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Sunday 16 September 2018 | 6 Moharram I 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7651 | 2 Riyals

Al Marri calls for extensive Prime Minister attends 'Qatari Success' forum probe against siege nations

THE PENINSULA “We call upon the Office of the High Commissioner Special Rapporteur on for Human Rights and the recent DOHA: Chairman of the arbitrary measures to decisions of the International National Human Rights Court of Justice, as well as its Committee (NHRC), Dr Ali bin act urgently and take acknowledgment of the con- Smaikh Al Marri has called for firmer and bolder tinued siege , but it did not appre- extensive investigations against positions against the ciate the extent of the suffering of Saudi Arabia and the United siege countries, and the victims and it was not as strict Arab Emirates for gross and as hoped.” systematic violations and we invite him to visit “We call upon the Special discriminatory measures against the State of Qatar and Rapporteur on arbitrary Qatari citizens and expatriates. the siege countries measures to act urgently and He also called for the impor- to find out the take firmer and bolder positions tance of monitoring the imple- against the siege countries, and mentation by the UAE author- serious repercussions we invite him to visit the State ities of the International Court on human rights of Qatar and the siege countries of Justice’s ruling on allowing resulting from the to find out the serious repercus- those affected by the blockade blockade”, the NHRC sions on human rights resulting of Qatar to sue in UAE courts, from the blockade.” besides reuniting families and Chairman said. During his meeting with the to allow Qatari students to com- Committee on the Elimination of plete their studies at UAE uni- the precautionary decision of the Racial Discrimination (CERD), Dr Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani attended the versities or to give them aca- International Court of Justice (ICJ) Al Marri stressed that the conclusion of the “Qatari Success” forum held at the Qatar National Convention Center last evening. demic records to complete their , calling for monitoring the United National Human Rights Com- The forum discussed a number of topics in which a group of Qatari youth participated in various studies at other universities. Nations human rights mechanisms mittee (NHRC) has been fol- disciplines and talked about their successes and experiences in the local community. See also page 3 This came during a number of for implementation by the UAE. lowing up and monitoring the meetings held by the Chairman of He stressed that the NHRC UAE’s compliance with the ICJ’s the National Human Rights Com- is monitoring the enforcement decisions on interim measures. mittee (NHRC) in Geneva on the of the ICJ ruling through its He called on the committee to sidelines of the 39th session of the mechanisms. He pointed out carry out extensive investigations Human Rights Council, including that the discriminatory into the UAE’s discriminatory Qatar slams remarks against Kuwait Amir MoI workshops on members of the Working Group measures against the Qataris are violations and to monitor the new exit law today on Arbitrary Detention, the not limited to the UAE only, but enforcement of the decisions of QNA Agency, stressed that the Amir Working Group on Arbitrary Dis- rather exceed them equally by the International Court of Justice. of Kuwait is in a position of THE PENINSULA appearance, The Middle East and the rest of the siege countries. He also provided the Com- DOHA: The Ministry of Foreign appreciation by all the Arabs, North Africa of the United Nations Commenting on the report of mittee with reliable information Affairs has denounced and rulers and peoples and has a dis- DOHA: The Ministry of High Commissioner for Human the Special Rapporteur on the and strong evidence for the occur- rejected the offensive remarks tinct status and position in State Interior (MoI) will conduct Rights, the Director of the treaty arbitrary and unilateral measures rence of serious discriminatory vio- and allegations against the Amir of Qatar, government and today a series of awareness mechanisms of the Commission, he reviewed before the Human lations and systematic campaigns of the sisterly State of Kuwait people. workshops on required proce- a number of permanent delegates Rights Council last Wednesday, by Saudi Arabia and the rest of the H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al She called on all journalists dures and mechanisms of the to the Human Rights Council and the NHRC Chief said: “Although siege countries against the Qatari Jaber Al Sabah by a host on an and media professionals to be new amendments in the law the head of the European Mission the report acknowledged in par- nationals and residents of the State Arab satellite channel. more responsible, and precise in regulating entry, exit and resi- to the Council. agraphs 9 and 10 the illegality of of Qatar. Lulwah Rashid Al Khater, their reporting and to give the dency of the expatriates. During the meetings, Dr. Al actions taken by siege countries, Spokesperson of the Ministry in leaders the due respect and Marri explained the dimensions of and supported the positions of the →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 a statement to Qatar News appreciation. →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Qatar, Palestine sign pact to promote agriculture

THE PENINSULA The agreement also includes coop- of the 150th ordinary session of the Arab eration in the field of livestock, veter- League Council. DOHA: Qatar and Palestine have signed inary services, control of transboundary Al Muraikhi said that the continued an agreement to promote and develop diseases, agricultural pesticides and Israeli occupation of the Palestinian cooperation in the fields of agriculture, seeds, and resistance to diseases and Arab territories is the biggest challenge livestock and fisheries. pests within IPM programs. facing the Arab nation. He stressed that The agreement was signed by Min- Last week, Qatar had reiterated its the Palestinian Cause, which witnessed ister of Municipality and Environment, rejection of all steps aimed at obstructing serious developments during this year H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi, and weakening the United Nations Relief without a just solution, is still the central and Minister of Agriculture of Palestine, and Works Agency for Palestine Ref- issue of the Arab Nation. Dr. Sufian Sultan, said a release. ugees in the Near East (UNRWA), reaf- He said that Qatar supports all The agreement provides for the firming its commitment to stand by the serious endeavours for peace and exchange of agricultural information Palestinian people and to provide for stressed that all efforts must be in line and experiences in the fields of food pro- their basic needs. with the resolutions of international duction and agricultural scientific Qatar’s stand was made clear, on legitimacy and the Arab peace research, combating desertification, Tuesday, by Minister of State for Foreign initiative. Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi palm planting, soil, water and agricul- Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, (right), with Minister of Agriculture of Palestine, Dr. Sufian Sultan. tural guidance, poultry, and fish farming. in his speech at the Ministerial Meeting →CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Qatar, France to launch ministerial level strategic dialogue: Envoy IRFAN BUKHARI and consistent’ for decades and which France was going to start honoured that Qatar procured both sides discussed growing from this region were from THE PENINSULA they kept on growing to new that kind of strategic dialogue at world number one Rafale jets scope of Qatari investments Qatar. heights during tenures of suc- this level. from France.” in France. On the blockade and Gulf DOHA: Terming France-Qatar cessive French Presidents. “Pres- Commenting on the visit of The talks between H H the The French Ambassador crisis, the French ambassador relations ‘trusted and consistent’, ident Macron was in Doha six H H the Amir to France in July Amir and President Emmanuel noted that Qatari investors were said that President Macron from Ambassador of France to Qatar, months after his election. H H the this year, the French ambassador Macron, he said, had taking special interest in the beginning had publicly called Franck Gellet, has said that both Amir was in France six months said that the visit of Amir H H strengthened bilateral relations. investing in France and the for the lifting of embargo countries would soon launch after.” Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al “Both leaders also exchange on volume of Qatari investments in measures, that are, first of all, strategic dialogue at the Foreign He said that political rela- Thani in July 2018 was the most regular occasions including at his country was witnessing a affecting families. France was Ministers’ level to bolster political tions between two countries successful visit. the FIFA World Cup final in constant rise. fully supporting Kuwait initiative relationships. would take a new strength in the “The visit of H H the Amir to Russia which they attended Without sharing an exact for the resolution of crisis In an exclusive interview coming months in the form of a Mont-de-Marsan Airbase, the together.” figure, the Ambassador said that through dialogue. “We firmly with The Peninsula, the recently strategic dialogue at the Foreign military facility where Rafale jet Gellet said that the it amounted to billions of dollars. believe that the solution of crisis appointed Ambassador said that Ministers’ level. pilots are trained, was an meeting of H H the Amir with He said that currently four out is through dialogue.” the relations between France and Gellet said that Qatar was the expression of intensification of French Prime Minister was of the five most important Qatar had always been ‘trusted only country in the region with bilateral relations. We are also very important in which foreign investments in France →SEE ALSO PAGE 3 02 HOME SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018

PM inspects project site for developing E Ring Road and F Ring Road Amir greets President of Nicaragua

DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday a cable of congratulations to the Pres- ident of the Republic of Nica- ragua, Daniel Ortega Saavedra, on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day. Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani also sent a cable of congrat- ulations to the President. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani during an inspection visit to a project site for developing E Ring Road and F Ring Thani also sent a cable of Road, where he was briefed by Ashghal officials on the progress of the project. Ashghal President, Dr Eng Saad bin Ahmed Al Muhannadi, was also present at the occasion. congratulations to the Pres- ident. Amir congratulates President of President of Cote d’Ivoire arrives in Doha Second annual El Salvador DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Heritage Day to sent yesterday a cable of congratulations to the Pres- ident of the Republic of El be celebrated Salvador, Salvador Sanchez Ceren, on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day. THE PENINSULA Heritage Tuesday session Deputy Amir H H Sheikh aims to promote the concept Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani DOHA: The Department of of intangible cultural her- also sent a cable of congrat- Public Libraries and itage, which means the prac- ulations to the President. Heritage of the Ministry of tices, perceptions, expres- Prime Minister and Interior Culture and Sports will hold sions and skills that society Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah the second annual Heritage considers part of its cultural bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Day in Qatar, entitled heritage inherited from gen- Thani also sent a cable of “Qatouf of Qatari Cultural eration to generation. It is congratulations to the Pres- Heritage” at the House of constantly created by society ident. Wisdom at the Ministry’s in accordance with the envi- headquarters. ronment and history. The event is part of the It also fosters a sense of Ooredoo launches Ministry’s weekly cultural national identity and its con- programme, which will run tinuity, thus promoting ‘Welcome Home’ from September 18 to respect for cultural diversity November 20. and creativity in society. offer for Shahry Harib Bin Mohammed Al In this context, the Jabri, the Director of the Department of Public DOHA: Ooredoo announced President Alassane Ouattara of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire arrived in Doha yesterday on an official visit Department of Public Libraries and Heritage con- yesterday that all new and to the country. The President and his accompanying delegation were greeted upon arrival at Hamad Libraries and Heritage, Min- tinues to activate the Unesco existing Shahry customers International Airport by Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi, istry of Culture and Sports, Convention (2003) at the who upgrade their plan can and the Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire (Non-resident) to the State of Qatar, Toure F. said yesterday that the local level, building partner- enjoy bonus data allowances. second cultural season of the ships with With the offer, all new and existing Shahry customers who upgrade their plan will enjoy two times their data Qatar, Palestine sign pact allowance for up to four Rules explained for entry of Education Excellence Award months. The new offer has been to promote agriculture THE PENINSULA distinguished applicants from Qatar the application form online with an designed to welcome cus- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 University in order to create a culture undertaking that all information pro- tomers back to Qatar after the It should be in accordance with the two- DOHA: The Organizing Committee of of excellence in the field of vided by him are correct.” She said that summer travel period. All state solution agreed upon by the international the 12th Edition of Education Excel- education. the information should be clear and new and existing Shahry cus- community, to ensure the establishment of a lence Award 2019 held a training She pointed out that under the specific, and reflects a true picture of tomers who upgrade their Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East workshop at Qatar University for boys platinum medal category of the Award, the actual performance which deserves plan to a Shahry 100 pack will Jerusalem as its capital, he said. The Minister and girls to educate them about rules the winners of distinguished university excellence. enjoy 10 GB extra over two of State for Foreign Affairs stressed Qatar’s and regulation for applying for the student will receive a platinum medal However, unofficial enclosed cer- months, new and upgrading rejection and condemnation of all steps aimed Award. and a certificate of excellence and tificates that do not have the stamp and Shahry 150 customers will at obstructing and weakening the UNRWA, as Dr Fatima Al Dosari, an expert at prize money worth QR45,000. In the the date of issuance will be excluded have 24 GB extra over three well as its call on the international community the Ministry of Education and Higher gold medal category, the university from the evaluation process, she months, new and upgrading to shoulder its legal and moral responsibility Education, said that the Ministry is student will receive a certificate of added. Shahry 200 customers can to provide the necessary resources for the keen to invite all distinguished and excellence and prize money worth She referred to the conditions of enjoy 48 GB extra over four Agency to continue its humanitarian work. interested university students to par- QR35,000. applying for the award of scientific months, and new and Underlining the commitment of the State ticipate in the largest award of the Al Dosari said that the evaluation excellence category of university upgraded Shahry 250 cus- of Qatar to stand by the Palestinian people country, said a release. criteria for the university student are student is to be a candidate Qatari tomers can enjoy 60 GB extra and to work towards the provision of basic Al Dosari said that the organising divided into five basic criteria: personal nationality, and be a graduate of a over four months needs, he pointed to the State of Qatar’s of the awareness workshop for the traits, self development, various activ- higher education institutions in the lists Any bonus data will be donation of $50m, during the extraordinary student excellence category aims to ities and competitions, community of the Ministry of Education and Higher available on top of regular ministerial meeting of the Agency in Rome, to open the door to Qatari students to contributions, scientific research. Education or working in the State of allowances and the new offer meet the deficit faced by UNRWA to finance show their skills and creativity and to Speaking about general rules, Al Qatar, and have an equivalent uni- is valid until December 13, its humanitarian projects. attract the largest number of Dosari said: “The student can fill out versity degree. 2018. Tributes paid to Nigerian ambassador SIDI MOHAMED such events,” Ambassador of THE PENINSULA. South Africa to Qatar, Faizel Moosa told The Peninsula. “We were very DOHA: Many top diplomats and close and had very good relations Qatari officials attended the burial with him,” he added. service of the Nigerian ambas- He added the Nigerian sador to Qatar Dr Bawa Abdullahi ambassaor was well respected by Wase (Haruna) who passed away everybody. “He was an anchor for on Friday at Hamad General African Ambassadors and we Hospital. His burial service was looked up to him for guidance. He held at Abu Hamour cemetery, loved Qatar and Qatar loved him. yesterday evening. He was the only one who used to Officials, who attend the burial wear Qatari attire on Eid day,” he LEFT: Faruk Abdullahi Wase, son of the late Dr Bawa Abdullahi Wase, Ambassador of Nigeria to Qatar, accepts condolences from service, expressed grief and said said. “He was always used to give community members and diplomats. RIGHT: Ambassador of South Africa, Faizel Moosa, signs a condolence book at the residence of the that his passing was very good advice. Whenever we unexpected. discuss issues about Africa, his late Ambassador. PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH / THE PENINSULA “We have lost an intellectual views were very well respected. giant. He was a man of integrity We have lost a very good friend, Hamad Hospital. It is a big loss for to bury him her as a Muslim,” he doors were open to everyone and so many Nigerians and Africans and one could always go to him brother and a confidante. Its sad the family and the Nigerian com- said. “The Nigerian community he welcomed everybody. His came to attend his funeral. and get very good advise. We are day for us,” he added. munity in Qatar. here in Qatar has a population of humanitarian approach touched “Although he stayed short time going to miss him tremendously. Victor Ikoli, General Secretary “He served his country here around 11,000 and for the com- everybody and liked to help here but he managed to impact the Whenever there was a function, of Nigerians in Diaspora Organi- about one year, and his loss was munity it is very a big loss. He sup- people,” he added. He said that Nigerian community here because event or discussion, he would be sation, NIDO-Qatar said that the shocking as he died after visiting ported the community and every Nigerian who met him said he was a man of integrity, a man present. We always saw him in ambassador had died on Friday at the hospital. He had told his family believed in every Nigerian. His good things about him. That is why of honour.” SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 HOME 03 Qatar Armed Forces, QU in PM attends conclusion of ‘Qatari Success’ Forum deal to develop educational facilities at Military Hospital

THE PENINSULA in establishing a new military hospital that includes educa- DOHA: The Qatar Armed tional facilities. It also provides Forces, represented by the medical care to the armed Medical Services Command and forces, as well as providing the University of Qatar, signed education, clinical practice and a memorandum of cooperation scientific research facilities for aimed at consultation and specialised programs at Qatar cooperation to develop educa- University, as well as estab- tional facilities of the Military lishing joint cooperation in the Hospital. fields of education, scientific The agreement was signed research, medicine, pharmacy by Brigadier Nasser Mohammad and health sciences to achieve Al Kaabi, Acting Director of common benefit in the devel- Medical Services, and Dr Egon opment of healthcare. Toft, Vice-President of Uni- Dr Egon Toft said that with versity of Qatar for Medical and the State of Qatar’s interest in Health Sciences and Dean of the human development, which is College of Medicine. the cornerstone of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani attended the conclusion of the “Qatari Success” Brigadier General Nasser National Vision, the devel- Mohammad Al Kaabi said that opment of medical and health Forum held at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). The event was attended by a number of Their Excellencies sheikhs, Ministers medical services department is services in general, is at the and senior officials, as well as a large audience. The Forum featured a number of topics in which a group of Qatari youth participated keen to sign such memoranda forefront of the country’s in various disciplines and talked about their successes and their experiences in the local community. for their vital and effective role concerns. Qatar-France economic relations flourishing: French envoy IRFAN BUKHARI The Ambassador said said that 2020 would be marked France every year for tourism THE PENINSULA that there was a 30 as ‘Qatar France Year of Culture’ and they would love exploring percent increase in in which a number of exhibitions culture, heritage and landscape DOHA: Expressing profound and other memorable cultural beauty of various parts of the satisfaction over deep Qatar- bilateral trade when events would be organised. country apart from visiting only France economic relations, the 2017 is compared He said that France was Paris. Ambassador of France to Qatar, with 2016 and the working closely with Qatari cul- Extending his helping hand Franck Gellet, has said that the volume of commercial tural organisations and would for Qatar’s fast-developing economic relations between two now work with newly estab- tourism sector, he said that Qatar countries are flourishing with exchange had touched lished institutions like Qatar too had a lot to offer to tourists passing time and in all circum- QR10bn that year. National Museum and Qatar and was fast becoming a tourist stances. National Library. destinations and France could “In fact they are skyrock- He said that Qatar was an offer its expertise to Qatar in eting,” he said in an exclusive associate member of Organi- developing its tourism industry. interview with The Peninsula. Pointing out areas of bilateral sation Internationale de la Fran- Regarding his future goals The Ambassador said that there future cooperation, the Ambas- cophonie. Gellet said that Institut and ambitions as French Ambas- was a 30 percent increase in sador said that France and Qatar Francais du Qatar and two high sador to Qatar, he said that he bilateral trade when 2017 is com- were moving forward with schools, Lycée Franco-Qatarien wanted to bring French-Qatari pared with 2016 and the volume enhanced cooperation in the Voltaire and Lycée Francais societies closer to each other of commercial exchange had fields of smart economy, infor- Bonaparte, were doing great job through cultural exchanges and touched QR10bn that year. mation technology among The Ambassador of France to Qatar, Franck Gellet. in bringing French Qatari soci- would also take steps to The French Ambassador said others. eties closer. encourage Qatari students to that around 200 French com- To a question, the Ambas- Regarding Qatar’s prepara- Regarding Qatar’s He praised S’hail (Katara select French universities and panies were operating or repre- sador said that Qatar had smartly tions for the mega sports event, preparations for the International Hunting and other higher educational insti- sented in Qatar and were con- organised its economy and trade the Ambassador said that 2022 mega sports event, Falcons Exhibition), which he tutes for their higher education tributing a lot to the infra- in the post-blockade scenario FIFA World Cup would be “a big the Ambassador said visited recently, saying that such as he termed them ‘the top insti- structure development of the from which France had also ben- success and a great event” for traditional events had a lot of tutes in the world’. Many stu- country citing examples of the efited and offered its best tech- which Qatar was doing that 2022 FIFA World potential to promote tourism in dents are already studying at the construction of Hamad Port, the nology, food and other products impressive work. Cup would be “a big Qatar. Qatar branch of the prestigious metro and the tram, roads, and services to Qatar. “Qatar says “Being new in the country, I success and a great “The event was something HEC business school, in Doha. industrial facilities. “One of the it deserves the best and we have not visited any stadium yet event” for which Qatar fantastic to discover. Falconry is, “We can (and will) also work most talented French architect (France) have the answer (in but I am impatient to pay a visit among other Qatari living cul- together to address the issue of of our time, Jean Nouvel, is the form of) proposing the best to soon (to a Qatar 2022 stadium) was doing impressive tural treasures, something to climate change and preserving author of the already iconic Qatar.” and see the marvellous technol- work. what visitors could be the environment.” future Qatar National Museum. To another question, he said ogies the Supreme Committee is initiated.” The world, he said, was wit- Qatar also trusts French com- that French-Qatari cooperation employing there like the cooling On Qatar’s efforts to diversify nessing a number of challenges panies,” he added. for 2022 FIFA World Cup repre- technology.” its economy, he said that it was and many unexpected develop- To another question, the sented “common passion” Gellet said that he was very academy due to its quality of a very legitimate move and ments were taking place around Ambassador said that French between two nations on sports impressed by Aspetar (a spe- equipment. France was ready to be part of it the globe. “It is time of uncer- professionals were playing an and football. cialised orthopaedic and sports Lauding the dynamic role of and would happily consider tainty. France and Qatar share important role in Qatar’s services He said that both countries medicine hospital). “It is French community in Qatar, he associations and transfers of same views on the virtues of sector as well in particular in gas would have close cooperation for equipped with state-of-the-art, said that French community, technology to Qatar to achieve multilateralism and will continue and oil sector. 2022 World Cup and France’s modern technologies. I also plan strong as 5,500, was highly- its targets. working together to resolve “Total (a French energy pro- hosting of the Olympic Games in to visit Aspire Academy soon.” qualified, dedicated and active. Talking on tourism, the global challenges as Qatar is one ducer and provider) came here 2024. “We will like benefiting He said that French athletes Regarding cultural ties Ambassador said that a large of France’s great reliable around 80 years ago.” from Qatar’s experience.” already come to be trained at the between the two countries, he number of Qataris used to visit partners.”

