against changing the country’s the last time.” not!” itself by itself, without depend- “By the way, there is no ing solely on the United States”. country more Nationalist than Both French offi cials and the France, very proud people – White House said any misun- and rightfully so!” Trump derstandings had been cleared wrote in other tweets, ending up after Macron and Trump Unpaid fi ne stops Kremlin critic Navalny from leaving Russia with “MAKE FRANCE GREAT held talks on Saturday. AGAIN!” But on Sunday, Macron de- The US president defended livered his hard-hitting re- Reuters Europe’s top human rights court. Border guards detained him as had removed all restrictions on trumped up to thwart his politi- his much-criticised absence marks. Moscow Navalny, Russia’s most promi- he tried to pass through passport Navalny’s ability to travel abroad cal activities. from a commemoration event “Patriotism is the exact op- nent opposition fi gure, was try- control at Moscow’s Domod- after he paid the fi ne, Tass news Navalny said he had checked on Saturday, saying that the posite of nationalism. Nation- ing to fl y to Frankfurt en route edovo airport and told him he agency quoted the service as say- the registry on the eve of his US Secret Service had vetoed alism is a betrayal of patriot- remlin critic Alexei Na- to the European Court of Hu- could not leave because of a rul- ing. fl ight and that it contained no in- driving to the venue because of ism,” he said. “When we say valny was stopped from man Rights in Strasbourg where ing by the Federal Bailiff s Service. The bailiff service’s website formation about the fi ne. logistics. ‘our interests come fi rst, those Kleaving Russia yesterday judges are due to rule on Thurs- Russians can be barred from earlier showed that Navalny The 42-year-old lawyer sought The White House earlier had of others don’t matter’, we over an unpaid fi ne, a move he day on whether his numerous leaving the country if they have owed a fi ne of 2.165mn roubles to challenge Vladimir Putin at a said it canceled Trump’s ap- erase the very thing that a na- said was illegal and designed to detentions by police in Russia unpaid fi nes or debts. ($31,960) imposed over a convic- presidential election in March, pearance, citing poor weather tion holds most precious, that prevent him from attending the have been politically-motivated The Federal Bailiff s Service tion for embezzlement in Febru- but was barred from taking part that grounded a planned heli- which gives it life and makes it fi nale of a legal case he fi led at or not. said yesterday evening that it ary, 2017 on charges he says were because of the conviction. copter fl ight to the site. great: its moral values.” Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 EUROPE

France to ‘embed’ Erdogan says recordings regulators within ‘shocked’ Saudi offi cial Facebook

Khashoggi murder tapes do Reuters not implicate crown prince, Paris says US’s Bolton

Reuters/AFP/DPA/Guardian acebook will allow French Istanbul/Singapore regulators to “embed” in- Fside the company to exam- ine how it combats online hate resident Recep Tayyip Er- speech, the fi rst time the wary dogan said recordings re- tech giant has opened its doors Plated to the killing of Jamal in such a way, President Em- Khashoggi, which Turkey has manuel Macron said on Monday. shared with Western allies, are From January, Macron’s ad- “appalling” and shocked a Saudi ministration will send a small intelligence offi cer who listened team of senior civil servants to to them, Turkish media reported the company for six months to yesterday. verify Facebook’s goodwill and Khashoggi, a critic of de facto Khashoggi: has not been seen since he entered the Saudi consulate determine whether its checks Saudi ruler Crown Prince Mo- in Istanbul on October 2. on racist, sexist or hate-fuelled hamed bin Salman, was killed in speech could be improved. Saudi Arabia’s Istanbul consu- Erdogan told reporters on his one must have taken heroin, “It’s a fi rst,” Macron told the late on October 2 in a hit which plane returning from a weekend only someone who takes hero- annual Internet Governance Fo- Erdogan says was ordered at the visit to France that he discussed in would do this’,” the Turkish rum in Paris. “highest levels” of the Saudi the Saudi journalist’s killing president added. “I’m delighted by this very government. with the US, French and German Khashoggi’s murder has pro- innovative experimental ap- The Washington Post col- leaders there, adding that Tur- voked global outrage but little proach,” he said. “It’s an experi- umnist was killed by a team of key had played the recording to concrete action by major powers ment, but a very important fi rst men who fl ew from Riyadh to at least six countries. against Saudi Arabia, the world’s Erdogan: The recordings are really appalling. Indeed, when the Saudi intelligence off icer listened to the step in my view.” ambush him during a marriage “We played the recordings re- largest oil exporter and a strong recordings, he was so shocked that he said: ‘This one must have taken heroin, only someone who takes The trial project is an exam- paperwork appointment at the garding this murder to everyone proponent of US policy to con- heroin would do this’. ple of what Macron has called Saudi consulate in Istanbul. who wanted them from us. Our tain Iranian infl uence across the “smart regulation”, something His body, which investigators intelligence organisation did not Middle East. going to get the truth from the that the perpetrators of the kill- campaign that Riyadh said was he wants to extend to other tech believe was cut up and dissolved hide anything. We played them US President Donald Trump Saudis – and the king and the ing were among 18 suspects de- aimed at rooting out corruption, leaders such as Google, Apple in acid at the nearby consul gen- to all who wanted them includ- has expressed reluctance to pun- crown prince, in the conversa- tained in Saudi Arabia. “It must and took a harsh line against and Amazon. eral’s house, has not been found. ing the Saudis, the USA, France, ish Saudi Arabia economically, tions they’ve had with the presi- be revealed who gave them the neighbouring Qatar when Saudi The move follows a meeting Six weeks after Khashoggi’s Canada, Germany, Britain,” he citing its multi-billion-dollar dent, have committed to that,” order to murder.” Arabia imposed an economic with Facebook’s founder Mark death, Turkey is trying to keep said. purchases of military equipment Bolton said. Last month two separate in- boycott of the Gulf state in June Zuckerberg in May, when Ma- up pressure on Prince Mohamed On Monday, Canadian Prime and investments in US fi rms. The New York Times, in a re- telligence sources told Reuters 2017. cron invited the chief executives and has released a stream of evi- Minister Justin Trudeau became Bolton said he did not think port confi rmed by a Turkish of- that al-Qahtani gave orders over He also supervised the brief of some of the biggest tech fi rms dence that undermined Riyadh’s the fi rst Western leader to con- that people who heard the re- fi cial, said that a member of the Skype to Khashoggi’s killers at detention of Lebanese Prime to Paris, telling them they should early denials of involvement. fi rm the tapes’ existence, telling cordings concluded that the Saudi team which was sent to Is- the consulate. Minister Saad al-Hariri last year. work for the common good. Prince Mohamed won support reporters in Paris that Canadian crown prince was linked to the tanbul to kill Khashoggi told one More recently, a government Turkey’s pro-government The offi cials may be seconded yesterday from US National Se- offi cials had listened to them. killing. of his superiors after the killing source familiar with the matter newspaper Sabah reported yes- from the telecoms regulator and curity Adviser John Bolton, who “The recordings are really “And certainly that is not the to “tell your boss” – which the said al-Qahtani featured promi- terday that the luggage of the the interior and justice minis- said he did not think recordings appalling. Indeed, when the position of the Saudi govern- newspaper said was believed nently throughout the record- Saudi team that was sent to Is- tries, a government source said. of the killing shared by Turkey Saudi intelligence offi cer lis- ment,” he said in Singapore. to be a reference to Prince Mo- ings. tanbul at the time of Khashoggi’s Facebook said the selection is implicated the young crown tened to the recordings, he was Asked again if the audio tape hamed. Saudi state media said that killing contained syringes, large up to the French presidency. prince. so shocked that he said: ‘This provided by Turkey did not link The individual was identifi ed King Salman sacked him and scissors, staple guns, walkie- It is unclear whether the group Prince Mohamed to the killing in as Maher Mutreb, who reports other offi cials over the killing, talkies, electric shock devices, will have access to highly-sensi- any way, Bolton said: “I haven’t to an aide to the crown prince, and a senior Saudi offi cial said and a signal jammer. tive material such as Facebook’s listened to the tape myself but Saud al-Qahtani. last month that al-Qahtani had It published photos of X- algorithms or codes to remove in the assessment of those who Mutreb was also quoted as been detained. rays of bags taken as the Saudis hate speech. have listened to it, that is right.” saying words to the eff ect that But four sources based in the passed through security checks It could travel to Facebook’s Bolton shares with Saudi Ara- “the deed was done”. Gulf told Reuters this week that at the airport when they left. European headquarters in Dub- bia a hawkish stance against Ri- In his comments to report- he was still at liberty and con- Reuters could not immediate- lin and global base in Menlo yadh’s biggest Middle East rival ers, Erdogan said it was clear the tinued to operate discreetly. ly verify the Sabah report. Park, California if necessary, the Iran, and he championed Wash- killing was planned and that the “He still has the same infl u- Saudi Arabia initially denied company said. ington’s resumption of sanc- order came from the top level of ence,” one of the sources said. any knowledge or involvement “The best way to ensure that tions on the Islamic Republic. Saudi authorities, but that he Al-Qahtani has wielded that in Khashoggi’s killing, but Saudi any regulation is smart and He emphasised that Trump could not think such a thing of infl uence over the last three public prosecutor Saud al-Mo- works for people is by govern- has demanded a full investiga- King Salman, for whom he has years, with his authority grow- jeb later said it was planned in ments, regulators and busi- tion from the Saudis and for “limitless respect”. ing alongside that of the prince. advance. nesses working together to learn those responsible to be held ac- “The crown prince says ‘I will He ran social media for Prince Another Saudi offi cial said from each other and explore ide- countable. clarify the matter, I will do what Mohamed, masterminded the that Prince Mohamed had no as,” Nick Clegg, the former Brit- Bolton: (The US) president has made it very clear that he expects “The president has made it is necessary’. We are waiting pa- arrest of hundreds of Saudi knowledge of the specifi c opera- ish deputy prime minister who we’re going to get the truth from the Saudis. very clear that he expects we’re tiently,” Erdogan said, adding Arabia’s elite late last year in a tion. is now head of Facebook’s global aff airs, said in a statement. France’s approach to hate speech has contrasted sharply with Germany, Europe’s leading advocate of privacy. French ceremony to mark third Since January, Berlin has re- quired sites to remove banned content within 24 hours or face anniversary of Bataclan attack fi nes of up to €50mn ($56mn). That has led to accusations of censorship. Reuters with suicide blasts outside the even if the Islamic State has France’s use of embedded reg- Paris Stade de France during a soccer been weakened greatly over the ulators is modelled on what hap- match attended by then-pres- past year or more and driven pens in its banking and nuclear ident Francois Hollande and out of its strongholds in Syria industries. rench Prime Minister Ed- continued with several mass and Iraq. “(Tech companies) now have ouard Philippe and Paris shootings and a suicide bomb- “The threat remains elevated the choice between something FMayor Anne Hidalgo led ing at cafes and restaurants in even if it has changed,” he told that is smart but intrusive and commemorations yesterday to the city, were the deadliest in BFM TV. regulation that is wicked and mark the third anniversary of France since World War II. “At the same time, our intel- plain stupid,” a French offi cial the co-ordinated Islamic State As well as the 130 people ligence and our ability to inter- said. (IS) attacks on Paris in Novem- killed, more than 400 were in- vene has grown stronger, with ber 2015 that killed 130 people. jured, many of them seriously. extra recruitment and powers Outside the Bataclan theatre, Seven attackers, most of given to the DGSI,” he said, re- Turkey beefs up where 90 people were gunned whom had French or Belgian ferring to France’s domestic se- down during a rock concert, the citizenship, were killed. curity and intelligence agency. local security with names of those who died were Several of them had fought in The Islamic State group night watchmen solemnly read out. Syria and all were Islamic State claimed responsibility for the Dignitaries, including Lon- adherents. Paris attacks, saying that they Turkey will hire 10,000 new don Mayor Sadiq Khan, stood Earlier, French Interior Min- were retaliation for France’s night watchmen to patrol towns on the street in silence with ister Christophe Castaner participation in air strikes across Turkey at night, a practice Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe at the ceremony in front of the heads inclined. warned that the threat of ter- against Islamic State targets in introduced shortly after the failed Bataclan concert venue to mark the third anniversary of the attacks in which 130 people were killed. The attacks, which began rorist attacks was still high, Syria and Iraq. coup attempt in 2016, according to a presidential decree released on the Off icial Gazette yesterday. The presidential order will increase the number of night watchmen to over 25,000 since German court imprisons man for Care worker ‘killed and robbed’ the failed putsch, which was followed by thousands of off icers being purged from Turkey’s life over grandparents’ murders six elderly patients, say police police force. The new recruits are trained by special police force and have the DPA patronage of the arts, were his grandmother for fear she AFP The man, who had previously they had since investigated 68 authority to carry a gun as well as Wuppertal, Germany killed in their villa in the west- would incriminate him. Munich served jail time in Poland for locations where he worked. to stop, search and detain anyone ern German city in March 2017. For this, he was found guilty property off ences, had worked He stole mostly cash and jew- “suspicious”, according to state They had done their assail- of premeditated murder. in neighbouring Germany since ellery but also household goods news agency Anadolu. German court has hand- ant “nothing but good”, presid- A co-accused, a business erman police said yes- May 2015 as a temp nursing as- and even food in the crimes The watchmen must meet certain ed a life sentence to a ing Judge Robert Bertling said, partner of the grandson, was terday that they had sistant via Polish and Slovak spanning the states of Bavaria, requirements, including being a A27-year-old man for the fi nding that the grandson had acquitted. Gcharged a Polish care agencies. Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Turkish citizen under the age 30, murder and manslaughter, re- beaten and strangled his grand- The court found that the worker with six counts of mur- A diabetic, he used insulin Saxony, said the police state- according to Anadolu. spectively, of the doting grand- father to death after being con- grandson had tricked his grand- der for killing his elderly pa- to kill his victims, said Munich ment. The recruitment of 10,000 mother and grandfather who fronted about the way he had parents, who had made their tients in order to rob them. police in a statement. News of the case comes off icers was announced by had bankrolled his free-spend- spent the money lavished on money by establishing a me- The 36-year-old suspect, The suspect had admitted to weeks after the start of the Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu ing ways before threatening to him. chanical engineering company, who for years worked as a tem- administering insulin in the 12 shocking new trial of former earlier this year. cut him off . The 27-year-old was found into believing he was studying. porary nursing assistant in pri- known cases since April 2017, German hospital nurse Niels The night watch will help “make The wealthy couple, Enno guilty of manslaughter on this Instead he had wasted vate homes in Germany, was but claimed he did not mean to Hoegel, who has admitted to Turkish cities the safest in the and Christa Springmann, aged charge, as the court ruled that the money, going through also charged with three counts kill. killing 100 patients in his care, world”, Soylu told a ceremony 91 and 88, who were known in the act was not premeditated. €600,000 ($675,000) in a sin- of attempted murder and three He was arrested in Munich the biggest serial killing case in to introduce new watchmen in the city of Wuppertal for their He then beat and strangled gle year. counts of aggravated assault. early this year, and police said the country’s post-war history Ankara in June. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 21 INDIA Nehru’s precious legacy is being undermined daily: Sonia

