BUSINESS | Page 1 QATAR | Page 6 Qatar trade Qatar’s diverted to eff orts in major global combating partners corruption aft er siege: stressed at minister UN events

published in QATAR since 1978

SUNDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11300 September 8, 2019 Muharram 9, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief Amir visits Katara falcons exhibition QATAR | Offi cial Dimdex 2020 Amir condoles with Kuwait’s leader His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the set to attract Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani sent yesterday cables record number of condolences to the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al- Sabah on the death of Sheikha Anwar Faisal al-Saud al-Sabah. REGION | Politics of exhibitors Iran fi res up advanced zMaritime defence and security Supported by HE the Deputy Prime centrifuges in N-step show to be held in March Minister and Minister of State for De- Iran said yesterday it had fired up fence Aff airs, Dr Khalid bin Mohamed advanced centrifuges to boost its et to be bigger and more diverse al-Attiyah, and with the attendance of enriched uranium stockpiles, its than ever before, the seventh other Qatari military offi cials and gov- latest scaling-back of commitments Sedition of the Doha International ernment representatives, Dimdex 2020 under a crumbling 2015 nuclear Maritime Defence Exhibition & Con- will continue to off er unprecedented deal. The Islamic republic was acting ference (Dimdex 2020) will take place opportunities to its participants, the on a threat to further abandon its from March 16-18, 2020, it has been statement explained. nuclear commitments based on a announced. Dimdex has a proven track record of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani visited the S’hail 2019 - Katara International Hunting and Falcons deadline it set for European powers With less than one year to go until delivering commercial opportunities Exhibition which concluded yesterday. The exhibition attracted thousands of local and foreign visitors. Page 20 to do something to shield it from US key decision-makers from the mari- for members of the maritime defence sanctions. Page 9 time defence and security industry and security community. In 2018, it at- meet in Qatar once again, Dimdex or- tracted 13,000 visitors from 69 coun- BRITAIN | Politics ganisers said in a statement that de- tries and witnessed the signing of more Top minister quits in mand for exhibition space is high and than 35 agreements, partnerships, and have already received requests for memorandums of understanding. new blow to Johnson bookings for the upcoming edition. Dimdex 2020 is expected to attract British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Held under the patronage of His a record number of exhibitors. Organ- received a fresh blow yesterday when Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin isers say that a diverse range of prime senior minister Amber Rudd quit her Hamad al-Thani, and hosted and organ- suppliers and manufacturers are re- work and pensions post in protest at ised by Qatar Armed Forces, Dimdex has questing to book space, among which his handling of the Brexit crisis. “I have grown each year since its launch in 2008 are new exhibitors in growing areas of resigned from Cabinet and surrendered and is now internationally recognised as the defence industry like cybersecurity the Conservative Whip,” Rudd tweeted. a platform for businesses from the global and artifi cial intelligence, adding to “I cannot stand by as good, loyal defence industry to showcase their latest the range of products and technologies moderate Conservatives are expelled.” technologies to government entities and that will be showcased. industry peers to form new partnerships. Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi S INDIA | Space Focused on ‘Connecting the World’s al-Ansari, chairman of Dimdex, said: India loses contact Maritime Defence and Security Com- “The seventh edition of Dimdex is set munity’, Dimdex 2020 will bring togeth- to be one of the most exciting to date with Moon lander er the latest innovations and solutions and we are seeing high levels of interest India’s attempt to land an unmanned under one roof. Participants will have from a wider range of industry players. spacecraft on the Moon ended in access to an established delegation man- It will provide an opportunity for key an apparent failure yesterday, but agement system that off ers a business decision-makers to learn about the lat- its space agency said most mission matching service between the offi cial est industry trends and technologies, as objectives were met and eff orts VIP delegations and Dimdex exhibitors. nations continue to invest in their mili- would continue to contact the lander. Thought leaders from around the taries to maintain stability and security. Communication between the Vikram globe will be sharing their expertise at At Dimdex 2020, I expect to see many lander and the ground station of the the Middle East Naval Commanders new developments in the cybersecurity Indian Space Research Organisation Conference (MENC) and several inter- fi eld, which is an emerging technology (ISRO) in Bengaluru was lost minutes national navies will display their war- in the defence industry and an essential before a scheduled landing. Page 15 ships at Hamad Port. part of the defence ecosystem.” Russia, Ukraine swap prisoners Qatar a role model in fi ghting extremism

zTwo-day conference international, bilateral or multilat- dex to measure violent extremism on “Studying the eral. He stressed Qatar is an example in the world to be a global refer- in this regard. ence for researchers and decision- Causes of Extremism” The international conference on makers. starts in Doha studying the causes of extremism is Executive Director of the Coun- organised by the Social and Economic ter-Terrorism Executive Directorate QNA Survey Research Institute at Qatar (CTED) Michele Coninsx said re- Doha University (SESRI). search centres and related institu- The two-day meet, the fi rst-of- tions should study the motives of its-kind in the Middle East, gathers extremism in some people, and study atar plays a leading role in international experts, scientists and these cases in-depth, to reach results confronting the phenomenon decision-makers from a number of that will help to take preventive ac- Qof extremism and terrorism, countries around the world. tion in this regard. Chairman of the National Counter- Maj Gen al-Ansari pointed out that Former Assistant Secretary for the Terrorism Committee Maj Gen Eng Qatar signed an agreement with the Private Sector at the US Department Abdul Aziz Abdullah al-Ansari yes- United Nations to establish a centre of Homeland Security Douglas An- terday said. in Doha to study behavioural patterns drew Smith stressed the importance “Besides, Qatar is moving forward to violent extremism and evidence- of adopting scientifi c mechanisms to to strengthen its bilateral, interna- based global policies and programmes understand the current situation and tional and multilateral partnerships inspired by behaviours to prevent and derive results. to address this phenomenon.” combat violent extremism leading to Senior Director of the National In a press statement on the side- terrorism. Security Studies Research Group at lines of the conference “Studying the During the fi rst session of the con- Royal United Services Institute An- Causes of Extremism”, which began ference, Maj Gen al-Ansari presented drew Glazzard called for the inclu- in Doha yesterday, Maj Gen al-Ansari the experience of Qatar in confront- sion of countering extremism in the said Qatar has implemented many ing terrorism and extremism and dry- general policy of any country in the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomes recently exchanged Ukrainian prisoners upon arrival at Boryspil programmes in the fi eld of combat- ing up its sources. world, stressing the importance of International Airport, outside Kyiv yesterday. Russia and Ukraine made a long-awaited swap of 70 prisoners, a deal ing terrorism and its fi nancing, in He noted the convening of this the results of research and studies hailed as a first step towards ending five years of tensions and conflict. Page 13 addition to concluding co-operation conference, which will result in on extremism available to the deci- agreements in this regard, whether the launch of an international in- sion-maker. Page 3 Gulf Times 2 Sunday, September 8, 2019 QATAR CIS to host Angola president arrives in Doha lecture on role of Awqaf he College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), as part of its T“mission to stimulate intellectual debates on Islam”, will host a public lecture on ‘The Role of Awqaf in Supporting the Social, Economic and The president of Angola, Joao Manuel Lourenco, arrived in Doha yesterday, on an off icial three-day visit to Qatar. He was greeted upon Cultural Welfare of Qatari Society’. arrival at Hamad International Airport by HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, Qatar’s ambas- The public lecture will take place from 6.30pm to sador to Angola Abdullah Hussein al-Jaber, and Angola’s ambassador to Qatar Jose De Lemos. 8.30pm on September 11 at the auditorium, Mina- retein (CIS building). The lecture, to be presented by Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Thani, director general, General Brazilian president Department of Awqaf at the Ministry of Endow- ments (Awqaf) and Islamic Aff airs, will introduce congratulated the concept of Waqf, or charitable endowment, His Highness the Amir Sheikh and consider how it has contributed to the multi- 2nd semester exams at Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His dimensional development in Qatar, and its key ele- Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh ments to promoting national well-being. Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, and Discussions will focus on the country’s six Is- HE the Prime Minister and Minister lamic fi nancial institutions, including the Waqf of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin bank for righteousness and piety; Waqf bank for Holy Qur’an Education Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani sent the service of the Qur’an and Sunnah; Waqf bank Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Thani will yesterday cables of congratulations for the service of mosques; Waqf bank for family present the lecture. to Brazilian President Jair and child welfare; Waqf bank for scientifi c and cul- Bolsonaro, on the occasion of his tural development; and Waqf bank for healthcare, dowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Aff airs to support country’s Independence Day. while examining their active presence in society. academic debates on the role of Waqf as a mecha- Centers conclude The lecture will also discuss the mechanisms nism for sustained national prosperity. Last year, Qatar condemns of Waqf governance in Qatar, modern-day Waqf the college hosted the CIS-QFC Global Conference projects, as well as investment methods and future on Awqaf to explore the historical and contempo- he Department of Da’wa centres and test committees ing committees and (449) bombing in Iraq prospects for the development of the Waqf sector rary overviews of Waqf and its socio-economic and Religious Guidance approved and selected by the evening committees. Qatar has strongly condemned as a key pillar for community advancement, ac- impacts; Waqf’s models and management system Tat the Ministry of Awqaf department. Al-Jaber stressed the great the bombing in northern Iraq, cording to a press statement by HBKU. performance; and the applicability of Waqf to the and Islamic Aff airs has con- Malallah Abdulrahman al- interest of offi cials and teach- causing deaths and injuries. Dr Mohamed El Gammal, associate professor at blockchain era. cluded the second semester Jaber, director, Department ers of the centres in these In a statement yesterday, the CIS, said: “The lecture aims to re-emphasise the CIS hosts public lectures and conferences to examinations for 2019, at the of Da’wa and Religious Guid- tests as they show the levels of Ministry of Foreign Aff airs foundational importance of Waqf in Qatar, and the promote a deeper understanding of the various as- Holy Qur’an Education Cent- ance, said that the number of students of the Holy Qur’an, reiterated Qatar’s firm stance eff ectiveness of current policies that have led to the pects of Islam among the wider community. The ers of the Holy Qur’an Depart- participants in the examina- which helps to strengthen rejecting violence and terrorism, increase in the number of Waqfs and fi nancial endow- lecture aligns with the colleges aims to address ment. The examinations were tions had reached 5,969 stu- all students in their levels of whatever the motives and causes. ments, as well as their eff orts to support the recipients topics with high applicability to the modern-day held in last August with the dents from 139 centres for the memorisation and study of The statement expressed Qatar’s of Waqf. Further, the lecture explores the mandates of needs of Muslim societies, the statement notes. participation of 139 centres 12 morning and 127 evening the Holy Qur’an by assessing condolences to the families of the Qatar’s six endowment banks and their impact in the The lecture will be held in Arabic. For more in- from across the country, under classes. The participants were the students’ performance victims and the government and social, economic and cultural spheres. “ formation, or to register to attend, one can visit the supervision of 13 technical tested before (466) commit- after each test conducted by people of Iraq, wishing the injured CIS works regularly with the Ministry of En- hbku.edu.qa supervisors and 139 heads of tees, including (17) morn- the department. (QNA) a speedy recovery. Gulf Times Sunday, September 8, 2019 3 QATAR International Conference on Studying the Causes of Extremism kicks off he International Con- ference on Studying the The conference TCauses of Extremism, or- ganised by the Social and Eco- is the first-of- nomic Survey Research Institute at Qatar University (SESRI), its-kind in the kicked off in Doha yesterday. The two-day event gathers Middle East and international experts, scien- tists and decision-makers from is part of Qatar’s around the world. The agenda includes fi ve ses- ongoing eff orts sions, which are going to be on the role of evidence-based to strengthen policy in combating extrem- ism, assessing risk factors for the fight against this phenomenon, ways to con- trol and combat it, processes of terrorism in extremism and fl exibility, with Speakers at the International Conference on Studying the Causes of Extremism in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Nasar K Moidheen new approaches to measuring bilateral and extremism and intolerance. The organisers said that the multilateral conference is the fi rst-of-its- kind in the Middle East and forums is part of Qatar’s ongoing ef- forts to strengthen the fi ght number of research centres and against terrorism in bilateral and distinguished policy institutes multilateral forums. around the world to develop an At the beginning of the con- international index to measure ference, Dr Hassan Rashid al- the level of extremism leading to Derham, president, Qatar Uni- violence and study its determi- versity, said in a speech that nants and track them over time experts will discuss the factors and space, with a view to hav- and risks of extremism and the ing access to international data mechanisms to address this on the phenomenon to be avail- phenomenon as well as as- able to researchers and policy sessment of the international makers. Dr Hassan Rashid al-Derham, eff orts to monitor and combat Addressing the opening ses- president, Qatar University. radicalism and violent extrem- sion, Major General Abdul Aziz ism, noting that these scien- Abdullah al-Ansari, chairman, international eff ort to combat tifi c events are in line with the National Counter-Terrorism it,” he said, adding that Qatar continuous eff orts exerted by Committee, underscored the is one of the leading countries Qatar to promote progress in importance of this conference in combating the phenomenon A section of the audience. combating extremism and ter- and its role in enhancing Qatar’s of terrorism “and is proud of rorism in various international eff orts in confronting terrorism. what it accomplishes at the phenomenon around the world. which, she said it examines the tendency towards this dangerous research centres and various forums. “This indicator will be an essen- international level in this fi eld.” For her part, Michele Coninsx, causes of extremism, stress- scourge and the real motives for civil society institutions to put in He said that the conference tial reference for measuring this He referred to the agreements executive director, Executive Di- ing the need for a practical and their involvement in the ranks of place eff ective mechanisms and is a platform for launching an phenomenon.” signed by Qatar with the United rectorate of Counter-Terrorism thoughtful approach to combat- terrorists. evidence-based policies and de- important new research project “The phenomenon of extrem- Nations and its strategic part- at the UN Security Council, ing the phenomenon of terrorism She called for genuine part- velop sound practices to counter by SESRI in partnership with a ism is global and requires an nerships to face this dangerous commended the conference, and studying the causes of some nerships between governments, extremism. (QNA) NCTC chief underscores Qatar’s role in countering extremism

ational Counter-Terrorism overlooked by the decision-maker, Committee (NCTC) Chairman especially in relation to sensitive phe- NMajor General Abdul Aziz Ab- nomena that the committee special- dullah al-Ansari yesterday stressed that ises in combating their causes and Qatar has a leading role in confronting consequences. the phenomenon of extremism and ter- Michele Coninsx, executive direc- rorism, “as the country is moving for- tor, Counter-Terrorism Executive Di- ward to strengthen its bilateral, inter- rectorate (CTED), said that research national and multilateral partnerships centres and related institutions should to address this phenomenon”. study the motives of extremism in In a statement on the sidelines of some people, and study these cases in- ‘International Conference on Study- depth, to reach results that will help to ing the Causes of Extremism’, which take preventive action in this regard. began in Doha yesterday, Major Gen- “There is certainly no single cause for eral al-Ansari said that Qatar has im- extremism, therefore there are no sin- plemented many programmes in the gle measures to counter it, as the mo- fi eld of combating terrorism and its fi - tives are diff erent, so the actions must nancing, in addition, it has concluded be diff erent.” cooperation agreements in this regard, During the session entitled “The whether international, bilateral or role of evidence-based policy in coun- multilateral. tering extremism”, Coninsx stressed He stressed that Qatar is an example the importance of knowledge-based in this regard. procedures, pointing to the role of re- He pointed out that Qatar signed an search centres in this area. agreement with the United Nations to She pointed to the importance of us- establish a centre in Doha to apply be- NCTC Chairman Major General Abdul ing sound scientifi c research to identi- havioural visions to violent extrem- Aziz Abdullah al-Ansari speaking at fy policies to counter-terrorism. ism to study the behavioural roots the conference. Douglas Andrew Smith, former as- of violent extremism and evidence- sistant secretary for the private sector based global policies and programs ers, institutions and research cen- at the US Department of Homeland inspired by behaviours to prevent and tres so that the policies adopted to Security, stressed the importance of combat violent extremism leading to confront the phenomenon of violent adopting scientifi c mechanisms to terrorism. extremism are based on evidence to understand the current situation and During the fi rst session of the con- ensure its success and eff ectiveness in derive results. He said that this fi eld ference, Maj Gen al-Ansari presented the face of this phenomenon. is open for academics to contribute the experience of Qatar in confront- Al-Ansari pointed to emerging ar- to the diagnosis and analysis of the ing terrorism and extremism and dry- eas of interest to the international phenomenon of extremism. ing up its sources. He pointed out that community today, which require the Andrew Glazzard, senior director the role of NCTC is to develop poli- eff orts from research centres to study of the National Security Studies Re- cies, plans, and programmes to combat and analyse the contents of the ex- search Group at Royal United Services terrorism. tremism and terrorism, such as some Institute, called for the inclusion of He noted the convening of this con- electronic games, social media and countering extremism in the general ference, which will result in the launch cartoons dedicated to children, and policy of any country in the world, of an international index to measure the exploitation of celebrities, and stressing the importance of the results violent extremism in the world to be modern devices that provide a wide of research and studies on extremism a global reference for researchers and choice for its users, which could be- available to the decision-maker. decision-makers to study the issue of come an outlet for extremists and He pointed to the role of the various extremism and make sound evidence- terrorist recruiters. humanities in studying and diagnos- based decisions to address this phe- He stressed the importance of hav- ing extremism and analysing its mo- nomenon. “We believe that executive ing serious and objective studies to tives and risks, based on the fact that decision-making must be science- guide the religious discourse with the motives of extremism are not the based and supported by scientifi c re- fruitful moderation. He pointed to same but are intertwined with many search in diverse fi elds,” he said. not turn eff orts to combat religion it- psychological, behavioural, social, NCTC chairman pointed to the role self, which causes the creation of new economic, cultural, religious and other of research centres in analysing reality, extremist groups we need to use the- factors. studying it and foreseeing the future matic studies for the benefi t of reli- Two other sessions were held dur- based on accurate scientifi c data. gious institutions to make the religious ing the fi rst day of the conference, He explained that the phenomenon discourse keep up with the times and one of which was entitled “assessing of terrorism requires a deep knowl- developments. risk factors of extremism”. The other edge eff ort because of its seriousness With regard to educational curricu- discussed a topic titled “extrem- in threatening international peace and la, media and civil society institutions ism and resilience.” They focused security. He stressed the need for de- as important axes and areas to counter on many aspects in which research tailed studies of each community so extremism, al-Ansari called on scien- centres play an important role in that the response eff orts are deliberate tifi c research institutions to take the supporting decision-makers to take and not just sterile reactions. lead in supporting decision-making informed policies to address serious He stressed the need to build a close centres by studying these areas with phenomena, especially those that relationship between decision-mak- interest, and clarifying what may be threaten community peace. (QNA) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, September 8, 2019 QATAR QNL experts lead workshop at global libraries conference

atar National Li- fragile items. Until recently, brary (QNL), in its only the largest, highly Qrole as the Inter- funded programmes could national Federation of Li- aff ord this expensive equip- brary Associations and In- ment, but today there are stitutions (IFLA) Regional new devices that are avail- The Brazilian delegation during the visit. Centre for Preservation able at much lower cost. and Conservation for Arab As a result of these ad- Countries and the Middle vances, “Forensic discovery East, organised a scientifi c of material composition is session titled ‘Collections no longer for an elite group, Brazilian delegation and Science’ at the 85th but available to a broader IFLA World Library and In- community, which allows formation Congress 2019 in libraries and conservation Athens, Greece. laboratories to share and visits Qatar Free Zones During the session, held add value to their docu- in partnership with the Li- mentation of collections. brary of Congress, the li- We are delighted to have ac- high-level del- to preserve, protect and tional Vision 2030, pur- brary’s experts presented on The library’s experts presented on a variety of topics at the conference. cess to some of the newest egation from Bra- stabilise” investments in suing sectors where Qatar a variety of topics, including technologies for conserva- Azil headed by the the country’s free zones. has a strong value propo- the scientifi c techniques for materials being conserved. Congress in Washington, Dialogue for Change’. tion of historical books and president of the Brazil- Indicating that the in- sition; primarily being studying heritage items, the Jeanne Drewes, director DC, delivered the open- Stephane Ipert, preser- manuscripts at the library,” ian Chamber of Deputies, centives off ered by the in logistics, chemicals importance of the results ob- of the IFLA’s Regional Pres- ing remarks at the session vation and conservation Ipert added. Rodrigo Maia, visited the authority have attracted and emerging technolo- tained for preserving these ervation and Conservation and touched on its impor- manager at the library, then Antonino Cosentino, Ras Bu Fontas Free Zone to many business appli- gies, it has stressed in a objects and a better under- Centre for North America, tance to the overall theme highlighted the ‘USB Mi- director of Cultural Herit- explore more investment cations from compa- statement. standing of the nature of the hosted by the Library of of the congress, ‘Libraries: croscope in Infrared (IR), age Science Open Source, opportunities and ben- nies looking to operate Following the meeting, Ultraviolet (UV) and Vis- shared insights on ‘Tech- efi ts off ered to investors at across various commer- QFZA’s technical team ible Wavelengths’, a method nical Photography’, an ad- Qatar Free Zones (QFZ). cial activities, ranging highlighted the progress of that enables conservators vanced skill that allows The delegation was wel- from manufacturing and up-and-coming projects to check the critical char- conservators to use a modi- comed by Abdulla al-Mi- processing, to technology within the zone, and acteristics of manuscripts fi ed digital camera with dif- snad, deputy CEO of Qa- development and import/ showcased future plans, such as ink types and un- ferent lighting sources and tar Free Zones Authority export activities, as well demonstrating the use of derlying drawings or text. fi lters to acquire a selection (QFZA), who briefed them as establishing offi ces state-of-the-art sustain- Ipert also highlighted best of technical images, each on QFZA’s latest projects within QFZ. able technologies at vari- practices on ‘Refl ectance providing diff erent infor- and activities, as key facil- During the visit, QFZA ous stages of development. Transformation Imaging’, mation regarding the object ities that have helped make hosted a meeting with After the briefi ng, the a computational imaging under examination. Qatar a “highly preferred the Brazilian delegation, delegation toured the technique used to cap- The session concluded investment destination for which included a briefi ng zone, its facilities and the ture and visualise specifi c with Maxim Nasra, book foreign direct investment on the goals and ambitions advanced logistics serv- features of the objects’ conservation specialist at from around the world”. of QFZ and the opportuni- ices provided to inves- surfaces. the library, providing an Al-Misnad highlighted ties off ered to investors in tors, as well the construc- “This was an interest- overview of ‘Fiber Optic Re- to the Brazilian delegation Qatar. tion progress of various ing opportunity to share fl ectance Spectrometer’, a that the laws and legisla- QFZA’s eff orts are projects that are nearing the library’s eff orts in the powerful portable technique tions of QFZA are “keen aligned with Qatar Na- completion. fi eld of digitisation and used to identify the historic raise awareness of the best pigments in manuscripts practices in maintaining and paintings. rare books, documents and “Scientifi c studies help in manuscripts in our role as learning the full knowledge IFLA’s Regional Preser- of the components, compo- vation and Conservation sition and appearance of her- Centre for Arab Coun- itage objects. The identifi ca- tries and the Middle East,” tion of these materials, such said Ipert. as writing surfaces, pigments In his presentation, Ipert and inks, and their charac- explained that for nearly 50 teristics is very important years, forensic techniques in order to ensure the con- have been used to under- tinuity of clarity of written stand the composition of texts, drawings and decora- library materials to deter- tions. It is important to iden- mine the most appropriate tify the causes of deteriora- conservation treatment, tion and ascertain methods storage and exhibition of treatment and eff ective methods for these old, often conservation,” said Nasra.