MoI workshops on expatriates Al Marri calls for extensive probe against siege nations residency, exit today CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 courts of the siege countries. He the Saudi authorities. However, Head of the European Mission to Dr Al Marri also provided the called for an urgent appeal and an al-Marri stressed that the Saudi the Council. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Committee with all the files that investigation into the matter, and authorities have not yet released During the meetings, Dr Al The aim of organising workshops is to raise represent a clear condemnation the recording of aggressions the detainees or allowed to Marri discussed the latest human awareness among companies, institutions and of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against the independence of the communicate with them. rights violations resulting from the employers on new amendments in the law, especially by the testimony of international judiciary, lawyers and court Dr Al Marri called for sending siege on Qatar. He gave them a with regard to procedures of specifying five percent of organizations recognized for their officials in the siege countries, a joint mission by the Committee background on the legal moves of employees who need prior approval before leaving the integrity and professionalism, led especially with regard to resorting for Arbitrary Detention and the National Human Rights country due to the nature of their work. The event will by the United Nations itself. to national courts. Forced Disappearance to Saudi Committee (NHRC) along with a be organised at Qatar Chamber headquarters in col- He also called on the He also called for the inclusion Arabia to know the root causes of background on the decision of the laboration with the Ministry of Administrative Devel- Committee to monitor and record of such aggressions in the report arbitrary deprivation of liberty International Court of Justice and opment, Labour and Social Affairs and Qatar Chamber. violations of the UAE and Saudi of the Special Rapporteur on the and enforced disappearance of demanded that they take strict The amended law ensures the right of the expa- Arabia in its report to the Human independence of the judiciary and Qatari nationals. positions in the Human Rights triate workers that come under the provisions of the Rights Council and to issue an lawyers before the Human Rights He said that Qataris were Council against the violations of Labour Law to leave the country temporarily or on final urgent call to the siege countries Council and the UN General exposed to these illegal measures the siege countries. exit, without requiring consent of the employer. The to urge them to respect the human Assembly. He also provided a if they entered Saudi Arabia if they Dr Al Marri also discussed the employer has the right to specify only five percent of rights conventions and charters, background on the decision of the were allowed to enter. The statements made by the his employees who need prior approval before leaving particularly the recommendations International Court of Justice on findings of the joint mission report diplomatic missions of siege the country. and decisions contained in the six the immediate right to litigate, should be included in the countries to the UN Human Rights The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Admin- letters of the Special Rapporteurs calling for monitoring the UAE’s Commission’s annual report to the Council and said that such istrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs have of the Office of the High commitment to these decision, Human Rights Council. “So far statements were proof of their called on all companies and employers to prepare for Commissioner for Human Rights pointing out that the UAE is still neither we nor the families of rejection of all calls, statements the implementation of the law and prepare the special to the siege countries. pursuing a policy of indifference Qatari nationals detained in Saudi and reports issued by the United lists of 5 percent of employees in order to send them The Chairman of the National to international resolutions. Arabia can know where they are Nations confirming the intention electronically through the platform set up by the Min- Human Rights Committee, in his During his meeting with a being held, communicate or know of the siege countries to continue istry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social meeting with officials of the Office number of members of the their fate,” he said. their violations and ignore the Affairs. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Ministry of the Special Rapporteur on the Committee on Arbitrary Detention In the same context, Dr Al international human rights of Administrative Development, Labour and Social independence of judges and and Forced Disappearance, Dr Al Marri met also with a number of system, in insistence on not Affairs (MADLSA) also announced few days ago to set lawyers, reviewed the cases of Marri thanked the two Committees permanent delegates to some of retreating from the violations left up joint panels to prepare mechanisms to simplify the obstructing and preventing for their urgent efforts regarding the Member States of the Human by the blockade before the Human procedures for implementing the new law. Qataris from resorting to the the Qatari nationals detained by Rights Council, as well as with the Rights Council. 04 HOME SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 Customs officials discuss border management course THE PENINSULA The General Authority program on the positions of lead- of Customs and the ership and supervisors in the DOHA: The General Authority Community College departments of the Authority. of Customs and the Community He explained the Bachelor of College of Qatar organised a of Qatar organised Border Management is an meeting to discuss the views of a meeting to discuss important step in strengthening customs officers studying for the the views of customs the academic side of the Bachelor of Border Management, officers studying for employees of the Authority and which is overseen by Centre for contribute to the development of Customs & Excise Studies, the Bachelor of Border their professional performance Charles Sturt University, Management, which and improve their scientific Australia. is overseen by Centre expertise, pointing out that this The meeting was held under for Customs & Excise development will reflect on the the cooperation of the top man- economic strength of the state. agement of the two sides to facil- Studies, Charles Sturt Al Jamal stressed that the itate the program in which 40 University, Australia. Authority pays great attention to The participants at the program. employees are enrolled, said a this program and will not delay release. The meeting was in overcoming all the obstacles attended by Chairman of General and ports of the country. or difficulties faced by its stu- regarding the academic and of this program from the Com- is expected to have a positive Authority of Customs, Ahmed bin He said that the Authority dents, so that they will get out of administrative details of the munity College and the experts impact on the performance of Abdullah Al Jamal; President of saw great benefit from starting it with the best benefit and the course. Some of them gave their from the Advisory Committee for customs during the coming the Community College Qatar, a new phase in this program desired scientific achievement, comments on the nature of the the study program on both sides. period in the State of Qatar. Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Al Naimi which contributes to the pointing out that the Authority subjects, the system of tests and For their continued efforts to The Authority signed a mem- and a number of teachers and enhancement of the capabilities intends to expand the main study and work time and other make the program a success. orandum of understanding with members of joint consultative of staff and the development of program “Diploma in Science topics of interest to the students. The course consists of 8 spe- the Community College last year committee of the program. their actual performance in the Customs during the coming The staff thanked the senior cialised subjects and will con- to launch a bachelor’s degree in Al Jammal said that field of work. period to accommodate the management of the General tinue for two successive years border management to customs investment in the human He said that the Authority largest number of customs Authority for Customs headed by from September 2018 to Sep- officers wishing to complete their resource of customs is a strategic realised the importance of this cadres. Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal for tember 2020. Qatar Customs is university studies, as well as the objective which is a top priority program after deploying the The meeting was attended by his support and his outstanding the first customs administration continuation of their joint of the General Authority for graduates of the first batch of the a number of participants who role in completing the program. in the Middle East to carry out program on granting the diploma Customs to secure the borders “Diploma of Customs Sciences” responded to their questions They also thanked the members this specialised program, which degree in customs.

Regional QRCS responds to Typhoon Mangkhut in Philippines training on good THE PENINSULA response, relief aid, and early governance recovery. Procured earlier this DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent year, our tanker trucks are cur- concludes Society (QRCS) has immediately rently utilised by the Philippine responded to Cyclone Mangkhut, Red Cross to provide clean water DOHA: The Regional Training a category-5 tropical storm that for the affected areas,” said Centre for Public Adminis- hit the Philippines during the Mheinzat. tration (RTCPA) at Institute of weekend. Established in 2011, QRCS’s Public Administration of the On Friday, QRCS’s Disaster mission in the Philippine has Ministry of Administrative Information Management Center conducted many relief projects Development, Labour and (DIMC) was activated to keep up- to alleviate the suffering of dis- Social Affairs has concluded to-date with the disaster, analyze aster-stricken local commu- the “Good Governance” the field reports about the situ- nities. These include the building programme, organised in ation, and outline the inter- of 1,550 houses for the homeless cooperation with the Republic vention plans to help the victims, victims of Tropical Storm Washi of Singapore. said a release. (2011), Typhoon Haiyan (2013), This programme is part of At the same time, QRCS’s and the Surigao earthquake the activities agreed upon representation mission in the (2017). Other achievements are during 2018, in implemen- Philippines has kept in touch providing relief aid for displaced tation of the memorandum of with partners to gather real-time households in Marawi (2017) and understanding signed information, organise the aid the victims of Typhoon Vinta in between Qatar and Singapore process once started, and Mindanao (2018). These opera- aimed at developing the skills support the disaster information tions were carried out in coop- and capabilities of the centre of the Philippine Red eration with the Philippine Red 50-member countries of the Cross. Cross at a total cost $4.7m. 50-nation Dialogue of Asia A team of the mission has The staff of the Disaster Information Management Center in Doha monitoring the ongoing typhoon Typhoon Mangkhut (locally and the Middle East. Minister took part in a meeting with rep- which is lashing the Philippines. known as Typhoon Ompong) of Administrative Devel- resentatives of the International recorded a wind speed of 205 opment, Labour and Social Federation of the Red Cross and Abdelmoneim Mheinzat, head of largely populated by farmers. of mission expects, are blankets, km/h. Affairs H E Dr Issa bin Saad Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), QRCS’s mission, said there were This means that huge agricul- kitchenware, hygiene kits, power It is expected to cause land- Al Jafali Al Nuaimi and the the Philippine Red Cross, and no immediate reports of casu- tural lands are at risk. Power generators, and potable water. slides, strong winds, heavy rain, Ambassador of the Republic other relief providers involved, alties after the typhoon. supply and artesian wells, the “We are working closely with mountain torrents, and floods, of Singapore to Qatar, Jai to make arrangements for an According to initial estimates, a only source of drinking water, IFRC and the host National with estimated 4.6 million Sohan Singh, honoured the 27 imminent large-scale response. lot of houses were damaged, have also been affected. Society. Our personnel have affected people in 10 provinces participants who come from In a statement, particularly in the coastal areas, The urgent needs, the head extensive experience in disaster in northern parts of the country. the various Member States. Stars of Science to launch 10th season on September 22 THE PENINSULA Qatar Foundation’s Science will see hundreds of popular TV show hopefuls pitch their ideas, and, DOHA: Celebrating a decade of airs new season on once selected, the top nine can- Arab innovation, Qatar Founda- multiple channels didates — mentored by experts tion’s Stars of Science is returning and Stars of Science alumni - will to screens across the region and across the region. enter the prototyping and cus- the world, with the leading tomer validation rounds. pan-Arab innovation Eliminations based on jury ‘edutainment reality’ TV show regional challenges. feedback will take place across kicking off its 10th season at 9pm “Initiating a leading forum of the following episodes, before on Saturday, September 22, on innovation that provides Arab four finalists compete to win a AlRayyan Satellite Channel. youth with the tools and share of $600,000 for seed The show, which was first knowledge they need to succeed funding. broadcast in 2008, has cast the has, and still is, the driving force As candidates look to spotlight on the pace of inno- behind Stars of Science,” said advance to the Grand Finale, vation in science and technology, Khalifa Essa Al Kubaisi, Media Stars of Science jury members, across the Arab world. The latest Relations Manager, QF. Professor Fouad Mrad, Professor season will be available on mul- “It is our shared responsi- Abdelhamid El-Zoheiry, and Dr tiple channels throughout the bility to support rising innovators Khalid Al Ali, will provide them region. It can also be viewed with and inspire Arab youth by con- with constructive criticism. TV subtitles on the ‘Stars of Sci- necting them with positive role personality Khaled Al Jumaily The Stars of Science jury meets an aspiring hopeful candidate. ence’s’ website, and YouTube models. The success of Stars of also returns to the series, as the platform. Science can be measured by the show’s long-standing host. The 10-episode season will millions of young people it has Stars of Science alumni — in revenue, crowdfunding, and communities through talks and Engineering, and Math (STEM) introduce viewers to cutting- encouraged to dream big, such as last year’s winner Fouad research grants. other outreach activities. ambassadors and role models. edge innovation and the people through their exposure to the Maksoud, from Lebanon — are Many Stars of Science inno- Accustomed to hard work, Watch episode 1 on Saturday, behind them. From information show and its inspirational change-makers who aim to leave vators have gone on to pursue and passionate about problem- September 22 on AlRayyan Sat- technology to sustainability, the alumni. It has proven its sub- an impact on their communities, their academic education, while solving, they are each paving ellite Channel. For a full young contestants on the show stantial impact and will continue their countries, and beyond. Over almost 60 percent have gone on the way for future genera- broadcast guide to Stars of have one shared mission – to to do so in the years to come.” the past ten years, 131 of the to start businesses and are cur- tions of innovators as inspira- Science Season 10, visit www. develop practical solutions to The casting period of Stars of show’s alumni have raised $14m rently contributing to their local tional Science, Technology, starsofscience.com SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 HOME 05 HIA implements electronic invoicing system THE PENINSULA “HIA’s integration The platform also enables the to the SIS platform participant to choose from DOHA: Hamad International options such as automated Airport (HIA) in cooperation with is a great step invoice validation and offers a International Air Transport Asso- towards achieving variety of other beneficial ciation (IATA) has implemented full automation of functions. the IATA Simplified Invoicing the airports billing HIA is strongly committed to and Settlement (SIS) platform. It its environmental protection is an electronic invoicing system for all invoiced trade. strategy as well as minimising that streamlines the air transport This will considerably the consumption of natural industry’s billing and settlement speed up time resources, control emissions and activities by optimising and spent on billing manage waste carefully. reducing the cost of back-office Together with Qatar Airways, processes, unifying invoicing and settlement as Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), standards and reducing paper well as document Qatar Aviation Catering waste and ultimately fostering a management Company (QACC), Qatar Duty simpler and more efficient envi- processes.’’ Free (QDF) and the Airport Hotel, ronment for airlines and aviation HIA is committed to achieving business partners. lower and more efficient green- Since the implementation of the risks related to lost docu- house gas emissions to help the SIS platform, HIA has billed ments and internal paper han- The external view of Hamad International Airport. tackle climate change, reduce, 46 invoices per month for 23 air- dling as well as improve control re-use and recycle waste, lines as well as billed a total over cash flows, as data is being the event of a payment default Aleks Popovich, IATA’s of paper-based billing and set- manage noise and control emis- revenue of QR150m per year directly linked to the payable and/or bankruptcy. Senior Vice President, Financial tlement activities”. sions to air and water to reduce with a significant cost saving of systems of airlines. Sujata Suri, Vice President and Distribution Services said: SIS is the aviation industry’s impact on the local environment 2 percent per year. HIA’s With the SIS platform, HIA’s Strategy and Development stated: “Congratulations to Hamad electronic invoicing service pro- wherever they operate. It is also migration to the SIS platform sets next step is to integrate full auto- “HIA’s integration to the SIS International Airport for imple- vided by IATA. Since its committed to supporting conser- to adhere to the latest invoice mation of the billing and set- platform is a great step towards menting IATA’s Simplified inception, more than 1500 air- vation and consume energy, data standards for the aviation tlement system through the IATA achieving full automation of the Invoicing and Settlement (SIS) lines and air operators have water and materials efficiently industry and will see a significant Clearing House (ICH) which will airports billing for all invoiced Platform. Hamad joins a network joined the SIS network. Via the to help protect natural resources. reduction of manual labour and help in providing settlement trade. This will considerably of some 2,500 airlines, suppliers, SIS platform, an operator can HIA is a state-of-the-art airport paper-driven activities such as services for the airport. The ICH speed up time spent on billing and airports and other transport pro- submit a single electronic billing with a strong focus on tech- invoicing and dispute handling enables the world’s airlines and settlement as well as document viders that have adopted SIS for file that then is converted into an nology-enabled innovation, as as well as delivering tangible industry suppliers to settle their management processes. Using the its efficiency and cost savings. SIS invoice and a settlement file per their respective Smart financial benefits to the industry. passenger, cargo, non-transpor- SIS platform is part of HIA’s strong will also support Hamad Inter- which will help to avoid record Airport vision. The provision of It will also eliminate unnecessary tation billings by applying the commitment to environmental national Airport in achieving its duplication and improve effi- the SIS platform will greatly paperwork, mail charges and principles of off-set and netting. excellence and responsible ambitious environmental ciency by integrating a unified benefit the airport as well as the courier fees as well as mitigate The ICH also offers protection in business practices.” program through the reduction e-invoicing standard (IS-XML). aviation industry.

Customs Authority seizes narcotic substances

DOHA: In cooperation with a security agency, the General Authority of Customs has managed to seize narcotic substances of cannabis and tramadol tablets in a wooden vessel coming to Ruwais Port. During the search, bags were found wrapped in a secret store containing 5.7kg of nar- cotic cannabis and 400 tablets of tramadol, said the authority in its official tweeter account yesterday. The drugs seized by the General Authority of Customs.

The Qatari youth during the climbing of Mount Elbrus. Qataris scale Mount Elbrus to raise mental health awareness

THE PENINSULA Executive Director of the National which varies in severity and Mental Health Program stated, duration, but they can affect us DOHA: A group of young and “Their passion and commitment all at some point in our life. enthusiastic Qataris climbed to such cause is heart-warming Having a frequent physical Mount Elbrus in Russia, Europe’s and exemplary. The group has activity has immediate benefits highest mountain at 5,600 metre demonstrated their support in to our mental health. We believe of altitude. raising awareness about this in “a Healthy mind is in a healthy Part of their noble mission is important issue”. body” and we would like to share to raise awareness about mental On behalf of the group of our experience with others”. health and wellbeing which is in youth climbing Elbrus, Aisha Al The group young climbers line with the Qatar National Naama said, “We are a group of consisted of (9) Qataris they are: Mental Health Strategy friends from different back- Aisha Ahmad Al Naama, Aisha (QNMHS), under Objective 1 — grounds. Some of us are related Khalid Al Naama, Mohammed the pledge to “raise public and the rest of us have met Khalid Al Naama, Dana Al awareness about mental health through our love of sports and Mannai, Maryam Al Thani, Ali Al and reduce the stigma associated physical activity. Elbrus is a beau- Mulla, Khalid Al Ajmi, Fahad with mental illness”. The tiful Mountain that offers oppor- Badar, Abdullah Al Jabri, and one National Mental Health Program tunities for people with different resident of Qatar Pierre Daniel. (NMHP) is fully supportive of this technical and physical levels.” As with many formidable worthy initiative. “It makes a difficult yet challenges people undertake The team at NMHP have pro- achievable mental and physical throughout life, climbing Mount vided appropriate awareness challenge. At 5,600m of altitude, Elbrus was a test of oneself, exhil- messages which was displayed Mount Elbrus is the highest point aration and sense of accom- when the group reached the in continental Europe. Some of plishment. The group are pas- summit of the mountain. us have already been involved sionate about raising awareness Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin together in physical challenges and plan to use the climb as a Hamad Al Thani, Director of the in the past. From Climbing Kili- platform to attract the public’s Public Health Department at the manjaro to Cycling across attention to the importance of Ministry of Public Health wel- Europe, each time trying to link mental health and wellbeing, comed the youth initiative and it to different causes and reducing the stigma and negative their efforts to raise awareness charities”. judgement associated with of mental health and well-being. She added: “We care to live mental illness. He said: “The high spirit and chal- active and healthy lives and we According to the World lenge of the young climbers and attempt to act as ambassadors for Health Organization (WHO), one their enthusiasm to deliver noble this lifestyle as much as we can, in every four people will expe- messages are a source of pride seizing any opportunity to display rience a mental health disorder for us all. They reflect the deter- that being active is easy and fun at some point in their lives. mination and ability of Qatari as well as highlighting the many Mental health disorders is now youth to achieve success, and benefits we thrive to inspire. one of the leading causes of they are considered a model for Mental health is a topic that con- mental illness and disability in the youth”. cerns everyone.” “There are world, with an estimate of 450 Susan Clelland, Acting many mental health conditions, million people suffering from it. 06 HOME SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018

