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Thursday 20 July 2017 | 26 Shawwal 1438 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7228 | 2 Riyals

Siege countries scale back demands Saudi-led bloc reduces list of 13 demands to ‘six principles’

United Nations groups, and suspend all acts of Agencies provocation and speeches incit- Gulf nations rebuff bid to ease ing hatred or violence. audi Arabia, the United Al Mouallimi said the four- Arab Emirates, Bahrain nation quartet thinks it “should humanitarian impact: Al Marri and Egypt cut back their be easy for the Qataris to accept” demands for Qatar by the six principles. He stressed Al Jazeera half, also allowing the that implementation and mon- Scountry to meet the requests itoring must be “essential he head of Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) says without specific deadlines, media components,” and “there will be his efforts to ease the humanitarian impact of the blockade on Qatari reported yesterday. no compromise when it comes Tand other citizens has been rebuffed by human-rights groups in neigh- According to The Wall Street to principles.” bouring Arab Gulf states. Journal newspaper, the new list But he said both sides can talk H E Ali bin Sumaikh Al Marri, the NHRC chairman, disclosed in Doha includes six demands instead of about details of “the tactics” and yesterday that he had sent letters to his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, 13. The list also does not impose “the tools” to implement them — UAE and Bahrain asking them to appeal to their governments to spare any deadlines for Doha, the media “and that’s where we can have Gulf citizens the humanitarian, social and economic consequences of added Saudi Arabia, the United discussion and compromise.” the dispute. “We either got no response or have been attacked by our Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain The Saudi ambassador colleagues working on human-rights issues in the blockading nations,” broke diplomatic relations with explained that the initial 13 points he said. He said the human-rights sections in the Arab League, the Organ- Qatar in early June largely over included some principles and some isation of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab Parliament and the Gulf their allegations that it supports tools to achieve compliance. He Cooperation Council (GCC) have ignored his plea. terrorist and extremist groups — said closing Al Jazeera might not be Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) H E Ali a charge Qatar rejects. They necessary. “If the only way to bin Sumaikh Al Marri speaking to media in Doha, yesterday. → Continued on page 5 initially made 13 demands, which achieve that is by closing down Al Qatar also dismissed. Jazeera, fine,” he said. “If we can Saudi Arabia’s UN Ambas- achieve that without closing down sador Abdallah Al Mouallimi Al Jazeera, that’s also fine. The told a briefing for a group of UN important thing is the objective correspondents yesterday that and the principle involved.” NBC: Fake news played major role in diplomatic split the four nations are now com- Meanwhile, the US State mitted to the six principles Department emphasised Doha Washington A US intelligence official said that the media on May 24 to plant the false com- agreed to by their foreign min- “maintained a strong partner- QNA quotes attributed to the Emir H H Sheikh ments attributed to the Emir. The intelligence isters at a meeting in Cairo on ship in the fight against Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani were phony and official said the operatives who carried out July 5, and hope Qatar will sup- terrorism in 2016 and collabo- FAKE news designed to harm Qatar’s relations part of a campaign to hurt Qatar. the hack may have been private contrac- port them as well. rated to foster closer regional with the US played a major role in the diplomatic Several officials confirmed the report in tors, but US authorities sees the UAE as The principles include com- and international cooperation split between the tiny Gulf nation and its neigh- the Washington Post that someone work- ultimately responsible. mitments to combat extremism on counterterrorism, law bors, say both US officials and the Qatari ing for the United Arab Emirates government and terrorism, prevent financ- enforcement and rule of law government according to an NBC News report. hacked into Qatari news sites and social → Continued on page 5 ing and safe havens for such activities“.

Official questions Sheikha Mayassa at ‘Skate Girls of Kabul’ expo Financial Times: Blockade jeopardises disorganised Gulf’s position as business haven conduct by QNA siege countries he siege imposed on Qatar has jeopardised the Gulf’s hard-won position as a haven of business stability within the restive Middle DIRECTOR of Qatar’s Gov- TEast, a Financial Times report said on Wednesday. ernment Communications The private sector has been left reeling by the move from the siege Office, says Arab countries that broke business ties, dealt a blow to cross-border investments, and that have moved to isolate caused uncertainty and confusion and pushed up costs. Qatar have acted dangerously The regional trans-shipment hub of Jebel Ali has barred Qatar-bound and in a “disorganised man- vessels until further notice. UAE authorities have also notified freight- ner” after apparently forwarders not to handle any cargo destined for Qatar, including shipments changing their demands. via a third country, the report said. UAE officials have threatened further H E Sheikh Saif Al Thani restrictions against businesses that carry on doing business with Qatar. said yesterday the new Multinationals operating out of the regional business hub of Dubai demands are “another exam- are already having to decide whether their Qatar business is lucrative ple of the dangerous and enough to risk censure in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt. disorganised manner in “The crisis has encouraged companies to think about restructuring to which the illegal blockade has H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (right), Chairperson of keep UAE and Qatar operations separate,” says one diplomat. Others are been conducted.” Qatar Museums (QM), during the ‘Skate Girls of Kabul’ exhibition that opened pre-empting any call to sever ties with Qatar by turning down new busi- In response to questions yesterday at QM Gallery in Katara. → See also page 16 ness there. Some are shifting responsibility for servicing Qatari clients from The Associated Press, from Dubai to offices in Europe. he said the four countries have regularly issued “con- flicting statements and arguments.” Not in good faith: Qatar Chamber to assess losses to companies The Peninsula companies, public institutions and indi- and documented information, he noted. uments will be dismissed. Ambassador viduals. Saif bin Yousef Al Kuwari, Head “We have launched an online ques- Al Kuwari praised directives of QC’s Sheikha Alia atar Chamber has recently published of Committees & Business Councils tionnaire via the Chamber’s website Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al an online questionnaire via its web- Department at the Chamber and Head through the link http://qatarchamber. Thani attempting to identify all damages Qsite to assess all damages and losses of the Economic Committee for identi- com/?lang=en,” he added. to local companies due to the unfair siege QATAR’S Ambassador to the to Qatari companies caused by the block- fying damages caused by the boycott said Al Kuwari called upon owners and and addressing all results to the Com- UN H E Sheikha Alia Ahmed ade imposed on Qatar by siege countries, that the Chamber is very interested to officials of Qatari companies to fill out pensation Committee. bin Saif Al Thani said that the said the Chamber yesterday. The step collect accurate and true information on the questionnaire and to provide accu- The questionnaire should be com- four Arab states scaled back mainly aims to identify the extent of the extent of actual damages to Qatari rate and correct information. pleted for each activity separately. The their demands not as a sign damages to Qatari companies in order companies due to the unfair blockade. He stated that companies affected by actual damage (not the expected) shall of good faith, but in attempt to address the Compensation Claims The questionnaire aims at pinpoint the siege must attach all required docu- be mentioned during the period from to save their image amid Committee (CCC) recently launched to the actual volume of transactions and ments which will be submitted later to June 5, 2017 until the date of filling out international pressure over tackle loss claims made by government damages in order to take the appropri- the Compensation Claims Committee, the questionnaire, Al Kuwari pointed the initial list of demands. bodies, authorities, ministries, private ate legal measures according to accurate assuring that claims unsupported by doc- out. 02 HOME THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017

Minister of Public Health meets UK envoy UK State Minister Complementary batch for Middle East of Turkish troops meets Qatar’s arrives in Doha Ambassador London QNA QNA

he complementary group of the sixth batch of Turkish troops arrived in the State of Qatar, the Directorate of Moral Guid- ALISTAIR BURT, minister of Tance at the Ministry of Defence announced. state for the Middle East and The group, which comes in the framework of joint military North Africa and minister of cooperation between the State of Qatar and the sisterly Republic state for international devel- of Turkey, comprises artillery commanders, two C17 aircraft and opment of the United a number of cannons from the Turkish Army’s artillery division. Kingdom, yesterday met Upon the arrival of the Complementary Group, it began its with Qatar’s Ambassador to maneuvers and exercises within its joint tasks with the Qatari the United Kingdom, Yousef armed forces as part of its operations of combatting terrorism and bin Ali Al Khater. violent extremism. The meeting discussed Turkish troops have been carrying out their missions since their Minister of Public Health, H E Dr Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari, with UK’s Ambassador to bilateral relations and means first arrival in Doha, according to an agreement on defense cooper- Qatar, Ajay Sharma. They discussed aspects of cooperation between the two countries of boosting and developing ation between the two brotherly countries aimed at preserving security in the health sector and ways of enhancing and developing them. them in addition to issues of and combating terrorism and extremism in the region. common concern. Super Mushshak trainer aircraft arrives

QNA fundamental military air training, The MFI-17 Mushshak is in addition to parades and night he Ministry of Defence’s produced by Pakistan flying. The MFI-17 Mushshak is moral guidance direc- Aeronautical Complex produced by Pakistan Aeronau- torate announced the and consists of two tical Complex and consists of two arrival of the first batch or three seats, with a wingspan of the Pakistani primary or three seats, with of 8.85 meters, length 7.15 meters Ttrainer aircraft (Super Mushshak) a wingspan of 8.85 and a maximum speed of 268 in Doha. meters, length 7.15 kilometers per hour. On this occasion, Qatar Armed meters and a maximum After exchanging souvenirs Forces held a launch event in Al speed of 268km per between both sides, the delega- Zaeem Mohammed Bin Abdullah hour. tion toured the facilities of the Al Atiyyah Air College under the college, training rooms, simula- patronage of Chief of Staff H E tion systems and airfields. Major General (Pilot) Ghanim bin The aircrafts which are used for Shaheen Al Ghanim, Major-Gen- stages and its future plans. vertical training will improve the eral (Pilot) Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al Brigadier (Pilot) Salem Qatari and Pakistani officials during the launch event at Al Zaeem Mohammed Bin Abdullah college’s pilot candidates training Malki, Deputy Commander of the Hamad Aqeel Al Nabit, Com- Al Atiyyah Air College, yesterday. and will substitute the Gazelle air- Emiri Air Force and a high-level del- mander of Al Zaeem Mohammed crafts used currently. The purchase egation from the Islamic Republic Bin Abdullah Al Atiyyah Air Col- He added the development have happened if it weren’t for Major General (Pilot) Ghanim bin agreement was signed in June 2016. of Pakistan which included Offic- lege, expressed his pride with the plans pursued by the college are the direct support it receives Shaheen Al Ghanim. Al Zaeem Mohamed Bin Abdullah ers from the Pakistan Air Force, launch event for the arrival of the proceeding according to plan in from the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim The Pakistani Super Mushshak Al Atiyyah Air College is the first mil- several members of the embassy first batch of Super Mushshak line with the development in all bin Hamad Al Thani, the Minis- aircrafts will provide training sup- itary college in the region to receive and the Pakistani military attache. which is considered a unique and sectors of the other armed forces ter of State for Defence Affairs H port to the pilot candidates of the ISO 9001 quality system certifica- During the event, they quality addition to the training sectors. Al Nabit said the col- E Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al college as these turbofan engine tion. The college recently graduated reviewed the college’s training aircraft fleet in the college. lege’s development wouldn’t Attiyah and Chief of Staff H E aircrafts are used in primary and the fourth batch of combat pilots. THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 HOME 03 Siege will not stop development plans: Al Nabit

New York marginalised groups, especially process of development and QNA Qatar is addressing this siege with the power of women, children, people with growth of the State. disabilities and the elderly. The Minister referred to the inister of Develop- truth, logic and means of transparency, along The Minister said Qatar’s pol- preventive approach adopted by ment Planning with the support of its friends in the region icy depends on correlating its Qatar to create conditions and Statistics H E and the world, said Minister of Development national policy with the global enhancing the concepts of coex- Dr Saleh bin Planning and Statistics H E Dr Saleh bin directives related to development istence and the renunciation of Mohammad Al saying, Qatar is keen on ensuring violence and extremism, noting MNabit (pictured) said the unilat- Mohammad Al Nabit at the high-level political that the Sustainable Development Qatar’s hosting to annual dialogue eral measures of imposing illegal forum on sustainable development at the UN Plan becomes an integral part of conferences between different land, sea and air siege on Qatar headquarters in New York. the Second National Develop- cultures. Qatar takes measures will not deviate it from achiev- ment Strategy (2017-2022). within legislative and institutional ing sustainable development, The Minister praised the frameworks necessary to pro- prosperity and growth. Qatar National Vision 2030 which mote the culture of peace. Speaking at the meeting of the development and high levels of culture, morals and ethics that it identifies main economic, social, The Minister said Qatar con- 2017 high-level political forum on well being to its residents. has followed for years, and it Aspiring to achieve sustaina- human and environmental goals, centrates on eradicating sustainable development at the The Minister referred to the reflects its commitment to effec- ble and inclusive development is including eight sectoral strategies corruption, its causes and motives, United Nations (UN) headquar- international indicators and com- tively contribute to international met with many obstacles such as for development in line with the as it hosted in 2015 the 13th United ters in New York, the Minister said parisons that reflect Qatar’s development, the Minister said. eradicating poverty which 2030 Sustainable Development Nations Congress on Crime Pre- after the contrived crisis, Qatar is continuous and steady progress Qatar will host the high-level remains a top priority and a pre- Plan. He presented the achieve- vention and Criminal Justice in addressing this siege with the in all the different economic meeting of Economical and Social requisite to achieve sustainable ments of Qatar in different fields partnership with United Nations power of truth, logic and means development indicators as well (ECOSOC) Forum on Financing development, he added. including social security, health, Office on Drugs and Crime. Qatar of transparency, along with the as the social, human, safety indi- for Development follow-up for In this context, the Minister education, infrastructure, energy, also launched transparency and support of its friends in the region cators and peace in the world. 2018 in November, reflecting reiterated that achieving inclu- environmental protection, global control institutions such as the and the world. Qatar continues to meet its Qatar’s belief in the importance sive and sustainable economic, partnership and cooperation and Administrative Control and Trans- The Minister stressed Qatar’s moral, ethical and religious com- of international development social and environmental devel- the developmental and human- parency Authority. commitment to the UN charter mitments with regards to helping cooperation and the participatory opment also requires mobilising itarian aids. The Minister concluded that and relevant international con- populations in need through responsibility for sustainable the necessary means, strength- The Minister reiterated Qatar’s Qatar will continue to work on ventions in every step it takes, spreading education and employ- development, he said, adding it ening the effective global keenness for its development playing an important and active reiterating that nothing would ment around the world and its also falls in line with Qatar’s com- cooperation and participation, approach to be based on human role in the global partnership for deviate it from the path it chose response for humanitarian emer- mitment to meet the challenges including all of the society’s indi- rights, as it hosts residents of all development and to achieve and set for itself in Qatar National gencies that populations face, he of development financing in a viduals and specifically nationalities who enjoy all the development that balances eco- Vision 2030, represented in added. Such effort represents an spirit of global partnership and concentrating on meeting the basic rights in accordance with the nomic, social and environmental achieving sustainable authentic component of Qatar’s solidarity. needs of the poorest and most constitution, and participate in the dimensions.

Qatar seeks to Hamad Port breaks siege by open new LNG HMC performs markets with opening global direct lines floating terminals advanced QNA London Reuters he Hamad Port, which is spinal surgery Qatar’s main gateway for atar Gas Transport Ttrade with the world, has Company and Norwe- succeeded in breaking the unjust Qgian shipping business The Peninsula would have involved inserting siege imposed on Qatar since Hoegh LNG have embarked two small rods along the June 5 with the opening of five on a joint project to open team of surgeons from patient’s spine and numerous new shipping lines, under the new markets for Qatar to sell Hamad Medical Corpo- subsequent surgical procedures direction of the Ministry of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) Aration (HMC) has every six months to manually Transport and Communications via floating import performed an advanced proce- extend the rods to correct the and in cooperation with a terminals. dure for the first time in Qatar spinal curvature. The introduc- number of Hamad Port partners Hoegh LNG, a developer to correct the abnormal tion of MAGEC rods now such as the Mediterranean Ship- of floating LNG import ter- spinal curvature of a nine-year- eliminates the need for follow- ping Company (MSC), Maersk minals, expects to start work old boy. up surgeries,” he added. Company and Qatar Navigation on the import terminal The young patient suffers The surgical procedure was Company “Milaha”. said Captain project in a matter of months, from severe scoliosis, a condi- performed in Hamad Medical Abdul Aziz al Yafei, Director of A ship from Turkey carrying approximately 4,000 tonnes of CEO Sveinung Stohle said. tion where the spine twists and Corporation’s new surgical Hamad Port. food arrives at Hamad Port in Doha recently. Stohle said Hoegh LNG curves to the side. Caused by a services facility at Hamad Gen- In a statement to QNA, Al and Qatar Gas Transport genetic condition, scoliosis eral Hospital. Yafei said that Hamad Port’s new designing and constructing food shipping companies around the Company, which operates a gradually weakens the muscles Opened in 2016, the facil- lines connect directly to several security facilities and ware- world, especially as Hamad Port large fleet of LNG tankers, are around the spine. ity has significantly expanded ports in the region and beyond houses at Hamad Port at a cost currently accounts for 20 per- evaluating countries in which The surgical team was led HMC’s surgical services capac- such as Sohar and Salalah in the of QR 1.6bn. Phase I of the project cent of the trade in the Middle they could establish a float- by Dr Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, ity and provides a bespoke Sultanate of Oman and the ports will be completed after 26 East. Al Yafei pointed out that the ing terminal, naming South Consultant, Orthopedic Surgery, complex in which expert sur- of Mundra and Nhava Sheva months and consists of special- Hamad Port receives all kinds of America and south-east Asia and included Dr Alaa Zakout, gical teams can treat patients Ports in India and the port of ised facilities for the processing, commercial vessels such as con- as attractive prospects. Associate Consultant, Dr Omar using the most technologically Izmir in Turkey and other ports manufacturing, and refining of tainer ships, car ships, grain and Top LNG producer Qatar Al Noori and Dr Nasser Khan, advanced equipment. served by these international rice, raw sugar, and edible oils. steel carriers and rolling ships, lifted a self-imposed mora- both Spine fellows. The team One such technology used companies from all over the These products will be available including livestock vessels in torium on new production in inserted state-of-the-art in the scoliosis surgical proce- world. Al Yafei pointed out that for local, regional and global use addition to general cargo ships April and this month caught MAGEC growing rods along the dure was an advanced spinal the Qatar Ports Management and will provide food for three of all kinds. rivals off guard by embark- child’s spine to correct the navigation system available Company (MWANI Qatar) million people over two and a It is worth mentioning that ing on plans to boost LNG abnormal alignment. only in the new surgical received in the first half of this half years. Hamad Port was officially output by 30 percent to 100 “The MAGEC rods provide facility. year up to 470,000 tonnes of MWANI Qatar, as the oper- opened in December 2016. It is million tonnes a year. a highly advanced treatment “The navigation system general cargo and about 407,000 ator of Hamad Port, is working the vital nerve of Qatar’s trade “The whole strategy technology for correcting spi- enables our surgeons to track heads of livestock, in addition to on a strategic plan to provide a with the world, the largest of its behind this agreement is to nal deformities in paediatric the location of surgical instru- 449,000 tonnes of Gabbro and stable supply chain platform for kind in the Middle East, and has find new markets for Qatari patients. The key benefit of ments throughout a procedure building materials. the local market and the Qatari the capacity to accommodate the LNG,” Stohle said. using the MAGEC rods, rather more precisely than ever Al Yafei added that the economy over the long term, Al largest vessels of all types and The country’s LNG pro- than traditional growing rods, before. The system provides MWANI Qatar is currently work- Yafei said. vessels of various sizes and ducers Qatargas and Rasgas is that we can extend the length highly-advanced images of the ing to expand the direct maritime In order to ensure that the weights. The port consists of sev- are not directly involved in of the rods when required via areas surrounding the spine lines and connect Hamad Port to growing needs of the local mar- eral terminals with a different the deal. The terminals, which remote control in a straightfor- and offers a very detailed view other ports around the world, ket are met on the one hand, and capacity, including a general are also known as floating ward, pain-free process, of the nerves and tissues in which will contribute to the pro- to strengthen status of Hamad cargo and a grain terminal, a car storage and regasification without the need for further relation to the instruments. The vision of stocks of materials and Port as a vital commercial cen- receiving station, a cattle station, units, are useful for develop- surgical procedures,” said Dr Al result of the navigation system commodities, especially after the tre in the region on the other a coastal security ship station and ing countries seeking access Kuwari. is a safer and more precise sur- New Port Project (NPP) Steering hand, the company seeks to build a marine support and support to cheap gas on tight “Prior to this recent proce- gical procedure,” said Dr Al Committee signed a contract for strong partnerships with all station. budgets. dure, standard treatment plans Kuwari. Qatar Airways increases frequency to Moscow

The Peninsula business and leisure travellers. in travelling seamlessly through time when Qatar Airways is The additional frequency will be our Doha Hub, Hamad Interna- expediting its expansion plans in atar Airways is pleased to served by an Airbus A320 tional Airport, to any of our Eastern Europe, with service to announce that it has added aircraft. destinations across our growing Skopje, Republic of Macedonia; Qadditional flights to its Qatar Airways Group Chief network, while travellers from and Prague, Czech Republic set Moscow route, bringing the total Executive Akbar Al Baker said: all over the world will now have to commence by the end of frequency to 21 flights per week “In celebration of going to Mos- the opportunity to taste the August. between Doha and the Russian cow together for 14 years, and as delights of the Russian capital, The additional frequency will capital. part of Qatar Airways’ ongoing as well as experience our be served by an Airbus A320 air- Commencing 2 August, the efforts to expand our presence renowned world-class craft, featuring 12 seats in award-winning airline will intro- in Eastern Europe, we are very service.” Business Class and 132 seats in duce an extra daily flight on the pleased to offer an additional The airline first began flying Economy Class. The aircraft A panoramic view of Moscow. Doha-Moscow route to meet frequency to this iconic city. Pas- to the Russian capital in 2003. offers seatback television screens growing demand to Moscow, a sengers from the Russian capital The launch of the additional fre- providing all passengers with the board entertainment system, more than 3,000 entertainment destination popular with both will have even more flexibility quency to Moscow comes at a next-generation, interactive on Oryx One, featuring a choice of options. 04 HOME THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 Free summer President of Peru’s Congress meets Qatar’s envoy HMC set to host global consultants course for Holy QNA he Ministry of Public Health has announced that Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) will Thost consultants with expertise in many fields including surgery and rehabilitation. Quran launched A press release from HMC said that increas- ing the support of the programme of visiting consultants and specialists to the corporation dur- Sanaullah Ataullah ing the summer comes to facilitate citizens and The Peninsula The move is aimed at spare them the costs and hardship of travel abroad in the current circumstances. Minister of Public he Ministry of Awqaf providing opportunity Health, H E Dr Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari said and Islamic Affairs to the students to that these measures are in line with the statement has launched a utilise their free time issued by the Council of Ministers issued on June month-long summer to learn Holy Quran. 5, which said the state is taking all measures to course for learning confront this crisis. Tand memorising Holy Quran for Last week, rehabilitation consultants from Wel- Qatari and expatriate students lington Hospital in the UK arrived here and at 30 centres across the coun- Holy Quran and revise what President of the Congress of the Republic of Peru, Luz Salgado, with conducted visits to patients at the Qatar Rehabili- try. The move is aimed at they had already memorised. Acting Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Peru, tation Center. Meanwhile, HMC will host Dr Antonio providing opportunity to the Parents hailed the move of Khalifa bin Thani Al Zarraa. Talks dealt with enhancing the prospects Torres, a senior consultant in obesity diseases from students to utilise their free the ministry and said that it of cooperation in addition to matters of common concern. Spain and Dr Helmuth Bailey, consultant in bari- time to learn Holy Quran. would help them to make their atric surgery from the United States. “The courses are free of cost children busy and divert their for Qatari and expatriate stu- attentions from electronic dents and the Ministry will also devices. “I was looking for such provide free transport to the courses to keep my children students,” an official from the away from electronic devices Katara, Al Shabhana Association sign MoU Ministry told The Peninsula. at least for a few hours,” said “The courses will help stu- Umm Ayman, a mother of four dents memorise the Holy children hailing from Pakistan. The Peninsula while highlighting the impor- Quran, improve their reading “We used to travel to our home tance of biodiversity, the performance, increase their country in summer vacation but he Cultural Village Foun- cultivation and desert trees, educational skills, and enhance for some reason we will stay in dation Katara yesterday especially the black tree, which their values and good morals,” Qatar this year,” she added. Tsigned a Memorandum of is a renowned regional plant that said the official. The course will be held in Understanding (MoU) with Al- is planted in different places in The course will start on July 30 of the Ministry’s Quran Cen- Shabhana Association. the deserts of Qatar, and is char- 23 and will end on August 24. tres, which have been chosen The MoU was signed by acterised by its unique shape, The registration has been going according to geographical dis- Katara General, Manager Dr strength, stability and the abil- on for last few days and today tribution, population density Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and ity to exist in different is the last day. and the ability to accommodate the Co-Founder of Al Shabhana environmental conditions.” Candidates can approach to the largest number of students Association, Abdullah Khalid Al Al Khater, said:“This collabo- centres operating at their during the summer. Khater, at a press conference ration comes to achieve a set of respective localities for regis- They are Hafs Al Kufi Center held at Katara’s Amphitheatre goals, which includes proclaim- tration between 8am and 11am. in Al Dafna, Khalaf Al Bazar yesterday. “This partnership is ing the black tree to be the They can also contact on Center in Al Dakhira, Al Tirmi- sought to enhance the cultural national tree of Qatar and pro- 44573847 or 44573715 for any dhi Center in Al Shamal City, scene, the environmental sec- mote planting it in different places inquiry related to the registra- Abu Hanifa Center in Old Air- tor, and to promote knowledge within the country. This type of tion or courses. port Area, Hisham Bin Al on planting and the environ- tree is chosen to symbolise Qatar Katara General Manager, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti Under the course, the can- Mughira Center in Al Naeja Area, ment,” said Dr Al Sulaiti. as it entails elements that repre- (right), and the Co-Founder of Al Shabhana Association, didates can participate in Jafar Bin Abi Talib Center in Ben He added: “Katara is keen to sent the Qatari citizens and the Abdullah Khalid AlKhater, at the signing event. memorising some verses of Mahmoud Area among others. promote environmental aspects current condition of Qatar.” Ashghal to close entry and exit of Al Wajbah Street Inspection campaigns The Peninsula today, and will be in place until Wajbah Street and double lane the first week of October. capacity on Al Hamd Street from find 27 he Public Works Authority, As shown on the attached two to four lanes in each direc- ‘Ashghal’, will close the map, access to and from Al tion. In parallel, the existing violations Tentry and exit of Al Wajbah Rayyan Al Jadeed Street from Al drainage systems will also be Street at Al Wajbah Junction, con- Wajbah Street will be diverted via improved. necting to Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Al Hamd Street and Al Shafi ‘Ashghal’ advises that there QNA Street, to enable the completion Street. will be no reduction in the of road and utility upgrade works Upgrade works include the number of lanes on the Al Rayyan he inspection campaigns on Al Wajbah and Al Hamd Street. installation of a new signalised Al Jadeed Street and requests all carried out by the Minis- The proposed road closure junction to control traffic flow road users to abide by the speed Ttry of Economy and has been designed in coordina- between Al Wajbah Street and Al limit, which is 50 kph, and follow Commerce on commercial tion with the General Directorate Rayyan Al Jadeed Street, road newly implemented traffic road complexes resulted in the of Traffic. It will commence paving works to upgrade Al signs to ensure their safety. detection of 27 violations, var- ying from non-announcement of prices, lack of advertising in Arabic, to the announcement of unauthorised offers. Farewell held for Indian Embassy official A statement said that fines imposed on one violation A reputed media company The Peninsula ranged between QR5,000 and QR6,000, for violating the pro- in Qatar is looking for ndian Business & visions of Law No. (8) of 2008 Professional on consumer protection and Business & Local Reporters ICouncil (IBPC) the ministerial decision No. (5) of apex body of the 1984 regarding sale through (Full/Part-Time) Indian business & public sales. professionals in These inspections are car- Should have at least 5 years experience. Qatar, working ried out by the Ministry of Bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass under the aegis of Economy and Commerce in the Indian Embassy, the framework of its keenness communication or a related field. organised a farewell to monitor the markets and GCC and/or MENA experience would be an event for Mr. Dinesh commercial activities in the advantage. Udenia, First Secre- country and to ascertain the Bilingual preferred (Arabic/English). tary at the Indian extent to which suppliers NOC (full-time only) . Embassy, Doha and (shops) comply with their obli- the Coordinating P Kumaran, the Ambassador of India to Qatar, addressing the event. gations under the laws and Officer of IBPC regulations governing the con- Job duties and responsibilities include: recently at the reminisced their association with Udenia in duct of commercial activities. Covering assignments and developing own ideas Crowne Plaza Hotel, Qatar. their felicitation speech. Speaking at the fare- The Ministry stressed the into relevant news content. The chief guest at the event was P. Kuma- well ceremony, Ambassador Kumaran said, necessity of initiating without Following prescribed editorial style and format. ran, the Ambassador of India to Qatar and the “The Embassy is going to miss the services of delay the adoption of designs Stays attuned to local, regional and state issues patron of all the apex bodies of Indian commu- one of its finest officers, however, I wish Ude- and models of the mark in all nity. The presidents of Indian apex associations nia all the best in his next assignments”. He also the advertisements of sales and and their effects on local communities. — ICC, ICBF and ISC, members of IBPC, prom- added that the Embassy through its officers, promotions, and placing them Attending community events and local and inent community leaders, Indian Embassy have always made their best efforts to enrich on the invoices delivered to regional meetings as assigned. officials and guests, attended the event. the excellent bilateral relationship between customers, adding that this KM Varghese, President of IBPC, while wel- India and Qatar.” indicates that the shop has a Eligible candidates can send their CVs to coming the Ambassador and the distinguished Dinesh Udenia in his remarks highlighted licence to offer discounts from [email protected] guests, thanked Dinesh Udenia for his associa- his pleasant experience during his tenure in the competent authorities, and tion with IBPC as the Coordinating Officer, and Qatar especially his association with IBPC. He that these offers and discounts Kindly mention the jobs applied for. the key role he played during his tenure by guid- expressed his satisfaction in the role he was were in accordance with the ing and advising the Managing Committee on able to play in the advancement of business legislation in force and con- important matters and crucial decisions. between Qatar and India and the development forming to all the standards The presidents of apex bodies also of the IBPC to a broad based organisation. and legal measures. THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 HOME 05 Ministry urges parents to track kids’ online activities