IANS roor’s new edition of his 2003 disdain and contempt for Nehru anism” - democratic institu- respect for parliament, regard has a special obligation to pro- accepted the logic that since Pa- New Delhi book Nehru: The Invention of for all that he did to build the tion building, staunch pan- for the independence of the tect the rights and promote of kistan ostensibly being created India, the chairperson of the India that they are bent upon Indian secularism, socialist judiciary, courtesy to those of well-being of Indian minori- for Muslims, what remained was Congress-led United Progres- changing for the worse,” Gandhi economics and foreign policy diff erent political convictions, ties. a state for Hindus. ongress leader Sonia sive Alliance said Nehru’s core said. of non-alignment. commitment to free elections, “At the core of his socialism Gandhi also said it was fash- Gandhi yesterday hit out values of democratic institu- “Today, we must honour Ne- “These values were integral faith in a free press and his def- was the conviction that in a land ionable to decry Nehruvian Cat the ruling Bharatiya Ja- tion building, secularism, so- hru by fi ghting with determina- to adhesion of Indianess that is erence to institutions over indi- of extreme poverty and inequal- socialism today, but the crit- nata Party for undermining the cialist economics and foreign tion to safeguard our democracy fundamentally being challenged viduals have all left a precious ity, the objective of government ics don’t take into account the legacy of fi rst prime minister Ja- policy of non-alignment was against those who are under- today, but which remain at the legacy. policy must be welfare of the circumstances of the early years waharlal Nehru, and called upon being challenged by the ruling mining it.” core of out time-tested beliefs,” Talking about secular- poorest, most deprived and most of independence when massive people to fi ght to safeguard the party. Hailing Nehru for consoli- Gandhi said. ism, Gandhi said that Nehru’s marginalised of its people,” said infrastructure needed to be built country’s democracy. “Nehru’s precious legacy is dating democracy, Gandhi, Observing that it was Nehru conviction was that India be- Gandhi. up and the private sector lagged Speaking at the launch of being undermined daily by those quoting Tharoor, said there who instilled the democratic longed to all its people and She also said that Nehru strove the ability to invest on a large Congress MP Shashi Tha- who rule us today. They express were four pillars of “Nehruvi- culture in India, Gandhi said his that the majority community to prevent partition and never scale. Congress trashes govt’s defence of Rafale deal; Jaitley hits back

IANS 126 Rafales (during the Congress New Delhi regime) collapsed as the govern- ment claims, then was a fresh process initiated for the new he political dogfi ght over deal,” asked Tewari. Rafale escalated yesterday Pointing out that neither Twith the Congress trash- service qualitative requirements ing the government and French (SQR) were initiated nor a tech- defence major Dassault Avia- nical evaluation of the new deal tion’s defence of the deal while was done, Tewari said the proc- the ruling ess to acquire 36 jets was in Bharatiya Janata Party hit back “clear violation” of the DPP and accusing the opposition party of the government “needs to an- creating a controversy around swer as to why the process was CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury meets DMK president M K Stalin in Chennai yesterday. sensitive defence requirements. not followed”. A day after the government “This is a command perform- made public a redacted version ance rather than a process dove- of its affi davit to the Supreme tailing into a decision. The deci- Court detailing the decision to sion to buy the jets made earlier purchase 36 fi ghter jets from and the process structured later France’s Dassault, the Congress to provide legitimacy to it,” said raised several questions over the the former minister. procurement including prior ap- The Congress also dismissed CPM to join hands with proval from the Defence Acqui- Dassault Aviation CEO Eric sition Council (DAC). Trappier’s remarks in an inter- Party president Rahul Gandhi, view to an Indian media outlet, who has been relentless in his rubbishing Gandhi’s charges of attack over the issue, targeted “lying” and asserting that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. intergovernmental deal to buy 36 “Modi has admitted to his Rafales was “clean”. DMK for polls: Yechury theft in the Supreme Court. In Trappier also said that the the affi davit, he admitted to company itself chose Anil Am- IANS will be in the DMK-led secu- been continuously assaulted by contest as independent candi- the same constituency for the changes in the contract without bani’s company as off set partner Chennai lar formation,” Yechury said the government. dates. last 35 years. He was confi dent asking the Air Force and putting for the deal and clarifi ed that it with Stalin by his side after the In other political develop- Congress spokesman M Kris- that the party will give a ticket Rs30,000 crore in Ambani’s had 30 more such partners other meeting. ments, the fi rst list of candidates hank has opposed the party’s to him from Jangaon. pocket,” Gandhi tweeted. than Reliance. he Communist Party of Last week, Andhra Pradesh announced by the Congress in decision to give ticket to his fa- He said there was no truth in Later at a press conference, The Congress alleged that India (Marxist) yesterday Chief Minister N Chandrababu Telangana for next month’s as- ther-in-law and former central reports that the Congress was Congress leader Manish Tewari there was a “fi xed match” be- Tsaid it will be a part of the Naidu met Stalin in a bid to sembly elections triggered dis- minister Sarve Satyanarayana planning to leave the seat for T J contested the government’s as- tween the Modi government and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam- strategise on an anti-BJP alli- content in the party, with those from Secunderabad Canton- S leader M Kodandaram. sertions made before the Su- Dassault and said the “blatant led front in the state for the ance at the national level. denied ticket threatening to en- ment constituency. Another senior leader and preme Court. corruption” in the fi ghter jet deal Lok Sabha election next year as Yechury described his meet- ter the fray as rebels. Krishank’s supporters staged former central minister Renuka “The Centre’s affi davit con- cannot be hidden. part of its eff orts to consolidate ing with Stalin as fruitful and The main opposition party a sit-in at Gandhi Bhavan, the Chowdary also expressed dis- ceals more than it reveals,”said Dubbing Trappier’s interview the anti-Bharatiya Janata Party the basic agenda was that all late on Monday announced 65 party’s offi ce. pleasure over the fi rst list. Tewari, referring to the govern- as “dictated” and “manufactured front in Tamil Nadu. patriotic secular forces in India candidates for the December Krishank announced that he She said the balance among ment defending the deal and lies”, the Congress said the “Ra- This was stated by CPM gen- should come together and In- 7 elections to the 119-member would contest as an independ- various castes was not main- asserting that the purchase of fale scam” cannot be suppressed. eral secretary Sitaram Yechury dia need to be saved from the assembly. ent from the same constituency. tained. She also found fault with the French fi ghter aircraft was in “Mutual benefi ciaries and after a meeting with DMK pres- “onslaught” of the BJP and the The Congress, which is head- He wondered how the party can Ponnala’s name missing from conformity with the process laid co-accused’s statements hold ident M K Stalin in Chennai. manner in which it was running ing a four-party opposition al- fi eld a man who was defeated the list. down in the Defence Procure- no value. Benefi ciaries and ac- “The defence of our coun- the country. liance, has agreed to leave 24 thrice in the past. Chowdary said the selection ment Procedure (DPP) of 2013. cused can’t be judge in their own try is the objective Stalin and I The constitutional republic seats for its three allies. Senior leader and former of candidates could have an im- “Was the Indian Air Force on case,” said Congress leader Ran- share. Alliances will always take and the country’s unity and in- Followers of some aspirants, minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah, pact on the party’s prospects. board to roll back the procure- deep Singh Surjewala, daring the place at the state level and then tegrity had to be protected from whose names did not fi gure in whose name did not fi gure in The Congress is also facing ment from 126 to 36 aircraft? If government to submit itself for a a national level alliance will take the BJP, he said, adding that the the list, staged protests at the the fi rst list, said he was sur- protest from its leaders who the Medium Multi-Role Combat Joint Parliamentary Committee place. At the state level (in Tamil livelihood of the people in the party offi ce while some others prised as he had been with the were unhappy over leaving Aircraft (MMRCA) deal to buy (JPC) probe. Nadu), we have decided that we last four years and more had decided to quit the party and same party and contesting from some seats for allies.

I did not call the BJP Air India sacks pilot after he dangerous: Rajinikanth fails breath tests

IANS He also sought to correct Chennai an impression that he did Reuters not know anything about the New Delhi seven convicts in the Rajiv amil superstar Ra- Gandhi assassination case jinikanth yesterday said whose demand for release was ir India’s director of operations Arvind The has not described pending with the Tamil Nadu Kathpalia, who failed two breathalyser the Bharatiya Janata Party as a governor. Atests before he was scheduled to be a dangerous party and it was for On Monday, when he was pilot on a New Delhi to London fl ight on Sun- the people to decide whether it asked about it, he had coun- day, has been fi red and the airline will carry was such an organisation. tered: “Who? Which seven out an investigation into his conduct, the The actor who is on the verge people? I don’t know.” company said. of entering politics also said if Yesterday, Rajinikanth The state-owned carrier said in a state- 10 parties were ranged against said, “Some people are try- ment that the breach of Indian civil aviation one party, then it showed who ing to create an illusion that requirements has “serious implications on was stronger. I do not know the issue. passenger safety”. Meeting journalists a day af- The question was put to me Air India said it wanted to assure its pas- ter his remarks on the BJP were abruptly and it was not clear. sengers that “under no circumstances” would interpreted diff erently, the ac- This Rajinikanth is not a fool their safety be compromised. tor refused to give his personal Rajinikanth: faces backlash that he does not know about Earlier, an airline offi cial said that Kathpalia opinion on whether the ruling the seven convicts. I think was asked to resign by the civil aviation min- party was a “dangerous party” to decide (about BJP). But the they have spent 27 years in istry. But in its later statement Air India said as he had still not entered poli- fact that 10 parties are unit- jail and on humanitarian he had been relieved of his duties “with im- tics. ing against one party (BJP), conditions they should be mediate eff ect”. “I have not described BJP then it shows who is strong,” released.” The offi cial said Kathpalia has also stepped as a dangerous party. I only he said. He also recalled that he had down from the company’s board. said yesterday that if op- On Monday, when he was spoken on phone with of the Kathpalia, who said on Sunday he had not position parties are coming asked whether the BJP was convicts, Perarivalan, when he been drinking and was the victim of internal together against BJP, then it such a dangerous party that had come out on parole and had feuding, could not be immediately reached (BJP) must be dangerous to opposition parties were com- consoled him. for comment yesterday. Amitabh Singh, ex- them. It is for the people to bining against it, Rajinikanth The actor’s reaction yes- ecutive director for training, will take on the decide who is dangerous. I had said: “If they (non-BJP terday came after he faced a operations director’s responsibilities. will not give my views be- parties) have said it like this, backlash on social media where The investigation into Kathpalia’s behav- cause I have still not entered then it must be defi nitely cor- #Rajinikanth does not know iour will be conducted by the airline’s chief politics. It is for the people rect.” was trending on top. vigilance offi cer, Air India said. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 INDIA