Oryx Rotana Thousands benefit Doha hosts from QC’s housing ‘Pinoy’ luncheon projects in Syria THE PENINSULA DOHA: Due to the Philip- The projects aimed potential for the “worst human- pines being a melting pot of at providing shelter itarian catastrophe” of the 21st exciting and varied cuisines, for those affected by century with the biggest loss of and to give visitors as well as the Syrian conflict in civilian lives in the event of the residents an opportunity to escalation of the crisis and experience the country’s rich order to ensure the bombardment. fare, Oryx Rotana Doha, has dignity and privacy Qatar Charity has provided launched the ‘Pinoy’ Lunch of the families and to shelter for internally displaced on September 8th at the provide a safe haven Syrian people as well as Syrian renowned “Choices” refugees in neighbouring coun- restaurant. for them. tries. The aid included providing The inauguration cer- tents, giving residential units A beneficiary of the housing project with a Qatar Charity officer. emony was graced by Alan L THE PENINSULA (caravans) to some camps, Timbayan, the Ambassador paying house rents, equipping of Philippines to the State of DOHA: Tens of thousands of shelters for civilians, distributing residential villages comprising established in the Bekaa area of governorates of Aleppo and Idlib, Qatar and Vice-Consul displaced and refugee Syrians blankets and winter clothes and 1,000 pre-fabricated housing Lebanon, which provides which benefited 4,776 affected Kristine Bautista. They were benefited from the cities and providing furniture and other units (caravans), which provide housing units for 350 refugee persons. Currently, Qatar Charity welcomed in the traditional villages built by Qatar Charity essential items for housing units. shelter for 6,000 displaced families (2,100 people), in is continuing to implement other Philippines culture over under relief housing projects. So far, Qatar Charity estab- persons, as well as a health clinic, addition to a school, a mosque, housing projects, including the famous Filipino drinks “sago The projects aimed at pro- lished several cities and resi- schools consisting of 30 class- a clinic and other facilities. residential village in Jarabulus, at gulaman” served by wait- viding shelter for those affected dential villages of pre-fabricated rooms, a mosque and play- Moreover, Qatar Charity has near the Syrian-Turkish border, resses wearing folkloric by the Syrian conflict in order to or concrete houses, and it also grounds for children. completed the residential city in which is expected to provide dresses. ensure the dignity and privacy of has two such projects in The “Competitors Villages for Wadi Dheif, which includes 400 concrete housing units for 36 The Philippines and its the families and to provide a safe progress. the Syrian Displaced” have been concrete housing units that affected families (150 people) in warm people are known for haven for them, said a release. “Al Rayyan Humanitarian completed in Azaz, a district of provide shelter for 2,400 people. addition to a water well and a their hospitality and the The need for shelter projects and City for Displaced Syrians” in the Aleppo Governorate in northern The housing units were allocated mosque. ‘Pinoy’ Lunch is an initiative other urgent relief assistance is village of Shamarin located in Syria, which include 300 pre- to families whose homes were The Model Village for Dis- by Oryx Rotana Doha to dis- increasing amid fresh and con- northern Aleppo Governorate, fabricated housing units bene- destroyed during the crisis in placed people is also an ongoing cover Philippines’ culture tinuous displacements from Idlib. northwestern Syria, is one of the fiting 1,800 displaced persons, order to encourage displaced project, which includes 400 con- that is as vast and diverse as According to UN report, more largest projects so far carried out as well as a school, mosque and families to return to their vil- crete housing units for 2,400 the cuisines on display. The than 30,000 people were dis- by Qatar Charity to provide children’s playgrounds. lages. The charity also provided people, in addition to a medical exquisite menu for the gath- placed until September 9. shelter. Also the Village of Return for 796 pre-fabricated housing units unit, a school, a well, a mosque ering comprised of chef’s UN has warned of the The city includes 10 Syrian Refugees has been to registered camps in the and shops. special delicacies keeping in mind the Filipino nationals’ tastes and their regional flavours. Guests indulged in gas- Qatar Concert Choir returns Joyalukkas to build tronomic delight with their friends and family over the weekends and made it a after first overseas trip 250 houses for memorable and enriching experience. The restaurant ran THE PENINSULA Kerala flood victims special offers for the luncheon, which included THE PENINSULA DOHA: Qatar Concert Choir has Special “Barkada” promotion just returned home after (group rate) Book for 10, pay breaking exciting new ground DOHA: The Joyalukkas Group for 9 and special pool rate of on its first overseas trip, singing joins in rebuilding flood devas- QR60 per person or QR200 Beethoven’s Choral Symphony tated Kerala with a project of for group of 4. in Malaga with the Youth constructing 250 houses for Following the success of Orchestra of Malaga conducted those who have lost their homes the event, the “Pinoy” fiesta by one of the finest conductors in the greatest flood of the will be held every Saturday in the world, the famous French- century, said a statement. at 12.30pm. American George Pehlivanian. A sum of Rs15crore has been On the sidelines of this The Choir spent a week in set apart to realise this objective. event, Ghassan Dalal, southern Spain in late August, This project is supported by all General Manager of Oryx taking part in the Curso Inter- the employees of the Joyalukkas Rotana, Doha, stated: “We nacional Eduardo Ocón, singing The performers singing a choir. Group as well as a large number Government of Kerala’s initiative are extremely thankful to in a stand-alone concert con- of well-wishers. The Chairman in Rebuilding Kerala, thus Alan L Timbayan, the Phil- ducted by their Artistic Director, Joy’ with a full orchestra. us this wonderful of the Joyalukkas Group, Joy helping the people to live ippine Ambassador to the Giovanni Pasini – and then “When I took over this Choir opportunity”. Alukkas (pictured), as well as the through the great destruction State of Qatar, for being part topping off an exciting and 5 years ago, I never imagined “Ode To Joy carries a Director of the Joyalukkas Foun- caused by the flood. The of this special occasion and rewarding week with two suc- travelling to Europe to sing one message of hope, not just for dation, Jolly Joy, have stated that Chairman also informed that the spending his precious time cessful performances of of the most famous choral works Europe but also for the future of the Joyalukkas Foundation will project had been submitted to with us to make this event a Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in in the classical repertoire”, said our adopted country of Qatar. I see that houses costing Rs6lakh the Chief Minister and would be successful affair. Addi- D minor. Director Pasini, adding, “I am hope we’ll be able to perform it each will be constructed. carried out with the help of the tionally, we are very proud The powerful work is very proud of all the singers and here one day soon”, said Pasini “Our dream is to construct self-governing bodies in each to introduce the Philippines famous for its final, fourth of the musical journey we’ve who is also Principal Viola of the houses that will bring joy to the place. gastronomy and its aromatic movement in which the choir been on – and grateful to Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra hearts of those who own them,” Those who have lost their cuisine flavours to the sings Schiller’s poem ‘Ode To Maestro Pehlivanian for giving and Conductor of the Youth they said. Each house will have homes in the floods and land- country.” Orchestra of Qatar. a total area of 600sqft with two slides may submit their applica- Oryx Rotana, Doha is “I would urge any singers in bedrooms, a living-cum-dining tions in person at the sales outlet strategically located close to Qatar to come and join our room, kitchen and sit out and of the Joyalukkas Group nearest Hamad International Airport ranks and enjoy the positive and will have a concrete roof. to them. These applications will and just a few minutes away enjoyable experience of choral Joy Alukkas also said in the be carefully studied by a com- from the city centre, the singing”. worst affected areas, houses will mittee constituted by the Joy- palm-fringed corniche and Qatar Concert Choir is per- be built in tune with the envi- alukkas Foundation and in con- Doha’s business district. forming on September 20 at ronment only after proper con- sultation with the local self-gov- With its alluring modern 6pm in PHILHARMONIC AT THE sultation with expert architects erning bodies. A list of deserving architecture and warm LIBRARY: SOUNDS OF THE SEA and according to the plans sub- candidates would be drawn up hospitality, the hotel creates with CineMoon Ensemble. The mitted by them. The purpose of and construction will start as the perfect ambience venue is the Qatar National this mega project by the Joy- soon as all governmental for- for business and leisure Library and admission is free. alukkas group is to support the malities are met. guests. SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 HOME / MIDDLE EAST 07 ‘Good hygiene can keep sepsis away’ THE PENINSULA HMC’s sepsis programme with a standardised of Qatar’s National Patient Safety care pathway that facilitates early Collaborative (NPSC), which is DOHA: In recognition of World programme is also detection and treatment. The pro- intended to help build a learning Sepsis Day, recognised annually supported through gramme, which was developed in network nationally. on September 13, Hamad Medical the efforts of Qatar’s collaboration with international Dr Nawal Al Tamimi, Leader Corporation (HMC) is raising National Patient experts, is currently being piloted of the National Patient Safety Col- awareness about the dangers of across several HMC hospitals. laborative and Executive Director sepsis and promoting the impor- Safety Collaborative Dr Ahmed Labib, Senior Con- of the Hamad Healthcare Quality tance of early detection and (NPSC), which is sultant at the Medical Intensive Institute (HHQI), said the treatment among both staff and intended to help build Care Unit at Hamad General Hos- emphasis being placed on national members of the public. a learning network pital, said in recent years HMC, in efforts to tackle sepsis under- Sepsis is a serious illness collaboration with international scores the shared understanding which results from an infection nationally. experts, has introduced a sepsis that integration across the health that alters the body’s normal programme to standardise care sector is an essential ingredient in response, causing injury to tissue pathways for patients with sus- the delivery of system-wide and organs. Once contracted, and those who are on immuno- pected sepsis. He said the devel- improvements. sepsis and septic shock can suppressive medication,” said Dr opment of the programme has “While clinicians at HMC have quickly lead to the failure of Fawzy. “The best way to help been a very complex worked on a range of quality organs, including the lungs, prevent sepsis from occurring is undertaking. improvement projects over the kidneys, and liver. According to through practicing good hygiene “There are different schools past few years, the Ministry of World Health Organization through hand washing and other of thought relating to how best to Public Health mandated that (WHO) statistics, every year infection prevention practices, diagnose sepsis and also when sepsis care form the first line of around 30 million people die of having safe water and sanitation, and what treatment to administer defence in the comprehensive sepsis across the world. sanitary food preparation and to which patient group. We have management of a series of signif- HMC’s Director of the Medical nutrition, and getting proper vac- conducted a lot of research to icant health challenges by inter- Critical Care Division and Chair cinations,” added Dr Fawzy. develop a robust and sustainable, professional and multi-disci- of the Sepsis Steering Committee, According to Dr Fawzy, once evidence-based programme that plinary teams working across the Dr Ibrahim Fawzy Hassan sepsis is contracted, it is essential is right for our clinical system,” public healthcare sector,” said Dr explained that some people have that the illness is diagnosed as said Dr Labib. Al Tamimi. This week, staff at Qatar, Romania review ties a higher risk of developing sepsis early as possible and that appro- Dr Labib added that the sepsis HMC will participate in activities Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh than others. priate antibiotic treatment is programme was part of a com- being hosted in recognition of the Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has sent a written message “Anyone can develop sepsis, administered. He says treatment prehensive patient safety agenda Ministry of Public Health’s Qatar whether at home or in hospital, for severe cases of sepsis must be initiated at HMC in 2017 and Patient Safety Week. Held from to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Teodor Melescanu, but some people are more at risk, given within one hour of diag- includes key definitions, treatment today to September 22, this is pertaining to bilateral ties and means to support and develop especially if they have a compro- nosis, often referred to as the guidelines, and staff roles and Qatar Patient Safety Week’s fourth them. Qatar’s Ambassador to Romania, Abdullah bin Nasser Al mised immune system; for ‘golden hour’. responsibilities. year. It is a national initiative Humaidi, handed over the message during a meeting with the instance babies, elderly people, HMC has been working to HMC’s sepsis programme is created to raise awareness of Romanian Foreign Affairs Minister. patients with chronic diseases, implement a system-wide sepsis also supported through the efforts patient safety. QLC’s Executive Master’s Program offers best business education

THE PENINSULA This customised development of Qatar in programme, with the important ways in the DOHA: Qatar Leadership Centre decades to come.” (QLC) and Georgetown University degree to be conferred The Dean of Geor- welcomed the inaugural class for the by Georgetown getown University in new Executive Master’s Program in Qatar, Dr. Ahmad Dallal, Leadership, Policy and Innovation, as University, is offered commented that the they began their studies yesterday at exclusively to QLC’s Executive Master’s in QLC headquarters in Doha. graduates who have Leadership, Policy, and This customised programme, with Innovation “provides the degree to be conferred by Geor- successfully completed professionals the oppor- getown University, is offered exclu- one of the Centre’s three tunity to both expand sively to QLC graduates who have suc- their leadership capa- cessfully completed one of the Cen- National Leadership bilities and their tre’s three National Leadership Programs. knowledge of global Programs. The nine-month pro- business. QLC alumni gramme provides students with enrolled in the program world-class business education in people to thank. From the vision and will understand how The new class of Executive Master’s Program in Leadership, Policy and Innovation at QLC ‘s critical areas important to Qatar, said support of our country leader, to the their decisions have sig- headquarters in Doha. a release. support of our colleagues at Qatar nificant impact and how H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Foundation, Georgetown Doha and non-market factors affect interna- enrolled will have successfully completed degree requirements. They will then Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chair- Georgetown Washington. The QLC tional economic and political success all modules held in Doha, a residency become full members of Georgetown’s person, QLC Board of Directors, noted, executive management team have in business ventures.” module in Washington, DC, USA, all global network, currently numbered at “QLC was established by H H the Amir worked hard on delivering this par- The programme allows qualified required online coursework, and other more than 178,000 alumni. of Qatar, to support and empower ticular programme to support the QLC graduates to build on the Qataris in their various fields. careers of our alumni.” “Georgetown knowledge and expertise achieved This partnership with Geor- University has been a leader in edu- through their participation in QLC’s getown, and support from Qatar cation since its founding in 1789,” Programs. Applicants accepted in the Foundation, establishes a collabo- remarked Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, new programme underwent a rig- rative partnership with leading global member of the Board of Directors and orous two-month admission and eval- academic institutions both in Doha Managing Director of QLC. uation process; the selection panel and abroad.” “Our partnership with Geor- included members of Georgetown “It will further accelerate progress getown is a reflection of the signif- University’s McDonough School of in providing a platform for leadership icant strides QLC has made in the past Business and QLC. excellence, enabling our country five years to become a national In this first module participants nationals to reach further heights in platform for leadership excellence.” focus on the concept of principled fulfilling their potential. They rep- Dr Abdulla, who serves on the global business leadership and policy resent the best of Qatar’s bright future Georgetown University Board of approaches that support it. — and this partnership goes a long Directors in Washington, expressed They are introduced to conceptual way to creating the conditions of their confidence that the new Executive frameworks as well as the basics of success.” Master’s degree programme “will political economy and global markets. She added: “There are so many qualify alumni to contribute to the Prior to receiving the degree, those Turkey says solving Upper Karabakh issue is ‘sine qua non’ ANATOLIA Azerbaijani lands and prevent over that the Armenians captured during 1 million Azerbaijanis to return to the massacre remain missing. BAKU, AZERBAIJAN: Turkey’s Pres- their land should not expect Turkey Erdogan landed at 12.30pm local ident Recep Tayyip Erdogan to open its borders”. time at Heydar Aliyev Airport, where yesterday said solution to the Upper The Khojaly Massacre is regarded he was greeted by Azerbaijan’s Vice- Karabakh issue is “sine qua non” for as one of the bloodiest and most con- President, Yagub Eyyubov; Deputy mending relations with Armenia. troversial incidents of the war Foreign Minister, Ramiz Hasanov; Speaking at an event to mark the between Armenia and Azerbaijan for Azerbaijan’s envoy in Ankara, Hazar 100th anniversary of the liberation control of the now-occupied Upper Ibrahim, and Turkey’s envoy in Baku, of Baku by the Caucasian Islamic Karabakh region. Erkan Ozoral. Defence Minister Army, Erdogan recalled the 1992 On the heels of the Soviet Union’s Hulusi Akar accompanied Erdogan Khojaly massacre that killed hun- dissolution, Armenian forces took on his visit. dreds of Azerbaijani citizens. over the town of Khojaly in Karabakh Erdogan had a one-on-one “Those who cannot explain what on February 26, 1992, after battering meeting with Azerbaijan’s President happened in Khojaly 26 years ago, it with heavy artillery and tanks, Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of his the massacre in Upper Karabakh, and assisted by an infantry regiment. visit. The two presidents also visited declare the killers heroes, should not The two-hour offensive killed 613 the Alley of Honours to pay tribute give Turkey any kind of history Azerbaijani citizens, including 116 to national leader of the modern lesson,” women and 63 children, and criti- Azerbaijani state Heydar Aliyev, as Erdogan said, referring to cally injured 487 others, according well as the Alley of Martyrs in Baku Armenia. Erdogan also added that to Azerbaijani figures. to pay tribute to fallen Turk “those who occupy 20 percent of Also, 150 of the 1,275 Azerbaijanis soldiers. 08 MIDDLE EAST SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 ‘US will never present Middle East peace plan’ REUTERS Echoing deep Israeli Prime Minister Ben- establish a state in the West Bank scepticism among jamin Netanyahu on Tuesday and the Gaza Strip and East Jeru- WEST BANK: The United States the Palestinians, welcomed the latest US moves. salem. Israel captured those ter- will not present its long-awaited Erekat said it appeared that ritories in the 1967 Middle East plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace Arab countries and the United States has accepted war and annexed East Jerusalem any time soon and is instead analysts, Saeb Erekat, Israel’s positions on other main in a move not recognised inter- trying to unilaterally change the the Palestinian issues of the conflict, and not just nationally. It regards all of the terms of reference for any future chief negotiator, Jerusalem, including the fate of city as its eternal and indivisible proposal, a senior Palestinian millions of Palestinian refugees capital. official said yesterday. said that the Trump from wars dating to 1948 and US officials have so far been Echoing deep scepticism administration was Israeli settlements on land Pal- non-committal about whether among the Palestinians, Arab siding with Israel on estinians envisage as part of their their plan would endorse the cre- countries and analysts, Saeb the core issues of the future independent state. ation of a Palestinian state beside Erekat, the Palestinian chief But Trump’s Mideast envoy the state of Israel - the goal of negotiator, said that the Trump decades-old conflict, Jason Greenblatt told Reuters in previous rounds of negotiations, administration was siding with burying all chances for that Washington was prepared the last of which collapsed in Israel on the core issues of the Middle East peace. for Israeli criticism of the plan 2014. decades-old conflict, burying all and that both sides can expect “They are telling us ‘peace Palestine Liberation Organisation’s Secretary-General, Saeb Erekat, chances for Middle East peace. parts they will like and dislike. based on the truth’,” Erekat said. speaks to journalists during a press conference in the West Bank “I don’t think they will ever can secure what he has called the He provided no further details. “The Kushner truth and the introduce a plan,” Erekat said in “ultimate deal” since December, city of Ramallah, yesterday. Greenblatt, a chief architect Netanyahu truth is that Jeru- an interview in Jericho. “The when the US President recog- of the initiative, said US negoti- salem is Israel’s capital, no right whole world is rejecting their nised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital capital. Trump’s move outraged cut off aid to the Palestinians and ators had entered the “pre- of return to refugees, settlements ideas. They are already imple- and then moved the US Embassy the Palestinians, who have since to UNRWA - the UN agency for launch phase” of the plan, are legal, no Palestinian state on menting their plan by changing there. boycotted Washington’s peace Palestinian refugees —and has despite the boycott by Pales- 1967 (borders) and Gaza must be the terms of reference,” he said. Jerusalem is one of the major efforts, led by the US president’s ordered the PLO’s office in tinian leaders, but declined to separated from the West Bank Doubts have mounted over issues in the Israeli-Palestinian son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Washington shut, further specify a time frame. and this is absolutely unac- whether Trump’s administration conflict. Both sides claim it as a The United States has also angering Palestinian leaders. The Palestinians want to ceptable,” Erekat said.

American professor Gazans bury 12-year-old hit by Israeli tear gas grenade detained by Israel

AFP in West Bank scuffle killed in months of unrest along had been going to the protests in friend said Shadi had been hit by of Hamas of orchestrating the the frontier. Hundreds of family recent months but she had been a tear gas grenade fired by Israeli protests and says it is merely AP GAZA CITY: Hundreds of Pales- members and friends attended opposed. “I banned him but he soldiers and collapsed instantly. protecting its border. tinians attended the funeral the funeral, with some calling for was going behind our backs,” He was among three Pales- The Jewish state maintains a yesterday of a 12-year-old boy revenge. said the grieving mother. tinians fatally wounded by Israeli crippling blockade on Gaza JERUSALEM: An American killed by Israeli army fire during “God burn those that burned Mohammed, a 12 year-old fire on Friday. A total of at least which it says is necessary to law professor was detained clashes on the Gaza border. my heart and killed my son,” said friend also from Jabalia refugee 179 Palestinians have been killed isolate Hamas, with whom it has by Israeli police for allegedly Shadi Abdel Aal was fatally his mother Umm Shadi, who has camp, said he was with Abdel Aal since violent demonstrations fought three wars since 2008. trying to block Israeli troops wounded on Friday during dem- eight other children. when he was hit. “We were began along the border on March Critics say it amounts to col- in a West Bank village slated onstrations east of Jabalia in “What is my son guilty of? He throwing stones at the fence,” he 30. One Israeli soldier has been lective punishment of the impov- for demolition, his Israeli northern Gaza, becoming one of is 12 years old,” she added said, referring to the heavily- shot dead by a sniper. Israel erished coastal enclave’s two lawyer said yesterday. the youngest Palestinians to be through tears. She said her son guarded Israeli border line. The accuses the Gaza Strip’s rulers million residents. Frank Romano, 66, is being held at a lockup in Jeru- salem and is to appear before an Israeli military court tomorrow, said attorney Gaby Lasky. She said she is trying US-backed forces storm to get a hearing sooner, before a civil court. Romano, who reportedly also has French citizenship, IS-held village in east Syria was detained on Friday in the embattled village of Khan Al Ahmar, along with two Pal- AP territory it held between Iraq network of tunnels in the area estinian activists. Romano and Syria since its peak in 2014, and land mines to slow down stood in front of heavy BEIRUT: US-backed Syrian the IS remains a disruptive force SDF’s offensive. It said that some equipment being used to clear forces entered an eastern village in both countries. Its leader, Abu 100 women and 30 men, barriers that had been set up held by the Islamic State group Bakr Al Baghdadi, urged his fol- including IS fighters, along with to slow demolition, witnesses where intense clashes were lowers to “persevere” in an their children, surrendered to said. ongoing yesterday, a day after audio tape attributed to him last SDF fighters. The IS gunmen the extremists reportedly killed month. were taken to a tightly secured Syria: Israel launched Newly-elected Parliament Speaker Mohammed Al Halbusi 20 fighters, the forces and a war The IS-linked Aamaq news positions in the area, it added. addressing the chamber in the capital Baghdad. missile attack on monitor said. agency said the group’s gunmen The storming of Bagouz The Kurdish-led Syrian targeted advancing SDF fighters came a day after the Observ- Damascus airport Democratic Forces said its in the Bagouz area with mortar atory said IS gunmen took fighters stormed Bagouz and are rounds, roadside bombs and advantage of a sandstorm and DAMASCUS: Syria’s state close to the centre of the village. sniper fire inflicting many cas- killed 20 SDF fighters in the Iraq elects pro-Iran list media says Israel has The forces added that they plan ualties among them. country’s east, wounding others. launched a missile attack on to open another front in the The SDF commander of the Kurdish official Ebrahim Damascus International Sousseh area along the operation in Bagouz, who iden- Ebrahim also said 20 fighters candidate as Speaker Airport adding that air Euphrates river to increase tified himself as Shergo, said in were killed in an ambush by IS defences shot down some of AFP pressure on the extremists. a video statement that the fighters. SDF said in a statement parliament in Iraq’s history. His them. SDF launched with the help fighting is intense from both that only two of its fighters were two deputies were expected to The yesterday night of the US-led coalition a wide sides and that his fighters now killed and six others wounded BAGHDAD: The Iraqi be chosen later. attack shook the capital offensive this week to capture control almost half of the village. in Friday’s clashes. parliament elected the During the vote, Halbusi Damascus as blasts were the last pocket held by IS in “We will take all this place The Observatory said yes- candidate of a pro-Iran list as pleaded for “real reforms”, par- heard in the city. Syria. The Kurdish-led forces from ISIS,” Shergo said in terday that since SDF launched speaker yesterday, paving the ticularly after demonstrations State media quoted an have been among the most English, using a different its offensive on the IS-held way for the formation of a last week in the southern oil- unnamed military official effective in the fight against IS acronym to refer to IS. pocket, including the town of government more than four rich city of Basra turned deadly without giving further details. in Syria, forcing them out of The Britain-based Syrian Hajin, 53 extremists have been months after legislative polls. as protesters demanded Rami Abdurrahman who much of the country’s east. Observatory for Human Rights killed as well as 38 US-backed The country has been in improved public services and heads the Britain-based Despite losing most of the said IS fighters are relying on a fighters. political paralysis since the May railed against corruption. Syrian Observatory for 12 ballot, but the election of a In Iraq, the speaker of par- Human Rights said the missile speaker is expected to solidify liament is always Sunni Arab attack targeted an arms depot new parliamentary alliances. while the prime minister is near the airport where new Iraq has a proportional picked from the country’s Shiah weapons recently arrived for system aimed at preventing a majority and the president is a the Iranians or Lebanon’s slide back into dictatorship fol- Kurd. Parliamentary coalitions Hezollah group. lowing the 2003 ouster of — which bring together lists of Israel rarely acknowl- Saddam Hussein. Shiahs, Sunnis and Kurds to edges strikes inside Syria but The lists elected during leg- form the largest group — must has said it would use military islative polls must first form agree on the selection of the action to prevent weapons coalitions. The bloc with the three positions. transfers to its enemies. most members appoints the Halbusi ran against three Israel is alarmed by the prime minister and presides other candidates, including expansion of operations by over the formation of the next Vice-President Osama Al Iran and the Lebanese mil- government. Nujaifi and former Defence itant group Hezbollah to The pro-Iran bloc led by Minister Khaled Al Obeidi. support President Bashar Hadi Al Ameri’s Conquest Obeidi was backed by the Assad in Syria’s seven-year- Alliance — a coalition of anti- list of outgoing Prime Minister long civil war. militant veterans close to Haider Al Abadi, who said on Syria is sharply criticising Tehran — looked positioned to Thursday he would not seek a an upcoming event on the UN take the lead after the election second term as his political investigative body that is of its candidate, Mohammed Al support crumbled over the vio- assisting in documenting Halbusi. lence in Basra. serious crimes committed The new speaker was gov- Basra has been at the epi- during the seven-year Syrian ernor of the Sunni-majority centre of protests that broke out conflict, including possible province of Anbar, a key bat- in July in the southern province war crimes and crimes tleground in the war against the before spreading to other parts against humanity. Islamic State group, before his of the country. The event will take place election to parliament on a local Anger in Basra flared earlier on the sidelines of the 193- Syrian soldiers taking part in the funeral of four fellow fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces, list in May. Born in 1981, he will this month over a growing member assembly’s annual in the northeastern city of Qamishli. be the youngest speaker of health crisis. gathering of world leaders. SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Tunisia ruling party suspends PM Chahed AFP The move received when the president himself called the backing of the on Chahed to resign. TUNIS: Tunisia’s ruling party has The move received the suspended Prime Minister powerful UGTT trade backing of the powerful UGTT Youssef Chahed in the latest esca- union confederation, trade union confederation, which lation of a row with the presi- which opposes opposes the programme of aus- dent’s son that has paralysed key the programme of terity budgets and privatisations decisions on the troubled of state enterprises championed economy. austerity budgets by the prime minister. The North African country is and privatisations But Chahed was saved by the often portrayed as the lone of state enterprises Islamist Ennahdha party, the success story of the Arab Spring second largest in parliament, of 2011 but more than seven years championed by the which said it was important for after the ouster of longtime prime minister. Tunisia’s stability that the prime strongman Zine El Abidine Ben minister remain in post. Ali it is still battling high inflation Chahed, who took office in Tunisia’s Prime Minister Youssef Chahed arriving for a national conference over 2019 budget in Tunis. and unemployment and some- government, holding it back and August 2016, is the seventh prime times violent social unrest. blocking the reform process and minister since the revolution and Nidaa Tounes announced the decisions necessary to achieve already the longest serving. He bloc. The deepening rift within the analysts expressed concern that another, to the detriment of Chahed’s referral to its disci- economic growth,” he said in a also has the ear of Western ruling party comes as the gov- political considerations might pressing economic decisions, plinary committee late on Friday televised address to a policy donors. The premier has since ernment faces a mid-October prompt the abandonment of any social priorities and structural after he delivered a stinging conference. been preparing for any new deadline to unveil a 2019 budget. tough or potentially unpopular reform,” said political scientist attack on infighting within the The ruling party is led by moves against him, by forming Inflation, which is projected new policy initiatives to tackle Hamza Meddeb. party that he said was restricting President Beji Caid Essebsi’s son his own separate grouping within to average 7.8 percent this year, them. Analyst Selim Kharrat warned his government’s ability to revive Hafedh, who has been battling to Nida Tounes. and unemployment, which has “The country is completely that the infighting could result in the economy. oust the premier for months. He can count on the backing remained stubbornly over 15 absorbed by short-term political a “budget stripped of any initi- “Secondary political conflicts.. The power struggle previ- of around 40 lawmakers -- nearly percent, helped stoke an outbreak manoeuvring by the personal ative to tackle inflation or youth have disrupted the work of the ously came to a head in July, half of the party’s parliamentary of violent unrest in January. But ambitions of one person or unemployment”. Thousands welcome Eight dead in Boko Haram once-banned rebel attack in Borno group in Ethiopia AFP KANO, NIGERIA: Boko Haram gunmen killed eight AFP resentment among Oromos people when they attacked whose anti-government pro- two villages in restive ADDIS ABABA: Tens of thou- tests fuelled the rise of Abiy’s northeast Nigeria in an sands of people gathered in rise. attempt to steal livestock, Addis Ababa yesterday to On Saturday, thousands of local militia said. welcome the Oromo Liberation OLF flags flew in celebration The militants moved into Front (OLF), the latest once- above Meskel Square in the city Modu Ajiri and Bulama Kayiri banned rebel group to return centre as a huge, jubilant crowd villages in Borno state to take following a string of Ethiopian awaited Dawud and his cattle and sheep but the vil- political reforms. entourage. lagers put up a fight to save Popular among the largest “My father died for this their livestock. ethnic group, the Oromo, the flag,” said 28-year-old “Fighting erupted when Rwanda’s opposition leader Victoire Ingabire signs a form as she is being released from the OLF fell out with the ruling Getachew Adunga, holding a the villagers tried to stop the Nyarugenge prison yesterday, on the outskirts of Kigali. Ethiopian People’s Revolu- yellow, green and red OLF attackers,” local militia tionary Democratic Front banner. spokesman Bunu Bukar Mus- (EPRDF) in 1992 and soon Several in the crowd bore tapha said. “Eight people began launching armed attacks. scars incurred during years of were killed in the fight and Rwanda frees jailed Last month, the OLF Oromo-led anti-government four others were injured,” he reached a deal on returning protests. said. home following an accord with “I never thought this day representatives of the would come,” said 27-year-old oppn leader Ingabire government. Arfase Elias, showing the scar 2 dead in Chad In July, the OLF and two from a bullet that hit her left leg other groups were formally 12 years ago during a demon- REUTERS ident for granting her mercy. accused of inciting an insur- removed from the list of “ter- stration in the restive town of army attack on “I would also ask him to rection and using forged docu- rorist” organisations as part of Ambo. KIGALI: Rwanda yesterday freed release other political prisoners ments. The pair are due to appear a string of radical reforms “For this flag, I’ve seen my Libyan border Victoire Ingabire, an opposition who remain here.” Government in court on Septemper 24. pushed through by Prime Min- brothers tortured, dying on the REUTERS leader who has served six years officials downplayed the political Kagame, who won a third term ister Abiy Ahmed since taking streets. I’ve seen the sacrifices of a 15 year jail term, after Pres- significance of her release. last year, is lauded for Rwanda’s office in April. they’d made for freedom,” she ident Paul Kagame exercised his “There is nothing political about economic recovery after the 1994 “We returned home as the said. N’DJAMENA: Chadian army power to grant a pardon. her release, there is nothing genocide but critics say he has incumbent force of change has There was a heavy security helicopters killed two Ingabire, who leads the political about her impris- muzzled free media and dis- opened the door for the presence at the rally after two civilians in bombing runs over unregistered FDU-Inkingi oppo- onment,” Justice Minister senting voices. peaceful conduct of reform,” days of sporadic clashes a gold mining town along the sition party, was freed along with Johnston Businge said by His office was not immedi- OLF chairman Dawud Ibsa told between Oromos and other res- Libyan border, where other prisoners, including singer telephone. ately available for comment but state-affiliated Fana Broad- idents of this ethnically-diverse government forces have Kizito Mihigo, jailed in 2015 for “The president has granted the government has in the past casting Corporate upon his city. clashed with a fledgling rebel plotting to kill Kagame. mercy, and under the consti- rejected those accusations. arrival in the Ethiopian capital. The OLF’s return comes just movement, a family member She emerged from prison in tution, he is allowed to do that,” Ingabire was handed a He said the OLF now days after militants from Ginbot of the victims and an intelli- a red dress, green jacket and a he said. 15-year sentence in 2012 for con- planned to engage in “peaceful 7, another armed opposition gence official said. broad smile. Flanked by her Eight officials of the FDU- spiring to form an armed group struggle”. group that renounced violence Two helicopters attacked lawyer Gatera Gashabana, she Inkingi, including Ingabire’s to undermine the government Fana also said that more after Abiy’s rise, also came the town of Kouri Bougoudi told waiting reporters that her deputy, still remain in detention, and for seeking to minimise the than 1,300 OLF fighters had home. on Thursday and the two men release, together with the Gashabana said. 1994 genocide. crossed into Ethiopia from An Oromo himself, Abiy has died from their wounds on election of two opposition par- Another opposition figure, She had returned from exile Eritrea, where the government undertaken aggressive reforms Friday, the family member, liamentarians earlier this month, Diane Rwigara, who tried to run in the Netherlands to contest a had offered them safe haven. in the five months he has been who asked not to be iden- were positive signs. against Kagame in a 2017 presi- presidential election in January In power since 1991, the in power, releasing jailed dis- tified, told Reuters. Two other “There is hope for the dential election, is also in 2010, but was barred from EPRDF coalition has hunted sidents and signing a peace deal civilians were wounded in the opening of the political space,” detention. Rwigara was arrested standing after being accused of down OLF fighters and jailed to end 20 years of conflict with attacks, the person said. Ingabire said, thanking the pres- with her mother last year, genocide denial. its supporters, deepening neighbouring Eritrea. An intelligence source, also speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that two civilians were killed in the raids. Chad’s army spokesman Nigeria’s finance minister resigns over scandal declined to comment. The rebel movement, the ANATOLIA the president has accepted the National Planning Zainab Ahmed to unite the deeply fractured the north and vice versa to Military Command Council resignation of British-born Kemi has been asked to oversee the country. The mandatory deepen national cohesion. for the Salvation of the LAGOS: Nigeria’s finance Adeosun, who has been under key ministry, according to the national service scheme was It is mandatory for all college Republic (CCMSR), was minister has resigned after a pressure to step down after a statement. A certificate from the established in the 1970s shortly graduates below the age of 30, founded in 2016 and has government panel confirmed local news website alleged that National Youth Service Corps after Nigeria fought a bloody civil while fresh graduates above the fought Chadian forces several allegations that she had she had forged the certificate. (NYSC) is required for anyone war that lasted three years. The age threshold are required to get times near the Libyan border submitted a forged National “The president thanked the entering or being appointed to a war followed attempts by the an exemption certificate instead. since last month. The group, Youth Service certificate of minister for her service to the civil service or public service ethnic Igbo to secede from Having lived and studied in which claims to have several exemption to the government nation and wished her well in career. Nigeria, but it was crushed by UK until she was 34 years old thousand fighters, says its before being appointed to her her future pursuits,” Adesina said Adeosun said the exemption federal troops. when she first visited Nigeria, goal is to overthrow President position. in a terse statement, hours after certificate had been received Established as a way of Adeosun insisted that she had Idriss Deby. Deby took Femi Adesina, a spokesman the rumor broke of Adeosun’s from a third party she thought healing the nation’s wounds, it never set out to deceive the control of Chad in 1990 in a for President Muhammadu resignation. had validly obtained it from the involves posting college grad- country but had been misled into rebellion that toppled then- Buhari, said in a statement that Minister of State Budget and NYSC, a post-civil war initiative uates of the country’s south to submitting a forged certificate. President Hissene Habre. 10 VIEWS SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 Defying dangers, Idlib residents ESTABLISHED IN 1996 protest against Syrian govt CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI AP