Irfan Bukhari the Internet offers surveys can be used in unauthor- youth report being exposed to The Peninsula To help parents remarkable bene- ised ways. inappropriate content while 42% fits to adults and Cyberbullying — intimidat- reported receiving friend requests he Ministry of Transport and teachers children who can ing, frightening, or threatening from unknown people,” the Min- and Communications keep children safe use online texts or emails sent to children — istry said in a post titled “Online has advised parents to online, the MOTC resources to boost seems to be increasing. And Social Networking Risks”. keep an eye on their had also launched school perform- countless easily accessed web- To protect residents from kids’ increased online ance, expand sites and chat rooms are filled possible cyber threats particularly Tactivities during summer vaca- safespace.qa, learning, become with detailed information on “digital identity theft” cases, the tions to protect them from a website filled familiar with other extreme, vulgar, bigoted, and vio- Ministry of Transport and Com- potential accidents and other with valuable cultures, and main- lent activities,” it adds. munication’s campaign untoward incidents. information and tain a network of Protecting children, the arti- #secure4safety is a laudable effort To help parents and teachers acquaintances cle says, on the Internet is both to create awareness among peo- keep children safe online, the resources on cyber around the world. an individual and a community ple to avoid cyber threats. MOTC had also launched safety. “But for all the responsibility. Everyone who A few months back, Lieuten- safespace.qa, a website filled with opportunities on cares about young people must ant-Colonel Ali Hassan Al Kubaisi, valuable information and the Internet to help play a role in keeping them safe Head of Economic Crimes Com- resources on cyber safety. using Internet in Qatar, the Min- participation in online commu- children soar, per- — parents, teachers, family, and bating Section at the Criminal “Summer vacation could istry says that 85 percent of our nities and show interest in their sonally and scholastically, online friends. Investigation Department (CID) mean plenty of extra time online children aged 9-18 use the Inter- friends. “Also, try to react con- dangers abound. Strangers, pre- Under its ongoing #secure- of the Ministry of Interior, had for your children! Teach them to net. “Parents must teach their structively when they encounter tending to be someone else can 4safety campaign, the Ministry of also said that the modes of cyber- become good digital citizens,” the children more about online risks inappropriate material and make communicate with children. Transport and Communications crimes were constantly changing Ministry advised parents in a post to help them stay safe.” it a teachable moment,” the Min- Unsolicited email — spam — has recently revealed in another with the advancement of tech- shared on its social media page The Ministry has also advised istry has advised in another post. about websites with sexually post shared on its Facebook nology and cyber-criminals were under the Ministry’s #secure- parents to pay attention to the An article on the Ministry’s explicit material can arrive in account that fewer than 10% altering the shape of their crimes. 4safety campaign. online environments their chil- website titled “Protecting Qatar’s email inboxes. Requests for per- youth in Qatar have reported He had said that fraud and black- Sharing the data of children dren use, appreciate their children in cyberspace”, says that sonal information for contests or being bullied online. “18 percent mail were considered the most Souq Waqif date festival to offer cheaper dates

Sidi Mohamed farms are participating in it and dates are 902, the Ministry said The Peninsula the prices will be competitive on its official Twitter account. offering opportunity to visitors The Ministry is keen to he Ministry of Municipal- to buy dates at cheaper rate,” develop agricultural sector ity and Environment will source at the ministry told The which include palm trees and Tlaunch a ten-day festival of Peninsula.“Also seeds will be also to support farmers so that fresh dates at Souq Waqif on July available at a discounted price local dates can compete with 27 that will showcase dates at to help them to plant palm trees,” international dates. cheaper rates to visitors. he added. The organising committee Among the most important The event will be organised has specified norms for partici- varieties of fresh dates that will by Agricultural Affaris Depart- pating farms. A team from be available in the festival are ment at the Ministry in Agricultural Affairs Department Khalas, Khanizi, Barhi, and collaboration with Souq Waqif has sent a sample of dates to Shishi. management. ministry of public health labora- About 57 local date palm Last year the total produc- tory to ensure that these fresh farms will offer a variety of fresh tion of dates was around 28,877 dates are safe from diseases . dates at the festival. This festival tonnes, which was able to meet The Agricultural Affairs is being organised to support and 81 percent of local demand. The Department and the Agricultural encourage local products and to remaining is imported from Research Department, in addi- A ripe palm tree seen in Qatar. achieve food security. Oman and other countries. tion to Mahaseel Company and “This festival will be differ- There are 1,307 registered Qatfa Company are participat- people about the varieties of the local products of palm dates. information related to services ent compared to previous edition farms in the country, out of ing in this festival. dates and encourage people to During the festival, the Min- which the Mnistry provides in because more local date palm which ‘active’ farms producing The festival aims to know invest in this sector to increase istry will provide visitors all this regard. Vodafone Qatar 2G & 3G network restored Fake news used for

QNA release yesterday. and extended to the network We also want to assure custom- Vodafone Qatar experienced back-up and redundancy ers that the whole Vodafone launching blockade odafone Qatar has now a major network outage with systems. organisation is committed to recovered the company’s their Home Location Register Ian Gray, CEO, Vodafone regaining their trust and → Continued from page 1 another fake news story a week Vnetwork on 2G voice and (HLR), a key hardware compo- Qatar said, “The network out- satisfaction.” The Washington Post after the May hack. In this case, 3G voice calls to Vodafone num- nent of their core network. age is extremely disappointing Once full service has been reported that the US had over- there were reports that the Qatari bers, international calls and data Home Location Register failure and unprecedented. Our team is restored, Vodafone Qatar will heard UAE officials discussing the government had paid a ransom, capability. directly impacts the ability to working around the clock to address the issue of recognising plan on May 23. The next day, H perhaps as much as $1bn, to Al Vodafone is continuing to make and receive calls and data resolve the issue. We apologise the customer inconvenience that H the Emir’s purported remarks Qaeda-linked terrorists and an work towards full restoration of sessions. to all customers who have been has arisen as a consequence of spread via social media after the Iranian-linked militia in April to all services as soon as possible, The equipment failure took affected by this incident and this event through an appropri- hacking of QNA’s website, lead- gain the release of a group of roy- the company’s said in a press place during a network upgrade thank them for their patience. ate means of compensation. ing the UAE and three other als who had been kidnapped on countries to break relations with a hunting trip to southern Iraq in Qatar, and then block air, truck late 2015. and ship traffic to the country. The purported ransom, The siege has now been in place according to regional news Obstacles against Qatari for more than a month. media, was highlighted as Qatar Social to open NBC News quoted Qatari another example of how Qatar officials as saying that the Qatari was supporting and financing doors to influencers citizens for Haj pilgrimage government sent notices to all terrorism. The media cited “mil- regional broadcasters and media itant groups” and “government and top personalities outlets within 45 minutes saying officials in the region” as sources that the news agency’s site had for the ransom tale. At least one → Continued from page 1 groups. “There was great interest and been hacked. “These corrections major international publication The Peninsula Ali bin Sumaikh Al Marri also said positive responses in the Western cap- were promptly acknowledged picked up the story. that the Saudi government was putting itals we visited,” he said. everywhere except the UAE and According to three US intel- he Qatar Social, hosted by ILoveQatar. obstacles against Qatari citizens who He said his organisations would be Saudi Arabia, where media out- ligence officials, the ransom story net, is set to host a number of exciting wished to perform the annual Haj pil- taking legal action against the blockad- lets continued to cite the fake is simply not true. In the words Tactivities, including panel discussions grimage this year despite its statement ing countries on behalf of citizens who quotes.” “The fake quotes and of one, “Hardly anything about featuring distinguished international speak- to the contrary. filed official complaints seeking finan- tweets were then used as a pre- the Qatari (ransom) story in the ers, presentations from local startups, and “The Saudi government is inciting cial and economic redress. text for the launching of an news media is correct.” much more. The special event will be a gath- its citizens against Qataris. The govern- The NHRC estimated that 8,254 economic, political and social Two other US officials told ering of content creators, influencers, ment of Saudi Arabia should have a clear Saudi, 784 Emirati, and 2,349 Bahraini blockade of Qatar on June 5, and NBC News that they would “steer bloggers, vloggers, YouTubers, Twitterati, and open stance with regards to permit- citizens lived in Qatar. the contents of the fabricated you away” from the idea that Al Instagrammers, and Snapchatters. ting Qataris to perform the Haj in Mecca All of them were forced to leave their quotes provided the source Qaeda received any money. The aim of the event is to put ‘social’ back this year without any hindrance,” he jobs or face punishment and legal con- material for the 13 ‘non-negoti- Instead, the ransom was given to in social media and to encourage local con- said. sequences by their governments, he said. able’ demands that were lodged the Iraqi government, which had tent creators, influencers, and personalities Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and While Qatar has not asked Saudi, against Qatar on June 23.” secured the captives’ release. The in Qatar to create, collaborate, and Egypt, along with several other coun- Emirati or Bahraini citizens to leave The Qatari officials also said Iraqis kept the money instead of connect. tries, severed ties with Qatar in June, Doha, the three countries demanded that prior to the hack, Qatar had giving it to the kidnappers, A super exciting programme has been claiming that Doha was funding banned Qatari nationals leave as they announced received little coverage in the US. according to one of the officials. lined up, which will include a comedy act armed groups. Qatar strongly rejects a series of punishing measures. “That changed in late April when None of the three officials were from Hamad Al Amari that’s bound to make these charges. Ali bin Sumaikh Al Marri, however, a series of 13 anti-Qatar op-eds willing to portray the fake ran- you ‘laugh out loud,’ and panel discussions Ali bin Sumaikh also outlined his urged the Qatari government to work appeared over a six-week period som story as the work of the UAE with local and international content crea- international efforts to explain the on securing adequate compensation in a variety of mainstream and or any of the other countries tors, media organizations, and other guest humanitarian impact of the blockade to from the blockading countries for Qatari on-line print publications.” besieging Qatar, but didn’t dis- speakers. The event takes place tomorrow. various UN, European and American citizens who have paid a high social and Separately, NBC News has pute it could be part of a broader parliamentarian and human rights economic cost. found, Qatar was the target of effort to discredit the country. 06 HOME THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017

New crescent of NU-Q students present theses at home campus Hijric month to be born on Sunday The Peninsula education offered on our cam- deregulation/liberalization of the operate in Pakistan, since I fellow student researchers Aisha puses in Doha and Evanston.” media in 2002. His work wasn’t aware of back-end oper- Al Qadi and Sara Al Ansari, and The Peninsula tudents from North- “This annual event is an received the Best Panel Presen- ations such as media ownership, is being led by NU-Q Professor western University in opportunity for our students to tation for Global Challenges and news gathering, professional Anto Mohsin. ccording to Qatar Cal- Qatar (NU-Q) recently showcase their findings with the Connections, and he was background of news anchors, The annual expo on the endar House (QCH), presented their research community in Evanston, and to awarded the third best research and so forth,” said Asrar. home campus serves as a plat- Athe new crescent of the theses at the 14th showcase the outstanding presentation overall. Jemina Legaspi’s presenta- form for the global Northwestern Hijric month “Dhul-Qa’da Sannual Undergraduate Research research being done by our stu- Asrar was mentored by tion, “Different Perceptions of community to present their 1438 H” will be born on Sun- and Arts Exposition at North- dents in Doha,” said Everette E. NU-Q Professor Joe Khalil, who Audiences, Organizers, and Sci- research projects, whether they day 29 Shawwal at 12:47pm western’s home campus in the Dennis, Dean and CEO at NU-Q. is a seasoned global media pro- entists in Public Science Majlis are performed on stage, written Doha local time (09:47am United States. Shakeeb Asrar presented on fessional, and expert in TV Forum in Qatar,” explored the in a thesis, or produced in a lab. Universal Time). NU-Q’s dean noted that stu- his project, “Sensationalism in production and programming. question of whether the public Participants at the expo pre- The time set of the new dents on the campus in Qatar Pakistani News Channels: A “It was really interesting to in Qatar has a deficit under- sented their work through poster crescent over Doha sky will “have numerous opportunities Downside of Media Deregula- study what I had been witness- standing of science. and oral presentations in the be after sunset time by 2 min- to be involved in home campus tion?” which investigated the ing in Pakistan for years, and it Her topic is one segment of arts, humanities, social sciences, utes on this day as shown in activities, which reflects the dramatization of news in Paki- was also eye-opening to a larger UREP research project natural sciences, and figure, and the moon will be alignment of research and stan, linking it to the research how news channels she is working on alongside engineering. set after sunset time over the sky of two Holy Mosques (Makah & Medina) and in all Gulf countries by different duration (1 - 4 minutes). Sohni Dharti holds Mango Fest For most Arabic and Islamic countries, the time set of the new Crescent will be The Peninsula installed a signature board bear- Prominent community per- after sunset time by different ing the ‘Tamim Al Majd’ mural sonalities representing Dukhan, time durations, where the n what was termed by an at Mango Festival at Sports Hall Umm Saeed, Al Wakrah, and time duration will be 16 min- event for mango lovers to area. Sohni Dharti Mango Fes- Doha participated in the event. utes in Cape Town -South remember forever, Sohni tival visitors participated to Adeel Akbar, from Pakistan Arts Africa and 13 minutes in Dharti, a Pakistani forum express their support to Emir Society, appreciated the efforts Nouakchott - Mauritania. of Al Khor Community, and the nation. of Sohni Dharti Executive Com- The new Crescent on this Iorganised the seventh ‘Mango The festival was organised mittee. Furqan Paracha, night will be not possible to Festival’, which saw the partic- by Sohni Dharti in cooperation community leader of Umm observe over most of Arabic ipation of over 5000 people. with Mian Akif Riaz, an importer Saeed, praised the efforts of and Islamic countries sky. More than 18 tonnes of Paki- of Pakistani seasonal fruits and Sohni Dharti, Al Khor towards Consequently, and stani mangoes were sold in the vegetables to Qatar. promoting Pakistani agro pro- according to unification of the festival on July 14 from 3pm to “The weeks towards mid- duce every year and assured the new Crescent between all 10pm. It turned into a family July bring the best quality organisers all help and support Arabic and Islamic countries, day with a couple of restaurants mangoes, including Chaunsa, from Pakistani community. the month of Shawwal 1438 offering traditional Pakistani Anwar Ritol, Langra and Sohni Dharti Chairman Rana H will be end on Sunday July The winners of Nando’s Griller’s Challenge. dishes. Dusaire,” said Riaz. Anwar Ali thanked the Qatar 23, 2017 G, and the first of In a show of support and He arranged most liked Government and the Al Khor Dhul-Qa’da month 1438 H solidarity with Emir H H Sheikh varieties for the event to serve Community management for will be on Monday July 24, Griller’s Challenge winners Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and such a huge community of their cooperation and support 2017 G, according to astro- in Qatar to compete in SA the people of Qatar, Sohni Dharti visitors. to the annual event. nomical calculations.

The Peninsula where they will represent Qatar among finalists from other Banana Island Resort Doha gives unique offers ando’s, the South Afri- Nando’s markets worldwide to can casual dining compete at the Master Grillers Nrestaurant chain, famous Challenge in October. The Peninsula for flame-grilled PERi-PERi The Grillers Challenge is chicken, will be flying its 2017 held annually, as a reminder to ith the hottest months of summer ahead Griller’s Challenge winners to both employees and fans that of us, Banana Island Resort Doha by South Africa, to represent Qatar Nando’s is not only about the WAnantara is offering its guests the per- at the Master Griller’s Chal- chicken, but also about the peo- fect opportunity to take advantage of the season’s lenge. The competition held ple that make it. Nando’s sunshine during the week. locally oversaw twenty-three believes in familial work envi- Start planning your staycation from now until competitors from the eight ronments, and strives to August 27 where the resort invites all its clients Nando’s branches in Qatar. continuously provide fun to enjoy the summer with its exclusive Week- The final challenge was opportunities where staff mem- day Summer Room offer. held at the Doha Rugby Club, bers can grow. The Griller’s In addition, of course, to enjoying all the where the Nando’s grillers bat- Challenge motivates and resort’s world-class amenities, recreational facil- tled out their skills and encourages staff to compete in ities and sports activities, the offer gives guests presented their juicy flame- the spirit of pride, passion, a 20% discount on a 2-night stay or 30% dis- grilled PERi-PERi chicken to a integrity and family. The chal- count on a 3-night stay during the week. panel of three judges. Coming lenge also provides the Nando’s Guests will also be eligible for 15% all the in 1st place was Mithun Ishan employees with opportunities resort’s restaurants and cafés, 15% off treatments Maharalalage, from Nando’s to discover the world. The first at the spa and a complimentary game of Hyatt Plaza branch, and 2nd Grillers Challenge took place in bowling. place was Walter Palacpac from 2012, and every year Nando’s For more information on this amazing sea- Financial Square branch, and Qatar rewards its top two grill- sonal offer, please contact Banana Island Resort have been awarded a 5-day trip ers with a chance to compete Doha by Anantara directly. Offer is valid for to Johannesburg, South Africa, in the Challenge. Rooms and Suites only. A view of Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. GU-Q students return from study trip to Japan A leading media company in Qatar is looking for The Peninsula with nuclear researcher and GU-Q faculty member Dr Kai- ifteen Georgetown Univer- Henrik Barth. Sub-Editor sity in Qatar (GU-Q) “I’ve been teaching interna- Fstudents recently returned tional politics for 20 years, and from a 10 day trip to Japan to I always noticed that students Excellent in English grammar and punctuation. study the causes, legacy, and don’t have a clear understand- Minimum 3 years experience in subbing memorialisation of the atomic ing of nuclear weapons,” said newspapers or magazines. bombing of Nagasaki and Hiro- Barth, senior assistant dean for shima by the United States faculty affairs and research Ability to write compelling headlines, captions. forces during World War II. administration at GU-Q. “They The group of students were talk about nuclear weapons as there as part of GU-Q’s unique if they would be abstract enti- Prepare to work in flexible hours. Zones of Conflict, Zones of ties pushed around on a chess Peace Program, which takes board. What gets lost in this is students to sites of ethnic, polit- that nuclear weapons have Expert knowledge of InDesign. GU-Q students during their trip in Japan. ical, social, and religious massive destructive effects that Ability to work quickly and accurately under conflict. It aims to provide par- kill humans in horrific ways, opportunity to travel some- is peace. It happened in Hiro- ticipants with a greater and we shouldn’t forget about where with the university and shima, it happened in Nagasaki, pressure. understanding of the cause of that,” he added. gain experience from the pro- but it can never happen again.” the conflict and the complicated The academic course work fessor that was with us… it was Established in 2008, the Ability to grasp a story and rewrite if required. process of reconciliation that covered subjects including the just such a good opportunity. Zones of Conflict, Zones of GCC and/or Mena experience would be an follows in its wake. political situation at the time, We were prepared so intensely Peace program is one of the advantage. Interest in the topic of this how the decision to drop the leading up it, that when we many extracurricular opportu- year’s trip resulted in a highly bombs was made, the devasta- went there we were able to nities available to students at competitive application proc- tion caused by nuclear identify certain themes in the GU-Q. The program has previ- Qualified candidates are invited ess, with over 40 students weapons, and how the conflict way the bombings were pre- ously taken students to to send their CVs to applying for the 15 spots. Those is remembered differently by sented,” said GU-Q student destinations including Rwanda, [email protected] who were selected completed citizens of the US and Japan. Amber Faull-Cryan (SFS ’18), Germany, Poland, Northern Ire- 20 hours of study in the months Once in Japan, they were able explaining how events are land, East Timor, Cambodia, leading up to the trip, which to see the cities they had stud- memorialized differently in the Cyprus, South Africa, Bosnia involved intensive readings, ied for themselves. two cities. “The main message and Herzegovina, Oman, and lectures, and class discussions “To be able to have the you receive from both of them Zanzibar. THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 Turkish premier announces Cabinet reshuffle