TRAGEDY CRIME DEMAND MYSTERY DECISION Newborn dies in Agra after Teacher arrested for Name expressway after Teenager found dead in Cabinet ratifies name change being snatched by monkey thrashing student in Pune Bal Thackeray: Shiv Sena Manipur observation home of Allahabad, Faizabad

A child born only 12 days ago died after a A teacher was arrested in Pune after he clobbered The Shiv Sena yesterday demanded that the A teenage who was arrested in connection with The Uttar Pradesh cabinet yesterday ratified the monkey snatched it from his mother’s lap on the a 11-year-old student for not completing a school soon-to-be commissioned Nagpur-Mumbai the death of a girl was found hanging from a renaming of Faizabad as Ayodhya and Allahabad outskirts of Agra city, police said yesterday. The assignment, causing facial paralysis in the boy, Super Communication Expressway (NMSCE) ceiling fan at a government-run observation home as Prayagraj district, an off icial said. A cabinet mother, Neha, was feeding Sunny around 8pm police said yesterday. The incident occurred in should be named after its late patriarch in Manipur yesterday, police said. They said said meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Monday when the monkey pounced on the October at the Shri Shivaji Preparatory Military Bal Thackeray. There have been demands the Class 12 student was arrested on October also decided that the Faizabad division would now baby in Kachhara area. Before the mother could School (SSPMS), a government-aided residential from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party 13 from Thoubal district. He was remanded in be known as Ayodhya division and the Allahabad react, the newborn was seen dangling from the school in Shivajinagar. Following a complaint (BJP) to name the NMSCE after late prime the observation home, run by the social welfare division as Prayagraj. The cabinet also approved monkey’s clutch as it jumped up the walls and by the boy’s parents, police arrested Sandeep minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Public Works department of the Manipur government. He the tabling of the report of the Judicial Commission vanished on the rooftop. The stunned family Gade late on Monday. “According to the parents, Department Minister Eknath Shinde, who allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself that probed the death of 25 peopled in a stampede initially tried to lure the monkey with eatables the incident occurred on October 25 before our belongs to the Shiv Sena, led a delegation from a ceiling fan. Off icials of the home said they at Rajghat bridge in Varanasi in October 2016. The but the animal bit the baby on the neck and terminal examinations but we were informed of party leaders to Chief Minister Devendra were not responsible for the incident. However, his cabinet also approved a proposal to award the clawed the body as neighbours rushed towards about it only yesterday. We have suspended the Fadnavis and submitted a memorandum mother said: “My son was pressurised to confess Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Award of Merit to it. “After a search we found the body bruised teacher,” school principal Smita S Patil told IANS. She demanding that the NMSCE be named to his involvement in the death of the girl. He good teachers of the financially unaided schools of all over and rushed the infant to a hospital in added that Gade had been working for 15 years in the after the late Thackeray, whose sixth death was innocent. He had told the court that he was the state. There are 19,275 such schools in the state Sikandra where doctors declared him dead,” a school with around 550 residential students but there anniversary will be observed on November tortured inside the home to make him confess to and under the award scheme, one teacher each family member said. had not been any such complaint in the past. 17. the crime he did not commit.” from every division would be given Rs25,000.

Police offi cer On storm alert on the run kills himself SC to review in Kerala By Ashraf Padanna Sabarimala Thiruvananthapuram

police offi cer on the run facing murder charge in a Aroad rage case was found hanging yesterday in his house verdict lifting on the outskirts of Thiruvanan- thapuram. B Harikumar, a deputy super- intendent of police, was accused of pushing a young man onto road. As Sanal Kumar fell, a speed- ban on women ing car ran over him resulting in his death. Agencies of the review petitions later in tion to Ayyappa, the temple’s After public outrage, the New Delhi the day. celibate deity. government transferred the A bench comprising Chief Jus- Those defending Ayyappa case to the crime branch which tice Gogoi, Justice Sanjay Kishan clashed with police in October at launched a chase for Harikumar he Supreme Court yester- Kaul and Justice K M Joseph be- Sabarimala, leading to the arrest in Tamil Nadu. day agreed to hear chal- fore which the three fresh pe- of more than 2,000 people. “Our information is that the Tlenges to its decision to titions were listed for hearing Kerala police said this week DySP committed suicide,” a overturn a ban on women from yesterday morning asked the pe- thousands of extra offi cers will senior police offi cer said. “His entering the Sabarimala Temple titioners to wait for the outcome be deployed to Sabarimala and house remained locked as his in Kerala, after protests against of the review petitions. crowd control enforced at the family was away.” the ruling. Gogoi said if they decided to temple to avoid a repeat of last Harikumar was found hanging The court said it would review dismiss the batch of review pe- month’s violence. by his mother-in-law who went 49 petitions on January 22 but titions, then the fresh appeals Pramod Kumar, Kerala police to his house to feed his dogs and until then girls and women aged would be listed to be considered spokesman, earlier this week alerted the police. 10 to 50 could still pray at the separately. said that restrictions will be im- A court was to consider his temple. But if they decided to uphold posed on those wishing to visit anticipatory bail plea today, “We make it clear that there is the review petitions, then these the temple, which pilgrims can and his death and how he man- no stay of the judgment and order would be tagged along with only reach on foot after a steep aged to reach home remained a of this court dated 28 September them. climb. mystery. 2018,” the bench consisting of The review petition were fi led Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Reports said he was also ne- Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Jus- by the National Association Vijayan yesterday called an all- gotiating conditions for his sur- tice Rohinton Fali Nariman, Jus- of Aayappa Devotees, the Nair party meeting tomorrow to dis- render as he feared for life if sent tice A M Khanwilkar, Justice D Y Service Society and 47 other or- cuss the upcoming pilgrimage to the sub-jail in Neyyattinkara Chandrachud and Justice Indu ganisation. season after the Supreme Court where he served for long. Malhotra said. The decision to revoke a ban declined to stay its order. When the news appeared on The Supreme Court in its on women of child-bearing age He told reporters in Thiru- television that the offi cer had ruling had said the ban on en- from entering the hilltop shrine vanantapuram that the verdict committed suicide, a large crowd try of women went against the sparked a backlash among con- was very clear and it had not gathered in front of his house at rights to equality and to wor- servatives. stayed the September 28 ruling. Kalamabalam, about 50km from ship guaranteed under the con- Some temple devotees angrily But the chief minister was here. stitution resisted the order and prevented evasive when asked if women in Sanal Kumar’s widow Viji, “We will argue that courts female worshippers from enter- the banned age group would be who was on a day-long pro- cannot interfere with essen- ing the shrine when it reopened allowed to enter the temple. test seeking justice at the same tial customs and practices that in October for a few days. “We will speak to legal experts spot where her husband came purely pertain to faith,” KV Another showdown looms on the details of today’s judg- under the car, reacted to Hari- Muthukumar who represents with at least 300,000 worship- ment and then decide the future kumar’s suicide: “God’s verdict one of the petitioners, said. pers - including 560 women course of action,” said Vijayan. has come.” She then ended her “Also the temple as a private - registered to visit Sabarimala Kerala’s ruling Communist protest. body has the right to decide who when it reopens again in No- Party of India (Marxist) state There were widespread spec- enters its premises.” vember. secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan ulation that the police were Yesterday’s order came after The temple’s chief priest wel- said the government would abide helping Harikumar to dodge ar- the judges considered the review comed the court reviewing its by the Supreme Court verdict. rest. petitions in their chambers. decision but rejected the notion Kerala Congress vice presi- Viji had earlier demanded a The open court hearing of the of women entering the Hindu dent K Sudhakaran said they will Central Bureau of Investiga- review petitions is likely to see shrine until then. protest strongly if women in the tion or court-managed probe it being clubbed with another “I am happy and don’t think banned group entered the tem- because she feared that Hari- A fisherman walks along a beach beside fishing boats on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, in three fresh writ petitions that women will now be able to en- ple. kumar’s colleagues in the police Chennai. Tropical cyclone ‘Gaja’ is forecast to make a landfall on the southern coast of India, were listed yesterday morning. ter,” Kandararu Rajeevaru said. The NSS asked the govern- would turn the murder case into between Chennai and Nagapattinam tomorrow. But the hearing on them was Traditionalists say the court ment to ensure that the Sabar- that of a road accident. deferred awaiting the outcome ignored their beliefs and devo- imala traditions were respected.

Debt-ridden Punjab set for PM, BJP leaders attend Rs1bn binge on luxury cars Ananth Kumar funeral IANS Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal, IANS The Punjab government The 17 cabinet ministers will Bengaluru Harsh Vardhan and Mahesh Chandigarh is said to be under an ever- get Toyota Fortuners. Sharma laid wreathes and paid mounting debt of over Rs2 lakh Nearly 100 Toyota Crysta homage. crore (Rs2tn). MPVs are being bought for the undreds of people, in- Karnataka Water Resources t a time when the debt- Singh, who is otherwise legislators in the 117-mem- cluding Bharatiya Ja- Minister D K Shivakumar, state ridden Punjab govern- well-known for flying in the ber assembly (the remaining Hnata Party patriarch L K Legislative Council chairman Ament is unable to pay state government helicopter legislators are ministers and Advani and the party’s national Basavaraj Horatti and the BJP’s salaries and pensions to its and aircraft within the state government functionaries and president Amit Shah, yesterday state leaders, including state serving and former employees, and to New Delhi and other are entitled to better vehicles). bid farewell to Ananth Kumar, as unit president B S Yeddyurappa or allocate funds for subsidies places, will get 16 brand new These include over 30 opposi- his mortal remains were cremat- were present on the solemn oc- and social welfare schemes on bullet proof Toyota Land tion legislators. ed at a state funeral with military casion. time, it is all set for a nearly Cruiser luxury SUVs in his Each MPV is priced between honours here. In view of space constraints Rs1bn luxury ride. fleet. Rs2mn-2.4mn. The 59-year-old parliamenta- at the old crematorium, several The Congress government The chief minister enjoys Z- Five vehicles of the Punjab ry aff airs minister died on Mon- people, including party cadres in the state led by Chief Min- plus category security cover. Raj Bhawan (Governor’s House) day at a private hospital here due and Kumar’s supporters were ister Amarinder Singh, which “Each of these vehicles will are also being replaced. to multiple organ failure. restrained from entering the harped a lot last year on shun- cost over Rs1.70 crore with Punjab’s Advocate General Even as the army band sound- premises. ning VIP culture and wasteful the bullet-proofi ng and other and the state Chief Secretary ed the bugle to mark the last Vehicular traffi c was diverted expenditure after it came to works inside,” a senior offi cer will also get better comfort rites, a 21-gun salute was given and security stepped up at the power, is all set to splurge on told IANS. with the government approv- to the body while still in the glass venue to prevent any untoward buying 434 new luxury cars for The new purchases are be- ing the purchase of the new casket draped in the Tricolour. incident. the chief minister, ministers, ing justifi ed in offi cial fi les by Toyota Fortuner SUVs for them. Kumar’s younger brother The cortege in a fl ower-be- legislators, top offi cers and a pointing out that the earlier ve- These vehicles cost around Nand Kumar lit the funeral pyre. decked military vehicle was few other functionaries. hicles have outlived their utility Rs3.5mn each. His widow Tejeshwani, daugh- brought in a procession for the Sources in the government or have run the maximum per- Other top bureaucrats and ters Aishwariya and Vijeta and last rites from the National Col- told IANS that the Finance missible mileage under state offi cers in the government will other family members were lege grounds at Basavngudi where Department, which had been government rules. also get 29 new Toyota Crysta present at the Chamarajpet cre- it was kept for public viewing. objecting even to the practice The security vehicles in the MPVs. matorium. Earlier in the day, Kumar’s of serving tea in government chief minister’s fl eet will also Several other cars are Advani, Shah, Home Minister body was shifted from his resi- offi ces to cut expenses, has be replaced with SUVs and planned to be bought for senior Rajnath Singh, Defence Min- dence at Basavangudi to the BJP approved the purchase of the multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) and middle-level offi cers of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays a wreath as he pays his last ister Nirmala Sitharaman and state unit offi ce in Malleshwar- luxury cars. like the Toyota Crysta. state government. respects to Ananth Kumar in Bengaluru yesterday. other ministers including Ravi am. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 23 LATIN AMERICA Slow gains in search for missing in Colombia’s coca wars