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF n cities and towns across Syria’s DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI last opposition-held province, [email protected] Idlib, residents poured into the streets to demonstrate against IPresident Bashar Assad’s government ACTING MANAGING EDITOR in defiance of an expected offensive to MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED retake the territory. [email protected] In the provincial capital, Idlib city, and in towns including Kafranbel, Dana, Azaz, Maaret Al Numan and Al DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Bab, demonstrators filled the streets MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI after noon prayers and chanted [email protected] against Assad, raising the tri-color green, white and black flag that has become the banner of Syria’s 2011 uprising, activists said. “The rebels are our hope; Turks are our brothers; the terrorists are Bashar, Hezbollah and Russia,” read a EDITORIAL banner carried by residents in the village of Kneiset Bani Omar, referring to Turkey which backs the opposition, and Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Russia Cruising ahead that have joined the war along with Newly displaced Syrians arrive at a refugee camp in Atimah village, Idlib province Assad’s forces. atar’s traditional hospitality and authentic expe- “There will be no solution in Syria in Syria. riences have proven immensely popular with cruise without Assad’s fall,” read another Qvisitors time and again. Qatar already provides a banner carried in the northern village now the final shelter for close to 1.5 reinforcements crossed over into state-of-the-art cruise terminal and aims at building of Mhambel. million displaced Syrians that fled Syria to fortify the installations. a strong relationship with international cruise lines in the The demonstrations were reported fighting in other parts of Syria. Many The United Nations said that in the run up to 2022 FIFA World Cup. on the activist-run sites Aleppo Media say they will not return to gov- first 12 days of September, over Recently, in Berlin, Qatar Tourism Authority signed a Center, Orient News, and other social ernment-ruled areas. 30,000 people have been internally memorandum of understanding with the German AIDA media pages. Government and Russian forces displaced by an intense aerial Cruises and the Italian Costa Cruises, through which they Fridays have become the cus- bombed towns and villages in the bombing campaign. Most of the dis- will establish a partnership aimed at developing cruise tomary day for protests throughout province earlier this week, killing placed headed toward the border with tourism with Qatar. Costa Mediterranea will inaugurate the Arab world since the 2011 more than a dozen civilians and dam- Turkey, according to the UN Office for Costa’s presence in Qatar with one call set on March 6, uprisings that swept through the aging two hospitals. But the strikes the Coordination of Humanitarian next year while the fleet flagship Costa Diadema will offer region. eased on Wednesday amid talks Affairs, packing already overcrowded 16 calls to Doha during her seven-days 2019/2020 winter Assad’s government and its between the opposition’s main camps there. program. backers, Russia, say Idlib is ruled by regional sponsor Turkey, and Russia The UN’s World Food Program The luxury AIDAprima is holding port bookings for terrorists, and have threatened to seize and Turkey. said it, alongside partners, were eight calls in Doha during the 2018/19 season and will it by force. Turkish President Recep Tayyip already delivering monthly food make several more calls in the 2019/2020 season. Between Wissam Erdogan and his Russian counterpart rations for nearly 600,000 people. It them, the two cruise lines will potentially bring up to Zarqa, a uni- Vladimir Putin are slated to meet said it was prepared to deliver emer- 45,000 passengers in the coming season. The move further versity Monday, said Turkish Foreign Minister gency food assistance for up to 1 strengthened QTA’s ties with industry stakeholders to teacher in Mevlut Cavusoglu. million people. promote Qatar as an attractive Idlib, said “We will continue our efforts with Save The Children said in a tourism destination in the The United Nations demon- Russia. ... (and) on international plat- statement that it will continue to region. said that in the strators were forms as well,” said Cavusoglu in com- support extensive humanitarian pro- “We are delighted to flying the tri- ments carried live on Turkish grams through Syrian partner organi- announce these new develop- first 12 days of color flag to television. zations in the country’s northwest. It Qatar welcomed ments and additions to the September, over rebut the Turkish media said the two leaders added that this includes running over 65,000 cruise fleet of cruise ships arriving at 30,000 people have government would meet in the Russian city of primary healthcare clinics and a passengers last Doha Port over the coming been internally line that Idlib Sochi. maternity hospital, vaccination and seasons,” said Hassan Al is dominated Turkey has warned strongly food security programs, supporting a season, a 39 percent displaced by an increase from the Ibrahim, QTA’s Acting by the Al against military action, saying it network of schools and carrying out intense aerial 2016/17 season. Qatar Chairman. “After the excep- Qaeda linked would trigger a humanitarian catas- child protection work. tional success of the last cruise Levant Liber- trophe. Its military and defence chiefs “One million children are already provides a bombing campaign. season, this agreement is Most of the ation Com- visited border areas on Friday to trapped in Idlib facing what could be state-of-the-art cruise another step towards our mittee group. inspect troop reinforcements sent to the greatest humanitarian catas- terminal and aims target of 200,000 cruise vis- displaced headed The its Hatay and Gaziantep provinces. trophe in the long and bloody history at building a strong itors by 2020, and we are toward the border province, Turkey has 12 military posts inside of Syria’s seven-year war,” said Syria relationship with looking forward to work with with Turkey. population 3 Idlib province, and activists reported Response Advocacy Manager international cruise our partners on the ground in million, is on Thursday that Turkish Caroline Anning. Qatar to provide unforgettable lines in the run up to experiences to each and every 2022 FIFA World Cup. passenger.” In addition, Qatar Tourism Authority also joined hands with DER Touristik Deut- Argentina’s currency crisis a boon for foreign tourists schland to further boost awareness of Qatar as a tourism JORDANE BERTRAND destination and attract more visitors to the most open looks strong in comparison meandering though the tourism.” country in the region. The deal comes following a 22 AFP despite its own difficulties historic streets of San Even the center of percent rise in German visitors to Qatar in 2017 compared -- it has itself dropped from Telmo with her partner. Buenos Aires has been hit, to the previous year. rgentines may be around 3.3 to 4.1 since Of course, for Argen- as hotelier Gonzalo Sastre Qatar welcomed over 65,000 cruise passengers last feeling the pinch January 1. tines, known as great voy- has found out. season, a 39 percent increase from the 2016/17 season. of their country’s “We were able to buy agers, the situation is the “When the peso had a The majority of passengers were German and Italian. This economic woes, whatever we wanted and exact opposite. ‘normal’ level, we had a notable growth is supported by the Doha Port Redevel- butA for tourists, the visit all the tourist sites in Romanina Valenzisi, a good stream of locals opment Project, which will convert the port at the heart troubled peso is proving a Buenos Aires,” added Per- 34-year-old lawyer, during the week, basically of the capital’s cultural district into a permanent cruise holiday boon. reira de Azevedo. booked flights for a two- people who came for terminal and tourist destination in its own right. Moreover, Brazilian Pedro Per- “At Boca Juniors’ week holiday to Spain and work,” he said. next year will see the first phase of Doha’s new metro reira de Azevedo has been stadium we even had a VIP Italy six months ago. “Now, companies are system come online and the much-awaited National rubbing his hands in visit!” added one of his Now, she must pay for sending fewer employees.” Museum of Qatar will also open its doors to the public. delight after his family daughters excitedly. her hotels in Europe, but Even so, his hotel is QTA is working with developers to ensure facilities are holiday, with his wife and Not far from the iconic their prices have gone booked out for the next two in place to receive two ships per day, and a new terminal three children, turned out Bombonera stadium in the through the roof. weeks, thanks to Brazilians. is in the pipeline which is expected for completion within cheaper than expected. rugged La Boca neigh- In January, 18 pesos “In this region there’s a 2020. Significant efforts are under way to provide cruise “We’d planned a borhood, Lori Berho, an could be exchanged for one very opportunistic tourism visitors with smooth and seamless experiences at the port budget of 7,000 reais American living in Chile dollar, but that figure is based around the drop in of entry and throughout the country. (around $1,700) but in the and on holiday with her now around 38. currency,” added end we’ve spent between brother, said she felt lucky “I have to pay for the Chevalier. 3,000-3,500,” said Per- to have been able to benefit hotels now and everything Argentina’s problems reira de Azevedo, while his from such a favorable costs double, which is may improve the spending QUOTE OF THE DAY family took pictures exchange rate. coming out of my budget,” power of its visitors, but it’s outside the Argentine pres- “Last night we were she said. proving a problem for idential palace. able to enjoy a complete “I already know that I’ll neighboring countries used Whatever we do, When they arrived restaurant meal for two for spend less money and buy to welcoming large we will try to keep from Belo Horizonte in the $60 when normally it less (while on holiday).” numbers of Argentines, in in mind the issues east of Brazil on September would have cost $100,” she Travel agents have particular Uruguay and 5, the peso had just lost 20 said. been hard hit too as hol- Chile. and the interests of percent of its value in the The struggling peso has idays have crept out of Uruguay is so worried civilians in that area… a wake of President Mauricio left tourist guides a touch reach for many people. that the numbers will drop humanitarian corridor Macri announcing out of date. “Sales of foreign travel off that it has reintroduced will be created in Idlib, Argentina would ask the “When you read the have dropped 25-30 a value added tax (VAT) International Monetary tourist guides they say percent over the last few exemption for tourists just as we did in Homs Fund to advance a $35 things cost more in weeks,” said Vincent Chev- arriving from the far shore and East Ghouta. billion loan to help prop up Argentina then elsewhere alier, a Frenchman who of the River Plate in a hope an economy in crisis. in Latin America, but over has run a travel agency in to keep the flow of Argen- Sergey Lavrov With the peso having the last 10 days we’ve spent Buenos Aires for the last 28 tines flooding into the Russian Foreign Minister lost half its value against less than we expected,” years. country during the Jan- the dollar since the start of said a young French tourist, “The crisis is also uary-February summer 2018, the Brazilian real Pauline Gauthier, starting to affect internal holidays. SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 OPINION 11 Why Macron’s ‘third way’ is EU’s best option

he largest question in demo- newer creations, as Germany and Orban, denouncing the move as He sees the present strengthening cratic politics in Europe is: Italy in the latter half of the 19th one cooked up before the debate, was of the nationalists, understands the who’s in charge? The issue century, strove to catch up. In the wholly defiant, saying that Hungary reluctance of the Union to do more was illuminated in the latest 20th century, anti-imperialist “will not accede to this blackmail.” It than make declarations, and mean- Tstandoff in the European Parliament, momentum, promoted most of all by was, he said, an attack on the Hun- while bides his time. where the body voted on Wednesday the United States, rolled on and garian state and people by countries Macron, who has forced the to sanction Hungary for its illiberal created many new nations. Nation- that had allowed floods of migrants to pace and the need for a decision, JOHN LLOYD policies. And in Sweden, where the statism became the prevailing world enter Europe, and were trying to force has, however, also provided a third REUTERS far-right did well enough in last Sun- order. Hungary to do the same. way between integration and the day’s election to ensure that its But the greater carnage of World The Orban confrontation drama- exit chosen by the United Kingdom. borders are tightened. And in Britain, War Two impelled a few thinkers and tizes the issue: does a limited demo- He has proposed a Europe of con- where a preliminary accord on Brexit activists in devastated Europe to see cratic association like the EU have the centric circles, with an integrating now seems nearer. nationalism not as a prophylactic power to override an elected gov- core and increasingly weak The ideals of a more united against war, but as a prime cause of it. ernment like his own? Orban has adhesion to the Union in those Macron, who has European Union demand clarity. A Economic interdependence and slow excoriated the EU’s liberalism, above states locating themselves in the forced the pace decision has to be made on whether but steady integration of governments all its migrant policy, since his spaces further from the center. and the need for a or not a European federation, erasing would take the place of the “balance election in 2010. This year, with a This is the way that should be sovereignty in participating nations, is of power” among states which had so strengthened mandate in the April taken: one which accommodates decision, has, however, desired, and by whom. clearly failed. election, and with the spreading those countries that see the Union also provided a It had seemed easy before our Power would no longer be precar- support of patriotic-populist parties — as an embryo state, and those third way between times. Treaties — of Augsburg in 1555 iously balanced, but unified in one in power in Poland and Italy, and which see it as a free trade integration and the and of Westphalia in 1648, arrived at pacific entity: a federal Europe, dedi- gaining traction most recently in arrangement with better inter-state after years of carnage — groped cated to peace, with contiguous Sweden — he feels more and more cooperation on selected issues. exit chosen by the towards a principle that nation states nations joining on condition they able to voice a challenge to the EU. Were it adopted, it would lib- United Kingdom. He were the natural order of interna- observed the rules of the club: coop- Orban sees himself as upholding erate the EU from its self-created has proposed a Europe tional relations. The treaties didn’t eration, democracy, equality, freedom true Christian values, bearing the dilemma — how to get the Union of concentric circles, stop wars or dismantle all empires, of speech, the market and the press flame of a militant Christianity gone closer where many of the members nor did they usher in an era of reli- and respect for civil society. The flabby in West European hands, and wish to remain at a distance. with an integrating gious tolerance. But they meant that values of Western liberalism, indifferent to, even encouraging of, an They wish to do so because they core and increasingly countries which could claim the alle- incarnate in a new kind of governing invasion of Europe by mainly Muslim wish to retain national sovereignty weak adhesion to the giance of citizens within defined power — which had renounced the immigrants. He will continue, and — as, it seems, the people who vote Union in those states borders were the basic unit of power. old kind of power. confidently — since the parliament’s for them do. The nation state Who was in charge? Clearly the However, a club has rules, borders vote to censure must be approved by makes clear who is in charge; the locating themselves ruler — increasingly, as time went by, which cannot be breached. Hungary, the leaders of the 28 member states European Union has deferred the in the spaces further put in place by the will of the people. a member since 2004, was this week (including a still-Brexiting Britain), issue to a future ideal state. from the center. The older states, like Britain and judged to have crossed them. A report and there he has allies, above all in Orban grasps that one large France, were experienced in this. The by a Green Party member of the Poland and Italy, who can vote to veto truth, and has erected his semi- European Parliament it. authoritarian rule upon it. Mean- from the Nether- The Hungarian standoff has illu- while, the Brits have chosen. The lands, Judith Sar- minated, cruelly but necessarily, the Hungarians, Poles and Italians have gentini, found that issue of authority. moved into the hostile camp. the Hungarian The question is also one put before Others wish to remain ambiguous. administration, led the Union by Emmanuel Macron, the But the time for ambiguity is by the increasingly leader most clearly opposed to the running out. authoritarian Viktor nationalist-populists. In pressing for a Orban, had compre- more robust advance to closer John Lloyd co-founded the Reuters hensively violated European integration, only the French Institute for the Study of Journalism the independence of president has put the issue squarely: at the University of Oxford, where the judiciary, the who’s for federation? And who isn’t? he is senior research fellow. press and the Macron’s fellow leaders had voted academy, and had for a euro currency which was as become massively much a mechanism for greater inte- corrupt. gration as a new means of exchange, As a result, the agreeing to “ever closer Union” — parliament voted - while at the same time recoiling from for the first time in a more strongly integrated banking D-RING ROAD its history —to and financial order which, the POST BOX: 3488 sanction Hungary German governing center-right DOHA - QATAR by depriving it of parties and the northern nations fear, [email protected] voting rights in the would mean more irresponsibility French President Emmanuel Macron gestures as he delivers a speech on poverty to EU’s Council of from the southern countries. social aid workers in Paris. Ministers. Orban counts on these divisions. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758