Ankara Major reshuffle Anatolia The new Cabinet Prime Minister Binali Prime Minister ive new ministers Yildirim announced joined the Turkish Cab- the changes Binali Yildirim inet yesterday in a following an reshuffle of govern- unscheduled meeting Deputy prime ministers ment posts. with President Recep Bekir Bozdag (former justice minister) FPrime Minister Binali Mehmet Simsek Tayyip Erdogan at Yildirim announced the changes Fikri Isik (former defense minister) the Presidential following an unscheduled meet- Recep Akdag (former health minister) ing with President Recep Tayyip Palace in Ankara. Hakan Cavusoglu Erdogan at the Presidential Pal- Three ministers were ace in Ankara. Three ministers promoted to deputy Other ministers were promoted to deputy prime prime minister Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu minister positions — Justice Min- positions — Justice Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu ister Bekir Bozdag, Defence Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul Minister Bekir Minister Fikri Isik and Health Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci Bozdag, Defence Minister Recep Akdag. Finance Minister Naci Agbal Hakan Cavusoglu, a law- Minister Fikri Isik and Prime Minister of Turkey Binali Yildirim announces Cabinet Health Minister Ahmet Demircan maker from the northwestern Health Minister reshuffle during a press conference following a meeting with National Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli (Ex deputy PM) province of Bursa, was also Recep Akdag. the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, European Union Minister Omer Celik appointed as a deputy prime yesterday. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Berat Albayrak minister without having previ- Livestock Ministry. \ Six existing Family and Social Policies Minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya ously held a Cabinet post while ministers were reappointed, Security Minister Sarieroglu, University law graduate and is a Science, Industry and Technology Minister Faruk Ozlu Mehmet Simsek retained his meaning a total of 11 changes in from Adana province in south- member of the AK Party’s cen- Labor and Social Security Minister Julide Sarieroglu position as one of five deputies the 27-member Cabinet. ern Turkey, was born in 1979. tral executive. Bak, a lawmaker Environment and Urban Planning Minister Mehmet Ozhaseki to Yildirim. The five ministerial The reshuffle followed April’s She studied labour econom- from Istanbul, was born in 1966. Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak newcomers included Julide Sar- constitutional referendum that ics and industrial relations at He studied engineering at Istan- Food & Livestock Minister Ahmet Esref Fakibaba ieroglu, who became labour and allowed Erdogan to resume his Gazi University, Ankara. She has bul Technical University and has Customs and Trade Minister Bulent Tufenkci social security minister and the official ties to the ruling Justice authored several books on a business and industrial engi- Development Minister Lutfi Elvan second female Cabinet and Development (AK) Party. labour relations and was previ- neering masters from Culture and Tourism Minister Numan Kurtulmus member. Erdogan led the AK Party for ously an executive member of Nottingham University in the National Education Minister Ismet Yilmaz Also appointed were Abdul- 13 years from 2001 but had to the AK Party’s women’s branch. U.K. The new youth and sports Forestry and Water Affairs Minister Veysel Eroglu hamit Gul, who was assigned the step aside when he became pres- Cavusoglu, who was born in minister speaks English, German Transport, & Communication Minister Ahmet Arslan Justice Ministry portfolio; Osman ident in August 2014, due to a Greece’s Turkish community in and Persian. Askin Bak, who became youth legal requirement for presidents 1972, studied law at Ankara Uni- Health Minister Ahmet and sports minister; new Health to be politically neutral. versity. He speaks Greek, English Demircan was born in the Black English and Arabic. province in 1951 and served as Minister Ahmet Demircan; and That requirement was and Arabic. Gul, a deputy from Sea province of Samsun in 1954. Fakibaba is another medical mayor of Sanliurfa in southeast Ahmet Esref Fakibaba, appointed removed by April’s vote. the southeastern province of He studied medicine at Ataturk graduate from Ataturk Univer- Turkey for two terms. Fakibaba to the Food, Agriculture and The new Labour and Social Gaziantep, is also an Ankara University, Erzurum, and speaks sity. He was born in Sanliurfa speaks English. Ivory Coast Palestinians urge ICC to speed up ‘war crimes’ probe replaces The Hague investigate Israel, which is not a both the ICC and the Palestinian factions, was clearly “a war ICC. The group said it has taken AFP party to the Rome Statute that Authority to speed up efforts. crime” and the “ICC was com- the action because of “the lack key ministers governs the court, for alleged Lawyers representing 448 petent” to handle it, said Devers, of political will on behalf of the alestinian lawyers and civil war crimes. It has presented the named victims, and more than speaking in English. Palestinian Authority” which it Adidjan society groups yesterday court with a dossier alleging 50 Palestinian trade unions and Chief Prosecutor Fatou Ben- said had not made an official Reuters Purged the International abuses during the 2014 summer organisations, were handing souda had “an obligation” to complaint as a state member of Criminal Court to speed up Gaza war, and for the Israeli over yesterday a thick dossier to move beyond a preliminary the ICC. Devers said the group vory Coast President Alas- inquiries and open a full inves- occupation and settlement of the ICC prosecutor’s office which examination to a full investiga- was also hoping to persuade the sane Ouattara replaced tigation into alleged war crimes Palestinian territories. they said showed “clearly that tion, he told reporters before ICC to open a full investigation Iministers in charge of in Gaza, east Jerusalem and the In January 2015, the tribunal crimes within the jurisdiction of meeting with representatives “as a matter of urgency” into the defence, budget and the inte- West Bank. opened a preliminary examina- the court have been from her office. situation in east Jerusalem. rior yesterday in a reshuffle “Since two years Palestine is tion into alleged abuses by all committed.” The dossier has been drafted Protests and scuffles of key cabinet positions, a under preliminary examination,” sides in the conflict. And an ICC The Gaza conflict, in which by more than 30 lawyers in the between demonstrators and government official said lawyer Gilles Devers, add- delegation visited Israel and the according to UN figures 2,251 Palestinian territories, and it is Israeli police have erupted in announced in a statement. ing “in Gaza, we think two years West Bank in late 2016. Palestinians, including 551 chil- the first time that Palestinian recent days outside the Haram The world’s top cocoa is too long.” But Palestinian activists told dren, were killed in fighting civil groups, including doctors, Al Sharif compound, which producer has endured suc- The Palestinian Authority reporters yesterday the investi- between Israel and Gaza’s Islam- farmers, fishermen and teach- includes the Dome of the Rock cessive waves of army has formally asked the ICC to gation has stalled, calling for ist rulers Hamas and other ers, have appealed directly to the and the Al Aqsa mosque. mutinies this year that have cost it hundreds of millions of dollars in pay-outs to soldiers and tarnished Ivory Coast’s image as a post-war success Morocco sentences 23 story. Hamed Bakayoko, who 30 civilians dead in Syria had been serving as Interior Minister, took over the Beirut over W Sahara killings defence post, according to the AFP statement read to reporters by Patrick Achi, the secretary- t least 30 civilians were Rabat Four others were given general of the presidency, killed yesterday in sepa- AFP lighter sentences but were not before the start to a cabinet Arate bombing raids by the detained as they have already meeting. US-led coalition and pro-regime Moroccan court yester- served their time. The defence warplanes on jihadist-held ter- day sentenced 23 has 10 days to appeal the rul- ritory in Syria, a monitor said. ASahrawis to prison terms ing, along with a decision to Threee Kenyan Fifteen of the victims died ranging from two years to life dismiss claims for damages. in coalition air strikes on a vil- over the killing of 11 members The killings took place on lage near the Islamic State of the Moroccan security forces November 8, 2010 as Moroc- men sentenced group’s stronghold of Raqqa, in contested Western Sahara. can forces moved to dismantle according to the Syrian Observ- The verdict in the case, the Gdim Izik camp where to death atory for Human Rights. which has been closely fol- thousands of Sahrawis were liv- “The strikes this morning hit lowed by human rights ing. Eleven security personnel Nairobi the village of Zur Shammar, campaigners, was delivered at and two Sahrawi civilians were AP about 30kms from Raqqa on the dawn by the Court of Appeals killed in the clashes that fol- southern banks of the Euphra- in Sale near Rabat, the official lowed, which spread to the Kenyan court yester- tes River,” said Observatory news agency MAP reported. nearby city of Laayoune where day sentenced three head Rami Abdel Rahman. Morocco and the Algeria- businesses and public buildings Amen to death for strip- “The victims included three backed Polisario Front were looted and torched. ping and abusing a woman children and four women,” he independence movement have Disarmed, some victims during a wave of attacks by added. accused each other of provok- had their throats cut or their mobs claiming that women The US-led coalition is pro- ing deadly clashes between dead bodies desecrated, were inappropriately dressed. viding air support to Arab and police and Sahrawi protesters according to videos shot by the The three men were Kurdish fighters battling to oust at a camp for displaced people security forces. Morocco says found guilty of robbery with IS from Raqa and the wider in Gdeim Izik in November Western Sahara, a former violence, which carries a province. 2010. Spanish colony mostly control- death sentence. Kenya’s death To the southeast, Syrian In 2013 a military court sen- led by Rabat, is an integral part penalty, by hanging, has not government forces backed by tenced the defendants to jail of the kingdom. been carried out since 1987 their Russian allies are fighting terms ranging from 20 years to The Polisario Front and all such sentences are IS in the oil-rich province of Deir life imprisonment. demands a referendum on self- A girl walks past rubble of damaged buildings at Ain Tarma, commuted to life imprison- Ezzor. Suspected Russian air International rights groups determination for the territory. ment. Most of the series of strikes on Wednesday killed eastern Damascus suburb of Ghouta, Syria, yesterday. condemned that trial as “unfair” Amnesty International and attacks in 2014 were captured another 15 civilians -- mostly and in July the Court of Cassa- Human Rights Watch this week on cell phone video. They children -- in an IS-held village parents and three children.” Observatory -- which relies on tion ordered a civilian court to issued a joint plea for the prompted protests in Kenya in that province, the Observa- More than 330,000 people a network of sources inside examine the case. Moroccan authorities to ensure called #MyDressMyChoice. tory said. have died since Syria’s conflict Syria for its information -- says The court issued its verdict the verdict in the trial was not The victim said the three The dead were two families, erupted in 2011 with anti-gov- it determines what planes car- after 14 hours of deliberations, based on confessions or state- men tried to abuse her but Abdel Rahman said, “a man, his ernment protests that have ried out raids according to their issuing sentences against 19 ments “obtained under torture stopped when she said she two wives, and their seven chil- evolved into a complex proxy type, location, flight patterns defendants ranging from 20 or other ill-treatment during was HIV-positive. dren, and a second family of two war. The Britain-based and the munitions involved. years to life. police interrogations”. 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL Save South Sudan outh Sudan continues to sink deeper into chaos despite all efforts to bring peace to the country. The world’s newest nation came into existence six years ago on huge hopes for a better future for its impoverished people who were fighting Sfor years for independence. Those hopes were built on an economic foundation - the fact that the country has Gulf crisis has created new abundant oil reserves to rise to prosperity, something which not many countries in this world are blessed with. But the country soon descended into a civil war as fighting broke out between the two dominant ethnic opportunities for Qatar groups, the Dinka and Nuer, led by the country’s two powerful leaders. Riek Machar’s dismissal as vice- president and his rivalry with President Salva Kiir triggered the civil war in 2013, two years after South Sudan became independent from Khartoum. Salem bin Mubarak Al Shafi As fighting intensified, President Salva Kiir was forced to declare a three-month state of emergency in his home state, where clashes have raged for months. Reports said that yesterday, patients and doctors at a clinic in the town of Maiwut were forced to flee after rom the beginning of the Gulf crisis, being caught up in an army offensive closing in on the Turkey has played a balanced, trans- nearby opposition-stronghold Pagak. Also alliances are parent and positive role based on its shifting with some leaders switching sides, but one thing strategic agreements signed with is clear: there is no end in sight to a war that has was Qatar. It also strongly supported FKuwait’s role as a mediator and has asked the started in 2013, and the international community is doing little to help this war-torn nation get back on its siege countries to resolve the crisis through dia- feet. logue and negotiations. In this regard, I think that the visit of The fighting in South has Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to killed tens of thousands of the Gulf is very important and necessary and people and uprooted about comes in line with the official Turkish posi- four million, which is a third tion which I have mentioned earlier. The South Sudan of the population. In addition region cannot bear a new crisis especially in continues to sink to the main rivalries between view of an accumulation of challenges due to the Dinka and Neur, the war deeper into chaos the collapse of a number of regional countries is complicated by the and the spread of terrorism and extremism. despite all efforts presence of more than 40 These challenges are too big for a specific to bring peace to militia groups. Kiir, who is country to solve and they demand a collective the country. president, has an upper hand effort and this is what made Turkey keen to in the conflict and seems see a resolution of the crisis. intent on splitting Machar’s We hope that the siege countries will movement. make use of the international and regional There have been attempts efforts and support the role of Kuwait as a stressed, “we cannot accept anything from their moves. by countries like Ethiopia mediator to solve the crisis in a respectful and contrary to our sovereignty, and cannot Qatar until now has not replied to and Uganda to reconcile differences between Kiir and responsible way instead of resorting to illegal accept imposition of guardianship on these punitive measures which were Machar but they haven’t succeeded. What’s surprising is and unjustified escalation which will ulti- our decisions.” So anything that can be imposed on it and that decision was a lack of attempts by the international community, mately fail. counted as an intervention in our inter- taken to make the initiatives to solve especially the US, to solve the problem. The foreign We have to deal with the crisis quietly and nal affairs will be rejected. the crisis fruitful and it is a grave mis- policy paralysis in Washington has its repercussions in with prudence as we have a number of The list of demands that they have take of siege countries to derive some South Sudan too. choices to do so but harming others is not our released is not reasonable and the other meaning from our restraint. Also, as if a man-made war isn’t enough, a natural goal and that is why we are keen to see suc- international community too thinks so. The crisis was a challenge for us, disaster is knocking on the door of South Sudan. cess of all initiatives in this regard. Some of the demands are just allega- without any doubt, but it also created According to a UN official, an armyworm, a crop-eating Always, we appreciate Turkey’s keenness tions and not true and the siege big opportunities which were not exist- caterpillar, that has ravaged fields across Africa is to talk to Saudi Arabia asking it to solve the countries did not provide any evidence ing before. Among these opportunities expected to aggravate hunger in famine-threatened dispute. On the other hand, there are some either to us or other countries in this include increasing the level of political, South Sudan. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation who have an interest in disrupting Turkey’s regard. economic and military cooperation (FAO) said that outbreaks have been reported in message and role as they want to escalate and Some of the demands are against with a number of friendly countries. southern Equatoria, a key farming region near the prolong the crisis. our sovereignty and amount to interfer- Before the crisis we were discussing border with Uganda, as well as in areas From US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s ence in our internal affairs and with Turkey to increase the size of trade of the Northern Bahr el Gazal and Jonglei states. The efforts to solve the crisis, I am sure he knows contradict all local and international exchange and economic investment armyworm invasion could worsen food shortages in a the dangers of the crisis if it takes a long time. laws. The procedures that the siege and the crisis has accelerated this. country where more than half the population doesn’t He wants at first to find a ground to negotiate countries have imposed violate all Qatar was the first country to con- and find an exit for the countries which cre- international laws, and we are sure that demn the coup attempt in Turkey on have enough to eat because of the ongoing civil war. ated the crisis, and this position finally helps later they will retreat July 15 last year, when the Emir H H the Kuwaiti role and all who support the reso- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani lution of the crisis through dialogue. called his brother Turkish President His departure without giving a statement Recep Tayyip Erdogan. after the Gulf visit was meant to give a chance This year, the Minister of Foreign to siege countries to think about his proposals Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin QUOTE OF THE DAY because these countries are going to close the Abdulrahman Al Thani has expressed road and that will cause a big problem to the Qatar’s solidarity with Turkey and con- US in the region. gratulated them on the first anniversary It is clear that American departments like We hope that the siege of the failed coup and the victory of the The UK’s negotiating the Foreign Ministry and Defence institutions Turkish people. position is as good as it are not satisfied with the crisis and this fact is countries will make use And what is important in this regard of the international and was, precisely because without any doubt as you recently read about is learning lessons from this experience. the CIA official leaks which indicate that the regional efforts and A government which serves its people this is not just about UAE was behind the hacking of Qatar News support the role of Kuwait and meets their dreams and ambitions the UK’s position, it’s Agency and created the crisis through that doesn’t need arms to protect itself conspiracy. as a mediator to solve the because people will stand with their about the interests of The siege countries depend on personal crisis in a respectful and government and defend it. the EU as well. relations and individuals which will not bene- responsible way instead This article is based on an interview fit them, and finally they will retract from of resorting to illegal and their demands and so it’s better to take this of Salem bin Mubarak Al Shafi with Al unjustified escalation Arab newspaper. Theresa May step now rather than later. The writer is Qatar’s Ambassador to British Prime Minister As Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh which will ultimately fail. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has Turkey. THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 OPINION 09 When will Daesh II emerge?

importance of American intervention Hussain Abdul Hussain to stop a possible downfall of Baghdad Anatolia to Daesh, told Congress — in a hearing — that the cornerstone of his plan to roll back Daesh was to reconnect with Iraqi Sunni tribes. If that fails, he said, America would go back to the drawing op US general in Iraq Stephen Townsend has board. a tip for Baghdad. “If we’re to keep ISIS Under Iranian pressure, the Iraqi (Daesh) II from emerging, the Iraqi govern- government never let America ment is going to have to do something pretty reconnect with the Sunni tribes or significantly different,” he told the BBC. arm them. Iraqi Prime Minister TTownsend said the Iraqi government has “to reach out Haidar Abadi, closer to Tehran than and reconcile with the Sunni population, and make his predecessor, insisted that what- them feel like their government in Baghdad represents ever support Washington had to them”. But what seems like an American advice to offer to Iraqi Sunnis had to go Baghdad is in fact a denunciation of past government through his government. policies toward the country’s Sunnis. If reaching out With Obama courting Iran for a and reconciling with Sunnis is required to prevent the nuclear deal, Washington let go of reemergence of terrorism, then one cannot but con- Iraqi Sunnis, as pro-Iran Shia militias clude that it was the Shia government’s anti-Sunni ravaged Sunni towns and villages, policies that resulted in the creation of Daesh 1 in the often committing atrocities against first place. civilians and even shooting at the A convoy of armoured vehicles belonging to international coalition troops drive during the operation In Washington, it has been long understood that the rubble of Saddam’s mausoleum in attitude of Iraqi Shia toward their Sunni compatriots against ISIS militants in Mosul. Tikrit, suggesting that the Iraqi war has been at the heart of the rise of terrorism. America, on Daesh was more of a Shia settling however, was slow to realise that—during the early 2011. The history of the Iraq war has yet to be written. fighters and donors. With former Baathists taking over of scores with Sunnis rather than stages of its war in Iraq—it unwittingly helped tip the For the time being, the most common narrative has it Iraqi Al Qaeda, Daesh broke ranks with al-Qaeda combating terrorism. balance in favour of the Shia. that America invaded the country in 2003 and International. After the downfall of Saddam, Iran Civil wars are slow to heal. The beginning of the unleashed a bloody conflict that continues until today. In Syria, Daesh engaged in bloody wars against Al and Iraqi Shias went after the Iraq’s healing process, however, is incumbent on the turning What actually happened was somehow different. Qaeda’s Nusra Front. Also in Syria, Iraqi Baathists, now Sunnis in revenge, perpetuating an old of a new page and resetting of relations between the America’s surge of troops, together with arming Daesh leaders, maintained good ties with Assad’s intel- and vicious cycle of violence. The warring factions. In religiously and ethnically diverse Sunni tribal fighters, succeeded in bringing down the ligence networks, a fact that might explain the most recent round of this Shia-Sunni Iraq, America copied a political system from the simi- number of deaths among Iraqi civilians from a peak of non-hostile relationship between Assad and Daesh, and vendetta in Iraq was the Shia retaking larly diverse Lebanon. 13,613 in 2007, to 3,036 in 2011, before the number their mutual interest in producing oil and gas — in of Daesh territory.But if history The only Lebanese experience that America did not snapped back to 9,851 in 2013, according to the Center Daesh territory—and selling it to the Assad regime. teaches us anything, it is that revenge replicate in post-Saddam Iraq was the “general par- for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Wash- While most of the world treated Daesh as an exten- never heals old wounds, only deepens don”, which the Lebanese government issued in 1991, ington think tank. sion of Al Qaeda, only Shia Iraqis seemed to be aware them and paves the way for further towards the end of the country’s 15-year civil war. Par- Contrary to the common belief, the US withdrawal that, in essence, “radical Islamism” was only a veneer rounds of violence in the future. dons allow bygones to be bygones, and bring vendettas in December 2011 was not the determining factor in the for an otherwise Baathist organisation the world knows That’s why Townsend invited and revenge to a close. deterioration of Iraqi security. It was rather the decision as Daesh. Iraqi Shias to act differently toward In Iraq, however, instead of turning a new page, of the Obama administration to treat the Shia Iraqi gov- In almost all the statements and speeches by Iraqi the Sunnis. Whether the Shias are America played into the Shia-Sunni conflict by approv- ernment of Prime Minister Nouri Maliki as a sovereign officials, as well as in the conversations of common Ira- heeding his advice is an open ing a series of steps that put Iraqi Sunnis on the back counterpart, which meant that America let go of its qis, Daesh members were called the “Baathist Dawaish” question. foot facing an Iranian-inspired Shia assault. Sunni allies. Maliki, who used Iraqi oil proceeds to build (the Arabic plural of the singular Daesh).The way Daesh Starting with de-Baathification, and ending with the an Iraqi Shia movement, feared that pro-Iran Iraqi governed territory it controlled further confirmed that disbanding of the American-formed Sunni tribal mili- Shias might outflank him on the right. the group was more inspired by Saddam than Al Qaeda. tias known as Sahwat, Washington effectively let the Iran had given the nod to its Syrian ally Bashar Like Saddam, Daesh banned travel for people living Shias go after the Sunnis. Assad to allow suicide bombers into neighboring Iraq, under its control, prohibited satellite dishes, and cut the And because every action begets a reaction, and thus killing hundreds of Iraqis and shattering Maliki’s hands of anyone found using foreign currency instead because the Sunnis had nowhere to run, many Sunnis image as the man who had restored stability. of the state’s presumed Islamic dinar. And like Saddam, D-RING ROAD started joining groups like Al Qaeda, thus resulting in a To make up for his political losses, and to brandish the brutal Daesh had no friends as the group went after POST BOX: 3488 resurgence of the terrorist group, which had been anni- his credentials as a strong Shia leader, Maliki cracked everything and everyone, accusing the world of con- hilated by the time America withdrew from Iraq in late down on Iraqi Sunnis, both those in government and spiring against the nation, the Arab nation in the case of DOHA - QATAR the tribal forces that America had left behind. Saddam and the Islamic nation with Daesh. Finally, and [email protected] The day after the US withdrawal, Maliki sent tanks also like Saddam, Daesh invited the wrath of an inter- to surround the residence of Vice President Tareq Al national coalition that launched a devastating air Civil wars are slow to Hashimi, a Sunni, on charges of terrorism. Maliki also campaign against its territory. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE heal. The beginning of the dissolved the Sunni force, Sahwat, and chased down its Daesh fighters, however, showed more prowess in TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 leaders, often on bogus charges of terrorism. Because Al fighting the advancing forces of the Iraqi government FAX: +974 4455 7758 healing process, however, Qaeda—the force that could have countered Maliki’s and militias, as opposed to Saddam’s fighters, who is incumbent on the turning uncontrollable power—had been ejected, Iraqi Sunnis often ran away at the first whiff of battle. The architects MANAGING EDITOR of a new page and resetting found themselves on the run with nowhere to hide. of the American plan to stabilise Iraq in 2010 and 2011 TEL: 4462 7505 Many former Saddam regime cadres thus reorgan- were called upon after the Iraqi military meltdown and of relations between the szed themselves into violent groups, but replaced their the Daesh takeover of Mosul in June 2014. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR warring factions. secular Baathist outlook with one of “radical Islamism”, Former Chief of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey, who had TEL: 4455 7769 an image that is more marketable today for foreign sneaked into Obama’s limousine to convince him of the

LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7743 A threat lurking behind Trump’s media-slamming tweets BUSINESS NEWS SECTION TEL: 4462 7535