AFP remains for victims’ families, cau- here, close to where his body lay “raspachines” – the lowest form 80,000 people missing over a six- threats continue. Especially now It is possible that Polilla’s mur- Catatumbo, Colombia tiously stepping in where govern- unclaimed for days in the rain. of existence on the drug traffi ck- decades span of violence and an given that the production of coca derers no longer operate in the ment and local authorities still fear His family did not travel to the ing chain – were killed by far-right armed confl ict which, for weary – the base ingredient of cocaine – region. The most powerful group, to tread. region to reclaim his body, fearing paramilitaries or by leftist guerril- Colombians, seemingly has no has shot through the roof. Farc, offi cially disbanded under a n the shadow of a leafy coca Locals believe the man in the repercussions. Last year, they con- las who accused them of working end. The northeastern area of Cat- 2016 peace deal. plant lies an unmarked grave. grave is Polilla, “the moth.” It’s the tacted the Red Cross. for the enemy. “The quantity of blood spilt in atumbo is home to 16% of Colom- But hundreds of dissidents re- IMany like it are scattered in the nickname given to the coca-leaf “We don’t want to be a substi- The ICRC is currently looking this region is enormous. There are bia’s booming coca plantations. main active, battling for territory lush plantations of Catatumbo, harvester whose bullet-riddled tute for the state. But when access into 1,888 cases of missing peo- many dead, farm workers as well as Decades into the government’s and smuggling routes with Co- bearing unidentifi ed victims of corpse turned up here 15 years ago is impossible, we act to search for ple in Colombia, including hun- farm owners,” said a leader of the cocaine war, the UN warned last lombia’s last active rebels – the Colombia’s deadly coca wars. – another victim of Colombia’s le- the missing,” says Red Cross co- dreds in Catatumbo, in Norte de peasant community, who identi- year a record 171,000 hectares was National Liberation Army (ELN) The International Committee of gion of armed groups. ordinator Derek Congram. Santander, on the border with fi ed himself only as Rogelion. under coca cultivation – a size – and criminal gangs that have the Red Cross has taken on the task He wasn’t yet 30. Local cocale- Between 1999 and 2004, hun- Venezuela. Nobody wants to be identifi ed roughly equal to the same number strengthened their hand in coca- of locating graves and identifying ros – coca growers – buried him dreds of coca leaf-harvesters, or That is just a sample of the here. Time has passed, but the of soccer pitches. growing areas. Spotlight on Kenji Fujimori as sister in jail

AFP crimes against humanity. Lima Fujimori, president from 1990- 2000, retains much popularity in the country, having been credited ith Peru’s opposition with rescuing Peru from economic leader Keiko Fujimori in and political collapse in the 1980s Wprison and no obvious and defeating a bloody insurgency successor in place, the movement by Maoist Shining Path guerrillas. created by her father Alberto Fu- Analysts say he is faced with jimori now faces a key decision on two scenarios: reconciliation be- its leadership. tween the newly humbled Keiko Who will carry the mantle of and Kenji, or a defi nitive family one of Latin America’s best known break-up and with it, likely disin- political dynasties – her brother tegration of Peru’s biggest political Kenji or someone from outside the party. family? Kenji himself hopes to form a It’s a question that has taxed breakaway party to mount his own political circles here in the weeks a bid for the presidency in 2021. since Keiko, 43, began serving a “Kenji could be the only option 36-month preventive jail sentence to keep the party on track, but I The president of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), Margarette May Macaulay, speaks during a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. as investigators probe whether think it’s unlikely that the two sib- she received kickbacks from Bra- lings will reconcile,” said Tafur. zil construction fi rm Odebrecht Political scientist Carlos Me- to fund her 2011 presidential cam- lendez said “the idea of Kenji tak- paign. ing over the party leadership is Her lawyer is appealing the sen- still a distant possibility,” given the tence but even if she returns to the vote-buying scandal and his ensu- political fray, her battered reputa- ing isolation by the party. tion means her chances of winning With Keiko in prison, analysts Bolsonaro plans to fi ght a presidential election in 2021 look say the party is on life support. slim. But they point out that it has “With Keiko in charge, there is been through worse, and arguably no political future for Fujimorism,” emerged stronger when Keiko took said analyst Juan Carlos Tafur. up the reins after her father was The Popular Force party Keiko forced to resign in a corruption founded to carry on her father’s scandal in 2000. crime raise concern political movement has staggered “Fujimorism is today in one of under the weight of the anti-cor- its deepest crises, similar to the AFP detentions,” as one of the main Bolsonaro’s words were com- countenance it happening.” the government to have their ruption probe, with several top of- one in 2000, but not as bad,” said Rio de Janeiro human rights abuses aff ecting pounded by Rio de Janeiro’s Bolsonaro has come under fi re ancestral lands offi cially rec- fi cials also in the prosecutor’s line commentator Augusto Alvarez. Brazil. conservative governor-elect for a variety of comments he’s ognised to protect them from of fi re. Attention has turned to her “It’s not dead, though it will “The impunity relating to Wilson Witzel stating he would made on diff erent subjects lead- speculators, mostly from the lawmaker brother Kenji, 38, whom never again reach the splendor of he president of the Inter- violence against women and deploy police marksmen to ing to accusations of racism, mi- farming and mining industries. she has marginalised in a bitter 2016” — when legislative elections American Commission against afro-descendants and shoot suspects even when of- sogyny and homophobia. But those claims often get party dispute. She had Congress saw it wrest control of Congress Ton Human Rights has indigenous persons” was an- fi cers’ lives weren’t in danger. “We’re concerned because bogged down in interminable strip him of his parliamentary seat — said Alvarez, a columnist with criticised Brazil president-elect other major worry, she added. According to offi cial statis- of these statements that we in red tape. in June after another lawmaker ac- daily La Republica. Jair Bolsonaro’s policies toward The far-right leader triggered tics, 5,144 people were killed the international human rights “FUNAI is very weak, it has cused him of vote-buying. The collapse of Fujimori’s gov- tackling violent crime, fol- uproar even before his election during police operations in community designate as clear no economic resources or hu- The siblings have long been ernment in 2000 shattered the lowing a weeklong visit to the when he stated that security 2017, an average of 14 a day and hate speech,” said Macaulay. man resources” to push through locked in a war over their father’s political momentum he generated South American giant. forces accused of killing crimi- a 20% increase over the previ- IACHR commissioner Fran- the indigenous people’s claims, political legacy. with three presidential election Margarette May Macaulay nals “should be decorated and ous year. cisco Eguiguren urged the Bra- said Eguiguren. Frail and 80, the elder Fujimori’s victories over the previous decade. blasted Bolsonaro’s past state- not have to go to court” to be “I don’t know whether they zilian government to provide Summing up the IACHR’s chronic heart condition has left His chosen candidate in a 2001 ments as “atrocious” and said held accountable for their ac- appreciate the position Brazil extra resources to FUNAI, the report, commissioner Anto- him looking on from his hospital election, former economy minis- the commission was “con- tions. would be in in relation to their national body that protects in- nia Urrejola said Brazil “has bed, unable to use his still-con- ter Carlos Bolona, took less than cerned” about the future of “We think it is atrocious that record, their practise and sta- digenous people’s rights. not managed to address its siderable infl uence to turn the tide 2% of the vote, and his party fared Brazil’s most vulnerable com- anybody, especially somebody tus as a country if that was to “The main problem in the main historical debts with its back in Keiko’s favour. little better in 2006. Fujimorism munities once he assumes pow- looking to be the highest politi- go ahead,” said Macaulay about Amazon region is related to citizens” due to “a structure of The disgraced former president returned with a bang in 2006, er January 1. cal power in the country, would policies such as those suggested land and the protection of (in- inequality and deep discrimi- has been in the clinic since early when Keiko accepted her father’s Macaulay said the IACHR make a statement like that, and by Bolsonaro and Witzel. digenous) land and the environ- nation.” That, she said, had left October when a judge ordered him request to enter politics and she had identifi ed “impunity in re- we’re hoping that it was just “It cannot possibly be seri- ment,” said Eguiguren. the issue of human rights in the back to back to prison after an- became the biggest vote-winner lation to extrajudicial killings, a statement,” said Jamaican ous, that’s the way we look at it. Many tribes of indigenous country in a “critical” situa- nulling a presidential pardon for in Congress. unlawful arrests and unlawful Macaulay. It’s so extreme that we cannot people have made claims to tion. Colombia economy Toys for sale General picked as new Brazil defence minister

‘to grow 3.5% in 2019’ AFP to Haiti, which was launched in Brasília 2004. He was trained at the same mili- Reuters country’s principal commer- mark interest rate at 4.25% tary academy as Bolsonaro in the Bogota cial partners has been favour- since April, after making cuts razil’s president-elect Jair 1970s, where Heleno was an in- able, Colombia’s export fi gures of 350 basis points beginning Bolsonaro yesterday an- structor, and like the new Brazilian are fragile, especially with the in December 2016 in a bid to Bnounced the appointment president was also a paratrooper. olombia will reach its US’ revision of trade deals, bolster economic recovery. of reservist general Fernando He replaces general Joaquim growth potential of Soto said. Colombia’s GDP expanded Azevedo e Silva to the post of de- Silva e Luna, who was the fi rst C3.5% next year as the 1.8% in 2017. fence minister. military appointment to the post economy fully recovers but “I think we’ll grow a Soto, who described herself Azevedo e Silva is the third since the defence ministry was will remain vulnerable to glo- minimum of 3.5%, if as orthodox and economi- ministerial appointment that Bol- created in 1999. bal trade pressures, new cen- not more, pushed by cally conservative, would not sonaro, a former army captain, has Bolsonaro has vowed to reduce tral bank board member Caro- mining, energy and say how much longer the rate drawn from the military, follow- Brazil’s ministries from 29 to 15 lina Soto said. construction” would be held. ing that of retired general Augusto and has so far named six ministers, Soto agrees with the bank’s “It depends on the rest of Heleno as minister of institutional as well as his chief of staff . technical team that gross do- “There could always be the factors, but at this point if security, and astronaut and air He previously announced the mestic product will expand eventualities. For instance, the conditions don’t change, force pilot Marcos Pontes as min- merging of the environment and 2.7% this year, she said. if these commercial tensions that stability in the rate should ister of science and technology. agriculture ministries before “We are a bit optimistic cause a new export crash – of course be maintained.” Azevedo e Silva entered the backing down under protest from and we think it could be more. we’re still vulnerable in terms Soto said that although Co- army reserves in September before environmentalists. We’ll need to see what happens of exports,” she said. “The lombia is not in a “chaotic” he was controversially named as The military presence in Brazil’s in the second half, if house- price of coff ee doesn’t help and situation, its fi scal position special advisor to Supreme Court Congress grew in October’s gener- hold consumption recovers a we still need to diversify more, remains one of the top risks for president Dias Toff oli. al election, with 35 former military bit more, if public consumers so that’s where we’re vulner- Latin America’s fourth-largest That move sparked consterna- personnel voted into Congress – 31 keep boosting growth,” the able.” economy. tion from those worried about an deputies and four senators – com- 45-year-old economist said. Soto, who was a vice-fi - The fi nance ministry has army general operating at the head pared to just 18 in the previous “I do think it will consoli- nance minister during the pre- said the Andean country is fac- of the judiciary. parliament. It has led to concerns date more in 2019. I think we’ll vious government, said infl a- ing an $8.6bn budget shortfall, Azevedo e Silva was in charge of in many quarters that Brazil is grow a minimum of 3.5%, if tion would end 2018 at around though Soto said she thought it the Olympic Public Authority in heading back towards authoritar- not more, pushed by mining, 3.3% and next year at 3.2%, was less. “The top risk is fi scal 2016 when Rio de Janeiro hosted ian rule, evoking painful memories energy and construction,” Soto slightly above the bank’s long- – that we lose credibility in the Children look at second-hand toys at a street market in the summer Games. of the brutal 1964-85 military dic- said in her Bogota offi ce. term target of 3 percent. management of public fi nanc- Caracas, Venezuela. Like Heleno, he previously tatorship under which Bolsonaro Although the recovery of the The bank has held its bench- es,” she said. headed Brazil’s UN peace mission served in the army. Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 PAKISTAN