apanese have long been condi- would kill more than 2,000 people A similar disaster today would MANAGING EDITOR tioned to prepare for earth- and cause 62 trillion yen ($550bn) in be much worse, Nakagawa pre- TEL: 4462 7505 quakes, but recent powerful damage. dicted, because the area around his DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR typhoons and sudden, heavy Experts could not say how likely house in Tokyo’s eastern Katsu- TEL: 4455 7769 rainsJ have brought to the forefront that scenario was. But in recent years, shika ward, once surrounded by another kind of disaster: flooding. the government has bolstered the rice paddies, is now packed with LOCAL NEWS SECTION KIYOSHI TAKENAKA Experts warn that thousands could city’s water defences by building buildings. TEL: 4455 7743 REUTERS die and as many as 5 million people dams, reservoirs and levees. “It’s going to be terrible,” he would need to be evacuated if But the pace of construction is too said. “Now it’s so crowded with BUSINESS NEWS SECTION massive dikes and levees in low-lying slow, said Satoshi Fujii, a special houses. Little can be done if water TEL: 4462 7535 eastern Tokyo are overwhelmed by adviser to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe comes.” Intense rainfall is on the surging floodwaters. who is known for pushing big infra- upswing across Japan. Downpours SPORT NEWS SECTION “Japan’s major metropolitan areas structure projects. “They need to be of more than 80 millimetres in an TEL: 4455 7745 taken care of as soon as possible,” he hour happened 18 times a year on told. average over the 10 years through ONLINE SECTION John Coates, chairman of the 2017, up from 11 times between TEL: 4462 7501 International Olympic Committee’s 1976-85. [email protected] In quake-prone Japan, coordination commission for the Warming global temperatures Tokyo 2020 Games, said the city contribute to these bouts of extreme PUBLIC RELATIONS should “take into account the attention shifts to flood risks weather, scientists say. “Higher TEL: 4455 7613 potential for some of these disasters ocean temperatures cause more [email protected] as heavy rains increase that seem to beset your country.” moisture to get sucked up into the In tacit acknowledgement that air,” said University of Tokyo’s ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT more needs to be done, the transport Katada. “That means a very large TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 ministry late last month asked the amount of rain falling at once, and FAX: 4455 7870 finance ministry for 527 billion yen for typhoons are more likely to grow [email protected] are, in a way, in a state of national levee reinforcement and evacuation stronger.” crisis,” said Toshitaka Katada, a pro- preparation in next year’s budget. Just last week, western Japan was CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT fessor of disaster engineering at the That’s a third more than the current battered by Typhoon Jebi, the TEL: 4455 7857 University of Tokyo. year. strongest typhoon to make landfall in [email protected] In July, parts of western Japan Tokyo was last hit by major 25 years, which killed at least 13 were deluged with more than 1,000 flooding in 1947, when Typhoon people and inundating the region’s SUBSCRIPTION & millimetres (39 inches) of torrential Kathleen inundated large swaths of biggest international airport. DISTRIBUTION rain. Gushing water broke levees and the city and killed TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 landslides destroyed houses, killing more than 1,000 In July, parts of FAX: 44557819 more than 200 people in the country’s people across [email protected] western Japan worst weather disaster in 36 years. Japan. were deluged with “If this happened to Tokyo, the A survivor more than 1,000 city would suffer catastrophic from that disaster, damage,” said Nobuyuki Tsuchiya, 82-year-old millimetres (39 All thoughts and views director of the Japan Riverfront Eikyu Nakagawa, expressed in these columns inches) of torrential Research Center and author of the recalled living on rain. Gushing water book “Capital Submerged,” which the roof of his are those of the writers, broke levees and urges steps to protect the city, which one-story house not of the newspaper. will host the 2020 Olympics and with his father for landslides destroyed Rugby World Cup games next year. three weeks, sur- All correspondence houses, killing more Particularly vulnerable are the 1.5 rounded by water. regarding Views and than 200 people in million people who live below sea He remembered a level in Tokyo, near the Arakawa pregnant woman Opinion pages should be the country’s worst River, which runs through the eastern who had taken send to editor-in-chief weather disaster in part of the city. In June, the Japan refuge in a two- The staff of Metropolitan Outer Floodway Management Office look office or mailed to the 36 years. Society of Civil Engineers estimated story house next that massive flooding in the area door. around a pressure-adjusting water tank in Kasukabe, north of Tokyo. [email protected] 12 ASIA SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018

2019 diaspora Indian PM launches cleanliness drive conclave in Varanasi to be IANS being organised in the run-up to In his remarks during in golden letters when history of Yogi Adityanath, who was the fourth anniversary of the video conferencing this movement is written. in Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh, bigger affair NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Swachh Bharat Mission on “The way the freedom said during the video inter- at 17 locations, Prime IANS Narendra Modi yesterday October 2 next month, which will Minister Narendra fighters and martyrs are viewed action that the state would launched “Swachhata Hi Seva” also mark the commencement with respect, your contribution become ODF by October 2, (cleanliness is service) of the 150th birth anniversary Modi said the country will also be remembered with 2019, and his government had NEW DELHI: The 15th movement by interacting with celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi. has achieved more in the same respect as a true constructed over 1.36 crore Pravasi Bharatiya Divas common people and personal- In his remarks during video sanitation coverage inheritor of revered Bapu’s toilets in the last 17 months. (PBD), the External Affairs ities from diverse fields through conferencing, Modi said clean- in the last four years legacy, because you have He said cleanliness was a Ministry-organised conclave video conferencing at 17 loca- liness coverage was 40 percent become a soldier in efforts to distant dream for 99,000 vil- of the Indian diaspora, to be tions and said the country has in 2014 and it now has grown to than that in the last rebuild the country, save lives of lages of the state four years ago held in Varanasi from January achieved more in sanitation over 90 percent on account of 60-65 years. the poor and restoring the coun- and only about 25 lakh toilets 21 to 23, 2019, will be a bigger coverage in the last four years people’s efforts. try’s image in the world. were built in the state by the pre- affair than all the past editions than that in the last 60-65 years. “Who could have thought “There is immense power vious Samajwadi Party gov- with a couple more The interaction, stretching that we will progress so much in energy and enthusiasm to make in 125 crore citizens, our enthu- ernment in about two-and-a- programmes being added, it about two hours, included with cleanliness coverage in the last the country clean,” he said. siasm is on the rise and our half years since the launch of the was announced yesterday. industrialist Ratan Tata, actor four years that could not be “We can say with pride that pledge is to achieve success,” “Clean India” campaign on Speaking at the launch of Amitabh Bachchan, Uttar Pradesh achieved in the last 60-65 years. every section, every community, he said. October 2, 2014. the official website for the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Could anybody have thought that every caste, people of every age The Prime Minister inter- Amitabh Bachchan said he event here, External Affairs other leaders. Modi performed nine crore toilets will be built in are taking this big campaign acted with school children from found TV to be an “effective way Minister Sushma Swaraj said “shramdaan” (manual labour) at the country in four years? forward. Whether it is village, Dibrugarh in Assam, members to spread the message of clean- that in addition to attending Babasaheb Ambedkar Higher Sec- “Had anybody imagined that city, street or a corner, no part of milk and agriculture cooper- liness” and people should focus the three-day PBD in Var- ondary School in Delhi after his about 4.5 lakh villages, over 450 of the country is untouched by atives assembled in Mehsana, on ensuring their immediate sur- anasi, the participants will video interaction. districts and 20 states and Union the campaign,” he added. personnel of ITBP from the high- roundings are clean. Ratan Tata also be taken to Allahabad An official release said the Territories will become open- Modi said that toilets can be altitude Pangong Lake in Ladakh, said sanitation and cleanliness where the Kumbh Mela will Prime Minister drove to the defecation-free (ODF) in four provided and efforts made for women swachhagrahis from are important factors in ensuring be going on then and then school and back in normal traffic years?” he said. proper waste management, but Dantewada in Chhattisgarh and good health of people. brought to New Delhi for the without customary protocol and Modi said the day marks a cleanliness is a habit which has Salem in Tamil Nadu, citizens “To be a strong India, the Republic Day celebrations. no special traffic arrangements new resolve, new enthusiasm to be included in daily expe- from Rajgarh in Madhya Pradesh foundation has to be strong and Giving details of the pro- were made for his visit. and a new dream. “Today 1.25 rience. “This a yagna for change and Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh, that foundation is the health of gramme, Sushma Swaraj said The Swachhata Hi Seva crore citizens are going to repeat in behaviour in which all of you volunteers engaged in cleaning our people. We can reduce and that on January 21, a Youth PBD movement aims at boosting the pledge of cleanliness is are taking part.” He said the the Ganga from Bijnor in Uttar eliminate several diseases if we will be held where Himanshu public participation in the service. From today till October name of “swachhagrahis” (clean- Pradesh and railway employees support the Swachh Bharat Gulati, an Indian-origin Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and is 2, we all will contribute with new liness workers) will be written from Rewari in Haryana. movement,” he said. member of parliament of Norway will be the chief guest and Kanwaleet Singh Bakshi, also an Indian-origin member of parliament of New Zealand Information leak about Rafale will be the guest of honour. On January 22, Prime weaponry can help China Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the main event and Pakistan: Sitharaman with Prime Minister of Mau- ritius Pravind Jugnauth, who is also of Indian-origin, IANS weapon systems fitted on attending as the chief guest. Rafale aircraft), whom is he The event will conclude NEW DELHI: Defence Minister trying to help? By demanding on January 23 with a vale- Nirmala Sitharaman has refused replies from us, who will ulti- dictory session that will be to reveal the exact full price of mately benefit? This is what I addressed by President Ram each Rafale aircraft fitted with am seriously asking. Is it Nath Kovind. weaponry, saying that “infor- Pakistan, or China? Those During the session, the mation leaked about the weapon countries which keep an evil Pravasi Bharatiya Samman systems can ultimately help eye on us will benefit. Do we will be conferred on 30 Pakistan and China”. have to do this? I am sorry that Indian-origin individuals for Sitharaman said in ‘Aap Ki the president of the oldest their exceptional and meri- Adalat’ programme on India political party sitting in the torious contributions in their TV that 36 Rafale fighter jets opposition is demanding this.” chosen fields or professions. being purchased by gov- She said the government With the launch of the ernment from France were had disclosed the basic price of website, registration for PBD nine percent cheaper than the Rafale aircraft in Parliament, Floating market 2019 has started effective price negotiated by the pre- but Gandhi was comparing the from September 15 and will A Kashmiri woman rows a shikara with freshly baked bread at a floating market in Dal Lake in Srinagar. vious UPA government. basic price of Rafale aircraft continue till November 15 According to an India TV with the final price, which he when the process will close. release, she described as believes is Rs1,600 crore. “white lie” the allegation made “I do not know from where by the Congress that the he got this figure. Even a child approval of Cabinet Com- can understand this. He should mittee on Security was not compare basic prices.” Sith- taken for the Rafale deal. araman said the talks for pur- India will fly its first small rocket next year: ISRO chief “Saraasar jhoot hai (It’s a chasing Rafale fighter aircraft IANS plain lie). The PM visited Paris began in 2007 during UPA Andhra Pradesh. In a recent Sriharikota. Sivan also said ISRO Centre located in Kerala, will in 2015, where a memorandum regime and then they were put interaction with IANS in Ben- is evaluating the various pro- transfer the technology to the of interest was signed. There in cold storage for five years. CHENNAI: The Indian space galuru, S Rakesh, Chairman- posals it has received for its lith- successful Indian industries or was no need for CCS approval “In December, 2011 or agency expects to fly its first cum- Managing Director, Antrix ium-ion battery technology and start-ups on a non-exclusive for this. Only after the prices January, 2012, it was small rocket with a carrying Corporation said the low-cost is expected to complete the basis to establish production were finalized, the Inter-Gov- announced that the basic price capacity of about 500-700kg small rocket requires a dedi- process in a month’s time. facilities in the country that can ernmental Agreement was of each Rafale aircraft would sometime next year, according cated launch pad with a simple “In a month or so the first level produce cells of varying sizes, signed in September 2016, and be Rs520 crore. Had the UPA to a top official. vertical launch mechanism. of screen of the proposals will be capacities, energy densities and for this the final approval of government then purchased “The developmental work “Though SSLV will be ini- over,” Sivan said. Over 130 com- power densities catering to the CCS was taken in August that these aircraft at that rate in for our small rocket that can tially launched from our rock- panies had shown interest in the entire spectrum of power storage year,” she said. 2012, then the first of the 18 carry satellites weighing around etport at Sriharikota in Andhra Indian space agency’s lithium-ion requirements, ISRO had said. To a query about why she flyaway aircraft would have 500kg is on. The first flight of the Pradesh, we want to have a sep- cell technology. In June this year, At present, the lithium ion was not revealing the full price come by 2015 or 2016. By then, small rocket is expected to arate spaceport for it later,” ISRO had announced its decision battery is the most dominant for each Rafale aircraft as three percent cost escalation happen sometime next year,” Rakesh had said. to transfer this technology to the battery system finding applica- demanded by Congress Pres- per year would have come ISRO Chairman K Sivan said. Queried about Rakesh’s Indian industry on a non- tions for a variety of societal needs ident Rahul Gandhi, she said: into force, and by 2015-16 it He said the small rocket will views on the separate spaceport exclusive basis for usage in auto- including mobile phones, laptops, “For whom is he worried? By would have gone up to Rs738 be launched from the existing Sivan said initially the small mobiles for Rs1 crore. cameras and many other portable leaking information (about crore per aircraft.” rocketport at Sriharikota in rocket will be flown from The Vikram Sarabhai Space consumer gadgets.

Petrol hits a record at Rs89/litre in Mumbai Parrikar admitted at AIIMS Delhi IANS IANS Tuesday, September 11. The recent Meanwhile, BJP President Amit take decisions on any files. He will distribute surge in transportation fuel prices Shah said both the party and the 48 portfolios, but will keep two or three like NEW DELHI: Fuel prices in the is largely attributed to high crude government are concerned over NEW DELHI: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Home, Finance, GAD for himself,” Lobo told country hit a new benchmark oil prices and a falling rupee. the rising prices of petrol and Parrikar, who is suffering from advanced reporters after meeting Parrikar at a private yesterday with the price of petrol A weak rupee against the diesel and that the government will pancreatic cancer, was yesterday admitted at hospital in the beach village of Candolim, in Mumbai touching Rs89 per litre, dollar makes the import of crude soon come out with a stand. the All India Institute for Medical Sciences located 15km from Panaji. for the first time ever. oil expensive. The price of Brent Addressing a news conference (AIIMS) for further treatment and examination. Apart from key portfolios, Parrikar also holds It was priced at Rs89.01 in the crude oil is currently over $78 per in Hyderabad, he said the rise in Sources said Parrikar, 62, came to Delhi charge of ministries allocated to Francis D’Souza financial capital of the country, up barrel. fuel prices and the weakening of by a special chartered flight and reached AIIMS and Pandurang Madkaikar, both of whom have from Rs88.67 per litre on Friday, Cost of the other transportation the rupee were the result of inter- around 1.10pm. He will be under observation been hospitalised due to severe ailments. data on the Indian Oil Corp’s fuel, diesel also increased yes- national developments. of Dr Pramod Garg, Professor of Gastroenter- A central team of BJP observers is also website showed. terday. In Delhi, Mumbai and “We are trying to find ways. ology and Associate Dean (Research). expected to arrive in Goa and meet legislators In the other key cities of Delhi Chennai, diesel touched fresh The government will soon come No medical bulletin has been issued by and representatives of allied parties, while also and Chennai too, petrol prices record levels of Rs73.54, Rs78.07 out before people with a stand,” the premier medical institute. Parrikar has finalising an alternative leader of the BJP-led climbed fresh highs of Rs81.63 and and Rs77.74 per litre, against the he said. Shah attributed the increase been in and out of hospitals in the US, Mumbai coalition government in Parrikar’s absence. Rs84.85, against the previous levels previous levels of Rs73.30, Rs77.82 in fuel prices to US-China trade war and Goa since February. The Goa CM also held Lobo said that the decision of change of lead- of Rs81.28 and Rs84.49 per litre and Rs77.49 per litre. and the tension in ties between the meetings with Speaker Pramod Sawant and ership has not been taken yet and that Parrikar respectively. In Kolkata, it is 43 paise short US and oil producing nations. Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo amid talks of would continue as the Chief Minister. “This can Cost of the key fuel in the of the record high price of Rs75.82, The BJP leader claimed that distribution of some portfolios currently being be only discussed at a time when he cannot con- eastern city of Kolkata rose to hit on Tuesday. Diesel, in the West the weakening of the Indian looked after by him. tinue anymore. Till then it is not right to discuss. Rs83.49, from the Friday’s level of Bengal capital was priced at rupee against the US dollar is “not “Portfolios would be distributed today to The national leaders will discuss with the core Rs83.14 per litre. The all time high Rs75.39 yesterday, up from pre- as bad as the impact on other existing ministers so that the administration committee. If that need arises, only then a in the city is Rs83.75, recorded on vious level of Rs75.15 per litre. currencies”. of Goa can run smoothly and ministers can decision on change will be taken,” he added. SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 ASIA 13 Overseas Pakistanis pay little toward dams’ fund

INTERNEWS Circles close to PM top with their contribution of Office were upbeat Rs61m ($0.48m) followed by the ISLAMABAD: Total donations about the progress UAE with Rs30m ($0.24m) and from abroad received for Prime the UK with Rs21.8m ($0.176m). Minister and Chief Justice of in the dams’ fund. Other prominent overseas Pakistan’s Dam fund till They said that the contributors are from Saudi September 13 is only $1.48m fund raising has just Arabia, Rs16m; Canada Rs13.3m; (Rs181m). been started and in a Australia Rs7.2m; Qatar Rs4.4m. Initially announced by Chief From overseas Pakistanis in Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib few days a handsome Turkey, the fund received only Nisar during the first fortnight amount has been Rs3,500; from Brazil only of July this year, the Diamer received. They said Rs1,500; Jordan Rs10,000. Inter- Bhasha and Mohmand Dams by the Grace of God estingly, funds of Rs33,491 from Fund was later joined by Prime India has also been received by Minister Imran Khan who had the initiative taken the SBP. From Afghanistan, the appealed for donations in for a good cause will fund received were Rs3,000. dollars, particularly from succeed. These figures received from overseas Pakistanis on Sep- abroad, negates the propaganda tember 7. about huge donations made by Extending a warm welcome Consequently, it was some overseas Pakistanis, who renamed as Prime Minister and it includes the leading contri- are considered billionaires. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan (right) greets visiting Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Mevlut Chief Justice of Pakistan’s bution of one billion rupees On September 7, Prime Min- Cavusoglu before a meeting in Islamabad. Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand from the Pakistan Army. ister Imran Khan spoke to the Dams Fund. Circles close to PM Office nation in a brief televised speech According to the updated were upbeat about the progress and appealed for donations to total figure received so far, as in the dams’ fund. They said that the dams’ fund set up by the reflected on Supreme Court’s the fund raising has just been Supreme Court. website till 4.30pm September started and in a few days a The prime minister asked all ECP extends overseas Pakistani voter 14, is Rs3.2bn. It includes the handsome amount has been the overseas Pakistanis in par- donations received from both received. They said by the Grace ticular to make as many donations registration deadline till tomorrow inside and outside the country. of God the initiative taken for a as they can to the dams’ fund in The SC’s website does not good cause will succeed. dollars to plug the country’s show the breakup of the foreign The SBP data shows that out depleting foreign exchange INTERNEWS encies on October 14. citizens to use the I-voting and local donations received. of Rs3.27bn, the local contri- reserves as well as provide funding The official said that all reg- system. All eligible voters will However, the State Bank of bution in the fund is Rs3.09bn, to start building dams, which he ISLAMABAD: The Election istered overseas voters would cast their votes between 8am Pakistan (SBP) in its website which means that in Pak rupees said he would personally oversee. Commission of Pakistan (ECP) be able to use the I-voting and 6pm — Pakistan Standard shared these details, which the amount donated by overseas Assuring he would safe- has extended the date from system. He said that a letter had Time — on polling day. shows that the major chunk of Pakistanis so far is only Rs181m. guard their donations against September 15 to September 17 been written to the secretary of The official said that the fund raised so far has the This data is updated on Sat- any misuse, Imran Khan said, for overseas Pakistanis to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs overseas Pakistanis must have local component while a small urday but covers the amount “If every overseas Pakistani register and be able to vote in to direct Pakistani missions machine readable passports, portion has been contributed by received till September 13. A donates $1,000, we will have upcoming by-elections. abroad to educate overseas national identity cards for the overseas Pakistanis. comparison of the SBP data of enough to build the dams According to an official of Pakistanis on the registration overseas Pakistanis and valid According to experts, con- September 13 with September ourselves.” the ECP, overseas Pakistanis process and extend to them all email IDs in order to register struction of the Diamer Bhasha 14 shows addition of almost The prime minister had also have been asked to register possible assistance to participate themselves as voters. Dam alone will require $14bn, $200,000 in 24 hours. cited the example of Egypt, themselves as voters by the due in the by-polls. The ECP will use a special which is equivalent to Countrywide receipts show which he said had launched a date so that they can exercise He further elaborated that software, which will allow Rs1,750bn. So far, a total of that the overseas Pakistanis similar drive to build dams using their democratic right to vote in the ECP would prescribe a spe- overseas Pakistanis to cast their Rs3.2bn have been collected and living in the United States are on its own resources. the by-polls for 37 constitu- cific time window for overseas votes by using their email.

