QATARQATAR | Page 16 SPORT | Page 1 Al Duhail edge Al Sadd to enter Amir 3,000 Ethiopians take part in Community Day Cup fi nal published in QATAR since 1978

SATURDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 10816 May 12, 2018 Sha’baan 26, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Cruise tourism In brief to help Qatar excel, grow as a QATAR | Farming Agriculture yards set to close today The yards for selling local destination: QTA agriculture products are set to close today and resume operations ruise tourism, which has be- after the end of the upcoming come one of the most impor- holy month of Ramadan, general Ctant sectors of Qatar’s tourism, supervisor Abdulrahman al-Sulaiti will further help the country excel and has announced. A number of grow as a destination, Qatar Tourism frequent customers told local Arabic Authority’s acting chairman Hassan daily Arrayah that the yards have al-Ibrahim has said. helped them to get high quality Speaking on the sidelines of the and fresh products at reasonable cruise season closing ceremony prices. Customers said they would 2017/2018 in Doha recently, he noted like to see the yards function round Female demonstrators run for cover from teargas fired by Israeli forces during a protest where Palestinians demand the right that the cruise sector grew 39% (com- the year, including Ramadan. The to return to their homeland, at the Israel-Gaza border in the southern Gaza Strip, yesterday. pared to last cruise season), receiving yards were a boon to inhabitants of more than 65,000 visitors on board 22 Al Khor and the northern areas as it luxury and mega ships. provided them with good products. “In terms of people leaving the ship it was around 86%, it is one of the Hassan al-Ibrahim ARAB WORLD | Politics highest percentages if you compare it with the region or even global stand- service that tourism products are of- ‘Doha Document should ards,” al-Ibrahim said. fering,” al-Ibrahim explained. be base for Darfur peace’ “In terms of the satisfaction rates we “So we were able to achieve very Kuwait renewed late Thursday calls One Palestinian have achieved in the range of 89% to high rates when we compare ourselves for finding a political solution to the 93% and we are talking about the ho- to other destinations and it is at par conflict in Darfur, saying that the listic customer experience end to end,” with the strategies that we are having,” Doha Document should be the base he pointed out. he said. for peace in the Sudanese region. Data gathered by QTA shows that The probability of people visiting the Speaking to the meeting on the 86% of passengers disembarked and destination is 16 times higher if they UN mission in Darfur, Permanent enjoyed Qatar’s various off erings, with visit Qatar on a cruise ship, al-Ibrahim Representative of Kuwait at the killed, 170 hurt 53% preferring city tours, and 18% noted. UN headquarters in New York, choosing desert safaris. “Yes we will achieve 500,000 visi- ambassador Mansour al-Otaibi The cruise season continued from tors after the (2022 FIFA) World Cup lauded the recent UN Secretariat October 2017 to April 2018, and wit- but this is not the only thing that we report on the improving security nessed fi ve maiden voyages to Doha, are trying to achieve, customer expe- situation in Dafur, reported Kuwait made by MSC Splendida, Mein Schiff 5, rience is very important,” he stressed. news agency KUNA. Crystal Symphony, Europa 2 and Crys- “We also like to deepen the economic by Israeli fi re tal Serenity. impact of this sector while becoming a REGION | Diplomacy According to the senior QTA offi - turnaround port or a home port.” Kuwait-Philippines deal Agencies drone to down fl aming kites that pro- tests as peaceful, and said: “We hope cial, the importance of the cruise sec- “So people will start or end their Gaza City testers fl ew over the border in a bid to these incidents will pass without a tor is not only in terms of growth in journey from or in Qatar and this is to regulate labour torch bushes and distract snipers. large number of martyrs and wounded, the number of visitors or ships Qatar what we are trying to achieve hopefully Kuwait and the Philippines signed A report by the aid charity Save the and the occupation forces must re- receives annually. in the future,” al-Ibrahim said. a deal yesterday to regulate sraeli troops killed one Palestinian Children, published yesterday, said strain themselves.” “It helps us a lot also in understand- With the expansion that the Doha domestic workers, after a dispute and wounded at least 170 protest- that at least 250 Gazan children had Samir, a refugee whose grandfather ing our destination, what tourists are Port, he said it will be able to receive between the two countries led to a Iers in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian been hit with live bullets during the originally came from Jaff a, which now looking for and hence we focus so much two megaships at the same time within ban on Filipino workers in the Gulf medical workers said, bringing to 44 protests, among nearly 700 children lies 40 miles up the coast in Israel, on the tourist experience through our the next season (2018/2019). state. “A short time ago we signed the number killed during a six-week injured overall. rolled tyres towards the area close to sector,” he added. “The following seasons the capacity an agreement between the two protest at the Gaza-Israel border. The analysis was based on data col- the fence where he later burned them. “It also entails the visa facilitation will increase to four megaships simul- countries on the employment of The man killed was protesting east lected by the Palestinian Ministry of “My grandfather told me about Jaff a, process, the checks in the port, the taneously and we hope that by doing so domestic workers,” Foreign Minister of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, said Health in Gaza. where he came from, he said it was the logistics and transportation, the tours we will be able to accommodate more Sheikh Sabah al-Khaled al-Sabah medics, who said that seven other Human rights organisations say the bride of the sea, the most beautiful of that they are having and the quality of and more visitors,” al-Ibrahim added. told a joint press conference with people were critically injured, includ- army’s use of force is disproportionate all. I want to go back to Jaff a,” he said. his Filipino counterpart Alan Peter ing a 16-year-old youth who was shot to the threat posed by the Palestinians, “Killing me will not change any- Cayetano. Page 12 in the face. who throw rocks, burn tyres and hurl thing, Jaff a will remain Jaff a. They Organisers of the protest, called the petrol bombs. need to kill every last one of us to QATAR | Weather “Great March of Return,” said they The Gaza Strip, home to 2mn peo- change the facts.” Zarif to embark on diplomatic tour expected tens of thousands of Gazans ple, is run by Hamas which has fought US President Donald Trump’s rec- Heat surge and dusty at tented border encampments in the three wars against Israel in the past ognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital ran’s foreign minister will embark maining parties to the 2015 nuclear deal. wind expected today coming days. decade. infuriated Palestinians, who see the on a diplomatic tour to try to sal- Iran appeared determined not to be Mercury is expected to spike to The protests peak on Fridays and are Israel and Egypt maintain an eco- eastern part of the city as the capital of Ivage the nuclear deal amid high drawn into a wider regional confl ict early or mid 40s today, Qatar building to a climax on May 15, the day nomic blockade of the strip, which has their future state. tensions following the US withdrawal with Israel during the sensitive nego- Meteorological Department Palestinians call the “Nakba” or “Ca- the highest unemployment rate in the Separately, the border with Egypt, and global fears over reports of unprec- tiations. announced yesterday in a tweet. tastrophe”, marking the displacement world and has become far poorer than the only country apart from Israel with edented clashes with Israel in Syria. Zarif will hold high-pressure talks The heat surge is due to the eff ect of of hundreds of thousands of Palestin- the other main Palestinian territory, which Gaza shares a border, is set to Mohamed Javad Zarif will leave late with the other parties to the deal, fi rst in southerly dust-raising fresh to strong ians in the confl ict surrounding the the Israeli-occupied West Bank. open its crossing for four days start- today for visits to Beijing, Moscow and Beijing and Moscow, and then with his wind. Caution is advised to avoid creation of Israel in 1948. On Thursday in Gaza, Hamas leader ing today, the Palestinian embassy in Brussels, a spokesman said yesterday, counterparts from Britain, France and direct sunlight, the Met off ice added. Witnesses said Israeli soldiers used a Yehya al-Sinwar described the pro- Cairo said. holding meetings with all fi ve of the re- Germany in Brussels on Tuesday.Page 3 China’s Shenzhen keen to exchange expertise with Doha

By Ayman Adly ago. The government was able to con- portation buses in Shenzhen are elec- Shenzhen hosts the headquarters of ing press delegation from the Qatar, the Shenzhen vert it from a small remote fi shing vil- tric and the city is “committed to the some of the largest manufacturers in offi cials said the motivation to establish lage into a well-planned city whose concept of environment-friendly de- the world, such as BYD Auto Industry such co-operation between the Shen- GDP expanded to 2.24tn yuan in 2017, velopment”. Company Limited and Huawei Tech- zhen government, Doha Municipal- he Shenzhen Municipal People’s with a year-on-year increase of 8.8%. As Qatar attaches great importance to nologies Company Limited. While ity and other municipalities in Qatar, is Government, China, is keen to The offi cial stressed that Shenzhen education and research through entities Huawei described its business as grow- their full knowledge of the open policy Thave friendly city-to-city re- has its vast experience to off er to Doha, such as Qatar Foundation and Education ing and excellent in Qatar and the Mid- adopted by Qatar as well as the advan- lations between Shenzhen and Doha particularly in view of the 2022 FIFA City, Shenzhen has launched the ‘Ten dle East, BYD hoped for more business tages and opportunities of provided by and other cities in Qatar, as it has done World Cup taking place in Qatar and Point Action Plan’ to stimulate innova- opportunities in Qatar, off ering the the State that help attract foreign in- with other regions and municipalities the massive construction and develop- tion and prepare for eight major tech- country various clean and innovative vestment and make people’s lives more around the world, an offi cial has said. ment plans being undertaken there. nological infrastructure projects such as transportation solutions. comfortable and happy. Speaking to journalists from Gulf Shenzhen is open to global invest- the establishment of three Nobel Lau- Meanwhile, a number of offi cials and The Qatari press delegation’s visit Times and other Qatar-based media ment and trade, and is home to one of reate Labs, three institutions for basic researchers in the Shenzhen govern- includes meetings with offi cials from outlets in Shenzhen, Fuying Tan, as- the largest container ports in the world, research, fi ve manufacturing innovation ment said Qatar enjoys great investment the Chinese foreign ministry and the sociate consul-general at the Foreign the largest land port (border check- centres and seven innovation centres. opportunities due to the strength of its Shanghai and Shenzhen governments Aff airs Offi ce, Shenzhen Municipal point) in Asia and one of the fi ve larg- Tan said there is great potential for the economy and is witnessing a develop- as well as visits to various Chinese People’s Government, expressed the est airports in China. Similarly, Doha two major cities to co-operate and ex- ment boom as a result of its openness media outlets, including Xinhua News “strong will” of Shenzhen city to have enjoys a key location in the region and Fuying Tan change experiences in such areas. policy, according to the offi cial QNA. Agency, the Arabic Channel, China direct relations with Doha to exchange its Hamad International Airport is fast In the meantime, Sikang Wu, chief They expressed a desire to establish Central Television, economic and trade experiences and expertise in vari- emerging as a major hub for air travel the largest suppliers of LNG, consid- director at the Shenzhen Development various co-operation deals and part- institutions, China Commercial Air- ous fi elds such as development, urban and cargo, receiving an ever increasing ered a clean source of energy, to China. Research Centre, welcomed a possible nerships between the Shenzhen gov- craft Industry Corporation, Shanghai planning, investment, culture and oth- number of travellers and goods. Also, This is a key area of interest and of great tie-up between Doha and Shenzhen. ernment - along with its various in- Municipal Planning Museum, the Qatar er areas of mutual interest. Qatar’s new Hamad Port is capable of importance to the Shenzhen govern- Wu pointed out that if this happens, it stitutions – and their counterparts in Tourism Authority offi ce in Beijing, and She said Shenzhen city is relatively handling large-scale trade activities. ment due to its eff orts on having clean, will further enhance development in Qatar. some telecommunications and auto- new as it was only established 38 years Tan pointed out that Qatar is one of new energy resources. All public trans- both cities. During their meeting with the visit- mobile industry companies. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, May 12, 2018 QATAR

Sudan, Qatar courts sign agreement

HE the head of Court of Cassation and chairman of the Supreme Judiciary Council Judge Massoud Qatar Post, ministries make Mohamed al-Ameri has met with Sudan’s Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Haider Ahmed Dafalla in Khartoum. During the meeting, they discussed a number of issues presentations at tech forum of mutual interest, particularly judicial, including the exchange he monthly Katara Tech nected, which provides clients Al Meera outlets, she added. of experiences and the Forum was held at Katara with virtual addresses in the Lieutenant Ali al-Aidroos, enhancement of judicial co- TCultural Village Build- UK and the US; E-delivery for Smart Devices branch offi cer operation as well as vocational ing 15, featuring presentations SMEs and even big compa- at the MoI, said currently the training between the two sides. by Qatar Post, Ministry of In- nies helping them to deliver ministry is providing more than Following the meeting, the two terior (MoI), Ministry of Public whatever items inside Qatar 200 electronic services in six sides signed a twinning and co- Health (MoPH), and the Qatar and outside and the recently languages, with over 400,000 operation agreement between Computing Research Insti- launched Turkish Souq, pro- active users for the diff erent on- the Supreme Court of Sudan and tute (QCRI), focusing on their viding Qatar Post clients more line communication channels. the Court of Cassation in Qatar, electronic services. than 300,000 items from Tur- Akram Abu Ghaza of the regarding the internal organisation Qatar Post’s information key at QR50 for each parcel, MoPH, spoke about the various of the two courts, in particular the technology department deputy whatever the size be. online services being off ered establishment of departments and manager Naama Abdul Mohsen The offi cial pointed out that by the ministry, especially the the definition of their competences, stressed that the company is all the Qatar Post counters have recently introduced My Health in addition to the holding transforming from classical to been refurbished with one- Patient Portal which allows Off icials from various entities attending a briefing on the sidelines of the Katara Tech Forum. of seminars and specialised digital services. touch screen, doing all services. patients to access all medical workshops as well as the “Our e-commerce services Qatar Post is also expand- records online free of charge. provide various other services. how to launch advertisement their valuable contributions. exchange of groups of judgments, are the best example. It is the ing its self-serving kiosks, The ministry is currently He added that the new web- campaigns using Facebook Displays about the various decisions and periodicals of an fi rst time Qatar Post gets into which is currently available working on the second phase site of the MoPH, with ad- and the available tools and e-services being off ered by Qa- administrative nature. the international e-commerce only in the main offi ce. There of the portal which will al- vanced features is expected to be information. tar Post, MoI, QCRI, Katara and The agreement also stipulates map,” she said. will be 20 more kiosks to be low patients to interact with launched by end of this year. On the occasion, Ka- some other entities were on that the two courts in the two She introduced the major set up at various Qatar Post physicians, request or re- Engmar Weber, from the tara honoured the speak- display on the sidelines of the countries shall establish a e-services of Qatar Post: Con- branches and probably in some schedule appointments and QCRI, gave a presentation on ers and two other experts for event. supervisory body to be chaired alternately, as well as the establishment of specialised Katara opens working groups in each court to exchange views and advice on all registration for subjects within their competence. beach volleyball (QNA) MIA off ers new taste tourney

Qatar takes part in The 4th edition of Katara – medical tourism the Cultural Village’s Beach options for Ramadan Volleyball Tournament will be conference held during the holy month of Ramadan. Registration of teams The South Korean capital Seoul he Museum of Islamic will continue until May 14. The recently hosted the ninth Global Art (MIA) has an- competition is open to men above Healthcare and Medical Tourism Tnounced the launch of 18 years from all nationalities Conference (Medical Korea 2018). a new culinary experience for and holding a valid Qatari ID. All S Korean Minister of Health the people of Qatar for the applicants must be physically and Welfare Dr Park Neunghoo holy month of Ramadan, fea- fit and take full responsibility inaugurated the conference turing an unforgettable tea regarding their health status. with the participation of health service at the MIA Cafe and a As per the rules of the ministries’ undersecretaries from truly exceptional Iftar menu tournament, each team can have around the world. Umm Lekhba interchange at IDAM. a maximum six members – four Commander of Medical Services Both locations feature players and two reserve players of the Qatari Armed Forces Brig world-class menus and stun- in addition to a coach. All teams Gen Nasser Mohammed al-Kaabi exit ramp to be closed ning views of the Doha skyline. An unforgettable tea service at the MIA Cafe and a truly exceptional shall be named after cities and participated in the conference. Visitors to MIA are invited Iftar menu at IDAM this coming Ramadan. places in Qatar. Registration On the sidelines of the to unwind and try a new take of teams with less than four conference, bilateral side he northeast exit Al Shamal Road) or wishing on tea time at the MIA Café in the Arabian haute culinary Along with IDAM’s execu- players will not be accepted meetings were held between ramp and service road to reach the commercial com- located in the MIA Audito- and culture experience for tive chef Damien Leroux, the and no changes in players can off icials of the ministries of Tat Umm Lekhba in- plexes, including the Land- rium, designed by the French Iftar. restaurant’s staff worked to be made after the registration health and Korea Health Industry terchange (Landmark Mall) mark Mall or the shopping architect Philippe Starck. Located on the top fl oor of create the exceptional and ec- deadline ends on May 14. Teams Development Institute (KHIDI) in the direction to Al Shamal complex next to it can use the The off er includes home- MIA, the restaurant will off er lectic selection of juices con- can participate with three players to discuss co-operation. The Road will remain closed alternative routes from Duhail made French specialities and an enchanting Arabian ex- taining local fl avours, spices, in case any player is absent or delegation of the Qatari Armed from tomorrow. The exit slip interchange. exquisite Arabic fl avours. perience with a three-course fresh chamomile, rosemary and injured during the tournament. Forces also discussed with road is to be opened after a The closure is required to IDAM, an award-winning Iftar menu, which includes fruits, providing a new take on All participating teams must pay KHIDI the possibility of holding week. enable construction of bridges restaurant by the Michelin rich Middle Eastern and a tasting experience — some- a cash deposit of QR1,000 to be educational seminars under the Road users heading from on Umm Lekhba interchange. starred Chef Alain Ducasse, Mediterranean mezze, exotic thing IDAM has become known returned later if the team has not auspices of the Medical Services Umm Lekhba interchange to Ashghal will install road signs will be off ering the local com- Moroccan soups and lavish for since fi rst welcoming violated the terms and conditions in October. (QNA) Al Shamal (through entering about alternative routes. munity a chance to indulge Iranian desserts. patrons fi ve years ago. of the tournament. Al Jazeera’s series wins top award