House are scrambling to Trump Jr.’s defense and have SPORT NEWS SECTION Callum Borchers begun what could be an extensive campaign to try to dis- TEL: 4455 7745 The Washington Post credit some of the journalists who have been reporting on the matter. ONLINE SECTION “Their plan, as one member of the team described it, is TEL: 4462 7501 to research the reporters’ previous work, in some cases [email protected] going back years, and to exploit any mistakes or perceived resident Donald Trump began his biases. They intend to demand corrections, trumpet errors PUBLIC RELATIONS Sunday by slamming the media on on social media and feed them to conservative outlets, such Twitter before spending the after- as Fox News.” TEL: 4455 7613 noon at one of his golf courses and Recall that April Ryan, a White House correspondent [email protected] tuning in to Fox News in the for American Urban Radio Networks, reported in February Pevening. It was a typical weekend day, in that a member of the president’s communications team ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT other words. threatened her by claiming that Ryan is one of several jour- TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Yet the president’s tweets — which did nalists on whom Trump officials have compiled dossiers of FAX: 4455 7870 not involve wrestling footage or a plastic negative information. “That is absolutely not true,” White [email protected] surgery-related insult and therefore seemed House press secretary Sean Spicer said at the next media unremarkable — could foreshadow some- briefing. “There are no dossiers being kept. It’s just a binder CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT thing more intense and unusual. that I put right here; that’s about it. That was a joke.” TEL: 4455 7857 Here’s what Trump posted, in case you US President Donald Trump tweeting in his office at Perhaps it was, but we got a preview of what a dossier [email protected] missed it: “HillaryClinton can illegally get the Trump Tower in New York. on a journalist might look like, during the presidential race, questions to the Debate & delete 33,000 when former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewand- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION emails but my son Don is being scorned by owski dug into previous work by Newsweek reporter Kurt TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 the Fake News Media? ”- Donald J. Trump (@ the time was a Democratic National Committee member Eichenwald and leveled a misleading charge on CNN. FAX: 44557819 realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2017 and a CNN analyst. Brazile’s leaks were unethical but not Lewandowski, a CNN commentator at the time, claimed “With all of its phony unnamed sources illegal, and the disadvantaged candidate was Sen. Bernie that Eichenwald “has said that George W Bush was directly [email protected] & highly slanted & even fraudulent reporting, Sanders, not Trump. involved with 9/11. He has no credibility.” #Fake News is DISTORTING DEMOCRACY The Washington Post-ABC News poll has an A-plus rat- As I wrote then, “Eichenwald was highly critical of in our country!” - Donald J. Trump (@real- ing from FiveThirtyEight and, contrary to the president’s Bush’s response to intelligence. But he certainly did not All thoughts and views DonaldTrump) July 16, 2017 claim, came pretty close to predicting the election result. Its accuse the former president of being ‘directly involved with expressed in these columns “The ABC/Washington Post Poll, even final pre-election survey showed Clinton leading, 47 per- 9/11.’” though almost 40% is not bad at this time, cent to 43 percent; Clinton won the popular vote, 48.2 Lewandowski’s attack was prompted by Eichenwald’s are those of the writers, not was just about the most inaccurate poll percent to 46.1 percent. reporting on potential conflicts of interest presented by the of the newspaper. around election time!” - Donald J. Trump (@ Complaints about polls and unnamed sources are Trump Organisation’s foreign interests. The strategy was realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2017 standard fare from @realDonaldTrump, but the president’s clear: cast aspersions on the journalist’s old reporting to All correspondence A couple of reminders before we move team is plotting new, targeted attacks. In a report last week make his new reporting appear suspect. regarding Views and on: Clinton’s campaign was tipped off to a on the White House’s response to news about Donald It’s not clear if that strategy is in play here, but Trump’s Opinion pages should be question twice during the Democratic pri- Trump Jr.’s meeting with a Russian lawyer was this nugget accusatory tweets take on a different significance if his mary, once before a debate and once before from The Post’s Philip Rucker and Ashley Parker: team executes on the plan described in The Post’s mailed to the a candidate forum, by Donna Brazile, who at “’A handful of Republican operatives close to the White reporting. [email protected] 10 ASIA THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 Zeliang is SC observes Nagaland’s new Chief privacy is not Minister Kohima absolute IANS enior Naga People’s Front (NPF) legislator TR New Delhi Aadhaar scheme SZeliang was sworn in as IANS Nagaland’s 19th Chief Minis- The lawyers for the ter yesterday, hours after s lawyers challeng- petitioners Governor P B Acharya dis- ing the Aadhaar challenging the missed Shurhozelie Liezietsu scheme put up a Aadhaar scheme after he failed to prove his strong defence of pointed out that majority in the Assembly. the right to privacy, Finance Minister Acharya administered the aA judge of the nine-judge con- oath of office and secrecy to Arun Jaitley had in stitution bench raised several the 65-year-old Zeliang in a the Rajya Sabha in A mob sets ablaze a police station in Kotkhai, Himachal Pradesh, yesterday. questions, observing that it was ceremony at the Raj Bhavan an amorphous right and not March last year here. Zeliang will have to absolute. described privacy as prove his majority in the Justice D Y Chandrachud, a fundamental right. Violence rocks Himachal after murder House on or before July 22. who is part of the bench headed The new Chief Minister by Chief Justice J S Khehar, also of privacy is embedded in lib- will announce his council of felt that everything that falls erty as well as honour of a Shimla grievous head injuries. He was agreed to recommend a Central ministers after the floor test. under liberty need not neces- person.” IANS taken to a nearby hospital where Bureau of Investigation (CBI) This is the second time sarily fall under privacy, which Besides Justice Khehar, other he was declared dead,” the probe into the case. But the Zeliang will be the Chief Min- is a very small part of liberty. judges on the bench are Justice J n a twist to the sensational police official added. The cause investigating agency is yet to ister after he resigned The lawyers for the peti- Chelameswar, Justice S.A. Bobde, gang-rape and murder of a for altercation is believed to be take over the case. following violent protest by tioners challenging the Aadhaar Justice R K Agrawal, Justice Ischoolgirl in Himachal revelations to the police by Suraj Expressing concern over the tribal groups opposed to his scheme pointed out that Rohinton Fali Nariman, Justice Pradesh, the prime suspect who put the entire blame for the murder of the rape suspect in move to hold civic polls with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Abhay Manohar Sapre, Justice D allegedly murdered a fellow gang-rape and killing of the girl the lock-up, Governor Acharya 33 per cent seats reserved for had in the Rajya Sabha in March Y Chandrachud, Justice Sanjay accused in the case in the police on Rajinder. Devvrat asked a report on the women. last year described privacy as Kishan Kaul and Justice S Abdul lock-up yesterday, the police As the incident in Kotkhai episode from the government. Liezietsu, 80, was made to a fundamental right. Nazeer. The nine-judge bench is said. police lock-up, around 54 km Director General of Police come out of retirement from Opening the arguments, examining the nature of privacy This led to arson attack by from the state capital, came to Somesh Goyal, who was sum- electoral politics to take over senior counsel Gopal Subrama- as a right and also the correct- mobs who were demanding jus- light, a large number of locals moned by the Governor, as Chief Minister following nium told the constitution ness of two judgments of 1954 tice for the 16-year-old victim, gathered and forcibly entered apprised him about the devel- Zeliang’s resignation. bench, that “Privacy is a part of and in 1962 which had held that whose body was found in the the police station, assaulting opments in the case. Acharya dismissed the personhood and is therefore a right to privacy was not a funda- forests in Kotkhai town in police personnel for their lapses Chief Minister Virbhadra government under Clause (I) natural right. This is why natu- mental right. Shimla district on July 6. The in the killing of one of the six Singh, who was out of the state of Article 164 of the Constitu- ral right is not conferred but Petitioners include former opposition BJP called a state- accused in the lock-up. capital, cancelled his tour and tion after receiving a letter only recognised by the Karnataka High Court judge wide protest today. The mob ransacked the police rushed to Shimla to oversee the from Assembly Speaker Imti- Constitution.” Justice K.S. Puttaswamy, first Prime accused in the gang- station and did not allow the crit- developments in the state, wapang Aier on Liezietsu’s He said that privacy as a Chairperson of the National rape and murder of the young ically injured policemen to be which is scheduled to go to the failure to prove his majority right need not be carved out, it Commission for Protection of girl, Rajinder Singh, allegedly taken to hospital for treatment. It polls in November. in the Assembly. Liezietsu did is there embedded in the right Child Rights and Magsaysay killed Suraj Singh, a 29-year-old also burnt three police vehicles. “The state government had not attend the Assembly ses- to liberty and dignity. award recipient Shanta Sinha, Nepali, by smashing his head on Police fired two rounds into the earlier formed Special Investi- sion convened at 9.30am for Subramanium, who led the feminist researcher Kalyani Sen the floor, a police official said. air and resorted to baton-charge gation team and later I the purpose of testing his leg- arguments on behalf of the peti- Menon and others who have He said what caused to disperse the crowd. personally wrote a letter to the islative majority. tioners, said: “The right to challenged the validity of the Rajinder Singh to kill Suraj Singh Massive protests continued Prime Minister to get CBI inquiry The Governor had on July privacy is recognised as a fun- Aadhaar scheme on grounds of is yet to be ascertained. in Shimla district since the rape conducted in this case,” said a 11 and 13 told Liezietsu to seek damental right under Article 21 it being violative of the right to “Both of them had a scuffle and murder of the schoolgirl. statement quoting the Chief a vote of confidence on or of the Constitution. The concept privacy. over some issue and Suraj got Last week, the state government Minister. before July 15.

Indian Railways launches NEWS BYTES first solar-powered train CBI summons Karti Chidambaram NEW DELHI: The CBI yesterday issued summons to Karti New Delhi four other solar-powered trains Chidambaram, the son of former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, IANS in the next six months,” Anil in its ongoing probe against him in a corruption case, an offi- Kumar Saxena, Indian railways cial said. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in its third ndia has added solar panels spokesperson, said yesterday. notice to Karti, asked him to appear at its headquarters in south to the roof of a train in a Batteries charged by the Delhi’s Lodhi Road tomorrow. The agency wants to examine Inational first as it tries to solar panels during the day take Karti in a case related to Foreign Investment Promotion Board reduce its massive carbon foot- over if there is no sunlight, (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media for allegedly receiving funds print and modernise its vast Saxena added. Only as a last from Mauritius when his father was the Union Finance Minis- colonial-era rail network. The resort, if the batteries perish, ter. The agency had issued summons to Karti and four others lighting, fans and information would diesel be used. for questioning on June 27 and June 29, but they did not turn up. displays inside the train — once Each train drawing on this powered by diesel — will run off green energy is expected to save the sun’s energy after the pan- around 21,000 litres of diesel Uber launches decongest campaign els were fitted to the carriage. every year, helping reduce NEW DELHI: Indian Uber yesterday launched a nationwide The train has begun jour- India’s enormous reliance on A 1600 HP solar-powered DEMU (diesel electrical multiple unit) campaign called “Decongest India”, starting with New Delhi, to neys around the capital New fossil fuels and huge output of train at Sarai Rohilla railway station in New Delhi, yesterday. curb congestion and pollution. As part of the campaign, the cab Delhi, helping move just some carbon emissions. aggregator will focus on reducing congestion through shared of the 23 million passengers Built by India’s former Brit- long-distance travel in the huge network hard. Prime Minister mobility across Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bengaluru in the who use India’s rail network ish colonial rulers, the railway country. But years of financial Narendra Modi vowed to revive coming days. The campaign’s inaugural leg in New Delhi was every day. system is one of the world’s larg- neglect and a populist policy of it after coming to power in May announced in the presence of Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and “We will be inducting at least est and is still the main means of subsidising fares have hit the 2014. northeast Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari. “We are delighted that Del- hites have embraced shared mobility in a big way. Airlines lift ban on Diwakar Reddy Leaders urge govt to pass bill against lynching MUMBAI: Budget passenger carrier IndiGo yesterday revoked the ban on flying TDP MP J.C. Diwakar Reddy on its flights after he expressed regret over an incident of unruly behaviour New Delhi Tehseen Poonawalla is a core with fake news and social media, it. “We condemn the lynching committed last month. Following IndiGo’s decision, all major IANS member. this has increased fivefold. of Ayub Pandith as we do the domestic airlines — Air India, Jet Airways, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Speaking to media, senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lynching of Junaid or Pehlu Vistara — also revoked the ban. On its part, IndiGo said: “Senior eaders of different politi- Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said that the government has Khan. Today it’s minorities, IndiGo officials today met Honourable Member of Parliament cal parties yesterday said that the Sangh Parivar’s line failed to take up the issue. tomorrow it would be women Diwakar Reddy, at a lunch hosted by senior Member of Parlia- Lextended their support to of thought is responsible for the “Lynchings are rampant and are for the clothes they wear or ment Y.S. Chaudhary, to resolve the issue of Honourable Member a draft bill against lynching pre- recent lynchings and that it happening with impunity. I hope transgenders,” he said. Diwakar Reddy’s ban on IndiGo flights.” pared by a civil society works in “a two-faced the government, Prime Minister Poonawalla said that if the organisation and urged Prime manner”. and Home Minister will adopt it government does not take up the Minister Narendra Modi to get it “On one side, they are (Bill) or come up with a law of Bill in the current session, then TV channel offers menstrual leave passed in the ongoing Monsoon (Sangh) saying that lynchings in their own.” “10,000 people with their cattle KOCHI: The Mathrubhumi Group, a media conglomerate, yes- Session of parliament. the name of cow protection is Leaders said that lynchings and victims will go and stay at terday announced an extra monthly leave to its women staff The Manav Suraksha wrong, while (VHP leader) happen not just in the name of the PM’s residence”. on the first day of their menstruation period after a similar Kanoon (MASUKA), which Praveen Togadia asks for train- cow, but against Dalits, Muslims, “Not at Jantar Mantar, but leave policy was announced by a Mumbai-based media com- defines the words ‘lynching’ and ing for Gau Rakshaks so that Africans and even Hindus. at the PM’s house as it’s the only pany. Currently, the provision has only been implemented in ‘mob’ and lists the measures that they can ‘correct’ people who kill A pledge to not remain mute safe place in the country,” he Mathrubhumi News, a TV channel headquartered in Kerala, should be taken, including mak- cows,” he said. “They’re playing spectators to lynching and not said. CPI-M MP M.B. Rajesh said which has 75 women on its staff. It will soon be extended to its ing it a non-bailable offence, to it together.” allow lynchings was also taken that even though the situation other divisions. M V Shreyams Kumar, Joint Managing Direc- curb the crime, was prepared by The Congress leader said at the 100-people strong gath- is not as grave in Kerala as in tor, said that in a country where menstruation is considered ‘National Campaign Against Mob that Sangh and its 150-odd ering. Poonawalla said that the other parts of the country, he’ll a women’s issue, never to be discussed with men, they felt Lynching’ -- a committee of organisations plant seeds of government is trying to make take up the issue with the Ker- the need to provide their women workers with a supportive social activists and student lead- hatred seeds in the minds of chil- lynching a Hindu-Muslim issue ala Chief Minister Pinarayi working environment and considerate policies. ers -- of which social activist dren at a very early age and now and added that it goes beyond Vijayan. THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 ASIA 11

Singapore trains Manila cancels Philippine troops in talks with urban warfare Singapore AFP Maoist rebels ingapore said yesterday it has offered surveil- Slance drones and urban Manila Mindanao conflict warfare training to Philippine Reuters troops battling Islamist fight- Philippines takes ers, to prevent the militants he Philippines yester- decision after becoming entrenched and day cancelled talks guerrillas attack threatening the rest of South- with Maoist-led convoy of President east Asia. rebels due on the Rodrigo Duterte’s Philippine troops have weekend in the Neth- security men, killing been battling to dislodge mil- Terlands after guerrillas attacked itants loyal to the Islamic a paramilitary guard a convoy of President Rodrigo and wounding six. State group who seized parts Duterte’s security men, killing of the southern city of Marawi a paramilitary guard and on May 23 in a bid to estab- People stand next to the bullet-riddled vehicle that was carrying members of the Presidential wounding six. environment for the conduct of lish a base in the Mindanao Duterte was not in the area peace negotiations are still not Security Group (PSG) who were attacked yesterday in Aracan town, north Cotabato province. region, which shares sea bor- on the southern island of Mind- present,” Dureza said in a ders with Malaysia and anao when the clash between statement. attacks while talks were going separate communist and Muslim nappings and piracy. Indonesia. the presidential guards and Maoist-led rebels have been on. insurgencies in various parts of Military chief Eduardo Ano IS has said it plans to New People’s Army (NPA) waging a guerrilla war for Duterte on Tuesday met his the country for decades. said the Maoist rebels were establish a caliphate in South- rebels erupted early nearly 50 years to overthrow negotiators dealing with the Communist and Muslim exploiting the security crisis. east Asia as it did in parts of yesterday. the government. communists, and told them not rebels both operate on Mindanao, “That’s why you are seeing Iraq and Syria. But the incident was basis The conflict has killed more to agree to a bilateral ceasefire stretching the military on multi- now an increase in the intensity More than 550 people, enough for peace adviser Jesus than 40,000 people and until the NPA ceased attacks on ple fronts on the island of 22 of encounters nationwide,” he including 413 militants and 98 Dureza to call off informal, stunted growth in poor but troops. He also called the politi- million people. said, adding two marines were government forces, have been “back channel” talks with exiled resource-rich rural regions. cal leadership to keep its fighters Government forces are bat- also killed by rebels on Palawan killed in the Marawi fighting, leaders of the Communist Party The peace process, an under control. tling to defeat Islamic island. which enters its third month of the Philippines aimed at important initiative of Duterte, The clash at a checkpoint State-inspired rebels who have Documents obtained by the this weekend. restarting a stalled peace has been fraught with break- came a day after Duterte asked occupied the heart of the island’s army showed Maoist rebel lead- Singapore’s defence min- process. downs, with both sides Congress to extend martial law Marawi City for 58 days, while ers had ordered guerrillas to step istry said its offer includes the “The situation on the abandoning unilateral cease- until the end of the year to tackle operations continue on islands up attacks after martial law was use by Filipino troops of its ground necessary to provide fires in February, blaming rising Islamist militancy. The to the west of Mindanao against imposed in Mindanao on May 23, urban warfare training facili- the desired enabling each other for launching Philippines has been beset by Abu Sayyaf rebels behind kid- Ano said. ties and a detachment of drones. It also offered a C-130 transport plane to deliver humanitarian supplies to evac- uees from Marawi, the ministry said in a statement issued after Audi China in hot water for used cars advert a visit to Manila by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Tues- Beijing advert and that it had been and demeaning to women. On the 30-second advert, a serene second hand cars. day and yesterday. Reuters withdrawn. Tencent Holdings’ popular chat outdoor wedding is interrupted The video touched a nerve Ng on Tuesday met his The video, which has gone app WeChat nearly half a million when the groom’s mother among Chinese consumers, with counterpart Delfin Loren- erman luxury carmaker viral since being aired online and people mentioned “Audi second rushes to the podium, checking many online saying it objectified zana, who “expressed his Audi AG has come under in cinemas this week, showed a hand car” on Tuesday. out the bride’s eyes, before women. “This is really low taste. appreciation and in-princi- Gfire from consumers in mother-in-law examining her Negative social media pinching her nose and ears, and Isn’t this like what people do ple acceptance of the offer China for an advert that son’s bride as the young couple reaction in China can have an pulling open her mouth to check when trading cattle?” said one from Singapore”, the state- compared buying a second-hand waited at the altar to be married, outsized effect on brands, with on teeth. under the handle Yaoxiaozi on ment said. Philippine troops, car to checking out a an attempted play on a common hundreds of millions of people A voiceover says: microblog Weibo. long used to fighting in the bride-to-be. stereotype of fussy Chinese using WeChat and rival platform “Important decisions must be Audi said in a statement the jungle against communist and Audi, which is attempting to parents. Weibo. Audi, owned by made carefully ... Only with an perception created by the advert Muslim insurgents, have revive its sales in the world’s Thousands of Chinese Volkswagen, has seen sales stall official certification can you “does not correspond to the struggled against the militants biggest car market, said consumers went online to mock in China this year, despite a relax.” The advert is for an values of our company in any in bloody street-to-street yesterday it deeply regretted the the advert, saying it was sexist slight bounce back in June. In approved retailer of Audi way.” combat. HK tribute to Liu with flowers & candles Thai General guilty

Hong Kong AFP of human trafficking undreds turned out in Hong Kong yesterday Bangkok Hnight to pay their Reuters respects to late Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo, the pro-democracy n army general, two pro- Chinese dissident whose death vincial politicians and in custody shocked the world. Apolice officers were Liu, a government critic and among 62 people out of a total thorn in the side of the authori- of 103 defendants found guilty ties for decades, died last week yesterday by a judge in Thai- aged 61 after losing a battle with land’s biggest human trafficking cancer, more than a month after trial. he was transferred to a hospital The trial, which began in from prison on the mainland. 2015, had been marred by alle- The prominent democracy gations of intimidation of advocate, a veteran of the 1989 witnesses, interpreters and Lieutenant General Manas Tiananmen Square protests, had police investigators. been sentenced to 11 years in jail Some of those guilty of traf- Kongpan. in 2009 for “subversion”. ficking were also convicted of accused of smuggling and traf- His death prompted an out- People sign their names at a memorial event for the late Chinese Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo taking part in organised tran- ficking migrants on the pouring of grief in in Hong Kong, yesterday. snational crime, forcible Thai-Malaysia border. semi-autonomous Hong Kong, detention leading to death, and Thailand has historically where pro-democracy forces Saturday night, holding candles date in Chinese tradition for their hearts,” she said. rape. been a source, destination and must also contend with an as they marched in his memory. those who have died. The world had not heard A Bangkok court took more transit country for men, women increasingly assertive Beijing. Supporters yesterday laid “We should not forget him,” from the Nobel Peace Prize win- than 12 hours to deliver its rul- and children who are often His ashes were buried at sea white flowers next to Liu’s por- Yanki Lee, 45, who took part in ner since he was formally ing which rights groups said smuggled and trafficked from on Saturday, depriving support- trait at another memorial event a minute’s silence, told AFP. arrested and jailed, but he showed the government was poorer, neighbouring countries, ers of a place to pay tribute, at a waterfront park in the city “I think all who are out here remained an influential heavy- serious about convicting including Cambodia, Laos and though thousands in the Asian centre to mark the seventh day tonight are very thankful for weight of China’s democracy perpetrators. Myanmar, to work in Thailand financial hub took to the streets of his passing — an important what he did from the bottom of movement. “The court has sentenced 62 or further afield in Malaysia, defendants on 13 different often as labourers and sex charges,” the criminal court workers. said in a statement yesterday. Army General Manas Kong- In the harshest sentence pan Manas was sentenced to 27 Four family members shot dead in southwest Pakistan given by the court, Soe Naing, years in prison. widely known as Anwar, a Last month the US State Quetta attack in southwest Pakistan Balochistan provincial capital a speed bump,” local police sta- Rohingya man who police said Department left Thailand on a AFP yesterday, police said. Quetta. “Four people of a fam- tion chief Abdul Qudoos said. was a key figure behind a bru- Tier 2 Watchlist, just above the The men sprayed bullets at ily, including a woman, were “It is a sectarian killing as tal trafficking network that ran lowest ranking of Tier 3, in its unmen ambushed a car the vehicle of the Hazara Shia killed and another man the family had no enemy,” a jungle camp where dozens annual Trafficking in Persons and killed four family family travelling to Karachi as wounded when gunmen fired Qudoos said. There was no died, was sentenced to 94 years (TIP) Report, because the coun- Gmembers from the Shia they passed through Choto, a with automatic weapons on immediate claim of in prison. try did not do enough to tackle Muslim minority in a sectarian town some 40km south of the their car as it slowed down on responsibility. The defendants, among human smuggling and them Myanmar nationals, were trafficking. 12 EUROPE THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017

Remembering victims Hungary bomb EU threatens threat disrupts rail traffic

Budapest Poland with AFP ungarian police yes- terday inspected all Hinternational trains sanctions entering the country after receiving an anonymous bomb threat, sparking major Brussels travel delays. AFP “An unidentified male Thousands of called to say that he had he EU warned protesters have taken placed a bomb on an interna- Poland’s right-wing to the streets in tional train travelling through government yester- Hungary,” police said in a day to suspend Polish cities against statement. As many as controversial court the governing Law 20,000 Hungarian and inter- Treforms or risk unprecedented and Justice party’s national travellers were sanctions, sharply escalating a reforms, which would affected by the delays lasting standoff with Warsaw. up to three hours, according European Commission give parliament Members of the Kensington and Chelsea Council observe a minute’s silence during a to the national railway sta- vice-president Frans Timmer- powers over the meeting about Grenfell Tower at Kensington Town Hall in London, yesterday. Fire at Grenfell tion company (MAV). By late mans said Brussels could selection of judges. Tower, a residential building, killed dozens in June. yesterday, over 18 trains had launch disciplinary action next been searched. week, and threatened to move towards halting Poland’s vot- judges, deputy foreign minis- ing rights in the 28-nation bloc ter Konrad Szymanski was further down the line. quoted as saying by the Polish Thousands of protesters news agency PAP. Israeli PM caught criticising bloc have taken to the streets in Polish cities against the govern- East-West split ing Law and Justice party’s The clash underscores a Budapest leaders at the meeting closed to progress by undermining the made in Jewish settlements in reforms, which would give par- growing rift between Brussels AP the media — were accidentally connection with Israeli innova- the West Bank. liament powers over the and many eastern member broadcast to journalists in tion because of a crazy attempt The EU doesn’t recognise selection of judges. states, where populist and sraeli Prime Minister Ben- another room covering the to create conditions (for peace Israeli sovereignty over territo- “These laws considerably increasingly authoritarian gov- jamin Netanyahu was caught conference. with the Palestinians),” said ries it captured in the 1967 increase the systemic threat to ernments are pushing for Iyesterday by a live micro- Netanyahu also made a rare Netanyahu. Mideast war, including the West the rule of law in Poland,” Tim- greater sovereignty, particu- phone railing against the public admission that Israel has European ties with Israel Bank and east Jerusalem, where mermans said after a high-level larly over migration. European Union’s “crazy” insist- struck Iranian arms convoys in would determine whether the the Palestinians hope to estab- meeting. The EU first warned Poland ence on resolving the Syria bound for Hezbollah “doz- 28-member union would “live lish a state. It has been a vocal “Collectively, they would in early 2016 over reforms of Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a ens and dozens of times.” and thrive or shrivel and disap- critic of Israel’s settlement con- abolish any remaining judicial the constitutional court by the precondition for closer ties with The Israeli premier was pear,” he added. struction and has adopted independence and put the judi- Law and Justice party, which the 28-nation bloc, and trum- overheard blasting the European EU-Israel relations have measures mandating the labe- ciary under full political control won elections in late 2015. peting Israel as essential to its Union’s approach to Israel, say- been tense for years, with Jeru- ling of goods produced in West of the government.” The European Commission prosperity and survival. ing “it’s crazy. I think it’s actually salem feeling that Brussels is Bank settlements. Poland defended the said in a statement that it Netanyahu was meeting with crazy” that the EU maintains that targeting its policies far too “The European Union is the reforms, saying it would find its “urges the Polish authorities leaders of Poland, Hungary, the resolving the Israeli-Palestinian much while being too soft on the only association of countries in own solutions “without exter- to put the new laws on hold” Czech Republic and Slovakia at conflict must come before closer Palestinians. While the EU is the the world that conditions the nal assistance”. and that it would “swiftly pre- a regional summit. Netanyahu trade ties. main trading partner for Israel, relations with Israel — that pro- “It is not the intention of pare infringement procedures was discussing Iran, Syria, the “There is no logic here. frictions have persisted. Rela- duces technology in every area either the ministry of justice or for breach of EU law” against Islamic State group, and EU- Europe is undermining its secu- tions took a dive in November — on political conditions. The the parliamentary majority to Warsaw to be discussed next Israel relations when some of his rity by undermining Israel. 2015 after Israel derided a deci- only ones. Nobody does it,” weaken the power of the week. comments — and those of other Europe is undermining its sion by the bloc to label products Netanyahu said.