Islamabad paid dearly in war on Pakistan to repay $2.522bn loan, mark-up in three months INTERNEWS terror, Macron period, the PTI led government Official documents disclosed mark-up in September 2018. On government will have to repay will have to take important on Saturday that Pakistan would interest repayment, Pakistan will $394m as principal amount and tells Imran ISLAMABAD: Amid witnessing decision either for knocking at have to repay major chunk in the have to pay back $32m to those $178m as markup of loans. a steep decline of over $600m the door of the IMF for seeking shape of principal amount of who had invested on purchasing Pakistan will have to repay $01m INTERNEWS in foreign currency reserves in another bailout package or to get $1.038 billion to all creditors, bonds in the past. to France as principal amount the last 15 days, Pakistan will breathing space by relying upon including non-guaranteed, Pakistan will have to pay on loans and $10m to Saudi ISLAMABAD: French Pres- have to repay over $2.522bn loan friendly countries like Saudi bilateral, commercial loans and back $412m in the shape of prin- Arabia in October 2018. ident Emmanuel Macron on in the shape of principal and Arabia and China for doling out multilateral creditors, during the cipal amount and $62m as Islamabad is going to repay the other day had a telephonic mark-up amounts during the $5bn to $8bn to narrow down ongoing month (September markup on account of com- $106m to investors who pur- conversation with Prime three months period from the financing gap on external 2018) and $160m as interest mercial loans during September chased bonds during the next Minister Imran Khan, in which September to November 2018. front. payment. 2018 as the major repayment month. he acknowledged the “high It will have to be paid to all The government also plans Out of $1.038bn loan repay- installment of principal amount The government will have to price” Pakistan has paid in the international, multilateral and for launching the sovereign Euro ments, Pakistan will have to would be paid back to Noor Bank repay $206m to the Standard fight against terrorism. bilateral creditors as well as and Sukuk bonds to get $3bn as repay as $954 million as non- PJSC to the tune of $200m and Chartered Bank (London) as According to a statement investors of sovereign bond well as Pakistani Diaspora bond guaranteed loan and another $255m to consortium of banks, principal and mark-up, $01 released by the Pakistan holders, it was learnt yesterday to generate $1bn to $2bn. $84m to the IMF within this including SUISSE AG, UBL and million to the Bank of China, $11 Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the “Now dollar inflows are To ascertain the exact ongoing month. ABL. million to the China Devel- French president congratulated required on immediate basis to financing gap on external front, In bilateral creditors, The government is going to opment Bank and $9m to the Imran on his party’s election avert eruption of full-fledged the IMF staff team is scheduled Islamabad will have to repay repay $129m to the ADB as the ICBC China. win and also for assuming the crisis keeping in view repayment to visit Islamabad on September $67m to China as principal principal amount on $19m loan The government will have to prime minister’s office. Macron requirements and steep 27 this month and expected to amount and $27m as interest as mark-up, $65m to IBRD of repay $229m to multilateral doubled down on the need to depletion of foreign currency stay for one week to gauge the payment in September 2018. World Bank, $102m to IDA, $24m creditors during October 2018, foster bilateral dialogue. reserves,” top official sources actual economic position of the Pakistan is going to repay to IDB, $141m to IDB (ST), $01m including $121m to IDB as major He also expressed Paris’ confirmed yesterday. country on internal and external $17m to Japan and $5m to Korea to IFAD, and $01m to Opec Fund. chunk as principal and markup desire to cooperate in the Within these three-month front of the economy. in shape of principal and In October 2018, the on loans. fields of energy, water resource management, trade, as well as, the economy. He also hoped both nations could join hands on issues of mutual Bilawal asks Sindh CM for interest on the global stage. The french premier steps to control Thar deaths lauded Pakistan’s efforts in fighting terrorism. He also condoled Imran on the deadly INTERNEWS came under discussion. spate of terrorists attacks in “Chairman of Pakistan the run up to the country KARACHI: While media reports Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto- going to the polls back in July. about unabated deaths of Zardari has asked the Sindh The PTI supremo thanked infants due to malnutrition and government to stay alert to sit- Macron for his call and a lack of proper healthcare uation popping up in Thar and expressed the desire to deepen facilities in Tharparkar other areas of the province due bilateral relations into a lasting continued to cause an alarm to meagre monsoon rains,” said partnership. The PTI chief across the country over the past a statement issued after the added that trade and few years, chairman of the meeting. investment ties between the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party The situation “can be con- two countries were on the rise. (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari trolled and improved through He also invited greater French took up the issue with Chief better strategy and governance investment in Pakistan. Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in the areas targeted by drought Imran briefed the French yesterday and directed him to spell”, it said. President on the regional sit- do the needful in this regard. The PPP chairman took up uation, especially the impor- He met Shah at Bilawal the issue after concerned was tance of a peaceful settlement House to discuss ways and shown by several key leaders in Afghanistan, in addition to means to contain an acute of rival political parties over the relations with India. shortage of water and address situation. Foreign Minister Shah He underscored the need certain other related issues that Mehmood Qureshi, a couple of to resume comprehensive dia- Blessings for a new life had created a crisis-like situ- days back questioned per- logue with New Delhi to address ation in recent weeks. Better formance of PPP, which is the longstanding issues, Girls shower rose petals on a bride during a mass wedding ceremony in Peshawar, Pakistan. governance in the province, ruling over the province for a including the Kashmir issue. mainly in the Thar region, also third consecutive term. 14 ASIA SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018

Rescue workers clear a road of debris and toppled electric posts caused by strong winds due to super Typhoon Mangkhut as they try to reach Baggao town in Cagayan province, north of Manila, yesterday. RIGHT: Government workers clear a partially damaged road after Typhoon Mangkhut hit the main island of Luzon, in Sta Fe, Nueva Viscaya, Philippines, yesterday. Typhoon Mangkhut claims at least 12 lives in Philippines

AP after the couple refused to The most ferocious typhoon to hit the disaster- said. bring winds and rains of extraor- immediately evacuate from their prone Philippines this year slammed ashore The typhoon struck at the start dinary speeds, scope and TUGUEGARAO: Typhoon high-risk community in a before dawn in Cagayan province on the of the rice and corn harvesting severity, our preparation and Mangkhut lashed the northern mountain town in Nueva Vizcaya season in Cagayan, a major agri- response efforts will be greater Philippines with destructive province, Tolentino said. northeastern tip of Luzon island, a breadbasket cultural producer, prompting than in the past,” Lee told a winds and heavy rain that set off “They can’t decide for them- that is also a region of flood-prone rice plains farmers to scramble to save what briefing on Friday. landslides and destroyed homes selves where to go,” he said of and mountain provinces. they could of their crops, Cagayan “Each department must have yesterday, leaving at least 12 the children, expressing frus- Gov. Manuel Mamba said. a sense of crisis, make a compre- people dead, as Hong Kong and tration that the tragedy was not A government damage hensive assessment and plan, other parts of southern China prevented. reportedly returned to their including Cagayan, which could assessment was underway and prepare for the worst.” In braced for the powerful storm. Tolentino, who has been coastal village in Cagayan to check still be lashed by devastating except in areas still being bat- nearby Fujian province in China, The most ferocious typhoon assigned by President Rodrigo on their homes as the typhoon winds, forecasters said. Thou- tered by winds and rain. Two air 51,000 people were evacuated to hit the disaster-prone Philip- Duterte to help coordinate dis- drew closer Friday, but Tolentino sands of people in the typhoon’s force C-130 cargo planes and 10 from fishing boats and around pines this year slammed ashore aster response, said at least two said he had received no report of path had been evacuated. helicopters were on standby in 11,000 vessels returned to port before dawn in Cagayan other people were missing and the men figuring in an accident. At daybreak in Cagayan’s Manila, the Philippines’ capital, yesterday morning. province on the northeastern tip added that the death toll could Mangkhut’s sustained winds capital, Tuguegarao, Associated to help transport rescuers and China’s National Meteoro- of Luzon island, a breadbasket climb to at least 16 once other weakened to 170km per hour with Press journalists saw a severely aid supplies. logical Center issued an alert that is also a region of flood- casualty reports were verified. gusts of up to 260kph after it sliced damaged public market, its roof More than five million people saying Mangkhut would make prone rice plains and mountain Mayor Mauricio Domogan northwestward across Luzon ripped apart and wooden stalls were at risk from the storm, landfall somewhere on the coast provinces with a history of said at least three people died before blowing out to the South and tarpaulin canopies in dis- which the Hawaii-based Joint in Guangdong province on deadly landslides. and six others were missing in China Sea, aiming at Hong Kong array. Outside a popular shopping Typhoon Warning Center down- Sunday afternoon or evening. China and the Philippines his mountain city of Baguio after and elsewhere in southern China. mall, debris was scattered every- graded from a super typhoon. Ferry services in the agreed to postpone a visit by strong winds and rain destroyed About 87,000 people evac- where and government workers Mangkhut, however, was still Qiongzhou Strait in southern Chinese Foreign Minister Wang several houses and set off land- uated from high-risk areas of the cleared roads of fallen trees. punching powerful winds and China were halted on Saturday Yi that was to start today due to slides, which also blocked roads Philippines. Tolentino and other Many stores and houses were gusts equivalent to a Category 4 and helicopters and tugboats the onslaught, which caused to the popular vacation desti- officials advised them not to damaged but most residents Atlantic hurricane. were dispatched to Guangdong nearly 150 flights, a third of them nation. It was not immediately return home until the lingering remained indoors as occasional In Hong Kong, Security Min- to transfer offshore workers to international, to be cancelled and clear whether the deaths and danger had passed. gusts sent small pieces of tin ister John Lee Ka-chiu urged res- safety and warn ships about the halted sea travel. missing cited by Domogan had “It’s still a life and death sit- sheets and other debris flying idents to prepare for the worst typhoon, China’s official Xinhua Presidential adviser Francis been included in Tolentino’s uation,” Defense Secretary Delfin dangerously. as the storm barreled toward the News Agency reported. Tolentino said the 12 died mostly count. Lorenzana said by phone, citing The Tuguegarao airport ter- southern Chinese city. Mangkhut, the Thai word for in landslides and houses that got Authorities were verifying the past drownings in swollen rivers minal was badly damaged, its Cathay Pacific said all of its mangosteen fruit, is the 15th storm pummeled by the storm’s fierce drownings of three people, in mountain provinces after roof and glass windows shat- flights would be canceled this year to batter the Philippines, winds and rain. Among the dead including two children who storms had passed. tered by strong winds that also between 2.30am local time today which is hit by about 20 a year and were an infant and a 2-year-old reportedly died as the typhoon Storm warnings remained in sent chairs, tables and papers and 4am tomorrow. is considered one of the world’s child who died with their parents approached. About 70 men effect in 10 northern provinces, flipping about inside, Lorenzana “Because Mangkhut will most disaster-prone countries.

13 dead in Indonesia’s quake-hit Indonesia ferry accident Lombok declares AFP malaria emergency JAKARTA: At least 13 people have been killed and eight are REUTERS ($230,000) from the central still missing after a ferry and regional governments to caught fire and sank in central JAKARTA: Indonesia’s tourist help fund mosquito nets, test Indonesia, an official said island of Lombok is battling kits and the emergency yesterday. malaria, authorities said response effort, he added. The boat was believed to yesterday, declaring a health Although malaria is be carrying nearly 150 pas- emergency after a series of endemic in West Lombok, sengers off the coast of earthquakes in July and August recent tests revealed a spurt in Sulawesi province on Friday forced hundreds of thousands infections, another regional when the blaze started. to flee their homes. official said. High waves hampered The quakes and aftershocks “There was a mass blood initial rescue efforts but 126 that killed nearly 500 people survey and the entire com- people had been saved by are estimated to have caused munity was checked,” said Saturday afternoon. damages of 5 trillion rupiah Marjito, the chief of the health A search and rescue oper- Japan-North Korea dialogue ($337.84m) to hospitals and agency of West Nusatenggara, ation is underway for public infrastructure, among the province that is home to remaining passengers. Japanese politician Antonio Inoki (center left) meets with North Korean officials in Pyongyang. other buildings, on the island’s Lombok. “Based on reports from northern coast. The incident was being treated the passengers’ families there Lombok is less developed as a “standard outbreak”, Marjito are still some people missing,” than its neighbouring island of said, adding that those testing pos- transport ministry spokesman Bali, which is Indonesia’s top itive for the disease are treated, Wisnu Wardana said. tourist destination. counselled and their surroundings Among the deaths were Young elephant electrocuted in Thailand After the quake, aid groups sprayed with disinfectant. two toddlers. Most of the said many of the hundreds of Many of those infected had rescued passengers were AFP an electric signboard outside a home to a famous annual ele- thousands left homeless were been living in tents after the found wearing life jackets. restaurant, said police officer phant fair that features a parade camping in open fields, refusing quakes and did not get proper The cause of the accident BANGKOK: A young male elephant Nopporn Saengsawang. by performing pachyderms. to seek shelter indoors as rest, making them more vul- was unclear. was electrocuted in Thailand after “I received a call at 8.30pm Wild elephants can still be tremors continued. nerable, he added. The Indonesian archi- stumbling into a drain and crashing that the elephant was stuck in the seen in Thailand’s national Women and children are “When people with malaria pelago of more than 17,000 into a restaurant sign, police said drain,” he said. “He likely died forests, but their numbers have among the 128 people found to are weak, that’s when issues islands is heavily reliant on yesterday. from electrocution.” Some rescue dwindled to about 2,700. have been infected with malaria, arise,” Marjito said, adding that boat transport, but safety Two elephant handlers were workers from a local charity A large number have been Rahman Sahnan Putra, the chief authorities were mapping areas standards are often ignored walking 10-year-old Plai Nam group attempted CPR on Lucky domesticated for entertainment of the West Lombok Health where malaria is endemic and and fatal maritime accidents Choke — or “Lucky” in English for three hours after he fell. or tourism purposes, prompting Agency, said by telephone. planned to distribute thousands are common. — around a town in Samut The two handlers were accusations of animal cruelty. “It’s an extraordinary of mosquito nets as a preventive In June, more than 160 Prakhan province south of charged with illegally moving Handlers are usually banned occurrence of malaria,” Putra measure. people died when a ferry sank Bangkok, offering passers-by the elephant and animal cruelty from walking elephants through said, confirming that an emer- However, officials fear in Lake Toba, a popular the chance to feed him for cash. offences, Nopporn said. cities due to space constraints, gency had been declared. efforts to rein in the disease will tourist attraction in western But Lucky stumbled into an Lucky hailed from the but many risk punishment in The local government was be complicated by the arrival Indonesia. open sewer and collided with northeastern province of Surin, pursuit of living. seeking 3.4bn rupiah of the rainy season next month. SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 ASIA 15

Queensland Bhutanese offers $71,500 reward over vote in third strawberry row REUTERS

MELBOURNE: The Australian state of Queensland yesterday election ever offered a A$100,000 ($71,500) reward for infor- AFP The two parties with mation leading to the arrest the most votes will of those responsible for sabo- NEW DELHI: Voters in Bhutan, taging strawberries with “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, contest a runoff on sewing needles. went to the polls yesterday in October 18, with The police have said that the first round of only the third Harvard-educated six brands of strawberries in election in the small Himalayan Tshering Tobgay, 52, Australia are believed to be nation wedged between rivals contaminated with needles India and China. hoping for a second and pins, prompting warnings The two parties with the consecutive term as On alert from authorities to slice the most votes will contest a runoff fruit before eating. prime minister. A fisherman prepares to anchor a boat at a fishing harbour, as Typhoon Mangkhut approaches, in on October 18, with Harvard- “Someone is trying to Shenzhen, China, yesterday. educated Tshering Tobgay, 52, sabotage the industry but also hoping for a second consecutive prevalence of criminal gangs in doing that, they are putting term as prime minister. remain challenges, however. babies’ and children’s and But the keen mountain- “I think the core issues in families’ lives at risk,” biker’s People’s Democratic 2018 are the same as 2013 and Queensland premier Annas- Party (PDP) faces a tough chal- 2008 — the economy, rural tacia Palaszczuk said at a lenge from the Druk Phuensum development, infrastructure Australia PM to chill backstage press conference, where she Tshogpa (DPT), winner of Bhu- and, to some extent, tourism,” confirmed the reward. tan’s first election in 2008, and Tenzing Lamsang, editor of The The Berry Obsession, two other parties. Bhutanese daily, said. Berry Licious, Donnybrook The 800,000 inhabitants of Bhutan is heavily with US rapper Fatman Scoop Berries, Love Berry, Delightful Switzerland-sized Bhutan got dependent on its neighbour Strawberries and Oasis television in 1999 and India for aid, infrastructure brands of strawberries are AFP democracy arrived only in investments, imports and as an parliamentarians agreeing to The rapper defended his lyrics: believed to be affected, 2008 when its “dragon kings” export market, in particular for legislation in synchronisation to “It’s a fun PARTY SONG that has according to the police, who ceded absolute power. electricity it generates using SYDNEY: Australia’s new Prime the lyrics: “You got a hundred no NEGATIVITY or HARM in it!!”, said the contaminated fruit But it has tried to shield hydroelectric power. During the Minister Scott Morrison late dollar bill, put your hands up! before extending Morrison an appeared to have originated itself from the downsides of last election campaign in 2013 yesterday welcomed an unlikely You got a fifty dollar bill, put invite to a November festival at a Queensland-based modernisation, striving for India abruptly withdrew sub- backstage invite from US rapper your hands up!” After just a few appearance in Australia, “to supplier. Gross National Happiness, sidies for kerosene and cooking Fatman Scoop, after the hours online the meme was watch, dance, and after in the Queensland is a major being carbon-negative and gas imports, in what was seen conservative leader stirred a removed, with a Twitter apology backstage area discuss politics strawberry producer in a keeping tourist numbers down as an attempt to ensure a social media storm when he from Morrison saying the full with me”. national industry worth more with a daily fee of $250 per change of government. India is took exception to the enter- lyrics were “just not OK”. Morrison, a staunch pro- than A$130m a year. visitor in high season. unhappy about China’s growing tainer’s lyrics. “It’s quite clear that is not a ponent of family values who has Woolworths Group has Opinion polls are banned influence in Bhutan. Last year Morrison — an evangelical song on my playlist,” he later softened his image in recent removed all the affected and analysts are thin on the India and China became Christian who has been prime told reporters in Sydney. years, was quick to respond, brands from shelves in its ground but an observer said embroiled in a military standoff minister for just a few weeks — The uproar prompted a saying he was “definitely keen” supermarkets, but continues that the PDP had an edge over over the Doklam plateau high on Thursday deleted a video on response late Friday from for the event but requested a to sell other varieties of the its handling of the economy, in the Himalayas claimed by his social media accounts Fatman Scoop, who tagged Mor- family friendly rendition of the fruit. Strawberry prices have with growth strong and unem- both China and Bhutan. India showing lawmakers raising their rison in a Instagram post saying: song. “Btw, probably best to dropped around the country. ployment low. itself does not claim the ter- hands in parliament to the lyrics “I am humbled to have my voice send me the PG (parental ABC News reported yesterday Corruption, rural poverty, ritory but has a military from Fatman Scoop’s hit song rocking in the highest offices of guidance) radio version next that wholesale prices have youth unemployment and the presence in Bhutan. “Be Faithful”. The meme has the Australian Government!” time,” he tweeted. halved to A$0.50 per punnet. Australia’s new treasurer to get tough on financial regulator REUTERS A Royal Commission inquiry aggrieved customers. “A new has exposed systemic wrong- ASIC remediation power, as rec- MELBOURNE: Australia’s new doing at some of Australia’s top ommended by the ASIC capa- federal treasurer, Josh institutions, airing almost daily bility review, and accepted in Frydenberg, criticised the allegations of misconduct across principle by the government, is conduct of the corporate regu- the consumer credit, business one potential solution to ensure lator and promised it powers to lending, farm finance, pension better and speedier consumer speed up compensation for fund and insurance sectors. outcomes,” he added. mistreated customers. Flexing its muscle amid the Frydenberg also said he In a round of interviews criticism, ASIC on Friday sued would be willing to extend the with newspapers published yes- Australia and New Zealand Royal Commission inquiry, if terday, Frydenberg said he Banking Group Ltd (ANZ.AX) needed. The Commission is due would demand answers from over a troubled A$2.5bn (£1.4bn) to present to government its the Australian Securities and share placement. interim report on Sept. 30th. Investments Commission (ASIC), Frydenberg, a former He also said company tax over mounting troubles in the energy minister who became cuts for big business, a policy financial services sector. treasurer in last month’s major abandoned last month, would Bridging gap “I’m appalled by the overhaul of the centre-right not be reconsidered, but the behaviour that has been exposed government, told the Australian government would focus on a Padma Bridge is pictured under construction at the Janjira point in Shariatpur. The Padma Bridge through the banking royal com- Finiancial Review Weekend deregulation agenda that would will connect the south-west of the country to the northern and eastern regions of Bangladesh. mission,” Frydenberg told the remediation changes were streamline approvals process for Guardian Australian. needed to compensate big businesses. Moon faces toughest challenge yet in third summit with Kim

AP truly willing to relinquish his during his conversations with possibility as low.” He said it will Trump to cancel Secretary of needs is not just another joint nuclear arsenal and putting South Korean officials, has pri- be crucial for Moon to get Kim State Mike Pompeo’s planned declaration, but finding ways to SEOUL: The first inter-Korean pressure on Moon to broker vately expressed a genuine Jong Un to give a clearer signal visit to North Korea last month. substantially develop relations,” summit of 2018, a sunny spec- progress once again. interest in dealing away his that he is willing to accept After an earlier Pompeo visit, Moon said in a Cabinet meeting tacle in late April, reduced war The result will likely be a nuclear weapons and missiles. credible actions toward denu- Pyongyang accused Washington Tuesday. “We cannot cease our fears on the peninsula. The crucial indicator of how the The wave of optimism that clearisation, such as providing a of making “unilateral and efforts to mediate and facilitate second, an emergency one in larger nuclear negotiations with surrounded the first two inter- detailed description of North gangster-like” demands on denu- talks from the middle until dia- May, helped ensure a historic the United States will proceed. Korean summits in April and May Korea’s nuclear program, a key clearisation and bristled at the logue and communication meeting between North Korean Moon will try to get Kim to and the Singapore meeting first step toward inspecting and idea that it must take significant between North Korea and the leader Kim Jong Un and President express more clearly that he’s between Trump and Kim in June dismantling of it. steps toward dismantling its United States flow smoothly.” Donald Trump came off. prepared to abandon his nuclear conveniently overlooked disa- At his meetings with Moon nuclear program before a peace The issue of declaring a Now, at his third summit with weapons, which could create greements about what exactly and Trump, Kim signed state- treaty is signed or international formal end to the 1950-53 Korean Kim next week in Pyongyang, momentum for a second Kim- Kim had committed to. ments pledging the complete sanctions are lifted. War will be high on the agenda South Korean President Moon Trump summit. “The third summit will bring denuclearisation of the peninsula. Moon, the son of North in Pyongyang. The fighting Jae-in faces his toughest chal- Whether Moon succeeds, fails more clarity to what North Korea But the North for decades has Korean war refugees, is eager to stopped with an armistice that lenge yet: delivering something or falls somewhere in between, means with the complete denu- been pushing a concept of denu- keep the nuclear diplomacy alive, has left the peninsula technically substantive that goes beyond the third inter-Korean summit clearisation of the peninsula,” clearisation that bears no resem- not just to keep a lid on tensions, at war. Both Koreas are calling previous vague statements on could help answer a persistent said Kim Taewoo, former pres- blance to the American defi- but also to advance his ambitious for a declaration by the end of denuclearisation and helps get question: When Kim says he sup- ident of Seoul’s government- nition, vowing to pursue nuclear plans for engagement with the the year, but the US wants to see US-North Korea talks back on ports the “complete denucleari- funded Korea Institute for development until the United North, including joint economic more concrete steps toward track. sation of the Korean Peninsula,” National Unification. “If the North States removes its troops from projects and reconnecting inter- denuclearisation first, and some Negotiations between Wash- what does he actually mean? has been negotiating with South Korea and the nuclear Korean roads and railways. These analysts say a declaration could ington and Pyongyang have sput- Moon heads to Pyongyang on goodwill all this time, Moon will umbrella defending South Korea projects are held back by the put pressure on the US to tered in recent weeks, raising Tuesday facing lingering ques- be able to return with good and Japan. sanctions against North Korea. withdraw its troops from South doubts about whether Kim is tions over his claim that Kim, results. But, regrettably, I see that The differences prompted “What the South and North now Korea. 16 EUROPE SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 Majority of Italians approve of populist govt: Poll

BLOOMBERG League party leader Salvini reiterated For his part, Di Maio told Spain’s El gone up for households and gone up for his stance that “first comes economic Mundo newspaper in an interview this firms.” ROME: Italy’s unlikely coalition of the growth and then come the restrictions.” week that Italy doesn’t want to break Draghi’s remarks drew a response populist Five Star Movement and anti- About 62 percent of He repeated that his priorities included with the European Union or damage from Italian European Affairs Minister immigration League is winning over lowering the retirement age, reducing public finances, but reiterated that pro- Paolo Savona, who was quoted by Italian public opinion. Italians approve of the income tax rates and cutting viding a basic income for Italians was newspapers as saying late Friday that About 62 percent of Italians governing alliance led by bureaucracy. one of the government’s economic the central banker’s comments went approve of the governing alliance led Prime Minister Giuseppe Salvini’s savvy use of social media pillars. beyond his powers. by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Conte, according to a poll and anti-immigration rhetoric continues Often conflicting statements from Savona, whose criticism of the euro according to a poll conducted for Italian to resonate with voters. the so-called “yellow-green” coalition region’s framework derailed his nomi- daily la Repubblica. That’s the highest conducted for Italian daily His party outpaced the Five Star 30.2 about its commitment to EU budget rules nation to be finance minister, walked level since the government took office la Repubblica. percent to 29.4 percent in the Repub- drew a warning from European Central back his criticism in a statement on June 1. blica opinion poll carried out September Bank President Mario Draghi on yesterday. Conte and his Finance Minister Gio- 11 to 13 by the Demos & Pi research firm. Thursday. He termed Draghi a “courageous vanni Tria are rushing to present by Sep- same time removing concerns from The Democratic Party once led by “Words in the last few months have president who’s worked in an extremely tember 27 the outline of a 2019 budget some European policy makers that the former premier Matteo Renzi is still changed many times,” the former Bank difficult situation. The problem is that that addresses the campaign promises plan might flaunt rules on controlling losing support, garnering 17.3 percent of Italy governor said. “Unfortunately, institutions have to be well controlled made by Luigi Di Maio’s Five Star and the deficit and huge public debt. in the poll compared with 18.7 percent we’ve seen that words have created in each circumstance, something that Matteo Salvini’s League, while at the Speaking at a Milan event yesterday, in Italy’s March national election. some damage and interest rates have doesn’t exist now.”