he Lobby, a four-part Awards, which were founded was hired to secretly record the the quasi-government regula- Jazeera had been recognised by series produced by Al in 1957, honour originality and activities of an Israeli diplomat tor that ensures fairness and highly respected judges from TJazeera’s Investigative excellence in storytelling. The as he tried to infl uence student accuracy in British television the American media and fi lm Unit about an Israeli campaign Lobby was judged the best non- council elections and set up a journalism. industry. “The CINE Golden to interfere with domestic fi ction mini-series in what CINE pro-Israel youth group in the The complainants levelled a Eagle Award is a vindication politics in the UK, has won a described as “an extraordinar- Labour Party. range of charges at Al Jazeera, of brave journalism that is Mwani Qatar’s delegation to the conference held several meetings CINE Golden Eagle Award in ily competitive fi eld”. Past win- The series also included evi- including anti-Semitism, bias unafraid to speak truth to the with a number of VIPs and off icials of international ports, shipping Washington, DC. ners of the Golden Eagle Award dence of a plot, hatched by the and infringement of privacy. powerful,” he said. and logistics companies. The series, fi rst broadcast in include Steven Spielberg, Spike Israeli offi cial and a British civil After an eight-month investi- A second series of The Lobby, January 2017, triggered front- Lee, Michael Moore, Martin servant, to “take down” a gov- gation, Ofcom’s 60-page rul- focusing on pro-Israel advocacy page headlines and a media fu- Scorsese and Robert De Niro. ernment minister who was crit- ing rejected each complaint and groups in the US, has yet to be rore in the UK. It forced the res- The Lobby exposed how cov- ical of Jewish-only settlements vindicated Al Jazeera’s journal- broadcast. When those fea- ignation of an Israeli diplomat ert operations conducted by in the West Bank. ism on every count, the network tured in the investigation were Mwani Qatar attending and the ambassador to the UK, Israel were promoting a for- Pro-Israel advocacy groups has said in a statement. contacted for comment, several Mark Regev, apologised to the eign country’s agenda within made a series of complaints The acting director of In- of the individuals and organi- British government. Britain’s political parties. An about The Lobby to the Offi ce vestigative Journalism, Phil sations involved called for the World Ports Conference The CINE Golden Eagle undercover journalist, ‘Robin’, of Communications (Ofcom), Rees, said he was proud that Al series not to be broadcast. atar Ports Management possible areas of co-operation Company (Mwani Qa- were explored too. First wheelchair fencing classes launched Qtar) is taking part in the The delegation highlighted IAPH Baku 2018 World Ports activities and role played by Qatar’s first wheelchair fencing users with smooth and functional Conference at Azerbaijani’s Mwani Qatar in the develop- classes have been launched at control, allowing them to safely capital Baku under the theme ment of the maritime trans- the French-Qatari Lycee Voltaire master the sport of fencing. ‘Ports of future – building hubs, port sector in the region and its under the sponsorship of Wheelchair fencing was accelerating connectivity’. strategy to transform Qatar into Definitely Able, a Sasol initiative, developed by Sir Ludwig The conference, which is one a vibrant regional trading centre and telecommunications Guttmann at the Stoke of world’s largest gathering of by investing in modern technol- provider Ooredoo. Mandeville Hospital in England shipping experts, port manag- ogy and adopting best practices The classes will demonstrate and was introduced to the world ers and top managers of major in its operations in Hamad Port, the important role of sports in at the Rome 1960 Paralympic international maritime insti- the Middle East’s newest and improving fitness and enhancing Games. Disabled men and tutions, will discuss over four largest port. Participants from various departments and organisers were honoured at the ceremony. self-confidence for people with women who usually use a days the mainstream develop- The World Ports Confer- disabilities, according to a press wheelchair in their daily lives are ments in the port industry in- ence is an annual event organ- statement. eligible to compete in foil epee cluding, multimodal transpor- ised by the International As- The event saw the unveiling of set (men and women) and saber tation and containerisation of sociation of Ports and Harbors of advanced wheelchairs specially (men) events. Their wheelchairs world terrestrial and maritime (IAPH). Mwani Qatar recently Awareness events for Qatargas designed for wheelchair fencing. are fastened to the floor during trade; the synergy between announced that it has offi cially The new wheelchairs provide competition. ports and free trade zones; and joined the IAPH as a member. ectures and several ac- ing criminals, narcotics and of the complex in diff erent the implications of major glo- The IAPH represents some 180 tivities for students, explosives. categories and ages. bal transport initiatives such ports and some 140 port-related Lfamilies and security A number of MoI departments, For his part, Col Sultan Mo- as “One Belt, One Road”, the businesses in 90 countries. personnel highlighted the including the Traffi c Aware- hamed al-Kaabi, assistant direc- Baku-Axalkalaki-Kars railroad The member ports together Ministry of Interior’s (MoI) ness Department, Civil Defence tor of Community Police Depart- and the North-South transport handle well over 60% of the month-long ‘Awareness and Department, Northern Security ment, said that MoI was keen to corridor on global economic world’s sea-borne trade and Preventive Programme,’ held Department, Preventive Security reach all segments of the soci- growth. nearly 80% of the world con- at the Qatargas residential Department, Criminal Evidence ety to provide educational and Mwani Qatar’s delegation tainer traffi c. This year’s event complex in Al Khor. and Information Department, awareness services in the various to the conference held several brought together more than 400 The events, which conclud- took part in the activities. fi elds of security and safety. meetings with a number of VIPs representatives of international ed last week, were organised by Hamad al-Mannai, head of “This programme was a and offi cials of international ports, business communities, MoI’s Community Police De- safety, security and environ- result of the constructive co- ports, shipping and logistics shipping and logistics compa- partment in co-operation with ment at Qatargas, thanked the operation between MoI and companies. During the meet- nies from more than 65 coun- the Department of Security, Community Police Depart- Qatargas. ings, issues of mutual interest, tries including the US, Russia, Safety and Environment. ment and other departments The programme aims to ben- latest developments in the fi eld China, India, Indonesia, Philip- The closing ceremony fea- for contributing to the aware- efi t students, families and secu- of ports and logistics sector were pines, Japan, Germany, France, tured a demonstration of the ness and education activities, rity personnel at the company’s The classes will demonstrate the important role of sports in improving discussed. Partnerships and and Spain. skills of police dogs in detect- which benefi ted the residents residential complex in Al Khor. fitness and enhancing self-confidence for people with disabilities. Gulf Times Saturday, May 12, 2018 3 REGION/ARAB WORLD Europe moves to safeguard interests in Iran Iranians hold anti-US placards and shout slogans during a demonstration after prayer in Tehran, yesterday. Cleric says Tehran should not after US pullout trust Europe, warns Israel US is not world’s “economic gendarme”: Iran,” said Merkel, who earlier spoke with French minister; France, Germany seek May, Trump agree talks Russian President Vladimir Putin on the is- Reuters withstand a return to pressures sure to follow waivers for firms doing business in Iran needed over sanctions sue. Ankara Trump’s rejection of the deal clinched under his President Hassan Rouhani had said on predecessor Barack Obama after years of nego- Reuters British Prime Minister Theresa May and US Tuesday that Tehran would remain in the tiations. Berlin/Paris President Donald Trump agreed in a phone deal, provided its benefi ts stayed in force member of Iran’s clerical elite said yester- Iran’s economy has continued to struggle de- call yesterday that talks were needed to with its remaining signatories. day Europeans could not be trusted after spite the easing of sanctions from early 2016. discuss how US sanctions on Iran would Iran’s foreign minister will travel to Mos- APresident Hassan Rouhani said Tehran In late December, Iranians staged nationwide urope’s largest economies lobbied to aff ect foreign companies operating in the cow on May 14 and meet his Russian coun- would remain in a 2015 nuclear deal with world demonstrations over poor living standards, call- protect their companies’ investments country. Trump’s decision to pull the United terpart, Russia’s RIA news agency said, citing powers even after the United States pulled out. ing on Rouhani as well as other clerical leaders to Ein Iran yesterday, seeking to keep the States out of the Iranian nuclear deal and a Russian foreign ministry offi cial. US President Donald Trump declared on Tues- step down. nuclear deal with Tehran alive after Wash- revive US economic sanctions has alarmed Iran said it had asked Europe’s Airbus to day that Washington was leaving the deal under The pragmatist Rouhani championed the nu- ington pulled out and threatened to impose the leaders of Britain, France and Germany announce whether it would go ahead with a which Iran curbed its nuclear programme, saying clear deal as the way to end Iran’s international sanctions on European companies. who remain committed to the deal and who plane deal with Tehran following the US pull- it was one-sided and he would reimpose sanc- isolation so if it falls apart he could face a career- Germany and France have signifi cant trade have significant trade ties with Tehran. “The out. That appears unlikely after US Treasury tions on Iran that were lifted as part of the accord. threatening backlash. links with Iran and remain committed to the prime minister raised the potential impact Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Tuesday “America cannot do a damn thing. They have It could leave Iran’s hardliners, including the nuclear agreement, as does Britain, and the of US sanctions on those firms which are that licenses for the planemaker and rival always been after the toppling of Iran’s regime elite Revolutionary Guards, unchallenged at three countries’ foreign ministers plan to currently conducting business in Iran,” her Boeing Co to sell passenger jets to Iran would and this exit is in line with that aim,” Ayatollah home and enable greater Iranian assertiveness meet on Tuesday to discuss it. spokeswoman said. be revoked. Ahmad Khatami said in a televised address to abroad that infl ame tensions in the Middle East. That is part of a fl urry of diplomatic activity Le Maire said Paris would seek to strength- worshippers at Tehran University. Hardliners are placing their faith in Supreme following last Tuesday’s unilateral withdrawal en Europe’s ability to block sanctions and State TV aired footage of demonstrators shout- Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who, in Iran’s hy- from what US President Donald Trump called exemptions or delays for companies already provide investment fi nance to companies. ing slogans against the United States and Israel at brid clerical-republican power structure, has the “a horrible, one-sided deal”, a move accom- present in the country. Le Maire said he was He called for the creation of a body to rallies in Tehran and other cities and towns na- fi nal say on major matters of state. panied by the threat of penalties against any seeking concrete exemptions for countries monitor the implementation of EU sanctions tionwide after prayers yesterday. Khamenei endorsed the 2015 deal only grudg- foreign fi rms doing business in Iran. already present in Iran, including Renault, rules. They chanted, “Mr Trump you cannot do a ingly. “Our enemies cannot harm us if we listen to German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Total, Sanofi , Danone and Peugeot. Some fear Europe’s room for manoeuvre is damn thing,” and, “We fi ght. We die. We don’t our leader Khamenei,” Khatami said to chants of ways to save the deal without Washington Scholz had also asked for concrete meas- limited.”The Europeans are in the weaker po- surrender,” in streets festooned with anti-US and “Death to America,” and “Death to Israel”. needed to be discussed with Tehran, while ures to help German companies, sition because they are not united,” said Peter anti-Israeli banners and posters. Trump said on Tuesday that the accord, France’s Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire Handelsblatt newspaper reported. Beyer, Germany’s commissioner for transat- Both hardline conservatives and relative mod- Obama’s signature foreign policy achievement, said EU states would propose sanctions- The 2015 agreement between major pow- lantic relations. erates in the Islamic Republic’s leadership con- failed to address Iran’s ballistic missile testing, blocking measures to the European Com- ers and Iran set limits on its nuclear activities Trump’s strength was that he did not need demned Trump’s hawkish approach to Iran with its nuclear activities beyond 2025 and its involve- mission. “Do we accept extraterritorial in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. unity, Beyer added. frustration growing among ordinary Iranians at ment in confl icts in the Middle East. sanctions? The answer is no,” Le Maire told Europeans fear a collapse of the deal could French exports to Iran doubled to 1bn euros the prospect of economic hardships as the result Iran says it is developing missiles solely for reporters. “Do we accept that the United intensify confl icts in the Middle East. ($1.79bn) last year, driven by sales of aircraft of new sanctions. defence. But Khatami warned its arch-enemy States is the economic gendarme of the plan- Germany, France and Britain want talks to and automobile parts, according to customs “These European signatories (to the deal) also Israel, which bombarded Iranian military targets et? The answer is no. be held in a broader format to include Iran’s data. Exports of German goods to Iran rose by cannot be trusted...Iran’s enemies cannot be in Syria earlier this week after Iranian forces fi red “Do we accept the vassalization of Europe ballistic missile programme and its regional around 400mn euros to 3bn euros. trusted,” Khatami said, as hardline protesters rockets into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. in commercial matters? The answer is no.” military activities, including in Syria and Around 120 German fi rms have operations urged the government not to “repeat the same “We will expand our missile capabilities de- Both he and Germany’s Finance Minister Yemen. with their own staff in Iran, including Sie- mistake” by re-entering negotiations. spite Western pressure.. .to let Israel know that if Olaf Scholz had spoken to their US counter- “The extent to which we can keep this deal mens, and some 10,000 German companies Rouhani and his ministers have sought to reas- it acts foolishly, Tel Aviv and Haifa will be brought part Steven Mnuchin, urging him to consider alive...is something we need to discuss with trade with Iran. sure Iranians that their oil-reliant economy can down in ruins and totally destroyed,” he said.

Blast damages vessel Turkey concerned by situation Pentagon to continue carrying wheat to Yemen in Socotra after UAE move backing Lebanon military

Reuters plosion from the inside to the AFP Yemen’s Socotra Island,” the ment’s claims over the de- Reuters ons risk complicating West- London/Aden outside,” the spokesman said in Ankara Turkish foreign ministry said ployment of the troops on “a Washington ern policy in Lebanon, which is a statement. in a statement, without ex- long and repeated series of banking on foreign aid and loans The captain said he did not plicitly referring to the UAE. attempts to distort the role to revive its stagnant economy n explosion has damaged know the cause of the damage, urkey yesterday ex- “We are concerned about of the UAE.” he US military is com- and receives US military sup- a Turkish vessel carrying the spokesman said. pressed concern over these developments that But Yemeni Prime Minis- mitted to supporting and port. Awheat to Yemen’s Houthi- The coalition later towed the Tthe situation on Yem- pose a new threat to the ter- ter Ahmed bin Dagher said Tproviding assistance to Late last year, US ally Israel controlled port of Saleef, with ship to the port of Jizan in Saudi en’s Arabian Sea island of ritorial integrity and sover- dozens of Emirati troops as the Lebanese armed forces, the said Hezbollah had gained con- varying accounts attributing the Arabia. Socotra after the Yemeni gov- eignty of Yemen,” it added. well as tanks and armoured Pentagon said yesterday, despite trol over Lebanon’s conventional incident on Thursday to an unex- A shipping source said sepa- ernment said the United Arab The UAE and its ally Saudi vehicles had landed on the the Hezbollah group and its al- military, a charge the Lebanese plained blast aboard the ship or a rately it was possible the damage Emirates deployed troops Arabia have backed the gov- island on April 30. lies making signifi cant gains in army denies. possible missile strike. was either caused by overheating there without informing ernment of Hadi — which The Yemen war has the parliamentary election. “The United States remains A naval ship of a Saudi-led of parts of the ship or a missile. Sanaa fi rst. controls Socotra — in the claimed nearly 10,000 lives Hezbollah, together with par- committed to supporting Leba- military coalition received a call A separate source connected The Yemeni government civil war against Houthi since Riyadh and Abu Dhabi ties and politicians aligned to it, non’s sovereignty, stability, se- from the captain of the vessel, with the shipment said the ves- said earlier this month the rebels. joined the conflict in March won more than half the 128 seats curity, and its state institutions, the Ince Inebolu, who reported sel was carrying 50,000 tonnes UAE had sent forces to So- But analysts say Abu 2015, triggering what the in Lebanon’s parliament on Sun- to include the Lebanese Armed an opening had appeared in the of Russian milling wheat, adding cotra, which has been spared Dhabi has recently taken its United Nations has called day. Forces (LAF) as the profes- middle of the ship on the left that it was unclear if it was hit the violence that has ravaged distance from Hadi, with the the world’s worst humani- The United States has given sional, multi-confessional and side, a spokesman for the alli- by a missile or due to an inter- mainland Yemen, without UAE backing separatists who tarian crisis. Lebanon’s army substantial sup- sole legitimate armed forces of ance said. nal blast, while anchored about telling President Abd-Rabbu took control of the south “We think that Yemen... port. the Lebanese state,” Lieutenant “Coalition forces conducted 70 miles off Saleef, which is just Mansour Hadi. from Hadi in January. cannot afford new problems The strong showing by par- Commander Rebecca Rebarich, a survey of the incident and vis- north of the port of Hodeidah on “We are closely following The UAE foreign ministry and disputes,” said the Turk- ties and politicians who support a Pentagon spokeswoman, told ited the ship and found an ex- the Red Sea. the recent developments in blamed the Yemeni govern- ish foreign ministry. Hezbollah’s possession of weap- Reuters in a statement. In Iraq’s Basra, a yearning for a glorious past

Reuters “Basra was once a wonderful Kuwait in 1991 and then his rule retired soldier who grew up in an pital was being built with help Basra, Iraq place,” said Mohamed, 52, who in 2003. A UN embargo in place Ottoman house whose roof has of Kuwait. The World Bank is runs a grocery shop established until 2003 helped lay waste to collapsed. also helping Iraq reduce severe by his father in 1966 in a street the oil-driven economy. Basra is one of the few cities in air pollution arising from the gas hen Iraqi merchant full of traditional dwellings that Only fi ve historic residences the Middle East without an ef- fl ares of nearby oil fi elds. Jabar Mohamed was are falling apart. were partially repaired in the fective water treatment system. Located at Iraq’s marshy Wgrowing up in the “But we’ve had wars and ne- 1990s and much of the remain- It boasted an advanced sani- southern tip where the Euphra- southern port city of Basra, glect,” he said, pointing to the ing residential stock is at risk tary infrastructure in the 1960s tes and Tigris rivers merge near he liked to watch boats gliding illegible scrawl on a wooden post of collapse, according to Azhar but it broke down decades ago, the Gulf, Basra was for centuries along a canal lined with palm from the 1960s — the last time Hashim, who runs Basra’s his- turning Basra’s waterways into a melting pot of Arabs, Persians, trees and ancient buildings near Iraqi authorities put up street toric heritage department. cesspools whose stench is com- Turks, Indians and Greeks who his home. signs in the city of 2.5mn people, Her offi ce has carried out pounded by a notoriously hot all left their cultural imprint. Once dubbed the “Venice of Iraq’s second largest, just up- studies recommending resto- desert climate. Much of Iraq suff ered de- the Middle East” for its network stream from the Gulf. File photo shows waste dumped in the river near one of the ancient rations of scores of Old City Even major roads are potholed struction in the string of wars of canals, the 1,400-year-old Basrawis interviewed at ran- historic houses dating back to the time of Ottomans in the old residence. “But nothing has while civic pride projects such as since the 1980s. city was a magnet for regional dom said they would not vote in downtown of Basra. happened,” Hashim said with a “sports city” to host competi- But Basra was especially hard tourism until the early 1980s. today’s parliamentary election a shrug. State offi cials blame a tions were aborted. hit as a city on the front line of Today the cherished canal of or, even if they do, had lost faith producer, extracts most of its City, made up of Ottoman edi- public funding crisis wrought by Ali al-Ghasseb, chairman of the war with Iran, only a few Mohamed’s youth is a reeking, that offi cials would restore their oil from southern fi elds and ex- fi ces famous for wood carvings years of low oil prices. the Basra Investment Commis- dozen km across the Shatt al- refuse-fi lled cesspool, forcing city to its old glory. ports it through terminals in and on balconies, windows and ceil- But Basra residents blame sion, acknowledged mistakes Arab delta to the east. passersby to hold their noses. A shopping mall, some fi ve- around Basra — the engine of an ings. profound neglect and corruption after 2003 in repairing infra- More devastation occurred in It is a showcase for the wide- star hotels and elegant restau- expanding private sector with a State interest in preserving in public services over the past structure. the course of two uprisings that spread breakdown of public rants have sprung up in Basra middle class largely in work, un- the Old City faded as Iraq went decades, worsening under the But he said Basra province were brutally crushed. services in a country plagued by since 2003 thanks to steady oil like much of the rest of Iraq. through a ruinous series of wars Saddam-era sanctions. and the central government More recently, a drought has turmoil, corruption and decay money, port facilities and an in- But since 2003, state authori- — with nearby Iran in 1980-88, “It’s mismanagement, cor- were now working to improve almost dried up canals while since the 2003 US-led invasion ternational airport. ties have not restored a single and US-led coalition forces that ruption and theft (of public the sewage system thanks to a Basra is also often engulfed in that toppled Saddam Hussein. Iraq, OPEC’s second-largest house in Basra’s historic Old ended Saddam’s occupation of funds),” said Walid Mustafa, a Japanese loan while a new hos- smog blamed on oil production Gulf Times 4 Saturday, May 12, 2018 AFRICA Search for missing as Kenya burst dam toll reaches 45

AFP mia nuts, fl owers and other crops Nakuru are grown. “Every time it rained, some water could discharge from the dam down to the lake pass- enyan troops and emergen- ing through the homes and farms cy workers picked through but it was not a lot and it came Kmud and debris yester- through the side cracks,” said one day in search of some 40 people resident Moses Mwangi. still missing after a dam burst its Many of the houses aff ected by banks, sending muddy waters rag- the disaster were rickety struc- ing through homes and killing 45 tures made of wood and tin that people. stood little chance against the Kenya’s top prosecutor has or- raging fl oodwater. The torrent hit dered a probe into the collapse of while people were in their homes, the dam on Wednesday night, as or sleeping, with one survivor de- questions mount over the quality scribing it as “hell on earth”. of construction of the private res- “During the fl oods I managed to ervoir on a vast farming estate. rescue my two sons, their mother A portion of the earthen wall of was swept away by the fl oods the dam collapsed, sending mil- along with two girls. After the lions of litres of water coursing fl ood had subsided, we managed down a muddy slope, engulfi ng to rescue my wife alive with inju- nearby settlements and destroy- ries but we found the girls dead,” ing power lines over a stretch of said another survivor, who identi- some 10 kilometres. fi ed himself only as Josphat. “The number of people dead Another victim, Philip Koech, from this tragedy is 45 after the said he lost his home and all his recovery of the body of a teenage livestock. “I was coming back Resident women talk together as they stand among scattered belongings yesterday, after a dam burst its boy,” yesterday, said Rift Valley from work when I got home I heard banks, sending muddy waters raging through homes and killing at least 45 people in Subukia, Nakuru county. Regional Co-ordinator Mwongo the thundering...I thought it was Chimwanga. rain,” he said, adding he and his Earlier Nakuru county governor family and managed to seek shel- Lee Kinyanjui said around 40 peo- ter in a nearby building from the ple were still reported missing and raging fl oodwaters. that at least one other local dam The Kenyan Red Cross esti- had “to be discharged to avoid dis- mates that up to 500 families were aster”. Weeks of heavy rains have aff ected by the disaster. caused fl ooding and mudslides Yesterday morning Kenya’s across the country that have left chief prosecutor Noordin Haji 175 dead, with no sign of a let-up ordered the opening of a police in the deluge. investigation into the tragedy “to The search and rescue opera- establish cause and culpability”. tion, involving emergency serv- Government statistics released ices as well as volunteers digging this week showed that more than through the mud by hand, was 220,000 people have been dis- disrupted by further heavy rainfall placed by fl ooding as heavy rains on Thursday and resumed yester- hit the country after three consec- day morning. utive failed rainy seasons had left The dam is situated on an area it in drought. of about eight acres, according to Since March, at least 21,000 Water Resource Management Au- acres of farmland have been sub- thority boss Simon Wang’ombe, merged in water with an estimated with a capacity of 200,000 cubic 20,000 animals killed, the Red metres. Residents said they had Cross said last week. long been concerned about cracks The fl oods have also destroyed Kenya Defence Force (KDF) soldiers patrol and inspect through mud and debris yesterday in search of in the dam, situated on Patel Cof- road networks in some parts of the bodies of victims after a dam burst its banks, sending muddy waters raging through homes and killing at fee Estates, where coff ee, macada- East African country. least 45 people in Subukia, Nakuru county.

HEALTH Congo claims Mnangagwa rallies war veterans ahead of vote another suspected Ebola death

AFP improve the welfare of veterans by The Democratic Republic of Con- Harare increasing their monthly allow- go on Thursday announced a sus- ances from the current $206. pected death from Ebola in a new Zimbabwe’s past elections outbreak of the disease and said imbabwe’s President Em- have been marred by violence and nine other new cases have also merson Mnangagwa yes- fraud. But Mnangagwa, 75, has emerged. At least 17 people have Zterday urged war veterans vowed to hold a free and fair vote died since inhabitants of a village to play a central role in campaign- that would boost his eff orts to re- in the country’s northwest began ing for the ruling ZANU-PF party engage with international donors showing symptoms resembling ahead of elections due in July or and bring in much-needed for- Ebola in December, according to August. eign investment. the World Health Organisation. The elections will be the fi rst in Mnangagwa is a long-time However, those cases were not Zimbabwe without Robert Mu- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa attends a meeting ZANU-PF veteran who was one confirmed through testing. So far, gabe who was forced from offi ce with liberation war veterans in Harare, yesterday. of Mugabe’s closest allies be- only two people have tested posi- last year, ending his authoritarian fore they fell out last year. At tive for the virus. This is the ninth rule over the country since inde- and often being accused of vio- bers and campaign for a thunder- the polls, he will face opposition time Ebola has been recorded in pendence from Britain in 1980. lence during elections and over ous victory.” “We must win the leader Nelson Chamisa, 40, of the Democratic Republic of Congo The veterans of the 1970s lib- land seizures. hearts and minds of our people,” the Movement for Democratic since the disease made its first eration struggle have been a vital Mnangagwa — himself a war he said, addressing about 5,000 Change (MDC), who took over his known appearance – near the vast cog in the ZANU-PF party, help- veteran — called for them “to go veterans in the capital Harare. party’s leadership after the death central African country’s northern ing Mugabe to hold onto power out full throttle in our huge num- Mnangagwa also pledged to of Morgan Tsvangirai. Ebola river – in the 1970s. Hopelessness and uncertainty a way of life in Dadaab refugee camp