Convicted banker found UK premier fends off jokes about her future London condemn her “divided” govern- six-week summer break, return- saying that ordinary MPs in the dead inside AFP ment while another MP mocked ing in September. party supported her her as the “interim prime May was forced to “remind” leadership. car in Spain eleaguered British Prime minister”. ministers in her cabinet to keep “If the prime minister has to Minister Theresa May A third MP made fun of May their discussions private this start removing secretaries of Madrid B(pictured) batted off jokes for having a “new-found empa- week after a string of damaging state because they are not focus- AFP about her weakened government thy for those in insecure work”. leaks exposing splits over Brexit. ing on their job, they are focusing yesterday during her final par- “I look along that front bench The second round of formal on their own personal ambitions, he former head of Span- liamentary grilling before opposite, Mr Speaker, and I see negotiations on Britain’s with- so be it,” Charles Walker, vice ish bank Caja Madrid, escaping for the summer recess. a cabinet bickering and backbit- drawal from the European Union chairman of the 1922 Commit- Twho was convicted of After a string of terror attacks ing, while the economy gets serious blows, while exchanges is underway in Brussels. tee of backbenchers, told BBC graft along with ex-IMF chief and an electoral humiliation last weaker and people are pushed between the two leaders over “There is a need to show radio. May was greatly weak- Rodrigo Rato, was found dead month, the Conservative leader further into debt,” Corbyn said, stalled public sector pay and ris- strength and unity as a country ened by the June 8 vote, which yesterday with a gunshot opened prime minister’s ques- to cheers from his MPs sitting ing living costs were and that starts around the cabi- she called three years early only wound to the chest, police tions in the House of Commons behind him. well-rehearsed. net table,” May told colleagues to lose her Conservative party’s said. by noting the “particularly chal- “This divided government is May hit back with a defence at their weekly cabinet meeting majority in the Commons. The body of Miguel Blesa, lenging year”. unable to give this country the of the government’s economic on Tuesday. She now heads a minority 69, was discovered inside a Amid cabinet infighting and leadership it so desperately record that drew an enthusias- An influential Conservative government propped up by car at a private estate in Vil- reports of plots to oust her, needs now to deal with these tic response from her own lawmaker said May should sack Northern Ireland’s ultra-con- lanueva del Rey in the opposition Labour leader Jeremy issues.” backbenchers. Parliament holds ministers if they were plotting servative Democratic Unionist southern province of Cor- Corbyn took the opportunity to But he failed to land any its last session today before a against each other and her, Party. doba, a Guardia Civil police spokeswoman said. Spanish media said his death appeared to be a sui- cide but police refused to Yellow sprawl Plea for class action confirm it, saying only that the authorities were investigating. suit against Facebook Spanish daily El Pais said Blesa was having breakfast Luxembourg Schrems argues it is vital with friends at the hunting Reuters that the case be treated as a estate and left the table to class-action suit. He believes move his car. He was found he Court of Justice of the 25,000 individual lawsuits on dead shortly after, it added. European Union (ECJ) user privacy would be “impos- His body will undergo an Theard arguments yester- sible” due to the financial autopsy at a forensics insti- day over whether to allow a burden on users and the inef- tute in Cordoba today to class action suit against Face- ficiency for judges. determine the cause of death, book, brought by Austrian “If privacy claims cannot be the regional government of privacy activist Max Schrems - grouped, they (Facebook) can Andalusia said in a and about 25,000 other users get away with violating the statement. across the globe. law,” Schrems said in a Blesa, one of the figure- Schrems is claiming ¤500 statement. heads of Spain’s financial in damages for each signatory While common in the crisis who had links to senior to his lawsuit, one of a series of United States, class action suits members of the governing European challenges to US are generally not recognised in Popular Party, was chairman technology firms and their han- Europe. of Caja Madrid until it merged dling of personal data. Facebook calls the suit a with six other troubled sav- Schrems’s lawsuit concerns way to get around that, brought ings banks to create Bankia. alleged violations of privacy by by an activist so well-known he A court in February sen- Facebook through its use of has merited an exhibit dedi- tenced him to six years in jail Blooming sunflowers stand in the field near the small Bavarian village of Wiedenzhausen, personal data and tracking of cated to his campaign against for misusing the bank’s cor- southern Germany, yesterday. users on external pages, among Facebook in Berlin’s Spy porate credit cards. other things. Museum. THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 EUROPE 13 France’s military chief quits after Macron clash

Replacement named service” and called Lecointre a “hero, choices.” who was recognised as such in the Retired General Dominique Trin- At a weekly cabinet army” for his service in the Balkans. quand, who advised Macron during his meeting, Macron hailed de The president promised to hike the campaign, said the row had cast a pall Villiers for his “remarkable defence budget again in 2018. over his otherwise “remarkable” start service” and called General Seen as one of the finest officers of in office. Francois Lecointre a “hero, his generation, de Villiers’ departure met “This is a hitch that will probably be who was recognised as with howls of indignation from the a bit difficult to get past,” he said in an such in the army” for his opposition. interview. The leader of the hard-left France Macron’s defence cuts — part of a service in the Balkans. Unbowed, Jean-Luc Melenchon, called ¤4.5bn reduction in spending aimed at it an “enormous mistake” on Macron’s reducing France’s budget deficit — have Paris part. De Villiers’ leaked remarks about been viewed by the military as a betrayal AFP the budget had been made behind closed after his strong show of support for the doors to a committee that expected him armed forces. rance’s top military chief to “respond frankly”, Melenchon argued. On his first day as president, he vis- resigned yesterday after a war Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, ited soldiers injured in overseas of words with Emmanuel whom Macron beat in the presidential operations and his maiden foreign trip Macron over budget cuts that run-off, said the French military had lost as leader took him to Mali to meet posed the biggest test yet of the “a man of huge value” and claimed de French troops engaged in counter-ter- Fnew president’s authority. Villiers’ resignation showed “the very rorism operations. The row between Macron and Gen- French President Emmanuel Macron (left) and Chief of Defence Staff, Army serious abuses and worrying limits” of A former head of the French air eral Pierre de Villiers erupted last week General Pierre de Villiers, attend the traditional Bastille Day military parade Macron’s leadership. force, General Vincent Lanata, told when the chief of staff told a parliamen- De Villiers had repeatedly com- L’Express news weekly on Tuesday he on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on July 14. tary committee he would not allow the plained that the military was was “very shocked” by Macron’s “rant” armed forces to be “screwed” by the overstretched and said he saw it as his at de Villiers. government’s plans to slash ¤850m Macron said that if there was a differ- forces that I think is necessary to guar- duty to inform politicians. The crisis was exacerbated by its ($980m) from this year’s budget. ence of opinion, “it is the chief of the antee the protection of France and the In a Facebook “letter to a young timing, coming in the week of the July Macron, 39, slapped down the defence staff who will change his French people,” he said in a recruit” last week, he wrote: “As every- 14 Bastille Day military parade, where 60-year-old five-star general in front position”. statement. one has their shortcomings, no-one US President Donald Trump was the of army chiefs at their annual summer De Villiers, who had been in the job General Francois Lecointre, 55, cur- should be blindly followed.” guest of honour. party, saying “I am the boss” and that for three years and was highly popular rently the top military adviser to the The opposition accused Macron of During the parade, Macron rode he deeply regretted the budget dispute with the rank and file, said he had no prime minister, was named as his humiliating his military chief but Prime down the Champs-Elysees avenue in an had been dragged into the “public choice but to stand down. replacement. Minister Edouard Philippe told parlia- open-topped military vehicle with a sphere”. “I no longer feel able to ensure the At a weekly cabinet meeting, Macron ment yesterday de Villiers could not, as grim-faced de Villiers as Trump In a Sunday newspaper interview, sustainability of the model of the armed hailed de Villiers for his “remarkable a soldier, “honourably contest his boss’s looked on.

Berlin summons Turkey Wowing the Duchess! envoy over rights activist

Berlin against Turkish President Recep Tayyip AFP Erdogan. Berlin has voiced deep concerns over erlin yesterday summoned Turkey’s mass arrests and sackings of alleged coup ambassador over the detention of plotters, and a host of other civil rights Ba German human rights activist and controversies. issued a fresh warning about the NATO One dispute centres on Deniz Yucel, partner’s respect for the rule of law. a German-Turkish journalist with the “The Turkish government needs to Berlin-based newspaper Die Welt, who immediately and directly hear the Ger- was imprisoned by Turkey on terror man government’s outrage and charges earlier this year. incomprehension as well as its crystal- Schaefer also mentioned the ongo- clear expectations in the case of Peter ing detention of German reporter Mesale Steudtner, and this time without diplo- Tolu, who has been in Turkish custody matic niceties,” foreign ministry since April. spokesman Martin Schaefer said. The NATO allies have also clashed He said the envoy was told “in no over thwarted visits by German lawmak- uncertain terms” that the detention of ers to German troops stationed at Turkish Steudtner and five other activists includ- bases. Last week, Turkey asked legisla- Britain’s Princess Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, greets people near Berlin’s landmark Brandenburg ing Amnesty International’s Turkey tors to postpone a scheduled visit to a Gate, yesterday. The British royal couple is on a three-day visit to Germany. director was “incomprehensible and also NATO base in Konya, the German for- unacceptable”. eign ministry said, expressing “regret” Berlin demanded Steudtner’s “imme- about the decision. diate release” as well as consular access. The dispute came after Germany last “The Turkish government represent- month pulled out 260 troops from Tur- Two dead as ative said he would deliver this message key’s Incirlik base, from where a Russia vows to hit back at immediately” to Ankara. multinational coalition is fighting the A Turkish court on Tuesday ordered Islamic State jihadist group, and rede- east Ukraine six human rights activists including ployed them and their Tornado Amnesty International’s Turkey director surveillance jets to Jordan. Poland over statues row unrest festers to remain in custody for allegedly aiding Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert a “terror” group, a charge Schaefer said yesterday that in the current con- Moscow a close Putin ally, strongly criticised the Kiev branded “absurd”. text, any progress on Turkey’s bid to join Reuters move yesterday and said the Russian AFP Chancellor Angela Merkel has criti- the EU was “not on the cards”. Foreign Ministry was drawing up retal- cised the detention of the activists as He pressed Ankara to consider what ussia is preparing retaliatory meas- iatory “measures,” Russian news resh clashes in east “unjustified” and pledged to “advocate relationship it wanted to have with the ures against Poland to punish it agencies reported. Ukraine left two soldiers for (Steudtner) on all levels”. 28-member bloc given the outstanding Rfor what Moscow says is an illegal The dispute centres on the two coun- Fdead yesterday in a Schaefer said Foreign Minister Sig- “questions about the rule of law” and and immoral plan to tear down Soviet- tries’ differing interpretations of spike in fighting as a key rebel mar Gabriel would interrupt his summer democratic values in the country. era World War Two monuments, an ally history. leader announced he planned holidays and return to Berlin over the “Turkey turning away from Europe of President Vladimir Putin said Russia says the Polish move spits in to create a new “state”. “dramatic escalation in Turkish actions” is not in Germany’s or Europe’s interest,” yesterday. the faces of the more than 600,000 Kiev said the two service- to determine which “further measures” he said. Polish President Andrzej Duda on Soviet troops who lost their lives liber- men were killed by shelling could be taken. “It is up to Turkey to determine its Monday approved amendments to a law ating Poland from the Nazis. from Russian-backed rebels stance on these values.” banning the promotion of communism But many Poles today say they view some 40 kilometres north of ‘Isolating Turkey’ Justice Minister Heiko Maas also and ordering the removal within a year the Soviet troops as occupiers, not lib- the insurgent capital Donetsk, Relations between Turkey and Ger- weighed in on behalf of the detained of Soviet statues, including those that erators. Poland was under Soviet control the deadliest daily toll in two many, home to three million ethnic Turks, activists. “Those who fight for human commemorate the Red Army. for over four decades after the Second weeks. have been badly strained, particularly rights are not terrorists,” he told DPA Valentina Matviyenko, speaker of the World War and the last Russian soldiers “The situation in the anti- since the failed coup attempt a year ago news agency. Russian upper house of parliament and only left in 1993. terrorist operation zone has seriously worsened,” the Ukrainian army said in a statement. Another four soldiers and Brain drain: From London hospital to Belgium two civilians were wounded in mortar fire, it said, accus- ing rebels of using heavy Duffel Hospital’s more than 3,000 “We went over there and Scientists say the older brains weapons banned by cease- A psychiatric Reuters brains of diseased psychiatric adopted most of the brains that are the most interesting because fire agreements. hospital in Belgium patients had been part of an even are relevant to psychiatric they carry diseases that have not The latest flare-up in the is home to one psychiatric hospital in Bel- larger brain collection started research,” said Manuel Morrens, been treated with modern medi- conflict that has dragged on gium is home to one of the more than 40 years ago by Brit- professor of cognitive neuro- cines. By using methods developed for over three years comes of the world’s Aworld’s largest collections ish neuropathologist John science at the University of more recently, researchers can see after Donetsk rebel chief largest collections of human brains, which Corsellis. Antwerp, who oversees the col- what molecular processes have Alexander Zakharchenko on of human brains, researchers say could hold the The London hospital that lection. Stored in formaldehyde taken place and compare them Tuesday announced plans to which could key to developing new treat- stored the brains had run out of and tucked away in ordinary with healthy brains. create a new “state” to ments for diseases such as space and needed to find a new plastic containers in the base- “You can really go into which replace Ukraine. help develop psychosis, schizophrenia and home, eventually agreeing last ment of the hospital, some of the proteins are active during cer- The proposed new coun- treatments. severe depression. year to send them to the Duffel brains are still completely intact tain phases of the illness,” try is to be called Malorossiya The Duffel Psychiatric hospital in northern Belgium. and others have been sliced up. Morrens said. (Little Russia). 14 AMERICAS THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 Trump scolds Republicans over healthcare disunity

Washington a straight repeal vote and Reuters Top promise wanted the Senate to pass a Trump told 49 replacement measure as well. S President Donald senators they should "We can repeal, but we Trump scolded should repeal and replace and not leave Washington Senate Republicans we shouldn’t leave town until for a planned August yesterday for failing this is complete," he said. to reach agreement recess until they can Capito, speaking to reporters Uon repealing or overhauling find common ground. ahead of the meeting yesterday, Obamacare, demanding they expressed some doubts the Sen- keep their campaign promises Repealing and ate vote on a repeal-only and find a new healthcare replacing Obamacare healthcare bill would actually California Secretary of State Alex Padilla speaks at a press conference in Washington, DC, approach. was a top campaign occur next week. "It’s changing Trump told 49 senators who promise for Trump so quickly," she said. yesterday. The news conference was held "to explain why the Trump administration's voter came to a White House lunch that and Republicans. "I think we're probably fraud commission was set up from the start to mislead the public. they should not leave Washing- going to air what our differences ton for a planned August recess are again. The president has until they can find common Affordable Care Act, popularly taken a lot of time to try to call Trump presses fraud concerns ground on healthcare. known as Obamacare, despite us all individually," said Capito. "We're close. We're very indications it will fail after the "I don't think anyone's mind is close," Trump said at the start of defections on Tuesday of at least going to get changed sitting right the lunch meeting, a day after the three Republican senators. there, but it gives us a chance to as panel begins investigation seven-year Republican quest to Moderate Republican sena- frame it where we have our repeal and replace Democratic tors Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa differences." former President Barack Obama's Murkowski of Alaska and Shel- Repealing and replacing Washington harder for lawful voters to cast deceased, and any form of voter signature healthcare law seemed ley Moore Capito of West Obamacare was a top campaign Reuters ballots - and by a number of suppression or intimidation to collapse in the Senate. Virginia said they oppose McCo- promise for Trump and Repub- state governments reluctant to must be stopped." "For seven years you prom- nnell's plan for a repeal that licans in Congress. But the S President Donald hand over information about Trump won the state-by-state ised the American people you would take effect in two years, reality has been difficult for a Trump pressed his their voters to the White House. Electoral College tally that decides would repeal Obamacare. Peo- giving Congress time to develop party divided between moder- Uunproven claims of voter Despite evidence from state the presidential race, but he lost ple are hurting and, frankly, a replacement. All three ates concerned the Senate bill fraud yesterday at the first officials from both parties that the popular vote by nearly 3 mil- inaction is not an option," attended the lunch. With Dem- would eliminate insurance for meeting of a commission he cre- voter fraud is rare in US elections, lion votes to his Democratic Trump told the Republican law- ocrats united in opposition to millions of low-income Ameri- ated to study the issue, and Trump has claimed that millions opponent, Hillary Clinton. makers. "Any senator who votes repeal, McConnell can only lose cans and conservatives who implied states that did not share of illegal immigrants voted in the He established the Presiden- against starting debate is really two votes from his 52-48 major- want to see even deeper cuts to voter data with the panel had November 2016 election. tial Advisory Commission on telling America that you're fine ity in the 100-seat Senate to pass Obamacare, which boosted the something to hide. "Every time voter fraud Election Integrity in May and with Obamacare." healthcare legislation. number of Americans with The panel has faced lacer- occurs it cancels out the vote of assigned Vice President Mike Senate Majority Leader Trump, who had not been health insurance through man- ating criticism from Democrats a lawful citizen," he told the Pence to lead it. The panel will Mitch McConnell has vowed to heavily involved in lobbying the dates on individuals and and voting rights groups that commission. "Any form of ille- next gather in September, and go ahead with a vote early next Senate on the issue until this employers, and income-based argued it could be a vehicle for gal or fraudulent voting, hold at least four more meetings week on a repeal of the week, said he wanted more than subsidies. changes that would make it whether by non-citizens or the over nine months. Brazil judge freezes Canada plans aid for Lula's assets evacuees as after conviction fires rage Kamloops AFP Brasília a nine-and-a-half-year sen- AFP tence after his conviction. s forest fires raged yes- The 71-year-old has por- terday in western Brazilian judge leading trayed the judicial blow as an ACanada, the provincial an anti-corruption probe attempt to keep him out of the government extended a state Ahas ordered assets running for the presidency. of emergency and announced belonging to former president One of the most popular aid for tens of thousands of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva frozen Brazilian leaders of modern people evacuated because of after last week convicting and times, Lula held power from the disaster. sentencing him to prison for 2003 to 2010, the maximum Around 150 fires were graft. two consecutive terms permit- burning in British Columbia on Lula, as he is widely known, ted by the constitution. the Pacific coast, and more Demonstrators build a barricade during a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's remains free pending an appeal His protegee and fellow than half of them remained out of the verdict. He denies any Workers Party member, Dilma government in Caracas, yesterday. of control, firefighting officials wrongdoing and says he will Rousseff, then took the reins, said. attempt a political comeback winning two elections. But she The fires have forced at next year by contesting presi- was impeached and ousted last Maduro defies Trump over constitution least 46,000 people from their dential elections. year for fiddling government homes. Ordering the asset freeze, accounts to hide liabilities. Each household evacuated Judge Sergio Moro said, was in Her vice president from Caracas "conspirators," who will then which controls the National will receive aid of Can$600 response to the charge that Lula another party, Michel Temer, AFP receive "exemplary punish- Assembly, fears that Maduro's ($480), British Columbia Pre- accepted a bribe of a luxury has taken over. But he, too, is ment." The sharp words came plan is designed to keep the mier John Horgan said. beachside apartment and $1.1 accused of taking bribes, as resident Nicolas Maduro after Trump on Monday leftist administration in power That amount will double million in cash from one of Bra- have several of his ministers said that controversial warned of unspecified "strong indefinitely. for families unable to return zil's biggest construction who have resigned. Pplans to re-write Vene- and swift economic actions" Trump slammed Maduro as home over the next two weeks, companies, OAS. Moro put the Lula had been leading in zuela's constitution will move against Venezuela if the July 30 "a bad leader who dreams of Horgan said. He also said a value of Lula's assets in prop- voter intention polls up to his ahead "now more than ever" Constituent Assembly election becoming a dictator," and said state of emergency that was erty and bank accounts as $4.3 conviction. He has vowed to "be following US President Donald was held. that the United States "will not first declared July 7 and set to million, according to court criss-crossing the country" to Trump's threat of economic An unofficial plebiscite held stand by as Venezuela expire Friday will be extended papers released Wednesday. win support for his bid to return sanctions. by opponents to the leftist crumbles." by two weeks. They comprised three as president in the October Maduro, speaking late regime over weekend saw 7.6 The United States and Ven- That declaration gave emer- apartments, a plot of land, two 2018 elections. Tuesday to the country's million voters -- out of an elec- ezuela have had decades of gency responders, forestry vehicles and two accounts Moro, however, is also a Defense Council, also said the torate of 19 million -- reject the tense relations, dating back to officials and police the authority holding more than the equiva- popular choice for possible can- government will launch a "spe- planned Constituent Assembly the time of Hugo Chavez, "to take every action necessary lent of $190,000 in cash. didate, thanks to his unflinching cial emergency justice plan" to and support early elections. Maduro's mentor and prede- to fight these wildfires and pro- Lula was a week ago given anti-corruption drive. capture anti-administration The opposition, cessor who died in 2013. tect residents and their communities," according to a government statement issued July 7. "We have had many chal- lenges happen and we have Angry Democrats file no-confidence motion against President more ahead of us," Horgan said. "A coordinated, strong response is important." Washington resolution questioning Trump's traditional alliances. from officials staying at his Leader Nancy Pelosi and that she Nearly 3,000 firefighters AFP fitness to serve as commander If Cohen were to use proce- hotels, and fired the FBI direc- did not object. aided by 200 water-dumping in chief. dural tactics to bring the tor because of the ongoing "We have a president who helicopters and planes are wo dozen congressional Congress cannot remove a resolution to the House floor, investigation into possible actively undermines the very fighting the fires, and reinforce- Democrats yesterday president except by impeach- even for a simple request for a Trump campaign collusion with principles of our government, ments are on the way. Tlaunched a no-confidence ment, so a no-confidence motion vote, it could serve as a strong if Russia. and a Republican Congress that Rain is forecast in some motion against Donald Trump, would be non-binding. symbolic rebuke. The resolution urged the makes excuses for him as though areas of British Columbia, but an effort that will have no prac- But Democrats are hoping to Cohen said the resolution president to release his tax his behavior were normal," said the flames are being fueled by tical effect but highlights the send a message of frustration details "misdeeds and actions returns; "unequivocally congresswoman and co-spon- bone-dry conditions and rancor aroused by the US with a leader who has refused to that give people lack of confi- acknowledge" that Russia inter- sor Judy Chu. fanned by strong winds. On the president. release his taxes, launched ver- dence in him and the direction fered in the 2016 election; and "It is not normal. Trump's eastern slope of the Rocky "This is an attempt at a bal attacks on women and the he is taking our country." refrain from using Twitter behavior is cruel, unethical and Mountains, the fires forced the political intervention," Repre- press, pulled the United States They include accusations inappropriately. it is driving people's faith in gov- partial closure of some of Can- sentative Steve Cohen told out of a pivotal climate pact and that Trump accepted payments Cohen said he discussed his ernment to dangerously low ada's most prized national reporters as he unveiled the cast doubt on the usefulness of from foreign powers including motion with House Minority levels." parks. THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 BREAK TIME 15

CONCEPTIS SUDOKU

08:00 News 10:10 Blowing Up History 10:05 Tanked 13:10 Girl Meets World 08:30 Witness 10:55 Strip The City 11:00 Dogs/Cats/Pets 14:00 Austin & Ally 09:00 Prison Lives: Inside 11:40 Made By 101 14:25 Lolirock And Out Destruction 11:55 Animal Cops 14:50 The Zhuzhus S1 10:30 Inside Story 12:25 How Do They Do Philadelphia 16:10 Liv And Maddie 11:00 News It? 12:50 The Bronx Zoo 16:35 Descendants 11:30 The Stream 12:47 Storage Hunters 13:45 Big Fish Man Wicked World 12:30 Latin America 13:10 Gold Rush 14:40 Wildest Middle 16:40 Miraculous Tales Investigates 13:55 Mega East Of Ladybug... 13:00 NEWSHOUR Shippers 15:35 Tanked 18:20 Disney Mickey 14:00 News 14:40 Gold Divers 16:30 Big Fish Man Mouse 14:30 Inside Story 15:25 Fast N' Loud 17:25 The Lion Queen 19:45 Mako Mermaids 15:00 Witness 16:10 Wheeler 18:20 Wildest Europe 20:10 The Adventures 16:00 NEWSHOUR Dealers 19:15 Tanked Of Disney Fairies 17:00 News 17:00 How Do They Do 20:10 Dogs/Cats/Pets 20:35 Cracke 17:30 The Stream It? 101 20:40 Alex & Co. 18:00 newsgrid 18:20 Storage Hunters 21:05 The Lion Queen 21:05 Miraculous Tales Yesterday's answer 19:00 News 18:50 Mega Shippers 22:00 Wildest Europe Of Ladybug... 19:30 AJ Selects 20:35 How Do They Do 22:55 Wildest Middle 21:30 Stuck In The Conceptis Sudoku: Conceptis Sudoku is a number- 20:00 News It? East Middle placing puzzle based on a 9×9 grid. The object is to 20:30 Inside Story 21:00 Ocean Warriors 23:50 Big Fish Man 21:55 Tsum Tsum place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so 21:00 NEWSHOUR 22:15 How Do They Do 00:45 Animal Cops Shorts that each row, each column and each 3×3 box 22:00 News It? Philadelphia 22:00 Bunk'd contains the same number only once. 22:30 The Stream 23:05 Storage Hunters 01:40 Wildest 23:10 Miraculous Tales 23:00 Prison Lives: Inside UK Europe Of Ladybug... 23:30 02:35 23:35 CROSSWORD And Out Fast N' Loud Tanked Lolirock HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