German Minister keen UK jail officers end protest over to complete deal on inmate violence migrants with Italy REUTERS LONDON: Thousands of REUTERS Seehofer’s push for tougher British prison officers immigration policies nearly led returned to their jobs, after MUNICH: German Interior to the collapse of the German staging a six-hour walkout to Minister Horst Seehofer coalition government earlier this protest against rising levels yesterday said he remained opti- year. Since then, Germany has of violence in jails. mistic about completing a deal pressed southern EU states to The Prison Officers’ Asso- on migrants with Italy despite take back asylum seekers pre- ciation (POA) union wants the pushback from Italian Deputy viously registered in these government to issue better Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. countries. personal protection Salvini on Friday denied Salvini cautioned on Friday equipment to its 28,000 having reached a deal to take that he wasn’t ready to put his members and reduce levels back migrants who had already name to a deal with Germany, of violence and overcrowding applied for asylum in Italy, although he said German offi- in jails. saying he wanted more conces- cials had assured him that they Prison officers had dem- sions from Berlin. would accept a bona fide asylum onstrated outside jails across Seehofer had announced on seeker from Italy for every England and Wales early on Thursday that he had secured an migrant that Germany returned German Interior Minister and leader of the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU), Horst Seehofer Friday morning, defying gov- accord with Italy over the issue to Italy. (right) and Bavaria’s State Premier and CSU’s top candidate for regional elections in Bavaria, Markus ernment demands to return in line with similar deals nego- He said he wanted “to see the Soeder (left), during the CSU party congress in Munich, southern Germany, yesterday. to work. But meetings with tiated with Greece and Spain. availability and openness” of UK Prisons Minister Rory “I’m sticking to what I said: Germany on two other issues - Sophia naval mission which is Italy has become the main main route from Turkey to Stewart had subsequently led We will get it done,” Seehofer a revision of both the EU’s Dublin patrolling the Mediterranean. route into Europe for hundreds Greece was largely shut in 2016. to assurances on the POA’s said during a party congress of Treaty on how Europe handles Seehofer did not address of thousands of asylum seekers However, numbers have fallen concerns, a union spokesman his Bavarian conservative party. asylum requests, and of the EU’s those issues in his remarks. arriving by sea since the other sharply over the past 12 months. said. The state of prisons in Britain has made headlines in recent months. Inspectors Six failed asylum warned on Thursday that Human development overshadowed by inequality: UN inmates of Bedford jail in central England did not follow seekers set fire to REUTERS account 50 percent of the pop- had made significant progress increased by almost seven years rules and were using drugs. Vienna cell; leave ulation,” said Selim Jahan, lead on many fronts, but was since 1990 and more than 130 Last month, the government LONDON: Gender inequality is author of the Human Devel- “increasingly unequal, unstable countries now have universal took over the running of farewell note one of the greatest barriers to opment Report. “Gender equality and unsustainable”. primary school. another prison for similar human development progress, and women’s empowerment is It warned that inequality in “Impressive progress has reasons. AFP UN officials said as they absolutely critical. It’s not a side development presented a “grave been made,” Jahan said. “But the Official figures published launched an index showing the issue.” challenge to progress” and could achievements have been in July showed that assaults countries making the biggest Studies show that when girls fuel extremism. unequal ... We are living in an on staff jumped 26 percent in VIENNA: Six failed asylum strides and those falling behind. stay in education they have more Countries rocked by conflict unequal and divided world.” the year to March 2018 to seekers set fire to their Niger came bottom of the opportunities and healthier, were the biggest sliders on the list. Life expectancy ranges from 9,003 incidents, although a detention centre cell in annual Human Development better educated children, which Syria, plunged 27 places between 52 years in Sierra Leone to 84 in change in how issues were Vienna overnight and had to Index followed by Central in turn boosts national 2012 and 2017, mainly due to Hong Kong, the index showed. recorded may have con- be hospitalised, Austrian African Republic, South Sudan, development. lower life expectancy, Libya fell Gross national income per tributed to the rise. police said yesterday. Chad and Burundi — broadly the Jahan said countries needed 26 places and Yemen 20. capita is $663 in Central African “The violence has been Asylum claims filed by the same as last year. to address issues including child Experts said Syria could fall Republic and $116,818 in Qatar. brought by a reduction in five Afghans and one Iranian Norway, Switzerland, Aus- marriage, the lack of women in further next year as the impact An adult in Germany has 14 staffing levels,” said Blessing man had been rejected and tralia, Ireland and Germany politics, the burden of domestic of shrinking incomes, falling years of education on average Uwede, POA representative, they were awaiting topped the index, which ranks work and low levels of female school attendance and mass compared to under two years in at Wormwood Scrubs jail in deportation. countries according to their land ownership. migration took its toll. Burkina Faso. west London, where about 35 Police initially spoke of a progress in health, education The report by the United The highest risers were Jahan also warned that staff had walked out. collective suicide attempt but and income. Nations Development Pro- Ireland, Botswana, Dominican progress would stall without The government says it is later downplayed that “We cannot talk of human gramme, which compiled the Republic and Turkey. addressing climate change and working to address POA premise. development without taking into first index in 1990, said the world Overall, life expectancy has environmental degradation. concerns. “We think the men wanted to highlight their unhappiness,” police spokesman Harald Soros said yesterday. German spy chief plans The deportees had com- posed a letter which said they had no prospects for the to restructure agency REUTERS future and mentioned dates comments on Chemnitz were two had been given for misunderstood, plans to expand deportation. BERLIN: The embattled chief his agency to match the size of One of the men had pre- of Germany’s BfV domestic the BND foreign intelligence viously staged a hunger security agency wants to more service, which employs 6,500, strike, and Soros said that the than double his staff to 6,000 Der Spiegel reported. The BfV fire might have been an people by 2021, German news currently has around 2,900 attempt to prevent the depor- magazine Der Spiegel reported employees. tation process. yesterday, citing sources at the A spokesman for the Vienna police said that interior ministry. interior ministry, which the migrants huddled in the Hans-Georg Maassen is oversees the BfV agency, cell’s bathroom after starting facing calls to step down after declined to comment on the the fire and put a rag against he cast doubt on the authenticity Spiegel report, citing restric- the door to keep smoke from of video footage showing far- tions on public information entering. right protesters chasing migrants about the agency. That did not seal the in the eastern city of Chemnitz Der Spiegel said Maassen bathroom off however, and after the fatal stabbing of a planned to restructure the one of the men then dashed German-Cuban man. agency divisions responsible for to the cell door to raise the Chancellor Angela Merkel counter-espionage, extremism alarm. Green protest and Interior Minister Horst See- and counter-sabotage to keep All six deportees were hofer have said the issue will up with expanding threats. treated in hospital for smoke A man gives a banner that reads, “Stop the road” (Stop la route) to a child during a demonstration not bring down their fragile Merkel is due to meet See- inhalation and one also suf- against the GCO (Grand Courtournement Ouest) road project near Strasbourg, in Kolbsheim, eastern ruling coalition with the Social hofer and SPD leaders on fered burns, but authorities France, yesterday. Democrats (SPD), who are Tuesday to discuss Maassen’s said their lives were not in calling for Maassen’s ouster. fate after failing to end the row danger. Maassen, who has said his on Thursday. SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 EUROPE 17

Paris, Brussels call for car-free Iran slams France’s response to attack

REUTERS day in Europe ministry spokesman Bahram and punish the assailants, and to officials to postpone indefinitely Qasemi was quoted as saying by inform the Iranian government all non-essential travel to Iran, AFP LONDON: Iran said yesterdau the state news agency IRNA of the verdicts. citing a hardening of Tehran’s that Kurdish activists attacked The French yesterday. Tehran has accused France attitude towards France. PARIS: Europe should hold its embassy in Paris and it “Unfortunately, the French of supporting opposition groups France is also investigating an annual car-free day in a accused French police of arriving government should police did not arrive as expected which seek the overthrow of the a foiled plot to bomb a rally held bid to ease air pollution, the late on the scene. take all necessary on the scene on time, although Islamic Republic and are clas- by an exiled Iranian opposition mayors of Paris and Brussels Paris police confirmed measures to protect the assailants were members of sified by Tehran as terrorist group near Paris that was said yesterday on the eve of officers had responded to an Iranian diplomatic a terrorist organisation,” he said. organisations. France has attended by US President Donald a vehicle-free day in their incident at the embassy on Qasemi said some of the rejected Iranian accusations. Trump’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani cities. Friday afternoon, but declined missions in that attackers were arrested. Last week, Iran’s Revolu- on June 30. The call came in a joint to comment on the speed of their country: Iranian Paris police said that officers tionary Guards fired seven mis- An Iranian diplomat was statement by Paris Mayor response. foreign ministry had detained a dozen individuals siles at the headquarters in arrested in Germany in con- Anne Hidalgo and her coun- Fars news agency reported outside the embassy but that northern Iraq of the Democratic nection with that plot. terpart in Brussels, Philippe that about 15 Kurdish activists spokesman they were released when the Party of Iranian Kurdistan Any hardening of relations Close, in which the two burned the Iranian flag in front embassy said it would not seek (PDKI), an armed opposition with France could have wider pointed to “the urgency of of the embassy during the the premises, Fars said. charges against them. group that fights for greater implications for Iran. climate issues and the health incident and broke some “The French government “A security detail was put in autonomy for Iran’s Kurdish France has been one of the impact of pollution”. windows with stones. should take all necessary place with the embassy’s full community. Iranian media said strongest advocates of salvaging Both capitals will hold They also threw fire extin- measures to protect Iranian dip- agreement,” Paris police added. at least 11 people were killed. a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran their annual car-free day guishers and computers at the lomatic missions in that However, Qasemi said Iran France has already told its and world powers, which Trump today as part of the European gate but did not manage to enter country,” Iranian foreign has asked France to put on trial diplomats and foreign ministry pulled out of in May. Heritage Days 2018, a weekend of cultural events staged every year in countries throughout the bloc. In Paris, City Hall had on Former Minister Friday said six areas at the heart of the capital would remain traffic-free on the first backs Theresa May; Sunday of every month, including Ile de la Cite and Ile Saint-Louis, Louvre, Opera, opposes Brexit plan Chatelet and the Marais. The plan will kick in from REUTERS October 7, with cars only of goods with the EU, with allowed on the major roads Britain accepting a “common crossing these LONDON: Britain’s former rulebook” that would apply to neighbourhoods. Foreign Minister Boris Johnson those goods. said he supports Prime Minister Opponents of the plan, like Theresa May and his opposition Johnson, said that would leave Teen detained was not to her but to her Britain subject to decisions proposals for exiting the made in Brussels without any after shooting European Union, according to input. a report in the Daily Telegraph Since May’s botched bet on in Netherlands yesterday. a snap election in June 2017 lost Russian military forces perform a landing during the Vostok-2018 military drills at Klerka training ground Following a week in which her party its majority in par- AP on the Sea of Japan coast, outside the town of Slavyanka, some 100km south of Vladivostok, yesterday. reports surfaced of a plot by liament, she has faced per- Johnson’s fellow eurosceptic sistent talk of a leadership chal- THE HAGUE: Police in the colleagues to oust the prime lenge which has weakened her southern Dutch city of Russia holds drills in Sea of Japan minister, Johnson, bookmakers’ as she tries to clinch a Brexit Roermond have detained a favourite to succeed her, was deal with the EU. 16-year-old boy after he quoted as saying he wanted her The United Kingdom is due AFP allegedly fired shots inside week-long operation, which “What’s special about this Chequers Brexit plan dropped, to leave the EU on March 29. and outside a high school. involves nearly 300,000 sol- exercise is that it involves the not her. The EU and Britain hope to Nobody was injured in the KLERK PENINSULA: Russian diers, 36,000 vehicles, 1,000 marines, aviation, warships “It’s not about the lead- clinch a deal later this year so incident. troops taking part in the coun- planes and 80 warships, as Rus- from the Pacific Fleet, artillery, ership. It’s about the policy. It’s parliaments on both sides can Police say the student was try’s largest-ever war games sia’s biggest-ever war games. sappers and other specialists,” not about changing prime min- ratify it before Brexit. armed with an ax and a yesterday held drills in the Sea They are also taking place Major-General Dmitry Kova- ister. It’s about chucking Britain’s opposition Labour firearm when he arrived at of Japan, despite Tokyo’s in eastern Siberia and the far- lenko told journalists. Chequers,” he is reported to Party created another school on Friday in the city concerns about a Russian eastern Pacific region, with Japan has raised concerns have told the newspaper at an headache for May on Friday, 170km southeast of military build-up in the area. Chinese troops involved. over Russia’s military buildup event in Washington, DC in the when one of its senior law- Amsterdam. The exercises were part of Yesterday, the armed forces in the region, particularly on the United States. makers told the Financial In a statement, police said the Vostok-18, or East-18, war simulated marines capturing a Kuril Island chain, four of which Johnson quit as foreign sec- Times that the party would that based on initial infor- games that kicked off in eastern shoreline area at the Klerk mil- are claimed by Tokyo in a retary in July after May’s vote against any Brexit deal she mation the possible motive Russia on September 11 and will itary training ground on a dispute dating back to World Chequers proposal, named after reaches, predicting that the for the gunfire was “an run until Monday. peninsula in the far eastern Pri- War II that has prevented the a country house where it was lack of a viable exit from the argument with a fellow Defence Minister Sergei morye region supported by avi- two nations from ever signing a put forward. EU would force May from student.” Shoigu has described the ation and artillery. peace treaty. It called for the free trade office before December 25.

German Minister can’t Kosovo indicts 12 over pension fraud rule out longer-term REUTERS military role in Mideast PRISTINA: Kosovo’s state prosecutor indicted 12 people to a successful end. I don’t want including senior government to rule the idea out, let me put officials on charges of it this way.” pensions fraud, accusing Von der Leyen and other them of falsely registering German officials on Wednesday thousands of people as war called for concerted efforts to veterans who claimed prevent chemical weapons millions of euros in state being used in Syria, and Chan- benefits. cellor Angela Merkel said Around 40,000 people in Germany could not simply look Kosovo are drawing state away if such attacks took place. pensions for war veterans, The German government but the prosecution said half said it was in talks with the US of them never fought in the REUTERS and other allies about possible 1998 to 1999 war for inde- participation in military inter- pendence with Serbia. AZRAQ: German Defence vention if chemical weapons Public prosecutor Ale- Minister Ursula von der Leyen were used in attacks on Idlib, Volcano in action ksander Lumezi said that (pictured) yesterday said she the last major rebel-held among those indicted is Plumes of smoke erupt as part of the activity of the Etna volcano as seen from the northeastern could not rule out a longer-term enclave in Syrian. Rrustem Berisha, minister for coastal city of Taormina, in Catania, Sicily, yesterday. deployment of German forces The news has divided the Kosovo’s Security Forces and in the Middle East, amid a German ruling coalition, with his deputy Agim Ceku. broader debate about a role for the Social Democrats, ruling Germany in possible military any such action out unless it is action Syria. sanctioned by United Nations. Von der Leyen spoke during Germany, under pressure a visit to the Azraq air base in from the United States to boost Swiss probe alleged Russian cyber attack on WADA Jordan where some 300 defence spending and take on REUTERS German troops support a refu- more responsibility within launched in March 2017 on sus- conducted by the OAG due to a no further information on the eling plane and four Tornado Nato, did not take part in April picion of political espionage, the cyber-attack against the World case, which it has not revealed warplanes that fly reconnais- military strikes by US, French ZURICH: Swiss prosecutors are OAG said in a statement. Anti-Doping Agency,” it added. until now. sance missions as part of US and British forces on Syria after investigating whether Russian As part of these proceedings The OAG said the individuals Swiss media yesterdaysaid led-coalition operations against a chemical weapons attack. agents tried to hack the World the OAG, in cooperation with the concerned were the same pair the WADA offices and Interna- IS militant group in Iraq and Washington last month Anti-Doping Agency, the Office Federal Intelligence Service, was identified by the Swiss intelligence tional Olympic Committee in Syria. asked Berlin about its will- of the Attorney General said able to identify two individuals,” service which on Friday said it had Lausanne had both been tar- Asked if Germany needed ingness to participate in military yesterday, broadening the scope it said. foiled a Russian plot targeting a geted. Both organisations in a strategic base in the Middle action together with France and of alleged espionage against “The aforementioned Swiss laboratory used to test nerve recent years have been investi- East, von der Leyen said, “First Britain, if another chemical institutions in Switzerland. criminal proceedings ...refer to agents such as Novichok. gating widespread doping of we must bring this deployment weapons attack took place. Criminal proceedings were criminal proceedings being The OAG said it would give Russian athletes. 18 AMERICAS SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 US calls UN meeting on North Korea sanctions

AP North Korea of “illegally smug- gling” in refined petroleum UNITED NATIONS: The United products beyond the annual States has called an urgent The US Mission quota of 500,000 barrels meeting of the UN Security allowed under UN sanctions. Council today in response to announced that the US documents sent to the what it says are efforts by some meeting will “discuss Security Council committee countries “to undermine and the implementation monitoring sanctions against obstruct” sanctions against and enforcement of North Korea cited 89 instances North Korea. between January 1 and May 30 The US Mission announced UN sanctions on North in which North Korean tankers yesterday that the meeting will Korea.” likely delivered refined products “discuss the implementation and “illicitly procured” via transfers enforcement of UN sanctions on from other ships at sea. Election campaign North Korea.” The Security Council initially After the experts’ report was A billboard of a tweet by US President Donald Trump criticising Senator Ted Cruz stands outside a The mission didn’t name any imposed sanctions on North released in August, Russian rally for US Representative Beto O’Rourke in Dallas, Texas, yesterday. O’Rourke is the Democratic countries, but US Ambassador Korea after its first nuclear test Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia Nikki Haley accused Russia on in 2006 and has made them said he put a hold on its official challenger for the US Senate seat currently held by Ted Cruz. Thursday of pressuring an inde- tougher and tougher in response release to all UN member pendent panel of UN experts to to further nuclear tests and an nations “because we disagree alter a report on North Korea increasingly sophisticated bal- with certain elements” that he sanctions that included alleged listic missile program. refused to disclose. violations “implicating Russian Haley said earlier this year Russia and China then actors.” that successively tough Security blocked the UN from imposing Haley said the panel should Council sanctions resolutions sanctions on Russia-based California to build own climate satellite release the original report, adopted unanimously had cut entities and vessels sanctioned REUTERS which cited “a massive increase off all North Korean exports, 90 a week earlier by the US communications satellite for the and climate monitoring pro- in illicit ship-to-ship transfers percent of its trade, and dis- Treasury Department. state, said California was teaming grams under President Donald of petroleum products” for banded its pool of workers send The Security Council has SACRAMENTO: California up with earth imaging company Trump, who is skeptical of North Korea in violation of UN abroad to earn hard currency. remained united in imposing Governor Jerry Brown pledged Planet Labs to develop the climate science. sanctions. It said some products Many diplomats and ana- tougher and tougher sanctions to launch a satellite that will technology. Data from the satellite allegedly were off-loaded from lysts credit the sanctions with on North Korea. track and detect the sources of “We’re going to launch our would be shared with govern- Russian ships, which were iden- helping promote the thaw in UN diplomats familiar with climate pollutants, his state’s own satellite. Our own damn ments and others, Brown’s office tified in the report. relations between North Korea discussions said Russia was latest effort to challenge the satellite to figure out where the said in a statement, under a new A summary of the experts and South Korea as well as the angered that the panel used a Trump administration’s skep- pollution is and how we’re going initiative called the Climate Data report in early August also said June meeting between President lot of US intelligence in the ticism about the science of to end it,” Brown told a gath- Partnership with Environmental North Korea has not stopped its Donald Trump and North initial report that Moscow climate change. ering of political, environmental Defense Fund and others. nuclear and missile pro- Korean leader Kim Jong-Un at claimed was incorrect. Brown, who was nicknamed and business leaders. The partnership has the grammes. And it said North which they agreed to the denu- Haley expressed disap- “Governor Moonbeam” during The remarks echoed a potential to reduce emissions by Korea is violating sanctions by clearisation of the Korean pointment in the panel “for caving his first stint as governor in the pledge the governor made 1,000 million metric tonnes a transferring coal at sea and Peninsula. to Russian pressure and making 1970s in part because of a pro- nearly two years ago at a scien- year, equivalent to taking 200 flouting an arms embargo and But in July, US Secretary of changes to what should have posal he made at the time to tific gathering in the face of million cars off the road every financial sanctions. State Mike Pompeo accused been an independent report.” launch an emergency potential cuts to federal satellite year, the statement said.