AFP ment also alleged that Dadaab was a stag- 12-year-old Abdirizak, was press-ganged ing them submit individual applications, Dadaab ing ground for terror attacks in Kenya by Al into the militia. rather than automatically granting them Qaeda affi liate Shebaab. “They wanted to recruit me,” said the boy. asylum. “The Kenyan government had said in the A wide scar runs the length of Abdirizak’s Those who remain are receiving a third etween the rape she suff ered during a past that it wanted to close the camp, but forearm, a punishment, he said, from the less food than before, a result of funding traumatic return to Somalia, the con- this time was diff erent: they looked really gunmen. shortfalls, says the UN’s World Food Pro- Bstant hunger, and the uncertainty of serious,” Fartun said. “They gave me a rifl e and ordered me to gramme. her future in Kenya’s Dadaab camp, Fartun Ignoring the legal and logistical concerns shoot, but I refused, so they did this to my “Dadaab has been there for 27 years. Do- has almost forgotten what hope feels like. of international aid agencies, a deadline of arm.” nors feel a bit tired compared to other crises Two years ago Kenya’s government said it November 2016 was initially set, and then Mother and son were reunited a few like the Syrian refugees, or the Rohingyas,” would close what was at the time the world’s postponed to May 2017, as a two-year-old months after their ordeal, when Abdirizak said one UN offi cial in Dadaab. largest refugee settlement. programme of so-called “voluntary repa- managed to escape the militia, and soon re- The uncertainty imposed on Dadaab by It has failed to do so, but the threat looms triations” was accelerated. turned to Dadaab together. government is bad for aid workers, as well as over residents, adding a new layer of precar- For many there seemed little choice. A reprieve was granted in February 2017 refugees. iousness to an already tough existence. “In the camp, it was said that if we did when Kenya’s courts outlawed the closure “The fi rst thing the donors tell us is: Why “Before, life at the camp was good... but not leave, we would be beaten,” said Fartun. of Dadaab. have long-term programmes when the camp it’s not the same,” said Fartun, a 37-year-old “Maybe it was rumours, I don’t know, but Harun Kamau, the top government offi - will soon be closed?” said Caleb Odhiambo, mother of 11. that was the atmosphere in the camp.” cial in Dadaab, said just 2,000 Somalis had Save the Children’s director in Dadaab. She went back to Somalia as part of a re- So Fartun joined an estimated 75,000 returned to Dadaab after participating in the Aid agencies are disappointed that the patriation programme, criticised as coercive since the repatriations began and made her repatriation programme. government has failed to publicly acknowl- and premature by human rights groups, but reluctant return to Somalia in June 2016. But several aid agencies said that fi gure edge that the swift closing of Dadaab is returned to Dadaab when her homecoming She took the $400 resettlement allow- was a huge underestimate. impossible, and while they welcome a pro- went terribly wrong. ance and boarded a minivan with her family, The return has been diffi cult for Fartun, posed law to help integrate refugees into It was May 6, 2016 when everything bound for the border. who found much has changed for the worse. Kenyan society, they bemoan its slow pass- changed for Fartun. But only 50 kilometres inside Somalia the “Since we came back, there is less food, ing. Nairobi announced the closing of Dadaab convoy, bound for the south-western town and we live at my brother-in-law’s because Meanwhile, the experience of Fartun and — which had nearly 350,000 residents — of Baidoa, was ambushed by hooded, armed I have no house,” she said. others who endured failed repatriation, and, deeming war-torn and famine-prone men and Fartun and her family were taken The population has reduced too, now of- means fewer than ever are willing to leave. Somalia to be safe enough, said the refugees captive. fi cially numbering 235,000. “Even if the camp closes today, I’d rather would be sent home. Fartun was raped multiple times be- Kenyan authorities are making it harder stay somewhere here than go back to Soma- Without providing proof, the govern- fore being released. Her eldest son, then for Somalis to claim refugee status, by mak- lia again,” she said. Gulf Times Saturday, May 12, 2018 5 AMERICAS

Dog ‘shoots’ man in the leg

A 51-year-old from Iowa was shot by his dog while playing At least one hurt in school shooting near Los Angeles with the pet in his home, local media reported yesterday. Richard Remme of Fort Dodge was encouraging his dog Balew, a cross between a pit bull and a labrador, to jump AFP/Reuters around eight miles to the west, the you know that all of the Palmdale on his lap as he lay on his sofa when the dog apparently Los Angeles sheriff ’s department reported. Elementary Schools were put on flicked the safety catch off the 9mm pistol he was carrying Deputies said they had secured lockdown, and will stay on lock- in his belt. both locations. down until the situation is con- “I was lying on the couch, and we were horsing around, olice in California arrested “Update regarding Manzanita fi rmed as safe for our students, me and the dog. And I was tossing him off my lap, and a suspect after reports of Elementary School in Palmdale: teachers, staff and parents.” he was jumping back on my lap,” he told The Messenger Pshootings at two schools Deputies have searched the cam- The initial reports of a possible newspaper after being discharged from hospital. near Los Angeles yesterday, the lo- pus. School is clear. So far, no evi- school shooting drew immediate “Apparently he bumped the safety one time, and when he cal sheriff ’s department and edu- dence of crime. Investigation still attention from major news outlets bounded back over one of his toes went right down into cation offi cials said. ongoing,” the department tweeted. and cable TV networks. the trigger guard,” the injured dog owner said. “It has a The Los Angeles County Sher- Local news channel ABC7 said It underscored the national trigger safety as well as a thumb safety, and he managed iff said one suspect had been de- that multiple callers had reported debate over gun control and gun to hit both of them, and it discharged and went into my tained “regarding the person with a man with a gun at Highland High rights that was reignited by the leg, did no major damage to anything.” a gun” at Highland High School in shortly after 7am (1400 GMT). mass shooting of 17 students and Palmdale, 40 miles (65lm) north of Deputies and California High- staff members at Marjory Stone- downtown Los Angeles. way Patrol offi cers established a man Douglas High School in Park- Local news reports had earlier perimeter in the area. land, Florida. said that at least one person had “We are all concerned about the Palmdale, a city of about been wounded. safety of our children,” Palmdale 160,000 people, boasts that it is It was not immediately clear Members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff and others gather outside School District Superintendent the “aerospace capital of the Unit- what type of weapon was used. the Highland High School in Palmdale. Raul Maldonado said in an alert. ed States”. Los Angeles police said that a “It has been confi rmed that ear- It is home to a US Air Force air- 14-year-old student had been de- Nearby schools were put on ing to the scene, the agency said in lier this morning, there was an ac- craft manufacturing plant that tained. lockdown, CNN said. a tweet. tive shooter on the Highland High includes production facilities op- The victim, also aged 14, was hit Agents with the Department of About a half hour later, calls were School campus. erated by Boeing Company, Lock- in the arm and was in stable condi- Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and received about “shots fi red” near “Apparently, the person was al- heed Martin Corporation and tion at a hospital. Explosives (ATF) were also head- Manzanita Elementary School, ready apprehended. I want to let Northrop Grumman Corporation. Trudeau wants G7 to boost extremism fi ght By Clément Sabourin and recent decision to pull the US out part of a larger environmental and Michel Comte, AFP of the Iranian nuclear deal is ex- climate agenda. Ottawa pected to be front and centre at the “This is one of the topics in June 8-9 summit in La Malbaie of which there is the most consensus leaders of the world’s seven largest in the G7 and around the world,” anadian Prime Minister industrialised nations – Britain, Trudeau said, adding that talks at Justin Trudeau hopes the Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the summit would broach sustain- CG7 will step up to fi ght ex- Japan, and the United States. able fi sheries, reduced plastic con- treme nationalism, and adopt con- Global trade is also on the menu, sumption and waste, and improved crete measures on the environment as Canada, Mexico and the United ocean data collection and science. and women’s education in crisis States hold crunch negotiations to To face climate change and zones when it meets in Canada try to secure a new North Ameri- its corollary “extreme weather next month, he told AFP in an ex- can Free Trade Agreement (Nafta), events”, Trudeau called for urgent clusive interview. and Europe and Japan push back preventative and adaptive meas- “Many countries and many citi- against US protectionist trade pol- ures, such as building “resilient zens are questioning the current icies. infrastructure”. system, as seen by the emergence Still, Trudeau suggested that Trudeau pointed to rising sea of extreme nationalism or right- Trump will not feel alone at the levels aff ecting coastal nations, wing populism, or (voicing oppo- table, because the G7 summit will and an increased frequency of hur- sition) to anti-globalisation,” Tru- “seek consensus on security and Trudeau: It is important that we remain vigilant and keep this order, this ricanes and fl oods. deau said. economic issues”. peace, this stability, this predictability that has helped us to create Oceans protection is a global “This must be at the centre of There will be “real robust dis- everything we have today. concern and the G7 must demon- the discussions we will have at the cussion on how we can move for- strate “real leadership” in dealing G7: how to reassure citizens about ward together”, Trudeau promised. ment, it is an economic impera- “If, as a G7 nation, we can invest with this diffi cult issue and “deliv- the future we are building togeth- Host Canada is planning to focus tive,” Trudeau said. in the education of women and girls er tangible results”, Trudeau said. er,” he added in his parliamentary on gender equality at the summit, The Canadian leader said he in crisis, we will reduce the impact “Canada has the world’s long- offi ce in Ottawa. “It is important unveiling a G7 advisory council on would encourage his G7 peers to of the crisis ... and make sure not to est coastline, and oceans are ex- that we remain vigilant and keep the issue. tackle this issue in developing lose a generation” and preserve the tremely important to us, but we’re this order, this peace, this stability, “Gender parity, the defense of countries where “a lot of invest- ability of “these women and girls not alone and it’s an area where we this predictability that has helped women’s rights, the inclusion of ment” is required, especially “in to contribute to a better world”, he can fi nd a lot of common ground,” us to create everything we have to- LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and places of crisis, in refugee camps said. he added, noting “broad” support day.” transgender) and other minorities (where) education for girls is al- Canada will also press for action from governments and the private US President Donald Trump’s in society is not just a moral argu- most absent”. to clean up the world’s oceans, as sector.

Russian Facebook ‘ads’ reveal White House kills strong eff ort to divide US society Nasa programme on greenhouse gas AFP discouraging support for his rival eff ort that cost the Russians barely Washington Hillary Clinton. $100,000 to reach 126mn Ameri- There were ads placed on con- cans and arguably impact the race AFP science missions last year. servative Facebook pages high- that sent Trump to the White House Washington After much deliberation, housands of Facebook and lighting attacks on police and the over favoured Clinton. Congress decided that they Instagram advertisements dangers of immigration, and linking “The only way we can begin to wanted those four space mis- Ttaken out by a Russian Inter- African-American activists to Mus- inoculate ourselves against a future Nasa programme that sions to be funded, writing net group were released on Thurs- lims. attack is to see fi rst-hand the types cost $10mn per year to them into the budget bill they day in a database that illustrate And, conversely, ads placed on of messages, themes and imagery Atrack carbon and meth- passed in March 2018, he said. how a concerted eff ort was made to African American-oriented pages the Russians used to divide us,” said ane, key greenhouse gases that But since CMS was not foment anger and split US society focused on police brutality and Representative Adam Schiff , the contribute to global warming, among them, it was cut as pro- around the 2016 election. white supremacist groups, often senior Democrat on the Intelligence has been cancelled, a US space posed, Cole said, describing Democrats of the House Intelli- linking to articles that would stoke Committee. agency spokesman said. the entire process as a joint ef- gence Community released records black anger. “Ultimately, by exposing these The end of the programme – fort by lawmakers and the ex- of more than 3,000 ads from 2015- Some were cute or funny, seem- advertisements, we hope to better called the Carbon Monitoring ecutive branch. 2017 that were allegedly placed by ingly designed to get likes and for- protect legitimate political expres- System (CMS) – which tracked Existing grants would be al- the Kremlin-linked Internet Re- wards that would draw users to a sion and discussions and better sources and sinks for carbon lowed to fi nish but no new re- search Agency, a Saint Petersburg page that had political material. safeguard Americans from having and made high-resolution search would be supported, he operation that allegedly spreads Others were cleverly designed their information ecosystem pol- models of the planet’s fl ows of said. disinformation and political propa- just to slightly tweak voter motiva- luted by foreign adversaries.” carbon, was fi rst reported by Trump has already an- ganda across the internet and social tion, such as one aimed at conserva- Facebook has said the 3,000 ads the journal Science. nounced the US pullout from media in Russia and in countries tive voters in key states which fea- were linked to 470 “inauthentic ac- “Now, President Donald the 2015 Paris climate accord, where Moscow wants to infl uence tured a quote from former president counts and pages” that have now Trump’s administration has a deal signed by more than politics. Ronald Reagan: “If we ever forget been closed down. quietly killed the CMS,” the re- 190 nations to slash polluting The ads and postings show a pat- that we are One Nation Under God, It announced in April that it will port said, describing the move emissions from fossil fuels. tern of stirring up anger among dif- then we will be a nation gone under.” require political ads on its platform as the latest in a “broad attack Cole told AFP that Trump ferent groups, encouraging support Many of the ads have been made to state who is paying for the mes- on climate science” mounted has proposed cancelling an- for then-candidate Donald Trump public over the past year, but the da- sage and that it would verify the by the White House. other Earth science mission, in the 2016 presidential race, and tabase provides a fuller picture of an identity of the payer. The journal said that the the Orbiting Carbon Observa- National Aeronautics and tory 3 (OCO-3), for next year, Space Administration (Nasa) though it did receive funding Pulitzer board chairman resigns over sexual misconduct claims “declined to provide a reason for fi scal year 2018. for the cancellation beyond According to Kelly Sims Award-winning and critically acclaimed US novelist Short story author Carmen Maria Machado and novelist ‘budget constraints and higher Gallagher, director of Tufts Junot Diaz has stepped down as chairman of the Pulitzer Monica Byrne have also taken to Twitter to accuse the priorities within the science University’s Centre for In- Prize Board after being accused of inappropriate sexual Dominican-born novelist and university professor of budget’”. ternational Environment and conduct. being verbally aggressive. It also quoted US space Resource Policy in Medford, Novelist Zinzi Clemmons confronted Diaz at a literary “I take responsibility for my past,” Diaz said in a statement agency spokesman Steve Cole Massachusetts, the CMS cuts festival in Australia, before publicly accusing him of to The New York Times via his literary agent in reference as saying that there is no men- jeopardise eff orts to verify the forcibly kissing her six years ago while she was a 26-year- to the women’s accusations. tion of the CMS in a budget emission cuts agreed to in the old graduate student at Columbia University. The Pulitzer Prize Board said on Thursday that it had deal signed in March, which Paris climate deal. Clemmons says that the incident happened after she ordered an “independent review” into allegations of “allowed the administration’s “If you cannot measure invited the Pulitzer winner to speak at a workshop while misconduct against Diaz, and that while he had asked to move to take eff ect”. emissions reductions, you she was attending the Ivy League school. step down as chairman, he would remain on the board. Cole, responding to a re- cannot be confi dent that coun- “He used it as an opportunity to corner and forcibly kiss Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New Jersey, quest for comment from AFP, tries are adhering to the agree- me,” she tweeted. “I’m far from the only one he’s done this Diaz won the Pulitzer Prize in 2008 for The Brief and said Trump proposed cutting ment,” she told the journal Sci- to, I refuse to be silent anymore.” Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. the CMS project and four Earth ence. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, May 12, 2018 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

China’s Didi suspends car-pool service after passenger murder

AFP surname Li, was killed the night abandoned the car after the mur- violation of our terms of service,” er service department repeat- 24. He was subsequently ap- ducting inadequate background Shanghai of May 6, according to police in der and fl ed. The case has gone it said. Hitch’s facial-recogni- edly tried to contact the account prehended. Didi Chuxing calls checks of its drivers in order to the central city of Zhengzhou, viral on Chinese social media and tion feature was “defective” and holder to follow up on the matter itself the world’s leading mobile keep up growth rates. After a with state media reporting that was the top-trending item on the driver was able to bypass the but was unsuccessful. transportation platform, saying fi erce battle against Didi, Uber hinese ride-hailing giant she was found half-naked and the Twitter-like Weibo service security measure, it added. Didi said it would thoroughly in March that it had 21mn driv- sold its operations in China in Didi Chuxing said yes- stabbed at least 20 times. yesterday, generating more than Hitch, one of 13 services of- review drivers “to exclude any ers and more than 450mn users 2016 in return for a stake in Didi’s Cterday it would suspend Li, who worked for Chinese 85mn reads and thousands of fered on Didi’s platforms, “will cases involving mismatch of across its various services. business. its car-pool service for a week budget carrier Lucky Air, had comments. be suspended nationwide for a drivers and vehicles” and review Assault against women is a In response to the Zhengzhou as it deals with an outcry over ordered a ride using Didi’s Hitch Didi, which issued an apol- week of rectifi cation” beginning other processes. fraught issue for ride-hailing killing, the ruling Communist the murder of a fl ight attendant service, which pairs up commut- ogy Thursday, said in a statement at midnight yesterday. It was the second known mur- companies. Allegations of fe- Party mouthpiece People’s Daily found dead after ordering a ride ers heading in the same direction. that the suspect was driving un- Didi said that a prior com- der involving Hitch. In 2016, a male passengers being sexually circulated notices on social me- home. Police said they were searching der his father’s Hitch account. plaint about “verbal sexual 24-year-old woman in southern assaulted by Uber drivers have dia yesterday with tips for wom- The 21-year-old woman, for a 27-year-old male suspect “The suspect borrowed his harassment” had been lodged China was robbed and murdered dogged the US company, leading en on staying safe in situations identifi ed by police only by her surnamed Liu, who they say parent’s account to take orders in against the account. Its custom- by a Hitch driver, who was also to lawsuits accusing it of con- including ride-hailing. Trump-Kim meet in Singapore presents logistical challenges

Reuters the way to Singapore or fl y with a Singapore reduced load. The Il-76, originally designed for moving heavy machinery to orth Korean leader Kim remote parts of the Soviet Union, Jong-un’s trip to Sin- is big enough to fi t a school bus or A North Korean Air Koryo Ilyushin IL76M airplane arrives at an airport in Dalian, Liaoning province, China. Ngapore for talks with US two shipping containers inside it, President Donald Trump poses according to passenger and cargo government and now heads the experts believe the North may dropped. There was no confi r- logistical challenges that are fl ight operator Antarctic Logis- North Korea Strategic Informa- have been stockpiling the fuel mation on the specifi c location likely to include using Soviet-era tics & Expeditions. tion Service Center in Seoul, which it has also used for its mis- for the meeting between Kim aircraft to carry him and his lim- But the cargo plane has had said the trip will involve doz- sile programme. “The United and Trump although there are a ousine, as well as dozens of secu- some safety issues. In the lat- ens of security personnel and States had preferred Geneva,” the number of sites in Singapore that rity and other support staff . est incident last month, a crash equipment including possibly South Korean presidential offi cial can guarantee security protec- The choice of Singapore as the killed 257 people on board after a personal toilet for the leader. told reporters, requesting ano- tion, including hotels that have site of the fi rst-ever meeting of a takeoff from an Algiers air base. It will also mean burning a large nymity to discuss the arrange- experience hosting high-securi- sitting US president and a North Unlike his father Kim Jong-il, quantity of jet fuel, a refi ned oil ments for the summit meeting. ty events, Singapore media and Korean leader was as much be- who died in 2011 and who trav- product sharply limited by UN “But Singapore was selected as it a Singapore government offi cial cause it was within reasonable elled by armoured train on his sanctions targeting North Korea’ was the most realistically viable said. fl ight time and distance from US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. rare trips abroad because he imports. Kim’s two planes will destination Kim Jong-un could The meeting is scheduled for Pyongyang as because of the is- feared being shot down, accord- need around 50 metric tonnes of probably travel when consider- one day on June 12, but if either or land state’s political neutrality, a edge of North Korean aff airs say gapore is easily in the range of the ing to a North Korean defector jet fuel per aircraft for the fl ight ing the travel time and fl ight dis- both of the leaders decide to stay South Korean presidential offi cial is believed to have carried his Il-62M aircraft. The Soviet-era familiar with his security details, from Pyongyang to Singapore. tance.” overnight, there is only one hotel told reporters. limousine. narrow-body jet with four en- the younger leader is not known China, the main source of fuel The two sides initially consid- room in all of the city that meets Since becoming North Korea’s “It looks very much like the gines was fi rst introduced in the to be averse to fl ying. for the North, exported just three ered meeting in the Panmunjom “security protocol” for the US leader in 2011, Kim has only taken trip to Dalian was a dry run,” said 1970s and has a maximum range But air travel of this distance tonnes of jet fuel in March and truce village straddling the Ko- president, according to a source one known overseas trip by air – Andray Abrahamian, a research of 10,000km. does pose a signifi cantly greater made no offi cial exports the two rean military border, the scene with knowledge of previous US and that was earlier this week to fellow at Pacifi c Forum CSIS and But the Ilyushin-76 cargo challenge in transporting com- previous months, according to of the third inter-Korea summit presidential visits. Dalian in China to hold talks with formerly with Choson Exchange, plane cannot fl y more than munication and security equip- Chinese customs data. But the attended by Kim and South Ko- That is the 348sq m Shangri- Chinese President Xi Jinping. a Singapore-based group that 3,000km without refuelling if ment and personnel needed to North’s planes can pick up extra rean President Moon Jae-in last La Suite in the Valley Wing of the He fl ew in his personal Ilyushin- trains North Koreans in busi- carrying a full load. It will there- back up a summit meeting. fuel when they fl y to China and month, the offi cial said. The of- hotel of the same name, at a cur- 62M jet accompanied by a cargo ness skills. At 4,700km from fore have to stop off at a friendly Lee Yun-keok, a defector Russia for commercial opera- fi cial said the South did not know rent rate of S$10,000 ($7,500) a plane that people with knowl- Pyongyang’s Sunan airport, Sin- location like Vietnam’s capital on who had worked for the North’s tions, and international security the reason why Panmunjom was night for June 12.