Education City Speaker Series welcomes UN climate change expert n international fi g- urehead in the bat- Atle against climate change will explain why there is no time to waste if the future of the planet is to be secured, as he becomes the latest global thought- leader to participate in Qa- tar Foundation’s (QF) Edu- cation City Speaker Series. Ovais Sarmad Ovais Sarmad, deputy executive secretary of the United Nations; US Olym- United Nations Frame- pic fencer Ibtihaj Mohamed; work Convention on Cli- Google’s former chief health mate Change (UNFCCC), strategist Roni Zeiger; and will deliver a lecture titled fashion entrepreneur Dame ‘Why Are We Waiting? The Natalie Massenet. Urgency For Tackling The Sarmad’s lecture has Climate Crisis’ at Qatar Na- been organised in collabo- tional Library, Education ration with the Arab Youth City, on September 11. Climate Movement Qatar The talk will take place – a platform that enables from 12.30pm-1.30pm and young people in Qatar to is open to the public. It will collaborate in taking action be followed by a question- to protect the environment, and-answer session. raising awareness of climate In his talk, Sarmad will change issues, and promot- discuss the compelling need ing sustainable lifestyle for the world to take pur- choices – as part of its Earth poseful action to combat Talks series. the climate crisis it faces. Appointed to his cur- The UNFCCC, an interna- rent position in May 2017, tional environmental treaty Sarmad had previously which came into force in served as chief of staff to 1994 and has been ratifi ed the director-general of the by 197 countries, has the International Organisation ultimate aim of “prevent- for Migration (IOM), play- ing ‘dangerous’ human in- ing an instrumental role in terference with the climate establishing its Ethics and system”. Conduct Offi ce and nego- Designed to provide Qa- tiating an agreement which tar’s community with op- brought the IOM into the portunities to listen to, learn United Nations system. from, and interact with The UNFCCC puts the experts on a wide range of onus on developed coun- topics that shape lives and tries to lead the way on cut- societies, the Education City ting greenhouse gas emis- Speaker Series refl ects QF’s sions, while seeking to help “commitment to fostering developing countries limit dialogue and the exchange their emissions without of knowledge”, according to hindering vital economic a press statement. progress, and directing ad- Previous speakers have ditional fi nancial support included António Guterres, toward their climate change secretary-general of the activities. Gulf Times Sunday, September 8, 2019 5 QATAR Qatar Charity provides relief aid to 110,000 flood victims in Sudan atar Charity, with funding from the Qatar Fund for Upon the directives of His Highness, the Amir Sheikh Tamim Development (QFFD), continues to provide relief assistance bin Hamad al-Thani, the first relief flight to support Sudan flood Qto flood victims in Sudan. victims has earlier taken off from Doha. Qatari assistance includes This aid comes as part of the Qatari efforts to alleviate the food items and supports the health and environmental sanitation suffering of those affected by floods and rains that swept vast areas sectors. of Sudan. In July and August this year, floods and heavy rains hit Sudan, The relief assistance, funded by QFFD, aims to rescue and affecting fifteen states of the country out of its eighteen states and support 110,000 flood victims in Sudan’s White Nile, Al Jazirah, and causing the death of seventy people according to reports released by Kassalá states. Of them, there are 49,500 children, including 8,000 government agencies and UN organizations. children under five, in addition to 31,000 women. International agencies have pointed out that the most important The assistance also includes 13,650 food baskets for 4,000 relief needs to cope with the disaster are tents, food and non- families, and sheltering aids for 4,000 families. Also, health, water food items, clean water supplies, maintaining temporary health and sanitation services will be provided, in addition to six mobile services in the affected areas, repairing disrupted water stations and clinics for medical services. damaged latrines, and providing medicines for children and adults. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, September 8, 2019 QATAR Qatar’s eff orts in combating LuLu promo winners get their keys graft stressed at UN events z Qatar proposes to cial and intellectual potentials host the 10th session to successfully organise the 10th session of the Conference of of Conference of States Parties. the States Parties to HE Hamad bin Nasser al-Mis- the United Nations sned held a meeting with John Brandolino, Director of the Divi- Convention sion of Treaty Aff airs of UNODC, Brigitte Strobel Shaw, Head E Hamad bin Nasser al- of Corruption and Economic A key handover ceremony for winners of the LuLu Mercedes-Benz Car Promotion, organised by Missned, President of Crime Branch and a number of LuLu Hypermarket Group, was held recently at the regional off ice of LuLu Hypermarket on D-Ring Hthe Administrative Con- UNODC’s experts. The meeting Road. Twelve winners collected the keys to the Mercedes-Benz E200 (2019 model) cars they won trol and Transparency Author- dealt with existing and future in the promotion from Shaijan M O, regional director, and Shanavas P M, regional manager, of LuLu ity (ACTA), headed the Qatari co-operation projects between Hypermarket, in the presence of other LuLu off icials. The winners are as follows: Gomaa Ahmed delegation that participated in ACTA and UNODC in the fi eld Ibrahim Mohamed (coupon No1787682), Egyptian national; Khalid Mohamed A H al-Muhannadi a number of UN events includ- of preventing and combating (coupon No1888466), Qatari national; Josina Desamito Ulep (coupon No 0705605), Filipino national; ing First resumed tenth session corruption and ways to enhance Fiyona Stella Jean D’Souza (coupon No 0298770), Indian national; Abdualla Salem J B al-Mansoori of the Implementation Review them. (coupon No 0427521), Qatari national; Mohamed Albptin (coupon No 0709035), Irani national; John Group (Vienna, September 2-4, He also held side meetings Pious Nigel Vadakethala (coupon No 0993171), Indian national; Frenzie Castillo Cuizon (coupon No 2019) and the Tenth Interses- HE Hamad bin Nasser al-Missned shakes hands with Yury Fedotov, with a number of heads of an- 2117615), Filipino national; Noushad Attavayalil (coupon No 0129471), Indian national; Christopher sional Meeting Open-ended Executive Director of UNODC in Vienna. ti-corruption authorities, who Paul Langston (coupon No 0254024), UK national; Jebin Mathews Varghese (coupon No 0257621), Intergovernmental Working participated in the UN meet- Indian national; and Jhoanalyn Antonio Baruzo (coupon No 0078755), Filipino national. Group on Prevention (Vienna, particular Sheikh Tamim Bin Ha- National Strategy for promoting ings, including states of Serbia September 4-6, 2019); an invi- mad Al-Thani Anti-corruption Integrity and Transparency. He and Thailand, where enhancing tation received from the United International Excellence Award, also invited Fedotov to attend the bilateral co-operation and ex- Nations Offi ce on Drugs and in addition to hosting the 13th launch of the National Strategy changing expertise were dis- Crime (UNODC), to present best United Nations Congress on and the accompanying Forum cussed. practices and initiatives of Qa- Crime Prevention and Criminal to be held in December 2019 in HE Hamad bin Nasser al- tar in the fi eld of preventing and Justice in Doha in 2015. Doha. Missned extended an invitation The meeting discussed en- to UNODC and the participating Doha summit to discuss combating corruption nationally At the national level, he spoke and internationally, with a focus about steps taken by Qatar to hancing cooperation between countries to attend the launch- on the national strategy to pro- strengthen the national legal Qatar and UNODC and Qatar’s ing of the National Strategy to mote integrity and transparency, and institutional framework off er to host the 10th session of promote Integrity, Transparency good governance in sport adopted recently by Qatar. for transparency and integrity the Conference of States Parties and the accompanying forum to Through his speech to the Pre- including enacting legislation to the United Nations Conven- be held in Doha in December this vention Meeting, on September regulating public offi cials, ten- tion against Corruption, which year. He also invited all coun- Global sport integrity leaders will and Its Role in Our Regions; Cham- Franco Frattini, chairman of SIGA, 5, the President of ACTA stated ders and auctions, draft laws on will be held in 2023. The ACTA tries to follow the announcement gather in Doha for the first Inter- pioning Sport Integrity on The Field said: “We are delighted to hold our Qatar is witnessing a compre- transparency and confl ict of in- President explained that Qatar’s of the fourth edition of Sheikh Regional Summit to discuss the of Play; Sport Integrity: A Catalyst second Inter-Regional Summit in hensive renaissance in all politi- terest, the National Framework interest in hosting this confer- Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani In- power of collective action for anti- for Development, Legacy and Peace; Doha and want to thank our part- cal, economic and social fi elds, for Institutional Transparency ence comes in context of its ternational Excellence Award on corruption and good governance in Sport Integrity and Global Busi- ners for their support. The need for supported by advanced legisla- and Integrity and the National keenness to enhance the partner- the International Anti-corrup- sport from September 16-17. ness; Global Challenges, Regional sport integrity is greater than ever tive and institutional frame- Strategy to Promote Integrity ship with UNODC and all States tion Day on December 9, 2019. Organised by the Sport Integrity Approaches and International Co- and SIGA works relentlessly to de- works, including in the areas of and Transparency. Parties to the United Nations At his side meetings, the ACTA Global Alliance (SIGA), the Inter- operation. liver this fundamental mission. We transparency, integrity and pre- Additionally, the President Convention against Convention president discussed supporting Regional Summit will be co-hosted Speaking about the upcoming call upon all countries, all govern- venting and combating corrup- of ACTA held a number of bi- (UNCAC), contributing to the Qatar’s proposal to host the 10th by the International Centre for Sport event, HE Salah al-Ali, stated that ments and the entire sports industry tion. This is refl ected positively lateral meetings, which began implementation of the Conven- session of UNCAC Conference of Security (ICSS) and Qatar Airways, hosting the SIGA Inter-Regional to join us in this quest and support on the position of the State of with a meeting with Yury Fedo- tion and achieving its objectives, States Parties to be held in 2023. under the patronage of HE Salah bin Summit, is in line with Qatar’s proac- our eff orts. By sports organisations Qatar regionally and interna- tov, Executive Director of UN- and supporting international ef- He announced that Qatar will Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, Minister tive role and the country’s eff orts adopting our Universal Standards tionally. ODC, where the ACTA President forts to prevent and combat cor- submit a draft decision in this of Culture and Sports. The summit is to safeguard ethics and promote we will ensure that the game is Moreover, he shed light on the thanked him for the technical ruption. regard at the next session of the sponsored by Ooredoo as a support- sports for good for the world com- clean from undue influence and international eff orts of Qatar in support provided by UNODC in He stressed the fact that Qa- conference, which will be held in ing partner and Qatar Chamber as a munities. corruption.” the above-mentioned areas, in the development of the Qatari tar has all the technical, fi nan- Abu Dhabi. contributing partner. “It is significant to consider HE Akbar al-Baker, Group CEO Themed ‘Sport Integrity – The both regional and global factors in of Qatar Airways, said: “As a major Power of Collective Action in the realising these goals and work on global sponsor of sporting organisa- Middle East, Asia and Africa’, the strengthening the co-operation with tions and events, we are proud to event will take place at Marsa Malaz stakeholders and federations as well support the hosting of this very Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha. as UN organisations and NGOs,” the important SIGA Inter-Regional Sum- SIGA, the world’s largest coalition minister stressed. mit in Qatar. Strong governance and in the field of sports governance and HE al-Ali, who is the patron of the high levels of integrity are essential integrity, presents the Inter-Regional event, highlighted collaboration to our belief in the power of sport to Summit as a neutral and action- eff orts of the Ministry of Culture bring people together.” oriented platform to bring together and Sports with the international Emmanuel Macedo de Medeiros, thought leaders and international community to fight corruption and CEO of SIGA, added: “The threats experts from the world of sport, promote good governance and and challenges facing sport are governments, global business and transparency in regional and global mounting. They are global and civil society to engage in open sport. require global solutions but must dialogue on the most pressing issues “We play our role within the con- take into account the regional surrounding the integrity of sport. clusive policy of our country and are specificities. SIGA is leading the way During the summit, promoting closely working in this context, with for sport integrity worldwide. This good governance and integrity and various national parties and stake- includes not just Europe and the fostering collective action in sport, holders, add to that the continuous Americas, but also Asia, the Middle the panels and keynote speeches eff orts being made by a world-class East and Africa where sport is more will explore subjects, such as: Collec- organisation like the ICSS. vibrant than ever. We are committed tive Action and The Global Push for “I trust the summit will realise to working with all relevant authori- Sport Integrity; Qatar: Host Nation its goals and act as a platform to ties and key stakeholders from eve- of The First Mega Sporting Events coordinate eff orts of the interna- ry nation to protect sports’ values in The Region; Major Sports: What tional community to stamp-out and its’ wider role in our societies. is Being Done to Ensure the Highest cheating and corruption in sport,” This Inter-Regional Summit will be a Integrity?; The Power of Clean Sport the minister said. great step into that direction.”

Road works

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a relocation of the Uhud Street entrance on Al Luqta Street by 225m towards the east. Road users will have to follow the directional signs and use the new entrance today to enable works on the Tilted Interchange, Ashghal tweeted yesterday.

Qatar Chamber wins GCC award he Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been awarded the leading institutions in private Tsector award by the GCC Council of Ministers of La- bor and Social Development. The chamber received this award for its continuous sup- port to the productive families in Qatar, as part of the 17th honouring ceremony of the leading institutions, compa- nies, and projects in the fi eld of labour and social aff airs in the GCC. Qatar Chamber’s Assistant Director-General for Gov- ernmental and International Relations Ali Bu Sherbak al- Mansouri received the award on behalf of the Chamber in a ceremony held on the sidelines of the fi fth meeting of the Ministers of Labour and Social Development of the GCC, which was hosted by the Sultanate of Oman last week. - QNA Gulf Times Sunday, September 8, 2019 7 QATAR QFBA launches 7th QIB announces fi rst 52 winners of Cards Summer Campaign

atar Islamic Bank (QIB) has an- edition of Kawader nounced 52 winners in the fi rst Qround of the Visa card and Master- card summer promotions. QIB Visa and Mastercard customers still have a chance to enter the second draw in October for card purchases until September Programme 30. The winners were selected in a draw con- he Qatar Finance and Busi- “unique values and traits” for their long- ducted in the presence of an offi cial from ness Academy (QFBA) has an- term career and personal growth: a “res- the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Tnounced the kick-off of its Ka- olute commitment to intensive training, and QIB representatives. wader Programme’s seventh edition, punctuality, teamwork and autonomy, as Forty-six winners from the QIB Visa in partnership with the Qatar Financial well as an uncompromising work ethic credit and debit cardholders who made do- Centre. This follows the success of the and discipline” in the classroom, and in mestic or international purchases between programme’s previous editions in the institutions where they gained on-the- July 1 and August 15 received a cash prize of last six years, QFBA has said in a press job work experience. QR5,000 each. statement. Dr Khalid al-Horr, CEO at QFBA, The Visa card summer campaign will run This edition of the Kawader Pro- said: “The kick-off of this edition of until September 30 to reward the remaining gramme sees the participation of 28 Kawader comes based on the success 46 winners and two grand prize winners. of the brightest young Qatari talents that crowned our previous editions All QIB customers who use their Visa deb- in the fi nancial fi eld, both academic of the programme; a testament to the it or credit cards on local and international graduates and professionals, who overwhelming response and traction it purchases for a minimum transaction of have been carefully selected based on Dr Khalid al-Horr, CEO at QFBA. has gained with both the students and QR500 get the chance to win QR5,000 daily. their capabilities and potential to be Qatar’s banking and fi nance sector.” In addition, Visa cardholders who spend shaped and upskilled into the fi nan- their learning outcomes from the pro- QFBA’s practical learning philoso- QR15,000 and above during the campaign cial services sector’s next-generation gramme’s variety of courses. phy and model “equips Kawader par- period will get a chance to be one of the two leaders, empowered by both academic Kawader boasts of “a unique capaci- ticipants with unique real-life skillsets grand prize winners of two brand-new Lex- and technical expertise, the statement ty-building and development model, a and experiences that empower and us LX570 at the end of the campaign. This notes. blended learning experience converg- enable their development throughout excludes ATM transactions. The programme’s seventh edition ing theoretical fundamentals with on- their career path”. QIB also announced six winners who will run for three months, two of which the-ground professional training in the In turn, the programme provides used their QIB Mastercard debit card or will entail academic development while workplace, all under the framework of leading fi nancial institutions and cor- credit cards on local and international the third month will involve on-the-job one programme”, the statement explains. porations with a distinguished, highly purchases for a minimum transaction of practical training at global and local fi - As such, it off ers students “in-depth trained talent pool that holds the tools QR500. The winners received cash prizes nancial institutions and corporations. insight and perspective” into leading to succeed and add great value to their worth of QR15,000. A number of expert trainers will be worldwide institutions in the fi nancial operations and organisations. This campaign also runs until the Sep- supervising and overseeing Kawad- services landscape, and the chance to Kawader, which was fi rst launched tember 30 to reward the remaining seven er’s learning and development track benefi t from a series of training cours- through a strategic partnership be- weekly winners. throughout the course of the pro- es built and designed around their tween QFBA and the Qatar Financial Two grand winners who spend a total gramme, supporting in the provision learning gaps and needs, backed by a Centre Authority, is a “unique op- of QR25,000 during the campaign period of information and other resources to number of internationally accredited portunity and programme” for young will be eligible to enter the draw to win participants. qualifi cations and certifi cations – in- Qatari graduates and entry-level pro- QR100,000. This year marks a new addition by cluding those from the Chartered In- fessionals, as it is fully sponsored and ATM cash transactions are excluded. QFBA to the programme; a simulation stitute of Securities and Investment, bears no tuition fees for participants. QIB off ers a “wide range of debit and course and exercise for commerce and the Institute of Leadership and Man- Today, with 28 new programme par- credit cards, all with a variety of valuable fi nancial services will off er Kawader agement, and the CFA institute. ticipants under its seventh edition, features tailored to meet the needs of dif- participants access to practical hands- Over the years, Kawader participants Kawader’s cohort counts 176 students ferent customers”, it has said in a statement. on experience, allowing them to apply have demonstrated and sharpened since it launched its fi rst edition. With “cashless convenience and the abil- ity to withdraw cash or instantly pay for purchases”. All of QIB’s cards are accepted locally and internationally and can be used at millions of merchant outlets and more than 3.5mn ATMs globally. The full list of winners is available online at www.qib.com.qa.

This edition of the Kawader Programme has 28 participants. Pandora relaunches global jewellery brand

andora has announced that it is shaping, the brand has partnered with marking “a new chapter in its globally loved and inspirational wom- Prich history” with the global re- en under the collective name of Pan- launch of the jewellery brand. dora Muses. In Qatar, Pandora is located at La- Through Pandora, Nathalie Em- goona Mall, Doha Festival City, Land- manuel, Georgia May Jagger, Halima mark Mall, Villaggio Mall, The Centre, Aden, Larsen Thompson, Margaret City Center Doha and Hamad Interna- Zhang and Tasya van Ree, will tell their tional Airport. stories through a long-term partner- Coinciding with the release of its ship and encourage others to do so, too. new Autumn 2019 collection, the Stephen Fairchild, chief creative and brand recently unveiled its reposi- brand offi cer at Pandora, revealed the tioning – “to refl ect the many facets brand revamp at an exclusive luncheon of you” – during a day-long event in held in Los Angeles’ vibrant jewellery the US city of Los Angeles, touched by district. “At Pandora, we champion the Pandora’s signature colour, pink, ac- empowerment of women and the shar- cording to a press statement issued in ing of their passions with collectible, Doha by Fifty One East. contemporary collections that allow Attended by 400 guests from around people to come together and celebrate the world, the event transformed parts what makes them who they are. We all of the city into “an immersive Pandora have a story to tell and each of our new, Pink-hued universe of empowerment, hand-fi nished charms will represent a self-expression and inclusivity”, the Halima Aden attends Pandora Street diff erent love,” he told guests. statement noted. of Loves in Los Angeles. With a “refreshing new approach”, Dressed in touches of the brand’s sig- Pandora introduces the new Pandora O nature colour, guests arrived at the event led by street art activist and creator Pendant, within the Autumn 2019 col- in style on electric scooters to see the of the famed ‘Divine Female Mural,’ C lection. exclusively commissioned murals inter- Finley. Inspired by iconic elements of Pan- preting Pandora’s new purpose along the Building on Pandora’s air of discov- dora’s design, the circular symbol Street of Loves, an alley between South ery, the day culminated in a pink club- represents “the unifying power of jew- Grand Avenue and South Hope Street. style setting that paid tribute to all ellery and its limitless personal expres- The landmark artwork showcases things Pandora. sions”. Pandora’s new Autumn 2019 the work of a female artist collective As an embodiment of Pandora’s re- collection is now available in stores.

Guests attend Pandora Street of Loves in Los Angeles. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, September 8, 2019 QATAR QAC launches special ‘Back to School’ off er on Mitsubishi vehicles

The MG ZS and RX5. atar Automobiles Company (QAC), the authorised distributor of Mit- Qsubishi Motors Corporation in Qatar, has launched the Back to School off er to en- able parents to buy Mitsubishi cars and “lev- Auto Class Cars presents new erage from a wide range of benefi ts”. Valid until September 30, the off er in- cludes the Montero Sport and Eclipse Cross. off er on wide range of MG vehicles The Montero Sport price starts from QR89,000 or QR1,888 per month, while the Eclipse Cross price starts from QR69,000 or uto Class Cars, the QR1,460 per month, with inhouse fi nancing authorised distribu- options with special interest through NBK Ator of MG in Qatar, has Financial Services. launched a new off er on MG Benefi ts of the off er on both vehicles in- vehicles that allow new buyers clude one-year free insurance, free registra- to leverage from a wide range tion, fi ve-year extended warranty for unlim- of benefi ts and get a new Liver- ited mileage, and a complimentary voucher pool jersey. worth QR1,000 from Jarir Bookstore, ac- Valid until September 30, the cording to a press statement from QAC. off er enables buyers to get an Hesham al-Sahn, general manager of MG RX5 starting from QR1,099 QAC, said: “We are pleased to present this per month, the MG ZS from off er on two of our family vehicles to give QR999 per month and the The MG6. families better options to take their families The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. MG6 from QR1,199 per month, to schools. With these special prices and the company has said in a press took place last summer at Liv- option for “smooth, eff ortless” benefi ts, we give back to our community and statement. erpool’s Anfi eld stadium. performance. This effi cient reduce the pressures on parents at the begin- Buyers can also benefi t from Hesham al-Sahn, general petrol unit delivers a maximum ning of the new academic year.” a package of added features, in- manager of Auto Class Cars, power of 169hp and maximum The Montero Sport is “ideal for families, cluding free car registration and said: “We are pleased to launch torque of 250Nm. adventure and speed”. Adventure calls from comprehensive insurance for this special off er on MG cars, The new MG RX5 will appeal the well-appointed cockpit, “which sur- one year, along with the “long- including two of our bestselling to a range of customers in Qa- rounds you with solid craftsmanship, sup- est warranty period” avail- SUVs and the amazing MG6. tar, especially younger buyers portive comfort, intelligent features and a able in the market of six years MG enthusiasts can now lever- “looking for value for money wide-open view”. warranty/200,000km (which- age from a wide range of ben- in a stylish, technologically From refi ned meters to sophisticated fl oor ever comes fi rst) and free serv- efi ts that will reduce the cost of advanced package that allows console, every feature is fi ne-tuned to en- ice for two years/30,000km service in the medium on long them to stand out from the hance driving pleasure and keep you in confi - (whichever comes fi rst), the term. Besides, we are pleased crowd”. Equipped with a 1.5T dent control. “Whether passing vehicles on statement explained. to off er the Liverpool jersey, the petrol engine and 7-speed au- highways or travelling up steep slopes, you Any of these vehicles can Champions League winners, to tomatic gearbox, the MG RX5 is need powerful response you can depend be purchased with no down- all buyers with the opportunity available as entry level stand- on. The 3.0-litre V6 MIVEC gasoline en- payment and with the option of to customise with their favour- ard or mid-range COM models. gine generates all the power you demand of inhouse fi nancing with a spe- ite name.” The more powerful 2.0T power a rugged SUV to accomplish every mission cial rate interest through NBK The “sleek, dynamic profi le” plant is mated to a 6-speed au- with smooth, efficient ease,” the statement The Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Financial Services (terms and of the all-new MG6 is boosted tomatic gearbox and is off ered explained. conditions apply). by carbon fi bre trim on the front for either COM or top-of-the- The Eclipse Cross’ “beautiful, dynamic “The fresh surprise of the body persists revolutions and strong acceleration,” the Commemorating the new bumper, headlamps featuring a range LUX trim levels, with form creates the same sense of excitement in the cabin where engineering passion statement added. The two vehicles and deal between MG and Liver- ‘London Eye’ design concept, the latter featuring All-Wheel and inspiration as the diamond ring effect culminates in sporty, dynamic refinement. other Mitsubishi cars are available now at pool Football Club, all buyers twin chrome exhaust pipes Drive during a total eclipse”. From distinctive horizontal instrument Mitsubishi Motors showrooms on Salwa will get a complimentary of- and a ‘Star Rider’ front grille, The MG line-up of cars is While stylish like a coupe, it’s unques- panel to shining silver trim and monotone Road and in Al Khor. Customers can visit fi cial Liverpool jersey with a which takes inspiration from now available at the Auto Class tionably a Mitsubishi Motors SUV. The colour scheme, the cockpit welcomes you the showroom on Salwa Road from Satur- free voucher to print the name the brand’s expressive design Cars showroom on Salwa Road. “dynamic, sculpted form projects the ex- to a bold new experience with Display Au- day to Thursday, between 8am and 9pm, at Go Sports stores. MG Motor language. The MG6 is equipped The showroom opens from plosive power of an athlete” - from the dio and Head Up Display keeping you stim- and on Friday from 5pm to 9pm. is the offi cial global partner of with a 1.5-litre turbo engine, Saturday-Thursday, between sporty face to high-tech rear lamps - all ulated and informed. The Al Khor showroom opens from Sat- Liverpool Football Club, fol- mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch 8am and 9pm, and on Friday “harmonise in a strong personality that The newly developed 1.5L petrol turbo urday-Wednesday, from 8am-8pm, and on lowing a signing ceremony that Transmission with paddle shift from 5pm-9pm. drives you to explore”. engine provides a pleasing response, high Thursdays from 8am-3pm.