Media gag on No more hurdles to PTI anti-graft body’s reforms plan: minister offi cials Internews ment from China to bridge the proving the defi nition of eco- Azhar told the Senate that would be invited for 10 blocks to be no concrete plan in place Internews Islamabad gap. nomic indicators to put a stop to the exports had registered an shortly, adding that a new pe- for them. Islamabad Azhar added that modalities gimmicks in economy and ac- increase of 4.6% in recent days, troleum policy would be un- “With the projected surge of for the support from China are countancy to an end. while imports had gone down. veiled next year. FDI (foreign direct investment) he Senate has been in- being worked out. Rejecting criticism of Prime “We do not believe in defi cit The minister said that the in Pakistan, it is mandatory to n the wake of a controversy formed that the way for The minister also disclosed Minister Imran Khan speak- fi nance growth. It is not appro- boards of all companies under enact these laws. The govern- triggered by TV interviews Tthe Pakistan Tehreek-e- that data of 96,000 off shore ac- ing about corruption in Paki- priate to mortgage your strategic the petroleum ministry would ment should have done this Iof Pakistan’s National Ac- Insaf (PTI) government to im- count holders from Pakistan had stan during a visit to China, the assets. Economy can only be run have representation from all much sooner. countability Bureau (NAB)’s La- plement its reforms agenda is been obtained from 27 coun- minister said that credibility on the principles of economy,” provinces. The fi rst bill is an amendment hore director general Shahzad clear now that the short- and tries, with data from another 13 has been eroded by the fudging he said. Meanwhile, former Senate to the Foreign Private Invest- Saleem, NAB chairman Justice medium-term balance of pay- countries in the process of being of fi gures and not by the talk of Meanwhile, Petroleum Min- opposition leader Sherry Reh- ment (Promotion and Protec- (retired) Javed Iqbal has barred ments crisis had been averted. retrieved. corruption and accountability. ister Ghulam Sarwar Khan has man has submitted two labour- tion) Act 1976, which aims to all his colleagues from speaking Winding up discussion on About the Panama Papers, he “It only shows the resolve of criticised the previous Paki- related bills to amend the Board set a quota seeking to guaran- to media. the terms and conditions of the said that while 444 Pakistani in- the government to act against stan Muslim League – Nawaz of Investment Ordinance 2001 tee that foreign investors hire “The chairman has imposed foreign loans obtained or being dividuals holding bank accounts the corrupt,” Azhar remarked. (PML-N) government for sign- and the Foreign Private Invest- at least 60% of local labour for a complete ban on all directors obtained, Minister of State for abroad had been identifi ed, pro- Referring to the government’s ing a long-term contract of 15 ment (Promotion and Protec- their projects from the particu- general, directors and other of- Finance Hammad Azhar said on ceedings against 242 of them plan to provide gas and electric- years for import of LNG (lique- tion) Act 1976. lar province of its operations. fi cials from giving interviews to Monday that there was an im- would not be instituted due to ity to textile and some other in- fi ed natural gas), with a dubious The bills aim to provide leg- The second bill, Rehman ex- media. If the media requires any mediate balance of payments “time bar”. dustrial sectors, he pointed out clause under which the agree- islative support for the local plained, is an amendment to the information about any investi- crisis when the present govern- Azhar added that action that Pakistani businesses are in ment would remain classifi ed for workforce. Board of Investment Ordinance gation or reference, a spokesper- ment took over. against another 150 could not competition with counterparts three years even after its expira- Speaking on the fl oor of the 2001, which called for the map- son for the NAB (should be con- He, however, said that Paki- be taken due to incomplete par- in China, India, and Bangladesh. tion. house, Rehman said: “We have ping of labour expertise, capac- tacted),” the bureau said. stan is out of the woods now, ticulars. “They will be off ered conces- He said in a speech that the the 10th largest labour force ity, training, and experience During his visit to the bu- with a support package from He disclosed that the govern- sion on a par with the regional government is now focused on with nearly 1.5bn people enter- in one database categorised by reau’s Lahore offi ce here, the Saudi Arabia and the commit- ment is in the process of im- competitors,” he said. exploration, and that open bids ing it annually, yet there seems province. NAB chairman said: “The NAB has sought record from the Pa- kistan Electronic Media Regula- Awami National tory Authority (PEMRA) about its Lahore director general’s Party suspends All in a day’s work media interviews which will be Bibi ‘cannot leave till senior leaders reviewed according to law.” Iqbal asked the media not to The Awami National Party speculate about the ongoing in- end of legal process’ (ANP) has suspended the basic vestigations. membership of two stalwarts Shehzad Saleem gave inter- – Afrasiab Khattak and Bushra views to various TV channels Internews Unfortunately, the case was Gohar – for violating its rules. last week and defended the bu- Islamabad taken to the streets for no rea- In a statement issued by the reau in the face of allegations, son, Qadri added. Bacha Khan Markaz here, especially by Pakistan Muslim “The review petition is with the ANP said that its central League – Nawaz (PML-N) presi- ederal Minister for Reli- the Supreme Court, and all of president, Asfandyar Wali dent Shehbaz Sharif in the Ashi- gious Aff airs and Inter- us should wait for the fi nal ver- Khan, had suspended the party yana housing scam. Ffaith Harmony of Paki- dict instead of resorting to vio- membership of senior leader The opposition on Friday last stan Pir Noorul Haq Qadri has lence on the roads,” he said. Khattak and central vice- submitted a “question of privi- said that Asia Bibi, who was The minister said that it was president Gohar. lege” in the National Assembly recently acquitted by the Su- unfortunate that fatwas were It added that the two were and demanded the immediate preme Court in a blasphemy issued against those who had suspended for involvement in intervention of the house in the case, is still in Pakistan and “true faith” and were perform- the “anti-party activities” creating matter. would not leave the country ing their professional duties. divisions among workers, and The PML-N accused the Pa- till the “fi nalisation of the legal Mercifully, he said, the army damaging its interests. kistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) process”. did not react in spite of insult The ANP said Afrasiab and Bushra government of having a “nexus” “Asia Bibi is very much in to its chief, and the judiciary were warned repeatedly. (arrangement) with the NAB Pakistan as I address this au- kept its cool despite calls by the Protesting the move, central to put pressure on opposition gust gathering,” the minister hardliners for the judges to be joint secretary of the ANP and members. said while addressing a Ta- killed. former member of the National In the privilege motion, the hafuz-e-Namoos-e-Risalat “Those who issued these Assembly (MNA) Jamila Gilani PML-N accused Saleem of con- conference here. verdicts and statements said resigned from her position. ducting a “media trial of op- He dispelled the rumours of sorry and the state has forgiven In written replies to the show position members, attempt- Asia Bibi leaving the country as them. This forgiveness now cause notices served on them, ing to infl uence the so-called “mere propaganda”. necessitates that all should re- Khattak and Gohar rejected all cases against the members of As far as any alteration in spect law of the land and let it charges and allegations, and the National Assembly, provid- the Section 295-C (blasphemy take its course. demanded the convening of ing details of the matters that law) of the Pakistan Penal Code “There are some people who the party’s executive council to are sub judice, revealing details (PPC) is concerned, the min- want violence on the streets. discuss the matter. of confi dential and secret NAB ister said that it is very much They wanted the government Khattak said meetings of the documents, and maligning the part of the Constitution and to call in the army or the Rang- party’s relevant forums should be reputation of the members of the that the Pakistan Tehreek-e- ers to control violence and spill convened to thoroughly discuss A youth prepares nylon string to be used for weaving charpoy (rope bed) at a workshop in parliament”. Insaf (PTI) government did not blood in the process. the allegations leveled against Peshawar. The NAB chairman prom- intend to change it. “However, the government him and other party leaders. ised to see whether the privilege He added that the govern- did not want it to happen. As of parliamentarians had been ment would rather “defend” Prime Minister Imran Khan breached. the blasphemy law “on every underlined in his speech, the Iqbal also reviewed the forum”. government wanted solution of progress in major corruption Qadri said that the courts all issues through dialogues. cases being investigated by are there to defi ne and redefi ne “That is precisely why the Female lawmakers contribute 39% of the NAB’s Lahore offi ce, and laws of the country. state only used persuasive stressed that “accountability for Had the entire case of Asia power to clear roads and end all” is the bureau’s policy. Bibi been fought in the courts, sit-ins. It is the time all should “It is the top priority of NAB the results might have been respect law and state,” Qadri parliamentary business: Fafen report to take the mega corruption cas- diff erent, he told his audience. concluded. es to their logical end,” he added. He directed NAB offi cials to Internews This was the crux of a Fafen 15% of parliamentary business ship with male lawmakers, and complete investigations in a case Islamabad report. individually and 3% jointly. moved 15 of 99 resolutions. within 10 months so that cor- It states that female lawmak- “The women lawmakers of Women parliamentarians also rupt elements could be brought ers contributed 39% of parlia- the National Assembly initiated kept a close vigil on the govern- to justice. Dutch embassy staff he Free and Fair Election mentary business in the Na- 31 out of 98 bills on their own, ment by asking questions and Later, speaking to the people Network (Fafen) – a coa- tional Assembly and the Senate and 22 bills in collaboration raising “Calling Attention No- aff ected by the Eden Housing Tlition of over 50 leading during 2017-18. with their male colleagues,” the tices” (CANs), they asked 1,595 Society scam, Iqbal said that the recalled due to threat civil society organisations – has Comparison of the on-fl oor report states. questions, and moved 64 CANs NAB had been working on this noted the increased presence of performances of women and Female lawmakers exclusively in the National Assembly. case and they would be compen- female legislators at important men in both houses of parlia- sponsored 36 of 72 resolutions In the Senate, the ques- sated soon. Reuters him temporary shelter. decision-making forums. ment shows that female mem- in the National Assembly and tions and CANs moved by them A number of aff ected people Islamabad On Friday, the Dutch gov- They are actively participat- bers actively took part in the collaborated with their male amounted to 241 and 26. told the NAB chairman that they ernment said its embassy in ing at important institutions proceedings via regular attend- counterparts for moving 16 ad- Moreover, In the National As- would rather get their plots in Pakistan, which is in a tightly like the National Assembly and ance as well as contribution to ditional resolutions. sembly, a woman lawmaker in- the Eden Housing Society. he Netherlands recalled guarded diplomatic enclave, the Senate, giving vital input for parliamentary business. The women lawmakers in the troduced on average 25 agenda According to the NAB, more staff from its embassy had temporarily halted issuing bringing social and economic The Fafen reports states that Senate sponsored 13 of 145 bills items, in comparison to six by than 11,000 people have been af- Tin Pakistan following visas “due to circumstances change. in the Senate, women sponsored on their own and fi ve in partner- her male colleague. fected by this scam. threats after providing shelter beyond our control”. to the lawyer of a woman in a Pakistani media reported blasphemy case, the Dutch for- that the embassy had been eign minister said on Monday. forced to close because of Hardline Islamists in Paki- threats. stan have blocked streets and However, the Dutch foreign Families of Pakistanis jailed abroad seek Imran’s help called for the killing of judges ministry said that reports of after the Supreme Court on the embassy’s closure were October 31 overturned the con- mistaken. Internews They said that Pakistan lacks a Arabia has executed 80 Pakista- ecuted in the past month. to take up the matter with Saudi viction of Asia Bibi, a mother Bibi, 53, was convicted of Islamabad policy under which the state can nis. The letter states that the situ- Arabia and bring them back. of fi ve, who had been on death blasphemy in 2010 over alle- give citizens legal support, due to Addressing a press conference, ation has left prisoners in a state The letter to Prime Minister row for eight years. gations she made derogatory which Pakistanis abroad have to Asma Shafee from Chichawatni, of panic and fear, as the consu- Khan states: “You mentioned in “Unfortunately threats have remarks about Islam. he families of Pakistanis rely on lawyers provided by states whose brother has been in prison lates responsible for guarantee- your inaugural address that you been made against the Nether- She always denied having who are imprisoned in where they are imprisoned. in Saudi Arabia for nine years, ing their wellbeing “have all but will listen to the plight of over- lands, Dutch diplomats,” For- committed blasphemy. TGulf Co-operation Coun- They also do not get interpret- urged the government to fulfi ll its abandoned them” and provided seas Pakistani prisoners. eign Minister Stef Blok told na- The militant Tehreek-e- cil (GCC) states have appealed ers in their trials. constitutional responsibilities, them no legal or moral support “This is the fi rst time in years tional NPO radio. “I discussed Labaik (TLP) party, which has to Pakistan’s prime minister to The families had come to the and urgently negotiate a prisoner whatsoever. that we have felt a semblance of the issue with my Pakistani made blasphemy a rallying bring as many as 11,000 citizens capital from Mardan, Muzaff ara- transfer agreement. The letter also raised the issue hope. colleague.” cry, took to the streets after home. bad, Peshawar, and other cities, The families have also written of women and their children be- “We were also heartened to The embassy briefl y closed the Supreme Court ruling and They said that the previous to urge Khan to take up the mat- a letter urging the prime minister ing apart in Saudi prisons. hear of your recent visit to the earlier on Monday and “a large blocked main cities and high- Pakistan Muslim League – Na- ter with Saudi Arabia and other to play his role and halt the im- It said that their fears are Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and number of staff ” returned to ways for three days. waz (PML-N) government had GCC countries so Pakistanis may minent executions of Pakistanis heightened by the fact that Saudi their hand of friendship to your the Netherlands, Blok said. The protests ended after the done nothing for the prison- be brought back and allowed to on death row in Saudi Arabia. offi cials have begun a systematic administration. Bibi’s lawyer, Saiful Mulook, government struck a deal with ers, but in Prime Minister Imran complete their prison terms in The letter states that the operation to collect information “We hope that you continue fl ed to the Netherlands soon the TLP that the state would Khan’s fi rst address to the nation, Pakistani jails. number of Pakistanis being ex- on Pakistani prisoners who are to the process of fi nalising the pris- after the verdict, citing death not block a petition to review he spoke of the rights of overseas More than 3,000 Pakistanis ecuted in Saudi Arabia was rising be executed, and these people are oner transfer agreement with threats. Bibi’s acquittal and ensure that Pakistanis and gave them the are currently imprisoned in Saudi at an alarming rate, with media then separated from the general Saudi Arabia that the govern- The Dutch government said she would not leave country hope that their loved ones would Arabia. reports indicating that eight Pa- population. ment committed to in March this on Thursday that it had off ered until that was decided. return soon. Since December 2014, Saudi kistanis have already been ex- The families urged the state year.” Gulf Times Wednesday, November 14, 2018 25 PHILIPPINES