Seven found dead at Australian rural property

Malaysia king to pardon Anwar, Four children and three adults to raise concern about wider organised syndicates. If confirmed so shocking to think that could were found dead yesterday public safety issues,” Western as a mass shooting, the incident be destroyed so quickly.” Dawson at a rural property near the Australia police commissioner would be the worst in Australia refused to be drawn on who the paving way for return to politics Margaret River wine region in Chris Dawson said. “We’re still since a 1996 massacre that left person was that alerted police, western Australia, in an apparent yet to make contact with other 35 people dead at Port Arthur in their relationship to the victims or murder-suicide with two weapons members of the family so at this Tasmania. whether they heard gunshots. AFP landscape for two decades. But “big changes” to be made with- found nearby. Police said they point in time, all I’ll confirm is that It was believed those who died “The loss of any life is tragic but Kuala Lumpur in a remarkable turnaround, out delay. Najib’s premiership responded to an early-morning there are four children and three lived at the property, about 10 four children and three adults, the pair reconciled and joined has been battered by a mas- phone call and arrived to find a adults that have all been located minutes drive from Margaret this is a significant tragedy,” he forces as allegations mounted sive fi nancial scandal, in which “horrific incident” in the small deceased.” River, a popular tourist destination said, adding that police and other alaysia’s king has over 1MDB and Najib became he was accused of overseeing town of Osmington near the The ages of the children were not renowned for its wine, surf and specialists would be at the scene agreed to pardon An- increasingly authoritarian, jail- the plunder of billions of dol- world-renowned wine-growing released. natural beauty. for several days at least. “This will Mwar Ibrahim imme- ing opponents and introducing lars from sovereign wealth fund area south of Perth. Dawson said there appeared to Felicity Haynes, who lives be a very large scale and detailed diately, the country’s newly laws to stifl e dissent. 1MDB. Five bodies were found inside a be gunshot wounds, “but I don’t on a neighbouring property, investigation.” installed prime minister said Anwar, now 70, was jailed He and the fund deny any house and two outside. Homicide want to go further than that as told broadcaster ABC the Augusta-Margaret River Shire yesterday, paving the way for again in 2015 during Najib’s rule wrongdoing. Asked about detectives were investigating two firearms have been located at family involved were “caring president Pamela Townsend the jailed leader to return to – after making historic gains as 1MDB yesterday, Mahathir but police were not looking for a the scene”. neighbours”. said the incident had impacted politics and potentially become the head of the opposition at the accused Attorney-General suspect— suggesting a murder- Mass shootings are not common “They were just such lovely everyone in the area. premier. 2013 elections — and had been Mohamed Ali Apandi — who suicide although this was not in Australia, which has strict people,” she said. “They were “It’s sending shockwaves through It was the latest dramatic due to be released next month. cleared Najib over the scandal — confirmed. gun laws. All weapons must be a very socially-aware family, the whole community – we’re development after Mahathir But Mahathir told a press con- of having “undermined his own “I can only say at this point in registered, although many arrive doing their best to create a safe all linked in one way or another, Mohamad’s alliance infl icted a ference that King Sultan Mu- credibility”. time, we have no information illegally from overseas through community, and that is why it is every family,” she told WA Today. shock defeat on the long-ruling hammad V, in a meeting with “He in fact has hidden evi- Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, opposition leaders, had agreed dence of wrongdoing and that ending the corruption-riddled to grant Anwar a royal pardon. is wrong in law,” he said, add- regime’s six-decade strangle- “The (king) has indicated he ing his new government would hold on power. is willing to pardon Datuk Sri target those linked to the old re- Protest against Trump Mahathir — who had retired Anwar immediately,” Mahathir gime suspected of corruption. in 2003 as premier but made a told a press conference, using a Apandi came to offi ce after Na- comeback in a bid to oust the Malay honorifi c to refer to An- jib sacked the previous attorney coalition he once headed — was war. general, who was believed to be sworn in Thursday, becoming The royal pardon would aggressively investigating the the world’s oldest elected leader mean he could return to politics matter. at 92. Mahathir, who had ruled straight away. Without it, he Mahathir also said there was with an iron fi st for over two would be banned from political widespread fraud during the decades, cut ties with BN due to life for fi ve years. election campaign and it would allegations that the coalition’s “He should be released im- be investigated. His comments leader and his ex-protege Najib mediately when he is par- might raise eyebrows, however. Razak oversaw the pillaging of doned,” Mahathir added. It was Critics say there was much sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. not clear when Anwar, who is electoral fraud during Ma- The elderly politician joined currently in hospital for treat- hathir’s time in power, while forces with parties that op- ment to his shoulder, would be corruption and cronyism fl our- posed him while in power and freed. ished, and his government was agreed that if elected, he would In a statement, Anwar accused of pushing policies hand over the premiership to thanked “the people of Malay- that favoured the Muslim Malay Anwar, his former nemesis and sia for their courage in making a majority and exacerbated racial leading member of the People’s change which is a victory for the tensions. Still, analysts say the Justice Party. people.” attempted cheating at Wednes- The party is in the alliance “The new government vows day’s poll was worse than any- that won power at the hard- to uphold democracy, jus- thing seen before. fought poll. Mahathir previ- tice and human rights for all,” BN was accused of serious ously said he would likely re- said the statement, delivered gerrymandering while activists main prime minister for two to by vice-president of his party, said the coalition hurled cash three years, before transferring Tian Chua, who was visiting the and gifts at voters and there was power to Anwar. leader in hospital. Wan Azizah a litany of problems with the One of Malaysia’s most char- Wan Ismail, president of An- electoral roll, including dead ismatic politicians, Anwar was war’s party and his wife, told people appearing on the list. heir-apparent to the premier- AFP the process to have him But voters turned out in droves, ship until Mahathir sacked him freed was already under way. determined to push out the in 1998 and he was subsequent- Meanwhile, speculation was government, with the opposi- ly jailed for sodomy and abuse mounting about Najib’s future tion boosted by the presence of Indonesian Muslims, many holding Palestine flags, attend a rally where congregational Friday prayers were also held at the National of power. Anwar and Mahathir’s with a senior member of his standard-bearer Mahathir, who Monument or Monas square in Jakarta yesterday. Several thousands of Indonesian Muslims staged a rally in capital Jakarta in a stormy relationship has loomed party, former sports minister has a huge following among the protest against US President Donald Trump’s controversial policy to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. large over Malaysia’s political Khairy Jamaluddin, calling for Malays. Gulf Times Saturday, May 12, 2018 7 BRITAIN/IRELAND

DECISION CRACKDOWN PROPOSAL STANCE FALLOUT Npower hikes energy bills Sellafield to be prosecuted Fast-food ad ban on Give £1bn navy contract to Health service head quits for 1mn customers over staff contamination transport network urged UK firms, demands Corbyn in cancer screening row

Npower will raise domestic fuel costs for Britain’s nuclear regulator yesterday said it will London mayor Sadiq Khan has proposed banning Labour opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn yes- The director general of Ireland’s Health Serv- 1mn British customers from mid-June with its prosecute nuclear reprocessing plant operator adverts for foods high in fat, salt and sugar from the terday said a £1bn contract to build navy ships ice Executive has resigned in the midst of a standard variable dual fuel price for gas and Sellafield Ltd over an incident in February in city’s transport network in a bid to tackle childhood should be awarded to British companies, criticis- controversy over a national cervical cancer electricity increasing 5.3%. Yesterday’s price rise which an employee was contaminated. Sellafield obesity. The mayor also suggested a ban on new ing a decision to allow foreign firms to bid for the screening programme. Tony O’Brien said he announcement comes despite intense political will be prosecuted under the health and safety hot-food takeaways opening within 400 metres work. Corbyn, a socialist who has won over many made a decision to step down in order to avoid scrutiny of energy bills and follows hikes by at work act over the incident, which occurred at of schools. “Child obesity is a ticking timebomb voters with promises to increase public spend- any further impact to the delivery of health and Centrica-owned British Gas, Iberdrola-owned a facility handling special nuclear materials, the and I am determined to act,” Khan said. “It can’t be ing and take a more interventionist approach to social care services, and in particular the cancer Scottish Power and EDF Energy, part of France’s regulator said. “For legal reasons we are unable to right that in a city as prosperous as London that the economy, said such a decision would create screening services that have become the focus of EDF. Innogy-owned Npower’s price rise means comment further on the details of the case which where you live and the income you have can have about 6,500 British jobs and support other intense political debate. The Irish government has customers on its dual fuel tariff who pay by is now the subject of active court proceedings,” a massive impact on whether you have access to industries. In a speech in Glasgow, a city that once ordered a statutory investigation into the national direct debit will have an average energy bill the Off ice for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) said healthy, nutritious food and your exposure to junk produced around a fifth of the world’s ships, Cor- cervical screening programme after it emerged of around £1,230 a year. The rise is made up in a statement. Sellafield Ltd manages Britain’s food advertising. That is why I’m proposing to ban byn said allowing the ships to be built by foreign that 208 women with cervical cancer whose of an average rise of 4.4% on gas and 6.2% on nuclear reprocessing plant in Cumbria, northwest adverts for harmful junk food from the entire Tube companies risks further undermining an industry cases were audited under the programme should electricity, Npower said in a statement. England. and bus network,” he said. already suff ering a long decline. have had an earlier intervention. Watchdog fi nes Royal wedding preparations Brexit group for breaking spending rules

Reuters with Donald Trump and leading London Brexiteer Nigel Farage outside a gilded elevator soon after the 2016 US ne of the main Brexit presidential election, cast campaign groups was doubt on the commission’s im- Ofi ned £70,000 yesterday partiality. by the electoral commission for Using the term Remoaners — breaking spending rules in Brit- which is often used by Brexiteers to ain’s EU referendum and police describe opponents of Brexit such may have to investigate criminal as former Labour prime minister off ences, the commission said. Tony Blair — Banks said he would The commission, detailing face the commission in court. its fi ndings in a 31-page docu- “The electoral commission ment, said Leave.EU incorrectly is a ‘Blairite Swamp Creation’ reported what it spent at the EU packed full of establishment referendum, failing to include at ‘Remoaners’,” Banks said. “What least £77,380 in its spending re- a shambles. We will see them in Union flag decorations are seen in Regent Street, London yesterday ahead of the royal wedding of Prince Harry and US actress Meghan Markle. Prince Harry and US turn and thus exceeding a spend- court. actress Meghan Markle will marry on May 19 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. ing limit. “We view the electoral commis- The documented breaches of sion announcement as a politically electoral law are likely to fuel de- motivated attack on Brexit and mands from opponents of Brexit the 17.4mn people who defi ed the for a re-run of the 2016 referen- establishment to vote for an inde- dum, though there is little sign so pendent Britain,” he said. far that the vote’s legitimacy has The commission said it had been undermined. found no evidence that Leave.EU “These are serious off ences,” received donations or paid-for said Bob Posner, the electoral services from Cambridge Ana- commission’s director of political lytica, a political consultancy at Grammar schools to get fi nance and regulation. “Leave.EU the centre of a storm over how exceeded its spending limit and Facebook data was used in politi- failed to declare its funding and its cal campaigns. spending correctly.” The commission said Leave. The commission said it sus- EU failed to include services pected criminal off ences may it received from US campaign have been committed, and the strategy fi rm Goddard Gunster in £50mn expansion fund person responsible, Leave.EU a spending return. CEO Liz Bilney, had been re- The commission also found Guardian News and Media grow, we can give parents greater the government of “pursuing its “The grammar school corpse more than 2% of grammar school ferred to the police. Leave.EU inaccurately reported London choice in looking at schools that own vanity projects” at the ex- has climbed out of its coffi n once pupils receive free school meals, In the June 23, 2016, referen- three loans it had received. are right for their family and give pense of comprehensive schools. again, despite evidence of the compared with around 15% in dum, 17.4mn votes, or 51.9% of Leave.EU exceeded the spend- children of all backgrounds ac- “Just weeks after abandoning damage that selective education other state secondary schools. votes cast, backed leaving the EU ing limit for non-party registered rammar schools in Eng- cess to a world-class education,” their own guarantee to protect causes,” Courtney said. A DfE spokesperson said while 16.1mn votes, or 48.1% of campaigners by at least 10%, the land will be given tens of Hinds said. every school from cash cuts, the “Schools up and down the around 150 grammar schools votes cast, backed staying. electoral commission said. The Gmillions of pounds to ex- The announcement is the lat- Tories have excluded the vast country are desperately short of had already pledged to do more But ever since the shock vote total alleged overspend repre- pand, after the Education Sec- est eff ort by the government to majority of schools from any ex- funds. This is money that would outreach with local primary which divided the United King- sented less than 0.1% of overall retary, Damian Hinds, unveiled resuscitate grammar schools tra funding,” said Angela Rayner, be better invested in ensuring schools. dom, opponents of Brexit have campaign fi nance spend, Leave. a fund for selective schools that in the face of fi erce opposition the shadow education secretary. all schools could provide for Jim Skinner, the Grammar questioned what they say is Brit- EU said. agree to improve applications from educationalists and policy- “The continued obsession the basic needs of their pupils School Heads’ Association chief ain’s biggest mistake since World Leave.EU and Cambridge from disadvantaged children. makers, and few signs that the with grammar schools will do without having to ask for money executive, said: “We are very War II and the methods and fund- Analytica had previously denied The £50mn fund will poten- policy is popular with parents. nothing for the vast majority of from parents.” pleased that, like other good ing of campaigners for Brexit. working together on the Brexit tially allow the creation of new Controversial proposals to lift children. It is absurd for minis- The DfE said the £50mn se- and outstanding schools, selec- Supporters of leaving the EU campaign. Leave.EU was not “satellite” campuses of grammar the ban on creating new gram- ters to push ahead with plans to lective schools expansion fund tive schools now have access to say opponents of Brexit are try- the offi cially designated “leave” schools away from their existing mar schools were a key part of expand them when the evidence would be open to existing gram- a fund to allow them to expand ing to water down or even stop campaign group during the ref- sites, although the department the Conservative manifesto in is clear they do nothing to im- mar schools that off er to expand their premises. Brexit with a myriad of legal and erendum. for education said there would last year’s snap general election, prove social mobility.” their admissions, countering “This is particularly impor- political ploys that they warn “The electoral commission be a “very high bar” for such ex- but the plans were dropped in Kevin Courtney, joint general criticism that selection benefi ts tant at a time when there are could thrust Britain into a con- went big game fi shing and found pansions. the wake of the election result, secretary of the National Edu- children from middle class fami- increasing numbers of pupils stitutional crisis. a few ‘aged’ dead sardines on the “By creating new schools which saw the Tories lose their cation Union, likened the gov- lies who can aff ord coaching for reaching secondary age and such Arron Banks, the founder beach. So much for the big con- where they are needed most overall majority. ernment’s eff orts to a zombie entrance exams. high demand from parents for of Leave.EU who was pictured spiracy,” Banks said. and helping all great schools to Labour was quick to accuse movie. Recent fi gures show that little selective school places.” Police confi rm death Queen at horse show May expands Grenfell fi re inquiry panel of singer Hutchison Guardian News and Media members will join the inquiry London for its second stage, which is not scheduled to begin until Decem- Guardian News and Media who told Radio X earlier this Hutchison formed Frightened ber at the earliest. Edinburgh week: “The support’s been im- Rabbit initially as a solo project he Grenfell Tower inquiry The first stage, which begins mense … There’s nothing that is in 2003, before Grant joined him panel is to be widened to on May 21, will hear tributes to so insurmountable that we can’t to record their debut album in Tinclude people with the the deceased and then exam- olice in Scotland have con- fi gure it out together and help 2006. The band expanded to a skills to examine the cultural ine the night of the fire itself fi rmed the death of Fright- you to get better and we’re all fi ve-piece, and amassed a loyal and community reasons behind and the response of emergency Pened Rabbit singer Scott here for you and we all love you following for their soul-baring, the fatal fi re, following pressure services. The second stage will Hutchison, after his body was very much.” emotionally rich songwriting, from survivors and families of look at the lead-up to the fire, discovered following his disap- Hutchison had addressed including Aaron Dessner of US victims, the government has an- including decisions made over pearance on Wednesday. mental health diffi culties in his band the National who produced nounced. the refurbishment by the Roy- Police made the discovery at songwriting. In an interview their most recent album, 2016’s The move comes after Theresa al Borough of Kensington and Port Edgar near South Queens- published on Noisey last week, Painting of a Panic Attack. May originally opposed adding Chelsea, which has been widely ferry in Edinburgh at 8.30pm on he described his mood: “Mid- Dessner said he was “devas- panel members alongside the blamed for the spreading of the Thursday, with Hutchison’s fam- dling. On a day-to-day basis, tated”, and called Hutchison “a existing inquiry chairman, Sir blaze on June 14, 2017, which ily informed. Hutchison, 36, was I’m a solid six out of 10. I don’t dear soul and a brilliant song- Martin Moore-Bick, a retired claimed 72 lives. last seen at 1am on Wednesday, know how often I can hope for writer”. high court judge and a specialist Moore-Bick wrote to May yes- when he left the Dakota hotel in much more than that. I’m drawn Robert Smith of the Cure had in contract law. terday, saying: “I note that you South Queensferry. to negatives in life, and I dwell on invited them to appear at Melt- In December, May appeared are minded to appoint additional The band had posted a mes- them, and they consume me.” down festival, which he is curat- to reject a request from bereaved panel members to the inquiry for sage on Twitter asking for any- In a 2016 interview, he spoke of ing in London in June, and the family members for a diverse phase 2. I therefore look forward one with information to contact experiencing anxiety attacks, and band were also set to support US decision-making panel to sit to receiving ... for my considera- police, adding: “We are worried of how aff ected he was by his emo- singer-songwriter Father John alongside the head of the pub- tion ... the names of those who about Scott, who has been miss- tions: “I’ve always seen that kind Misty in concert in May. lic inquiry. That call was backed you consider suitable.” ing for a little while now. He may of emotional turmoil as an illness. Hutchison had recently com- by a petition eventually signed Adel Chaoui, who lost four be in a fragile state and may not It’s one that lasts for quite a long pleted a tour with the band to by more than 156,000 people relatives in the fi re and led the be making the best decisions for time and can’t be fi xed. You know, celebrate the 10th anniversary and promoted by the musician petition for the Grenfell United himself right now.” you describe it as a ‘hurt’ – why of their breakthrough 2008 al- Stormzy, which was triggered survivors’ and bereaved group, Fans sent messages of sup- would you describe it as that if it bum, The Midnight Organ Fight, Queen Elizabeth arrives at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, by concerns over Moore-Bick’s said they were relieved at the de- port, summed up by Hutchison’s weren’t actually painful? It’s not and another with his other band, in Windsor, yesterday. ability to relate to the survivors. cision, but should not have had brother and bandmate, Grant, just mental torment.” Mastersystem. The additional two panel to campaign for it. Gulf Times 8 Saturday, May 12, 2018 EUROPE

Varjoranta: no reason given for Italy ‘close’ to govt deal his resignation. Reuters/AFP Matteo Salvini for a second con- progress of their talks as early parliament, while the League government. Some have said it’s M5S’s fl agship policy is uni- Rome secutive day, and afterwards as tomorrow to President Ser- got 17% to become the second- a threat to the people,” Di Maio versal income support for the they signalled there had been gio Mattarella, who could then largest. told reporters after meeting poor, while the League’s main progress on policy, but still of- nominate the new prime minis- Salvini said weeks ago that he Salvini. “Some say it’s a threat campaign promise was a “fl at Top IAEA taly’s two anti-establish- fered no names for the top job. ter on Monday. would not insist on leading any to Europe ... but it’s not Europe tax” of 15% for individuals and ment parties, the 5-Star Asked about the premiership, That person is unlikely to be government his group was a part that’s under threat.” companies. IMovement (M5S) and the Salvini told reporters: “When either Salvini or Di Maio. of. The Italian-German bond Both policies would be costly offi cial far-right League, are drafting we have something to say, we’ll Vincenzo Spadafora, a close The two parties said that spread narrowed yesterday, re- for Italy’s strained public fi - a programme for a new gov- say it.” aide to Di Maio, said that the two meetings to agree a programme turning to where it was before nances. ernment in the hope of end- Salvini told reporters after parties are looking for someone to cut taxes, hike welfare pay- M5S and the League began ne- The parties have also said they resigns ing almost 10 weeks of political meeting Di Maio at the lower outside both parties who “has ments, and bolster eff orts to stop gotiations. want to head off a value-add- stalemate, but are still seeking house Chamber of Deputies that a high profi le and is trusted by irregular immigration had made Though both parties have said ed tax increase worth €12.5bn someone to lead it. their aim is to reach an agree- Italian citizens and Italy’s inter- progress. they want to renegotiate the ($14.9bn) due to kick in next year Reuters To address concerns that their ment “as soon as possible”. national partners”. On Thursday, news that they EU’s fi scal rules to allow Italy to unless alternative defi cit cuts are Vienna pledges to raise welfare spend- Di Maio then revealed upon Di Maio insisted after the are seeking to form a govern- spend more, a M5S source said found. ing and cut taxes will undermine leaving the chamber that the March 4 election that he should ment pushed the gap between that any plans to increase the President Mattarella can veto the economic stability of the pair would meet in Milan today be the next prime minister, but Italian benchmark bond yields budget defi cit would be dis- the make-up of any new admin- he chief of inspections at heavily indebted country, M5S to continue talks over a “Ger- dropped this demand last week and the safer German equivalent cussed with Brussels fi rst. istration. the UN nuclear watchdog leader Luigi Di Maio said that man-style” government con- to help clinch a deal with the to its widest in seven weeks on “The government will be ra- He would also need to endorse Thas resigned suddenly, the the administration would not be tract, which he hopes to sign “as League. concerns that the state accounts tional and reasonable (with the the parties’ choice for prime agency said yesterday, without a threat to Europe. soon as possible”. M5S won 32% of the vote, might take a hit. public accounts),” the source minister before a government giving a reason. Di Maio met League leader They could report on the making it the largest party in “It’s being called a populist said. can be formed. The departure of Tero Varjo- ranta comes at a sensitive time, three days after the United States announced that it was quitting world powers’ nuclear accord with Iran, raising questions as to Migrant whether Tehran will continue to Turkish opposition candidate comply with it. Varjoranta, a Finn, had been NGOs a deputy director general of the International Atomic En- ergy Agency (IAEA) and head of likened promises focus on education its Department of Safeguards, which verifi es countries’ com- pliance with the nuclear Non- to Mafi a DPA Erdogan (right) has urged Proliferation Treaty (NPT), since Istanbul business owners to give jobs October 2013. to the unemployed, saying ‘it He will be replaced in an act- DPA spoils the games of the West’. ing capacity by the head of the Rome urkey’s main opposition Meanwhile, Ince (below), department’s Iran team, the Vi- candidate for president says that he will ‘send 10,000 enna-based IAEA said. Tpromised to boost the youngsters abroad each year “Mr Tero Varjoranta has re- member of the far-right country’s economy by focus- so that they receive quality signed eff ective 11 May 2018,” an League party, who is ing on education and bringing education when I am IAEA spokesman said. “The di- Atipped as a possible min- back the rule of law, during a president’. rector general has appointed Mr ister in Italy’s new populist-led fi ery campaign speech yester- Massimo Aparo, acting director, government, has compared mi- day that contrasted sharply Offi ce for Verifi cation in Iran, as grant rescue non-governmental with President Recep Tayyip acting deputy director general organisations (NGOs) to the Ma- Erdogan’s attacks on the West. and head of the Department of fi a. Muharrem Ince, from the Safeguards, eff ective immedi- “Is unregulated migration a centre-left People’s Republican ately.” good idea? No, by defi nition,” Party (CHP), gave the speech in The accord signed by Iran and League Senator Alberto Bagnai Rize, on the Black Sea, a sym- major powers in 2015 imposed said in a Thursday press confer- bolic choice given that it is the strict limits on Iran’s atomic ac- ence at the Foreign Press Asso- province where Erdogan’s fam- tivities to help ensure they are ciation in Rome. ily originated. not put to developing nuclear “The alternative [to migration The rally comes in the same bombs in exchange for the lift- that is not state-controlled] is week as another CHP campaign ing of international sanctions to allow for it to be regulated by event in the country’s predomi- against Tehran. the Mafi a or by NGOs, assum- nantly Kurdish southeast. The IAEA is policing those re- ing that they are two diff erent “I will send 10,000 young- strictions and said on Wednes- things,” he added. sters abroad each year so that Turkish voters in this election. day, the day after Trump’s an- Bagnai, 55, is known for his they receive quality education “Turkey’s problems will be nouncement, that Iran was still provocative statements. when I am president,” Ince said. solved through education, not implementing its commitments He is an economics professor He pledged to increase the by fi ghting in the squares,” Ince said, repeating his strongly give jobs to the unemployed, people who see each other as under the deal. who penned a book predicting number of computer engi- told the crowd in Rize, in a clear held view that lower rates lead saying “it spoils the games of brothers, hug each other, who The UN watchdog has also re- the collapse of the euro. neers in the country 10-fold, to criticism of Erdogan, who is to lower infl ation, a belief that the West.” have hope for the future”, Er- peatedly defended the landmark He argued that sea rescue 100,000, within fi ve years. known for his regular attacks runs counter to orthodox eco- Despite concerns from in- dogan slammed the main op- agreement, saying it is a gain for NGOs have established a mafi a- “We need science, we need on the opposition and his mul- nomic doctrine. vestors and the International position party as “dirty” and nuclear verifi cation. type control of their territory – technology,” said Ince, a former tiple diplomatic disputes with Investors in the country have Monetary Fund (IMF) that the “garbage”. “The agency’s safeguards ac- the Mediterranean – and “have physics teacher and school governments around the world. called for higher rates. Turkish economy is overheat- Ince, who has routinely de- tivities will continue to be car- imposed a political agenda to a principal. Shortly after Ince’s speech, During Erdogan’s speech, the ing – economic expansion nounced what he has described ried out in a highly professional sovereign country”. His speeches often focus on Erdogan launched into an at- lira lost ground on the euro and reached 7% last year, but the as the government’s control manner,” the spokesman said. Until last year, NGOs ac- the sharp decline in the value tack on unnamed Western na- dollar, trading about 1.4% low- lira has dropped 12% against over the judiciary, said that, if Asked why Varjoranta had counted for the relative majority of the lira, one of the worst- tions that he blamed for Tur- er against the greenback over the dollar since January – Er- elected, he would abolish the resigned, he said: “The agency of migrant rescues. performing currencies among key’s high infl ation, in a speech the course of the day. dogan insisted that he wants to practice of using secret wit- cannot comment on personnel Some Italian politicians ac- emerging markets, and infl a- to business leaders in the capi- Erdogan also said that he see “double-digit” growth. nesses at trial. matters, which are confi dential.” cused them of working in ca- tion, which remains stuck in tal Ankara. remained committed to a free- While Ince is attempting Secret witnesses are used in IAEA Director General Yukiya hoots with smugglers to delib- double digits. “Interest rates are the cause market economy and attracting to campaign on a message of many high-profi le cases, in- Amano plans to appoint a per- erately fl ood the country with Polls have indicated the of all evil. Interest rates are the foreign investment. unity, promising in Rize to run cluding against journalists and manent replacement as soon as migrants. economy is a key concern for cause of infl ation,” Erdogan He urged business owners to a country where “there will be human rights activists. possible, he added.

