BUSINESS | Page 1 QATAR | Page 28 Al-Kaabi, Van Hulst Project among Qatar winners of 2017 INDEX Al-Attiyah DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2-11, 28 COMMENT 26, 27 energy REGION 12 BUSINESS 1-8, 13-16 show 21,012.28 9,851.77 46.50 ARAB WORLD 12, 13 CLASSIFIED 9-13 awards 2017 +5.34 +1.47 +0.28 INTERNATIONAL 14-25 SPORTS 1-8 opens +0.03% +0.01% +0.61% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

TUESDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10448 May 9, 2017 Sha ’baan 13, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Emir meets Portuguese PM QR3.1bn power In brief

QATAR | Event grid expansion Accessible Qatar Conference starts Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin deal for Siemens Khalifa al-Thani, the Accessible Qatar Conference was inaugurated The ‘largest contract’ to date in yesterday. Organised by Sasol, the Qatar for the expansion of the international integrated chemicals country’s power transmission and energy company, and powered by network IFP, the two-day conference is taking place during Project Qatar 2017 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention tate-owned utility Qatar General Centre. The conference aims to provide Water & Electricity Corporation knowledge-sharing in order to create HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met yesterday with the visiting S(Kahramaa) has awarded Siemens awareness and explore importance Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa and his accompanying delegation. Talks a QR3.1bn contract for the expansion of of accessibility implementation in during the meeting dealt with discussing bilateral relations and means to promote the country’s power transmission net- the various everyday life sectors. It them in diff erent spheres. HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh work. will also promote a pavilion at Project Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani attended the meeting. Page 2 As part of the deal, which is the Qatar to explore smart technologies “largest contract” to date in Qatar for which enable and foster universal the expansion of the country’s power Christian shakes hands with Kahramaa president Essa bin Hilal al-Kuwari after accessibility. Page 28 transmission network, Siemens will Siemens was awarded the QR3.1bn contract for the expansion of the country’s deliver some 35 turnkey super and pri- power transmission network. QATAR | Weather mary substations for Phase 13 of the Hot with slightly Qatar Power Transmission System Ex- multiple voltage settings – in Doha will innovative products to this highly am- Syria peace talks in pansion project. be upgraded with new 400kV/220kV bitious project that will meet growing dusty conditions This marks a signifi cant milestone gas-insulated switchgear and associ- demand for electricity in a fast-de- Hot weather will continue to prevail for Siemens, which has maintained in- ated equipment, before connecting to veloping country,” said Adrian Wood, during the daytime until the coming volvement in every stage of the project the grid, Siemens said in a release yes- CEO, Siemens in Qatar. weekend along with slightly dusty Geneva next week since Phase 4. Completion is scheduled terday. In addition to Phase 13, Siemens also conditions as well as mild temperatures in two years’ time. Another substation will be used to received a second order from Kahramaa at night, the Qatar Met department AFP where the government and opposition Siemens will be responsible for the meet rising demand for electricity in to supply and install more than 2,170 has said. Issuing a weather summary Geneva will halt hostilities. design, engineering, supply, installa- Al Jahhaniya and surrounding area, medium-voltage switchgear boards. for the next few days, the forecasters De Mistura, who was in Astana as tion, and commissioning of the substa- including temporary power feed to The 8DJH switchgear will be used as said “medium- and high-level clouds” an observer, hailed that deal as “an tions for the 400-kilovolt (kV), 220- Rayyan Stadium, one of the venues for ring main units (RMU) in the 11-kV dis- are expected during certain periods new round of United Nations- important, promising, positive step kV, 132-kV, 66-kV, and 11-kV voltage the upcoming world soccer champion- tribution network. and there is also a “weak chance of backed peace talks for war- in the right direction” toward de-es- levels, including gas-insulated switch- ship. Substations will also feed power RMUs protect, for example, trans- scattered light rain”. The temperatures Aravaged Syria is set to begin in calation. gear, transformers, and control and to steel, oil and gas and petrochemical formers connected to the grid against are likely to be around their average Geneva next week, the offi ce of the UN Yesterday, his offi ce said the UN me- protection equipment. facilities in Mesaieed industrial area, as overloads and short-circuits, ensuring levels for this time of the year, with mediator said yesterday. diator hoped last week’s Astana agree- “Since the upgrade programme well as Al Sadd area in Doha. a reliable power supply. The switchgear the maximum ranging between the “Special Envoy Staff an de Mistura ment “will be implemented in full - thus started in 2005, Siemens has installed Overall, the substations are re- will be manufactured in Frankfurt, with late-30C and early-40C levels in most will reconvene the intra-Syrian talks bringing about a signifi cant de-escala- more than 120 substations and ap- quired to supply power for ongoing the fi rst units expected to go into oper- areas. “The long-term maximum under the auspices of the United Na- tion in violence, and helping shape an proximately 1,500km of high-voltage infrastructure development projects, ation by end-2017. The order is valued temperature average for Doha is 39.4C tions in Geneva on 16 May 2017,” the UN environment conducive to the political cable”, stated Ralf Christian, CEO, Sie- schools, hospitals, industries and resi- at roughly €27mn. and the minimum 27.5C,” the report said in a statement. intra-Syrian talks in Geneva.” mens Energy Management Division. dential complexes in and around Doha, The demand for electricity in Qatar said. Today, a maximum temperature The announcement comes days af- Years of diplomatic initiatives have “With this new order intake, our Qatar’s capital city. has been steadily rising over the past of 42C is expected in Abu Samra and ter regime backers Russia and Iran and failed to end Syria’s war, which has completed and under execution “We are delighted to build on a trust- decade, thanks to its growing popula- 41C in Doha. No marine warnings rebel supporter Turkey signed a deal in killed more than 320,000 and displaced projects with Kahramaa total nearly ing relationship with Kahramaa, as we tion and a government strategy that are expected during this period and the Kazakh capital Astana to strengthen millions since it started in March 2011 €2.5bn.” embark on yet another important phase seeks to develop various sectors of the weather conditions will remain suitable a ceasefi re agreed upon last December with protests against President Bashar As part of this contract, an existing to upgrade the power network. Siemens economy and reduce reliance on hy- for all sea activities. by implementing “de-escalation zones” al-Assad’s regime. “super substation” – one that allows is committed to supplying reliable and drocarbons. Health minister launches National Cancer Framework