Former doctor gets death sentence over Manafort forfeits luxury homes under plea deal AP Nebraska deaths The forfeiture agreement is surrender his 5,564-square-foot He will have to forfeit a final and cannot be revoked, estate in the Hamptons com- fourth-floor apartment in a AP WASHINGTON: Paul Manafort’s court documents said. munity of Water Mill, a summer building in Manhattan’s SoHo (pictured) guilty plea will cost Manafort was known for his playground of the rich and neighbourhood, an apartment OMAHA: A former doctor was him more than time behind bars. opulent lifestyle. Prosecutors at famous on New York’s Long in Chinatown and a condo- sentenced to death for the His estate in the Hamptons his earlier trial in Virginia Island. minium he owns in Trump revenge killings of four people won’t be waiting when the detailed elaborate expenses such The property valued at more Tower. connected to a Nebraska former Trump campaign as a $21,000 watch, a $15,000 than $7m features 10 bedrooms An earlier court filing had medical school, including the chairman gets out. His Brooklyn jacket made of ostrich leather and six bathrooms, according to mentioned surrendering a home 11-year-old son of a physician brownstone will be gone, too, and more than $6m worth of real online listings. It also features an in Virginia, but the signed coop- who helped fire the man from and his condo in Trump Tower estate paid for in cash. in-ground swimming pool and eration agreement swapped that a residency program nearly in Manhattan. Manafort’s lawyer, Kevin tennis and basketball courts. address with the Trump Tower two decades ago. Manafort, a high-rolling Downing, said his client had Manafort will have to give up condominium. Anthony Garcia, 45, of political consultant brought low, agreed to the deal before the a brownstone, valued at more Manafort will have to give up Indiana entered the courtroom also agreed to forfeit big bank Washington trial was to begin than $4m, which he owns in the the money from three of his bank in a wheelchair and appeared accounts, life insurance and because he “wanted to make that “good life,” but presumably Carroll Gardens section of accounts - two at the Federal to sleep through the hearing more as part of his plea deal on sure that his family was able to the family wasn’t stripped of all Brooklyn, one of the most Savings Bank and one from as a three-judge panel sen- Friday with special counsel remain safe and live a good life.” earthly goods. expensive neighborhoods in the Capital One — as well as a life tenced him to death. The Robert Mueller. It’s not clear what is left for Manafort agreed to borough. insurance policy. judges, who heard arguments earlier this year during the sentencing phase of Garcia’s trial, also had the option of life in prison. Trump rejects hurricane Garcia was convicted in 2016 for two attacks — that toll in Puerto Rico again occurred five years apart — BLOOMBERG on families connected to Post. This was long AFTER the Creighton University School hurricane took place. Over of Medicine in Omaha. SAN JUAN: President Donald many months it went to 64 Trump again lashed out about PEOPLE. Then, like magic, the almost 3,000 deaths “3000 PEOPLE KILLED.” They Three shot dead in attributed to Hurricane Maria hired.... in Puerto Rico last year, ques- Trump called the federal Mexico City square tioning the science behind the response to Hurricane Maria an count even as Hurricane “unsung success” earlier in the AFP Florence pummeled the week, and tweeted — without Carolina coasts. evidence — that the GWU study MEXICO CITY: Gunmen Trump has repeatedly crit- was an effort by Democrats to dressed as mariachi musi- icised Puerto Rico’s official hurt him politically. cians killed three people and death toll from Maria, which the “3,000 people did not die wounded seven others in a territorial government dramat- in the two hurricanes that hit square in downtown Mexico ically increased to 2,975 in Puerto Rico,” Trump wrote. City popular with foreign August after commissioning a “When I left the Island, AFTER tourists, police said. study by George Washington the storm had hit, they had any- The Neuse River floods the waterfront during Hurricane Florence, in New Bern, North Carolina, yesterday. The three assailants University. where from 6 to 18 deaths.” carried out the shootings In a pair of tweets yes- Political officials from both shortly before 10pm on terday, Trump first quoted a sides of the aisle condemned Friday (0300 GMT Saturday) Florence leaves 5 dead; states flooded Washington Post story, which the president’s statements and in the busy Plaza Garibaldi, recounted that he had been told said they believed the death toll. REUTERS police said. Carolina could leave much of Florence to a tropical storm, but only 16 people had died in the Florida Governor Rick Scott, a Neither the motive for the the region under water in the warned it would dump as much storm when he visited the Republican, tweeted that he attack nor the identities of the WILMINGTON: The Hurricane coming days. as 30 to 40 inches of rain on the island last September, shortly disagreed with the president. gunmen were known, but the Florence lumbered inland “This storm is relentless and southeastern coast of North after Maria made landfall. He Trump’s angry response to area is located near the Tepito yesterday, knocking down trees, excruciating,” North Carolina Carolina and part of north- added his own skepticism about criticism of his handling of neighborhood, where a cartel flooding rivers, and dumping Governor Roy Cooper said. eastern South Carolina. the toll’s increase, which he has Maria came as even former operates that is considered sheets of rain in the Carolinas “There is probably not a county About 10 million people previously blamed on Demo- White House officials ques- the largest criminal organi- where five people have died. or a person that will not be could be affected by the storm. crats, without substantiation. tioned his approach. zation in the capital. It diminished from hur- affected in some way by this More than 22,600 people were “When Trump visited the Former Trump homeland Mexico has been hit by a ricane force as it came ashore, very massive and violent housed in 150 shelters statewide, island territory last October, security adviser Tom Bossert wave of violence since but forecasters said the storm.” including schools, churches and OFFICIALS told him in a said this week Trump lacked deploying the army to fight the 350-mile-wide storm’s slow The National Hurricane Wake Forest University’s bas- briefing 16 PEOPLE had died “empathy” in his response to country’s drug cartels in 2006. progress across North and South Center (NHC) downgraded ketball arena. from Maria.” The Washington the storm. SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018 AMERICAS 19 OAS warns Venezuela of military intervention

AP Almagro in 2015 apologised for the OAS’ role in the invasion, CUCUTA: The head of the saying such events should not be Organization of American States OAS Secretary General repeated. (OAS) has joined President While circumstances in Ven- Donald Trump in holding out the Luis Almagro delivered ezuela are far different, and threat of a military intervention the sharp warning in many still see an invasion as a in Venezuela to restore a visit to Colombia’s remote possibility, Maduro has democracy and ease the coun- border with Venezuela nonetheless held out the threat try’s humanitarian crisis to try and rally Venezuelans OAS Secretary General Luis yesterday in which behind him at a time of mounting Almagro delivered the sharp he also denounced hardships. warning in a visit to Colombia’s President Nicolas Almagro in his visit said border with Venezuela yesterday countries in the Western Hemi- in which he also denounced Maduro*s socialist sphere should work together to President Nicolas Maduro*s “dictatorship” for provide relief to the droves of socialist “dictatorship” for spurring a region-wide Venezuelans who every day are spurring a region-wide migration migration crisis. fleeing hyperinflation and food crisis. shortages in their homeland. “With respect to a military But, he added, the ultimate intervention to overthrow possibility of a US invasion of the solution to the crisis is to restore Nicolas Maduro’s regime, I don’t South American nation. democracy in Venezuela. think any option should be ruled Still, for many in Latin “The international com- out,” Almagro said at a press America, the prospect of a mil- munity has to provide answers. conference in the Colombian city itary intervention is bound to We can’t allow a dictatorship in of Cucuta. revive memories of the Cold Venezuela that affects the “What Nicolas Maduro’s War, when the US gave backing security of entire region through The Secretary-General of the Organization of American States, Uruguayan Luis Almagro (left), greets regime is perpetrating are crimes to coups and rebellions from drug trafficking, organized crime people on a bus at the Simon Bolivar International Bridge on the border with Venezuela, in Cucuta, against humanity, the violation countries including Chile, Cuba and the deep humanitarian crisis Colombia, yesterday. of the human rights and the suf- and Brazil. it has created,” Almagro said. fering of people that is inducing For Almagro, the threat of During yesterday’s visit to He said while countries like According to the United OAS member states recently an exodus. Diplomatic actions military force is especially sur- the border, Almagro met aid his native Uruguay had Nations, more than 2.3 million voted on a resolution that should be the first priority but we prising given his condemnation workers and government offi- weathered bloody dictatorships Venezuelans have left their accuses Maduro of breaking his shouldn’t rule out any action.” of the region’s support for a US cials in the Colombian city of in the past, Maduro’s government country in recent years. country’s constitutional order Almagro has been Maduro’s invasion of the Dominican Cucuta, where schools and hos- stands out for using shortages of Increasingly they are leaving when he got himself re-elected most outspoken critic in Latin Republic in 1965 to remove a pitals are struggling to cope with food and medicine as “instru- with no money and are traveling in May in a vote boycotted by America, but until yesterday he democratically-elected but pro- the influx of Venezuelan ments of repression” to impose on foot across South American opponents. hadn’t been willing to go as far Cuban president. The invasion, migrants. its political will. countries like Colombia, Ecuador Colombia’s foreign ministry, as Trump, who last year raised carried out in the OAS’ name, left The outspoken diplomat was “This is inadmissible. We’ve and Peru, in dangerous journeys meanwhile, said that it was the possibility of a “military thousands dead and for decades stopped on the street and greeted never never seen such an that can take several weeks. investigating preliminary reports option” against Maduro. In stirred Latin American by dozens of Venezuelan immoral government in the world Almagro said OAS has created that 20 soldiers from Venezuela’s several meetings with aides and resentment against the idea of migrants who urged him to work that doesn’t allow the entry of a working group that will look at National Guard illegally entered Latin American leaders last year, ever again using force against for the “liberation” of Venezuela humanitarian aid in the middle ways to help desperate migrants a remote Colombian river hamlet Trump also discussed the sovereign nation. from tyranny. of a humanitarian crisis,” he said. as well as their host countries. and captured three civilians.

Colombian drug New gas leak detected in kingpin faces Los Angeles court Boston area after explosions AP BLOOMBERG Baker said during a media briefing. Declaring a state of LOS ANGELES: A Colombian LAWRENCE: A new natural gas emergency gave the state drug kingpin who partici- leak was discovered in the authority to decide who would pated in a violent ring that Boston area just days after a oversee the response, he said used planes, speedboats and series of pipeline explosions yesterday. submarines to smuggle killed one person, injured more NiSource spokesman Ken hundreds of millions of than 25 and prompted Massa- Stammen said he couldn’t dollars in cocaine faced chusetts to declare a state of provide any details on Satur- federal trafficking charges emergency. day’s leak. yesterday in a Los Angeles The latest leak was con- Steve Bryant, president of courtroom, prosecutors said. firmed just before 11am local NiSource’s Columbia Gas unit, Victor Hugo Cuellar-Silva time and firefighters were pre- apologised for the incident, is among nearly four dozen venting people from walking in saying it was “the sort of thing defendants charged in a vast the area, the local CBS Tele- that a gas distribution company conspiracy to ship tonnes of vision affiliate reported. Ever- hopes never happens.” He cocaine from South America source Energy said the breach rejected Baker’s accusation that Hamilton Mourao (in white), vice-presidential candidate of Jair Bolsonaro, attends a rally in Manaus, through Mexico to the US. was unrelated to the recovery the company didn’t respond Amazonas state, Brazil, yesterday. The indictment unsealed and restoration work it was quickly enough. was unique in targeting people appointed to carry out by Gov- NiSource lost 12 percent of throughout the drug distri- ernor Charlie Baker. its value on Friday for the bution chain from the source Stabbed Brazilian candidate leads in polls Baker’s selection of the New deepest collapse in 16 years. of where the coke was pro- England utility was a rebuke to Columbia Gas has had REUTERS duced in Colombia to investors The poll indicates the PT’s But the polarising nature of NiSource Inc., which owns the seven violations totaling in Mexico, transportation strategy of transferring Lula’s Bolsonaro means he has the pipeline system that erupted $100,000 since 2010, according coordinators, houses where SAO PAULO: Brazil’s far-right massive appeal to the relatively highest rejection rate of all con- and was criticised by Baker for to an email from Peter Lorenz, the drugs were stashed and to presidential candidate Jair unknown Haddad is bearing tenders, holding even at 44% an inadequate response to the communications director for large scale distributors in the Bolsonaro, in intensive care fruit. yesterday. Thursday blasts. Massachusetts’s Executive US, federal prosecutors said. after being stabbed at a Lula’s backing is expected Haddad’s rejection rate is “We heard one thing, and Office of Energy and Environ- “Cuellar-Silva, who was campaign rally, kept his first- to propel Haddad into a likely 26%, up 4 percentage points something else happened,” mental Affairs. extradited from Colombia, round lead in an election October 28 runoff vote, required from Monday. was a high-ranking member opinion poll, but a leftist rival if no candidate takes a majority Support for centre-left can- of the drug ring headed by from the Workers Party (PT) in the first ballot. didate Ciro Gomes, a former Mexican fugitive Angel Hum- made solid gains. The Datafolha poll showed governor of Ceará state in Bra- berto Chavez-Gastelum, who Bolsonaro was backed by that Bolsonaro, who has spent zil’s poor northeast, stayed even is one of the most-wanted 26% of those surveyed, up two nearly three decades in Con- at 13 percent. drug traffickers in the world”. percentage points from the gress, and Haddad would be Business-friendly candidate Chavez-Gastelum and his same poll published earlier this technically tied in a simulated Geraldo Alckmin saw his cam- son, Alonso Jaime Gastelum- week, according to the Data- second-round vote. paign continue to stagnate, with Salazar, are also charged in folha survey published by the Bolsonaro would lose to all the poll indicating support of 9%. the indictment with two Folha de S.Paulo newspaper. other major candidates in a Environmentalist Marina Silva counts of murder in Mexico. Lula’s hand-picked suc- runoff, the survey found. fell 3 percentage points to 8%. One of the victims was tor- cessor to stand for the PT is Bolsonaro has led the field Datafolha interviewed 2,820 tured and dismembered, and former Sao Paulo mayor from the outset in polls that people across Brazil on the grisly act was shot on Fernando Haddad, who jumped excluded Lula, tapping into Thursday and Friday for the A burnt Columbia Gas of Massachusetts envelope sits on the sidewalk video obtained by investi- to 13% of support in poll, up 4 voter anger over political survey, which has a 2 per- during a series of gas explosions, in Lawrence, Massachusetts. gators, prosecutors said. points. corruption. centage point margin of error. Haiti’s senate gives new government vote of confidence AFP Prime Minister Jean-Henry needs a vote of confidence from presidential branches it took a their taxes, then we must accept of shame.” To be confirmed as a Ceant, who has been head of the chamber of Deputies, month to reach agreement on his that tomorrow, people will start cabinet minister, candidates PORT-AU-PRINCE: The government since early August, scheduled to meet later in the 18-member cabinet. refusing to pay their taxes,” said must show proof from the pre- Haitian senate yesterday listened to the doubts expressed day. Before Ceant presented his Senator Antonio Cheramy. vious five years that all their approved the new government’s by the lawmakers angry at Ceant, a notary who ran general policy, senators meeting On September 6, the day taxes have been paid. general polices, a necessary first cabinet ministers suspected of unsuccessfully for president in overnight Friday to Saturday dis- after president Moise announced Tension remains high in Haiti step before it can begin func- tax evasion, before managing to 2010 and 2016, was named to the cussed tax fraud suspicions that his new cabinet, several nom- after riots in July against rising tioning, two months after the last obtain support of 21 of 28 post on August 5 by President hang over some of the new inees dashed off to the country’s fuel prices wreaked havoc in premier was forced to resign senators. Jovenel Moise is Jean-Henry cabinet ministers. tax office to pay their back taxes Port-au-Prince, forcing the after attempting to impose With the senate’s approval Ceant — but in a sign of discord “If tonight here we vote in — a rush that Senator Patrice prime minister at the time, Jack unpopular austerity measures. secure, the new government now between the legislative and favor of people who do not pay Dumont derided as a “procession Guy Lafontant, to resign. 20 MORNING BREAK SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 03 AM Nasa blasts off satellite to track ice loss SHOROOK 05. 20 AM AFP The launch marks ZUHR 11. 29 AM MAGHRIB 05. 40 PM the first time in ASR 02. 57 PM ISHA 07. 10 PM LOS ANGELES: Nasa’s most advanced space laser satellite nearly a decade blasted off yesterday on a that Nasa has had WEATHER TODAY mission to track ice loss a tool in orbit to around the world and improve forecasts of sea level rise as measure ice sheet the climate warms. surface elevation Cloaked in pre-dawn across the globe. darkness, the $1bn, half-ton ICESat-2 launched aboard a Delta II rocket from But a view from space -- espe- Vandenberg Air Force base in cially with the latest tech- California at 6:02am (1302 nology -- should be far more GMT). precise. “Three, two one, liftoff!” An update is particularly said a launch commentator on urgent since global average Nasa television. temperatures have climbed “Lifting ICESat-2 on a year after year, with four of quest to explore the polar ice the hottest years in modern sheets of our constantly times all taking place from changing home planet.” The 2014-2017. launch marks the first time in “Loss of things like the sea nearly a decade that Nasa has ice that covers the Arctic had a tool in orbit to measure ocean affects our weather, and ice sheet surface elevation loss of ice that covers across the globe. The pre- Greenland and Antarctica ceding mission, ICESat, raises sea level,” said Tom launched in 2003 and ended Wagner, cryosphere program The United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the NASA Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2 in 2009. scientist at Nasa. (ICESat-2) onboard lifts off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, yesterday. o o The first ICESat revealed He added that the satellite 32 C 39 C that sea ice was thinning, and should reveal new insights ice cover was disappearing into the ice in the deep interior satellite’s path. “The mission measure the slope and height hot enough to melt ice from Minimum Maximum from coastal areas in of Antarctica, which is area of will gather enough data to of the ice, not just the area it its vantage point some 300 Misty to foggy at places by early morning, Greenland and Antarctica. mystery to scientists. estimate the annual elevation covers. miles above the Earth, Nasa becomes hot and relatively humid In the intervening nine The new laser will fire change in the Greenland and “Our data will allow ice said. daytime. Humid by night. years, an aircraft mission 10,000 times in one second, Antarctic ice sheets even if it’s sheet modelers to make better The mission is meant to

HIGH TIDE 10:00 – 20:45 LOW TIDE 02:45 – 16:30 called Operation IceBridge, compared to the original as slight as four millimeters - predictions of the future,” said last three years but has Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department has flown over the Arctic and ICESat which fired 40 times a the width of a No. 2 pencil,” Tom Neumann, deputy project enough fuel to continue for 10, Antarctic, taking height meas- second. Measurements will be Nasa said in a statement. scientist for ICESat-2. Though if mission managers decide to urements of the changing ice. taken every 2.3 feet along the Importantly, the laser will powerful, the laser will not be extend its life. Hidden world of Elysee Palace put on view Spiritual practices in childhood may AGENCIES Heritage Days. Under President wouldn’t answer questions about the Emmanuel Macron’s office and the Macrons’ meals. The French leader once boost health, cut PARIS: Only a few people are allowed Elysee’s 18th-century golden reception said his favorite dish is blanquette de to enter the cellar room of the French rooms is an underground world where veau, a traditional veal stew in creamy depression later presidential palace, flower bouquets are a small battalion of workers makes the white sauce. IANS displayed at the presidential palace only whole place tick. They labour out of sight “Unlike a restaurant, we work on a for a couple of hours so they always look in a maze of austere corridors and daily basis with the seasons, the activity fresh. And the president’s chefs use narrow rooms with artificial light and and news events of the president,” he NEW YORK: Are you keen to 150-year-old copper pans. gray and beige walls. said. boost your children’s health as These and other behind-the-scenes Every morning, the basement comes The basement kitchen used to be a well as keep them away from quirks of the Elysee Palace are getting to life when fresh produce, fish and horse stable. It was converted at the end depressive symptoms, a rare airing this weekend, when the meats are delivered to the kitchen and of the 19th century and renovated in smoking, drugs in adulthood? home of French presidents since 1848 checked for quality. Most of the food - 1989. A full set of copper pots and pans If so, start training them to opens its heavy and usually tightly closed except items like coffee and chocolate from 1845-1865 hang on the wall and indulge in spiritual practices doors to a small, but lucky group of - is sourced in France. The kitchen staff are used daily. Gomez said the copper right from childhood, ordinary citizens. of 28 people, plus apprentices, serves would corrode if the pans were idle. “If researchers suggest. A few hundred people were visiting 92,000-95,000 meals per year. They it’s not used — heated, cooled down, A study showed that spir- the underground kitchen, cellar and cook daily for Macron and his wife heated, cooled down — it dies,” he said. itual practices acted as a pro- florist rooms. Brigitte and for some Elysee employees, Plus, buying a modern stainless steel tective factor for a range of They were able to buy souvenirs and handle official dinners, big events replacement set would cost several health and well-being out- from a new boutique to help finance like receptions at the Chateau of Ver- hundred thousand euros. From the comes in early adulthood. palace renovations expected to cost sailles west of Paris and prepare in-flight kitchen, a dark corridor leads to one of Children and adolescents ¤100m ($117m) over the next seven meals for the presidential plane. the most protected places of the Elysee: who attended religious services years. Across France, other usually Presidential tastes and menus the underground cellar. About 340 at least weekly were nearly 20 closed sites are also opening their doors remain one of the best kept secrets of people registered on the Elysee website percent more likely to report for the weekend as part of European the Elysee. Chef Guillaume Gomez to visit the palace. higher happiness as young adults (ages 23-30) than those who never attended services. They were also 29 percent more likely to volunteer in World’s warming; more hurricanes likely: Scientists their communities and 33 percent less likely to use illicit drugs. AP becoming more common and pointing the climate-change Those who prayed or med- destructive as the planet warms,” finger at Florence. itated at least daily while WASHINGTON: A warmer said Jonathan Overpeck, dean of For every degree the air growing up were 16 percent world makes for nastier hurri- the environment school at Uni- warms, it can hold nearly 4 more likely to report higher canes. Scientists say they are versity of Michigan. He said the percent more water (7 percent happiness as young adults, 30 wetter, possess more energy and risk extends beyond the Atlantic per degree Celsius) and offer percent less likely to have intensify faster. Ocean, such as Typhoon Man- measurably more energy to started having sex at a young Their storm surges are more gkhut, which hit the Philippines goose the storm, scientists said. age, and 40 percent less likely destructive because climate on Friday. “The amount of water that to have a sexually transmitted change has already made the For years, when asked about comes out of hurricanes is cer- infection compared to those seas rise. And lately, the storms climate change and specific tainly the most robust con- who never prayed or seem to be stalling more often weather events, scientists would nection that we have,” National meditated. and thus dumping more rain. refrain from drawing clear con- Oceanic and Atmospheric “These findings are Study after study shows that nections. But over the past few Administration climate scientist important for both our under- climate change in general makes years, the new field of attribution Jim Kossin said. standing of health and our hurricanes worse. But deter- studies has allowed researchers And to look at Florence spe- understanding of parenting Tropical Storm Florence, Tropical Storm Isaac and Tropical Storm mining the role of global to use statistics and computer cifically, “it’s very likely that practices,” said lead author Helene in the Atantic Ocean. warming in a specific storm such models to try to calculate how climate change has warmed the Ying Chen from Harvard Uni- as Hurricane Florence or events would be different in a ocean such that the hurricane’s versity. “Many children are Typhoon Mangkhut is not so world without human-caused scientists tried to do a similar of human-caused warming,” intense rainfall is more raised religiously, and our simple — at least not without climate change. analysis for Florence, but outside Pennsylvania State University destructive than without global study shows that this can pow- detailed statistical and computer A couple of months after experts were wary because it climate scientist Michael Mann warming,” said Weather Under- erfully affect their health analyses. Hurricane Harvey, studies found was based on forecasts, not wrote in an email. “And we don’t ground Meteorology Director Jeff behaviour, mental health and The Associated Press con- that global warming significantly observations, and did not use need an attribution study to tell Masters, a former hurricane overall happiness and well- sulted with 17 meteorologists and increased the odds for Harvey’s enough computer simulations. us that in my view. We just need hunter. being,”Chen added. scientists who study climate record heavy rains. As the world warms and the laws of thermodynamics.” The warmer air and water “While decisions about change, hurricanes or both. A “It’s a bit like a plot line out science advances, scientists get Georgia Tech climate scientist also makes storms more intense religion are not shaped princi- few experts remain cautious of ‘Back to the Future,’ where more specific, even without Kim Cobb looks not just at basic or stronger, Stott said. pally by health, for adolescents about attributing global warming you travel back in time to some attribution studies. They cite physics but all the peer-reviewed A Kossin study this year who already hold religious to a single event, but most of the alternate reality” that is plausible basic physics, the most recent studies that especially link showed that tropical cyclones — beliefs, encouraging service scientists clearly see the hand of but without humans changing research about storms and past climate change to wetter storms. a category that includes hurri- attendance and private prac- humans in Florence. the climate, said University of studies and put them together “We have solid data across canes and typhoons — are tices may be meaningful Global warming didn’t cause Exeter climate scientist Peter for something like Florence. decades of rainfall records to nail moving slower and even stalling. avenues to protect against Florence, they say. But it makes Stott, one of the pioneers of the “I think we can say that the the attribution - climate change Kossin said “it’s happening a lot some of the dangers of adoles- the system a bigger danger. field. storm is stronger, wetter and is increasing the frequency of more than it used to.” Several cence, including depression, “Florence is yet another A National Academy of Sci- more impactful from a coastal extreme rainfall events,” Cobb studies agree that climate change substance abuse and risk poster child for the human- ences report finds these studies flooding standpoint than it would said. Several factors make sci- is to blame but differ slightly in taking,” said Tyler Vander- supercharged storms that are generally credible. One team of have been because entists more confident in their conclusions. Weele, from the varsity.