Women action heroes ‘kicking ass’ at Cannes Turkey will respond

By Fiachra Gibbons, AFP “You end up always playing the if new Armenian PM Cannes wife of the guy that is saving the world, which is not very interest- ing,” she told a “Women in Mo- wants a ‘new page’ omen are the kick-ass tion” talk at the festival. heroes of a new wave But some conventionally con- Wof fi lms at the Cannes ceived action fi lms – rarely bea- AFP ritorial integrity and borders, if fi lm festival, where Hollywood’s cons of enlightened thinking – Ankara it is giving up all its wrong at- #MeToo moment may have just seem to be getting the message. titudes ... and it wants to open spawned its fi rst big budget all- The Star Wars spin-off Solo a new page, we will give the female blockbuster. – which is also being launched urkey said yesterday that response looking at the details Jessica Chastain caused a at Cannes - as British actress it is ready to consider relating to this.” stir on Thursday by revealing a Emilia Clarke, the “Mother of Tany off er by new Arme- “We are going to increase dream team cast of female talent Dragons” Daenerys “Stormborn” nian Prime Minister Nikol Pa- friends, we are going to reduce including Penelope Cruz, Mar- Targaryen in Game of Thrones, as shinyan for a “new page” in re- enemies,” Yildirim added. ion Cotillard, Lupita Nyong’o a shapeshifting smuggler “with lations after the protest leader Turkey vehemently rejects of Black Panther fame and Fan her own journey”. said he is prepared to open dip- that the massacres, imprison- Bingbing for her new $75mn Qi’ra’s story is “defi nitely one lomatic ties without precondi- ment and forced deportation of Bond-style caper called 355. of survival and strength. The way tions. Armenians from 1915 – which The Interstellar and Zero Dark that I felt about her was this girl Ankara and Yerevan have no Yerevan says left 1.5mn dead – Thirty star said that she came up has got a core of steel”, Clarke diplomatic ties and the bor- constituted genocide. with the idea after serving on the said. der between the two countries The issue has so far sty- Cannes jury last year where she The British comedy The Spy is shut, with the relationship mied eff orts to forge relations, found the depiction of women in Who Dumped Me – which is shadowed by the mass kill- with tensions only increasing the line-up “quite disturbing”. showing in Cannes’ fi lm trade ings of Ottoman Armenians in around the 100th anniversary With little or no female-led market – plays the James Bond World War I which Armenia of what Turkey terms the “1915 action fi lms in Cannes’ more Actresses (from left) Fan Bingbing, Marion Cotillard, Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz, and Lupita Nyong’o genre for chick-fl ick laughs with considers a genocide. events” in 2015. commercial market, she decided pose during a photocall for the film 355 in Cannes. two best friends who get acci- Pashinyan swept to power Sarkisian in March formally to do something about it. dently caught up in a spy hit be- this week after veteran leader ditched 2009 agreements that The top secret project leaked While fellow Hollywood stars ists, is only one of a number of children and a husband who may fore going toe-to-toe with hired Serzh Sarkisian renounced his would have normalised rela- out when the A-listers were Cate Blanchett and Kristen oestrogen-fuelled fi lms where be about to stray. assassins and coming out win- plan to be prime minister fol- tions with Turkey which were spotted meeting potential back- Stewart – who lead this year’s women go well beyond the cin- The Hollywood Reporter raved ners. lowing 10 years as president in thrashed out under the aegis of ers in a fi ve-star Cannes hotel. majority female jury – have ematic stereotypes. about how it makes “painfully It follows in the wake of the the face of bitter protests. Russia, France and the US. Chastain quickly went public, been preaching empowerment Another contender in the run- visible how much self-eff acing new BBC television series Kill- The new premier later said Even if Turkey and Armenia tweeting: “Top secret no more. at Cannes, other women are do- ning for the Palme d’Or top prize eff ort goes into ... the least ap- ing Eve – which was hailed as that “we are keeping with our found a way to establish ties, Mission accepted.” ing it for themselves in a series of – Jia Zhangke’s Ash is the Purest preciated job on the planet: being the “must-see show of the year” position and we are ready to Ankara would have to placate And she walked out in style new movies at the festival. White – has a young dancer pick a mother”. last month by critics after it pre- establish relations (with Tur- its ally Azerbaijan which re- with her co-stars to promote the They go from an Icelandic eco- up a pistol to defend her man “No one thanks her but every- miered at the MIPTV market in key) without conditions”. mains wary of any warming project. warrior outrunning the island’s from rival Chinese mobsters. one expects her to remember and Cannes. “Let’s see fi rst,” Turkish between Turks and Armenians. “I love Jason Bourne, the Bond army to Kurdish women fi ghters And among the festival’s most do a million little things every The whip-smart cat-and- Prime Minister Binali Yildirim Baku has repeatedly threat- fi lms and Mission Impossible, battling the Islamic State. praised fi lms so far is One Day, day,” it added. mouse caper between two female told reporters in Ankara yes- ened to retake by force the and I asked myself why apart Girls of the Sun, with Iranian which follows a Hungarian work- Drive star Carey Mulligan said spooks from the pen of Phoebe terday. “If Armenia gives up Azerbaijani region of Nagorny from Charlie’s Angels, there has star Golshifteh Farahani heading ing mother through a gruelling that up to now women have been Waller-Bridge, the brains behind its hostile attitude which it Karabakh which is controlled never been a female spy movie a brigade of Yazidi women out 36 hours as she tries to juggle her reduced to playing eye-candy in the acclaimed series Fleabag, is has had for several years, its by Armenian separatists after like that,” she said. for revenge on religious extrem- job with the demands of her three action fi lms. already a hit in the United States. attitude towards Turkey’s ter- the war in the early 1990s. Gulf Times Saturday, May 12, 2018 9 INDIA

CRIME POLITICS FURORE LEGAL JUSTICE Teenager raped, burned Congress seeks BJP Tripura CM’s Tagore Top court rejects probe Two get life for alive in Madhya Pradesh candidate’s disqualification remark sparks controversy into Sridevi’s death actress murder

A third teenage girl has been raped and burned The Congress yesterday approached the Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed a plea A Bombay Sessions Court yesterday sentenced alive in a week, the latest brutal sexual assault to Election Commission demanding the arrest and has stirred fresh controversy by stating that seeking investigation into the death of actress to life two Bollywood junior artistes for the shock the country. The 16-year-old died from the disqualification of BJP candidate B Sriramulu in the Rabindranath Tagore rejected the Nobel Prize Sridevi, who drowned in a bathtub in a Dubai gruesome killing of aspiring actress-cum-model burns after being set alight by a 26-year-old man Karnataka Assembly polls over a bribery allegation. in protest against the “British misrule” in India. hotel in February. Senior counsel Vikas Singh Meenakshi Thapa. “Judge S G Shete found the who acted after the young woman said she would On Thursday, the last day of campaigning Tagore had in fact rejected the knighthood in 1919 had questioned how it was possible for the 5.7” two guilty of kidnapping, extortion and murder,” tell her family about the rape. Two other teenagers for the May 12 elections, a video purportedly and not the Nobel Prize for Literature – awarded in tall actress to drown in a 5.1” bathtub. Singh special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said. Amit were victims of similar attacks a week earlier in showed Sriramulu and three others sitting with 1913 – which remained with him until his death on demanded that all documents related to the Kumar Jaiswal, 40, and his girlfriend Preeti Surin, Jharkhand. One died and one is fighting for her life the son-in-law of former chief justice of India August 7, 1941. “ Tagore was a world famous poet. 54-year-old actress’ death carried out by the 36, had held Thapa hostage and demanded in hospital. The latest teenager was alone at her K G Balakrishnan. The Congress alleged that B He is such a great man that he rejected the Nobel Dubai Police be brought to India. Singh told the Rs1.50mn from her mother for her release. After home in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, when she Sriramulu had bribed the former CJI seeking an Prize opposing the British rule,” the chief minister court the actress had died on February 24 under the family failed to give the ransom, Thapa was was raped, police said yesterday. “We have arrested order favouring a mining company owned by G said at an event on the occasion of the poet’s suspicious circumstances. He also mentioned killed and her body cut into small pieces and the two accused. One of them is the cousin of Janardhan Reddy. The Congress also demanded 157th birth anniversary. Opposition Congress about Sridevi’s insurance cover. The petitioner, disposed off . The two were arrested by Mumbai the girl who informed the main suspect that she that charges be registered against all those and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Sunil Singh, had moved the top court challenging police after they attempted to withdraw money was alone in the house,” said a police off icial. involved in the corrupt deal with the judiciary. leaders criticised Deb for the comments. a Delhi High Court order rejecting his plea. from Thapa’s bank account near Bandra. Do-or-die battle Heavy rains lash Bengaluru for Congress in Karnataka elections today

AFP Many politicians from non- Bengaluru Hindi speaking southern states accuse Modi’s government of a spending bias toward its strong- he Congress party, which hold in the Hindi-speaking north. has dominated Indian “Karnataka is seen as gate- Tpolitics in the seven dec- way for BJP’s entry in the south,” ades since independence, will Shastri said. Nistula Hebbar, po- stage a last stand against Prime litical editor of The Hindu news- Minister Narendra Modi when paper, said a Congress win in Kar- Karnataka goes to polls today. nataka could give an important Karnataka, home to 60mn “morale boost” to the opposition. people and the wealthy global “There has been some mo- IT hub of Bengaluru, is the last mentum in anti-Modi politics major bastion held by Congress and if the Congress wins, it will under leader Rahul Gandhi. be an important milestone be- Today’s high-stakes vote fore national elections,” she said. comes after one of the most bit- “For Congress, it’s their biggest ter campaigns in years with Ra- and most prosperous state but for hul and Modi slugging it out at the BJP, which has already peaked rival rallies that have drawn tens electorally elsewhere in the coun- of thousands of people. try, it’s important to perform well Motorists make their way through a flooded street in Bengaluru yesterday. South Karnataka has received more rainfall as compared to the northern parts of the state. “It’s a do-or-die battle for the in southern India which has 130 The intensity has increased more since last two to three days. Congress party,” said Sandeep national parliamentary seats for Shastri, vice chancellor of Jain 2019,” Hebbar said. University and co-ordinator of At rallies, an acerbic Modi has Lokniti, a political research group. hit out at Gandhi’s Italian an- Since his landslide national cestry and accused his family of win in 2014 the Modi juggernaut corruption. has stormed northern India, The BJP campaign has also claiming around a dozen crush- sought to mobilise national pride ing state victories. by highlighting Modi’s increased The Congress has a slim ma- presence on the international jority in the 224-member Kar- stage, the growing economy and SC collegium to reiterate nataka assembly and all the signs a clampdown on corruption. are that today’s vote will be close. The Congress has hit back by The result will be announced highlighting scandals under Modi’s on Tuesday. Defeat would see government. “The Congress has Congress eff ectively giving up tried to de-emphasise leadership its claim to lead any political al- and focused on local issues and lo- liance against Modi’s nationalist cal perspectives,” Shastri said. justice Joseph’s elevation Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a Karnataka’s Chief Minister general election next year. Siddaramaiah, 69, has led Con- IANS that would be decided at its However, it added that the tices of the high courts senior in 2016 striking down the cen- Its campaign fi nances would gress eff orts to mobilise regional New Delhi meeting on May 16. said “reiteration should also to him. tral government’s decision to also take a battering. The party sentiment against the BJP. His The collegium, compris- be accompanied by the recom- The government also said impose President’s rule in Ut- holds only three other states — government has taken contro- ing chief justice Dipak Misra, mendation of the names of chief that the Kerala High Court be- tarakhand. However, Law Min- Punjab, Puducherry and Mizoram versial decisions to propose a new he Supreme Court col- justice J Chelameswar, justice justices of high courts for eleva- ing a relatively small court ister Ravi Shankar Prasad has — which together account for just state fl ag and emphasise the use legium yesterday took an Ranjan Gogoi, justice Madan tion as judges of the Supreme with a sanctioned strength of denied this. 2.5% of India’s 1.25bn population. of the local Kannada language. T‘in principle’ decision to B Lokur and justice Kurian Court, for which detailed dis- 42 judges was a parent high The top court collegium, “They have been systemati- He has also declared the Linga- reiterate its recommendation Joseph, took the decision at a cussion is required”. court for Justice Kurian Joseph, unanimously recommend- cally losing power in every state yat community — a powerful and for the elevation of Uttarakhand meeting here. The next meeting will be held the chief justices of three high ing the elevation of justice where they have ruled since 2014 electorally signifi cant Hindu sect High Court chief justice K M “The chief justice and other at 4.15pm on Wednesday. courts – justice K M Joseph Joseph on January 10, said: and Karnataka is an opportunity — a separate religion, infuriating Joseph to the top court. members of the collegium have, The collegium decided to himself (Uttarakhand), justice “The collegium considers that to stem the trend,” Shastri said. Modi’s Hindu supporters. “PM The collegium decided it will ‘in principle’, unanimously reiterate justice Joseph’s eleva- T B Radhakrishnan (Chhattis- at present justice K M Joseph The vote is just as important for Modi is deliberately confusing resend its January 10 “unani- agreed that the recommenda- tion to the top court after the garh) and justice Antony Do- is more deserving and suitable Modi, whose BJP and allies now Karnataka voters with his bom- mous” recommendation for tion for appointment of justice central government on April 26 minic (Kerala). in all respects than other chief rule states accounting for about bastic speeches on non-issues. Justice Joseph’s elevation, along K M Joseph (previously Kerala returned the recommendation, There is a perception that the justices and senior judges of 70% of the national population. All hot air and no substance,” Sid- with other names from Kolkata, High Court) as a judge of the saying that he stood at number government is standing in the high courts for being appoint- He still does not have a south- daramiah said Monday, respond- Rajasthan, and Telangana and Supreme Court should be reit- 42 in the all India judges senior- way of the elevation of justice ed as judge of the Supreme ern foothold however. ing to Modi’s campaign blitz. Andhra Pradesh high courts erated,” the collegium said. ity and there were 11 chief jus- Joseph because of his judgment Court.” Kerala CPI-M leader Thackeray in Nagpur Top cop suff ering ‘stalled’ murder probe from cancer ends life IANS and became a chartered account- Mumbai ant. He cleared the UPSC (Union IANS investigation team (SIT) com- undergo medical treatment. Public Service Commission) exams Kannur prising 20 officers were also The offi cer claimed he was to become an Indian Police Service threatened by CPI-M work- still being targeted by the ruling aharashtra’s additional (IPS) offi cer of the 1988 batch. ers. CPI-M. director general of police During his preparations for senior IPS (Indian Po- The probe was then handed Soon after Radhakrishnan’s MHimanshu Roy, credited the UPSC exams in Mumbai, he lice Service) offi cer over to the crime branch and disclosure, CPI-M legislator with directing investigations into met his future wife Bhawna, who Ayesterday alleged that later to the Central Bureau of from Thalassery, A M Shamse- several sensational crimes and subsequently became an IAS of- CPI-M state secretary Kodiyeri Investigation. er, dismissed the allegations as high-profi le cases, committed fi cer but quit the civil services Balakrishnan had asked him to “I was harassed and impli- rantings of a police offi cer with suicide by shooting himself in the to devote herself to social work end a probe into a 2006 mur- cated in false cases. In one case zero credibility. head here yesterday afternoon. through NGOs in Maharashtra. der case, when it came close to the Kerala High Court exoner- “It’s unfortunate that tel- Often referred to as A regular gym trainer indicating Left workers’ role in ated me and in the second one evision channels do not verify ‘Arnold Schwarzeneg- and fi tness enthusiast, Roy the crime. the Central Administrative Tri- reports before telecasting it. ger’ of Mumbai Police, would animatedly discuss K Radhakrishnan, who is bunal also discharged me. But I Since it’s against the CPI-M, the 54-year-old Roy shot healthy lifestyle, his fi tness currently awaiting posting, was am yet to get a posting,” Rad- you put it out, so it becomes a himself in the mouth regime, diets and related speaking about the Thalassery hakrishnan said. tool against us. with his service revolver issues with policemen and Fazal murder case. Fazal, a former CPI-M work- “This particular offi cer’s at his house in Suniti journalists. However, the Communist er, had joined the Popular Front track record is poor and every- Apartments at Nariman He was popular among Party of India-Marxist has de- of India. He was murdered in one in Thalassery knows that. Point shortly after 1pm, a his juniors and would nied the allegation and termed 2006 for his shifting of loyal- Media organisation should police statement said. regularly guide them on the claims as baseless. ties. conduct an audit of news be- He was rushed to the Bom- the fi ner aspects of crime inves- Radhakrishnan, who had The CBI later cracked the fore it is aired,” Shamseer bay Hospital by family members tigation, linking evidence with headed the Fazal murder case case and the list of accused stressed. and aides where he was declared criminals and presenting a win- probe, in an interview to a TV included two senior Kannur Congress state president V dead. A suicide note found in the ning case in courts. channel said: “I was appointed CPI-M party leaders – Karayi M Sudheeran said: “This is the house quoted Roy as saying that Roy started his police career to probe the case and after 10 Chandrashekharan and Karayi exact way the Kannur unit of he was taking his life because he as superintendent of police (ru- days, when the needle of sus- Rajan, who are presently out the CPI-M functions. They go was tired of the cancer he had ral) in Nashik and Ahmednagar. picion pointed to CPI-M work- on bail. into this ‘threatening mode’ the been battling for some time. Later, he headed the economic ers, I was asked by then home Radhakrishnan added he moment any probe reaches the Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray arrives in Nagpur to take Roy’s suicide shocked the po- off ences wing in Mumbai, was minister Balakrishnan to end was also physically attacked doorstep of their leaders. The stock of the preparedness of Shiv Sena in all Lok Sabha (LS) lice community. deputy commissioner of police the probe.” and was out of service for police are unable to function constituencies in Vidarbha region yesterday. A ‘Mumbai boy’, Roy studied at (Traffi c) and also headed the cy- Radhakrishnan’s special more than a year as he had to freely.” the prestigious St. Xaviers College bercrime cell. Gulf Times 10 Saturday, May 12, 2018 LATIN AMERICA

EVENT CLAIM VIOLENCE POLITICS DEFENCE Brazil dictator ‘personally One killed in attack Venezuela candidate Argentina buys five fighter approved killings in ’70s’ on Nicaraguan university vows to stay in poll race jets from French navy

The president under Brazil’s military An armed attack against a university in Evangelical pastor Javier Bertucci has ignored Argentina purchased five used Super dictatorship in the 1970s personally the Nicaraguan capital, Managua, has left calls to withdraw from Venezuela’s presidential Etendard fighter jets from France’s navy for authorised executions of “subversives,” one student dead and 11 injured, a student election in order to back a more prominent 12.6mn euros ($15.1mn), the South American according to a declassified CIA document representative said. The attackers, who fired candidate, splitting Venezuela’s already country said in its off icial government gazette published in the Brazilian media yesterday. on the Polytechnic University, were thought fractured opposition. Venezuela’s larger yesterday. Argentina is seeking to modernise President Ernesto Geisel ruled Brazil from to be plain-clothes police or members of formal opposition coalition is boycotting the its ageing military fleet for security purposes 1974 to 1979, toward the end of the country’s Sandinista Youth, the youth wing of President May 20 presidential vote because many of its before hosting the Group of 20 summit two decade long military dictatorship. Daniel Ortega’s leftist Sandinista National leading politicians are in jail, exiled or barred in Buenos Aires later this year. France’s According to the CIA document - dug up by Liberation Front, student spokesman Victor from standing. The coalition says the vote ambassador to Argentina said in an interview Miss Elderly 2018 Rosalia Pereira, 62, is Matias Spektor, head of the international Cuadras said. The attack was believed to have is a sham designed to legitimise President last November that French shipbuilding crowned during the awards ceremony at a relations department at the Getulio Vargas been aimed at dislodging students who have Nicolas Maduro. That decision has left space for company Naval Group was also in talks to beauty pageant for elderly women ahead of Foundation think tank - Geisel gave clear occupied the university since anti-government alternatives such as Bertucci and Maduro’s main sell four ships to Argentina. Argentina used Mother’s Day, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The event instructions to the head of the national protests erupted nearly a month ago. The April challenger, former state Governor Henri Falcon. the Super Etendard aircraft, which were was held to promote greater self-esteem intelligence agency that such killings should 19 University Movement played a key role in the Many opposition supporters distrust the two manufactured by Dassault, during the 1982 among senior citizens. continue. demonstrations that reportedly left dozens dead. candidates and plan to abstain from voting. Falklands War against Britain.