Galeries Lafayette Doha showcases Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay works of Qatar-based Serbian artist to host exclusive culinary event Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay has announced that it aleries Lafayette Doha of the media and bloggers, is teaming up with Sanjeev Kapoor Restaurants and has showcased the work where the artist expressed will host an exclusive two-day culinary celebration at Gof Qatar-based Serbian himself through a live painting its award-winning restaurant, Signature by Sanjeev graffi ti artist Dimitrije Bugar- on a canvas measuring 2.5m in Kapoor, on September 17 and 18. ski. height and 5m in length. To stage the event, chef Ashwin Shetty, head corpo- The initiative “upholds the Known for his artwork at the rate chef from Sanjeev Kapoor’s culinary team in In- brand’s values and continues its Doha Fire Station, ‘100 Days of dia, will “delight guests with an exquisite seven-course patronage of art and local art- Blockade’, Bugarski is the new menu”, according to a press statement. ists”, according to a press state- artist of the season at Galeries Chef Ashwin is a part of celebrity chef Sanjeev ment. Lafayette Doha’s Art Corner. Kapoor’s global team with 12 years of experience in A special gathering was or- His art exhibition, ‘Recall’, will crafting and mastering Indian cuisine “by perfectly to the hotel and back the following day. Chef Ashwin ganised recently for members be on display at the French de- understanding Kapoor’s renowned approach to bring- said, “I am very excited to arrive in Doha and off er partment store until September ing classic and new universally loved dishes to life”, my passion through this exceptional experience. As 15. The exhibition draws inspiration from the artist’s early-childhood the statement noted. part of chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s team, I am honoured to The exhibition draws inspi- obsession with cheetahs. The seven-course menu is priced at QR250 per per- present a taste of authentic Indian cuisine to all our ration from the artist’s ear- son and includes various selections of chaats, soups, guests.” Najib Nasser, general manager at Crowne Plaza ly-childhood obsession with ration with Galeries Lafay- al artist combines realism with appetisers, main courses, sorbet, side dishes and Doha West Bay, added: “We are thrilled to host such a cheetahs. The new art collec- ette Doha, Bugarski said: “It abstraction through his focus desserts designed with a blend of fusion and modern special event and to be welcoming chef Ashwin from tion can be considered a remake is indeed a pleasure to be able on street art as a way of using contemporary Indian touch by chef Ashwin himself. chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s corporate team. Our guests will of his fi rst drawings, which to display my work at one of public art as an urban interven- Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices will be experience the rich flavours of Indian cuisine in an ex- were simplifi ed but vivid at the most iconic landmarks of tion. He has been involved in available. Every guest attending the event will be en- travagant setting. We are eagerly waiting to delight our the same time. Eleven pieces Qatar. It is a perfect stage for a number of projects in Doha, listed to a raff le to be drawn on September 19, and the guests.” Crowne Plaza West Bay is part of the IHG Group exhibited in ‘Recall’ show the reaching out to the public and most notable being the watch- selected winner will get the chance to spend a night under the Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts. Situated cheetah and explore diff erent letting them experience my art, tower at the Doha Fire Station, in the hotel’s Presidential Suite along with a private on the fifth floor of Crowne Plaza West Bay, Signature styles the shape can take, the which is a manifestation of my the drive-in project at Aspire dinner prepared in the Presidential Suite exclusively by Sanjeev Kapoor “serves the best of traditional Indian Qatar-based Serbian graffiti statement explained. thoughts and ideas.” Zone and Katara Hospitality, for them by chef Ashwin. To top it all, the winner will cuisine with a contemporary twist, along with a stylish artist Dimitrije Bugarski. Talking about the collabo- The Serbian graffi ti and visu- the statement added. also receive a private pick-up from his/her residence and elegant ambiance”.

British Council seeks applications for Study UK Alumni Awards

he British Council re- celebrate the achievements of Alumni Network and managing on justice, accountability and sional Achievement Award. cently launched awards alumni in the country. National director of Business Develop- politics in the Arab region. UK university alumni can Tcelebrating the outstand- award-winners will then be put ment at the Qatar Financial Cen- “This award... not only submit an application no later ing achievements of UK’s in- forward for the global awards. tre, said: “The Alumni Awards serves as recognition of the than September 15, 11.59pm ternational alumni in Qatar and The national awards are open provide an excellent opportunity impact of years of hard work, BST. Finalists and winners of around the world. to UK alumni currently based to showcase the signifi cant con- but also recognises the cen- the awards will be announced The Study UK Alumni Awards in Qatar. UK alumni have either tributions alumni have made to trality of an issue that is close during the annual Qatar-UK celebrate and showcase the im- studied in the UK at an offi cially their communities and to Qa- to my heart: justice. I believe Alumni Networking Gala Din- pact and value of UK higher edu- recognised provider of UK uni- tar’s economy as a whole - in this award will help draw more ner, as part of the Qatar British cation and raise the internation- versity degree-level study for a line with Qatar National Vision attention to the importance of Festival 2019. Award winners al profi le of alumni who studied minimum of a term or semes- 2030. I would, therefore, en- critical research for informed have the opportunity to raise in the UK. ter, or have been awarded a full courage eligible alumni to apply policymaking, especially in their international profile, ex- Award winners and fi nalists UK degree-level qualifi cation to the second cycle of the Awards contexts of war and authoritar- pand their professional net- are leaders in their fi elds who (or higher) by a UK university as their achievements can help ian rule. Through this award, works and have used their experience of through a local institution over- inspire the next generation of the British Council provides an enhance their careers, the studying at a UK university to seas, within the last 15 years, professionals.” For the second time in Qatar, the awards will be held at a national excellent opportunity to help statement noted. make a positive contribution to the British Council has said in a One of the global winners of level to celebrate the achievements of alumni in the country. raise the profile of finalists and For full details on the awards their communities, industries press statement. last year’s Study UK Alumni winners. I would strongly en- categories, key dates and how and countries. For the second To mark the occasion, Sheikha Awards was from Qatar. Dr Noha Law School, is a transitional jus- and adjunct assistant profes- courage potential candidates to apply, refer to https://www. time in Qatar, the awards are Alanoud bint Hamad al-Thani, Aboueldahab, a graduate from tice specialist, author, a fellow sor at Georgetown University to apply,” said Dr Aboueldahab, britishcouncil.qa/en/study- being held at a national level to board member of the Qatar-UK SOAS university and Durham at the Brookings Doha Centre in Qatar. She is a leading expert global winner 2018-19, Profes- uk/alumni-awards-2020 Gulf Times Sunday, September 8, 2019 9 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA Iran fi res up advanced centrifuges in new move

AFP viser John Bolton tweeted yes- Tehran terday that the inspection came as the “IAEA informs its Board that #Iran may be concealing ran said yesterday it had fi red nuclear material and/or activi- up advanced centrifuges to ties”. He said the US and other Iboost its enriched uranium IAEA member states were “ea- stockpiles, its latest scaling- ger to get a full report as soon back of commitments under a as possible”. crumbling 2015 nuclear deal. Early yesterday, the IAEA The Islamic republic was act- had noted Iran’s latest move ing on a threat to further aban- and indicated its inspectors don its nuclear commitments were ready to check its compli- based on a deadline it set for Eu- ance. The grandmother of 17-year-old Ali al-Ashqar, one of two Palestinian youths who was killed by Israeli ropean powers to do something “Agency inspectors are on fire, reacts during his funeral at Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, yesterday. to shield it from US sanctions. the ground in Iran and they will The country’s Atomic Energy report any relevant activities to Organisation said it had activat- IAEA headquarters in Vienna,” ed 20 IR-4 and 20 IR-6 advanced spokesman Fredrik Dahl said. centrifuges. Iran’s new step came after “The centrifuge machines, as Britain, France and Germany Troops strike Gaza they are engaged in research and failed to find a way to offset development, will help with in- the impact of sanctions against creasing the stockpile,” spokes- A handout picture released by Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation Iran before a September 7 dead- man Behrouz Kamalvandi said. yesterday, shows spokesman for the organisation Behrouz Kamalvandi line set by the Islamic republic. “The capacity of these ma- speaking during a press conference in the capital Tehran. “If Europe wants to do some- after rocket attack chines is many times more than thing, it must hurry, because the previous machines. This committed to saving the deal tional Atomic Energy Agency to returning to the situation be- started as of yesterday (Friday),” that gave Iran relief from sanc- monitor Iran’s nuclear activities. fore reducing commitments AFP there were no casualties result- — was apprehended, and two he told a news conference in Te- tions in exchange for curbs on Despite the decision to further could take time,” Kamalva- Jerusalem ing from the Israeli strikes. knives were found on him, the hran. its nuclear programme, but their step back from the 2015 deal, ndi said. Tehran has already Later yesterday, a drone army said. Under the 2015 Joint Compre- eff orts have so far borne little Kamalvandi said Iran would al- hit back twice with counter- launched from southern Gaza Addressing the latest esca- hensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), fruit. Iran said yesterday it was low the IAEA to continue moni- measures in response to the sraeli forces attacked Ha- crossed into Israeli airspace, the lation, Israeli Prime Minister Iran was allowed to enrich ura- capable of enriching uranium toring its nuclear facilities in ac- US withdrawal from the 2015 mas positions in Gaza after army said in a separate state- Benjamin Netanyahu said he nium using only fi rst generation beyond 20% but for now it had cordance with the 2015 accord. deal. On July 1, it said it had Irockets fi red from the Pal- ment. It “dropped what seems had been updated on the events — or IR-1 — centrifuges. no plans to do so. “Regarding the monitoring increased its stockpile of en- estinian enclave hit the Jewish to be an explosive device” near and threw the blame at Gaza’s Tensions have been escalat- “Our plan is that if the other and accesses of the IAEA...so riched uranium to beyond the state, the military said early the security fence, damaging a rulers. “Hamas is responsible ing between Iran and the United parties act on their commit- that everything is clear (Iran’s) 300-kilogram maximum set by yesterday. military vehicle before return- for any act of aggression ema- States since May last year when ments, we too return to our com- commitments regarding trans- the deal. The exchange came hours ing to Gaza. nating from Gaza,” he said in President Donald Trump pulled mitments,” said Kamalvandi. parency will be followed as be- A week later, it announced after two Palestinian teenagers In response, an Israeli “air- a statement. “Any attempt to out of the accord and began re- Britain called Iran’s move fore,” the spokesman said. it had exceeded a 3.67% cap were killed by Israeli fi re during craft targeted the squad which harm our soldiers or civilians imposing sanctions that have “particularly disappointing at a In its latest report on August on the purity of its uranium clashes on the Gaza border. launched the drone”, the army has been and will be met with a crippled the Iranian economy. time when we and our European 30, the watchdog said it contin- stocks. Yesterday’s develop- Late Friday, “fi ve projectiles said. harsh response.” The nations were on the and international partners are ues to verify compliance through ments came on the eve of a visit were launched from the Gaza There were no reports of During border clashes on Fri- cusp of confrontation in June working hard to de-escalate ten- cameras and on-site inspec- to Iran by the acting head of the Strip towards Israel,” the army casualties in Gaza, but the un- day, two Palestinians aged 14 when Iran downed a US drone sions”. tions. IAEA, Cornel Feruta. said. rest on the frontier continued and 17 were shot dead by Israeli and Trump ordered retaliatory The European Union on Friday But in an apparent hint at Kamalvandi said Feruta The projectiles hit open fi elds throughout the day as four Pal- forces, the Gaza health ministry strikes, before cancelling them voiced “great concern” over the worries about access, it said would meet the head of Iran’s in southern Israel, an army estinians infi ltrated Israel and said, with another 46 Palestin- at the last minute. country’s decision to roll back its “ongoing interactions...require Atomic Energy Organisation, spokesman said. were apprehended by the army. ians wounded. Britain, France and Germany commitments and emphasised full and timely co-operation by Ali Akbar Salehi, and Foreign In response, an “aircraft and Three 13-year-olds crossed The Israeli army said thou- have repeatedly said they are its own reliance on the Interna- Iran”. US national security ad- Minister Mohamed Javad Zarif. tank struck a number of Hamas the border from the southern sands of Palestinians took part military targets in the northern Gaza Strip, and a search re- in “especially violent” dem- Gaza Strip, including a post and vealed a knife, the army said in onstrations along the border UNREST military positions,” the army a statement. fence, which included throwing Four killed in separate Iraq attacks said in a statement. Later, another infi ltrator — “fi re bombs and explosive de- A Hamas security source said this time from northern Gaza vices” at soldiers. Bashir ‘gave over $5mn At least three members of Iraq’s security forces and one civilian were killed yesterday in three separate attacks by militants, security sources said. An army off icer and soldier were killed when an explo- to paramilitary force’ sive went off inside a house they were de-mining in the Sinjar district west of Mosul, and another soldier was injured. In Diyala province, a sniper shot dead an intelligence off icial in an area northeast of pro- Erdogan to discuss Syria with Trump AFP with the illegal acquisition and vincial capital Baquba, and a civilian was killed when a bomb went Khartoum use of foreign funds — offences off inside his car in an area west of the city of Samara in Salahuddin that could land him behind bars province. Islamic State has not claimed responsibility for any of the Reuters Turkey and the United States tablish conditions for the return for more than a decade. attacks but the group is active in all three areas. Istanbul are due to start joint military pa- of a large number of Syrians.De- udan’s ousted leader Authorities had seized 6.9mn trols in the area today, as part of scribing his plan to meet Trump Omar al-Bashir gave euros, $351,770 and 5.7mn an agreement for what Turkey at the UN General Assembly, Er- Smore than $5mn to a par- Sudanese pounds (around CONFLICT urkish President Tayyip says will become a “safe zone” dogan said they would discuss amilitary group, a defence wit- $128,000) from Bashir’s home Three dead in renewed Libya fighting Erdogan said yesterday along the border inside Syria. “what kind of steps we will take” ness said yesterday, apparently “which he acquired and used The expects to meet US Turkey, which hosts 3.6mn ref- along the Syrian border east of the backing claims made by the au- illegally”, a judge told the court At least three fighters aligned with Libya’s UN-backed Government of President Donald Trump at the ugees from the Syrian confl ict and Euphrates river. tocrat at a previous session of on August 31. National Accord (GNA) were killed in an off ensive yesterday aimed at push- United Nations later this month already holds territory in north- “There are diff erences be- his graft trial. But Bashir said the seized ing back eastern forces led by commander Khalifa Haftar, a witness said. to discuss military operations in west Syria, wants to extend its mil- tween what is said and what has Bashir was deposed by the funds were the remainder of the The clashes between the GNA forces and Haftar’s Libyan National Army northeast Syria, where Turkey itary presence into the northeast to been done,” he said in a speech in army in April following months equivalent of $25mn received (LNA) yesterday came after nearly a month of calm. LNA forces launched plans to resettle 1mn Syrian refu- push back Syrian Kurdish militia the Turkish city of Eskisehir. “We of protests against his rule. from Saudi Crown Prince Mo- a surprise off ensive in early April to attempt to take control of Tripoli, where gees. fi ghters from the border and es- must resolve this.” In August, he was charged hamed bin Salman. UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Seraj and his GNA are based.

Angolan former president’s son fraud trial to start on Sept 25 Zimbabweans mourn Mugabe, Pope Francis pleads The trial of the son of former Angolan president Jose Eduardo with Madagascans dos Santos for allegedly trying to steal $1.5bn from the country’s sovereign wealth fund will start but confused over burial to protect rainforest on September 25, a court said yesterday. This is the first time that a mem- Reuters stead of Heroes Acre, it would AFP adding that “most of the trop- ber of the former president’s Harare be a major snub to Mnangagwa Antananarivo ical rainforest could disap- family, which controlled the and ZANU-PF, the ruling party pear by 2040”. The country’s oil-rich southern African nation that Mnangagwa now heads but economy is largely dependent for nearly four decades, will be imbabweans yesterday which Mugabe led for four dec- ope Francis yesterday on agriculture, the export of in the dock. Jose Filomeno dos mourned the death of ades. made an impassioned vanilla and cocoa in particular. Santos was arrested last year for Ztheir founding father Mugabe was feted as a cham- Pplea to Madagascans “The alarm has been raised allegedly attempting to embezzle Robert Mugabe but there was pion of racial reconciliation to protect the Indian Ocean’s by the Pope and we are ready Angola’s sovereign wealth fund, confusion over when his body when he came to power in 1980 unique environment from to take on the challenge,” en- which he headed during his would be returned from abroad in one of the last African states “excessive deforestation”, on vironment minister Alexandre father’s presidency. for burial, two years after he to throw off White colonial rule. the second leg of his African Georget said. He was released in March was toppled in a coup. By the time he was toppled tour. He said Madagascar would after serving seven months in Mugabe died on Friday aged to wild celebrations across the Weeks after a spike of fi res do more to prevent forest fi res, prison and placed under judicial 95 in Singapore, where he had country of 13mn, he was viewed in the Amazon, the Argen- and use tree-planting drones supervision. long received medical treat- by many at home and abroad as tine pontiff told his hosts they and aerial seed bombing tech- The co-accused who will also go ment. a power-obsessed autocrat who should “create jobs and mon- niques to restore its forests. on trial include former central He was one of the most po- unleashed death squads, rigged ey-making activities which “In six months we reached bank governor Valter Filipe da larising fi gures in African histo- elections and ruined the econ- respect the environment and an objective of planting Silva and two others. They face ry, a giant of national liberation Former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe’s nephews Leo Mu- omy to keep control. help people escape poverty”. 40,000 hectares of land charges of money laundering movements whose 37-year rule gabe and Philip Chiyangwa hold hands as they walk at their uncle’s Most residents in downtown Madagascar — famed for its (98,000 acres), but this is and embezzlement. ended in ignominy when he was rural homestead in Kutama, yesterday. Harare said yesterday that they immense diversity of fl ora and pointless when there are for- Zenu was appointed head of overthrown by his own army in were saddened by Mugabe’s fauna — is home to 25mn peo- est fi res” said Georget, adding the $5bn fund in 2013, 34 years November 2017. state-owned companies fl ew minister Energy Mutodi wrote death since he was their libera- ple, the vast majority of whom that laws would be enforced into his father’s reign. The cur- President Emmerson Mnan- their fl ags at half-mast. on Twitter that the plan was tor and had broadened access to live in poverty on an income of and farmers made more aware rent Angolan president Joao gagwa, who worked closely Mnangagwa’s offi ce near still for Mugabe to be interred at education. less than two dollars a day. of the issue. Lourenco, who came to power with Mugabe for decades before parliament had not lowered its the monument. “Even now we have live- More than half of its young Liberal-leaning president in September 2017, fired him in helping to oust him, granted fl ag. Leo Mugabe said the family stock we keep in the rural people are out of work, even Andry Rajoelina was elected to January 2018. him the status of national hero It was unclear whether Mu- would decide the burial site. areas because of him, so it’s if many boast good qualifi ca- a second term last year mainly Jose Eduardo dos Santos’ reign on Friday, while tributes poured gabe would be buried at Heroes “Obviously there is a need to painful to lose our father, our tions. on promises of jobs and hous- was marked by corruption, po- in from leaders across the con- Acre, a monument built with consult with the wife in Singa- grandfather who helped us to The Pope said there “were ing. litical oppression and nepotism. tinent. the help of North Korean archi- pore...but the people that make learn and go to school,” said many causes driving exces- “Corruption and inequality Strategic sectors of the economy There was still no word yes- tects. the decisions are the Zvimba Tongai Huni, a fruit vendor. sive deforestation which ben- outrage us,” said Archbishop were awarded to his close allies — terday afternoon about when The Zimbabwe Independent people, the chiefs, those that Others expressed anger that efi ts just a few people...and Desire Tsarahazana, address- including the state oil giant which Mugabe’s body would leave newspaper reported last month are sitting in that room right Mugabe had left the economy compromises the future of the ing the Pope in his welcome was placed in the hands of his Singapore. that Mugabe, who had cut a now,” he said, pointing to a in a sorry state, with hyperin- country.” speech. daughter Isabel. Despite exten- His nephew, Leo Mugabe, bitter fi gure since the coup, room where more than 20 tra- flation and mass unemploy- The authorities should also At Antananarivo’s Soaman- sive oil, gas and mineral reserves, said the family would meet to- preferred not to be buried there ditional chiefs huddled deep in ment. ensure social justice, he added. drakizay stadium, thousands the majority of Angolans live in day to discuss the body’s depar- because he did not want Mnan- discussion. “We are just trying to deal Madagascar’s British am- of young people — mainly poverty and continue to rely on ture. gagwa to “pontifi cate over his If Mugabe’s family were to with...the harm that he did,” bassador Philip Boyle said the scouts — gathered for a vigil. subsistence agriculture. In the capital Harare, some dead body”. But yesterday, Zim- choose to bury him at his rural said Margaret Shumba, an- country loses around 200,000 They waited for hours in the government buildings and babwe’s deputy information home in the Zvimba district in- other Harare resident. hectares of forest each year, heat. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, September 8, 2019 AMERICAS House panel to spell out Trump probe