Actress 10,000 teachers ‘likely to Reeves held lose jobs after court ruling’ for libel Manila Times By Francis Earl Cueto Manila Manila Times ctress and reality televi- he Supreme Court rul- sion star Keanna Reeves ing upholding the le- A(born Janet Derecho Du- Tgality of the K-to-12 terte) was arrested on the eve of programme will leave about November 12 for a cyberlibel case 10,000 teachers without jobs, by the Criminal Investigation a group warned yesterday. and Detection Group (CIDG). The group Tanggol Wika Based on the warrant issued on said some 10,000 Filipino November 7 by Judge Maria Flor- and Panitikan teachers and encia Baculo of the Laguna Trial professors stand to lose their Court Branch 34, Reeves violated jobs because of the high the Cybercrime Prevention Act of court’s decision. 2012 by allegedly posting nega- The group added that it tive remarks against complainant plans to file an appeal before Nancy Dimaranan, a business- the tribunal. woman, during a Facebook live “There are issues and top- session. ics that are better discussed Reeves, who was arrested along in college. These include is- Timog Avenue corner Scout Yba- sues on society, research on rdolaza in Quezon City as she was the Filipino language. About getting out of her condominium 10,000 literature and Fili- unit, was brought to the CIDG La- pino teachers will possibly guna regional offi ce for documen- lose their jobs because of tation and a booking procedure. the court’s decision,” David Judge Baculo issued a P200,000 Michael San Juan, convener bail for Reeves’ temporary liberty. of Tanggol Wika, said. Based on Article 353 of the Re- Education Secretary Le- vised Penal Code of the Philip- onor Briones was quick to pines, libel is “a public and mali- take up the cudgels for the cious imputation of a crime, or of teachers, saying they can a vice or defect, real or imaginary, teach senior high school stu- Teachers conduct a session for students. or any act, omission, condition, dents. “The door is always status, or circumstance tending to open. They can apply,” Bri- Oct 9, 2018, the high court schools, teachers, professors public Act 10533 or the En- way for the implementation dum 20, which removes Fili- cause the dishonour, discredit, or ones said. dismissed the consolidated and legislators questioning hanced Basic Education Act of Commission on Higher pino and Panitikan as part of contempt of a natural or juridical In a ruling promulgated on petitions filed by various the constitutionality of Re- of 2013.The ruling paved the Education (CHed) Memoran- the core subjects in college. person.” Beijing wants sea code Festive preparations fi nalised in three years

AFP outcrops and intimidates fi sher- That is something that we will Singapore men and naval vessels from rival never do,” he added. “What we countries. Tensions have soared hope is to have a harmonious re- with fellow claimants such as lationship with our neighbours.” rulebook to settle dis- Vietnam, the Philippines and There have been small signs of putes in the hotly con- Taiwan, as well as the United progress in recent months. Atested South China Sea States, which has tradition- China and Southeast Asian should be fi nished in three years, ally been the dominant military nations announced in August Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said power in the area. that they had agreed on their ini- yesterday, insisting his nation Beijing and the 10-member tial bargaining positions as they does not seek “hegemony or ex- Association of Southeast Asian work towards a code. pansion”. Nations (Asean) have for years While both sides hailed it as a Li’s comments appeared to be sought to hammer out a code to vital step, critics said that some the fi rst clear timeframe for fi n- govern disputes in the disput- of Beijing’s proposals in the ishing the code of conduct. ed waters, but the process has agreement were clearly aimed Talks have dragged on for moved slowly. at expanding its infl uence in the years, with China accused of Speaking in Singapore ahead region at the expense of Wash- delaying progress as it prefers to of the opening of an Asean sum- ington. deal with less powerful countries mit, Li said: “It is China’s hope Navies from China and South- on a one-on-one basis. that the (code of conduct) con- east Asia also staged their fi rst Ownership of islands and wa- sultation will be fi nished in three joint drills last month in the ters in the South China Sea is years’ time so that it will con- South China Sea — which is disputed by several nations. tribute to enduring peace and criss-crossed by busy shipping China, which claims virtu- stability in the South China Sea.” lanes and home to abundant A woman arranges various sizes of Santa Claus inside the House of Santa located at Policarpio Street in Mandaluyong City. The ally all of the sea, has established “We are not and we will not natural resources — in an eff ort house draws thousands of visitors during the Christmas season every year. military positions on disputed seek hegemony or expansion. to ease tensions. War loot church Top court urges govt to explain bells set to begin journey back home legitimacy of Bangsamoro law By Jomar Canlas in passing the Bangsamoro Law. the Constitution requiring that Manila Times In particular, it pointed out the Organic Act of an Autono- DPA ince of Samar province in 1901 that the law violates Section mous Region shall, among oth- Manila during the US colonisation of the 18 and 19 of Article X of the ers, defi ne the basic structure Philippines. he Supreme Court yes- 1987 Constitution, which au- of government for the region But he noted that until the terday ordered the gov- thorised the enactment of only consisting of the executive de- hree church bells seized bells are turned over to the Phil- Ternment and the Moro one organic act to establish the partment and legislative as- by US soldiers as spoils of ippine government, the admin- Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ARMM. sembly, both of which shall be Twar more than a century istration was “withholding any to explain the legality and con- “Since ARMM is created by elective and representative of ago are expected to begin their further comment...until the last stitutionality of the Bangsam- Constitutional fi at, Congress, the constituent political units,” journey back to the Philippines bell has been properly delivered oro Organic Law (BOL). by itself, has absolutely no au- it pointed out. imminently, offi cials said yes- to the country.” Following en banc delibera- thority to abolish ARMM. Only It stressed that the “auto- terday. “In the words of the president tions, the high court ordered the through an amendment of the matic inclusion of the present Philippine ambassador to himself: ‘It ain’t here until it’s Executive Department to fi le its Constitution may ARMM be geographical area known as the United States Jose Manuel here,’” Panelo added. comment to the petition fi led abolished. This is so, because the ARMM in the newly cre- Romualdez said a military cere- The bells, which are revered in by the Province of Sulu, repre- only the Constitution may cre- ated BAR and the provision that mony was scheduled on Novem- the Philippines as a symbol of its sented by Governor Abdusakur ate or abolish an autonomous the provinces and cities of the ber 14 in Wyoming, where the struggle for independence, were Tan 2nd. region,” the petition stated. ARMM shall vote as one geo- exact arrival date in the Philip- used to signal an attack by Filipi- The province is assailing the “Accordingly, when Con- graphical area are likewise un- pines would be announced by US no insurgents against US soldiers legality of Republic Act 11054 gress, by enacting RA 11054, constitutional.” Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis. occupying Balangiga. or the BOL that will replace the eff ectively abolished ARMM, “The provisions under Sec- “I will be in Wyoming with More than 40 US soldiers were existing Autonomous Region and established BAR (Bang- tion 2(a), Article III on Territo- Secretary Mattis on November killed in the insurgent attack, in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) samoro Autonomous Region) rial Jurisdiction and Article XV 14. We will have (an) offi cial re- prompting retaliation by the US with a Bangsamoro Autono- in its stead, Congress commit- of RA 11054 on the conduct of lease after that formal event,” he Army which ordered the killing mous Region (BAR) possessing A facade of the Supreme Court at Padre Faura in Manila. ted an unconstitutional act, an the plebiscite do not aff ord the told Manila television network of every male over 10-years-old. more powers. unwarranted infringement of constituents of the province of GMA News. Two of the bells are displayed The court did not issue any The former government chief members of the Senate and the Article X of the Constitution,” Sulu, to the prejudice of their Mattis notifi ed the US Con- at Francis E Warren Air Force order against BOL and the negotiator of the peace proc- House of Representatives, Pres- it argued. right to suff rage and their right gress in August of the Depart- Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Comelec stopping the imple- ess with the MILF, Associate idential Adviser on the Peace The petitioner stressed that to local autonomy, the option ment of Defence’s plan to return The third bell is housed with a mentation of Comelec en banc Justice Mario Victor Leonen, is Process Jesus Dureza and the by establishing a parliamentary to vote to join or not to join the the bells to the Philippines. US Army regiment in South Ko- Resolution No 18-072 and pro- the ponente in the case and is Bangsamoro Transition Com- form of government in the BAR, Bangsamoro Autonomous Re- Presidential spokesman Sal- rea. ceeding with the scheduled tasked to conduct a study and mission and the Moro Islamic it violated the doctrine of sepa- gion.” vador Panelo said the govern- Eff orts have been made by the plebiscite on Jan 21, 2019 for the make recommendations. Liberation Front. ration of powers enshrined in Sulu province sought a tem- ment welcomes any movement Philippine government and the ratifi cation of RA 11054, despite Named respondents to the The petitioner argued that the Constitution. porary restraining order or a towards the return of the bells, Catholic Church to seek the re- the petitioners’ claim that the case are Executive Secretary Congress committed grave “The same provision of writ of preliminary injunction which were taken from the town turn of the church bells since the law contravenes the Constitu- Salvador Medialdea, Inte- abuse of discretion, amounting Bangsamoro Organic Law, also to stop the Bangsamoro law’s of Balangiga in the eastern prov- mid-1990s. tion. rior Secretary Eduardo Año, to lack or excess of jurisdiction, violates Section 18, Article X of implementation. Gulf Times 26 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES After conquering the world, smartphone faces uncertain future His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is welcomed by Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo upon arrival at the presidential palace in Accra in December 2017.