NOVO — Pearl SHOWING AT VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Huroob Ezterari (2D/Arabic) 10:30am, 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45pm & 12:00midnight War For The Planet of The Apes (2D/Action) 10:00, 11:30am, 12:50, 2:20, 3:40, 5:10, 6:30, 9:15, 11:00 & 12:00midnight Baywatch (2D/Comedy) 10:00, 11:30am, 12:20, 2:40, 4:30, 5:00, 7:20, 9:20, 9:40pm & 12:00midnight Altitude (2D/Action) 10:00am, 2:30, 7:00 & 11:30pm Pirates of The Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge (2D/Action) 11:50am, 4:20 & 8:50pm Cars 3 (2D/Animation) 11:00am, 1:10, 3:30 & 5:40pm Overdrive (2D/Action) 7:50, 9:50 & 11:50pm Despicable Me 3 (2D/Animation) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00 & 4:00pm Tisbah Ala Khair (2D/Arabic) 6:00, 8:00, 10:00pm & 12:00midnight Baby Driver (Thriller) 11:30am, 1:50, 2:00, 4:10, 6:30, 7:00, 8:50, 11:15 & 11:45pm Spider Man: Home Coming (2D IMAX/Action) 11:00am, 4:00 & 9:15pm The Mummy (3D IMAX/Action) 1:40, 6:40 & 11:55pm MALL Munna Michael (2D/Hindi) 2:00 & 11:30pm Cars 3 (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 6:00pm Spiderman: Homecoming (2D/Adventure) 2:30pm Despicable Me 3 (2D/Animation) 4:00pm Altitude (Action) 4:30 & 10:00pm Huroob Ezterari (2D/Arabic) 5:00, 8:00 & 9:00pm Baywatch (Comedy) 5:30 & 11:30pm Baby Driver (2D/Action) 7:00 & 9:30pm Tisbah Ala Khair (2D/Arabic) 7:30pm Vikram Vedha (2D/Tamil) 11:00pm LANDMARK Cars 3 (2D/Animation) 2:30 & 4:00pm Despicable Me 3 (2D/Animation) 2:30 & 6:00pm Spiderman: Homecoming (2D/Adventure) 2:30 & 11:00pm War For The Planet of The Apes (2D/Adventure) 4:30pm Tisbah Ala Khair (2D/Arabic) 5:00pm Baby Driver (2D/Action) 7:00pm Vikram Vedha (2D/Tamil) 7:00 & 11:30pm Huroob Ezterari (2D/Arabic) 7:30, 9:30 & 11:00pm Baywatch (Comedy) 9:00pm Altitude (Action) 9:45pm ROYAL PLAZA Munna Michael (2D/Hindi) 2:30 & 9:00pm Despicable Me 3 (2D/Animation) 2:30pm Cars 3 (2D/Animation) 2:15 & 5:00pm Baywatch (Comedy) 4:00 & 6:00pm Spiderman: Homecoming (2D/Adventure) 4:15pm Vikram Vedha (2D/Tamil) 6:30 & 11:15pm Yesterday’s answer Huroob Ezterari (2D/Arabic) 7:00, 9:15 & 11:30pm Baby Driver (2D/Action) 8:00pm Tisbah Ala Khair (2D/Arabic) 10:00pm ALL IN THE MIND Altitude (Action) 11:45pm ASIAN TOWN Vikram Vedha (Tamil) 12:30, 1:00, 3:00, 3:45, 5:45, 6:30, 8:30, 9:15, 11:15pm, 12:00midnight, 01:45 & 02:30am Fidaa (Telugu) 12:30 & 6:00pm Munna Michael (Hindi) 3:15 & 11:30pm AFGHANI, AURAR, BAHT, Thondi Muthal (2D/Malayalam) 1:00, 3:45, 6:30, 9:15pm &12:00midnight BANI, CENT, CENTAI, CENTIMES, DINAR, AL KHOR DIRHAM, DOLLAR, DRAM, Cars 3 (Animation) 10:30am & 12:45pm EURO, FORINT, FRANC, Baby Driver (Thriller) 11:00am, 4:00 & 9:00pm Munna Michael (Hindi) 12:15, 3:300, 5:45, HALERU, JIAO, KORUNA, 8:30 & 11:15pm Vikram Vedha (Tamil) 3:00, 6:00, 9:00pm & 12:00midnight KRONA, KRONER, KRONUR, Baywatch (Comedy) 1:30, 6:30 & 11:30pm LIRA, MANAT, PAISE, PARA, ESO, POUND, QUINDARKA, ROXY RAND, RINGGIT, RIYAL, Cars 3 (Animation) 12:00noon, 2:20, 4:40 & 7:00pm RUBLE, RUPEE, RUPIAH, Vikram Vedha (Tamil) 12:00noon, 3:00, 6:00, 9:00pm & 12:00midnight SANTIMI, SHEKEL, SHILLING, Baby Driver (2D/Thriller) 12:00noon, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30 & 10:00pm STOTINKI, TAKA, TUGRIK, Baywatch (2D/Comedy) 12:00noon, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30 & 10:40pm WON, YEN, YUAN. Fidaa (Telugu) 9:20pm & 12:10am Huroob Ezterari 12:30pm 16 HOME THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017

PRAYER TIMINGS

FAJR 03.28 am Expo on ‘Skate Girls of Kabul’ opens SHOROOK 04.55 am

ZUHR 11.40 am MAGHRIB 06.27 pm Raynald C Rivera 25 using skateboards to attend the audience to grab the skateboarding community ASR 03.06 pm ISHA 07.57 pm The Peninsula school, thanks to Skateistan, guests’ attention with their was to be around but I hope an award-winning interna- subjects’ determined gazes. that’s precisely what the pho- kate Girls of Kabul, a tional nonprofit organisation This powerful show is yet tographs will show. That’s WEATHER TODAY photo exhibition tracing empowering youth and chil- another example of Qatar why I chose to work with nat- Sthe extraordinary story dren through skateboarding Museums’ focus on bringing ural light and in the original o o of Afghani girls who use skate- and education. The hopeful high-profile exhibitions to setting of the skate park, let- boards as a means of and tenacious spirit of the Qatar with the aim of inspir- ting these girls’ personalities 34 C 40 C transportation to in going to exhibition is meant to reso- ing an indigenous culture of shine through the images. I Minimum Maximum school, marks its Middle East nate with the local community creativity and innovation.” hope the photo series captures debut at a major show which and echo QM’s mission of Jessica Fulford-Dobson, their joy of skating, their indi- opened yesterday at QM Gal- inspiring education through said: “I first met these girls in viduality and the unique lery in Katara. creative approaches. 2012 and knew their story had community they built around Presented by Qatar Muse- Khalid Al Ibrahim, Chief to be told. It was their deter- their shared experiences.” ums (QM), the exhibition, Strategic Planning Office at mination, and the unique way A unique feature of the which runs until October 21, Qatar Museums said: “The in which they created a skat- exhibition is a skating ramp showcases 40 images taken Skate Girls of Kabul opening ing culture entirely their own, that where guests will be able by acclaimed British photog- night event was a true reflec- that kept me coming back to to try their hand at skate- except Sundays. It is open rapher Jessica tion of the spirit of the show. the skate park day after day boarding by using skateboards from 10am to 8pm from Mon- Fulford-Dobson. It features The photographs emitted a to capture this pocket of hope. and helmets made available day to Thursday and Saturday portraits of Afghani girls sense of hopefulness and per- It’s hard to put into words how to visitors. The exhibition is and from 3pm to 9pm on between the ages of five and severance, reaching out into captivating this young open until October every day Fridays. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels install ‘Tamim Al Majd’ murals

The Peninsula mural, writing messages express- Hazy to at places at first becomes ing unequivocal support of the hot daytime with some clouds and humid by night. ouq Waqif Boutique Hotels, State of Qatar and the Emir. the five-star designer collec- “In installation of Tamim Al tion of boutique hotels, has Majd murals in front of Al Mirqab HIGH TIDE 00:30 – 15:15 LOW TIDE 07:30 – 21:45 S unveiled two “Tamim Al Majd” Boutique Hotel and Arumaila murals in front of the Al Mirqab Boutique Hotel, we symbolically Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Boutique Hotel and the Arumaila express our loyalty and allegiance Boutique Hotel, to demonstrate to Qatar,” said Aisha Al Khamees the support of its management Human Resources Manager. and staff to Qatar and the leader- “Today, we renew our pledge ship of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim to continue efforts towards bin Hamad Al Thani, and to achieving Qatar’s goals in line express the unity of its family in with Qatar National Vision 2030. the face of the unjust siege. In the coming days, we expect that The mural was inaugurated the murals will be visited and by Hafidh Al Busaidy, Cluster signed by thousands of visitors, General Manager of Souq Waqif who have been tremendously Boutique Hotels,0 in the presence supportive since the onset of the of employees from many differ- blockade against the State of The management and staff of Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels in front of the mural ent nationalities who signed the Qatar,” added Aisha Al Khamees. of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Kadim Al Sahir & Fahad Al Hamburg ‘anti-Qatar Kubaisi to perform at QSF protesters were paid’ The Peninsula The Peninsula online. Tickets start at QR45 shows, performances and in the silver category and unlimited family-friendly German media report says there is strong evidence an anti- atar Summer Festival are available at QR99, 149, entertainment. Organisers Qatar demonstration in Hamburg during the recent G20 (QSF) organisers have 199 and 395 in the gold, have also revealed that Asummit that got generous coverage in some sections of the Qconfirmed that Arabic platinum, VIP and royal cat- details for more entertain- pan-Arab news media, was staged. music sensation, Kadim Al egories respectively. ment in August will be About 140 protesters had gathered in front of the city’s Chris- Sahir and Qatari singer Mashal Shahbik, Direc- announced soon. Held tuskirche on July 8, holding sign boards against Qatar, according Fahad Al Kubaisi will per- tor of Tourism Events and under the theme “Colour to the report on the ARD-faktenfinder website. form live in Qatar next Festivals at Qatar Tourism Your Summer”, QSF is a Some Arab media outlets reported extensively on the demon- month as part of the enter- Authority said, “We are nationwide festival that cel- stration, although it was only a small protest. The protest occurred tainment schedule of the pleased to present music ebrates the country’s family against the backdrop of the diplomatic crisis between Qatar on longest-running edition of fans with the opportunity to entertainment, retail and one side and Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt on the other the country’s summer enjoy a special entertain- hospitality offerings. In its side. festival. ment experience that fourth edition, this year’s Some Arab media outlets reported extensively on the demon- Both the artists are set celebrates our Arab culture. QSF stretches beyond the stration, although it was only a small protest. to take to the stage on The live concerts by these usual month-long period, to “Sky News Arabia reported the event live. Another Egyptian August 17 at the Qatar two distinguished artists run from Eid Al Fitr through channel as well as Saudi and UAE media outlets picked up on the National Convention Cen- enrich QSF’s entertainment to Eid Al Adha. Those who protest. The Egyptian newspaper Egypt Today said about 7,000 tre theatre to serenade fans offering while presenting wish to stay up to date with people demonstrated against Qatar,” the ARD-faktenfinder report with a selection of their Qatar’s visitors with an QSF activities can follow the said. “But it seems the protest was staged.” Refugees have told best-known hits. The inter- authentic tourism Qatar Events Calendar’s ARD-faktenfinder as well as the refugee portal WDRforyo that nationally-renowned Iraqi experience.” dedicated social media protesters were paid to demonstrate against Qatar. artist Kadim AlSahir, These live music con- accounts on Twitter and Ahmad O, a Syrian refugee from Hamburg, said he was dubbed the “Ceasar of Ara- cert forms part of QSF’s Instagram (@QatarCalen- approached by two Egyptian men named Amro and Mohamed in bic Song”, has been exciting live entertainment dar), Facebook (Facebook. a park. They offered him ¤1,000. In return he was to participate entertaining fans from schedule, offering a rich com/QatarCalendar) and in the protest against Qatar and bring some friends. They prom- across the Arab world and array of cultural Snapchat (QatarCalendar). ised an additional ¤100 for each of them. beyond for over Ahmad O says he called his friends and so a few hundred peo- three decades, selling ple showed up for the demonstration: Syrians, Iraqis, Egyptians over 100 million and North Africans. albums. “There were some harbour workers who came for the money,” The evening Ahmad O says in the report. events will kick off “But when we were there, they only gave us money for 100 with a performance people. The other 300 people didn’t get anything. So they were by Fahad Al Kubaisi upset and started chanting for Qatar. The protest turned into a who has regularly pro-Qatar demonstration.” performed during Other refugees have confirmed Ahmad O’s account of the Qatar’s tourism developments. festivals. Mustafa Hassan, from a refugee facility in Hamburg, wrote to Tickets for the WDRforyou: “People in the refugee camp have told me: ‘Come QSF live music con- with us. ¤100 for two hours. We go together. We just have to par- cert are now on sale ticipate in a protest against Qatar. There’s nothing to worry about.’ at all branches of Vir- But I declined.” gin Megastores and In another video, the voice of a purported protest participant can be purchased says people got paid to protest against Qatar. BUSINESS Thursday 20 July 2017 PAGE | 19 PAGE | 20 9,502.36 21,620.56 7,430.91 $47.24 ibq’s net +108.63 PTS +45.83 PTS +40.69 PTS +0.84 US-China talks profit grows 1.16% 0.21% 0.55% to ease trade by 20% QE DOW FTSE100 BRENT tensions Dow & Brent before going to press

Doha Bank posts solid H1 net profit with impressive ratios

The Peninsula Operating income suite of products and services, resilient economy and strong oha Bank has The Bank increased its banking fundamentals in Qatar.” recorded a net profit net operating income During the year, Doha Bank dis- of QR716m for the by 4.8 percent to tributed 30 percent cash first half of 2017 (H1 QR1.47bn. Total assets dividend to the shareholders for 2017), an increase of increased by QR4.5bn, the year 2016 as well as success- D1.0 percent as compared to a growth of 5.1 fully completed the capital QR708m reported for the same percent, from increase by way of rights issue.” period in 2016. QR87.3bn as at 30 Highlighting Doha Bank’s key The Bank increased its net June 2016 to achievements, initiatives and operating income by 4.8 percent innovations, Dr Seetharaman QR91.8bn as at 30 to QR1.47bn. Total assets said, “We are proud to announce June 2017. increased by QR4.5bn, a growth FROM LEFT: Sheikh Fahad bin Mohammad bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of that the bank as Founder, is in the of 5.1 percent, from QR87.3bn as Directors of Doha Bank; Sheikh Abdul Rehman bin Mohammad bin Jabor Al Thani, Managing final stage of launching the QE at 30 June 2016 to QR91.8bn as at advances increased to QR59.2bn Index ETF (QETF). The QETF will Director; and Dr R Seetharaman, CEO of the Bank. 30 June 2017. as at 30 June 2017 from invest and replicate the Qatar Announcing the bank’s QR55.4bn for the same period said “The Bank has become shareholders’ equity is 14.7 per- strategies”. Index largest 20 companies in impressive results, Sheikh Fahad last year, registering a growth of extremely strong over the years cent as at 30 June 2017 one of the Dr R Seetharaman, Chief terms of market capitalization bin Mohammad bin Jabor Al 6.8 percent. Customer deposits with total equity, as at 30 June best in the industry. The Bank, Executive Officer of Doha Bank, and liquid listings.” Thani, Chairman of the Board of showed a year-on-year increase 2017, at QR14.6bn, registering an given the scale of operations, has commented: “In spite of chal- Doha Bank’s credit ratings Directors of Doha Bank said: of 6.8 percent from QR52.4bn to increase of 11.7 percent during achieved a very high return on lenging market conditions, Doha were re-affirmed by various “This is another outstanding QR56.0bn, reflecting the strong the last twelve months. Through the average assets of 1.57 percent Bank’s strong results highlights credit rating agencies in recogni- result and is clear demonstra- liquidity position of the bank. the strategic utilisation of the which is a clear demonstration the ever growing strength of its tion of Doha Bank’s ability to tion that Doha Bank continues Sheikh Abdul Rehman bin shareholder’s funds by way of of the effective utilization of vision and strategy to capitalize maintain strong growth trajec- to perform consistently.” Mohammad bin Jabor Al Thani, increasing our performance lev- shareholder’s funds and opti- on market synergies, ongoing tory and impressive financial Doha Bank’s net loans and Managing Director of Doha Bank els the return on average mum asset allocation customer demand, its strong ratios. Qatar banks confident in future growth Banks lift QSE index

Satish Kanady said in its survey conducted as among the top 2 higher risk top 1 risk varies across the The Peninsula QR145.30 on June 4. Second- The Peninsula part of its eighth Financial Sta- events during last year, cur- banks, 40-60 percent of quarter earnings announced by bility Review. rent year and the year to respondents opined default anking stocks boosted QNB and other Qatari banks in vast majority of banks in The perception of the come. In addition, around from real estate developers Qatar’s equities market recent days have suggested that Qatar believe that sys- respondent banks on credit 40-60 percent of banks and contractors are consid- Byesterday, with some the economic impact of the sanc- A temic risk in the country’s and market risk also indicate ranked “geopolitical risk” ered as major risk among the share prices approaching lev- tions on Qatari lenders so far has banking sector will decrease or a higher majority expect the among top 2 risk event in the credit risk events for 2017 and els last reached before the been minor in terms of the drain remain the same in the current risk levels will either decrease current year and in 2018. 2018. country’s diplomatic crisis on their deposits and damage to year. A ‘risk perception sur- or remain at the same level Majority of the respondent Among liquidity risk, with- erupted in early June. bottom lines. vey-2017’, conducted by Qatar during 2017 and 2018. On then banks has considered all other drawal by wholesale The Qatar index advanced Qatar Islamic Bank, which Central Bank (QCB), found liquidity risk, the opinion is risk events as comparatively depositors is considered as top by 1.2 percent to 9,502 points, its analysts say is one of the most almost all the banks expressing equally distributed on positive lower significance. 1 risk by 40-60 percent of the highest finish since June 5 dip- exposed to withdrawals because confidence in the financial sta- and negative perception. The survey captured banks respondents. Interest rate lomatic crisis. Yesterday’s gain of the diplomatic crisis, rose 1.4 bility of the country’s banking The Survey also sought the perception on the major risk shock is considered as top 1 left the index only 4.3 percent percent. Late on Tuesday it sector. banks to rank the key global events from the given set of market risk event by 20-40 below its pre-crisis close. It has reported a 10 percent rise in “Around 70 percent of the and macro-economic risks events pertaining to credit, percent of respondents. been as much as 13 percent first-half net profit and a 2 per- respondent banks opined the factors that have impacted liquidity, market and opera- A majority of the banks lower early this month, Reuters cent increase in deposits in the systemic risk in the banking Qatar financial system accord- tional risks. responded risk from cyber reported. six months to June 30. QIIB sector will decrease or remain ing to their opinion. The Even though the respond- world will be the major oper- Qatar National Bank(QNB), added 1.4 percent. Commercial the same in the current year results prove that majority of ent banks perception is not ational risk in the current and the largest lender, jumped by 4.4 Bank of Qatar, however, edged and the year ahead’, the QCB banks ranked ‘low oil prices’ unique as the perception on the year ahead. percent to 143 riyals. It closed at down 0.3 percent. Demand for business segment hotels to see steady growth

Mohammad Shoeb industry expert. “Qatar’s eco- growth Qatar’s foreign trade in apartments. This represents a 33 fostering and excelling in devel- The Peninsula nomic fundamentals are strong. goods and services, Jaafar said: “As percent increase in supply of room oping business with different The economy is growing fast in we know that different countries keys since 2012. partners, and having state-of-the- he demand for hotel rooms, two parallel directions. On the one are endowed with different eco- According to a latest report on art infrastructure the one being especially for the business hand it is trying to achieve self- nomic advantages, so the trade Qatar by DTZ, a real estate advi- developed in Ras Bufontas and Tsegment hotels preferred sufficiency in certain key exchange will continue to happen sory firm, the first quarter of 2017 other special economic zones (SEZ) by frequent travellers, are economic activities by creating and grow.” saw a number of new hotels arrive in different parts of the country. expected to witness a steady sustainable growth, and on the He added: “The upcoming on the market, including The Town Even if the blockade by neigh- increase in the coming years. other, it is continuing to invest in logistics city (Ras Bufontas) will Hotel in Msheireb, and The Mille- bouring states lasts long, it will not This additional demand will energy sector to remain world provide strong arena for interna- nium Plaza in Al Sadd. have any adverse impact on the be largely driven by the acceler- leader in terms of supplying clean tional business community to Of the current supply, 87 per- future growth prospects, he said. ated pace in the ongoing economic energy to the world,” Jaafar Ali Al operate in Qatar and strengthen cent of hotel keys and more than “We are focusing more on diversification. With the imple- Sarraf (pictured) told The was part of an agreement signing economic ties between different 70 percent of establishments are business development. The beauty mentation of the economic zones, Peninsula. ceremony with Manateq, to countries.” categorised as either 4-Star or of having 4-star hotels is that this industrial enclaves and warehous- Jaafar, Board Member of develop two (4-Star) business Currently there are 22,800 5-Star. On the occupancy rates segment caters to different needs ing complexes, more business Zukhrof Trading and Contracting hotels and three (3-4 Star) hotel hotel rooms and serviced apart- and supply concerns especially of the market,” added Jaafar. travelers are expected to visit company, was talking to this apartment buildings at Ras Bufon- ment keys available in the country, with regard to the ongoing siege, He reiterated that Qatar is a Qatar for exploring business and newspaper on the sidelines of an tas SEZ, at a whooping cost of in more than 120 establishments, Jaafar noted that the ongoing sit- strong and resilient economy with investment opportunities, said an event recently where his company QR488.5m. Highlighting the future including hotels and serviced uation stresses the need for abilities to react dynamically. 18 BUSINESS THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 BUSINESS 19 ibq’s net profit grows by 20% Qatar-Iran meet

The Peninsula Revenues up bank has continued to de-risk its balance sheet and reduce its to strengthen nternational Bank of Qatar The first half result reliance on wholesale interbank (ibq) recorded a net profit shows a 17% funding. of QR278m for the first half increase in ibq’s total These factors coupled with of 2017 (H1 2017), reflect- operating income. the current situation resulted in ing a 20 percent growth some contraction in total assets bilateral trade I compared to the corresponding even though loans and advances period in 2016. The first half ibq’s return on remained stable, while the bank The Peninsula QNA reported. result also shows a 17 percent average equity now relies on client deposits and Iranian Deputy Minister of increase in the bank’s total oper- stands at a healthy deepening relationships to fund atari businessmen and Industry, Mine and Trade ating income. 12.3% compared to its asset book. their Iranian counterparts (IMT), Khosrow Taj, who The bank’s asset quality 10.8% last year “While navigating the Qdiscussed ways enhanc- chaired the visiting delegation, remained stable, with the non- unchartered waters produced by ing bilateral trade cooperation expressed his country’s aspi- performing loan ratio at 1.19 growth of our revenues, as we the recent external geopolitical as well as the possibility of ration to strengthen trade and percent. ibq’s net interest mar- reduction from last year, as ibq are with their quality, given that events has been a challenge, we reaching commercial partner- economic ties with Qatar. gin, return on average assets and successfully controlled the day they are client driven, sustaina- believe that Qatari banks remain ships and special deals in food He stressed that the visit most operating metrics contin- to day operating model while ble and with very little solid institutions with adequate sector. Qatar-Iran trade volume and bilateral meetings would ued to improve, while the bank’s retaining oversight on good cor- non-recurring items.” liquidity, experienced manage- reached QR341m, last year. contribute to enhancing trade return on average equity now porate governance “As we progress into the sec- ment and strong capital ratios. A bilateral meeting was exchange between the two stands at a healthy 12.3 percent, “This strong set of results is ond half of 2017, ibq’s liquidity They are perfectly able to over- held yesterday between a countries for the sake of the compared to 10.8 percent last the outcome of ibq’s focus on remains comfortable and the come any difficulty that may number of Qatari businessmen national economies. year deepening its exceptional client bank’s deal pipeline firm. ibq arise from these unusual circum- and members of Iranian trade Earlier on Tuesday, the All business segments con- franchise, maintaining conserv- continues to invest in its infra- stances,” Bouhadiba stressed. delegation, currently visiting deputy minister met Sheikh tributed positively to the total ative risk management, and structure to enable it to deliver “We anticipate ibq deliver- Doha. Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, operating income result with delivering consistently high better client solutions, upgrade ing a solid financial performance The Iranian companies Chairman of Qatar Chamber. Corporate Banking delivering a standards of service quality to its IT systems, and continuously this year as we continue to focus expressed their readiness to The meeting focused on stellar set of first half results. its customers,” said Omar Bou- improve its security platforms on fundamentals, putting the export their products to the Qatar-Iran economic and Expenses continued to be tightly hadiba (pictured), Managing to ensure client data is safe- needs of clients first, providing Qatari market, while Qatari trade relations and ways of managed with the cost income Director, ibq. guarded,” he said. the best possible service and companies expressed willing- enhancing them for the advan- ratio showing a 13 percent “We are as happy with the Over the last few months, the managing risk,” he added. ness to partner with them to tage of both countries’ achieve this end. economy and their trade Qatar Chamber Vice Chair- exchange. man Mohammed bin Ahmed The IMT deputy minister Morgan Stanley bin Towar Al Kuwari said that said large number of Iranian Qatari businessmen were keen companies are looking for- QBBF urges UK firms to tap traders top to explore Iranian products ward to entering the Qatari and to have joint cooperation market and establishing trade Goldman for Q2 with the Iranian companies partnership with Qatari Qatar business opportunities operating in the food sector. companies. New York He stressed that Qatar For his side, Al Thani said Bloomberg Chamber was ready to provide that Qatar Chamber was ready The Peninsula the necessary information and to match Iranian businessmen organ Stanley’s bond data to Iranian businessmen with their Qatari counterparts K and Qatar bilateral traders are 2-0 this to help increase joint cooper- with the aim of strengthening relationship remains Myear against Gold- ation between the private cooperation between both Ustrong and British busi- man Sachs Group Inc. sectors of both the countries, firms in both the countries. nesses should utilise For a second straight quar- opportunities in Qatar , accord- ter, Morgan Stanley posted ing to the British Ambassador to more fixed-income revenue Qatar, Ajay Sharma. He was than its bigger competitor in recently addressing an event one of Wall Street’s most hotly organised by Qatar British Busi- contested arenas, reporting the ness Forum (QBBF), organised smallest drop among top U.S. to encourage businesses to meet, Ajay Sharma, British ambassador to Qatar addressing the investment banks on Wednes- collaborate and share ideas on audience at QBBF meet. day. Equities trading also supporting trade between Qatar outperformed Goldman Sachs, and UK. and the UK share a long history, interest to safeguard their busi- as did the firm’s return on “It was an opportunity to and the British community in ness interest and increase the equity.Morgan Stanley may reassure businesses that the UK- Qatar is the largest European cooperation between the two have benefited from Chief Qatar relationship remains as community living and working countries to try and overcome the Executive Officer James Gor- strong as ever, and that British in Qatar with many members of difficulties created by the unjust man’s strategy of scaling back Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani (right), Chairman of businesses should continue to the community living in Qatar for action of the few regional coun- in commodities, selling stakes Qatar Chamber with Khosrow Taj, Iranian Deputy Minister make the most of the opportuni- more than twenty years. There- tries,” said Emad Turkman MBE, in businesses after regulatory ties in Qatar,” said Sharma. “Qatar fore, it is in the community’s Chairman of QBBF. scrutiny and low returns. of Industry, Mine and Trade. BMW favours UK plant S Africa’s economic plan unlikely to boost growth

to build electric Mini Johannesburg government’s newly announced Gigaba. Fitch has warned that Reuters Inclusive Growth Action Plan is changes to mine ownership laws unlikely to significantly boost were proof that economic policy Munich which has been warned by busi- outh Africa’s economic economic growth prospects,” said was tilting toward a radical, pop- Reuters nesses at home and abroad that strategy released by Fitch, which rates the country’s ulist direction, despite assurances Brexit will hit investment. SFinance Minister Malusi local and foreign debt a single by Treasury that policy would MW’s Oxford factory in Mini makes around 60 per- Gigaba (pictured) last week is notch below investment grade. remain unchanged. England is currently the cent of its approximately unlikely to boost growth and Fitch said it had halved its growth The agency is also concerned Bfavoured location for 360,000 compact cars a year at many of the measures have pre- forecast for this year to 0.6 per- about a proposed plan to build a building an electric version of Oxford, but BMW has built up an viously been announced, ratings cent from 1.2 percent previously fleet of nuclear power stations at the Mini despite Britain’s alternative manufacturing base agency Fitch said yesterday. due to weak economic perform- a cost of up to 1 trillion rand planned departure from the in the Netherlands amid con- Africa’s most developed 14-point programme that ance and ongoing political ($77bn). European Union, two sources cerns about Britain’s suitability economy entered recession for included the possible sale of uncertainty. “Government messages on familiar with the company’s as an export hub after Brexit. the first time in a decade in assets and partial privatisation of Fitch, along with S&P Global the costly nuclear power plan thinking said yesterday. Asked whether the electric March, while a bitter leadership state-owned firms. The plan Ratings and Moody’s cut South have changed repeatedly and the Any decision by the German Mini would be built in Britain, a contest in the ruling party and received a lukewarm reception Africa’s foreign debt rating in issue is unlikely to be settled until carmaker to commit to further BMW spokeswoman said: “A government corruption scandals from investors locally and April after President Jacob Zuma after the electoral conference in spending at Oxford would be a final decision has not been have dented investor confidence. abroad. fired the widely-respected Pravin December 2017 that will choose boost to the British government, taken.” Gigaba last Thursday laid out a “The South African Gordhan and replaced him with the new ANC head,” Fitch said. US homebuilding hits four-month high as supply constraints remain