By David Morgan, Reuters avoiding a precedent set during silence women claiming to have Washington impeachment inquiries against had aff airs with him. former President Richard Nixon Though the new measure is and former president Bill Clinton. not expected to be introduced he Democratic-led US In those cases, inquiries were until tomorrow, the source said House of Representa- formally authorised by the full the resolution would allow staff Ttives Judiciary Commit- House. attorneys to question hearing tee, criticised for an unorthodox This time, Democrats have witnesses, set procedures for impeachment probe of President steered clear of a House vote that closed-door reviews of grand Donald Trump, is poised to vote could prove risky for Democratic jury material, allow White House this week on a resolution to for- freshmen from swing districts counsel to respond in writing to malise the investigation, a per- where impeachment is unpopu- the committee and usher in other son familiar with the matter said lar with voters. changes. yesterday. For much of the year, House The new procedures could The panel has rebranded what Judiciary Committee chairman be in place for a September was originally an oversight probe Jerrold Nadler has focused on the 17 hearing at which Trump’s of Trump’s presidency as an fi ndings of former Special Coun- former campaign manager Co- “impeachment” investigation, sel Robert Mueller’s investigation rey Lewandowski is scheduled to with the aim of deciding by the into Russian election meddling testify, along with former Trump end of the year on whether to in the 2016 presidential election White House aides Rob Porter recommend articles of impeach- and evidence that Trump sought and Rick Dearborn. ment to the full House. to impede the probe. It was not clear whether the As early as Wednesday, com- Since Mueller’s testimony in panel would recommend the new mittee members could vote on a July, Nadler has broadened the resolution for a full House vote. measure that would better defi ne investigation to include allega- A more formal investigation the investigation, according to tions that Trump has improp- could strengthen separate com- the source, who spoke on condi- erly mixed his business interests mittee lawsuits seeking federal A plane is turned upside down after Hurricane Dorian in Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco. tion of anonymity. with his role as president, dan- court orders to access Mueller The committee’s current im- gled pardons to encourage offi - grand jury material and compel peachment approach has been cial misconduct and paid money testimony from former White criticised by Republicans for during the 2016 campaign to House Counsel Don McGahn. Amid fears of higher Dorian death Nuclear industry wants to toll, islanders scramble to leave By Cyril Julien, AFP fi cials said, and rescuers con- “It’s been almost a week and bour, whose house was partially Marsh Harbour tinued picking through jumbled people are still here. People have destroyed. revive uranium mining mountains of debris in search of no food. People have no water, She survived the storm survivors. and it’s not right. They should packed in a two-bedroom ahamians who lost eve- Morticians with body bags have been gone. Dead bodies are apartment with 16 other people. By Valerie Volcovici and cessity of taking such measures, met a few times, is expected to rything in the devastating and refrigeration units were be- still around and it’s not sanitary.” As survivors began the fi rst Timothy Gardner, Reuters arguing that the United States make recommendations for re- Bpassage of Hurricane Do- ginning to arrive. Those who have made it to steps of rebuilding, arrange- Washington has enough uranium in stock- viving and expanding domestic rian were yesterday scrambling Prime Minister Hubert Min- safety awaited news of loved ments were being made to care piles including the Y-12 National fuel production by October 10. to escape the worst-hit islands by nis said the death toll — 35 so far ones. Diane Forbes, newly ar- for the dead and account for the Security Complex in Tennessee The White House did not com- sea or by air, after the historically in the Abacos and eight in Grand rived at a gymnasium serving as missing. he US nuclear energy in- for submarines, air craft carriers, ment on the discussions. powerful storm left at least 43 Bahama — was likely to climb a shelter in Nassau, was desper- Mortuary workers in white dustry has called for the weapons and energy for decades. Mark Chalmers, president of people dead with offi cials fearing “signifi cantly.” ately searching for her two sons hazmat suits, blue gloves and TTrump administration to “Frankly we have already taken Energy Fuels which along with a “signifi cantly” higher toll. In a statement Friday evening, among some 200 evacuees. masks could be seen in Marsh revive domestic uranium min- care of our naval fuel needs for Ur-Energy Inc fi led the unsuc- A loosely coordinated armada he called the loss of life “cata- On Tuesday, when last she Harbour carrying corpses in ing and enrichment by unlock- next 60 years. We are awash in cessful petition, told Reuters this of passenger planes, helicopters strophic and devastating.” heard from them, her sons told green body bags and loading ing funds through a Cold War- enriched uranium for weapons,” week that the discussions have and both private and govern- The fi nal death toll “will be her that “they were hungry, and them onto fl atbed trucks. era program, in a letter sent to a said Sharon Squassoni, a nuclear focused on how to create a fully ment boats and ships — in- staggering,” Health Minister the scent of the bodies, the dead, President Donald Trump of- Cabinet-level working group. policy professor at George Wash- integrated domestic fuel cycle cluding redirected cruise liners Duane Sands said earlier. was really getting to them.” fered US support, adding in a The August 18 letter from the ington University. for the nuclear industry — from — was converging on the hor- UN relief offi cials said more Dorian, a monstrous Cat- video statement on Twitter, Nuclear Energy Institute, or The US nuclear energy industry uranium to enrichment — similar ribly battered Abaco Islands, than 70,000 people — virtually egory 5 hurricane when it raked that “any cruise ship compa- NEI, to national security adviser is suff ering from high safety costs to what countries like France or the epicentre of the vast storm’s the entire population of Grand through the Bahamas last week- nies willing to act as stationary John Bolton and White House and low prices for natural gas, a China already have. destruction, to help with the Bahama and Abaco — were in end, was yesterday buff eting housing, etc, I am sure would be economic adviser Larry Kudlow, competitor in generating power. “They are discussing whether evacuation. need of assistance after the southwestern Nova Scotia, appreciated!” urges the Trump administration Between 2013 and the end of the government will step in as In Freeport, thousands of storm reduced homes and busi- Canada, with tropical storm- The cruise ship Celebrity to authorise funds through the this year, nine nuclear plants will buyers of domestically mined ura- people, many still disoriented nesses to matchsticks. force winds, the National Hur- Equinox rerouted a planned trip 1950 Defense Production Act to have closed, and eight are sched- nium, which has been classifi ed as by the week’s events, were lining The US Coast Guard, Brit- ricane Center said at 11am. with passengers on board to procure domestic fuel for de- uled to close in coming years. a critical mineral and necessary for up at the port in hopes of board- ain’s Royal Navy and private The Canadian Hurricane bring 10,000 sandwiches to the fence requirements and boost US nuclear companies are national security,” he said. ing a Bahamas Paradise Cruise organisations have been help- Centre predicted a landfall near Bahamas, NBC said. federal reserves of uranium for concerned that China and Russia Chalmers said the miners now Line ship off ering free passage ing evacuate island residents to Halifax later in the day and is- Royal Caribbean said its fl eet nuclear power utilities. are taking the lead in developing have the support of NEI, which to Florida. Nassau, but relief eff orts have sued hurricane warnings for would deliver thousands of In the letter, a copy of which nuclear power abroad. strongly opposed their trade More than 260 Abacos resi- been severely hampered by parts of Nova Scotia and New- meals and supplies, Fox’s Tampa was seen by Reuters, the NEI urg- The United States does not petition because it would have dents arrived on Friday in damaged airport runways, piers foundland. Bay affi liate reported. es unspecifi ed “direct payments have a domestic technology en- raised costs for power utilities, largely spared Nassau on a gov- and docks. Earlier, Dorian brought fl ood- At the Abaco airport yes- to either a US utility or domestic richment facility, and NEI says to pursue federal support for re- ernment-chartered ferry, with a Chamika Durosier was wait- ing and widespread power out- terday, Tanya McDermott was uranium producer for sale of US- reviving that industry will help it viving domestic mining and ura- second en route. ing yesterday morning at the ages but no major damage to the waiting with her husband and origin uranium to a utility.” compete. nium enrichment. Residents described brutal Abaco airport. coastal Carolinas and Virginia. young son for a plane to Nassau. “The most eff ective support Kudlow and Bolton are co- “History says in order to have a conditions facing those still on The island, she said, was un- In the Bahamas, the scene was Their home was badly dam- the federal government can pro- chairs of the United States Nu- domestic fuel cycle, the govern- the islands. safe. very diff erent. With thousands aged. vide to the domestic mining, clear Fuel Working Group, which ment has to be involved,” he said. They said the smell of yet- “The home that we were in of people left homeless, many With the injured given prior- conversion, and enrichment in- President Donald Trump created In July, Energy Fuels said the to-be recovered bodies, along fell on us,” she said. “We had to were growing frustrated at the ity on outbound fl ights, the Mc- dustries is to fulfi l the govern- in July after he rejected a section company could lift production to with rapidly mounting piles of crawl — got out crawling. By the slow speed of relief and evacu- Dermotts waited. ment’s national security needs 232 petition by two US uranium “between 2.5mn to 3mn pounds garbage, was oppressive and grace of God we are alive.” ation eff orts. “We are going to wait around with long-term contracts,” the mining companies seeking quo- per year” under the right condi- unsanitary. She described the increas- “There’s no gas station, no all day if we have to,” Tanya Mc- letter says. tas for domestic production. tions from just under one million Hundreds or even thousands ingly desperate plight of those food stores, my job is gone,” said Dermott said. “We are going to Some experts question the ne- The working group, which has pounds in 2018. of people were still missing, of- left behind. Melanie Lowe of Marsh Har- hope for the best.” Amazon countries meet to bolster rainforest protection

By Rodrigo Almonacid, AFP Brazil’s President Jair Bol- the region and the international eign Minister Ernesto Araujo. Leticia, Colombia sonaro did not travel to Leticia, community,” he said. “We have to give concrete an- citing doctors’ orders. Colombia’s Environment swers,” Vizcarra told the con- However, speaking by video- Minister Ricardo Lozano said ference. “The dimension of the residents and ministers conference, he urged other lead- the new measures include the problem forces us to make drastic from seven Amazon coun- ers to resist calls, spearheaded establishment of an “Amazo- decisions.” Ptries met in Colombia on by French President Emmanuel nian co-operation network” to In a message to the summit, Friday to agree on measures to Macron, to internationalise pro- share information on deforesta- Unesco director general Audrey protect the world’s biggest rain- tection of the Amazon. tion, including weather data to Azoulay called on leaders to “re- forest, under threat from wild- “We must take a strong posi- mitigate the eff ects of climate inforce existing instruments” fi res and rampant deforestation. tion of defence of sovereignty so change, and threats from illegal designed to protect the Amazon. The summit took place in the that each country can develop mining and logging. “These instruments should be wake of an international outcry the best policy for the Amazon “We needed to increase and strengthened, more states en- over months of raging fi res that region, and not leave it in the strengthen the co-operation be- couraged to ratify them, increase have devastated swaths of the hands of other countries,” said tween us, precisely to meet the protected areas, strengthen sur- Amazon in Brazil and Bolivia. Bolsonaro, who is due to undergo great challenges of the Amazon, veillance and action capabilities.” The gathering aimed “to foster surgery today. which are becoming more ex- Brazil contains 60% of the a space for regional dialogue to Seated at a long wooden table treme and more intense every rainforest within its borders, advance the protection and sus- in the shade of tall trees, the rep- day,” he told reporters in Leticia. with the rest spread over areas tainable use of this region, which resentatives of the seven nations Aside from the host Duque, of Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, is essential for the survival of the signed the “Leticia Pact for the other presidents attending were Guyana, Peru, Suriname and planet,” Colombia’s President Amazon” that Duque said would Peru’s Martin Vizcarra, Ecua- Venezuela as well as the French Ivan Duque said. provide greater protection for dor’s Lenin Moreno and Evo Mo- overseas department of French Duque inaugurated the meeting the rainforest, as existing treaties rales of Bolivia. Guyana. in a “maloka” — an indigenous hut had “fallen short.” Suriname’s vice-president Venezuela, despite having a — surrounded by members of the The pact establishes a road- Michael Adhin and Guyana’s large swath of the Amazon, was Tikuna tribe with headdresses of map for safeguarding the rain- natural resources minister Rap- not invited, as host Colombia A Colombian indigenous Tikuna stands beside the flags of Ecuador and Bolivia during the summit for colored feathers in southern Co- forest “not only for the Amazon hael Trotman also attended. does not recognise the presiden- Amazon at the National University in Leticia on Friday. lombia’s Amazon city of Leticia. countries but also the nations of Brazil was represented by For- cy of Nicolas Maduro. Gulf Times Sunday, September 8, 2019 11 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Hong Kong police foil airport protest

Reuters Hong Kong

ong Kong police pre- vented anti-government Hprotesters from blocking access to the airport yesterday, but fi red tear gas for a second night running in the Chinese- ruled city’s densely populated district of Mong Kok in the 14th A man tries to block riot police during a protest in Tung Chung station in Hong Kong yesterday. week of unrest. Police checked for tickets and persed by tear gas followed by tests, including formally scrap- the mainland. Many Hong Kong passports to allow only airline running clashes with police who ping a hugely unpopular extra- residents fear Beijing is eroding passengers through to the air- fi red pepper spray. Several arrests dition bill, but many said the that autonomy. port to avoid the chaos of last were made. concessions were too little, too China denies the accusation weekend, when activists blocked “We didn’t have the numbers,” late. She said Beijing backed her of meddling and says Hong Kong approach roads, threw debris on said one male masked protester “all the way”. is an internal aff air. It has de- to train tracks and trashed the who fl ed from Prince Edward The bill would have allowed nounced the protests, accusing MTR subway station in the near- station, pursued by riot police. extraditions of people to main- the United States and Britain of by new town of Tung Chung. “We’ll be back.” land China to stand trial in courts fomenting unrest, and warned of Protesters also occupied the There were also clashes at the controlled by the Communist the damage to the economy. arrivals hall last month, halt- rail station in Sha Tin, north of Party. In contrast, Hong Kong The US State Department updat- ing and delaying fl ights, amid a the landmark Lion Rock which has an independent judiciary ed its travel advisory for Hong Kong, series of clashes with police. separates downtown Kow- dating back to British rule. warning that US citizens and consu- More than three months of loon from the New Territories But the demonstrations, which lar employees had been the targets protests have at times para- Riot police advance in Tung Chung station, in Hong Kong yesterday. bordering mainland China. began in June, have long since of a recent propaganda campaign by lysed parts of Hong Kong amid The protests have presented broadened into calls for more China “falsely accusing the United running street battles between On Friday night, hundreds of ing protesters on a metro train CCTV footage of the beatings, Chinese President Xi Jinping with democracy and many protesters States of fomenting unrest”. protesters and police who have demonstrators, many masked on August 31 as they cowered on tore down signs, broke turn- his greatest popular challenge have pledged to fi ght on. The overall risk level remains responded with tear gas, pepper and dressed in black, attacked the fl oor. stiles, set fi res on the street and since he came to power in 2012. Hong Kong returned to China at the second lowest of a four- spray and water cannon. Violent MTR metro stations in the Mong Activists, angry that the MTR drew graffi ti on walls. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam in 1997 under a “one country, level gauge, after it was raised on arrests of protesters have drawn Kok district, targeted because of closed stations to stop protesters Protesters gathered again af- announced concessions this two systems” formula that guar- August 7 to refl ect the escalating international attention. televised scenes of police beat- from gathering and demanding ter nightfall yesterday to be dis- week aimed at ending the pro- antees freedoms not enjoyed on violence. Thailand Australia’s east coast battles over 100 bushfi res seeks Reuters more than 65 bush and grass Melbourne fi res were burning yesterday, $251mn with the state’s Rural Fire Serv- ice (RFS) placing an emergency ustralian fi refi ghters warning on three fi res. for palace battled strong winds and “More than 500 fi refi ght- Afast-moving blazes yes- ers continue to protect homes terday as they worked to con- work to control fi res in diffi cult budget tain out-of-control bushfi res conditions,” the RFS said in a that have destroyed at least 21 statement. AFP homes across two states on the The fi rst week of the Austral- Bangkok country’s east coast. ian spring hasn’t historically More than 100 fi res were been a period of high fi re dan- burning in the states of ger but the country’s east coast hailand plans to allocate Queensland and New South has suff ered through two years more than $251mn for Wales yesterday, with the na- of below average rainfall, creat- Tmonarchy “security” in tion’s weather bureau forecast- ing drought conditions in wide the 2020 budget, according to ing little reprieve for fi refi ghters parts of the country. government fi gures seen by AFP due to dry conditions caused by Hot temperatures, low hu- this week, a hike of more than drought and little rainfall over midity, dry conditions and 13% year-on-year. winter. strong winds stoked blazes on The proposal, which still needs In the northeastern state of Friday, with Shane Fitzsim- parliamentary approval, comes Queensland, Premier Annas- mons, the RFS commissioner, four months after 67-year-old tacia Palaszczuk said 51 fi res describing it as one of the worst King Maha Vajiralongkorn was were active on yesterday and fi re days on record. crowned in an elaborate cer- 17 homes had been destroyed, “Working with the Bu- emony. with the risk posed by fi res re- reau of Meteorology, look- It is also the fi rst budget under maining high for several days ing through our data records, the staunchly pro-royalist ad- despite temperatures cooling. we can’t fi nd records where ministration of Prayut Chan-O- “We are not out of this yet, fi re danger ratings have been Cha, a former coup maker turned the conditions are incred- this high this early in the year civilian premier after a disputed ibly dry,” Palaszczuk told in the history of data avail- poll. journalists. able,” the Australian Broad- The funds for the palace were In New South Wales, Aus- casting Corporation quoted included in a proposal released tralia’s most populous state, Fitzsimmons as saying. Fire and Emergency crew battle bushfire near a house in the rural town of Canungra in the Scenic Rim region of South East Queensland yesterday. by the budget bureau, which provided no detailed breakdown on how the money would be used and were labelled only “security fundamentals”. The cabinet agreed on the Rights groups 2020 fi gures Tuesday, and it will Typhoon knocks out power in be proposed to the parliament for review and approval on a later date. urge probe into There are planned increases in defence, fi nance and interior S Korea; North braces for storm ministries, and a slight decrease in education, according to calcu- missing activist lations done by AFP. Reuters King Vajiralongkorn inher- Seoul ited one of the world’s wealthiest DPA was supposed to return for and most powerful monarchies Bangkok dinner, according to a Friday from his beloved father Bhu- powerful typhoon statement by Paris-based mibol Adulyadej, who died in slammed into South rights group International October 2016. AKorea early yesterday, ights groups have urged Federation for Human Rights Experts say his reign has been killing at least one person and Thai authorities to in- (FIDH). more assertive than the re- disrupting power to 57,000 Rvestigate a missing Colonel Krissana Pat- vered Bhumibol, who was on the households before turning to- Laos activist who was last tanacharoen, a Thai police throne for 70 years. ward North Korea, authorities seen in Thailand, amid fears spokesman, said that po- The royal security detail was said. he may have been captured by lice had no information on quadrupled and beefed up to Typhoon Lingling struck the authorities. Od’s case as they were only number more than 1,600, au- island of Jeju and southern port Brad Adams of Human recently alerted to it by the thorities announced last year. cities overnight, knocking out Rights Watch (HRW) in a media. The new king took control power and damaging buildings statement yesterday urged Od is affi liated with the of the Crown Property Bureau as it moved north at 49kph (30 Thai authorities to “imme- “Free Lao” group which ad- (CPB), which has assets in banks, mph), the Ministry of Interior diately provide informa- vocates for human rights and companies and prime real estate and Safety said in a statement. tion on the whereabouts of democracy in Laos and has that experts estimate to be worth A 75-year-old woman was outspoken Laos activist Od taken part in several political $30-$60bn. killed in Boryeong, southwest Sayavong.” protests. Royal family fi nances remain of Seoul, and at least two other HRW suggested Od may Laos is a tightly controlled a closely guarded secret, and people were injured. A total of be a victim of so-called “en- single-party communist state the king is shielded from public 124 fl ights were cancelled, the forced disappearance.” South- that has little tolerance of scrutiny and criticism by a royal ministry said. A large tree branch is seen brought down by strong winds in Incheon yesterday, as Typhoon Lingling east Asia has seen recurring political criticism. defamation law that carries up to The storm is expected to pass hits the Korean peninsula. reports of such cases, where “Od may be the latest casu- 15 years per count. by the capital Seoul and reach countries have been accused alty of increased coopera- But Thais are still fascinated North Korea by about 6pm lo- North Korea held an emer- against the typhoon, unaware offi cials and the armed forces of turning a blind eye to the tion between the government by palace life. cal time (0900 GMT), a minis- gency meeting on Friday un- of its seriousness and seized were preparing to “urgently apprehension of exiled activ- of Thailand and its regional Photos of the newly crowned try offi cial told Reuters. der the guidance of leader Kim with easygoing sentiment,” dispatch forces to dam- ists and even sending them counterparts to crack down king’s royal consort showing the The centre of the typhoon is Jong-un to discuss “urgent the Korean Central News aged areas by using various back home under no legal on their respective dissidents 34-year-old former royal body- expected to pass over the North emergency measures to cope Agency (KCNA) said, add- kinds of alarm and commu- framework. in exile,” Vanida Thepsou- guard and army nurse in cam- Korean capital Pyongyang, ac- with the typhoon,” state media ing that Kim called for full nications means, and secure Od, 34, was last seen in vanh, president of the Lao oufl age fatigues, taking part in cording to a tracking map by the reported yesterday. emergency measures. relief goods and building Bangkok on the evening of Movement for Human Rights military drills and fl ying a small Korea Meteorological Adminis- Kim criticised senior of- KCNA said in a separate equipment and materials and August 26 by one of his co- (LMHR) said in a statement on plane went viral last month. tration posted on its website. fi cials for being “helpless statement that government mobilise transport”. workers at a house where he Friday. Gulf Times 12 Sunday, September 8, 2019 BRITAIN