Search for mass graves Colombia peace deal is ‘ironclad’, says Santos

DPA DPA: How far can the negoti- Muenster ations with ELN progress before the end of your term? Santos: We’ll try to get as far ttempts by the Colom- as possible. How far depends bian opposition to walk on the two parties. Our inten- Aback the government’s tion is to see if we can negotiate 2016 peace deal with the leftist a more serious, deeper ceasefi re guerrilla movement Farc will not and speed up the negotiations bear fruit, President Juan Manuel to reach, I hope, a framework Santos said. agreement similar to what was The president, who is ap- negotiated that Good Friday be- proaching the end of his second tween the parties of Northern and fi nal term, won the Nobel Ireland. Peace Prize for his eff orts to end DPA: Colombia has received the country’s 52-year armed almost a million refugees from confl ict. Venezuela. Can we talk about Santos spoke to DPA about a humanitarian crisis? And to A forensic anthropologist (centre) and relatives of missing persons take part in a search for mass graves at a cemetery in the town of Ahuihuiyuco, in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. the peace deal, about peace talks what extent does Colombia have with the smaller guerrilla group, the capacity to cope with this National Liberation Army (ELN), situation? about the crisis in neighbouring Santos: We need interna- Venezuela, and about Netfl ix se- tional help. It is a very diffi cult ries “Narcos.” situation. We are not used to DPA: Concerning the peace receiving this number of mi- process, opposition candidate grants. We have done it with a Ivan Duque says that if he wins lot of pragmatism and with a lot the presidential elections (fi rst of generosity. We have solidarity round on May 27), he will sub- with the Venezuelan people, but Sweden slams Guatemala stantially modify the peace not with the predators, not with agreement. To what extent is it the regime that is causing this possible to do so? humanitarian crisis. With them, Santos: They will fi nd it very we are implacable. We hope this diffi cult, because we believe the situation can be solved, cor- agreement is ironclad; not only rected as soon as possible. But demand to withdraw envoy (by) the government, (but also meanwhile, we are off ering the by) the Constitutional Court Venezuelans who arrive in Co- Agencies rights and fi ghting corruption (CICIG). Morales risks provok- nothing to do with CICIG. he did “not think it was correct” and the international commu- lombian territory at least a dig- Stockholm are well-known,” Wallstrom ing an international outcry and “You all know perfectly well to say that all of the culture was nity. The Constitutional Court nifi ed life... added. isolating the Central American that at one point, ambassador bad. itself said in a ruling that the next DPA: With elections about to Guatemala on Thursday asked country by acting to remove the Kompass called all of Guatema- He also noted that CICIG rep- three governments may not is- take place in Venezuela, how do weden yesterday criti- the governments of Sweden and diplomats. lan society corrupt, and that’s resented “a strong medicine” for sue laws or take decisions that go you see the situation and what cised Guatemala for ask- Venezuela to withdraw their “Because Ambassadors Anders not something we accept, nor Guatemala. against the agreements. expectations do you have for Sing Stockholm to recall its ambassadors, accusing the dip- Kompass and Elena Alicia Salcedo will we tolerate, because that’s In its earlier statement, the A very important part of the the post-election period, given ambassador who was accused of lomats of improperly interfering Poleo have, in the course of their not how it is,” she told reporters. foreign ministry said it would agreement has already been im- that Nicolas Maduro is likely to interfering in the Central Amer- in domestic politics. work, assumed attitudes that re- “I think the ambassador of wait for the governments of plemented, since the guerril- win? ican nation’s internal aff airs and Guatemalan President Jimmy sult in interference in the internal Venezuela also committed some Sweden and Venezuela to las have already been disarmed, Santos: We do not recognise warned it could take action. Morales, who has been assailed aff airs of Guatemala, the govern- types of interference.” present new ambassadors. have already been demobilised, those elections as democratic “This is very unfortunate. We by graft accusations against ments of Sweden and Venezuela She added that “nobody is be- Kompass, formerly the direc- are already a political party and and clean elections. We know are now going to seek further ex- members of his family, has been have been asked to withdraw ing expelled, nor are we declar- tor of fi eld operations for the of- already participated in elec- those elections have the name planation from the Guatemalan at loggerheads with the United them,” Guatemala’s foreign min- ing anyone non grata. Bilateral fi ce of the high commissioner for tions.... of a person, we know the regime government and then decide on Nations-backed CICIG, a pow- istry said in a statement, without relations continue.” human rights, made headlines in The next president would fi nd will manipulate them and there- a course of action,” Swedish For- erful anti-corruption body with giving further details. In January, during a ceremo- 2016 when he revealed that the very diffi cult, I would say impos- fore we have said beforehand eign Minister Margot Wallstrom broad international backing. In a subsequent news con- ny in which the government of United Nations had been guilty sible, judicially, practically and that we do not recognise those said in a statement. Sweden is a prominent backer ference, Foreign Minister San- Sweden donated funds to CICIG, of covering up dozens of cases of politically, to reverse the agree- elections nor the result of those “Sweden’s views and action of the International Commission dra Jovel said the request to Kompass made mention of “a sexual abuse against women and ment. elections. on issues concerning human against Impunity in Guatemala remove the ambassadors had corrupt society,” but added that children by its global workforce.

Caracas ‘softens’ stand IMF ready to assist in ConocoPhillips row

Reuters Conoco is looking forward to Argentina: Lagarde PDVSA’s proposals to resolve this Caracas matter, said Janet Langford Car- AFP nounce on Tuesday that he would They require regular reviews rig, ConocoPhillips’ senior vice Washington request IMF help as a “preventa- by IMF staff to make sure the enezuela has rejected president, general counsel and tive” measure. government is following through ConocoPhillips’s moves to corporate secretary in an e-mail. Lagarde said she and Dujovne on reform commitments and Vseize the country’s Carib- “But absent any agreement and nternational Monetary Fund discussed “how the IMF can best meeting targets for things such bean assets to collect on a $2bn payment of the ICC award we chief Christine Lagarde said help the authorities strengthen as spending cuts and pension re- arbitration award, but in a sign will continue our enforcement Ishe is ready to aid Argentina the Argentine economy in light forms. the US oil company’s pressure actions.” and wants talks on a fi nancing of renewed and signifi cant fi nan- The talks with the Washing- might be working, Caracas also Venezuela would be hard package to be fi nalised quickly. cial market volatility.” ton-based lender come 17 years suggested it was ready to pay. pressed to cough up $2bn as it Lagarde said she instructed Dujovne also met with US after the country last defaulted In its fi rst offi cial comments faces a brutal recession, hefty debt the IMF team to continue discus- Treasury undersecretary for in- on its debt and 12 years after it since Reuters revealed Conoco’s payments to bondholders and an sions on a loan programme with ternational aff airs David Mal- cut ties with the IMF. actions over the weekend, Ven- upcoming presidential election. the goal to “reach a rapid conclu- pass, who “reiterated strong As US interest rates rise, in- ezuela’s cash-squeezed leftist Nicolas Maduro’s leftist ad- sion.” support for the Macri adminis- vestors in recent weeks have been government said PDVSA wanted ministration is also battling “I stressed my strong support tration’s market-oriented reform fl eeing Argentina, driving up de- to solve the dispute through legal more than a dozen other ar- for Argentina’s reforms to date, programmes.” mand for US dollars, and driving means. bitration cases triggered by a and expressed the fund’s readi- Malpass said in a statement the peso down. The dispute stems from Vene- wave of nationalisations under ness to continue to assist the that he welcomed the talks with The central bank has burned zuela’s nationalisation of Cono- Chavez, who died of cancer in government,” she said in a state- the IMF. US support is key since through $8bn in reserves in a co’s assets a decade ago under 2013. ment following her meeting with it holds veto power in the IMF. week to support the currency, late leader Hugo Chavez. Venezuela has requested an- Argentina Economy Minister Argentina is seeking a high leaving it with about $55bn. It PDVSA “is committed to hon- nulments or shown little will- Nicolas Dujovne. access “stand by” fi nancing ar- also raised the benchmark inter- ouring the decisions stemming ingness to pay recent awards, Despite the reform eff orts, the rangement which would provide est rate to 40% to try to contain from the arbitration award,” the leading creditors to pursue its country once again fi nds itself funds above the normal loan the peso’s decline. oil ministry said in a series of overseas assets as a form of pay- facing a falling currency, high amount, but offi cials have not But going to the IMF is a risky tweets. ment. debt and soaring infl ation. said how much they are request- move for Macri, given the bitter The tweets disappeared about In the most aggressive move to Recent market turbulence has ing. history the country has with the an hour later. date, ConocoPhillips last week rocked Latin America’s third- IMF stand-by loans last for up Washington-based lender, and IMF managing director Christine Lagarde greets Argentina’s Venezuela’s oil ministry and moved to temporarily seize PD- largest economy, prompting to three years, but more usually the negative views on the condi- Treasury Minister Nicolas Dujovne ahead of their meeting in PDVSA did not respond to a re- VSA’s assets on Aruba, Bonaire, President Mauricio Macri to an- last 12-24 months. tions the fund might require. Washington, US. quest for comment. Curacao and St. Eustatius. Gulf Times Saturday, May 12, 2018 11 PAKISTAN

Six police offi cers held after US, Pakistan diplomatic murder suspects curbs come into eff ect escape Internews “More than 250 Pakistani in- The warning also says if the have imposed similar restric- for an exemption from scan- number plates on offi cial vehi- Islamabad dividuals might be aff ected by offi cials do not receive a re- tions on Russian and Chinese ning”. cles, use of diplomatic number this ban,” he said. sponse from the US authorities offi cials. Rules governing interaction plates on unspecifi ed or rented Internews The Trump administration within fi ve days, their request Yesterday Pakistan’s foreign between foreign diplomats and vehicles, and the use of multiple Rawalpindi s travel restrictions on communicated to the Pakistani should be considered denied. ministry imposed reciprocal Pakistani offi cials, which were passports. Pakistani diplomats in government last month that its Negotiations were held on travel restrictions on American already communicated to the The US embassy will now also Athe US came into force offi cials working in the US could the matter, during which the re- diplomats. embassy, would also take eff ect, have to seek no-objection cer- ix police offi cials, includ- yesterday, the US State Depart- face restrictions in their travel strictions, which were originally A ministry notifi cation issued the notifi cation said. tifi cates from the ministry to ing the station house of- ment has extended the ban to in- movement if similar limitations intended to be implemented to the US embassy in Islamabad US diplomats in Pakistan are install radio communication at Sfi cer (SHO) of Gunjmandi clude their immediate members on American diplomats in Paki- from May 1, was postponed by yesterday stated that the recip- already prohibited from visit- residences and safe houses, and in the country’s garrison city of of the family. stan were not relaxed. 10 days. rocal measures would come into ing high-security areas, such while renting property or mov- Rawalpindi, were arrested yes- Pakistan’s ambassador to According to the warning sent The talks apparently failed as eff ect immediately after US re- as the Federally Administered ing from one property to an- terday after two alleged killers the US, Aizaz Ahmad Chaud- by the US State Department, both sides could not fi nd a com- strictions take eff ect. Tribal Areas (Fata), to protect other. escaped from the lock-up on hry, confi rmed that the travel Pakistani diplomatic personnel mon ground. The measures include travel them against possible terrorist The embassy will also be un- Wednesday. restrictions cover two-tier of- would need permission at least This is the fi rst time for Pa- restrictions, as well as treating attacks. able to use tinted windows on Schoolteacher Shazia was fi cials stationed in the US bear- fi ve days ahead from the US au- kistani diplomats serving in US diplomatic cargo at Pakistani The notifi cation states the offi cial vehicles as well as rented killed during a purse snatch- ing visa categories of A1 and A2, thorities if they wish to travel America and their families face airports and ports in accordance withdrawal of seven facilities af- vehicles, or use SIMs that are not ing incident in Dhoke Matkal on and members of their families, outside of the imposed 25-mile such travel regulations. with Vienna Convention’s Arti- forded to US diplomats, includ- biometrically-verifi ed or regis- March 27. including children. radius. In the past, US authorities cle 27 “which does not provide ing the use of non-diplomatic tered. “The escape of the killers of our brother’s wife has brought another shock to the family,” said Raja Faheem, a cousin of the victim. In another development, the Four more PML-N SHO along with a sub-inspector and other offi cials of the Sadd- ar Barooni police station were lawmakers join PTI booked on the charge of murder and abuse of power after a ven- dor died on Wednesday, after his Internews Khan at his Banigala residence. release by the police a few days Islamabad Harraj, who served as a min- ago. ister in the cabinet of military The relatives of the vendor dictator General Pervez Mush- alleged that he was kept in po- our more lawmakers arraf, joined the PTI a day af- lice custody for three days for from the ruling Pakistan ter some 20 members of the unknown reasons and severely FMuslim League – Nawaz recently-formed Junoobi Pun- tortured. (PML-N) have deserted the jab Suba Mahaz entered into an The escape of the two murder ruling party and joined the Pa- alliance with the party. suspects and death of the vendor kistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). According to Chaudhry, apparently due to torture belied According to PTI informa- member of Punjab Assembly the claims of the police high-ups tion secretary Fawad Chaud- Abdul Razzaq Khan Niazi and about good command and con- hry, PML-N MNAs (members former provincial assembly trol in the department. of the National Assembly) member Raheela Yahya Muna- Mansoor Ali, 35, a vendor and Rana Umar Nazeer and Raza war have also joined the PTI. resident of Faisal Colony, went Hayat Harraj, from Gujranwala He added that another missing after leaving home to and Khanewal respectively, are prominent political fi gure from drop his children at a school on among those who announced Kamoke, Rana Nazir, has also April 23. their decision joining the PTI announced his alliance with Haseebul Hassan, the younger after meeting chairman Imran the party. brother of the victim, in an fi rst information report (FIR) lodged with the Saddar Barooni police, said that one of his neighbours Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir told him that his brother had Khan given foreign aff airs portfolio been taken away by unidentifi ed people in a white car. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has given Defence Minister The vendor’s motorbike was Khurram Dastagir Khan the additional portfolio of foreign aff airs. also taken away. Khan will take on the responsibilities of former foreign minister Hassan said that he later re- Khawaja Mohammad Asif, who was disqualified from being a ceived information that his member of the parliament by a Pakistani court late last month for brother was in the custody of the Police and security off icers collect evidence at the site of a blast near the bus terminal. not disclosing a foreign source of income. Saddar Barooni police. “The prime minister has been pleased to assign, with immediate He said he went to the police eff ect, the additional portfolio of foreign aff airs to Khurram Dastgir station at 4pm on April 26 and Khan, federal minister for defence,” the prime minister’s off ice said. met SHO Raja Akhtar and Sub- Inspector Bilal. Blast kills one offi cer, leaves 13 injured “They told me that they would ACE helps 15,000 women get CNICs release my brother after com- pleting the investigation. How- Reuters there was no immediate claim of trolled or a timed device, he tic and foreign Islamist mili- As many as 15,000 women have received their computerised ever, the police did not tell me Peshawar responsibility. added. tants. identity cards and registered as voters thanks to the assistance of why Mansoor had been detained The device, apparently rigged Five of the 13 wounded were Pakistan has launched sev- the Association for Creation of Employment (ACE). and what his crime was.” to a motorcycle, exploded when in critical condition, said Ah- eral military operations there, The association, a partner organisation of the Free and Fair Election At night on April 26, Hassan bomb blast ripped a police patrol passed by the bus san Khan, an offi cial at a district disrupting the militants’ in- Network (FAFEN), had identified 73,000 women who did not have was told by another neighbour to through a bus terminal terminal in the northwestern hospital. frastructure and networks and computerised national identity cards (CNICs) and helped more than go to the police station and take Ain a Pakistani region bor- city of Kohat, said police offi cial Kohat is on the edge of Pa- substantially reducing violence, 15,000 of them to obtain their cards and register as voters. his brother home. dering Afghanistan yesterday, Nauman Khan. kistan’s lawless tribal regions although the militants remain According to the electoral roll of 2017, around 26,627 names of Hassan said when he reached killing one police offi cer and Police are investigating along the Afghan border, which potent enough to launch at- women are absent in the voter lists. the police station, his brother wounding 13, offi cials said, but whether it was a remote-con- have long been home to domes- tacks. The major reason for this is the absence of CNICs. was unable to sit or walk as he was suff ering from severe pain in diff erent parts of the body. 16 Ramadan discount bazaars for Rawalpindi “He was brought home and given fi rst aid but when his con- The administration is finalising arrangements to set up 16 discount dition deteriorated, he was taken bazaars for the holy month of Ramadan. Pakistan reaffi rms commitment to NPT to the District Headquarters Ramazan Sasta Bazaars will provide relief to the consumers during (DHQ) Hospital on May 2. He Ramazanul Mubarik while the administration would launch crack- was unable to eat or drink due to downs against profiteers, said Additional Deputy Commissioner Internews the Foreign Offi ce’s Strategic Her statements referred to than a grouping driven by com- the severe torture,” he alleged. General (ADCG) Sara Hayat. Islamabad Export Control Division. India, whose candidature along mercial and political considera- On May 6, doctors informed She said that district administration will monitor the Ramadan The two-day seminar that with that of Pakistan is pending tions. the family that Mansoor’s kid- bazaars and open markets. ended yesterday was attended before the NSG. She said that all countries had neys had failed due to dehydra- Traders would not be allowed to fleece the customers and sale low akistan has reaffi rmed its by experts and UNSCR-1540 The foreign secretary recalled a legitimate interest in accessing tion. quality products, she added. commitment to the in- Committee that monitors the that the exception granted to In- dual-use technologies for genu- The family members and Shopkeepers have been directed to display price lists at prominent Pternational non-prolifer- implementation of the Security dia earlier in 2008 led to a “rapid ine socio-economic develop- friends of the deceased pro- places and sell daily use items according to the rate lists. ation regime and asserted that Council resolution on prevent- increase in military nuclear ca- ment needs. tested outside the DHQ hospital Citizens would be able to purchase all kitchen items including flour, it is ready to fulfi l any criteria ing non-state actors from ac- pabilities in our neighbourhood, Reaffi rming Pakistan’s com- against the police. sugar, grains, basin, meat, chicken, onion, potatoes, ghee and other for membership of the Nuclear quiring nuclear, biological, and including the nuclearisation of mitment to non-proliferation City police have ordered an products of daily use at subsidised rates. Suppliers Group (NSG) – the chemical weapons, their means the Indian Ocean, development regime, Janjua said: “Pakistan inquiry. cartel that controls global nu- of delivery, and related materi- of new inter-continental bal- takes its international com- clear trade – but warned against als. listic missiles and induction of mitments on non-proliferation an exception for India. The purpose of the seminar other destabilising weapon sys- very seriously. We are fully im- “Pakistan would be willing to was to showcase Pakistan’s ex- tems”. plementing our obligations as a consider any objective and non- port control system and learn The issue of membership of state party to various interna- discriminatory criteria that the from international practices and non-NPT countries would once tional instruments, including Country’s fi rst eye bank to open NSG agrees for membership of experiences. again be taken up at the next the Chemical Weapons Con- the non-NPT (Treaty on the Janjua repeated Pakistan’s plenary meeting expected in vention, Biological Weapons Non-Proliferation of Nuclear longstanding position that “any June. Convention, Convention on the Internews removals and blood tests will be This, he said, is the highest Weapons, Non-Proliferation country-specifi c exception The NSG, which operates Physical Protection of Nuclear Rawalpindi conducted, Al-Shifa Trust presi- number in Pakistan, and would Treaty for short) states, and ap- for NSG membership, which through consensus, has been Material and Facilities, nucle- dent retired Lieutenant General increase further once the eye plies fairly,” Foreign Secretary overrides the long-established unable to end the impasse over ar safety conventions and the Hamid Javaid said. bank becomes operational in six Tehmina Janjua said, while in- principles and norms, will be the issue for over two years now. International Atomic Energy akistan’s fi rst eye bank will Speaking to the press, he said months. augurating a seminar on “The detrimental to the credibility of The foreign secretary said Agency (IAEA) Code of Conduct be established at the Al- that the hospital would raise Javaid said that there were no Present and Future of Strategic the global non-proliferation re- that the NSG should be seen as on the Safety and Security of PShifa Eye Trust Hospital, awareness about eye donations, facilities in the country to store Export Controls”, organised by gime”. a rule-based organisation rather Radioactive Sources.” with assistance from an Ameri- as there are currently no such corneas, which has hindered the can NGO, in order to carry out donations in the country due restoration of eyesight. free cornea transplants. to a lack of awareness, cultural He said that there are around $16.3bn in remittances received in the first 10 months of financial year 2017-2018 An agreement has been signed constraints, and an absence of 20,000 people on the Al-Shifa with Eversight Vision, an NGO storage facilities, leaving people waiting list. Pakistan received $16.3bn remittances in the Inflows from Saudi Arabia shrank 9% to $2.263bn while that from US was higher by that will provide the latest dependent on foreign countries. Advances in medical technol- first ten months of 2017-18, reflecting a 3.9% $4.09bn during July-April FY18 as thousands 13%, to $2.188bn. equipment and train doctors at “We are receiving free cor- ogy have increased the success increase over the corresponding period of of Pakistanis have lost jobs there after the Remittances from GCC countries fell 3.5% to Al-Shifa to safely retrieve and neas from the United States,” rate of cornea transplants to ap- FY17 (financial year 2017). kingdom’s drive to give locals the priority in $1.815bn during the 10 months of 2017-18. store corneas for transplants and Javaid said, adding that the cost proximately 95%, he said. However, the biggest concern for the labour market. The overall situation is not discouraging but research. of transportation is $600 per Since the cornea has no blood government remains to be the continuous The United Arab Emirates, with the second the growth has not paced up in line with the International standard stor- cornea, and they are conducting supply, it is seldom subject to decline in remittances from Saudi Arabia, largest share, showed a growth of 3.9% for a needs of the country, especially considering age facilities are being built at the 80 to 90 cornea transplants per rejects that plague other organ although the country is still the biggest total inflow of $3.62bn during this period. the current account deficit of nine months hospital, where donors’ cornea month. transplants. source of remittances to Pakistan. The figure from UK increased 22% to has reached $12bn. Gulf Times 12 Saturday, May 12, 2018 PHILIPPINES