Washington and input costs are also an issue,” previously reported 1.09 million fourth and first quarters. lumber prices and shortages of raised its second-quarter GDP Reuters said Joel Naroff, chief economist units. Starts are below their historic building lots and labour. Lum- estimate by one-tenth of a per- at Naroff Economic Advisors in Economists had forecast average of 1.5 million, a rate real- ber prices have surged after the centage point to a 2.5 percent S homebuilding surged to Holland, Pennsylvania. groundbreaking activity rising tors say would eliminate an acute government in April imposed annualised rate after the data. a four-month high in “I don’t expect this part of the to a 1.16 million-unit rate last shortage of houses on the mar- anti-subsidy duties on imports The economy grew at a 1.4 per- UJune, but construction economy to add greatly to month. Starts rose 2.1 percent on ket, which has driven up prices. of Canadian softwood lumber. cent pace in the first quarter. activity remains constrained by growth going forward.” a year-on-year basis. “We expect the bidding wars The Phlox housing index rose Single-family homebuilding, rising lumber prices and labour Housing starts jumped 8.3 Building permits shot up 7.4 to continue for the foreseeable 0.60 percent on the homebuild- which accounts for the largest and land shortages. percent to a seasonally adjusted percent to a 1.25 million-unit rate future in many inventory- ing data, outperforming a share of the residential housing June’s better-than-expected annual rate of 1.22 million units, in June, with approvals for the starved housing markets,” said modestly higher US stocks mar- market, surged 6.3 percent to an increase in housing starts ended the highest level since February, single-family housing segment Joseph Kirchner, senior econo- ket. Shares in the nation’s largest 849,000 unit-pace last month, three straight months of declines, as both single-family and multi- snapping a three-month losing mist at Realtor.com. homebuilder, D.R. Horton , also a four-month high. offering hope that investment in family construction rebounded streak. Permits for multi-family Supply bottlenecks are climbed 0.24 percent and Pul- The sector has lost ground homebuilding was only a mod- after a recent slump, the Com- homes construction surged to a blamed for the slowdown. A sur- verous advanced 0.86 percent. since vaulting to a near 9.5 year est drag on economic growth in merce Department said five-month high. vey on Tuesday showed The dollar rose against a bas- high in February, despite strong the second quarter. yesterday. Despite last month’s surge, confidence among homebuild- ket of currencies, while prices for demand for housing, which is “A lack of workers is limiting May’ s sales pace was revised homebuilding has lost momen- ers hit an eight-month low in July US government bonds fell. being driven by a labour market the ability of builders to build, up to 1.12 million units from the tum after strong gains in both the amid complaints about high The Atlanta Federal Reserve that is near full employment. 20 BUSINESS THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017

Volvo stock falls US-China talks to ease trade tensions as North America deliveries dips Washington US expectations made commitments to buy US Reuters liquefied natural gas and allow VOLVO AB shares fell the most Secretary Wilbur Ross US card payment services com- in more than a year as the truck S and Chinese offi- said the US would be panies to operate in China. But division’s profitability shrank cials will try to ease looking for China to while US beef is now available in the second quarter amid a trade tensions and agree to concrete in Chinese shops, it has taken continuing decline in North bridge differences steps with specific longer for the other promised American deliveries. Volvo yesterday in annual delivery dates to open steps to be implemented. dropped as much as 7.8 per- Ueconomic talks that trade experts Chinese Vice-Premier Wang cent, the steepest intraday say will likely yield some small- China imported Yang said on Tuesday that China plunge since June 27, 2016, and scale agreements to grant US $227bn worth of has some concerns of its own to was trading down 5.8 percent firms more access to some of air at the talks, including “out- at 137.1 kronor in Stockholm, integrated circuits last China’s markets. dated” US export controls for valuing the Gothenburg, Swe- But the talks are not expected year, but only 4 high-technology products. den-based manufacturer at to solve larger problems, such as percent of that came In remarks to a business 292bn kronor . US complaints about China’s from the US. lunch, he said such Chinese Adjusted earnings before excess capacity in steel and alu- purchases would reduce the US US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin (right) and China’s Vice interest and taxes at the truck minum and subsidies for trade deficit, noting that China Premier Wang Yang before the US - China Comprehensive unit narrowed to 9.6 percent state-owned enterprises, nor would be looking for China to imported $227bn worth of Economic Dialogue to discuss bilateral economic and trade of revenue in the quarter China’s complaints about US agree to concrete steps with spe- integrated circuits last year, but issues in Washington,US. from 10 percent a year ear- refusals to sell Beijing advanced cific delivery dates to open only 4 percent of that came from lier, even as the division’s technology products. markets, including more access the US. Prasad said the United profit rose, according to a “What I think we will see is for US firms in the financial serv- States would be better served by viewed as unlikely to launch Beijing a currency manipulator. statement Volvo released . an attempt by both sides to be ices sector. The talks, rebranded focusing less on near-term steps bolder economic reforms before David Dollar, a former Treasury Group earnings excluding able to declare victory by com- by the Trump administration as but pushing China for bigger its 19th Party Congress, a once- attache to Beijing who is now a one-time items jumped 39 ing up with a few very specific the “US-China Comprehensive reforms such as opening major in-five-years event to set senior fellow at the Brookings percent to 8.54 billion kronor, areas in which China agrees to Economic Dialogue,” come at the portions of its services sector to leadership, takes place this fall. Institution, said that as in the matching analyst estimates. open up its markets more and end of a 100-day effort by the US competition, relaxing The annual summer dia- past, the meeting is likely to While North American truck which the US can claim as vic- two countries to craft an eco- corporate ownership rules, logues, first launched in 2006, focus more on process than sub- deliveries fell 11 percent in the tories,” said Eswar Prasad, a nomic plan aimed at reducing reducing subsidies for state- have focused in the past on Chi- stance, with the same complaints period and 22 percent in the professor of trade policy at Cor- the US goods trade deficit with owned enterprises and clamping na’s currency practices and what airing year after year. first half, Chief Executive nell University and a former China, a gap that reached $347bn down on intellectual property was once viewed as an under- “The cumulative effect of all Officer Martin Lundstedt said China division chief at the Inter- last year and was up 5.3 percent theft. valued yuan. these dialogues has to have been the regional market has bot- national Monetary Fund. through May this year. Some US officials said China But that issue has faded after pretty minor,” he said. “We tomed out. “When it came to US Treasury Secretary Ste- China agreed in May to was likely to push to turn the the US Treasury declined to fol- haven’t seen any significant the truck division, the mar- ven Mnuchin and Commerce resume purchases of US beef for 100-day plan into a year-long low through on Trump’s opening up of the Chinese econ- gin was down a little bit lower Secretary Wilbur Ross said they the first time in 14 years and effort, partly because China is campaign threats to name omy for years.” on the back of some supply.

French Minister of economy at GM&S Britain to scrap credit card charges

London debit and credit cards was an AFP estimated £473m in 2010. “This action forms part of he British government said our wider help for families with it would ban companies the cost of living by helping to Tfrom charging consumers raise their incomes and keep for paying by debit and credit more of what they earn,” the cards, as the country struggles Treasury said. Britain’s econ- to bring down its debt. omy is slowing as high inflation “This is about fairness and and low wage growth cuts con- transparency, and so from next sumer spending and raises year, there will be no more nasty fees,” said Guy Anker, manag- household debt. surprises for people at the ing editor at consumer website, The Bank of England last check-out just for using a card,” MoneySavingExpert.com. But he month noted that UK consumer Economic Secretary to the cautioned that following the credit for items such as cars Treasury, Stephen Barclay, said change, some companies would jumped by 10.3 percent in the in a statement. Consumers mak- likely raise prices of their goods year to April, or much faster ing purchases in Britain are and services “to compensate for than growth in household being asked to pay up to 20 per- the loss, which could hit those incomes. cent more on their bills, such as who currently pay in cash”.Cur- Meanwhile in May, union French Minister of Economy Bruno Le Maire (centre) visits the site of French auto parts for flights, for using a card rather rently, businesses face charges umbrella group, the TUC, said manufacturer GM&S in La Souterraine. Around 280 jobs are on the line at the GM&S than cash, the Treasury said. from card companies for non- in a report that unsecured, or Industry factory, a supplier to Peugeot Citroen and Renault, that was placed in receivership “With many feeling the squeeze cash transactions. non-mortgage, debt per house- in December. in the cost of living, people According to the Treasury, hold would reach a record high shouldn’t be hit with unexpected the total value of surcharges for of £13,900 this year. Indian builders pledge green Japan, China & S Korea bankroll Indonesia’s coal

homes to meet climate goals Bangkok The landmark 2015 Paris efficiency and reliability. “JBIC, The deals in Indonesia Reuters Agreement, which came into as a policy-based financial between January 2010 and Mumbai force in November, seeks to institution of Japan, will work March 2017 represent 21 coal Reuters apan, China and South limit the rise in average world in tandem with the Japanese power projects with a combined Korea are bankrolling temperatures to well below 2 government to financially capacity of 13.1 gigawatts. ndia’s top builders have Jenvironmentally destructive degrees Celsius above support projects which Market Forces said its pledged to make at least a coal-fired power plants in preindustrial times. leverage on highly-efficient analysis of Indonesia’s latest Ififth of their new housing Indonesia despite their pledges Coal is the most polluting of Japanese technology and Electricity Supply Business Plan developments sustainable by to reduce climate-changing the major fossil fuels and know-how in line with the host from 2017 to 2026 - where coal 2022, as the country looks to emissions under the Paris scientists say its use must be country’s context,” the bank is the largest source of energy tap sectors other than renew- climate deal, analysts said. rapidly phased out to give the said. Korean Eximbank at 50 percent - shows there is able energy to meet its Australia-based environmental world a chance of meeting its declined to comment. likely to be a significant ambitious climate goals. The finance organisation Market goals to curb climate change Multiple calls to the public oversupply of energy. campaign is led by the Sustain- Forces said it that is stoking more deadly relations departments of CDB Hozue Hatae, a researcher able Housing Leadership analysed 22 coal power heatwaves, floods and sea level and China Exim went with Friends of the Earth Japan, Consortium (SHLC) comprising deals in Indonesia since January rise around the world. unanswered. KDB did not which has been working with builders Godrej Properties, materials and in increasing 2010 and found state-run Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s respond to emails seeking communities in Indonesia, said Mahindra Lifespaces, Shapoorji awareness in the industry, as financiers for the three nations largest economy, is already one comment. demand for electricity has not Pallonji, Tata Housing and well as among our clients,” he were involved in 18 of them. of the world’s biggest emitters On their websites, the banks been increasing as much as VBHC Value Homes. It is backed said.India is the world’s third- In all, foreign banks, both of greenhouse gases. say they have environmental estimated. by the Ministry of Housing. biggest emitter of greenhouse commercial and state-owned, Market Forces said the guidelines for projects they A thorough analysis should Builders will use mainly local gases that cause global warm- are providing 98 percent of the Export-Import Bank of China fund, and are committed to be done to determine whether and recycled material, and ing.As a signatory to the 2015 debt finance for the projects, (China Exim) was involved in protecting the environment and the plants are necessary and design homes that conserve Paris Agreement on climate amounting to $16.7bn. seven of the coal power deals, supporting green energy. whether there are sensible water and electricity and make change, India is committed to Indonesian banks provided the Japan Bank for International In supporting the coal alternatives, Hatae said. best use of natural light and reducing its carbon emissions just 2 percent of the financial Cooperation (JBIC) and the projects, the banks offer terms Without that, the health and wind patterns, while also pur- by a third by 2030. It is doing resources for the projects, China Development Bank (CDB) that are low-interest and long livelihoods of communities in suing more energy-efficient so with tougher emission according to the Market Forces in five deals each, and the Korea term, making the projects Indonesia would be put at risk methods of construction. “The norms, more electric vehicles analysis published this week. Development Bank (KDB) in one possible. The plants “would not for “an exercise in temporarily construction industry has one and giant solar power plants to Japan, China and South deal. The Export-Import Bank exist without external funding,” extending the market for coal of the biggest carbon footprints, replace energy generated by Korea “are on board with the of Korea (Korea Eximbank) is Vincent said. Globally, many mining and coal power so it’s really important for us to coal. The real-estate sector is Paris climate change also involved in one deal, countries are shutting down or generation”, Vincent said. take action to minimise the responsible for nearly a quar- agreement. They make all the together with JBIC, it said. putting on hold plans for coal- Kimiko Hirata, international impact,” said Jainin Desai (pic- ter of the country’s carbon right noises politically,” Julien JBIC declined to comment fired power plants as costs for director for Tokyo-based tured) head of design and dioxide emissions. Those emis- Vincent, executive director of on the projects it is involved in wind and solar power plummet. environmental group Kiko sustainability at developer sions come mainly from Market Forces, said. But “these in Indonesia but said in an China has been leading the Network, agreed. “We have seen Mahindra Lifespaces. energy-intensive processes in are the same governments e-mail that emerging countries charge, in part to limit pollution lots of human rights violation “This initiative pushes us to making construction materials underwriting new coal are looking to expand their and climate change though it and environmental impacts incorporate sustainability such as steel, cement and development elsewhere”, he power sources in response to has also been financially caused by (coal-fired power right from the selection of the bricks. As India’s economy said, calling the actions surging demand and are using backing new coal plants in projects) in the past,” Hirata said site to the design, the use of grows at a fast clip. “egregious”. coal due to its economic Pakistan. via email. SPORT THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 21 NBA: Rockets’ popularity in China could push price past $2bn

New York an NBA title in 1995, recently skyrocketing. China in 1988, sharing a for $85m. NBA Commissioner Bloomberg gave star guard James Harden The past five years have portion of advertising Adam Silver praised him as the largest contract in NBA his- seen a number of record- revenue in return for someone who helped expand he sale of the Houston tory, a four-year extension that setting transactions in the games being broadcast the league’s international Rockets could set a brings the deal to a reported NBA, topped by the Ballmer on the country’s CCTV. It appeal. T National Basketball Asso- $228m. The team also recently purchase. The NBA just fin- later became the first US “He has been an active and ciation (NBA) record, surpassing traded for nine-time All Star ished the first season under league to open an office influential owner whose vision the $2bn that Steve Ballmer paid point guard Chris Paul. a new $24bn TV deal, a in China, and the first to helped to grow the game glo- for the Los Angeles Clippers, “With the Rockets’ history, threefold increase over the the franchise’s popularity in play there. The league bally, especially in China,” Silver according to sports having had Yao Ming and the previous agreement. Asia. His presence is one reason played two preseason games in said in a statement. consultants. team’s high profile in Asia -- “The market is primed for why Toyota Motor Corp. put its China last year, both featuring Alexander has put team Rockets owner Les Alexan- James Harden, Chris Paul and it,” said consultant Marc Ganis, name on the team’s arena. the Rockets. president Tad Brown in charge der said on Monday that he was the high profile they have on the who has been involved in sports Another former Rockets star, The NBA has also spent time of coordinating the sale, in con- selling the franchise, which current roster, all the other and entertainment deals in Tracy McGrady, had a success- wooing and vetting potential junction with the league office. Forbes magazine says is valued attributes of the franchise -- China for the past two decades. ful career in China after leaving ownership groups. Last year, Alexander said in a telephone at $1.65bn. The sale price will they’re gonna be very He said that soaring valuations, the NBA. There’s also a large Chi- Lizhang Jiang, general manager interview that he wouldn’t be likely be higher, said former attractive,” said Postolos, now plus the team’s added appeal to nese-American community in of Shanghai Double-Edged hiring a bank to assist in the sale, Rockets President George Pos- a sports consultant. He said the an overseas investor, could Houston. Ganis said he wouldn’t Sports, became the first Chinese as owners often do. tolos, thanks in part to the price will likely approach what result in the team fetching more be suprised if Yao were part of a owner of an NBA team when he The Atlanta Hawks were the team’s popularity in China, Ballmer paid in 2014. than $2bn. group that bid on the team. bought a minority stake in the last NBA team to be sold, fetch- where former Rockets star Yao The planned sale comes as Yao, a 7-foot-6-inch All-Star The NBA has spent decades Minnesota Timberwolves. ing a $730m price from Tony Ming is immensely popular. franchise values across major center, spent his entire eight- cultivating fans in Asia. The A former bond trader, Alex- Ressler in 2015. That sale also The Rockets, who last won professional sports are year career in Houston, fueling league made its first deal in ander bought the team in 1993 included $120m in arena debt.

NFL: Cowboys Froome extends lead after stage 17 owner Jones

Serre-Chevalier, France Ireland’s Dan Martin in the speaks to Elliott Reuters lung-busting ascent to the Col du Galibier but he stayed calm Roglic makes over behaviour hris Froome kept con- and covered every offensive trol of his rivals in a move. Los Angeles gruelling Alpine ride Bardet and Martin’s acceler- history AFP to move a step closer ations, however, were damaging to a fourth Tour de for Fabio Aru as the Italian lost allas Cowboys owner CFrance title yesterday, retaining 31 seconds and slipped from sec- Jerry Jones said on the leader’s yellow jersey after ond to fourth place overall. DTuesday he has spo- the 17th stage, won by Slovenia’s Froome leads Colombian ken to Ezekiel Elliott Primoz Roglic. Rigoberto Uran and Bardet by 27 (pictured below) following a The defending champion seconds each, while Aru is now slew of negative headlines was attacked by last year’s run- 53 seconds off the pace. relating to the star running ner-up Romain Bardet and Cycling enthusiasts had back. anticipated an Alberto Conta- Elliott, who is facing pos- STAGE 17 RESULTS (TOP 15) dor victory as the two-time sible sanctions from the NFL champion, too far down in the regarding a domestic violence 1 Primoz Roglic (Slovenia / LottoNL-Jumbo) general classification to case, was embroiled in fur- 5:07:41” threaten Froome, threw cau- Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic rides in a ther controversy at the 2 Rigoberto Uran (Colombia / Cannondale- tion to the wind with a breakaway during the 183km seventeenth weekend after being linked Drapac) +1:13” long-range attack. stage of the 104th edition of the Tour de to a bar altercation that left a 3 Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) But the Spaniard cracked on France yesterday between Le La Mure bouncer with a broken nose. 4 Romain Bardet (France / AG2R La Mondiale) the Galibier, a 17.7-km ascent at and Serre-Chevalier, French Alps. Roglic The 21-year-old was not 5 Warren Barguil (France / Team Sunweb) an average 6.9 percent gradient held the group of main contenders off arrested in the latest incident 6 Mikel Landa (Spain / Team Sky) +1:16” culminating at 2,642m above on Sunday and was not to become the first Slovenian to win a 7 Daniel Martin (Ireland / Quick-Step Floors) sea level, when Roglic attacked named in a police report. Tour stage. +1:43” from the day’s breakaway However several US 8 Alberto Contador (Spain / Trek-Segafredo) group. Martin and Bardet media outlets citing witnesses +1:44” launched countless attacks of have said Elliott was involved 9 Louis Meintjes (South Africa / UAE Team Emirates) their own on the climb, but Colombian from the Cannon- Barguil, who consolidated his Paris thanks to his big lead over in the bar fight. 10 Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana Pro Team) Froome stayed in control. The dale-Drapac team leads the grip on the polka dot jersey for second-placed Andre Greipel. Jones told ESPN on Tues- 11 Mathias Frank (Switzerland / AG2R La Mondiale) Irishman, whose uncle Stephen Frenchman by a few hundredths the mountains classification. Today’s stage, a 179.5-km day he had spoken to Elliott 12 Darwin Atapuma (Colombia / UAE Team Emir- Roche won the Tour in 1987, paid of a second. German Marcel Kittel, holder ride from Briancon to the but declined to get into spe- ates) +1:59” the price later on, but French- Roglic held the group of of the green jersey for the points 2,360m Col d’Izoard, is likely to cific details of their 13 Serge Pauwels (Belgium / Team Dimension man Bardet hung on to finish main contenders off to become classification, abandoned the be the last-chance saloon for conversation. Data) +3:10” fourth behind Uran and Froome. the first Slovenian to win a Tour race after a crash. Bardet and Uran to unseat However, he described 14 Simon Yates (Britain / Orica-Scott) +3:14”

15 Daniel Navarro (Spain / Cofidis, Solutions Uran and Froome snatched stage, crossing the line 1:13 New leader Australian Froome ahead of Saturday’s final the running back as a “rock Credits) +5:07” small time bonuses but Bardet ahead of Froome, Bardet, Uran Michael Matthews looks likely time trial, which is expected to star” struggling to adjust to missed out, meaning the and Frenchman Warren to wear the jersey all the way to favour the Briton. the celebrity which accom- panied his stellar rookie year last season. “As you well know, BASEBALL RESULTS because of his style and per- sonality, it’s like a rock star MLB: Dodgers, Red Sox claim wins San Francisco 2 Cleveland 1 wherever he goes in terms of Washington 4 LA Angels 3 attention,” Jones said. Tampa Bay 4 Oakland 3 “Anybody that’s experi- New York Tampa Bay erased a 3-2 deficit enced that knows that takes Los Angeles Colorado 9 San Diego 7 Agencies to defeat Oakland. Detroit 9 Kansas City 3 getting used to. You have to Dodgers Steven Souza Jr. hit his 20th learn many aspects of that. layton Kershaw earned his pitcher home run for the Rays, a leadoff LA Dodgers 1 Chicago White Sox 0 Certainly, Zeke is evolving major-league-leading 15th Clayton blast in the third inning. Khris NY Yankees 6 Minnesota 3 and being subject to needing Cwin as he tossed seven Kershaw Davis hit his 27th home run of Houston 6 Seattle 2 to learn how to deal with the shutout innings in the Los Ange- throws the season for the Athletics, a Chicago Cubs 5 Atlanta 1 media and social media the les Dodgers’ 1-0 victory over the against the two-run shot in the first. Arizona 11 Cincinnati 2 way it is today.” Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. Chicago Michael Wacha tossed a Philadelphia 5 Miami 2 Several other Cowboys Kershaw (15-2) extended his three-hitter for his first career players have ran into disci- White Sox St. Louis 5 NY Mets 0 unbeaten streak to 14 starts since during their complete game as St. Louis shut- plinary issues during the May 6, a stretch that includes 11 MLB game at out New York. Boston 5 Toronto 4 off-season. Jones appealed to

victories. He allowed seven hits Guaranteed Matt Carpenter had four hits Pittsburgh 4 Milwaukee 3 players to consider the effect

and one walk while striking out -- his 11th career four-hit game Baltimore 12 Texas 1 on the team of individual Rate Field in seven. Chicago on -- for St. Louis. Wacha (7-3) indiscretions. Red Sox 5, Blue Jays 4 (15 allowed only a two-out single to Wednesday. innings) Yoenis Cespedes in the first, a drawn-in infield and into right Hanley Ramirez blasted a one-out double to Michael Con- field. one-out homer in the 15th inning forto in the sixth and a leadoff Diamondbacks 11, Reds 2 to lift Boston over Toronto. single to Conforto in the ninth. Chris Hermann and Rey Ramirez, getting his third Giants 2, Indians 1 (10 Fuentes homered, and Arizona start of the season at first base, Edwin Jackson pitched seven to its fifth straight victory. Javier innings) tied a season high with nine hit the first pitch from Mike Bols- sharp innings in his first start of Baez went 3-for-4 with a homer, Eduardo Nunez’s RBI single extra-base hits while snapping inger (0-3) completely out of 2017 as Washington won its sixth but it was the two-out, third- off Cleveland closer Cody Allen a season-high five-game losing Fenway Park for his 15th homer straight game. inning bomb from Contreras that with no outs in the bottom of the streak. of the season and the third walk- Harper hit a home run in the proved the difference. Contre- 10th inning drove in the winning On a night when they off home run of his career. first inning, his 24th of the sea- ras was 1-for-4 with a walk and run for San Francisco. acquired slugging outfielder J.D. Hector Velazquez (2-1) worked son, singled in the third and sixth is 9-for-22 with two homers and Conor Gillaspie, celebrating Martinez in a trade with the four scoreless innings, allowing innings and tripled to lead off the seven RBIs in the five games of his 30th birthday, led off the 10th Detroit Tigers, the Diamond- two hits, after being recalled ear- eighth, scoring the go-ahead run the current road trip. with a double down the right backs saw their struggling lier in the day. on Ryan Zimmerman’s single. Rays 4, Athletics 3 field line against Allen (0-5). offense erupt for six runs in the Nationals 4, Angels 3 Cubs 5, Braves 1 Adeiny Hechavarria and After Denard Span, attempting fifth inning. David Peralta went Bryce Harper had his fourth Willson Contreras hit a Shane Peterson recorded RBI to sacrifice, bunted for a single, 3-for-5 with a double and RBI four-hit game of the season and three-run homer to help Chicago singles in the ninth inning as Nunez lined his single through a for Arizona. 22 SPORT THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 Kohli seeks smooth Paceman Johnson lobs Ashes grenade relations with Shastri at beaten England