What is next for the smartphone, which has become the hottest- selling consumer device around the world in just over a decade? Even as top makers like Apple and Samsung unveil new handsets with new features and improved performance, smartphone sales have fl attened with most major markets largely saturated. Qatar and Ghana enjoy The next catalyst for smartphones could be the possibilities off ered by the forthcoming 5G, or fi fth generation wireless networks, new form factors or advances in virtual and augmented reality. But some analysts contend that something entirely diff erent may supplant the smartphone. Future Today Institute founder Amy Webb said in her annual close bilateral relations report on technology trends that 2018 “marks the beginning of the end of traditional smartphones” and sees a transition to a new era QNA promote and develop these relations and Ghana met Qatari businessmen in Doha president of Ghana visited Qatar in 2004 of computing and connected devices based on voice, gesture and Doha to advance them to a higher level in the and invited them to invest in his country and 2005 and the Ghanaian Minister of touch. interests of the two countries and their and benefi t from the encouraging Commerce and Industry visited Doha in “The transition from smartphones to smart wearables and people, thus contributing to security, investment climate and opportunities 2001. he visit of the President of peace and prosperity in the various in the fi elds of agriculture, mining, The former president of Ghana John invisible interfaces — earbuds that have biometric sensors and Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo to countries of the world. water and other sectors, stressing the Dramani Mahama visited Doha late speakers; rings and bracelets that sense motion; smart glasses Doha, which started on Monday In the framework of mutual visits abundance of fertile lands, water and 2014, when he co-chaired with the that record and display information — will forever change how we Tcomes within the context of between the two friendly countries, livestock. Amir a session of offi cial talks that dealt experience the physical world,” Webb writes. Qatar’s keen interest in openness and co- and as a part of an African tour, His The Ghanaian president also with bilateral relations between the Other analysts say the smartphone is not disappearing anytime operation with diff erent friendly nations. Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin underlined his country’s interest in two countries and means of enhancing soon, even if the market is pausing. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Hamad al-Thani paid an offi cial visit strengthening co-operation with them in addition to a number of issues of bin Hamad al-Thani met the Ghanaian to Ghana in December 2017, during Qatar in the gas industry among other mutual concern. “The smartphone is not going away, but it might change its shape President yesterday at the Amiri Diwan which he discussed with President Nana sectors. Ghana, offi cially the Republic of and form factor,” said David McQueen, an analyst on connected to discuss bilateral relations and means to Akufo-Addo ways to strengthen bilateral During his participation in the 72nd Ghana, is a country located along the devices for ABI Research. “The smartphone market still has legs for bolster them in addition to a number of relations and promote co-operation in session of the UN General Assembly Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic Ocean, in many years to come.” key issues of common concern. the fi elds of energy, infrastructure, air in September 2017, the Amir met the the sub-region of West Africa. Spanning McQueen said in a recent report that the mobile industry is Relations between Qatar and Ghana transport and food security. President Nana Akufo-Addo at the a land mass of 238,535 km2, Ghana is evolving to devices with more immersive touch-less experiences, are strong, close and covering various The Amir also held a formal talks with headquarters of Qatar’s Permanent bordered by the Cote d’Ivoire in the west, economic, political and commercial Ghanaian president at the Presidential Mission to the United Nations in New Burkina Faso in the north, Togo in the fuelled by artifi cial aspects. Palace in Accra, during which they York, where they discussed bilateral east and the Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic intelligence, mixed The Diplomatic relations between the discussed ways to boost bilateral relations and how to develop them in Ocean in the south. “The smartphone reality and gesture two countries were established in 1981 relations and how to cement co- various aspects, especially in the fi elds Ghana’s population of approximately control. through non-resident representation. operation in various fi elds for the benefi t of economy and investment, in addition 28mn spans a variety of ethnic, linguistic is not going away, New devices may also In March 2018, a resident Qatari of both countries and people. to discussing regional and international and religious groups. see improved biometrics ambassador was posted in Ghana and The Amir and the president of Ghana developments. Ghana is rich in natural resources such as face recognition, in May Ghana’s embassy in Doha was also witnessed the signing of a number In May 2018, Qatar Chamber (QC) such as fertile land, lakes, rivers, forests, but it might change opened. of agreements and memorandums of held a meeting with a visiting Ghanaian wildlife and fi sh. It is the second largest and changes such as The two countries are bound by a set understanding between the governments business delegation led by Finance producer of gold in Africa after South its shape and form foldable screens. of signed agreements and memorandums of the two countries, including the Minister of Ghana Ken Ofori-Atta, to Africa and the second largest producer of ABI Research says that of understanding that regulate their investment promotion and protection discuss investment opportunities in cocoa. It is rich in diamonds, manganese factor” “Google and Amazon will relations, including an agreement on agreement, air services agreement and several sectors including infrastructure, and bauxite. lead and drive innovation the avoidance of double taxation and two memorandums of understanding in mining, food and tourism. According to this year’s reports of the around smartphones and related ecosystems over the next fi ve to the prevention of fi nancial evasion in the fi elds of youth and sports. The Ghanaian Minister of Finance World Bank and African Development 2007, agreement on the establishment In November last year, the Amir met at said that his country and Qatar have Bank (ADB), Ghana is one of the fastest six years” because of their strength in these emerging technologies. of a trade and investment committee the Amiri Diwan with president of Ghana strong and distinguished relations of growing economies in the world. Some Global smartphone sales are expected to decline 0.7% in 2018 to between the two countries in 2004, and his accompanying delegation on the friendship. He pointed out that his studies say Ghana is the world’s next oil 1.455bn units, according to research fi rm IDC. memorandum of Understanding between occasion of their visit to the country to country’s economy, which is witnessing a spot and its oil reserves are promising. But IDC sees the overall smartphone market to slowly pick up the Ministries of Foreign Aff airs of the attend the World Innovation Summit rapid development, welcomes all foreign Ghana has a wide range of attractions again and reach 1.646bn units by 2022. two countries in 2004 and an agreement for Education (WISE 2017). The meeting investments, especially Qatari ones, including United Nations heritage sites; “We still believe the smartphone market has some healthy between chambers of commerce of Qatar discussed the relations between the two calling on Qatari businessmen to explore ancient forts, castles and mosques; and Ghana to establish a joint business countries and means of supporting them the investment opportunities available heritage villages and wildlife reserves. growth in the years to come, although fi nding and competing in council. in various fi elds in addition to a number there. It government looks forward to making those markets and segments is increasingly more challenging,” said Exchanging mutual visits between the of topics of common interest. In the framework of mutual visits tourism a major source of national IDC analyst Ryan Reith. two countries confi rms their intention to During the visit, the president of between the two countries, the vice- income. Bob O’Donnell, founder of Technalysis Research, said smartphone sales have slowed in the US and some other developed markets as a result of the end of carrier subsidies. “Because people are paying full price for their phones they are holding on to them longer,” O’Donnell said. The market may get a boost in 2019 from 5G and a likely appearance of the fi rst devices with foldable or bendable displays, according to O’Donnell. “People have been talking about (foldable screens) for some time and I think we may fi nally see the fi rst ones next year,” he said. “It will be interesting because it opens up the possibility of a larger screen in a smaller device.” O’Donnell contends that smartphones are still preferred by consumers despite the arrival of new devices like smart speakers from Amazon and Google. But he said the next innovations are likely to be devices that are even “smarter” than the current generation of handsets, with artifi cial intelligence that is built in. “If you have AI chips that are embedded in the device, you will be able to do a lot of things without a network connection,” O’Donnell said. The analyst said the competition among tech fi rms is now centring around the smart digital assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri and others. This is becoming a “battle of power over platforms that could infl uence the smartphone market,” according to O’Donnell, who noted that some things may change if the dominant player becomes Amazon, which makes a range of devices but not smartphones.

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Qatar Charity signs MoU with Orbis to WISH 2018 will address combat blindness major global challenges atar Charity (QC) has On this occasion, Yousif bin signed a memorandum Ahmed al-Kuwari said: “Qa- QNA Qof understanding (MoU) tar Charity is proud to sign this Doha with Orbis to promote the ‘Qatar MoU with Orbis International, Creating Vision’ initiative led by under the umbrella of the ‘Qatar the Qatar Fund For Development Creating Vision’ initiative led xecutive chair of WISH, (QFFD). by the Qatar Fund For Develop- Professor the Lord Darzi The signing ceremony took ment. The purpose of this MoU Eof Denham, said the fourth place at the World Innovation is to enhance and strengthen the edition of World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), strategic co-operation between Summit for Health (WISH) 2018 which began in Doha yesterday. Qatar Charity and Orbis, in contributes to building rela- The MoU was signed by Kha- which the two parties will seek tions that will yield innovative lid Abdullah al-Yafi e, represent- new opportunities for co-oper- solutions, impacting healthcare ing Yousif bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, ation to support Orbis’ projects policies around the world, and Qatar Charity’s CEO, and Re- for combating blindness and for many years to come. becca Cronin, CEO of Orbis UK. providing eye care. This co-op- During his opening speech at The ceremony was attended by eration will include joint fund- WISH 2018, he added that this Khalifa bin Rashid al-Kuwari, raising campaigns.” unique summit provides an un- QFFD director-general. Cronin noted, “We are de- forgettable opportunity to ad- QC has built a strong part- lighted to sign this MoU with dress the major challenges fac- nership with Orbis since March Qatar Charity, our strategic ing health systems around the 2015, by funding a project to partner. We will be working to- world, stressing that partici- combat blindness in Bangla- gether to raise more funds to- pants will present their experi- desh. The MoU is a further ex- wards eye care treatment around ences and propose appropriate tension of the existing partner- the world. So far, Orbis and strategies to overcome the most ship and co-operation between Qatar Charity have worked to- pressing healthcare challenges, Qatar Charity and Orbis and it gether through the project that with everyone sharing the goal will enhance the ‘Qatar Creating QC funded in Bangladesh to of building a healthier society. Vision’ initiative led by QFFD, help many people suff ering from Lord Darzi said WISH has according to a press statement. blindness and other eye-related gathered the world in Qatar, By joining this initiative, problems. The programme ex- which has the most advanced QC, based on its accumulative pansion led by Qatar Fund For hospitals in the world and has knowledge and experience in the Development will certainly help built an advanced healthcare humanitarian and development us reach millions more.” system that puts it in the ranks of Executive chair of WISH, Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, addressing the opening session of World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) fi elds in many parts of the world, Khalifa bin Rashid al-Kuwari countries in this regard. 2018, in Doha yesterday. will contribute to the success- added, “This MoU refl ects the He added that there are health ful implementation of future eff orts of QFFD on behalf of facilities that refl ect the pros- wise and open leadership, which years of life can permanently Peace Prize 2002 winner, said: health, healthcare in con- projects in accordance with its Qatar to co-ordinate the devel- perity in Qatar, the most recent put health and education at the impair long-term cognitive and “With political will, action and flict situations, data science priorities in the countries where opment initiatives that bring being the Sidra Medicine which centre of its strategy and in- physical development. He added commitment, we can help make and artificial intelligence. it has established fi eld offi ces together national and interna- was opened on Monday. vested in health and educational malnutrition increases the risk a diff erence in people’s lives.” Participants also had the op- and strong networks with vari- tional organisations in various He added Qatar has become facilities, including universities. of infection due to poor immune He also said a healthier world portunity to visit the WISH ous humanitarian and develop- areas, including health, through more open to the world after He called for an international system performance, which can be reached, but success in Innovation Hub, an open in- ment partners, international and the provision of quality health the siege imposed by the Saudi- agreement for healthcare in con- can exacerbate cognitive and this matter depends on the de- teractive space that highlights local organisations, the state- services with innovative fi nanc- led quarter last June, as normal fl ict areas, to expand the health physical development problems. termination to make every eff ort the efforts of more than 50 in- ment notes. ing tools.” life goes on. The government service coverage to reach about Therefore, it is not only about to achieve it. novators and exhibitors of the continues to provide health- 1bn people during the next fi ve the health and safety of children, The message of the main conference. care services and infrastructure years, emphasising the need to but also about malnutrition that speakers of the fi rst day of WISH The second and last day development. Investment in pay attention to mental health deprives children of their chance 2018, focused on providing the of WISH 2018, will include a healthcare and activities in other sector in the workplace as this to live a full, productive and best opportunity for positive speech by legendary US swim- sectors continue, all of which are may have a negative impact on healthy life. change through cross-border mer Michael Phelps, who will positive indicators of healthcare workers and the institution they Milliband also spoke of the and cross-sectoral synergies share his personal perspective performance in the country. work in. need to invest in innovative and and sharing innovative solutions on mental health challenges with Qatar has faced attempts to Meanwhile, President and eff ective solutions to deal with that address the most pressing attendees. isolate it and insisted that it be CEO of the International Res- humanitarian crises at a time health challenges. There will also be a keynote more open than it was in the cue Committee (IRC), David when the number of people in The sessions provided an speech by former president of past, and even cancelled the re- Miliband, announced during his desperate situations is increas- opportunity to participants Ireland Mary Robinson and a quirement of an entry visa to cit- speech the committee’s sched- ing and asking the IRC for aid. to interact with experts to ex- member of the ‘Elders’, a group izens of more than 80 countries ule to treat global malnutrition. In a fi lm played during the plore healthcare issues close- of independent global leaders around the world, he said. Miliband said severe malnu- opening session, Former US ly. Topics on the first day of who will focus on the impact of Off icials at the agreement-signing ceremony. Lord Darzi praised Qatar’s trition in the fi rst and critical president Jimmy Carter, Nobel the conference included eye climate change on health. HBKU showcases healthcare research initiatives