Robredo, Aquino criticise decision

By Llanesca T Panti Manila Times

he Supreme Court (SC) decision granting the quo Twarranto petition against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Ser- eno has tainted the integrity of the high court, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo said yesterday. Former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino agreed, claiming the decision was forced and unconstitutional. He appointed Sereno in 2012. “The Constitution is clear: An impeachable offi cer can only be removed through impeach- ment.” SC spokesman Theodore Te also disagreed with the decision to remove Sereno. In a Twitter post after reading the decision yesterday, Te said, “I dissent!” in a black background. Robredo, a lawyer, called the Supporters of Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno display placards during a rally in front of the court building in Manila, yesterday. grant of quo warranto a clear violation of the Constitution, which provides that impeach- able offi cials like Sereno can only be removed by impeachment, with the House of Representa- tives having the sole authority to initiate an impeachment com- plaint and the Senate serving as an impeachment court the sole Supreme Court ousts power to resolve all impeach- ment cases. “This decision (granting the quo warranto) is a direct assault against our Constitution. We are alarmed. With the Supreme Court already compromised, where would the public go for a Duterte-critic Sereno fair fi ght and even a piece of jus- tice? Where do we go if the Su- AFP The Supreme Court case dominant order are considered preme Court’s integrity has been Manila against Sereno alleged she failed fair game for harassment, in- tainted?” she said. to fi le statements of assets and timidation and persecution.” Senators across party lines liabilities in previous years — Other Duterte critics have slammed the SC decision, saying he Philippines’ top court accusations she categorically also been ousted, punished or it has opened a “bottomless pit” voted yesterday to re- denied. threatened, including de Lima, and endorsed the “tyranny” of Tmove its own chief jus- Separately, Sereno is also fac- the Commission on Human President Rodrigo Duterte. tice, who faced ouster eff orts ing an impeachment eff ort in Rights and an anti-corruption “This decision makes the So- after battling with President the lower House of Representa- prosecutor who investigated al- licitor General the most power- Rodrigo Duterte over human tives, a move which critics al- legations that Duterte has hid- ful offi cial in the bureaucracy, rights and his deadly war on lege is part of a wider campaign den wealth. even more powerful than both drugs. by Duterte to destroy foes and The president last month the House of Representatives The decision against Maria create one-man rule. urged lawmakers to “fast- and the Senate insofar as the Lourdes Sereno drew to the Ma- The vote “ushers in another track” Sereno’s removal, warn- removal of impeachable offi cers nila court some 2,000 protest- era of another dictatorship as ing that otherwise “I’ll do it for is concerned,” Senate Minority ers who echoed charges that the the Court...puts an end to the you”. She has been accused of leader Franklin Drilon said. sacking posed a grave threat to last gasps of a dying consti- failing to pay about 2mn pesos The Constitution is clear that the nation’s democracy. tutional democracy”, Senator ($40,000) in taxes as well as the only remedy for removing Sereno, the country’s fi rst Leila de Lima, a jailed Duterte falsifying and tampering with erring constitutional offi cers like female chief justice, is one of critic, wrote in a statement. court resolutions. the chief justice is a conviction several high-profi le critics who The Philippines lived under She is also alleged to have in impeachment proceedings, he have found themselves targeted martial law a generation ago, spent excessively on “opulent” added. after speaking out against the when dictator Ferdinand Mar- Ousted Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno delivers a speech before her supporters in hotels and a luxury offi cial ve- Drilon and fellow opposition president. cos used military rule to sup- front of the court building in Manila, yesterday. hicle, as well as fl ying business Senators Francis Pangilinan, “Sereno is found disquali- press his critics. or fi rst class. Sereno is the sec- Paolo Benigno Aquino, Risa fi ed from and hereby adjudged Minutes after the decision ences because there is a greater Court justice in this case. campaign but rights groups al- ond chief justice in a row to be Hontiveros and Antonio Tril- guilty of unlawfully holding and was announced, a smiling Ser- and stronger enemy that we Duterte and Sereno fi rst lege the actual number is three ousted in the Philippines. lanes also disagreed with the exercising the offi ce of the chief eno emerged from the Supreme must all face,” she told the clashed in 2016 when she criti- times higher. Duterte’s spokes- Lawmakers convicted her ruling. Hontiveros described the justice,” court spokesman The- Court building to tell her sup- cheering throng. cised his order urging judges man released a statement say- predecessor, Renato Corona, in decision as “a slap in the face of odore Te told reporters. porters the fi ght was not over. The national lawyers group, whom he linked to the illegal ing: “the High Court has spo- 2012 of corruption. the Senate.” “The decision is immediately “This day is not the end, this Integrated Bar of the Philip- drug trade to turn themselves in ken. Let us respect its decision.” Then-president Benigno Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara, executory without further need is just the beginning,” she said, pines, said it will closely scru- as part of his crackdown. Sereno had resisted the oust- Aquino said the sacking was who belongs to the majority of action from the court,” Te without specifying her next tinise the decision because it Police say they have killed er eff ort, saying in March: “The part of his anti-graft reforms, bloc, echoed the sentiment of said, adding the vote was 8-6 move. believes only the Senate has around 4,200 drug suspects in current state of the nation is one but critics said he was trying to the minority group. against Sereno. “Let us set aside our diff er- the power to dismiss a Supreme Duterte’s nearly two-year-long where perceived enemies of the ensure his control of the court.

KIDNAP Police say ‘no China lands aircraft ransom’ policy to Kuwait, Philippines sign deal rescue two off icers on another reef The Police Regional Off ice (PRO) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to regulate domestic labour By Dempsey Reyes (Pagasa) Island just 12 nauti- intensified the manhunt against Manila Times cal miles away,” it said. the kidnappers to rescue the two “The fi rst was a ‘naval police off icers in Sulu while aff irm- AFP patrol aircraft,’ possibly a ing its “no ransom” policy for the Kuwait City Chinese military Y-8 or similar plane, which release of the hostages, Manila aircraft has landed landed at Fiery Cross (Kag- Times reported. Chief Supt. Gra- Aon the last of three itingan) Reef in April 2016 ciano Mijares, PRO-ARMM director, uwait and the Philippines airstrips it had built at the to evacuate three personnel said the abductors contacted the signed a deal yesterday to disputed Spratly Islands, at who had fallen ill,” it noted. families of Police Off icer (PO)3 Kregulate domestic work- a reef claimed by the Phil- The second involved two Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah ers, after a dispute between the ippines that is close to an Xian Y-7 military transport Gumahad who were kidnapped two countries led to a ban on Fil- island occupied by Filipino aircraft on Mischief Reef in on April 29, demanding P5mn in ipino workers in the Gulf state. troops. January. ransom for their release. Alvarez “A short time ago we signed The Asia Maritime Trans- “That landing was espe- and Gumahad were on their way an agreement between the parency Initiative (AMTI) cially galling for the Philip- to work on board a tricycle along two countries on the employ- of the Centre for Strategic pines because an arbitral Barangay Liang in Patikul, Sulu, ment of domestic workers,” and International Studies, tribunal in 2016 ruled that when armed men flagged down Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah a Washington-based think- Mischief (Panganiban) Reef the vehicle and forced the driver, al-Khaled al-Sabah told a joint tank, released satellite pho- is a piece of the Philippine Faisal Hambali, to proceed south press conference with his Fili- tos of the April 28 landing continental shelf,” AMTI of the village. Another civilian, pino counterpart Alan Peter of the Shaanxi Y-8 military pointed out. Jackosalem Blas, seated at the back, Cayetano. (From left) Philippine secretary of labour Silvestre Bello, Foreign aff airs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, transport aircraft at Subi AMTI, in its report titled was also abducted. Hambali was In February Philippine Presi- Kuwaiti foreign minister Sheikh Sabah al-Khaled al-Sabah and Kuwaiti foreign ministry undersecretary (Zamora) Reef on Wednes- “An Accounting of China’s released on May 5 in a forested area dent Rodrigo Duterte imposed Khaled al-Jaralla hold a press conference after signing an agreement to regulate domestic workers, at the day (Thursday in Manila), Deployments to the Spratly of Daan Puti, Barangay Bangkal, a partial ban on workers trav- foreign ministry in Kuwait City, yesterday. and said the Philippines Islands,” said that in addi- Patikul. He was blindfolded and in- elling to Kuwait after a Filipina should be concerned. tion to patrol and transport structed to drop to the ground until maid was murdered and her appointed and that he would Philippine workers”. A copy of Employers must provide “With this deployment, planes, “China has recently he noticed that his kidnappers had body found in a freezer. advise Duterte to “immediate- the agreement seen by AFP says domestic workers with food, military aircraft have now deployed other military already left him. Blas was released The crisis deepened after ly” lift the ban. that workers will be allowed to housing, clothing and health verifi ably landed on all three platforms to the ‘Big Three’ on May 8 in Daan Puti. Senior Insp. Kuwaiti authorities in April “I think the crisis is over. We keep their passports and cell- insurance, according to the of China’s airstrips in the outposts at Fiery Cross, Jemar de los Santos, PRO-ARMM expelled Manila’s ambassador will move on with the bilateral phones — often confiscated by document. Spratly Islands,” the AMTI Mischief, and Subi Reefs.” public information off icer, said civil- over video footage of Philip- relations and we will resume employers. About 262,000 Filipinos said in a report. It cited the April 9 Wall ians who found Hambali identified pine embassy staff helping normal ties with Kuwait,” said It stipulates that contract re- work in Kuwait, 60% of them “This should be particu- Street Journal report that as Aida Albani of Kasulutan, Karma workers escape employers ac- an official with Cayetano’s del- newals should be approved by in domestic labour, according larly concerning to the Phil- military jamming equip- Alsanul, Muksan Asanul, Yushran cused of mistreatment. egation. the Philippine Overseas Labour to Manila. ippines, which has about ment were mounted on three Usman and Analyn Usman brought Cayetano said a new ambas- He added that the agreement Office, instead of being auto- More than 2mn Filipinos are 100 civilians and a small trucks on Mischief Reef in him to the headquarters of Joint sador to Kuwait would soon be “gives a number of rights to matically renewed. employed across the Gulf. military garrison on Thitu March and Fiery Cross Reef. Task Force Sulu (JTFS). Gulf Times Saturday, May 12, 2018 13 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Monsoon threat looms Indian PM visits Nepal to for refugee camps

Reuters restore neighbourly ties Dhaka AFP “Nepal has welcomed me Kathmandu here as the prime minister id agencies face a “nar- of India, but this grand rowing window” to pre- welcome is in honour Apare Rohingya refugee ndian Prime Minister of thousands of years of camps in southern Bangladesh Narendra Modi prayed at a tradition between our two for life-threatening fl oods in the Irenowned temple with his nations” approaching monsoon season, Nepalese counterpart K P Shar- the aid co-ordinating group said ma Oli yesterday as he started of which are backed by Chinese this week. a visit aiming to reset strained companies, to begin construc- More than 16,000 refugees, relations between the neighbours. tion, which marks a diplomatic many living in shacks clinging to “Nepal has welcomed me win for India. steep, denuded hills, have been here as the prime minister of “Historically India-fund- moved to safer areas, the Inter India, but this grand welcome is ed projects, while they seem Sector Coordination Group said in honour of thousands of years generous, have struggled to in its latest situation report on of tradition between our two show progress, while the Chi- Thursday. nations,” Modi said at the Janaki nese do it quicker and gain on Bangladesh has also allocated Temple in Janakpur. public opinion,” said Kath- more than 500 additional acres “This will act as a foundation mandu-based analyst George (202 hectares) of land for hous- for our economic development, Varughese. ing people at risk of a landslide or cultural ties and a strong people The fi ve hydropower plants fl ood, it said. to people contact between the have been in the works for over “Still, the lack of suffi cient two nations.” a decade and could be a game- safe space for at-risk refugees, Modi has cast the visit as part changer for Nepal. and the lack of cyclone safe shel- of his “neighbourhood fi rst” The Himalayan nation ter, limits the possibilities for policy. It is the latest in a series has enough water to be a hy- risk mitigation,” the ISCG said. of goodwill gestures by New dro powerhouse but it has so Nearly 700,000 Rohingya Delhi, which has been alarmed far harnessed less than 2% of Muslims have fl ed to Bangladesh by China’s growing infl uence in that potential, according to since last August to escape a mil- Nepal. estimates. itary crackdown in neighbouring In 2017, Chinese fi rms Ties between the neigh- Myanmar, the United Nations pledged more than $8.3bn in bours dived in 2015 when Nepal and rights groups say. investment, dwarfi ng Indian passed a controversial new con- Myanmar says it has been commitments of $317mn. In stitution that sparked deadly waging a legitimate counter-in- May last year, Nepal signed protests, triggering a months- surgency operation. up to Beijing’s ambitious One long border blockade. Most of the refugees now live Belt, One Road infrastructure Kathmandu blamed New Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Nepali Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli wave to onlookers during a visit to Janakpur, some in fl imsy, bamboo-and-plastic initiative. Delhi for the blockade that 200km southeast of Kathmandu, yesterday. structures perched on what were Modi is due to fl y to Kath- caused a crippling shortage of once forested hills. mandu later where he will inau- fuel and goods as the coun- huge public support as he stoked picious of India’s “big broth- Oli, who needs India - Ne- he took offi ce again in February. An eight-year-old girl was gurate construction of the In- try struggled to recover from a nationalist anti-India senti- er” attitude, and the hashtags pal’s largest trading partner - In April, he travelled to New killed in a landslide caused by dia-backed $1.4bn Arun Three devastating earthquake earlier ment over the blockade. He used #ModiNotWelcomeInNepal and to realise his ambitious plans Delhi for his fi rst foreign visit. pre-monsoon rains last Friday, hydropower plant. that year. the platform again during his #BlockadeWasACrimeMrModi to kickstart economic growth, Modi will visit a second pil- the fi rst of what aid agencies ex- The plant is the fi rst of fi ve Oli, then serving his fi rst re-election campaign last year. trended on Twitter as the Indian has opted for a more pragmat- grimage site near Nepal’s border pect will be hundreds of casual- mega hydropower projects, two term as prime minister, won Many in Nepal remain sus- premier touched down. ic approach to relations since with Tibet today. ties during the monsoon. Hasina warns Lanka army unit against campus to fi ght civil war vandalism

Agencies She said law enforcement agencies have been told to take abuse claims Dhaka prompt and appropriate steps against the students getting AFP “That is why I set up the we want to come back with sking students to refrain involved in vandalism. “Any sort of vandalism won’t be tolerated” Colombo special directorate of over- our story.” from resorting to vandal- “No one will be spared, no seas operations to prepare our He said the 236,000-strong Aism in their educational matter what organisation they happen in the country’s history. don’t want to see the students to position.” army wanted to clear its name institutions, Bangladesh Prime belong to. Appropriate actions “An investigation is on. Many suff er for the confl icts,” she said. he Sri Lankan army has Senanayake distanced the and play a bigger role in UN in- Minister Sheikh Hasina yester- will be taken,” Hasina said. of those involved in the incident Mentioning that the govern- formed a special unit to military from the previous ternational peacekeeping. day said the government will no The prime minister also asked have already been arrested while ment is always there to resolve Tdefend itself against al- claims that no civilians died, The government has said it longer tolerate such acts. the aspirants to learn how to others will be detained. I’ve any problem, she, however, legations of grave human rights and acknowledged there may lost at least 26,000 soldiers in “Any sort of vandalism won’t strive to achieve something in asked law enforcement agen- warned that excess will never be abuses at the end of the island’s have been individual excesses. the war with another 37,000 be tolerated. It won’t happen the future. cies to take proper action against tolerated. decades-long ethnic war. “If someone says they know wounded. About 20,000 of that students will vandalise their She inaugurated the coun- the culprits,” the prime minister The prime minister asked Army chief Lieutenant Gen- of specifi c instances (of rights the injured ended up with a educational institutions and I’ll cil by releasing pigeons and said. the students to use the inter- eral Mahesh Senanayake said violations) we are ready to in- permanent disability. accept this,” she said. balloons. Hasina, also the chief of ruling net as a platform for learning. the group would collate local vestigate,” Senanayake said. “I The Tamil Tiger rebels also The prime minister was in- Referring to the recent van- Awami League, asked the teach- “Digital Bangladesh is not for and international reports, and am not going to look the other lost heavily and the entire augurating the 29th national dalism at Dhaka University vice- ers of the educational institu- misusing it.” establish the truth to clear the way. I want to clear the name of guerrilla leadership was wiped council of Bangladesh Chhat- chancellor’s residence during tions to refrain from engaging in Hasina advised the students military’s name. the army.” out in the military onslaught. ra League (BCL) at historic the quota reform movement, confl icts among themselves that to have proper knowledge about International rights groups He said there were con- The government under then Suhrawardy Udyan. she said such heinous act did not cause harm to their students. “I traffi c rules. accuse the military of killing fl icting claims of casualties president Mahinda Rajapakse, 40,000 Tamil civilians in the from the 37-year-old Tamil who ordered the off ensive, faced fi nal months of the war which separatist war. international censure for refus- Nepal to hold ended in May 2009. The gov- “Diff erent units of the army ing to acknowledge what the UN ernment of the time said not involved in the fi nal off ensive called credible allegations. marathon one civilian was killed. maintained fi gures of casual- The administration which A high-altitude international Central bank keeps rates “Diff erent people have been ties. I want to collate all that. came to power in January 2015 marathon will take place in quake- saying diff erent things, but our “I know the (then) gov- said it was willing to inves- ravaged Langtang Valley of Nepal voice has not been heard,” Sen- ernment said no civilian was tigate and pay reparations to on May 19, organiser has said. anayake told Colombo-based killed, but it was not our voice. victims, but progress has been The marathon is being organised by steady, expects recovery foreign correspondents. We never said that. This time, extremely slow. Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), an umbrella organisation of trekking agencies spread across the Reuters growth to be around 5%, higher Danushka Samarasinghe, re- country, under the theme Adventure Colombo than the International Mone- search head at Softlogic Stock- Sports for Sustainable Tourism, reports tary Fund’s (IMF) 4% forecast. brokers, said the central bank Xinhua news agency. In its policy statement, the would be averse to cutting rates According to the organiser, over 100 ri Lanka’s central bank central bank predicted a “mod- again because of the pressure Nepali and foreigners will participate kept its key policy rates erate” economic recovery this on the rupee currency. in the full marathon in both male and Ssteady yesterday, a little year, thanks to strengthening Still, Capital Economics female categories. The marathon more than a month after it un- global growth and improving analysts said in a note that they will start from Kyanjin Gompa of expectedly cut the main lend- domestic conditions. expect a further easing later Langtang valley, located at nearly ing rate, forecasting a modest “Forward looking indicators this year, citing benign infl a- 4,000m above the sea level. recovery in the economy this suggest an improvement in the tion and an economic recovery “Langtang valley, which was year after growth slumped to a economic performance on the that is “likely to disappoint.” devastated by the earthquake of 16-year low in 2017. back of the modest recovery in The IMF in March urged the 2015, has revived now with intact The central bank’s widely the agriculture sector and con- central bank to stand ready to infrastructures and all necessary expected decision comes amid tinued positive momentum in tighten if signs of demand- facilities. Thus, we are holding this worries about political insta- the industry and services sec- side infl ation pressures or marathon to promote adventure bility after the ruling coalition tors,” the statement said. accelerating credit growth tourism in the region,” said Nava lost a local government elec- Growth slipped to a 16-year resurface. Raj Dahal, President of TAAN. tion earlier this year, leading to low in 2017, hit by widespread Credit growth picked He further said that the the defection of 16 of its mem- fl ooding and a pullback in for- up to 15.3% year-on-year marathon also aims to develop bers to the opposition. eign investment. Worries of in March, from February’s the Himalayan country as an The central bank left the political instability have lately 14.6%, but was well off a near international destination for standing lending facility rate cast a cloud on the outlook. four-year high of 28.5% hit in sports and adventure tourism. (SLFR) at 8.50% and standing President Maithripala July 2016. According to TAAN, the event will also deposit facility rate (SDFR) at Sirisena suspended the parlia- The central bank, which in draw international attention to the 7.25%, saying it “aims at sta- ment last month, reconvening April said it has shifted away conservation of Himalayan biodiversity bilising infl ation in mid-single it only this week, underscor- from a tightening bias, ex- and protection of rare and elusive digit levels in the medium ing investor uncertainty about pects infl ation to remain in the species like Red Panda which is mostly term.” broad policymaking and eco- bottom half of a 4-6% band Sri Lankan army chief Mahesh Senanayake addresses the Foreign Correspondents Association (FCA) found in Langtang valley. The bank estimated 2018 nomic management. through the rest of this year. in Colombo yesterday. Gulf Times 14 Saturday, May 12, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko Production Editor Amjad Khan