Labour to target PM short of options as fi nance bonuses rebels seek Brexit delay if it wins PM suggests he will break Corbyn to try to form a majority in the Commons the other day, power the law to avoid asking for government. advisers advise and ministers extension of Article 50 as his The Labour leader has mooted decide.” hopes of election by end of the idea of leading a short-term He was also asked about his Reuters October recede caretaker government, in order own future after a tumultuous London to extend Article 50 and call a week during which he suspend- By Heather Stewart general election. ed 21 Tory MPs, including the and Severin Carrell But many members of the former chancellor Ken Clarke, he British Labour Party’s Guardian News & Media rebel alliance have concerns his younger brother Jo Johnson second most powerful about backing a Corbyn-led stepped down from the govern- Tman has warned of a pos- administration, even for a short ment and as an MP, and other sible ban on fi nancial services oris Johnson’s shrinking period. senior Tories announced their companies awarding bonuses options have narrowed There was further embar- retirement. under a future Labour govern- Bfurther after opposition rassment after it emerged that His brother cited irreconcil- ment, yesterday’s Financial leaders agreed to reject his de- Johnson referred to Cameron as able confl icts between his family Times reported. mand for a snap general elec- a “girly swot” in a recent cabinet and the national interest. John McDonnell, Labour’s fi - tion, until a Brexit delay has paper. Asked about his failure to up- nance spokesman, said in an in- been secured. The leak of an unredacted ver- hold his pledge during the Tory terview with the newspaper that Senior members of the “rebel sion of court documents to Sky leadership campaign to unite he was putting the City of Lon- alliance” who have pledged to News prompted condemnation the party, Johnson said he had don on notice that it was time to block a no-deal Brexit, includ- of the prime minister for sexist promised to “deliver Brexit, end bonuses voluntarily or face ing Jeremy Corbyn and Jo Swin- insults. unite the country and defeat draconian curbs. son, agreed to withhold support During his inaugural prime Jeremy Corbyn. And that’s what “If it continues and the City when the government holds a minister’s questions on we’re going to do”. hasn’t learnt its lesson, we will second vote tomorrow to trigger Wednesday, Johnson seemed Asked again when he would take action, I’ll give them that an early poll. to call Corbyn a “great big girl’s resign, he said: “Er … well … I warning now,” he told the FT. The prime minister report- blouse” in relation to the Labour think after those three objec- “People are off ended by bo- edly wrote to Tory members on leader’s refusal to back an im- tives have been accomplished I nuses,” he said, calling them “a Friday evening pledging to break mediate general election. will … At some point after those refl ection of the grotesque levels the law that will require him to The other reference dates three objectives have been ac- of inequality”. seek an extension of Article 50. Johnson: reportedly wrote to Tory members on Friday evening pledging to break the law that will back to August 16, appearing in a complished.” Citing offi cial data the FT said “They just passed a law that require him to seek an extension of Article 50. handwritten note about the idea With a no-deal Brexit now a record £46.4bn was paid in bo- would force me to beg Brussels of suspending parliament for all but impossible, Johnson will nuses in 2017. for an extension to the Brexit pleted its passage through the has failed to pass a Brexit deal, or But Gauke, one of the 21 Con- fi ve weeks. come under intense pressure to McDonnell said if Labour won deadline. This is something I House of Lords, clearing the way received MPs’ approval to leave servative rebels who lost their The document was initially achieve the renegotiated deal power one of his fi rst moves as will never do.” for it to receive royal assent to- without a deal, by October 19. party whip this week for sup- revealed on Thursday by Down- with Brussels he has always said fi nance minister would be to ex- Earlier on Friday, he said he morrow. Speaking in Scotland on Fri- porting the Benn bill, said John- ing Street as it resisted legal was his preferred option. plore ways of cracking down on would not entertain seeking an- „ A scrawled note leaked to day, the prime minister insisted son would ultimately be left with challenges in Edinburgh and To encourage him to do so, a extravagant payments to bank- other deadline extension from Sky News showed Johnson re- he would refuse to ask for any little choice. London to the prorogation of new cross-party group launched ers and others in the fi nancial Brussels, as the incoming law, ferring to David Cameron as a delay. “During both the leadership parliament, both of which cases on Friday called “MPs for a deal”, sector. expected to receive royal assent “girly swot”. “We’ve spent a long time try- election and subsequently, he were eventually won by No 10. including Labour’s Stephen Kin- He plans to launch a consul- tomorrow, compels him to, if no „ Johnson was criticised ing to sort of fudge this thing, has just boxed himself in, again In Aberdeenshire on Friday, at nock and Caroline Flint, Liberal tation looking at options rang- agreement is in place by October by the chief constable of West and I think the British public and again and again. Just this the end of a bruising week, John- Democrat Norman Lamb, and ing from increasing shareholder 19. Yorkshire police for using new really want us to get out. They week he is now saying there are son was asked twice whether he former Conservative leadership power to restrictions on the size “I will not. I don’t want a de- police recruits as the backdrop don’t want more dither and de- no circumstances in which he would sack his chief strategist, contender Rory Stewart, who of bonuses. lay,” Johnson said. for a political speech. lay,” he said during a visit on will seek an extension. Dominic Cummings, after the lost the party whip this week. McDonnell also wants to ban The BBC reported yesterday „ The prime minister’s fi rst Friday to a farm near Banchory, “But if the law requires him former prime minister, Sir John “Even at the eleventh hour all share options, golden hand- that cross-party MPs, includ- concrete proposal for replacing Aberdeenshire, at which he en- to seek an extension, he either Major, described him as a “poi- it’s not too late to agree a deal to shakes and golden goodbyes. ing expelled Conservatives, had the Irish backstop hit the buff ers countered a prize bull called has to comply with the law, or son” at the heart of government ensure an orderly exit from the The FT said McDonnell was sought legal advice and were following a “disastrous” meet- Keene. resign. Surely he must comply on Thursday night. European Union,” they said in a also drawing up plans to strip preparing to go to court “to ing between his chief negotiator Asked how he would secure with the law?” Johnson did not answer the joint statement. “The media fo- voting powers in takeover situ- compel Mr Johnson to seek a de- and the EU in Brussels. a new deal at the EU summit on In an interview with the fi rst question on his adviser’s cus has been on the short exten- ations from investors who had lay”. Plaid Cymru’s Westminster October 17, he said: “By powers Guardian, Gauke also strongly future but pressed a second time sion proposed by the Benn bill. held a company’s shares for less David Lidington, the de facto leader, Liz Saville Roberts, who of persuasion. Because there’s criticised the Tory party’s direc- refused to give Cummings his “However, we believe that than two years. deputy prime minister when was involved in the rebel talks, absolutely no doubt we should tion under Johnson. unambiguous support. Boris Johnson’s response to the With Britain deadlocked by Theresa May was in Downing said: “We need to make sure that come out … It’s a pointless de- If Johnson did resign, the He answered: “Look … ad- bill should be to ensure he se- Brexit, Prime Minister Boris Street, said it would set a “dan- we get past October 31, and an lay.” Queen would be expected to ask visers, as I think someone said cures a deal with the EU27.” Johnson is seeking a new elec- gerous precedent” if Johnson extension to Article 50. tion. chose to disobey the law. “We were in agreement that Two-thirds of parliament’s Lidington, a former Europe the prime minister is on the run. lawmakers need to back an early minister, told BBC Radio 4’s “Boris is broken. We have an election but opposition parties, Today programme: “It is such a opportunity to bring down Boris, including Labour, have said they fundamental principle that we to break Boris, and to bring down would either vote against or ab- are governed by the rule of law Brexit – and we must take that.” stain on this until new legisla- that I hope no party would ques- She added: “Our intention is tion to force Johnson to seek a tion it. Defying any particular to be here, in this place, to hold Brexit delay is implemented. law sets a really dangerous prec- him to account and to make sure edent.” that he abides by that law.” He said Johnson had con- The brutal treatment of the Gillian Anderson vinced him that he still wanted Tory rebels, and the erratic be- to strike a deal with the EU. haviour of Johnson’s adviser to play Thatcher The former Conservative Dominic Cummings, have pro- in The Crown leader Iain Duncan Smith en- voked growing disquiet even couraged Johnson to break the in cabinet, with Michael Gove Gillian Anderson has confirmed law, saying that he would be seen raising the question this week she is to play Margaret Thatcher as a Brexit “martyr” if judges of whether they could be wel- in the fourth series of The Crown, opted to put him jail for breach- comed back into the party. the Netflix hit. ing parliament’s terms. Gove, who as chancellor of Anderson, said she is “falling With parliament due to be the duchy of Lancaster is in in love” with the “complicated suspended by next Thursday at charge of accelerating no-deal and controversial” character of the latest, it now appears un- planning, asked offi cials to leave Thatcher. likely Johnson will succeed in his the regular gathering of the key Rumours have swirled that the bid to force an election before “XO” committee of ministers former X-files star would be October 31 – unless he takes the on Friday so they could air their playing Britain’s first female nuclear option of resigning. concerns, one source told the prime minister. After a tumultuous week for Guardian – although allies in- The actor, who is interviewed in the prime minister, the rebels’ sisted the meeting was routine. the Observer magazine, grew up pact came as: Johnson was expected to in London, but left when Thatcher „ Former justice secretary spend the weekend plotting his came to power. David Gauke warned that John- next move. Anderson said: “I am so excited son risked turning the Conserv- The passage of Hilary Benn’s to be joining the cast and crew ative party into “Farage-lite”. backbench bill means Johnson of The Crown and to have the „ The backbench bill aimed at will be legally obliged to request Activists hold placards and wave European Union flags yesterday during an anti-government protest calling for the prime minister’s opportunity to portray such a blocking a no-deal Brexit com- an extension to Article 50, if he resignation, outside Downing Street in central London. complicated and controversial woman. “Thatcher was undoubtedly formidable but I am relishing exploring beneath the surface and, dare I say, falling in love with Novelist Le Carre slams Sort it out: UK PM’s Offi ce urges the icon who, whether loved or despise, defined an era.” In an interview with the Observer BA and pilots to avoid strike magazine being published online premier in his 25th book today, she says that falling for the character you are playing is Reuters British Airways has said that for three years if they were to helpful. AFP Johnson is still foreign secre- ropean parliament elections. London the strike action is unjustifi able stage a walkout, the Financial The fascination lay in drawing a London tary in the book, a position he The poll was won in Britain as its pay off er is fair and that Times reported on Friday citing line from Thatcher’s early years in gave up in July 2018 in protest at by the Brexit Party of anti-EU the action will destroy the trav- an internal e-mail seen by the a Grantham’s grocery. former prime minister Theresa populist Nigel Farage. ritish Airways and its pi- el plans of tens of thousands of newspaper. “Just everything that came ritish master spy novel- May’s Brexit strategy. “The thing about Le Carre is lots should sort out a dis- customers. “We make no apology for do- later stems so entirely from her ist John le Carre’s 25th Describing a Britain in “free that he’s always been as much Bpute over pay and avoid “Our view is that nobody ing everything we can to pro- childhood … I am not going to use Bbook condemns “pig- fall”, Nat lists the reasons why at home in Europe as Britain,” strike action scheduled for early should have their travel plans tect our customers from further the word ‘forgivable’, but one can ignorant” Boris Johnson and the he doubts why his country was his editor, Mary Mount, told next week, a spokeswoman for disrupted or their holidays ru- disruption,” a British Airways find compassion,” Anderson says. “lunacy” of Brexit, according to still a democracy that worked the Guardian. “After the (2016 Prime Minister Boris Johnson ined and the unions and BA spokesman told Reuters in re- Olivia Colman will take to the an excerpt published in yester- for its people. Brexit) referendum, there was said on Friday. need to get round the table sponse to the Financial Times throne as the Queen in the third day’s Guardian newspaper. “A minority Tory cabinet of no choice for him except to look British Airways’ pilots are and sort this out,” Johnson’s report. series, replacing Claire Foy, while Set in 2018, Agent Running in tenth-raters. A pig-ignorant at where we are now.” set to strike tomorrow and on spokeswoman said. “The public On Thursday, the airline dis- Helena Bonham Carter replaces the Field tells the tale of Nat, a foreign secretary who I’m sup- The book is scheduled for re- Tuesday, threatening to se- would expect nothing less.” missed a proposal by a pilots Vanessa Kirby as Princess 47-year-old MI5 foreign intel- posed to be serving. lease two weeks before Britain is verely disrupt the airline and British Airways said in a union to avoid strike action Margaret. ligence service member with “Labour no better. The sheer due to leave its closest partners the travel plans of its customers statement late on Friday: “We next week as “unrealistic”, leav- Tobias Menzies will take over doubts about Britain’s fate. bloody lunacy of Brexit,” Nat after 46 years. who have been forced to rebook remain ready and willing to re- ing it little closer to resolving playing Prince Philip from Matt Extracts of the 87-year-old tells his daughter. Johnson became prime min- trips. turn to talks with BALPA.” the dispute. Smith, while Josh O’Connor will writer’s book, to be released on Le Carre is a renowned eu- ister in July, vowing to meet Pilots union BALPA has said However, in a move to curb BALPA had said that it would play Prince Charles and Killing October 17, show Nat revealing rophile who joined dozens of the twice-delayed October 31 that British Airways should strike action, the airline has call off the strikes this week if Eve writer Emerald Fennell will his career choice to his daughter other novelists in urging voters deadline with or without an EU share more of its profi ts with its warned its pilots that they BA had engaged with the off er. play Camilla Shand, now the Steff . to support the EU in May’s Eu- divorce deal. pilots. would lose staff travel benefi ts Duchess of Cornwall. Gulf Times Sunday, September 8, 2019 13 EUROPE

52% of Italians do not like new coalition government: survey Russia, Ukraine DPA with a positive one, an Ipsos poll in which they stood to perform Rome published by the Corriere della badly. Sera newspaper said. Yesterday’s poll showed that If people with no opinion are 45% of Italians expect the gov- taly’s new coalition govern- excluded, the government’s ap- ernment to last not more than ment, which has pushed out proval rating is 41%, one of the a year, and 71% think it should Iof power far-right leader lowest for a new administration, focus on tax cuts and welfare re- in landmark Matteo Salvini, is not popular Ipsos found. forms. among voters, according to a sur- The government was formed On the other hand, only 11% of vey published yesterday. after Salvini’s League party those polled consider it a prior- The new executive, backed by pulled out of a previous govern- ity to reverse hardline migration the anti-establishment 5-Star ment with the M5S. policies championed by Salvini. Movement (M5S) and the centre- Salvini hoped to trigger snap The government is due to face left Democratic Party (PD), is elections and capitalise on fa- confi dence votes in the lower and expected to be softer on migra- vourable opinion polls. upper houses of parliament to- prisoner swap tion and be less confrontational Instead, the M5S and PD, two morrow and on Tuesday. towards the EU. former sworn enemies, unex- It is expected to win them, but Reuters passe in the current situation in But 52% of Italians have a neg- pectedly joined forces to shut probably with a slim margin in Moscow/Kyiv Russia-Ukraine relations,” the ative opinion of it, against 36% Salvini out and avoid elections the Senate. foreign ministry said. Though Ukraine’s demands ussia and Ukraine for the return of Crimea have swapped dozens of pris- fallen on deaf ears in Russia, Roners yesterday in a care- yesterday’s exchange was still fully-negotiated rapproche- seen as a win for Zelenskiy, a ment that brought Western former comedian who swept to praise and could thaw a freeze power this year promising to re- in relations since Moscow’s an- patriate compatriots in Russia. nexation of the Crimea region in The US embassy in Kyiv con- 2014. gratulated him. While the exchange of 35 pris- President Donald Trump oners on each side could help re- lauded both nations, tweeting build confi dence between Mos- that the move was “perhaps a cow and Kyiv and allow them to fi rst giant step to peace”. start talking seriously over other France, which has been push- issues including a confl ict in ing for a summit to resolve Rus- east Ukraine, full normalisation sian-Ukrainian diff erences, said is a long way off . the swap showed improved trust Following lengthy talks, a Ukrainian film director Oleg Sentsov hugs his daughter Alina after and will on both sides to resume Russian aircraft carrying freed he disembarked from a plane at Boryspil international airport in dialogue. prisoners from Kyiv landed Kyiv. “Populations can now hope in Moscow while a Ukrainian for an end to the fi ve-year con- plane with its released prisoners ment issued a statement saying Now all steps must be taken fl ict, which continues to make touched down in Kyiv. that it “seriously regrets that “to fi nish this horrible war”, dozens of victims each month,” The freed Ukrainians includ- under pressure from the Russian he added, referring to the east Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le ed 24 sailors detained by Russia Federation, Mr Tsemakh was in- where Russian-backed separa- Drian said in a statement. during a clash in waters off Cri- cluded in this prisoner swap”. tists control a swathe of Ukrain- The confl ict in Ukraine will mea last year. The statement said Dutch ian territory in a confl ict that be at the heart of the agenda of Ukrainian fi lmmaker Oleg prosecutors did, however, get a has killed more than 13,000 the Franco-Russian Co-opera- Sentsov, jailed in Russia, was chance to question Tsemakh be- people in fi ve years. tion Council on Security Issues, also present. fore his release. Zelenskiy has pledged to end which Le Drian said he would A burning French Municipal Police car is seen on the sidelines of an anti-government demonstration Among those handed to Mos- Ukraine’s security service the regular, low-level clashes attend in Moscow tomorrow called by the ‘yellow vests’ (Gilets Jaunes) movement in Montpellier, southern France. cow was Volodymyr Tsemakh, has identifi ed him as a former that persist despite a ceasefi re together with Defence Minister suspected of involvement in commander of Russian-backed signed in 2015. Florence Parly. downing a Malaysia Airlines forces in eastern Ukraine. The Russian government was One of the 35 freed Russians fl ight over rebel-held east Hugging and shaking hands upbeat. brought a cat with him on the Ukraine in 2014 that killed all with the freed Ukrainians, Pres- “We view the agreed mutual fl ight back to Moscow, released French ‘yellow vest’ activists 298 aboard. ident Volodymyr Zelenskiy told release of persons held in Russia Russian journalist Kirill Vyshin- The airliner was on a fl ight reporters that the swap was part and Ukraine as a positive signal sky told RIA news agency. from Amsterdam to Kuala of his deal with Russian Presi- that should be followed by other “It is a year and three months look to revive movement Lumpur, and the Dutch govern- dent Vladimir Putin. important steps to break the im- old, it is called Mashka,” he said.

AFP try to disperse the crowd. vest” protests erupted last No- Montpellier Several storefronts were also vember. vandalised, and police said three Triggered by anger over a fuel Spanish PM seeks to avoid polls people had been detained. tax increase, they quickly bal- nti-government protest- Rallies of several hundreds of looned into a broad movement ers turned out in several people were held in cities includ- against Macron, accused of ig- DPA Felipe will have to dissolve par- to rule at the head of a minority AFrench cities yesterday, ing Rouen, Strasbourg and Tou- noring the day-to-day struggles Madrid liament and set November 10 as government. hoping to inject fresh momen- louse. of low-income earners in small- the date for fresh elections, the Sanchez is now attempting to tum into weekly demonstrations “We’re all together, we want town and rural France. fourth since 2015. convince UP head Pablo Iglesias calling for social justice and the the government to drastically The protests rocked Macron’s cting Spanish Social- Sanchez has been in offi ce to back his premiership. ouster of President Emmanuel change its policies ... and radical presidency, and he eventually ist Prime Minister Pedro since June last year, after his “We have the necessary seats, Macron. change can only come when this unveiled nearly €17bn ($18.8bn) ASanchez has urged the al- predecessor, Mariano Rajoy of and we have a joint programme. The so-called “yellow vest” government resigns,” said Alex- in wage boosts and tax cuts for ternative Unidas Podemos (UP) the conservative People’s Party All that we now need is for Po- movement had tapered off over andre Chantry, a “yellow vest” low earners to quell the protests, alliance to support him in order (PP), lost a vote of confi dence. demos to take a step forwards the summer, but its leaders are organiser in Lille. while vowing to better address to stave off early elections. He called early elections in and end its blockade,” Sanchez hoping to galvanise support for However only a few dozen voters’ grievances after months Ahead of a September 23 dead- February after Catalan separa- said at a PSOE event in Toledo a fresh wave of rallies as the gov- people demonstrated in Paris, of town-hall debates. line to form a new government, tists refused to back his budget. near Madrid yesterday. ernment embarks on a reform of where the authorities have main- But after attracting 282,000 Sanchez said his aim was a “pro- While Sanchez’ centre-left The larger parties to the right France’s retirement system. tained a ban on protests on the people nationwide at the fi rst gressive government” in the eu- PSOE won the elections held on of the PSOE – the PP, the liberal Police said that around 1,500 Champs-Elysees. “yellow vest” marches on No- Sanchez: Said his aim was rozone’s fourth-largest economy April 28, it fell well short of an Ciudadanos and the right-wing people gathered in the southern The famous avenue was the vember 17, their numbers had a ‘progressive government’ without entering into a coalition absolute majority. populist Vox – aim to prevent city of Montpellier, where a po- scene of burning cars, smashed fallen sharply by last spring, and without entering into a but by drawing in the alliance. At the end of July, the prime Sanchez being confi rmed in of- lice car was set afl ame by a fi re- storefronts and violent clashes only sporadic protests were seen coalition but by drawing in If Sanchez fails to form a gov- minister failed in an attempt to fi ce by the Spanish parliament, bomb as offi cers used tear gas to with police after the “yellow over the summer. the alliance. ernment by the deadline, King have parliament back his attempt the Cortes Generales. Joker wins Golden Lion for best fi lm

AFP prize, saying that Phoenix was Venice “the fi ercest and bravest and most open-minded lion that I know ... thank you for trusting daring nihilistic take on me with your insane talents”. the comic book villain Almost as many headlines are Astarring Joaquin Phoenix, likely to be made by Roman Po- won the Golden Lion for best fi lm lanski, who won the Grand Prix at the Venice fi lm festival yester- second prize for his Dreyfus Af- day. fair drama, An Offi cer and a Spy. US director Todd Phillips (left) with US actor Phoenix and the Golden The movie, Joker, which the After his selection in a main Lion award for Best Film for their movie Joker. Climate change activists are seen on the red carpet at the 76th Venice Film Festival. Guardian had described as “one competition that featured only of the boldest Hollywood pro- two female directors sparked In a year fraught with contro- ductions for some time”, has al- fury from feminists, he was ac- versy over sexual politics, festival ready sparked a heated debate on cused of drawing parallels be- director Alberto Barbera was ac- social media. tween himself and the perse- cused of being “tone deaf” to the Climate change protesters storm red carpet Some have warned that Phoe- cuted French Jewish army offi cer issue. nix’s portrait of a needy, embit- whose story he tells in his fi lm. He included both a Black Lives tered clown who lives with his Polanski, 86, has been shunned Matter drama by the American Reuters during the 11-day event. several hours later, around noon. ger said at a news conference to mother could empower “incels” by Hollywood for decades after Nate Parker, who was embroiled Venice Waving banners that read “The climate crisis has no bor- promote the movie. (involuntary celibates), the an- he was convicted of drugging and in a rape trial while at university, “Our home is on fi re” and “No to ders, why should we stop at some Sutherland said environmen- gry, misogynist young men raping a 13-year-old girl. and the director’s cut of Gasper cruise ships”, the protesters sat border and just care about some tal protesters had “to fi ght hard- blamed for so much far-right and He did not show up at the fes- Noe’s 2002 rape shocker Irre- undreds of demonstra- outside the main festival venue local problems that we have back er” and “get as much support as white supremacist violence. tival, leaving his wife, French ac- versible. tors took over the red and chanted slogans, surrounded home,” said demonstrator Sina they can”, adding those calling However, most critics disa- tress Emmanuelle Seigner – who And Barbera added fuel to Hcarpet at the Venice Film by police. Reisch from the German group for the plight of migrants also greed, with Variety’s Owen also appears in the fi lm – to pick the fi re by saying he “wished he Festival for several hours yester- “We want to address the topic Ende Gelande. “We must see that needed backing. Gleiberman saying that Phoenix up his prize to muted applause had got” Woody Allen’s latest, day, demanding action to fi ght of the climate crisis, we think the struggles are connected.” “When you’re my age ... 85 remade Batman’s arch-enemy and a few isolated boos. A Rainy Day in New York for the climate change and a ban on that it is more important than The demonstrators got the years old and you have children as a “Method psycho, a trouble- The head of the Venice jury, festival. cruise ships entering the lagoon anything that we can see in the support of rocker Mick Jagger and grandchildren, you will leave maker so intense in his cuckoo Argentinian director Lucrecia Best actor winner Italy’s Luca city. world now,” said Chiara Buratti, and veteran actor Donald Suth- them nothing if we do not vote hostility that even as you’re Martel, earlier had to make an Marinelli and his female coun- Wearing white boiler suits, the a member of the Venice anti- erland, who walked that red car- those people out of offi ce in Bra- gawking at his violence, you still embarrassing about-turn after terpart Ariane Ascaride of France roughly 300 protesters sat on cruise ship committee, adding pet later to present their thriller zil, in London and in Washing- feel his pain”. boycotting a gala dinner for Po- dedicated their awards to the the red carpet where Hollywood the demonstrators wanted celeb- The Burnt Orange Heresy. ton. They are ruining the world,” His voice shaking with emo- lanski, only to be forced to clar- migrants who “rest forever at stars such as Brad Pitt, Scarlett rity backing for their cause. “I am glad they’re doing that he said. “We have contributed to tion, director Todd Phillips paid ify that she was not prejudiced the bottom of the Mediterranean Johansson and Joaquin Phoenix The protesters arrived in the because they’re the ones that are the ruination of it but they are tribute to his star as he lifted the against his fi lm. Sea”. have premiered their latest fi lms early morning but left peacefully going to inherit the planet,” Jag- ensuring it.” Gulf Times 14 Sunday, September 8, 2019 INDIA

ELECTION IMMIGRATION ANNOUNCEMENT CONTROVERSY PEOPLE It’s ‘pineapple’, not ‘two Court sets aside order Zomato lays off 541 Protests, skirmishes in Ex-CM Bhattacharjee’s leaves,’ for Pala candidate declaring couple foreigners staff ers due to automation Punjab over TV serial condition stable

The infighting in the Kerala Congress-Mani The Gauhati High Court has set aside an order Online food delivery company Zomato yesterday Several parts of Punjab witnessed minor Former West Bengal chief minister and Marxist party, a part of the Congress-led United passed by a Foreigners’ Tribunal declaring a said that it had laid off 541 people – 10% of its skirmishes yesterday with the Valmiki party stalwart Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was Democratic Front, took a new turn yesterday man and his wife as foreigners and instructed workforce – across customer, merchant and community giving a call for a statewide “stable” in hospital yesterday, doctors said. when its candidate decided to contest the Pala the tribunal to dispose of the matter within two delivery partner support teams. The reason shutdown to protest against the Hindi serial Bhattacharjee, admitted to the Woodlands Hospital by-election as an independent with the symbol months. The tribunal in Jorhat district declared behind the move is an improved Zomato Ram Siya Ke Luv-Kush. The protesters were on Friday night with severe shortness of breath, low ‘pineapple’ and not the party’s traditional Muzibur Rahman, a Border Security Force platform with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven demanding a ban on the TV serial. Tempers oxygen saturation and high carbon-dioxide levels ‘two leaves.’ The by-election on September 23 (BSF) off icial, and his wife Georgina Begum as bots and automation in resolving customer flared up in Fazilka town when Valmikis asked in the blood, received one unit of blood transfusion was necessitated by the death of the party’s foreigners. An assistant sub inspector with the queries that has led to an overall reduction traders and shopkeepers to down shutters. on Friday. “The cause has been diagnosed as acute founder K M Mani in April, who represented BSF, Rahman is posted in Punjab at present. The in direct order-related support queries, the A man was injured as the protesters threw exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary the constituency from 1967. The party has Rahmans, residents of Merapani in Golaghat company said in a statement. The company, stones at the traders. A grocery shop was disease (COPD) with bilateral pneumonitis and been facing trouble since the death of Mani, district, belong to a family of freedom fighters which is at loggerheads with the National also damaged. In Amritsar, all markets were anaemia,” the hospital said in a statement. with a power struggle between veteran party and have documents dating back to 1926 to prove Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) over deep closed. Security was stepped up to prevent Bhattacharjee has been suff ering from COPD for legislator P J Joseph and Mani’s son Jose K their Indian identity. Earlier, retired army off icer discounts in its fine-dining Gold programme, violence. In Nakodar town, a shopkeeper years. He also has diabetes and multiple cardiac Mani for the post of party chairman. Jose Mohamed Sana Ullah was declared a foreigner by claimed it has improved the speed of service allegedly shot and injured a protester, ailments. “He is being treated with necessary named his closest aide Jose Tom Pulikunnel as a foreigners’ tribunal in Assam following which resolution and now only 7.5% of its orders need who was trying to force him to close his intravenous antibiotics, oxygen and non-invasive the candidate. Pulikunnel filed his papers as an he was sent to a detention camp. Although the support (down from 15% in March). The company shop. There were no major incidents of ventilation (bipap) and other medications,” independent candidate, and was allotted the Gauhati High Court granted him interim bail, Sana is planning to introduce its Gold programme violence anywhere in the state, except some the statement said. “He is kept under close ‘pineapple’ symbol. Ullah is still pursuing his case in the court. across multiple cities on its delivery platform. skirmishes, a police official said. monitoring in the ICU,” the hospital said. India’s fi rst ‘water grid’ to be set up in Maharashtra