Mumbai Melbourne Although having retired from AFP Reuters international cricket in 2015, the left-armer said he would relish the ndia captain Virat Kohli ngland’s abject display against chance to bowl at England’s Gary said yesterday he wants South Africa in the second Ballance, who has failed to surpass a good working relation- ETest shows they are a side 34 runs in his past 11 innings. ship with new coach Ravi struggling for consistency and Aus- Johnson said the Zimbabwe- Shastri after the acrimo- tralia should be able to exploit their born 27-year-old was not good Inious departure of Anil lack of cohesion in the upcoming enough to bat at number three. Kumble. Ashes series, former paceman “When you’re a number three And the skipper expressed Mitchell Johnson (pictured) has you’re meant to be one of the best confidence he can make it said. players in the team, if not the best. work with Shastri. South Africa thrashed England I don’t think he is,” Mitchell said. “We know what’s expected by 340 runs in Nottingham on Mon- “If you’re a bowler and you see and what’s on the plate,” he day, levelling the four-match series Gary Ballance at number three you said ahead of India’s depar- and consigning Joe Root’s men to a actually get a lot of confidence from ture for a tour of Sri Lanka. seventh loss in 10 Tests. that, so I think Australia will have Kohli was accused of forc- With the first Ashes Test set to a lot of confidence.” ing out Kumble after the spin begin on Nov. 23 in Brisbane, John- A protracted pay dispute legend resigned last month, son said England’s preparations had between Australia’s players’ union saying his relationship with suffered a setback with the defeat. and the national cricket board has the captain had become “It’s only one game, but it’s the yet to be resolved four months out “untenable”. way they got beaten,” Johnson told from the first Test in Brisbane but Indian team captain Virat Kohli (right) speaks as newly-appointed coach Ravi Shastri Kohli kept silent during Australian media in Sydney captain Steve Smith has played the selection process that cul- looks on during a news conference before the national team’s departure for Sri Lanka, yesterday. down fears of an Ashes boycott. minated in the return of in Mumbai yesterday. “They’ve got a few issues com- Johnson said even if a deal were Shastri, who was team ing to Australia. Australia are a huge done, the relationship between director between 2014-16. star batsman added. Shastri, But Shastri insisted that chance. players and board had soured and Speaking to media with Shas- who has been given a two- while coaches may come and “(England) probably haven’t got would take time to heal. tri at his side, Kohli spoke of year contract runnning up to go, it is the team which should that consistency at the moment; “I think it’s going to be very the captain-coach relationship the 2019 World Cup, also get the credit for any success. they’ve changed their team a little ordinary. Even if it gets sorted, the My job is to try and the way ahead for the spoke of the need to commu- “The team has done bit so they’re trying to find the right damage has already been done,” world number one Test side. nicate better in order for a exceedingly well over three squad,” added Johnson, a principal he said. and get the best “We have worked together team to prosper. years and they are the people architect of Australia’s 5-0 white- out of this team for three years. I don’t think I “I carry on from where I who deserve the credit more wash of England in the last Ashes need to understand anything left. I don’t come with any bag- than anyone else. Ravi Shas- Down Under in 2013/14. “It’s get- along with the else. We know what’s expected gage... My job is to put every tris, Anil Kumbles will come ting close to an Ashes series so you management and and what’s on the plate. I don’t player in a frame of mind and go,” said Shastri. want to try and lock that in, and it’s think it will require any effort,” where he is thinking only “The fabric of Indian going to be hard for them now perform to the Kohli said. about his role and the team he cricket will remain and the because they’ve just been beaten. best of my “A lot of speculations and is playing for,” said the former credit should go to everyone “It’ll be a great series but there lot of things fly around, those all-rounder. who’s participated in this are some scars there as well.” abilities which I things are not in my control. Shastri, 55, edged other Indian team.” Johnson wrote his name into believe in: Kohli “My job is to try and get the high-profile names including India will play three Tests, Australian sporting folklore by best out of this team along compatriot Virender Sehwag five one-day internationals plundering England for 37 wickets with the management and and Australia’s Tom Moody and a Twenty20 game in Sri at an average of 13.97 to be named perform to the best of my abil- after a tough selection Lanka. The first Test starts on man-of-the-series in the 2013/14 ities which I believe in,” the process. July 26 in Galle. Ashes. Bracewell quits Ireland coaching job Sri Lanka to probe 2011 Cup final defeat

Colombo with their suspicions that Sri telling local media there were Arjuna Ranatunga, who last Fri- AFP Lanka deliberately lost the “several disturbing factors day demanded an inquiry be match. about that game”. held to expose the “dirt” on ri Lanka’s sports minister “The allegations merit an Four last-minute changes dodgy cricketers. gave his support yesterday investigation,” Dayasiri were made to the Sri Lankan Last year, the International Sfor an investigation into Jayasekera told reporters in side without prior approval Cricket Council imposed a the country’s controversial 2011 Colombo. being sought from the sports three-year ban on a top Sri World Cup loss against India, “As soon as I get a written minister, breaching Lankan official Jayananda amid fresh allegations of match complaint, I will start a probe,” convention. Warnaweera for failing to fixing. he said. “Then there are also ques- cooperate with an anti-corrup- The South Asian nation lost Sri Lanka, batting first, tions about the behaviour of a tion investigation. the World Cup decider by six scored 274-6 off 50 overs and very senior player. During the Sri Lankan players and wickets at Wankhede stadium appeared in a commanding match, instructions sent to the umpires have been accused of in Mumbai, stunning the position when Indian superstar field were ignored,” Aluthga- match fixing in the past, but cricket-mad island. Then Sri Sachin Tendulkar was caught mage said, without naming the Warnaweera was the first high Lanka skipper Kumar San- for 18. player in question. ranking official to be found gakkara resigned soon after the India turned the game dra- The former minister said he guilty and penalised. New Zealander John Bracewell will step down as head match. matically thanks partly to poor launched an inquiry after the Betting is illegal in most of coach of Ireland at the end of his contract in December, Pressure has since been fielding and bowling by Sri match, but the investigation the cricket-mad Indian subcon- the country’s cricket board has said. The former New mounting for an inquiry into Lanka. was scuttled. tinent, but backstreet Zealand coach replaced West Indian Phil Simmons at the shock defeat, with a former The sports minister at the His concerns followed bookmakers -- many with the helm following the 2015 World Cup and will step cricket captain and a previous time Mahindananda Aluthga- quick on the heels of comments underworld links -- still down after two and half years in the role. sports minister going public mage has raised fresh concerns, from former Sri Lanka skipper flourish. McIlroy confident and keen as British Open approaches

Southport who suffered a rib injury in Jan- only want to do that more. You and you won The Open, you’re Reuters uary, told a news conference want to do it again and again and one leg away from the career yesterday. again,” he said. Grand Slam and you’ve played ory McIlroy is confident he “Obviously, it’s been hard to “So I definitely haven’t lost on three winning Ryder Cup can put injury problems get any sort of momentum with the hunger that I’ve always had,” teams’, I would have said ‘I’ll take Rand a frustrating run of an injury and not being able to McIlroy added. that, that’s pretty good’.” form behind him to mount a seri- practise as much as you’d like,” “A second Open Champion- McIlroy believes he is play- ous challenge for a fifth major he added. ship isn’t going to change my life, ing well enough to tame the title at this week’s prestigious “But I’m in good spirits. I feel but I’m still as ambitious now as notoriously tricky Birkdale links British Open. like it’s all coming together. I’m I was starting off my career, if course and beat the favourites, The 28-year-old Northern just waiting for that round or that not more so now because I know world number one Dustin John- Irishman, a former world moment or that week where it what I’ve achieved and I know son and his fellow American number one now ranked fourth, sort of clicks and I’ll be off and what I can achieve.” Jordan Spieth. is rated a 20-1 shot by bookmak- running.” McIlroy played his first Brit- “It’s just about staying as ers to repeat his 2014 Open McIlroy’s last major title ish Open as an 18-year-old at positive as I possibly can,” he victory at Royal Birkdale this came at the 2014 US PGA Cham- Carnoustie 10 years ago, and he said. week. pionship a few weeks after he is well satisfied by his achieve- “Hopefully, the start of “It hasn’t been the year that won the British Open at Hoylake ments in golf. another crest of a wave happens Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy during a press conference I had planned, but these things and he looked set to dominate “If someone told me 10 years this week. My game is all there. sort of crop up out of nowhere the sport. ago at Carnoustie ‘You’re going It’s just a matter of putting it all ahead of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in and they challenge us,” McIlroy, “Having that success, you to be a four-times major winner together.” Southport, yesterday. THURSDAY 20 JULY 2017 SPORT 23 Spanish star Kheder extends deal as Al Sadd Sandaza joins Al Ahli gear up for new QSL season The Peninsula l Ahli has completed Chinthana Wasala their foreign contin- The Peninsula Agent for the upcoming 2017-2018 season with the l Sadd’s Musab signing of Spanish striker Kheder will Francisco Sandaza. wear the black Club officials confirmed and white jersey the news on social media yes- for three more terday, adding that Ahli’s years,A it was revealed yes- quarted of foreign players had terday. The 24-year old been decided for the new defender extended his con- campaign. Sandaza is joined tract with the club by three by summer signings Kim more years, leading up to Gwi-hyeon and Simao Mate 2020. while the Brigadiers have also Kheder moved back to elected to keep hold of striker Al Sadd, having played for N’Guessan Yessoh who spent Al Rayyan on loan since Jan- the second half of the season uary, and is back on training with Muaither. at his familiar grounds, Sandaza will now con- under the watchful eyes of Al Sadd players attending a pre-season training session at their home turf. tinute to train with his new the Portuguese head coach RIGHT: Al Sadd defender Musab Kheder team until the 2nd of August Jesualdo Ferreira. when Al Ahli will then head Kheder’s contract to their preseason training extension comes as part of suffered an injury to his The team launched its Gholam, speaking to the camp in Holland. the club’s strategic plan for shoulder blade, which will preparations for the upcom- club’s official website about continuity and to provide require medical care and ing Qatar Stars League his meeting with the players the reigning Qatar Cup and will take at least three season last Thursday at the which took place before the Emir Cup champions with weeks to recover. He will club’s training pitch where training session, has empha- Qatar SC all the resources needed to undergo treatment under representatives of the club sised on the importance of achieve success. Kheder will the supervision of the Qatar management were also the current period and the strengthen join the Al Sadd team which national team’s medical present. challenges that lie ahead departed for a pre-season staff. Al Sadd’s head of foot- both at home and in Asia. side with two training camp in Austria, Al Sadd players will ball Mohammed Ghanem Al He has also made it however their goalkeeper train under typical Euro- Ali, sporting director clear that ideal preparation Saad Al Dosari will miss the pean conditions until August Mohammed Gholam and requires a great desire from new signings camp which begins today. 5 and Al Dosari is set to team manager Abdullah Al the players to benefit phys- According to the team rejoin the squad upon their Breik witnessed the players ically and technically from The Peninsula sources, Al Dosari has return. in action after a long break. day one of training. atar Stars League’s (QSL) new boys Qatar SC Qunveiled two further local signings as the Kings look to strengthen their side ahead Conte signs new Mourinho ‘ready for 15 of the 2017/2018 campaign. During a press conference held yesterday, the club for- deal with Chelsea mally announced the signing years’ at Old Trafford of former Al Arabi defender Ali Jassimi and former Al Ahli London our belief that he can continue Los Angeles the next 15, I would say. Here? same league for so many years. keeper Satea Abdelnasser. AFP to deliver results both domes- AFP Yes, why not? I think [Arsenal manager A host of club officials tically and as we return to “I have to admit that it is Arsene] Wenger will be the last attending the ceremony, helsea manager Antonio European competition in the anchester United man- very difficult because of the with a similar story in terms of including Qatar SC president Conte signed a new two- Champions League,” ager Jose Mourinho pressure around our jobs, eve- staying at a club for so many Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Bin Cyear deal with the Granovskaia said in a M(pictured) has revealed rybody putting pressure on years. Nasser Al Thani. Premier League giants on statement. he is targeting a 15-year stay at managers and things that peo- “But I what I try to do in Speaking on joining the Wednesday as the club moved Conte’s coaching staff has Old Trafford, telling ESPN in an ple say -- that we have to win, modern football nowadays is to Kings, Ali Jassimi, who penned to quell reports of a rift with the been augmented by the arrival interview on Tuesday he wants but in reality only one can win try to deserve to stay in the club, a three year deal admitted he Italian. of two more Italians, with Paolo to restore the stability of the and every year it is getting more because in this moment, it is was looking forward to com- The deal was confirmed as Vanoli joining as an assistant to Alex Ferguson era. difficult. about success. You have suc- peting with the side. Conte, who guided Chelsea to the first team head coach and Mourinho, who took over “This club, for so many cess, you stay in the club. You “Qatar Sports Club are the title in his first season last Davide Mazzotta working as the Premier League giants last years, was Sir Alex. People got don’t have success, you don’t well known in Qatar the side year, prepares to take his squad assistant/player analysis. year, told the network’s web- used to it; peopleeople understood stay.”stay. is used to high quality, and i on a pre-season tour of Asia. The contract boost for site that he is desperate to the great consequencesnsequences of that think we will do well in the “I am very happy to have Conte comes amid reports that deliver sustained success over stability. league and get back to our signed a new contract with the Italian has grown frustrated a long-term period just as Fer- “After Davidavid [Moyes] rightful place competing in the Chelsea,” he said in a statement with Chelsea’s inability to rein- guson did over nearly three and Mr. [Louis]ouis] Van QSL,” Jassimi said. on Chelsea’s official website. force their title-winning squad. decades. Gaal, I comee to my Goalkeeper Satea Abdel- “We worked extremely Chelsea had long been United have not won the second yearar and nasser, who signed a one year hard in our first year to achieve linked to a move for Everton Premier League title since Fer- hopefully I ccanan stay deal with the side stated that something amazing, which I am striker Romelu Lukaku but saw guson’s retirement in 2013, with and give thatt stabilitystability he will do all he can on mak- very proud of. Now we must the Belgian international join the club struggling to rediscover that the clubb wawants.nts. I ing an impact at the Kings. work even harder to stay at the Manchester United instead. its dominance under David will try, but again,gain, I will “This decision to start in goal top.” Conte had also reportedly Moyes and Louis van Gaal. have to try too ddeserveeserve will not depend just on me, it No terms of the deal were been keen on Juventus duo Mourinho has never spent that, but that’st’s what I try will be down to the coach and disclosed. English press reports Leonardo Bonucci and Alex longer than three years as man- every day thatat I work.work.”” I will do my best to grab the said the new contract improved Sandro, but neither came to ager of a club during his Mourinhoo believesbelieves Fer- number one shirt for my new the terms of the remaining two fruition. trophy-laden career. guson’s 27-yearyear reign at side,” Abdelnasser said. years left on the three-year deal Chelsea’s hierarchy mean- But the 54-year-old, speak- United will neverever be eemulatedmulated The signing of Jassimi and Conte signed when he joined while were reportedly unhappy ing as his team prepare to face in the modernn gamegame.. Abdelnasser caps off a busy the club last year. that Conte had notified unset- Manchester City in Houston on “I think SSirir Alex’s career is couple of weeks of signings for Chelsea director Marina tled striker Diego Costa that he Thursday in the latest leg of unique,” Mourinhourinho saisaid.d. “I ddon’ton’t the Kings. Last week the club Granovskaia said the contract does not feature in his plans -- their US tour, insisted he saw think it is possiblessible to emulateemulate.. signed no fewer than four local rewarded the “incredible suc- potentially weakening the United as a long-term project. “Nobody is going to bbee players as they prepare for the cess” Chelsea had enjoyed in club’s bargaining position in the “I am ready for this,” Mour- in the same cclublub fforor so new QSL campaign under the Conte’s first season. event of any transfer inho told ESPN. “I am ready for many years, bbee in the guidance of new Argentine “This new contract reflects negotiations. head coach Gabriel Calderon. AFC urges China to nurture more home-grown talent Beijing brink of failing to qualify for a clubs want to do well in the for the country to qualify for of more than ¥40m ($5.92m). berths for the tournament, up Reuters fourth successive World Cup. league and become the cham- another World Cup, host the tour- China, ranked world number from the 4.5 slots the continent “China’s football boom is pion, not only domestically but nament and eventually win it. 77, must beat Uzbekistan at currently enjoys. The half-place hina is enjoying a “foot- good news for the AFC... because also champion in Asia. So it’s a Chinese Super League clubs home and Qatar away in the represents a team going into a ball boom” at club level it is a very important partner for difficult situation.” have splashed out on high-pro- final two rounds of Asian qual- playoff. Cbut the country needs to us,” Windsor John said in com- China qualified for its only file international players and ifying in August and September “So that means more coun- do more to nurture talent for the ments published by state news World Cup in 2002, when it lost coaches in recent years, repeat- to have any hope of grabbing tries and regions can now dream struggling national team, agency Xinhua. all of its matches and failed to edly smashing transfer window third place in Group A and a that they can reach the World according to Asian Football “On one hand, we need to score a goal at the tournament records and stoking official chance to reach Russia through Cup,” Windsor John added. Confederation (AFC) General improve the performance of the co-hosted by South Korea and alarm at the exorbitant the playoffs. “This naturally give us an Secretary Windsor John. national team, so you need more Japan. spending. Their best chance of quali- opportunity for more members The Chinese Super League home-grown players, more Chi- But Chinese President Xi Jin- The recently closed domes- fying may have to wait until to start working hard from now (CSL) has become a major player nese players who play in top ping, an avid soccer fan, has tic transfer window was more 2026 when the World Cup in youth development and in the global transfer market in clubs regularly and they can be launched an ambitious drive to subdued, however, after foot- expands to 48 teams, coaches education because they recent years but the national prepared for the national team. improve local football from the ball authorities imposed a 100 however. have a real opportunity to go to side has stagnated and is on the “On the other hand, the ground up and spoken of his wish percent levy on foreign signings Asia will be allotted 8.5 the World Cup.” SPORT Thursday 20 July 2017

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Froome extends Kohli seeks MourinhoMo ‘ready for Tour de France leadd smooth relations 15 years’ at after stage 17 with Shastri Old Trafford Afif double lifts Qatar past Turkmenistan

Rizwan Rehmat The Peninsula Syria down osts Qatar yester- day opened their India 2-0 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a in opener Hconvincing 2-0 win against Turkmenistan who struggled for most part of the match. The Peninsula Star striker Akram Afif scored two early goals in the first oals from Mohammed half as the home team - coached Rabie Srour and by Felix Sanchez - made the GMohammed Fares most of their opportunities at Arnaout helped Syria beat Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. India 2-0 in the first match of Earlier in the day, Syria the 2018 AFC U-23 Champion- crushed India with a similar ship Group C qualifiers at Al scoreline in what was the open- Sadd Stadium in Doha ing match of the five-day event yesterday. at the same venue. Though India managed to “It was a great match. We give a fighting account of have worked hard,” Afif said themselves in the first half, after the match. “The team Syria totally dominated the played really well. It was good game in the second period, to get the points,” he added. both in terms of possession and “We hope to deliver another chances created, and were well good performance in our next Qatar’s Akram Afif rewarded with two goals. game,” he said. (left) vies for the ball Earlier, Mohammad Al At the same venue tomor- possession with a Armour gave Syria the first row, Qatar will take on India in Turkmenistan player glimpse of goal in the first half a game that starts at 8.00pm during their 2018 AFC when his right-footed shot took while Syria battle U-23 Championship a deflection of Nishu Kumar Turkmenistan. Group C qualifier at and went wide of the post. Afif, who plays most of his Al Sadd Stadium At the other end, Daniel football in Europe, was a lucky yesterday. Qatar beat Lalhimpuia found himself scorer in the 4th minute but his Turkmenistan 2-0. inside the box with time and 15th minute striker sealed the Picture by Kammutty VP / space after a cut back from deal for Qatar who played an The Peninsula Nikhil Chandrasekhar from the astonishing eight friendlies in right, but his effort had neither just six weeks in the build-up to power nor direction. the home event. the first goal, Afif’s second strike Qatar’s Bassam Hisham curled replacing him with Nasser Hus- Syria had a good chance in Watched by retired Danish of the match in just the 15th in a superbly-taken free kick sain in the 68th minute. the 21st minute but Mohammed football star Michael Laudrup minute just left the visitors that narrowly missed the In the dying seconds of the Rabie Srour completely missed and popular football elder states- demoralised. goalpost. game, Qatar’s Meshaal his volley from close range man Bora Milutinovic from the Qatar captain Ahmed Moein Qatar’s only blotch in the Qasim was booked by the after Mouhamad Anez found stands on a steamy night, Qatar - after receiving a ball in mid- dying seconds of the first half referee for a needless him with a perfect cross from attacked from the word go to field - spotted Afif on the right was the needless yellow card for tackle. the left flank. assert early dominance. flank and despite being shad- star striker Afif who feigned a The points leaders at A few minutes later Kaith However, Turkmenistan owed by Turkmenistan defender foul but Malaysian referee this event will book a just about managed to stop a defense battled to thwart any Hojodov Hoshgeldi, the Qatari Suhaizi bin Shukri was not to be berth at the 2018 AFC header from tall and powerful dangerous moves from the home forward exhibited greater speed fooled. U-23 Asian Cup final Syrian striker Mohammad side in the first three minutes. and control by slipping the ball Nine minutes into the sec- to be held in Rafat Muhtadi, and the ball hit Qatar, however, drew first past goalkeeper Berdiyev ond half, Turkmenistan China next the post and rolled harmlessly blood in the fourth minute when Dovletyar. produced a slick move as striker January. across the goal line before Afif scored the opening goal fol- In the 24th minute, Moein Rejebov Berdimyrat swivelled being cleared for safety. lowing of a poor call by the chipped in with a perfect long past Qatar’s Hisham before Syria took the lead in the linesman. ball from the right flank but unleashing a powerful shot with 63rd minute after Indian goal- Qatar defender Moazz Abdalla’s snap-header narrowly his left-foot but home goal- keeper Vishal Kaith made a Abdullah charged into the Turk- missed the Turkmenistan goal- keeper Mohammed Ahmed put terrible error in judging the menistan box and despite post in another threatening in the dive to stop the ball. flight of the ball and unneces- pressure from a couple of Turk- move by the boys in maroon. Qatar captain Moein, in a sarily advanced out of his area menistan defenders, he slipped Six minutes later, Afifi found solo run in the 63rd minute, for a hopeful pass from the the ball to unmarked Afif who Moein unmarked inside the box produced a low shot from the midfield. easily deflected the ball into the but the latter’s clip past the vis- edge of the Turkmenistan box Mohammed Rabie Srour, net from close range. itor’s goalkeeper narrowly but the ball was neatly who got to the ball before the The visitors contested that missed the target. snapped by the keeper had no problem lifting Abdullah had overstepped the Turkmenistan clearly lacked goalkeeper who it over him into an open net. goal-line before passing the ball coordination as Qatar players was seen limping Mohammed Fares Arnaout to Afif but the linesman called in looked better organised for most moments ago. then made it safe for the West India’s Manvir Singh (left) vies for the ball possession with a Syrian as the home team celebrated a part of the first half. With a yellow card in mind Asian side with a header from fast opening goal. With three minutes to go probably, Qatar coach player during their 2018 AFC U-23 Championship Group C qualifier close range in the 89th If there was some debate on before the first-half whistle, Sanchez benched striker Afif at Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. minute.

US Open to top $50m in prize money Total Prize money: $50.4m Singles winner: $3.7m New York doubles champion teams will players also will see a host of new ber 10 at the Billie Jean King Reuters each earn $675,000, also the amenities at this year’s tourna- National Tennis Center at Runner-Up:RuR $1.8m highest in US Open history. ment including upgrades to Flushing Meadows, his year’s US Open will The qualifying tournament player dining, a more generous New York. DoublesD winner: become the first tennis for the season’s final grand slam meal allowance, upgrades to all Ttournament to top $50m in will offer more than $2.9m in player workout facilities, and $675,000 prize money following a nine prize money, a 49.2 percent additional quiet room space. percent increase in the total increase from 2016. “Our goal is to make every Runner-Up: purse, the United States Tennis “Five years ago, we commit- experience at the US Open, Association (USTA) said on ted to the players that total player whether for the players, our fans, $340,000 Tuesday. compensation for players would or our partners, the best, Winners of the men’s and reach $50m at the US Open, and world-class experience women’s singles titles will each we are honoring that commit- possible.” earn $3.7m, while runners-up ment,” USTA President Katrina The US Open will pocket $1.825m from the Adams said in a statement. runs from $50.4m total pot. “In addition to unprece- August 28 to The men’s and women’s dented prize money increases, Septem-