olleges and research hour-long closed roundtable to institutes of Hamad discuss outcomes from its lat- CBin Khalifa University est study on the prevalence of (HBKU) are showcasing their autism in Qatar. Finally, Nour various health-related research Majbour, a research associate at initiatives at the World Innova- QBRI, who is a contestant in the tion Summit for Health (WISH) current season of Stars of Sci- 2018 conference, currently un- ence, will be one of the speakers der way at the Qatar National participating in a series of talks Convention Centre. on the WISH Spotlight stage. With fi ve entities being ac- Meanwhile, dedicated staff tively involved in this year’s members at The Research summit, HBKU is witnessing its Centre for Islamic Legislation strongest presence at WISH to and Ethics’ (CILE), part of the date, according to a press state- College of Islamic Studies, in- ment. formation booth are informing The College of Science and visitors about the research on Engineering (CSE) is offer- Islamic Ethics and Palliative ing visitors to the HBKU arena Dr Omar El-Agnaf discussing Parkinson’s disease at WISH 2018. Care, which is being conducted detailed information about by Dr Mohamed Ghaly, profes- its newly launched Master of Institute (QBRI) is involved this logical Disorders Centre was also sor of Islam and Biomedical Data Analytics in Health Man- year with a Speaker Session led held yesterday. Separately, QBRI Ethics at CILE. Dr Ghaly is also agement programme. In ad- by Dr Omar El-Agnaf, acting ex- also arranged a Meet the Author chairing a panel discussion ti- dition, CSE is showcasing its HBKU participating in WISH 2018. ecutive director, who will be dis- session with Dr Fouad Alshaban, tled Research Forum on Islamic various health-related research cussing the topic of Developing senior scientist at the Neurolog- Ethics and Palliative Care at projects, including Assistive Monitoring for Diabetic Pa- additive manufacturing. and Life and Sciences are exhib- Novel Diagnostic and Therapeu- ical Disorders Research Center, the conference. Technology for Detecting and tients in Qatar; In-vivo Colon Two students enrolled in the iting their healthcare innova- tic Tools of Parkinson’s Disease. who discussed the institute’s For more information about Monitoring Attention in Chil- Polyps Screening Device with Master of Science in Genom- tions as WISH Young Innova- A partner meet-up led by QBRI’s Prevalence of Autism Spectrum HBKU’s participation at WISH, dren with Autism Spectrum Thermotherapy Capability; ics and Precision Medicine pro- tors. Dr Mohamed Emara in his capac- Disorder in Qatar study. Among one can visit www.hbku.edu.qa/ Disorder; Remote Healthcare and Biomedical applications of gramme at the College of Health Qatar Biomedical Research ity as a scientist at the Neuro- other initiatives, QBRI held an en/wish-2018.

Medical services at Qatar Armed Forces participates in WISH WHO offi cial praises Qatar’s role in helping confl ict-hit countries

QNA cal and social imbalances due to that WISH has made a signifi - Doha emergency situations, saying cant contribution not only at the that WHO highly appreciates level of the region, but also glo- Qatar’s role in helping confl ict- bally, referring to the signifi cant egional Director for the hit countries and its contribu- attendance from various coun- Eastern Mediterranean tions to alleviate the suff ering of tries of the world. Rat the World Health Or- people in the region and world- He noted the co-operation ganisation, Dr Ahmed bin Sa- wide. between WHO and WISH on lem al-Mandhari, praised the He called on capable countries topics related to health services important role of the World to exert more eff orts in fi ght- to ensure that people have ac- Innovation Summit for Health ing epidemics such as cholera cess to health services in both (WISH) in the fields health, and poliomyelitis, and to rebuild stable and conflict-stricken medicine and education re- health systems aff ected by wars countries, as well as other areas gionally and globally. and confl icts. of co-operation, most notably During a press conference He noted that WHO took part the consideration of the use Medical services at Qatar Armed Forces participated in the innovation hub of World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), which began held yesterday on the sidelines in the previous editions of WISH, and spread of antibiotics, espe- yesterday at Qatar National Conference Centre. Brigadier General (sea) Nasser Mohamed al-Kaabi, commander of medical services at of WISH 2018, Dr al-Mandhari and seeks to enhance its par- cially that recent studies have Qatar Armed Forces said their participation at WISH as a platinum sponsor benefits the medical centre and contributes to raising the hailed the role of Qatar in giving ticipation in this annual event in shown that a number of germs quality and safety of the staff in general and to providing healthcare to all medical service users. hope to citizens in the countries light of its extensive experience have become immune to these that suff er from security, politi- in this fi eld. He expressed pride antibiotics. Gulf Times 28 Wednesday, November 14, 2018 QATAR

His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, attended the opening session of the 2018 World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). This year WISH is hosting delegates from over 100 countries and will explore leading innovations and research findings that will help shape His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser attended healthcare around the world. PICTURES: AR Al-Baker/HHOPL the opening session of the 2018 World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). Sheikha Moza receives fi rst Q-chip at WISH ceremony

By Joseph Varghese Staff Reporter

shering in a new phase in achieving precision med- Uicine in Qatar, Her High- ness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Founda- tion, was presented with the fi rst Qatari gene chip (Q-chip) at the opening ceremony of World In- novation Summit for Health (WISH) 2018 in Doha yesterday. The ceremony was also at- tended by His Highness the Fa- ther Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. Handing over the Q-chip to Her Highness Sheikha Moza, HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser toured the WISH Innovation Hub, where she experienced some of Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari said: the world’s most innovative healthcare solutions exhibited at the summit. “Your Highness, you set a target for medicine and research in Qa- tar and now your vision is real. This chip signifi es the beginning of a new era in personalised med- icine in Qatar. HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari presenting Her Highness Sheikha Moza “Qatar Genome and Qatar bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, with the Q-chip during the WISH opening session yesterday. Biobank, in collaboration with This is to mark the completion of the first phase of the Qatar Genome Project, launched by Her Highness Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, in 2013, and celebrate the development of the Qatari gene chip. Sidra Medicine and Hamad Med- ical Corporation, would like to be prioritised as a national health ever indebted to His Highness the opened four purpose-built new off er Her Highness Sheikha Moza strategy named Qatar Precision Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin hospitals with state-of-the-art the fi rst version of the Qatar chip. Medicine, Her Highness Sheikha Khalifa al-Thani for the seeds he digital technology: the Commu- This chip contains over half a Moza had announced on Monday. has sown, Her Highness Sheikha nicable Disease Center, Women’s million DNA mutations and vari- According to HE Dr al-Kuwari, Moza bint Nasser for investing Wellness and Research Center, ants that can be used in diagnos- the values of excellence, learn- in education and health for the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute ing various diseases as well as in ing, sharing and partnering are people of Qatar, and to His High- and the Ambulatory Care Center. national screening programmes.” true to Qatari culture. ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Over the last two years, we have “With over 10,000 whole ge- “His Highness the Amir Hamad al-Thani for his wisdom also opened eight wellness and nomes sequenced and Version Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- and ambition for Qatar,” HE the primary health centres, bringing 1 of the Q-chip, the fi rst Qatari Thani has set out a path in Qatar minister said. care closer to where our patients gene array, the Qatar Genome National Vision 2030 to create a “Our rapid expansion of live,” HE the minister explained. is now set to embark on its next country that is a beacon of intel- healthcare has continued and “Earlier this year, we launched phase, which will be geared to lectual and cultural excellence the quality of services continues our new National Health Strategy clinical applications and person- and that is open to the world,” to rise. Qatar’s health ranking that maps our road for the next alised medicine,” she explained. she noted. HE Dr al-Kuwari also within the Legatum Prosperity four years and has public health “We want to understand the highlighted the massive develop- Index has risen from 27th in the at its heart. Our aim is to provide genetic heritage of the Qatari ments in healthcare infrastruc- world in 2008 to 13th at present. the highest-quality treatment population so that we can devel- ture and facilities as well as the Last night (Monday), Her High- for our patients, combined with op more personalised healthcare achievements of Qatar in the ness Sheikha Moza offi cially rigorous measures to monitor in Qatar in the future. We also medical sector in recent years. opened the new Sidra Medicine, and prevent disease and eff ec- want this work to support the “All these developments in our ultramodern, state-of-the- tive interventions to maintain international conversation about our healthcare system would not art new 400-bed hospital focus- a healthy population, free from Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser met with Princess Muna al-Hussein to discuss their shared how we use genomics to prevent have been possible without the ing on women and children,” she the modern scourges of diabetes, eff orts toward supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals and also enhance collaboration on the suff ering in the future.” vision and ambition of our coun- stressed. respiratory diseases and cancer,” development of nursing capabilities to strengthen the health workforce, particularly in the Middle East. The Qatar Genome Project will try’s wise leadership. We are for- “These last two years, we have she added. Father Amir, Sheikha Moza attend opening of WISH 2018

From Page 1 our quality of services continues and safety of children right now, borders and disciplines, and a to rise.” this is about preventing malnu- willingness to share innovative Prominent international lead- In his welcoming remarks, trition from robbing children the solutions to address the most se- ers at the event included Aisha Prof the Lord Darzi of Denham, opportunity to live full, healthy, rious global medical issues, pro- Buhari, the fi rst lady of Nigeria; executive chair of WISH, said: productive lives,” said Miliband. vides the best opportunity for Princess Muna al-Hussein and “This unique gathering is an op- Miliband also spoke of the vital positive change. Princess Ghida Talal of Jordan portunity to confront the biggest need to invest in fi nding innova- Panel discussions gave del- and Sayyidah Dr Mona Fahad al- challenges facing our health sys- tive and eff ective ways to deal egates the opportunity to engage Said of Oman. Also in attendance tems globally. Our distinguished with humanitarian crises at a with experts in their fi elds to ex- were global healthcare leaders speakers will share their expe- time when more and more people plore healthcare topics in depth. including regional directors of riences, and propose strategies are in desperate situations and are Topics discussed on the fi rst day the World Health Organisation to overcome the most urgent calling upon his organisation for included Eye Health, Data Sci- (WHO) Dr Ahmed al-Mandhari, healthcare issues.” help. ence and Artifi cial Intelligence, WHO director of the Eastern The keynote speech was de- As part of a fi lm created spe- and Mental Trauma Among Com- Mediterranean Region and Dr livered by David Miliband, presi- cially for showing during the bat Refugees. Delegates also had Matshidiso Moeti, WHO director dent and CEO of the International opening ceremony, Jimmy Carter, the opportunity to visit the Inno- of the African Region, as well as Rescue Committee (IRC), who 39th president of the USA deliv- vation Hub, an interactive space health ministers from around the announced IRC’s new agenda to ered a surprise message. Speaking featuring more than 50 innova- world. treat global malnutrition. directly to WISH 2018 delegates, tors and WISH partner exhibitors. HE Dr al-Kuwari opening the “Acute malnutrition at such a he said: “With political will, ac- On the second day of the sum- two-day conference said: “Har- young, critical age can perma- tion, and commitment, we can mit, delegates will hear highly- nessing new technology and nently impair long-term cogni- help make a diff erence in people’s anticipated keynote addresses maintaining highly skilled and tive and physical development. lives. We simply cannot stand idly from record-breaking swimmer motivated healthcare workers is Additionally, malnutrition in- by while others suff er. A healthier Michael Phelps, who will share key to benefi ting global health- creases the risk of infection due world is within our grasp, but we a personal perspective on han- care. Qatar’s health ranking with- to impaired functioning of the can succeed only if we are deter- dling mental health challenges, in the Legatum Prosperity Index immune system, which can com- mined in our eff orts.” and Mary Robinson, Chair of The Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser met with Dr Ahmed al-Mandhari, World Health Organisation has risen in the past ten years, ad- pound these cognitive and physi- The key message to delegates Elders and former President of (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, during the World Innovation Summit for vancing from 27th in the world in cal development problems. So, on the fi rst day of WISH 2018 Ireland, who will focus on the ef- Health (WISH) at the Qatar National Convention Center. During the meeting, they discussed ways of 2008 to 13th place at present, and this isn’t just about the health was that collaboration across fect of climate change on health. developing healthcare through potential collaborations.