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 How chipmakers are weathering slowing smartphone sales Investors in global chipmakers have had a rocky ride in the last few months on worries about a slowing smartphone market, but a clamour for more video content from consumers is underpinning buoyant sales for memory chipmakers. Indeed, the earnings reports of various chipmakers and smartphone companies in the past month tell a more interesting story beyond the cooling in phone shipment volumes: smartphone makers are cramming their devices with memory to satisfy the increasing demands of consumers. Where are we in the A case in point is last week’s quarterly report from Apple Inc. The Cupertino, California-based company said the iPhone X was the most popular iPhone model in the March quarter — the fi rst cycle ever where the costliest iPhone was also the most sought after. More upbeat assessments from Samsung Electronics fi ght against AMR? Co Ltd, Qualcomm Inc, and Franco-Italian company STMicroelectronics, have also eased concerns. By Jim O’Neill on the fringes of the World Economic “demand-reducing” interventions: AMR in September 2016. That means Samsung last month forecast strong sales for “high-density” London Forum’s annual meeting in Davos this the development of new vaccines taking steps to improve surveillance and chips that have more processing power and bigger storage year to discuss AMR, agreeing to remain and improved diagnostics. Two compliance, and pressing the UN’s 193 capacity — demand that will help it weather a decline in overall engaged on the issue. In other words, years ago, we pressed Western member states to implement the “One o mark the second anniversary they agreed to keep doing nothing. countries to start requiring rapid Health” national action plans agreed to smartphone shipments as consumers are willing to pay for of the British government’s The industry’s failure to back earnest diagnostic tests as a prerequisite for in 2015. costlier and faster models that allow them to easily watch and Review on Antimicrobial rhetoric with concrete actions is all antibiotic prescriptions by 2020. With respect to agriculture, some store large amounts of video. TResistance (AMR), which becoming increasingly frustrating. The Not surprisingly, no government major Western food producers and “Even as the number I had the honour of chairing, two largest 25 fi rms could easily persuade welcomed this idea. But, unless distributors have indicated that they of smartphone members of the Review team – Anthony key governments to act on the Review’s effective diagnostics become more may develop their own AMR action Smartphone shipments slow down, McDonnell and Will Hall – and I have recommendation for a market-entry embedded in health-care systems, we plans. To that end, they should all agree each smartphone published a new book: Superbugs: An reward. With a prize of $1bn or more will not be able to reduce unnecessary to start labelling their meat and fi sh makers are Arms Race Against Bacteria. In it, we for the development of new treatments antibiotic usage and ensure effective products with colour codes denoting the will contain memory discuss the Review’s 10 recommended to combat AMR, far more fi rms would treatments for patients with a genuine amount of antibiotics that went into their cramming devices chips with bigger interventions while considering the start to pursue their own R&D. need. So, market-entry rewards production; and they should refuse to capacity and better progress made so far, and the work that That points to the need for should be extended to innovations in buy or sell any products that have used with memory to performance, still needs to be done. governments to do more as well. diagnostics, too. colistin. which, for memory The fi rst part of the book provides a Following the Review, AMR was There has been some progress on Overcoming the AMR threat is satisfy consumers chipmakers, makes up detailed history of our understanding finally put on the G20’s agenda, both the remaining four recommendations entirely feasible. But confronting it will for a slowdown in the of bacteria and drug resistance, and at the 2016 summit in Hangzhou, – greater public awareness, improved require us to turn words into action. By points to evidence that drug resistance China, and at last year’s summit in sanitation, improved surveillance, getting out of our comfort zones now, number of total smartphones,” said Kim Rok-ho, an analyst at may now be rising faster than we Hamburg, Germany. This year, the and dramatically reduced usage we can avoid far worse discomfort down Hana Financial Investment. had assumed. For example, colistin, G20 summit will take place in Buenos of antibiotics in agriculture – but the road. – Project Syndicate That puts into perspective a warning by Taiwan which is generally regarded as one of Aires, Argentina, and one can only not enough. The World Bank, the Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) of softer the last usable antibiotics in humans hope that world leaders will start to World Health Organisation, and the z Jim O’Neill, a former chairman of smartphone sales, which was partly responsible for the recent after others have failed, is losing its act on the statements of the past few International Monetary Fund need to Goldman Sachs Asset Management selloff in Apple and other chipmakers. eff ectiveness, owing to overuse in years, not least by piloting a market- shine a brighter spotlight on countries and a former UK Treasury Minister, The broader concerns about a slowdown in the chip market animal farming, notably in China. entry reward. that are not investing in their health is Honorary Professor of Economics And, equally disturbing, reports of A market-entry reward is crucial systems. And the United Nations needs at Manchester University and former appear to have eased as well. drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are because it would also help to to follow through on commitments Chairman of the British government’s The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, a proxy for global becoming more frequent. advance two of the Review’s six made at the high-level meeting on Review on Antimicrobial Resistance. chipmakers that fell sharply from its peak in mid-March on In the Review, we predicted that if initial iPhone sales concerns, has stabilised in the past two current trends continue, 10mn people weeks, posting a 4.4% rise so far this year. could die every year by 2050, at a loss of The $122bn memory chip industry enjoyed an unprecedented some $100tn in global economic output boom since mid-2016, expanding nearly 70% in 2017 alone, since 2015. But now there is reason to fear that the situation could turn out thanks to robust growth of smartphones and cloud services that even worse. To ensure that it does not, require more powerful chips that can store loads of data. the second part of the book focuses The pace of growth is set to more than halve as memory-chip on solutions, and compiles expert prices come off their highs, but the outlook remains strong for viewpoints from many of those we pure-play memory chipmakers such as Micron Technology Inc interviewed for the Review. and SK Hynix. On a positive note, there has been Micron’s shares have risen 18% this year and Hynix’s stock progress on two of the three “supply” interventions that we recommended. has gained 8.5%. First, fi nancing for early-stage research Revenue at Micron, for instance, has grown at an average rate of and development is growing. Just about 65% in the two quarters it has reported this year, and analysts recently, new joint funding initiatives expect it to grow at an average of 30% for the rest of the year. were launched by the British and Micron and Hynix both trade at roughly 4 times forward Chinese governments, the Wellcome 12-month earnings against a sector median of 16.7, suggesting Trust, the United States’ Biomedical that the stocks have room to grow. Advanced Research and Development Other chipmakers like Advanced Micro Devices Inc and Authority (BARDA), and the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo. If Texas Instruments, which are less leveraged to the smartphone this support is sustained, the Review’s market, including those that sell to carmakers, industrial, recommendation of $2bn in additional bitcoin, and gaming companies are well set up too. R&D funding over the next fi ve years All the same, the slowdown in smartphone shipments is bad will be within reach. news for chipmakers that design microprocessors: each phone Second, the number of researchers needs just one microprocessor chip versus rapid growth of working on AMR seems to be growing. memory content in devices. In fact, I like to joke that in Northern England, AMR research centres probably now outnumber the cities that have agreed to devolution deals under To Advertise the government’s northern powerhouse plan. The progress made in these [email protected] two areas gives me hope that similar Display advances can be made elsewhere. But further progress will require less talk 44466621 44418811 and more action from government and industry leaders. Classified That is especially true of the 44466609 44418811 pharmaceutical industry – the target of the third “supply” intervention we Subscription proposed. Rather than focusing solely on short-term profi t margins, the [email protected] industry must invest more in R&D and the production of new treatments. Representatives of the 25 largest Superbug danger concept as a killer bacteria shaped as a death skull face as a symbol for medical healthcare risk and antimi- © 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved pharmaceutical fi rms, I am told, met crobial resistance health hazard icon as a bacterium infection inside the human body. Gulf Times Saturday, May 12, 2018 15 COMMENT Solving the productivity puzzle

By James Manyika and Myron Scholes 10% of the information generated and that San Francisco fl ows through corporations is digitised and available for analysis. As these data become more readily available through blockchains, or years, one of the big puzzles in cloud computing, or IoT connections, new economics has been accounting for models and artifi cial intelligence will enable declining productivity growth in the corporations to innovate and add value through FUnited States and other advanced previously unseen investment opportunities. economies. Economists have proposed The last feature that stands out in this period a wide variety of explanations, ranging of historically slow productivity growth is weak from inaccurate measurement to “secular demand. We know from corporate decision- stagnation” to questioning whether recent makers that demand is crucial for investment. technological innovations are productive. For example, an MGI survey conducted last year But the solution to the puzzle seems to lie in found that 47% of companies increasing their understanding economic interactions, rather investment budgets were doing so because of than identifying a single culprit. And on that an increase in demand or demand expectations. score, we may be getting to the bottom of why Across industries, the slow recovery in productivity growth has slowed. demand following the fi nancial crisis was Examining the decade since the 2008 a key factor holding back investment. The fi nancial crisis – a period remarkable for the crisis increased uncertainty about the future sharp deterioration in productivity growth direction in consumer and investment demand. across many advanced economies – we identify The decision to invest and boost productivity three outstanding features: historically low was correctly deferred. When demand started growth in capital intensity, digitisation, and a to recover, many industries had excess capacity weak demand recovery. Together these features and room to expand and hire without needing help explain why annual productivity growth to invest in new equipment or structures. That dropped 80%, on average, between 2010 and led to historically low capital-intensity growth 2014, to 0.5%, from 2.4% a decade earlier. – the single biggest factor behind anaemic Start with historically weak capital-intensity Claim your piece of the productivity puzzle. productivity growth – in the 2010-2014 growth, an indication of the access labour has period. to machinery, tools, and equipment. Growth the 1980s and early 2000s, and the fi gure has breadth and diversity of innovations: new and worker enablement – such as the tech But, as more companies adopt and learn in this average toolkit for workers has slowed – been roughly fl at or decreasing since then, products and features (for example, digital sector, media, and fi nancial services – have through digital solutions, and as new forms and has even turned negative in the US. creating signifi cant infrastructure gaps. books and live location tracking), new ways to high productivity. But these sectors are of employment and investment opportunities In the 2000-2004 period, capital intensity Intangible investment, in areas such as deliver them (for example, streaming video), relatively small in terms of share of GDP and strengthen the demand recovery, we expect in the US grew at a compound annual rate of software and research and development, and new business models (for example, Uber employment, whereas large sectors such as productivity growth to recover. Myriad 3.6%. In the 2010-2014 period, it declined recovered far more quickly from a brief and and TaskRabbit). health care and retail are much less digitised factors contribute to productivity gains, but at a compound annual rate of 0.4%, the smaller post-crisis dip in 2009. Continued However, there are also similarities, and also tend to have low productivity. it is the twenty-fi rst century’s steam engine weakest performance in the postwar period. growth in such investment refl ects the wave of particularly regarding the eff ect on productivity MGI research also suggests that while – digitisation, data, and its analysis – that A breakdown of the components of labour digitisation – the second outstanding feature growth. The ICT revolution was visible digitisation promises signifi cant productivity- will power and transform economic activity, productivity shows that slowing capital- of this period of anaemic productivity growth – everywhere, the economist Robert Solow boosting opportunities, the benefi ts have not add value, and enable income-boosting and intensity growth contributed about half or that is now sweeping across industries. famously noted, except in the productivity yet materialised at scale. In a recent McKinsey welfare-enhancing productivity gains. – more of the decline in productivity growth in By digitisation, we mean digital technology statistics. The Solow Paradox, as it was known survey, global fi rms reported that less than a Project Syndicate many countries, including the US. – such as cloud computing, e-commerce, (after the economist), was eventually resolved third of their core operations, products, and Growth in capital intensity has been mobile Internet, artifi cial intelligence, machine when a few sectors – technology, retail, and services were automated or digitised. z James Manyika is Chairman of the McKinsey weakened by a substantial slowdown in learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) – wholesale – ignited a productivity boom in the This may refl ect adoption barriers and Global Institute and a senior partner in investment in equipment and structures. that is moving beyond process optimisation US. Today, we may be in round two of the Solow lag eff ects, as well as transition costs. For McKinsey & Company’s San Francisco Offi ce. Making matters worse, public investment and transforming business models, altering Paradox: while digital technologies can be seen example, in the same survey, companies with Myron Scholes, a Nobel laureate in economics, has also been in decline. For example, the US, value chains, and blurring lines across everywhere, they have yet to fuel productivity digital transformations under way said that is the Frank E. Buck Professor of Finance, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom industries. What diff erentiates this latest growth. 17% of their market share in core products or Emeritus, at the Stanford Graduate School of experienced a long-term decline of 0.5-1 wave from the 1990s boom in information MGI research has shown that sectors that services was cannibalised by their own digital Business and co-originator of the Black-Scholes percentage point in public investment between and communications technology (ICT) is the are highly digitised in terms of assets, usage, products or services. Moreover, less than options pricing model.

LEGAL HELPLINE Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 440c Minimum Temperature : 290c

SUNDAY Maximum Temperature : 370c Periodic medical check-ups for workers Minimum Temperature : 280c MONDAY Maximum Temperature : 350c By Dr Nizar Kochery to him or abstain from said acts, A: Claim of your unpaid dues Our suppliers are demanding for Minimum Temperature : 280c Doha shall be considered as the receiver will be entertained legally even settling the dues and we received Fisherman's forecast of a bribe and shall be punished after resignation but within one a notice from the court relating with imprisonment for a period not year from the date of termination to a civil case. Is it possible for WARNING Question: Our management exceeding three years or a fine not of your employment contract. the head of legal department to Inshore : Expected strong wind over has decided not to conduct exceeding QR15,000 or both. According to Article 10 of the represent company in the court? most areas & poor visibility periodic medical examinations Labour Law, subject to the Is it mandatory to submit the Offshore : Expected strong wind and high sea/ thunder rain to for employees so as to reduce the provisions of Article 113, the right reply in Arabic? Please advise. the north by night financial burden. The company Claiming unpaid to file a lawsuit for a claim of the HA, Doha was doing executive check-ups entitlements, accruing under the WEATHER dues after resigning Inshore : Very hot daytime with every two years. Is it mandatory provisions of the law or the service A: Arabic is the official language some clouds & blowing to conduct medical check-up Q: I am employed in a company contract shall lapse only by the in the courts and the submissions dust to dusty for the workers? What does the in Doha as sales representative expiry of one year from the date of before the court should be in WIND employment law stipulate in this since 2016. The company is expiry of the contract. Arabic. If the documents are not in Inshore : Southeasterly-Southwester- regard? Please advise. facing huge financial difficulties Arabic, it is required to translate the ly 04-14 KT SR, Doha and I have decided to resign. documents into Arabic. However, the Offshrore : Southeasterly 12-22/30 KT When I discussed my plan to Court submissions courts will hear evidence given by Visibility : 03-8/ 2 KM Answer: The law stipulates periodic resign, the manager informed should be in Arabic non-Arabic speakers and witnesses medical check-up only for workers that the benefits will be paid through an interpreter. A Qatari SEA STATE exposed to the dangers of infection later directly into my account. Q: Our company has major lawyer authorised by the company or Offshore : 3-7 FT, Rises to 10 FT at places at times. with occupational diseases. According If I resign and the company fails operations in India and in authorised signatory of the company to Article 105 of the Labour Laws, the to pay my dues, can I claim it connection with a project we can represent the company before Around the region employer is obligated for conducting through the court? Are there are operating in Qatar now. We the court for the cases. Weather Weather medical check-up for the workers any legal issues to claim after have some dues from the main today Max/min tomorrow Max/min exposed to the dangers of infection resignation? Please advise. contractor because of the delay z Please send your questions to Baghdad S T Storms 29/18 M Sunny 31/19 with the vocational diseases in all GS, Doha in commission of the work done. [email protected] Kuwait City Sunny 33/24 Sunny 35/26 activities of the work at intervals Manama Cloudy 42/28 Sunny 33/27 appropriate to the hazards involved Muscat Sunny 37/33 Sunny 41/33 in the work in accordance with the Tehran Showers 21/13 M Sunny 22/13 measures to be specifi ed by the competent authorities specifying LEGAL SYSTEM IN QATAR the types of such check up and the intervals in which they shall be According to Article 307 of Civil and in the manner he takes the oath. carried out. The employer shall keep Commercial Procedure Law, if the The litigant who was requested to the results of these check-ups in the litigant is completely or partially take the oath may refer it back to his fi les concerning the workers. If the incapacitated, his representative may opponent, provided that the oath may result of the check-up shows the be examined. Moreover, the court not be referred back if it is directed infl iction of the worker with one of the may examine him if he has special towards an incident where both occupational diseases, the employer competence in matters in which parties are not part of it. However, shall notify the department thereof he is authorised. Corporate bodies the oath shall be confined to the within three days from the date of his may be examined through their legal person to whom it was directed. knowing the result of the check-up. representatives. In all cases, however, It shall not be permissible for the the person to be examined shall person who requested the oath to be required to have competence in be taken or who referred it back to Employee receives dealing with the disputed right. retract his acceptance if the opponent Around the world money from client If the court deems that the lawsuit accepted to take oath. Weather Weather has no need for examination, it A decisive oath may not be made today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Q: One of our staff members shall reject the application for contrary to public discipline or Athens M Sunny 26/14 M Sunny 24/16 in the sales department has examination. The court shall direct manners. The occurrence in respect Beirut S Showers 23/19 S Showers 23/19 received money from clients necessary questions to the litigant, as excuse preventing him from appearing of which the oath is to be taken shall Bangkok S T Storms 32/27 P Cloudy 33/27 as commission without the well as those which the other litigant before the court for examination, the be relevant to the person to whom the Berlin P Cloudy 24/15 Sunny 26/14 knowledge of management. This requests be directed. The replies shall court may relocate to question him oath was referred. A trustee, guardian Cairo Sunny 31/19 Sunny 30/18 has affected our reputation in the be given in the same session, unless or depute a judge for that purpose. or representative of an absentee may Cape Town P Cloudy 17/12 Sunny 17/13 market. We fired that employee the court specifies another time for Moreover, if the litigant did not attend direct the decisive oath in accordance Colombo T Storms 30/26 T Storms 30/26 based on the information. What such replies. without an acceptable excuse or with what he is mandated to deal Dhaka S T Storms 31/23 T Storms 29/23 action can be initiated against As per Article 311, the questions abstains from answering without legal with. Nonetheless, the representative Hong Kong I T Storms 27/24 M Sunny 28/24 him for such wrongful acts? and answers shall be recorded in the justifi cation, the court shall conclude in litigation may not direct a decisive Istanbul P Cloudy 18/11 M Sunny 19/11 What is the punishment as per minutes and after being read out whatever it deems appropriate and oath nor accept it or refer it back to Jakarta M Sunny 34/26 P Cloudy 34/26 law? Please advise. to the interrogated person shall be it may infer the justifi cation to deem the other litigant unless a power of Karachi P Cloudy 36/26 Sunny 35/26 JDI, Doha signed by the presiding judge as well incidents that he was supposed to be attorney is secured to this effect. London S Showers 16/09 S Showers 17/09 as the Registry of the court and the questioned about as proved or it may As per Article 317, the person who Manila T Storms 34/27 P Cloudy 36/27 A: The company can file a criminal person conducting the interrogation. accept proof based on the testimony refers the oath to litigant shall give Moscow M Sunny 24/11 M Sunny 23/11 complaint against the employee for However, if the person conducting of witnesses and presumptions in precisely the facts he intends the New Delhi M Sunny 43/29 M Sunny 42/28 such an act. According to Article the interrogation abstains from cases where it would not be acceptable other litigant to swear upon and shall New York T Storms 19/11 Showers 16/11 146 of penal law, any employee replying or signing, his abstention to do so. state the wording of the oath in a clear Paris Rain 21/09 S Showers 16/09 who asks, accepts for himself or for and its reasons shall be stated in the According to Article 314, at any stage manner. The court may amend the Sao Paulo M Cloudy 26/17 Cloudy 22/17 another person, for money or profit minutes. Moreover, the court shall of the lawsuit, either litigant may wording of the oath given by the party Seoul Rain 16/14 P Cloudy 23/12 or a simple promise of something deduce from that what it deems make a decisive oath. The judge may in such a manner as to show clearly Singapore S T Storms 32/26 S T Storms 32/27 of the kind, without the knowledge appropriate. prevent the oath from being made and precisely the incident on which the Sydney S Showers 17/13 Rain 17/14 or consent of his employer, to If the litigant has an acceptable if the concerned litigant is arbitrary oath is to be taken. Tokyo Clear 25/14 Cloudy 24/16 undertake any of the acts assigned Gulf Times 16 Saturday, May 12, 2018 QATAR Ethiopians mark Community Day

By Joseph Varghese Staff Reporter

bout 3,000 Ethiopians gathered at the Doha Sports AStadium yesterday to take part in the fi fth Ethiopian Com- munity Day. “We had a number of programmes including several sports and cultural items,” Metase- bia Tadesse Woldegiorgis, Ethiopi- an ambassador, extraordinary and plenipotentiary, told Gulf Times. The event opened with a march past of the football teams who played the fi nals of the tour- nament in connection with the community day. The preliminary rounds were going on for several weeks. Dr Ethiopian ambassador Metasebia Tadesse Woldegiorgis and Muaither Sports Club director Dr Mahmoud Mahmoud al-Mahmoud, direc- al-Mahmoud shaking hands with the players before the football final. PICTURES: Ram Chand tor of Muaither Sports Club, was the chief guest on the occasion bassy and the community have for the last two months,” continued some journalists who have come and the ambassador introduced been working in tandem to work the envoy. The ambassador also all the way from Ethiopia to report the players to him. out the modalities of the event,” revealed that a band from Ethiopia the event. We have the crew from “There are about 20,000 explained Woldegiorgis has fl own into Qatar to perform on two television stations who are tel- Ethiopians currently working in “We have a number of sports the occasion. The band consisting ecasting the event live from here to Qatar. They all have been work- activities, including athletics for of 50 members, played some beau- Ethiopia. It is the fi fth annual event ing hard for months to make the children and several other games tiful music and showcased many so far and we expect to continue it programme successful. We had a for elders. About 10 football teams cultural performances that went for the community in the coming number of meetings and the em- have been engaged in a tournament on into late evening. “We have also years,” added the envoy. Some of the participants in the athletic events being honoured. Al Bidda Park: Home to Qatar’s longboarding hub

By Peter Alagos Business Reporter

ince Al Bidda Park was reo- pened to the public on this Syear’s National Sport Day, it has become a part of several momentous events for many res- idents in the country. The park was the favourite venue for celebrations such as birthdays, reunions, team-build- ing activities, fellowships and get-togethers, or even regular Riders attack one of Al Bidda Park’s elevated spots for a downhill race. PICTURE: Peter Alagos family weekend gatherings. Among many other fi rsts, Al verse spots that cater to begin- to engage in an active lifestyle. Santos said: “DLC welcomes Bidda Park was the ideal spot ners, intermediate, and advance Parks such as Al Bidda not only those who want to learn how for a longboarding race to cel- riders. provide entertainment and an to ride the longboard, espe- ebrate the third anniversary of “There are plenty of fl at sur- escape from the hustle and bus- cially children because the sport the Doha Longboarding Crew faces that are ideal spots for tle of city life but it helps educate teaches a lot of life lessons and (DLC), which gathered longtime Members of the Doha Longboard Crew celebrate the group’s third anniversary by staging a longboarding freestyling and hilly stretches people of the benefi ts of being in the value of perseverance, and and new members, as well as sev- race at Al Bidda Park, a first since authorities reopened the area last February. PICTURE: Courtesy of suitable for downhill races for the outdoors,” he continued. being passionate about achieving eral members of the Doha Pinoy Solomon Yuzon all levels, freeriding, and sliding. Brandt claimed that, by far, one’s goals.” Shooters Club, who documented These spots are all in one place DLC is a pioneering group that Cabrera said he hopes that au- the event. ing the riders prone to safety haz- areas suitable for races, so it off ers refreshing new scenery.” and it is in the heart of Doha,” promotes longboarding in Qatar. thorities would someday organ- Previously, DLC held long- ards. is safe for both the riders and And aside from safety, Brandt Santos explained. “When we ride, people can get ise a downhill event. “There’s a boarding races along the interior “Al Bidda is a sprawling park visitors, especially families,” pointed out that Al Bidda is “a “We need more places like Al a scope of what longboarding is large hill somewhere in Dukhan, roads of Al Markhiya area but of- making it an ideal venue for said DLC member Jovanie Ca- good spot” for longboarding. Bidda Park not just to promote all about and we hope that more which could be an ideal spot ten times the thoroughfares are this type of sport, and because brera. Founding member Gustav Another founding member, Olan longboarding but also to encour- people would be interested to try for high speed races and similar busy with vehicular traffi c, mak- it is spacious, there are many Brandt stressed that the park Santos, said Al Bidda off ers di- age both citizens and expatriates the sport,” he said. challenges,” he said. Ras Bu Fontas station Rota congratulates workers, volunteers for literacy drive

ducation Above All (EAA) were felicitated with certifi cates tiative. The Arabic Literacy Foundation’s programme, for participating in the pro- Programme was established to EReach Out To Asia (Rota), grammes. address the learning needs of held a refl ection event recently A total of 100 student volun- migrant workers in Qatar and to at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- teers from Georgetown, Carnegie promote mutual respect between versity (HBKU) Student Center Mellon, Weill Cornell Medical diff erent cultures. to recognise the outstanding College, Academic Bridge, Eng- After completing the course, achievements of low-skilled lish Language Programme, Light migrant workers are able now to workers and volunteer student Rail Transit System (a project of speak conversational Arabic and tutors who participated in Adult Qatari Diar Vinci Construction) have a greater understanding of English Literacy Programme and and Doha Metro Red Line South, Arab culture and Qatari society. Rota Adult Arabic Literacy Pro- taught basic- and intermediate- “The Rota Adult Literacy Pro- gramme . level English classes to the work- gramme is a means of supporting Rota’s learning initiative was ers employed in the universities workers to enhance their ability conducted in collaboration with within Education City. to achieve personal goals and im- selected universities to enable A total of 18 student volun- prove life opportunities. workers to achieve personal goals teers from the Academic Bridge We hope that by participating and improve life opportunities Programme, the Education City in the literacy programmes, par- far from their daily duties. Mosque and Qatar University ticipants will develop higher as- During adult literacy pro- took part in the training course pirations and an increased sense grammes’ refl ection event at the designed to equip volunteer tu- of well-being and empower- Qatar Academy Education City, tors with the necessary skills ment,” said Rota executive direc- students and migrant workers to eff ectively facilitate the ini- tor Essa al-Mannai.

Qatar Rail has posted an image, on its Twitter page, of prefabricated stone seats being installed at Ras Bu Fontas station on the Doha Metro Red Line. This comes as part of the finishing touches being given to stations by workers, according to Qatar Rail. Rota congratulates workers and volunteers for adult literacy programmes.