IANS Jalna, Osmanabad, Latur, Nand- nesses and citizens in a ‘smart’ Aurangabad, Maharashtra ed, Parbhani and Hingoli – has way, with further technological been the perpetual dry bowl of advancements in the pipeline. the state with regular droughts Maharashtra Industry Minis- he country’s fi rst-ev- and water shortages, stunting ter Subhash Desai said that be- er ‘water grid’ costing its development and progress, a sides attracting an investment TRs350,000 crore will state government offi cial said. of around Rs60,000-Rs70,000 Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives to attend a function to announce construction of three new metro railway network lines in Mumbai yesterday. come in the parched Marathwa- Earlier, Modi dedicated to the crore, it will also help gener- da region of Maharashtra in the nation the state-of-the-art Au- ate employment for hundreds of next fi ve years as part of the Jal rangabad Industrial City (AU- thousands of people in the region. Jeevan Mission (JMM), Prime RIC) Shendra Project, India’s Already having attracted in- Minister Narendra Modi an- fi rst ‘Walk-to-Work’ Smart City, vestments of around Rs36bn last nounced yesterday. which targets an investment of year from investors, the value of Rs100tn infrastructure projects to “The Marathwada region will Rs600-Rs700bn from global in- output is expected to be exports benefi t in a big way from this as vestors. worth $11.6bn and industrial it will increase water availability The concept of the hi-tech output of $46.2bn at AURIC. for the people. It will free women AURIC city encompasses hous- AURIC has allotted around 50 be launched in 5 years, says PM from the hassles of having to toil ing schemes, workplaces, shop- plots of 5,25,000sq mt, infra- hard to fetch water,” Modi said. ping plazas to be developed in structure packages of Rs79.47bn To be implemented over the each other’s vicinity including to off er high-value, sustainable IANS The Task Force, which com- that the country must fulfi l the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar next fi ve years, the JJM involves walkable streets, blocks and infrastructure to support long- Mumbai prises top offi cials of various dreams and aspirations of the corridor), but by 2022-2023, it saving water and delivering it to reachable public spaces. term economic vitality, high departments of the Finance past and present and also pre- will shoot up to around 350km the people’s doorsteps to resolve “In the new age digital era quality of life and a knowledge- Ministry and the NITI Aayog, pare for the future from now to which will create a large number their water problems, the prime ecosystem, the requirement of based ecosystem with break- rime Minister Narendra will identify technically feasible ensure a better and happy life for of jobs and ease the suff erings of minister said. business and industries rapidly through in innovation and effi - Modi yesterday said that and economically viable projects the children. the Mumbai commuters. Recalling Ram Manohar Lohia’s evolve and such businesses and ciency, he said. Pinfrastructure projects for the current year, and other “We must ensure that the fu- Besides, he said that of the 675 words that “toilet and water are industries which frame their Prominent investors include worth a staggering Rs100 lakh projects for the next fi ve years, ture generations do not suff er km operational metros in 27 cit- the two biggest problems con- value proposition on the newer Hyosung Corporation, Perkins, crore (Rs100tn) will come up estimate annual infrastructure the same type of problems which ies across the country, around fronting Indian women”, Modi said aspects of intelligence and relat- Caterpillar Group, with more over the next fi ve years in India. investments/capital costs, guide we were accustomed to, and the 400km came up only in the past when these twin issue is resolved, ed smart technologies, it makes companies from the US, Europe, “When the country is moving ministries to identify sources of improvement of each individ- fi ve years of the BJP rule, and women can lead the country. sense to provide them a compre- Russia, China, Japan, South Ko- towards becoming a $5tn econo- fi nance and monitoring to mini- ual will result in the country’s another 600km new lines have Maharashtra Chief Minister hensive ecosystem that itself is rea and others showing interest my, it is imperative for our cities mise costs and delays. progress,” Modi said. already been sanctioned. Devendra Fadnavis said the gov- smart in nature,” Modi said. here. to take simultaneous strides into Modi also hailed the 100-day Earlier, launching major met- Maharashtra Chief Minister ernment plans to bring 168 tmc He said the AURIC City in Au- The AURIC vicinity already the 21st century, for which the performance by his Bharatiya ro railway-related infrastructure Devendra Fadnavis and ally Shiv water to the Godavari river ba- rangabad has not only shown the has Skoda, Siemens, Johnson government will spend Rs100 Janata Party-led government as projects worth over Rs20,000 Sena president Uddhav Thack- sin and then, through the water country but the entire world how & Johnson, Perkins, Liebherr, lakh-crore over the next fi ve “unprecedented and historic” crore for Mumbai, Modi said that eray thanked the prime minister grid, will connect all the dams such ecosystem can work for the Crompton & Greaves, Bajaj, Lu- years,” Modi said, reiterating his on all fronts. these would help make the lives for revoking Article 370 of the and distribute it through pipe- overall benefi t of all stakeholders pin, Endress+Hauser and Wock- comments made in the Inde- “We have been working of Mumbaikars “easy and time- erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir lines to the people. involved. hardt among others. pendence Day speech. speedily in all sectors, whether saving”. state. Earlier, the state government Keeping in view one of the The AURIC will showcase Taking a cue from Modi’s it is the Jal Jeevan Mission, re- Dwelling on the upcoming Modi also urged the people cleared a Rs4,802 crore water core focus areas of AURIC, Smart Governance features like statement, Finance Minister Nir- spect and help to each and every metro railway networks, the to resolve to clean up the city’s grid project for Beed district and which is technology-driven the specially-developed E-LMS mala Sitharaman yesterday set up farmer in the country, setting prime minister said in the past beaches and Mithi River after is working on a Rs15,000 crore solutions, Modi also launched (learning management system) a special Task Force to implement free our Muslim women from the fi ve years alone, projects worth the immersion ceremonies of water grid project for the region, systems like Chat-Bot feature which makes land allotment various projects including so- malaise of triple talaq, or laws Rs150,000-crore have been ini- Ganesha statues on September along with the ongoing Jal Yukt with Investor Management Sys- simpler and effi cient, fully dig- cial and economic infrastructure for strengthening children’s se- tiated in Mumbai. 12, marking the culmination of Shivar Abhiyan. tem and E-Land Management, ital and paperless transactions, projects where this stupendous curity,” he said. Presently, the city has only the 10-day-long Ganeshotsav The Marathwada region – en- which would cater to the needs besides other features. amount would be invested. The prime minister added 11km of the Mumbai Metro (the festival in the state. compassing Aurangabad, Beed, and queries of investors, busi- Kerala woman given Jeweller opens new showroom in Chennai Neerja Bhanot award

IANS Manjit Kaur and Anu Dhingra about the issues facing widows. Chandigarh – selected Sifi ya for the honour She also met a several sick after she met the criteria laid mothers, children, elderly peo- down by the Neerja Bhanot Pan ple and cancer patients, among young woman from Ker- Am Trust, which stipulates that others. ala was given the Neerja the awardee has to be an Indian Sifi ya would update her page ABhanot Award in a solemn woman who when faced with so- on the problems these people ceremony here yesterday. cial injustice, overcomes it with were facing and get public sup- The award was instituted in guts and grit. port to solve their issues. 1990 in memory of Neerja Bh- Akhil Bhanot, managing trus- Today, Sifi ya is helping more anot, an airhostess who saved tee at Neerja Bhanot Pan Am than 300 families by providing several lives while sacrifi cing her Trust, said: “Sifi ya got married them with shelters, constructing own when a Pan Am fl ight from when she was 16 and her stud- toilets in colonies, distributing Mumbai to New York was hi- ies were stopped. Unfortunately, medicines and giving them pen- jacked at the Karachi airport on her husband died when she was sion, Bhanot said. September 5, 1986. 20. She had two children by An emotional Knecht said: The award was presented to then. Sifi ya wished to continue “Though a lifetime has passed, Sifi ya Haneef by Wendy Sue her studies, but did not get any Neerja’s generosity, her human- Knecht, who also worked with support. Not willing to give up, ity and her sacrifi ce will never be Pan Am in the ‘80s and had she took on a part-time job and forgotten. By fi ghting for justice, trained Bhanot in 1986. Knecht resumed her studies. Neerja proved that you can re- specially came here from Los “After a lot of struggle and re- write your story from being called Angeles for the award func- alising that life was very tough a ‘victim’ to a ‘hero’. The message tion. The award consists of not only for her, but also for oth- that Neerja imparted upon the Malabar Group chairman M P Ahammed inaugurating a new showroom of Malabar Gold & Diamonds at Phoenix MarketCity, Rs150,000, a citation and a tro- er widows, she started spending world was ‘do the right thing, Velachery in Chennai, in the presence of Malabar Group co-chairman Dr P A Ibrahim Haji, managing director – India Operations phy. her salary on helping widows.” come what may’. This is what all Asher O, regional heads, management heads and other team members. This is the 13th showroom of Malabar Gold & Diamonds A special jury comprising Sifi ya started a Facebook page of us must do. I too have been in- in Tamil Nadu. three Rotarians – Sneh Popli, called ‘Chithal’ where she wrote spired to follow Neerja’s path.” Gulf Times Sunday, September 8, 2019 15 INDIA No further Karnataka cabinet expansion for now: BJP

IANS the cabinet again in the immediate he assumed offi ce on July 26 for inducted soon, and said the par- “The party’s high command eration (KMF), while S R Vish- the spokesman said there was no Bengaluru future though there are 16 vacan- the fourth time in 12 years. ty’s state unit had no direction has given a free hand to the chief wanath and Renukacharya were ‘quid pro quo’ between the party cies in the 34-member ministry, “The government has been set from its high command on such a minister to decide on the next appointed as political secretaries and them for such a favour. as the government is busy with in motion and the state adminis- move as its national leaders have cabinet expansion and whom to the chief minister with cabi- “You should ask them why arnataka’s ruling Bharati- fl ood relief works and in imple- tration is busy providing relief to also been busy with other devel- to induct and when. There is no net status. they resigned from their as- ya Janata Party (BJP) is menting the budgetary schemes,” the fl ood victims and improving opments. pressure on him from within the Asked if the party was wait- sembly segments, what were the Knot in a hurry to again ex- party’s state unit spokesman G the situation. Further cabinet “With the festival season on party or from outside on desig- ing for the Supreme Court rul- reasons behind revolting against pand the cabinet now as it is in Madhusudana told IANS. expansion will be taken up later the anvil and the state govern- nations or portfolios to be allo- ing on the disqualifi cation of 17 their parties and if there was or is the midst of providing relief to Chief Minister B S Yediyurap- as the party and the chief minis- ment focusing on development cated,” he added. rebel Congress-JD(S) legislators any deal with our party for their fl ood-hit people in two-thirds pa expanded his cabinet on Au- ter are in a hurry now,” Madhu- programmes, there is no pres- Last week, three party legis- for the second cabinet expansion decisions. It will be a diff erent of the state besides stepping up gust 20, inducting 17 ministers, sudana said. sure on the chief minister to ex- lators were allocated new port- amid speculation that some of matter if they get relief from the governance, a party offi cial said including three deputy chief He termed as speculative re- pand the cabinet or induct two folios - Balachandra Jarkiholi them could be inducted into the court, join our party and contest yesterday. ministers, and allocated portfo- ports in the media that two more more deputy chief ministers was made the chairman of the ministry for having paved way by-elections, if held, on our par- “There are no plans to expand lios on August 26, a month after deputy chief Ministers will be now,” Madhusudana said. state-run Karnataka Milk Fed- for the party’s return to power, ty symbol and win,” he said. Sonia meets MP chief minister, voices concern over infi ghting

IANS Congress chief Rahul Gandhi New Delhi named long-time party loyalist Kamal Nath to the post. Scindia was earlier this year ongress interim president given responsibility of Uttar Sonia Gandhi yester- Pradesh West ahead of Lok Sab- Cday met Madhya Pradsh ha elections. Last month, Sonia Chief Minister Kamal Nath and Gandhi made him chairman of expressed concern over infi ght- the screening committee for Ma- ing in the party. harashtra, where assembly polls Kamal Nath, who arrived in are scheduled later this year. Delhi yesterday morning, was However, the Congress in- with Gandhi for over an hour. fi ghting is refusing to die down. Speaking to reporters, Kamal Also yesterday, Sonia Gandhi Nath, who is also the state’s met a delegation of party lead- party chief, said, “I met Sonia ers to build consensus over the Gandhi and she expressed her new Delhi Congress chief’s post, ISRO employees react as they watch the live broadcast of the soft landing of spacecraft Vikram lander early yesterday. India lost communication with the spacecraft just before concern over indiscipline in the lying vacant since the death of it was due to land on the Moon. party in MP.” Sheila Diskhit. The remarks come as a full- On Thursday, Gandhi met fl edged war rages between the Delhi Congress in-charge P C Jyotiraditya Scindia faction and Chacko, former city unit chief the rest. Many Scindia sup- Ajay Maken, Aravinder Singh porters are openly venting their Lovely and Subhash Chopra to anger against Kamal Nath and discuss the issue. former chief minister Digvijaya On Friday, Delhi Aam Aadmi Singh. Party legislator Alka Lamba re- ISRO: 95% of mission This is Kamal Nath’s second joined the Congress after six years. meeting with Gandhi in the last The Congress, eyeing a come- 10 days. On August 30, dur- back in the national capital ing his meeting with her, Kamal it ruled for three consecutive Nath said the party needed a terms from 1998 to 2013 under new state unit chief after the Lok Dikshit, is still unable to put its Sabha polls. Denying any diff er- house in order. objectives achieved ences with Scindia, he said, “It’s On the other hand, the wrong to say Scindia is angry.” Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has Agencies country after the United States, is however “healthy, intact, drayaan-2 was a highly complex The prime minister had According to party leaders, launched the campaign for Delhi Chennai Russia and China to make a suc- functioning normally and mission, which represented a hoped to bask in the glory of a Gandhi is collecting feedback assembly, which will go to polls cessful Moon landing, and the safely in the lunar orbit”, the signifi cant technological leap successful mission, but yester- from Congress leaders over the early next year. fi rst on the lunar South Pole. ISRO said. compared to its previous mis- day he deftly turned consoler- new state party chief and a deci- Meanwhile in Rajasthan, the ndia’s space programme But in the early hours of According to the space sions. in-chief in a speech at mission sion is likely in 10-15 days. birthday of state Congress presi- suff ered a huge setback yes- yesterday, as Prime Minister agency, the lander followed the It brought together an orbiter, control broadcast live on tel- Miff ed over the infi ghting and dent and Deputy Chief Minster Iterday after losing contact Narendra Modi looked on and planned descent trajectory from lander and rover to explore the evision and to his 50mn Twitter many leaders demanding that Sachin Pilot came as a major with an unmanned spacecraft millions watched nationwide its orbit of 35km to just below unexplored south pole of the followers. Scindia be made the state party show of strength for him with moments before it was due to with bated breath, the Vikram 2km above the surface. Moon. “Sisters and brothers of In- chief, Gandhi on Friday sought many senior ministers lining up make a historic soft landing on lander – named after the father “All the systems and sen- As the mission control lost dia, resilience and tenacity are a report in 10 days from state in- to wish the young leader. the Moon. of India’s space programme – sors of the lander functioned contact with the spacecraft, central to India’s ethos. In our charge Deepak Babaria. “I am overwhelmed at this But the mission has accom- went silent just 2.1km above the excellently until this point and Modi sought to comfort glum glorious history of thousands of Followers of senior party love being showered on me by plished 90-95% its objectives, lunar surface. proved many new technologies scientists and a stunned nation, years, we have faced moments leaders have launched a rancor- so many people. This is the the Indian Space Research Or- Its descent had been going such as variable thrust propul- saying India was still “proud” that may have slowed us, but ous fi ght to grab the state party strength of a people’s represent- ganisation (ISRO) said. “as planned and normal per- sion technology used in the and clasping the visibly emo- they have never crushed our chief’s post. Several party lead- ative. In politics, there is nothing In a statement, ISRO said: formance was observed”, ISRO lander,” ISRO said. tional Sivan in a lengthy hug. spirit,” he said. ers recently wrote to Gandhi that bigger than the love of people,” “The success criteria was de- chairman K Sivan said. The space agency said the Scindia be made the state chief. Pilot said. fi ned for each and every phase “Subsequently the commu- precise launch and mission Nasa chief thanks ISRO According to speculations, “My ties with the people have of the mission and to date 90 to nication from the lander to the management has ensured a long Digvijaya Singh is opposed to deepened ever since I started 95% of the mission objectives ground station was lost,” he said life of almost seven years for the The head of Nasa has thanked best in us all,” Nasa chief Jim Scindia’s elevation to the post of working as the PCC Chief. We have been accomplished and after initial applause turned to Chandrayaan-2 orbiter instead the Indian Space Research Bridenstine tweeted. “Even state party chief. shall not leave any eff ort to come will continue to contribute to bewilderment at the operations of the planned one year. Organisation (ISRO) for when a mission doesn’t go as Scindia was in the race for to people’s expectations. Elec- lunar science, notwithstanding room. According to Sivan, the or- “inspiring generations” despite planned, our eff orts inspire the post of chief minister af- tions keep happening, exams also the loss of communication with “The data is being analysed.” biter has suffi cient amount of the apparent failure of the those who come after us to ter the Congress returned to keep happening and now, I am the lander.” The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, fuel onboard for it to operate for agency’s Moon mission. “Space continue reaching for the power ousting the Bharatiya Ja- confi dent that people will shower Blasting off in July, India had which will circle and study seven years. exploration brings out the stars.” nata Party government. But then their blessings on us, he said. hoped to become just the fourth the Moon remotely for a year, The ISRO said Chan- Court rejects Michel’s bail 92% of Kashmir free pleas in chopper deal case from curbs: Doval IANS two-year-old girl were injured New Delhi yesterday after militants van- IANS with other accused persons in to the doctor and other things.” dalised the house of a trader New Delhi view of his aforesaid conduct”. He said Michel was brought to and attacked them in Sopore The judge Kumar reserved his India after due extradition pro- ational Security Advis- for opening their shop despite order for September 7 after the ceedings and has been in custody er Ajit Doval yesterday a warning. Delhi court yesterday dis- conclusion of arguments from thereafter. Nsaid out of 199 police The NSA has also asked the missed the bail pleas fi led both sides. Singh said, “I’m trying to stations in Jammu and Kash- administration to move the Aby Christian Michel in the Michel’s lawyer Aljo K Joseph show that he did everything to mir, only 10 continue to have girl to the All India Institute AgustaWestland scam. said the prosecution has accused infl uence the deal.” restrictions and ease of the of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) “Considering the overall facts Michel of getting kickbacks and Concluding its arguments, clampdown in the erstwhile in Delhi for treatment. Police and circumstances, serious na- giving it to the Tyagi brothers. the prosecution said, “He is one state is completely dependent said the militants are carrying ture of accusations, gravity of “The prosecution said that I of the two kingpins. The other, on Pakistan’s behaviour. out such attacks to instill fear off ence, crucial stage of investi- have taken money through ha- Guido Haschke, is on the run. Doval, who has been in in the minds of the people. gation and aforesaid conduct of wala channels although there We are at the fi nal stage. We Kashmir for the last two weeks “We are determined to pro- the accused, I do not consider it are no details of this claim in the want to start trial in the next four to monitor security and intel- tect the lives of Kashmiris to be a fi t case for grant of bail,” prosecution complaint,” Joseph months. Looking into the gravity ligence issues, said the govern- from terrorists even if we have special CBI judge Arvind Kumar said. of the charges against him and ment has intercepted signals to impose restrictions,” said said. Michel through his lawyer his propensity to infl uence and from communication towers Doval. “The accused is a British na- further told the court that both tamper, he cannot be granted the just 20km off the border. Internet and phone lines tional, having no roots in India. Central Bureau of Investigation liberty of bail.” “We want all the restrictions continue to be suspended in It is noted that NBWs (non- and the Enforcement Directorate Making his fi nal submissions, to go, but it depends on how some parts of Kashmir Valley bailable warrants) were issued have already interrogated him the defence lawyer said, “With Pakistan behaves. It’s a stimu- but communication lines are against him...it is not that the for more than 600 hours. regard to parity, the lordship has lant and response situation. open in Jammu and Ladakh. accused had himself joined in- Opposing the claims of the granted bail to all. I have under- “If Pakistan starts behaving, Doval said there was no vestigation in India or appeared defence, Special Public Pros- gone custodial interrogation. The then we can lift restrictions,” question of army atrocities before this court of his own,” the ecutor (SPP) D P Singh said: “I investigation is complete, so tam- Doval said. He added that as it was only the state police judge observed. couldn’t reach the fi gure of 600 pering with the evidence cannot 92.5% of Jammu and Kashmir and paramilitary which are The court further held that hours even after including the arise as the documents are intact is free from restrictions. responsible for dealing with Michel “cannot claim parity time he took for sleeping, going as said by the prosecution.” A paramilitary trooper frisks a motorcyclist in Srinagar yesterday. Four people, including a public orders. Gulf Times 16 Sunday, September 8, 2019 PAKISTAN

Pakistan listed as one of the least Pakistan denies competitive tourist destinations Internews However, the report also stated published by the Economist In- Islamabad that Pakistan had made strides telligence Unit. in human resources and labour Karachi was ranked 136 out of market of the tourism industry, 140 cities across the world. akistan was ranked 121 out and identifi ed Pakistan as one of The other least liveable cit- of 140 countries on the the most improved countries in ies were Harare, Tripoli, Dhaka, PTravel and Tourism Com- this area. Lagos and, at the very bottom, Indian president petitive Index 2019 released by Pakistan had price competi- Damascus. the World Economic Forum on tiveness as well, the authors of Last year, Karachi was ranked Thursday. the report noted. 137 out of 140 cities but has The country was one of the Overall in Asia, Japan was list- jumped one place this year. least competitive in South Asia ed as the most competitive tour- The Austrian capital Vienna in terms of travel and tourism, ist economy in the continent, retained its ranking as the world’s claimed the report. while China was identifi ed as the most liveable city. The low ranking indicated that largest tourist economy in the For the fi rst time, the city in- use of airspace Pakistan needed improvement Asia-Pacifi c region. dex noted the eff ects of climate to tourist service infrastructure, Japan was ranked fourth glo- change on liveability, with New AFP/DPA ran Khan in view of India’s ac- aff ected major international down in its portion of Kashmir. as well as international open- bally, while China was listed as Delhi and Cairo plunging in the Islamabad tions in Kashmir. routes. New Delhi has long main- ness, safety and security, better 13th globally. rankings to 118th and 125th place Khan’s government said last Yesterday’s decision came a tained that the Kashmir issue health and hygiene, among other Earlier this week. the larg- respectively due to “poor air week it was considering shut- day after Pakistan marked De- can only be resolved bilaterally things, to make progress in terms est Pakistani city, Karachi, was quality, undesirable average tem- akistan said yesterday ting down Pakistani airspace fence Day, which commemo- with Pakistan. of the World Economic Forum ranked as one of the least live- peratures and inadequate water that it had denied India’s to India, but there was no an- rates a brief 1965 war with India However, Islamabad called index. able cities in the world in a report provision”. PPresident Ram Nath Ko- nouncement. over Kashmir. for the international commu- vind permission to fl y through Indian government spokes- “Pakistan fi rmly stands with nity to intervene and vowed to its airspace – access to which man Raveesh Kumar said that Kashmiris for their right to self- take the matter to the United Schools told to is usually granted – due to New New Delhi regretted the deci- determination,” Prime Minister Nations Security Council. Delhi’s recent “behaviour”. sion, and that fl ight clearance to Khan said on Friday during a During a meeting with Khan enrol students to The decision comes at a time a “VVIP” is “otherwise granted visit to military posts and fami- in July, US President Trump capacity only of high tension between the two routinely by any normal coun- lies of fallen soldiers in Paki- said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him to Punjab sets nuclear-armed South Asian try”. stan’s portion of the territory. The provincial education ministry neighbours over the disputed “We call upon Pakistan to India stripped the Himalayan help mediate the Kashmir dis- of Punjab has permitted schools Himalayan region of Kashmir. recognise the futility of such region of its seven-decade- pute. to accept new students. “The decision has been taken unilateral actions,” the spokes- long semi-autonomous status India has strenuously denied However, only those schools in view of India’s behaviour,” man said. through a controversial presi- the claim. that lack full strength in the An armed rebellion against its sights on Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Pakistan had closed its air- dential decree in early August, new educational year have Mehmood Qureshi said in a space to Indian traffi c in Febru- just hours after it imposed a New Delhi’s rule has raged in been permitted to accept new statement. ary after a suicide bomb attack crippling curfew on the pictur- the Indian-administered por- students. “The Indian President had that killed dozens of Indian esque valley. tion of the territory since 1989, A circular issued by the ministry sought permission to use Pa- troops in Kashmir, ratcheted Islamabad responded by claiming more than 70,000 lives outlined the new policy wherein – mostly civilians. corruption kistan’s airspace to travel to up tensions between the two downgrading its diplomatic ties heads of schools have been Iceland, but we decided not to neighbours and prompted aerial with New Delhi in August, ex- Pakistan and India both con- instructed to focus on enrolling permit him,” he added, without dogfi ghts. pelling the Indian envoy, sus- trol parts of Kashmir, but each students to capacity. Internews fi cers who have been reported giving further details. It reopened its skies for all pending trade and calling back lays claim to the entire region Those schools that are full have Lahore by the public for taking bribes, Qureshi said the decision was civilian traffi c in July, ending its ambassador in a deepening since the countries gained inde- been barred from taking on particularly those working in approved by Prime Minister Im- months of restrictions that had row over New Delhi’s clamp- pendence from Britain in 1947. additional students. registries of the fi nance de- n a bid to make Punjab free partment. of corruption, the provin- Moreover, drug inspectors at Icial government has de- the health department, offi cers cided to tighten the noose on working for the National Ac- All in a day’s work government offi cers and em- countability Bureau (NAB) and Judges hearing ployees involved in or accused regional directors will also be of such practices. monitored for corruption. To this end, it will launch a Action will also be taken crackdown on corrupt civil and against offi cers found to have PML-N leaders’ police offi cers and absconding stakes in illegal housing socie- government employees. ties and co- operative housing Special directives were is- schemes. sued to arrest the culprits. According to the sources, cases recalled According to Punjab’s anti- about 519 government em- corruption department, Chief ployees, found to be involved in Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar corruption, are at large, while Internews away on summer holidays. has instructed that special 221 are absconders in diff erent Lahore Mushtaq Elahi was hearing squads be sent to all district cases. several NAB references. police offi cers (DPOs) of Pun- In this regard, the Punjab Talking to reporters, Sanaul- jab to arrest proclaimed of- chief minister has directed all hree district and ses- lah’s counsel described the fenders and corrupt employees regional police and district sions judges hearing latest development as unprec- after Ashura. police offi cers to facilitate the Tthe cases against Paki- edented, saying that the gov- According to details, the anti-corruption department stan Muslim League – Nawaz ernment was trying to decide matter was discussed at the all whenever they need to raid of- (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaul- which judge it wanted on the regional directors’ conference fi ces or arrest the offi cers con- lah and members of the Sharif case. presided over by the Punjab cerned. family have been directed to Advocate Azam Nazir Tarar anti-corruption director-gen- They have also been told report to the Lahore High said the arguments had con- eral Nafees Gohar. to provide a special squad of Court (LHC). cluded in the case when the He said that in order to make police to the anti-corruption The LHC registrar’s offi ce is- government decided to with- Punjab corruption-free, action department immediately per sued a notice to Judge Masood draw the judge through a noti- will fi rst be taken against cor- their needs. Arshad of the special court for fi cation. rupt professionals within the Gohar also directed regional control of narcotics substance The PML-N criticised the department. directors to take special meas- (CNS) and judges Mohamed repatriation of the judge over Thereafter, the crackdown ures so that there is smooth Naeem Arshad and Mushtaq WhatsApp in the midst of will be launched against cor- co-ordination among police Elahi of accountability court- Sanaullah’s case hearing, call- rupt personnel in other gov- offi cers when it comes to ar- V and accountability court-I, ing it the “most vicious attack” ernmental departments. resting the corrupt offi cers. respectively. on judiciary. “The government has giv- He also directed them to “The Hon’ble Chief Justice PML-N central leader Ah- en me the task to make the gather details of the assets [of the LHC] has been pleased san Iqbal and information sec- province free of corruption, possessed by all the offi cers to repatriate you and direct you retary Marriyum Aurangzeb therefore, my priority is the and employees of the anti- to report to this court forth- said it was the fi rst time in self-accountability of the corruption department before with for further orders,” it read. country’s history that a judge anti-corruption department,” the end of September and cre- The law ministry had issued had been taken off a case and Gohar said. “I am given a free ate an organised record. a notifi cation on August 26 for transferred during the hearing hand to eradicate corruption Gohar said that records of repatriating the judges. of a case. and all accused individuals all past megaprojects will be On August 28, Masood Ar- The judge was not even hon- will be held accountable very rechecked to reveal cases of shad was forced to stop the oured with a formal notifi ca- soon.” corruption, adding that the hearing of a drug smuggling tion, they said. Sources said that in the light “complaint mafi a”, who black- case against Sanaullah, the Iqbal said the law ministry of clear directions from the mails government employees PML-N Punjab president, had taken every judge hearing government, the divisional di- will also be eradicated during midway after learning through the cases of PML-N leaders rectors of the anti-corruption the clampdown. a WhatsApp message that he off their cases and transferred department have been told “My doors are open to eve- had been transferred to the them. that swift action should be ryone and people are free to LHC. In July this year, the An- taken against corrupt govern- come here and lodge their Naeem Arshad was hear- ti-Narcotics Force arrested ment employees irrespective complaints against corrupt ing the Ramzan Sugar Mills Sanaullah, claiming that it of their rank, portfolios, or police offi cers and government case against Shehbaz Sharif, had found “a large quantity of years of service. employees,” he assured. “The the Chaudhry Sugar Mills drugs” in his vehicle. The government further names of the informants will case against Maryam Nawaz Sanaullah, who served as the Day labourers wait for work alongside their sledgehammers on a street in Karachi. instructed the department to be kept secret for their safety and her cousin Yousuf Abbas, Punjab law minister during the take special action against of- and security.” and money laundering cases previous PML-N provincial against Hamza Shehbaz and government, was arrested on Salman Shehbaz. the Islamabad-Lahore mo- Court acquits He was presiding over these torway near Sukheki, while he cases in the capacity of a duty was traveling from Faisalabad suspects in judge judge as the main judge was to Lahore. video scandal Social media helps bring justice for family An Islamabad court has acquitted Woman police offi cer presents handcuff ed Nasir Janjua and two others in Internews land they had purchased from In their quest for justice, the quently end in bloodshed. lawyer who slapped and abused her to court the “Judge Arshad Malik video Peshawar him. family of the victims decided For every person killed by a scandal”. After months of wrangling to share the entire incident on gun, many more are injured, A woman constable has brought to court the lawyer who had At the hearing, the Federal over the transaction, the men social media, which made the maimed, and forced to fl ee their slapped her a day earlier in the Punjab’s Sheikhupura district. Investigation Agency (FIA) he wheels of justice roll were invited to negotiate a set- wheels of justice turn. homes. Advocate Ahmed Mukhtar had slapped Constable Faiza Nawaz in cleared the names of the three slowly against the infl u- tlement with the owner. Their post triggered demon- Still, many more live under Ferozewala courts when she told him not to park his car at one of its suspects after determining that Tential, but they grind ex- The argument turned ugly strations in the area and eventu- constant threats of gun vio- checkpoints. no evidence was found against ceedingly well when they do. after the men arrived, and the ally, law enforcement agencies lence. She had requested him to remove his car, telling him that it would Janjua, Khurram Yousaf, and As frustrating this may be, brothers were gunned down. were forced to bring the accused While life would never be the become an inconvenience to others. Ghulam Jillani. one Charsadda family found Witnesses said that the land- back to Pakistan. same for members of Kashif, The lawyer then abused Nawaz, kicked her in the shins and slapped On September 2, the FIA had some solace in the fact that jus- lord refused to transfer the own- “Our post compelled author- Sajjad, and Shabbir’s family, her. arrested the three men in relation tice always wins. ership of the property despite ities to take action against the they anxiously hope that justice Sheikhupura District Police Off icer Ghazi Salahuddin took notice to accountability court judge And to get the justice that receiving a signifi cant portion of landlord, who left the country would be delivered. of the incident and lodged a first information report (FIR) against Malik’s video scandal case. their slain loved ones deserved, the payment and at some point, after the incident in May,” said However, it would not have Mukhtar. Earlier this summer, a video they had to take their case to so- during the meeting, he went Ilham, a grieving relative. been possible without that one Shortly thereafter, Ferozewala police arrested Mukhtar. went viral on social media and cial media. berserk and killed the brothers. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa post on social media. The police then plastered posters of the locked-up lawyer wearing purportedly showed Malik Kashif, Sajjad, and Shab- Like most true crime stories (KP), where weapons welded Supported by a distant rela- handcuff s around the town. admitting to passing a verdict bir received a volley of bullets, with Hollywood-esque details from scrap metal are cheaper tive, the grieving widows will The chain and keys to his handcuff s were handed over to Nawaz, against former prime minister only because they asked an in- that leave you shaken, the vil- than smartphones, disputes have to come to terms with the who then presented him in the court. Nawaz Sharif despite a lack of fl uential landlord in Charsadda lain escaped justice, fl eeing to over the ownership of land and realities of surviving in KP’s evidence. to transfer the ownership of the Malaysia. other domestic issues, fre- male-dominated society. Gulf Times Sunday, September 8, 2019 17 PHILIPPINES Court seeks arrest of Communist party chief

By Catherine S Valente in talks to end the commu- Manila Times nist movement’s five-decade armed insurgency. The warrant also covered ommunist Party of the known communist leaders Ro- Philippines (CPP) found- dolfo Salas, Leo Velasco, Jose Cer Jose Maria “Joma” Si- Luneta and Prudencio Calubid; son and 37 other members of the NDFP peace consultant Edu- organisation will have their day ardo Sarmiento; former priest in court, Malacanang said, as it Nick Ruiz; and Sison’s wife, welcomed a Manila court’s issu- Juliet. ance of an arrest warrant against Sison and Juliet, a former the rebels. communist peace negotiator, Sison and his co-accused were have been in self-exile in The tagged in the so-called “Inopa- Netherlands for some three can massacre,” a 1980s purge of decades now. CPP members accused of various The murder case against Sis- off ences in Leyte province, ac- on and other CPP members was cording to arrest warrant issued filed in 2006 after skeletons of President Rodrigo Duterte along with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander Murad Ebrahim (third right) and other government off icials inspect handed-over on August 28 by Judge Thelma 67 alleged victims were discov- weapons by MILF rebels during the decommissioning ceremony in Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao province, in the southern island of Mindanao, yesterday. Bunyi Medina of the Manila Re- ered in Subang Daku Village in gional Trial Court Branch 32. Inopacan town. “Like in any other case pend- Sison claimed the bones were ing before any court of law, the collected from various cem- Offi ce of the President respects eteries by National Security the decision of Presiding Judge Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Thelma Bunyi Medina in rela- when he was still military chief tion to the mass purging brought under then-President Gloria about by the armed wing of the Macapagal Arroyo. CPP, the New People’s Army, in At the time of the supposed MILF fi ghters hand the 1980s,” Palace spokesman massacre, Sison said he was Salvador Panelo said in a state- under maximum-security de- ment tention and “was not in any po- “The law is no respecter of sition then to go over the head any transgressor and prosecu- of the leadership of the CPP tion, therefore must proceed in and revolutionary movement.” accordance thereof. Sison, et al. In a Facebook post on Fri- over guns in peace deal will have their day in court,” he day, he maintained that this added. was a “fake” plot, saying that AFP southwestern provinces where was 10 years old, but now plans Panelo, who also serves as authorities under Arroyo col- Sultan Kudarat most of the Muslim minority to sell rice. “We are civilians President Rodrigo Duterte’s top lected bones from various cem- live, MILF commander Murad now and won’t be carrying guns legal counsel, said the Palace was eteries to frame the communist Ebrahim told reporters. any more,” he said. “one with the families and loved rebels for murder. ebels in the Philippines But “if people no longer feel Saida Limgas, a 66-year-old ones of the victims in calling Sison also reiterated that he began handing over their they need fi rearms to survive former fi ghter, warned she and for justice, the warrant of arrest and the other suspects were in Rguns to independent then they will easily give them others would take up arms again shall be served as directed upon jail at the time of the supposed foreign monitors yesterday, as up”, added Ebrahim, who is also if poverty continues to hound us by the judiciary.” killings. part of a treaty aimed at end- chief minister of the area that their communities. “Mr Sison should unchain The CPP leader also accused ing a decades-long separatist has its own regional parliament, “The war will resume if the himself from his exile and face Duterte of using the case to jus- insurgency that has left about but no separate police force or government reneges on what the music. His illusive if not illu- tify a mass arrest, and to drive 150,000 people dead. military. About a third of MILF it promised us,” added Limgas, sory dream of wresting political public attention away from the Just over a thousand guerril- combatants and their weapons who said she dropped out of a power from the present dispen- controversial release of almost las in the country’s restive south are to be initially retired over Catholic-run high school and sation should give way to a prin- 2,000 heinous crime convicts, were turning in 940 weapons in the coming eight months. became a rebel courier and cook cipled and courageous stand to whom the president ordered to a single day, the start of a grad- Each retired fi ghter will re- in 1969 after soldiers killed sev- face trial,” he added. surrender. uated decommissioning process ceive a million pesos’ ($19,000) eral of her cousins. “He is welcome to come home “Duterte is apparently trying that aims to turn the country’s worth of cash, scholarships, The second phase of decom- to avail of his constitutional to carry out his previous threat largest rebel force into a regular health insurance, and training missioning involving the main right to confront his accusers to make trouble for his oppo- political party. to become productive civilians. bulk of MILF fi ghters kicks in and prepare for his defence,” nents and other people who are The Moro Islamic Liberation Elderly Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels attend the Rebels facing criminal cases next year, with the rest to un- Panelo said. Red-tagged,” Sison said The Front (MILF) fi ghters who were decommissioning ceremony in Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao. related to the insurgency will dergo the process before 2022. The court’s arrest warrant Armed Forces of the Philipines demobilised yesterday repre- be granted amnesty, while those With the MILF pact, hardlin- came after an order was issued (AFP) also said it was “elated” sent a symbolic fi rst step to- almost-daily threat. Intelligence, which monitors qualifi ed can train to join the ers now pose the biggest threat to by Medina on Aug 22, 2019, fi nd- about the court order to arrest wards retiring what MILF says A bomb hidden in a parked militant activities worldwide. security forces, Duterte’s peace security in the southern Philip- ing probable cause that the “ac- Sison. is a force of 40,000 in the com- motorcycle exploded near a The decommissioning proc- adviser Carlito Galvez told re- pines. In a January attack claimed cused committed the off ence as “This is a crime against hu- ing years. market in Isulan town early yes- ess “should not lead to expecta- porters. by IS, an Indonesian couple car- charged in the amended infor- manity. Though it’s too early “The war is over...I have no terday, just hours before Presi- tions that it is going to result in “Let me assure our MILF ried out suicide bombings at a mation.” to claim victory, we are happy fi rearms left,” said Paisal Ab- dent Rodrigo Duterte was to a major deceleration in attacks”, combatants that the govern- Catholic cathedral on the island No bail was recommended for for the Filipino people — es- dullah Bagundang, 56, a self- witness the decommissioning said Francisco Lara, senior con- ment will assist you as you re- of Jolo, killing 21 people. the 38 accused. pecially for the families of the described veteran of more than ceremony some 40 kilometres fl ict adviser for Asia at watch- integrate into society and enjoy In 2017, local and foreign mili- Aside from Sison, National victims of this heinous crime 100 fi refi ghts with government away in Sultan Kudarat. dog International Alert, noting fruitful and productive civilian tants fl ying the IS fl ag seized the Democratic Front of the Philip- — because the wheels of jus- security forces since the 1970s. Police said eight people were that the general public in the lives,” Duterte told the ex-rebels city of Marawi, sparking a fi ve- pines’ (NDFP) chief negotiator tice shall begin to grind,’ Ma- But the disarmament will injured in the attack that was region are also armed. in a speech yesterday. month battle that fl attened the Luis Jalandoni was also ordered rine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, take time to make an impact later claimed by the Islamic Acquiring a gun is “like buy- Suharto Abdullah, 36, said he city centre and left more than arrested. also AFP spokesman, said in a in a place where violence is an State group, according to SITE ing fi sh in the market” in the had joined the MILF when he 1,000 people dead. The NDFP represents rebels statement. Faeldon ‘must be held Two prisoners linked to Seven hurt liable for convicts’ release’ in blast at

By Javier J Ismael in the release of prisoners, par- sisters’ killing back in jail market Manila Times ticularly those convicted for hei- nous crimes. While there might be no evidence to show Faeldon By Jan Arcilla nila de la Victoria and Conrado Reuters acked Bureau of Correc- was involved, it is evident that Manila Times Cortes. Manila tions (BuCor) director Ni- “there is incompetence or neg- Negro was convicted of Scanor Faeldon and other ligence for having failed to catch murder; de la Victoria, parri- offi cials of the agency should be this kind of anomaly happening wo of the three men cide; and Cortes, robbery with n explosion at a public held liable for the illegal release under his very nose,” he added. convicted of raping and homicide. market in the southern of hundreds of prisoners, Senate The Senate blue ribbon and Tkilling sisters Marijoy The Police Region Offi ce 2 APhilippines wounded at Minority Leader Franklin Drilon justice committees said more and Jacqueline Chiong who (PRO2) said 28 freed convicts least seven people early yes- said yesterday. witnesses in the “GCTA for sale” were released by the Bureau of surrendered — 17 in Cagayan, terday, the fourth blast in that Drilon said the Offi ce of the scandal would appear on Mon- Corrections (BuCor) are back fi ve in Isabela, four in Nueva area in 13 months, the military Ombudsman would determine day. behind bars, Justice Secretary Vizcaya and two in Quirino. said. what charges would be fi led Malacanang also yesterday Menardo Guevarra said yes- Brig. Gen. Jose Mario Es- There was no immediate against Corrections bureau. gave assurances that all those in- terday. pino, PRO2 director, said the claim of responsibility for the “That is up to the Ombuds- volved in the alleged irregulari- Guevarra said Ariel Balansag convicts were transported blast, but a militant group op- man,” he said in a radio inter- ties in the computation of good and Albert Cano surrendered back yesterday to the BuCor. erating in the mostly Christian view. conduct time allowance would late Friday to BuCor offi cials in “We will continue to track city of Isulan in the province of President Rodrigo Duterte be prosecuted. Muntinlupa City. down convicts who availed of Sultan Kudarat was among the has been urged to suspend oth- “The Offi ce of the President BuCor spokesman Sonny the GCTA and will facilitate suspects, military said. er BuCor offi cials linked to the assures the public that those in- del Rosario confi rmed that the Guevarra: confirming convicts’ surrender their surrender in their re- The latest blast comes at a questionable release of con- volved in corruption or incom- two convicts surrendered to spective area of responsibility time of heightened tensions victs under the Good Conduct petence in implementing the law them at 9.55pm. Larranaga, a great-grandson that they (Cano and Balansag) before the deadline given by in the volatile southern Phil- Time Allowance (GCTA) Law to on GCTA will be prosecuted. The third convict, Josman of the late President Sergio surrendered,” she told Manila President (Rodrigo) Duterte,” ippines after three incidents avoid tampering of government Such prosecution will include Aznar, is expected to surrender Osmena Sr; Rowen Adlawan; Times. Espino said. in the past year authorities records. Drilon said BuCor of- those who allegedly resorted to next week, he added. James Andrew Uy; and Uy’s “I also want Josman Aznar Duterte on Wednesday or- said were suicide bombings by fi cials defi ed an order issued by the GCTA for sale scheme in the The three men were released brother who was a minor at to surrender. dered the convicts who were militants linked to the Islamic the Department of Justice that Bureau of Corrections,” Palace through a memorandum dated that time. I hope and pray that he will freed through the GCTA to State.Video footage showed the issuance of parole orders spokesman Salvador Panelo said Aug 16, 2019, which stated that Larranaga, a Spanish citi- surrender,” said Chiong. surrender within 15 days or yesterday’s blast occurred in a must be reviewed by the secre- in a statement. “We will be fair under the Good Conduct Time zen, is serving his sentence in Del Rosario said 72 heinous they will be considered fugi- parking space for motorcycles. tary of Justice. and impartial, as we will enforce Allowance (GCTA) Law, they Spain. crime convicts, who benefi ted tives. A suspected improvised ex- The senator said the testi- the law not just against the of- “served 40 years upon retro- Thelma Chiong, the mother from the GCTA Law, have sur- According to the Correc- plosive device was placed be- mony of Yolanda Camelon, the fi cials who served the current active application of RA (Re- of the victims, said she was rendered in diff erent penal tions bureau, 1,914 heinous side a parked motorcycle, Ma- wife of an inmate who allegedly administration, but also against public Act) 10592.” happy that the two convicts colonies and police stations. crime convicts were released jor Arvin Encinas, a regional paid P10,000 for her husband’s those who served during the Four others were convicted had surrendered. In Cebu, three inmates sur- under the GCTA Law from military spokesman, told re- release, underscores corruption previous one,” he added. of the crime — Francisco Juan “It’s very good. I am happy rendered — Jesus Negro Jr, Da- 2014 to 2019. porters. Gulf Times 18 Sunday, September 8, 2019 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 Europe gains total access to reliable Qatar LNG supplies

European customers will have total access to reliable LNG supplies from Qatar with QP booking ‘full LNG regasifi cation capacity’ of Belgium’s Zeebrugge terminal for the next 25 years. Qatar Petroleum and its affi liates and the Belgian independent natural gas transport company Fluxys Belgium recently signed a long-term agreement for “LNG unloading services” at the Zeebrugge LNG Terminal. Under the agreement, Qatar Terminal Limited (QTL), a subsidiary of Qatar Petroleum, will subscribe to the full Democracy overboard: Murdoch’s capacity at the terminal from the expiry of the existing long- term unloading contracts and up to 2044. The Zeebrugge LNG Terminal in Belgium was commissioned in 1987. It has since developed, together with long war on Australian politics the Zeebrugge area as a whole, into a central crossroads for North West Europe’s gas network. are driving Australia’s national China Murdoch’s agenda is patently $750,000 fundraiser for the Liberal Qatar is the only gas producing country with long-term By Kevin Rudd hysteria with “Reds under every bed” ideological, commercial and of party at Nine headquarters, as if this Canberra contracts for imports of LNG into North West Europe. rapidly morphing into the “Yellow course political. But it is also global. was now perfectly normal, before a Located at the point where a number of gas pipelines meet, Peril”, as one giant throwback to 1950s Across much of the Anglosphere, belated apology after a backlash from the terminal plays a key role in Europe’s natural gas supplies. ustralia has become a McCarthyism, where any dissenting these debates occur in parallel. But reporters. The terminal is operated by Fluxys LNG, part of Belgian complacent country. views are attacked as being in Beijing’s interestingly not in Canada – because The time has come for a full royal independent natural gas transport company Fluxys. Complacent about its future pocket. The Murdoch media – in Murdoch is not in Canada. commission into the ownership and For Qatar, Europe economic competitiveness. Australia, the US and in the UK – led And for those who think it will operation of the media in this country. A the charge to go to war in Iraq in 2003; all expire when Rupert dies, there’s Murdoch has too much power. The is a key market for its Complacent about climate change. Qatar is the only liquefi ed natural gas Complacent about how to navigate 16 years later we are still paying the another Murdoch in waiting. Lachlan rest of the print media is now heading (LNG), which was our future in the region given price in Iraq, Syria and an emboldened is every bit as conservative as his to the right. The ABC, under systemic Iran. In the UK, Murdoch backed father, including being a climate editorial and budgetary attack, its gas producing highlighted by HE the China’s rise, America’s response and a neighbourhood increasingly both Brexit and, for a time, Scotland change denier. Murdoch has cultivated board repoliticised by the government country with Minister of State for torn between the two. Complacent breaking away from Britain. In the an atmosphere of fear in Australia. in defi ance of the ABC Reform Act Energy Aff airs Saad bin too about the gradual erosion of our US, Murdoch’s Fox has been the great Debating Murdoch’s power has long (2012), is now frightened of its own long-term Sherida al-Kaabi, also democracy itself through a growing Trump enabler. Indeed, without Fox, been eff ectively off -limits. Politicians, shadow. And social media off ers no the President & CEO “pay for play” culture from fi nancial it’s doubtful Trump would have been academics, corporates, even journalists credible alternative as a common, contracts for of Qatar Petroleum, at donations to political parties, an elected. and commentators from other news neutral platform for any form of the signing ceremony in increasing assault on the independence The Murdoch commercial agenda organisations are fearful for their own national political conversation. imports of LNG Brussels. of the public service and the abuse of in the 2013 election was also on full reputations, because they know from Taken together with Clive Palmer’s display. My government had advanced experience that Murdoch’s editorial Al-Kaabi said, “We monopolistic media power. $60mn paid campaign against Labor into North West The latter, in particular, is perverting a fi bre optic to the premises NBN henchmen will come after anyone who leading up to the last election (the likes are delighted to sign this our national politics, undermining the across Australia as part of a $42bn attacks them, with a view to shredding of which we have never seen before Europe. landmark agreement public commons on which the nation plan. Murdoch was determined to kill the off ender’s reputation. Murdoch in our politics), the growing swagger today to extend and can conduct a balanced policy debate it because it represented a threat to editors see no need to correct the of the conservative’s general assault expand our existing long-term partnership with Fluxys on our national future. The Murdoch his only signifi cant profi t centre left in record when they print inaccuracies on the independence of the public Belgium for decades to come. We believe this arrangement media has mutated to become a Australia, the Fox cable entertainment or just make stories up. After all, who service and other national institutions will further support our customers in Belgium and Europe cancerous growth on our democracy. It network. Why? Because the NBN we is going to have the guts to challenge like the ABC, together with the new in general, by providing access to reliable LNG supplies from no longer even pretends to be a media were building would enable Foxtel them? Which is why we have such intellectual respectability now being Qatar and allowing our customers to maximise the utilisation organisation, separating out news competitors such as Netfl ix to provide a deafening national silence in this accorded the authoritarian right both direct entertainment products to the country on the problem which dare not in this country and across the west, we of such supplies.” coverage from editorial option. Instead it has become a de facto political home. speak its name: Murdoch. can no longer simply assume, in the “Qatar Petroleum has long invested in and anchored LNG party prosecuting its own ideological Which is why Murdoch did a deal Nine’s takeover of Fairfax, the absence of fundamental reform, that receiving terminal capacity in Europe, a key gas market, and economic interests, acting as with the Liberals to kill it by turning country’s only remaining independent the Australian democratic project as as part of our supply destination portfolio diversifi cation an eff ective coalition partner of the fi bre optic to the premises into fi bre newspaper organisation including we have known it for the last 100 years strategy. We continue to be committed to supporting the EU’s Liberal party. optic to the node, thereby leaving the the Sydney Morning Herald, the Age will necessarily remain the permanent energy policies and providing reliable energy supplies into You don’t have to be a Rhodes last bit of the NBN unconnected unless and the Financial Review, is a further condition of our politics for the future. Europe,” al-Kaabi added. scholar to work out that since 2007 customers were willing to pay for it. nail in the coffi n of media diversity in - Guardian News and Media Global LNG leader Qatar is already ramping up its liquefi ed through to 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019, This has left Australia’s broadband one Australia. Nine’s chairman is Peter • Kevin Rudd is a former prime natural gas production by launching the North Field the Murdoch media, representing some of the slowest and least reliable in the Costello, long known for his fair minister of Australia. This is based on a world. Denials by Murdoch executives, and balanced views on Australian recent public lecture at the University Expansion project, which includes setting up four mega LNG 70% of the nation’s total print media, has hated the Australian Labor party’s or by their Liberal party accomplices, politics. And then we have Hugh of Sydney in a series entitled “The trains that would expand the country’s LNG production from guts. More broadly, they despise the are unbelievable. Marks, Nine CEO, who hosted a Complacent Country” 77mn tonnes per year to 110mn tonnes by 2024. progressive left. And they will do World’s premier LNG company Qatargas has been anything within their power to keep entrusted with executing this mega project on behalf of QP. Labor out of offi ce. The new production from the North Field, which is the Even in 2007, when some Murdoch largest non-associated natural gas fi eld in the world, is mastheads technically endorsed expected within fi ve to seven years. me in their pre-election editorials, Qatar’s plan is to develop an export-oriented gas project in Murdoch’s tabloids for the year prior to that election did everything they the North Field, which is the country’s biggest gas repository. could to destroy my leadership through Qatar’s decision to increase LNG output by 2024 will one series of personal accusations of increasingly drive the country’s next development phase. scandal, misdemeanour or corruption It will have substantial multiplier eff ects on the wider after another. No Liberal leader has economy, lifting demand for goods and services and driving been subjected to anything similar, the country’s development in line with the Qatar National but it has become routine for Labor Vision 2030. leaders. Once they failed and Murdoch Alongside the gas expansion, Qatar is also committed to concluded that a Labor win was continuing with its economic diversifi cation goals. unavoidable, that’s when the technical, pre-election “editorial” endorsement The country’s non-oil growth would be boosted by the was deployed to put themselves on the ongoing localisation drive, including the QP-led Tawteen right side of history. initiative. If you look at Murdoch’s election “news” coverage during the 2007 campaign, it was at best 50-50. Roll the clock to 2010 and 2013, it was more To Advertise like 80-20 against Labor. Then 90-10 [email protected] in 2016. And in 2019 it was 100-0, when all pretence of being a news Display organisation was fi nally given up. And Murdoch’s print dominance in this 44466621 44418811 country bleeds into both radio and Classified television and through to social media. The Murdoch beast itself is deeply 44466609 44418811 ideological. Its papers conducted a relentless campaign against any form Subscription of economic stimulus during the global [email protected] fi nancial crisis, arguing that fi nancial markets would magically self-correct. Its far right agenda on climate change © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved is clear to all. Murdoch’s mastheads Murdoch’s agenda is patently ideological, commercial and of course political. But it is also global. Gulf Times Sunday, September 8, 2019 19 COMMENT Political divide deepens in Thailand

By Panu Wongcha-um, Panarat Thep- entrenched,” said Kasit Piromya, One case, over which he could gumpanat and Matthew Tostevin once seen as a fi rebrand leader of the be banned from politics, is about Bangkok establishment yellow shirts, but who Thanathorn’s alleged ownership of quit the Democrat Party after its decision shares in a media company at the start to back Prayut. of the election campaign. new term is gaining ground “I think the trains are colliding.” Some of the opposition politicians in Thailand’s political vo- Use of social media targeting youths targeted have launched their own cabulary: “Chung-Chart”, was widely credited as helping Future legal counter moves against their Awhich translates roughly as Forward: The party has over 800,000 opponents. “nation-hater”. followers on Facebook compared to The right-wing leaders all say The term is used by ardent fewer than 142,000 for the pro-military they reject violence, but opposition supporters of the monarchy and Palang Pracharat party. fi gures and activists accuse them of military to label anyone they see as a Although Future Forward’s own posts at least encouraging an atmosphere of threat in a kingdom where polarisation are focused on policy issues, supporters confrontation. between the ruling establishment and frequently mock Prayut and other Opposition activist Sirawith “Ja Thais seeking change has become even leaders with memes that paint them as New” Seritiwat, 27, was attacked just sharper after the end of junta rule this out of touch. outside his home in June by people in year. “They want to destroy the Thai system motorcycle helmets. “Chung-Chart” is now a stock and change it to the Marxist-Socialist He was left barely conscious and was phrase for pro-government media system of the ‘Chung-Chart’ gang,” said rushed to intensive care. and politicians as well as conservative “Top Secret Thai,” a Facebook page with There was no claim of responsibility nationalists waging an increasing almost 500,000 followers, referring to for the attack, one of seven on activists battle against the opposition on social liberals. since the March 24 election. media and in the courts, illustrating Many in the new right accuse their Since December, at least six the deepening political divide in the opponents of seeking to end the exiled Thai activists who lived in southeast Asian nation. monarchy - a position which would be neighbouring Laos have disappeared. Although it echoes a global rise in illegal in Thailand and which opposition All of those who disappeared had nationalism from the United States to politicians have repeatedly denied. spoken out against the military and the China to India to Europe, Thailand’s For the right-wingers, social media monarchy. brand is rooted in royalty, the barracks can also be a source of ammunition for Thailand’s government has said and the “yellow” camp which for legal battles. it has no knowledge of any of the decades has been at odds with ousted Songklod “Pukem” Chuenchoopol, disappearances of dissidents abroad. prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s 54, a retired army captain and founder “I think hatred has become more “red” supporters. Sattra Toaon (left) and Songklod “Pukem” Chuenchoopol, founders of right-wing group, the Thai Wisdom Guard, talk to of the right-wing “Thai Wisdom intense and the elite has stirred up The term “Chung-Chart” was fi rst Reuters in Nonthaburi, Thailand. Guard” spends most of his day trawling more hatred,” Sirawith told Reuters. popularised by Warong Dechgitvigrom, for evidence to fi le a case under the “Those that disagree become the a senior fi gure in the Democrat Party, Government spokeswoman Narumon who has described Thailand as being “We have disrupted their equation, strict computer crimes act or other enemy of the state and are accused of the old establishment party which Pinyosinwat declined comment on the in a “hybrid war” against enemies of which has now made us a target,” said laws. wanting to topple the monarchy even fl oundered in the March election. issue and said Thailand is a free country. tradition. Future Forward spokeswoman Pannika “This is psychological warfare,” said though they do not.” “I see this as liberalism that destroys “The military is not behind any At the March election, held Wanich, referring to the former junta Songklod, describing a recent case he Many right-wing leaders - and traditions and the monarchy by groups,” said defence ministry under rules widely seen as fi gures and their supporters who held on brought against over 100 people for the army chief - say they suspect claiming to be democratic,” Warong spokesman Kongcheep Tantravanich. favouring establishment parties, to power. sharing a post he deemed critical of the attacks such as the one on Sirawith told Reuters. “The military does not support 40-year-old tycoon Thanathorn “Beyond using legal mechanisms Constitutional Court. are “set-ups” designed to benefi t the “We need to fi ght them through anyone engaged in activism outside Juangroongruangkit’s new Future that the state possesses to undermine Legal complaints have also been opposition. ideology. The New Right is a political parliament.” Forward party made signifi cant gains us, they are also trying to undermine brought by members of Prayut’s Palang Among the nationalist supporters on ideology.” A palace offi cial declined comment. with pledges to change the army-drafted our popularity and credibility on social Pracharat party in a system where social media, the mood is harsher: The groups and individuals who But the strident nationalists’ constitution, end conscription and cut media.” police generally investigate all such “Let him bleed for four to fi ve days, say they are acting in the name of messages are very much aligned army budgets. The election aftermath has been cases. just for fun,” wrote one Facebook the palace and the army also say they with those of Prime Minister Prayut Parties backing Prayut only just edged characterised by increasing vitriol in Thanathorn and senior party commentator of the attack on Sirawith. get no direct support from those Chan-o-cha, the former junta leader, out an alliance uniting Future Forward parliament and on social media. members face at least 22 cases brought Another wrote: “What a shame, it institutions. and army chief Apirat Kongsompong, with the main party linked to Thaksin. “The two sides are becoming more by individuals. should have been harder.” – Reuters

The ECB’s defl ation obsession Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 420c Minimum Temperature : 330c By Daniel Gros because nominal interest rates are others would have to fall. episodes caused no noticeable Brussels themselves close to zero, the real True, producers rarely face signifi cant problems. Some economists, in fact, MONDAY burden of debt would not increase barriers to lowering the prices of most have argued that downward wage Maximum Temperature : 410c even if prices remained stable. goods and services sold to consumers fl exibility does not seem to be a Minimum Temperature : 310c primary contributing factor to Japan’s entral banks aim for price Moreover, the manageability of debt or other businesses. But fi rms generally TUESDAY stability, and today, prices service depends mainly on whether fi nd it much harder to reduce nominal prolonged defl ation. Maximum Temperature : 400c are largely stable across incomes increase faster than the wages to compensate for lower prices. Central bankers today are thus facing Minimum Temperature : 310c much of the developed outstanding debt, not on whether the It is better, therefore, for average wages a luxury problem: prices are increasing C Fisherman's forecast world. Yet central bankers declare infl ation rate exceeds the interest rate. to increase, so that those wages that a bit more gently than they would like. themselves unsatisfi ed. Some This is especially important for need to fall do so in relative rather than Although infl ation is below target, WARNING policymakers, most notably at the highly indebted governments (and absolute or nominal terms. unemployment keeps falling to record Inshore : Strong wind expected at some places by European Central Bank, are even households). But on that score, the Yet the downward stickiness of wages lows, and debtors are happy. The need afternoon preparing further stimulus measures picture is currently even more positive: is unlikely to become a concern anytime for occasional reductions in nominal Offshore : Expected strong wind aimed at convincing fi nancial markets nominal GDP growth in the eurozone soon. Nominal wages are currently wages seems remote in Europe and the with high sea WEATHER of their resolve to fi ght defl ation. But remains around 3%, well above the increasing by around 2.5% per year in US, and does not seem to cause trouble Inshore : Misty at places by early such policies overestimate the risk of interest rates on almost all member the eurozone (and by over 3% in the in Japan. morning becomes hot falling prices. governments’ longer-term debt (the US). These rates are among the highest Given all this, it is hard to understand daytime with slight why the ECB in particular should be so dust to blowing dust at For starters, prices are not falling average refi nancing cost across the this decade, which has been a period of places at times & some now; they are just increasing more eurozone is now close to zero). strong employment growth overall. anxious to fi nd new ways to make its clouds slowly than central bankers would As a result, eurozone governments Some may argue that average stance even more expansionary. Yes, Offshore : Slight dust at times like. In the eurozone, for example, are in a very comfortable position. eurozone wage growth of 2.5% is economic activity has weakened over some clouds WIND core infl ation (which excludes volatile Provided they run a primary budget not enough, and that the ECB’s recent quarters, and survey-based Inshore : Northwesterly 10-20/25 energy and food prices) is running at balance of revenue and non-interest expansionary monetary policy stance is indicators suggest that the global KT about 1% per year, and markets expect expenditure, their debt burden will thus justifi ed. But the question remains: economy is poised for a slowdown. But Offshore : Northwesterly 12-22/26 KT it to remain at this level, on average, slowly decline, relative to GDP. Should the ECB be preparing additional as former US Secretary of the Treasury Visibility : 4-8/3 KM for the next decade. Households are also favourably placed: stimulus measures when the risk of Lawrence H Summers and Anna Offshore : 5-7/8 FT The ECB regards such low infl ation their incomes are growing by about harmful defl ation is actually falling? Stansbury have convincingly argued, by as totally unacceptable. It defi nes 3%, while mortgage rates are heading Moreover, downward wage stickiness itself, further monetary-policy easing “price stability” not as stable – that is, towards zero. They can therefore just can disappear, as the experience of will do little to stimulate demand and Around the region unchanging – prices, but as year-on- wait for their debt-service capacity to Japan shows. In 2018, for example, drive infl ation. Weather Weather year eurozone infl ation of “below, but improve over time. Japanese wages increased by about The ECB should tone down its today Max/min tomorrow Max/min close to, 2% over the medium term.” Central banks’ second reason for 2%, the highest rate in over 20 years. rhetoric about the imminent risk of Baghdad Sunny 39/26 Sunny 40/24 Similarly, the United States Federal avoiding stable prices is that it might But over the past 12 months, they defl ation and keep its course steady. Its Kuwait City Sunny 43/29 Sunny 43/30 Reserve and the Bank of Japan have be diffi cult for prices to fall in absolute have suddenly started to fall, even hyper-vigilance about falling prices is Manama Sunny 39/33 Sunny 40/33 infl ation targets of 2%. terms. In any economy, the relative though labour-market conditions have misplaced, and its ability to increase Muscat Sunny 36/28 P Cloudy 34/28 Central banks are afraid of stable prices of goods and services need not deteriorated. On the contrary: the rate of infl ation is dubious. – Tehran Sunny 32/18 Sunny 28/18 prices for two reasons. The fi rst is that to adjust in response to supply and employment continues to increase and Project Syndicate the real value of debt automatically demand shocks. So, for average prices unemployment is still falling. increases when prices fall. But fears to remain unchanged overall, some This is not the fi rst time that wages O Daniel Gros is Director of the Centre of debt defl ation seem overblown: prices would still have to increase, and have fallen in Japan, and previous for European Policy Studies.

Live issues

Even a few minutes’ exercise is good for you Around the world Weather Weather By Nicola Davis The report reiterates that adults balance and co-ordination, while for diabetes. The report also says today Max/min tomorrow Max/min London should minimise time spent sedentary, the fi rst time the guidelines for adults moderate activity after giving birth Athens Sunny 32/22 P Cloudy 32/22 as well as undertaking activities to have also explicitly been extended to helps women regain strength, improve Beirut M Sunny 29/26 Sunny 29/26 develop or maintain muscle strength disabled adults, again recommending their emotional well-being and return Bangkok T Storm 33/27 T Storm 32/26 xercise is good for you even if twice a week – such as gardening, 150 minutes of moderate activity and to their pre-pregnancy weight. Berlin M Cloudy 21/11 Rain 17/11 you clock up just a few minutes carrying heavy shopping bags or doing two days of strength and balance “Being active won’t aff ect the Cairo Sunny 35/23 Sunny 35/23 at a time, new UK guidelines aerobics. exercises a week. “Any myths about quality of your breast milk or Cape Town Sunny 24/14 P Cloudy 21/14 Estate, overturning previous “Physical activity is an under- physical activity being inherently breastfeeding,” said Foster, adding that Colombo P Cloudy 29/26 I T Storms 29/26 recommendations that physical appreciated asset in our clinical harmful for disabled people should be the guidelines also advise new mothers Dhaka T Storm 32/27 T Storm 32/27 activity needed to last at least 10 arsenal. It is cheap and brings a long dispelled,” the report states. to undertake pelvic fl oor exercises, Hong Kong M Sunny 30/26 M Sunny 29/26 minutes to bring benefi ts. list of health benefi ts,” said Prof Dame The updated recommendations also and that women should wait until Istanbul P Cloudy 27/21 M Sunny 27/19 The updated guidelines on physical Sally Davies, chief medical offi cer for mention pregnant women and new six to eight weeks after giving birth Jakarta Sunny 33/24 Sunny 33/24 activity, released by the UK chief England. mothers, with at least 150 minutes before gradually building up vigorous Karachi P Cloudy 33/28 P Cloudy 34/28 medical offi cers, mean that even a quick Foster stressed that advice on of moderate activity recommended exercise. London P Cloudy 18/11 Showers 16/10 sprint up the stairs can contribute to muscle strengthening was too often a week, together with twice-weekly The guidelines also include Manila T Storm 30/26 T Storm 29/26 the 150 minutes of moderate to brisk overlooked. “It has become the muscle strengthening exercises. recommendations for babies as well Moscow P Cloudy 23/11 P Cloudy 23/11 exercise (or 75 minutes of intense forgotten guideline,” he said, adding However, it adds that women should as children and young people. Among New Delhi P Cloudy 34/27 P Cloudy 36/28 activity) that adults are recommended that such activities were important in tailor their physical activity to their them, babies that are not yet crawling New York P Cloudy 26/17 P Cloudy 24/18 to undertake every week. staving off a natural decline in muscle stage of pregnancy, or delivery, and that are recommended to have at least 30 Paris P Cloudy 19/08 Cloudy 19/11 “We are emphasising the benefi ts of mass and bone density as we age. “It vigorous activity should be avoided if minutes of tummy time throughout Sao Paulo M Sunny 32/18 Sunny 32/18 all activity at all levels, ideally working is much more important than we have an individual is not used to it. the day while they are awake. Seoul Cloudy 28/22 S Showers 28/22 towards this threshold,” said Dr Charlie probably thought,” he said. For pregnant women, the guidelines Holly Holder, evidence manager Singapore M Sunny 32/27 P Cloudy 33/27 Foster, from the University of Bristol, Older adults at risk of falls are again state that exercise can bring benefi ts at the Centre for Ageing Better, Sydney Cloudy 18/10 Cloudy 16/09 chair of the CMO’s expert committee advised to take up activities like bowls including reduced weight gain and welcomed the report. – Guardian Tokyo Clear 32/26 Rain 33/24 for physical activity. or tai chi twice a week to improve a reduction in risk of gestational News and Media Gulf Times 20 Sunday, September 8, 2019 QATAR Amir visits Katara falcon festival

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani visited S’hail 2019 - the Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition. The four-day exhibition concluded yesterday.

WCM-Q welcomes new medical students with White Coat ceremony

eill Cornell Medicine support of my family and friends, – Qatar’s Class of 2023 and receiving the white coat is Wdonned the white coat great motivation to continue and stethoscope of the doctor working. I’m now just looking for the fi rst time at a ceremony forward to applying what I’ve in front of faculty, family and learned and becoming the doctor friends. I know I want to be.” In total, 40 students are start- Mohamed al-Mohamedi has ing the four-year medical curric- just joined WCM-Q on the six- ulum, eight of whom are Qatari, year medical programme, so will and the white coat is symbolic of spend the fi rst two years on the the humanity, perseverance and pre-medical curriculum. academic excellence that they “I fi rst heard about Weill Cor- will need as a physician. nell when I was at school, and The students will now follow there was a group of students the same curriculum as that op- applying so I joined them. I’ve al- erated in Weill Cornell Medicine ways wanted to be a doctor, ever – New York and will be taught since I was young. I know for a by both faculty at WCM-Q, and fact that it’s going to be diffi cult; faculty in New York via video I’ve only been here for a few days, link. but I can tell it’s not going to get As they become more experi- Dr Javaid Sheikh speaking at the ceremony. PICTURES: Jayaram Dr Sarah al-Khawaja. Aljazi al-Khalifa with off icials. any easier. However, becoming enced, they will begin training in a doctor means I can help other partner institutions and will also “The white coat is recognised lives and they will bring hope professional conduct expect- The students and assembled others? You don’t need to have people, along with my family,” have the opportunity to work un- throughout the world as a sym- and relief to those in distress,” Dr ed of them. audience heard from the key- the answer to this question now, al-Mohamedi said. der the guidance of experienced bol of compassion and healing Sheikh said. It is also an opportunity to note speaker, WCM-Q alumna but you do need to have and cul- Sang Gon Yi from South Korea doctors at New York-Presbyteri- and it gives me great pleasure to “Together with Weill Cor- formally welcome students onto Dr Sarah al-Khawaja, who holds tivate the intellectual curiosity to said had attended high school an Hospital – one of the world’s present them to our new medi- nell’s other alumni, they will be the six-year medical programme, the position of chief resident, ask and to fi nd out.” in Malaysia and had applied to foremost teaching hospitals. cal students. These young people the backbone of Qatar’s medical which integrates two years of dermatology and venereology Aljazi al-Khalifa was one of WCM-Q because of its six-year If successful in their training, are the very future of medicine system, delivering world-class pre-medical training with the at Hamad Medical Corporation, those to receive her white coat medical programme. they will then receive a Cornell in Qatar. During their careers, healthcare to all of the country’s four-year medical curriculum, and is a clinical associate in der- and is in the fi rst year of the med- “Medicine is always some- University medical degree. they will learn new medical tech- citizens for decades to come.” WCM-Q has said in a press state- matology at WCM-Q. ical curriculum. thing I’ve been looking at but in Dr Javaid Sheikh, dean of niques and use technology that The White Coat Ceremony ment. Dr al-Khawaja told the medi- She said: “I’m really happy the US you have to take a four- WCM-Q, said the White Coat physicians today can only dream is the culmination of WCM- This year, 46 students were in- cal students: “Medicine is a and proud that I’ve arrived at year undergraduate degree and Ceremony is one of the high- about. They will innovate, they Q’s orientation period when ducted, with each being present- journey, not only a journey to this moment after three years of then another four years at medi- lights of the college’s academic will conduct new research, and new students are welcomed to ed with an Ibn Sina pin, Ibn Sina acquire knowledge and progress hard work. This is what I’ve been cal school but at WCM-Q it’s six year and is a memorable and sig- they will gain new knowledge, the college, meet their class- being one of the most signifi cant professionally, but a journey of waiting for. The foundation and years in total and you can then nifi cant milestone for the trainee but some things will always re- mates and faculty members physicians of the Islamic Golden self-discovery. How can we use pre-medical programmes were apply for residencies in the US,” doctors. main the same; they will save and learn the standards of Age, the statement notes. our time and our talents to help diffi cult but manageable with the he said.

The Class of 2023 with WCM-Q officials. (Supplied picture)