By Joseph Varghese fi ve-year plan to build on the solid The framework reinforces the need The event was attended by experts able. The achievements of this strat- “Through implementation of the Staff Reporter foundations developed through the for rapid diagnosis, multi-discipli- from the Ministry of Public Health, egy, inclusive of the improvements in programmes set out in this frame- implementation of the National Cancer nary sub-specialised precision cancer Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary care delivered, have been well docu- work, cancer services in Qatar have Strategy 2011-2016. treatment, supported by local access Health Care Corporation and Qatar mented but I would like to draw at- the opportunity to become among he National Cancer Framework The National Cancer Framework to world leading clinical research pro- Cancer Society, as well as members of tention in particular to improvements the best in the world. It is important 2017-2022 was launched by HE is the result of a six-month multi- grammes. It includes public education, voluntary organisations with an inter- in engagement with our patients and that the whole system is clear in its Tthe Minister of Public Health stakeholder consultation utilising the awareness and prevention activities to est in cancer care. communities. By improving our un- commitment to coming together and Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari yes- achievements, challenges and learning support long-term objectives within Dr al-Kuwari said: “The National derstanding of the needs of our pa- working with a common purpose to terday with the motto “Achieving Ex- from the fi rst National Cancer Strategy the Public Health Strategy to develop Cancer Strategy 2011-2016 was a sig- tients, we are delivering care that is deliver the quality of services and cellence in Cancer Care: A Vision for implementation to focus resources and healthier lifestyles habits; diet, exercise nificant step in our country’s journey not just of high clinical quality, but experience that our families, friends 2022.” investment to further develop services and tobacco cessation which will help to increase public awareness of all as- has a meaningful positive impact on and community deserve,” she added. The event marked the start of a new across the entire health sector. protect against many cancers. pects of cancer and the services avail- people’s lives.” To Page 6 Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, May 9, 2017 QATAR

PM holds talks with Portuguese premier

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani held a QBA off icials and members join Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa and his accompanying delegation during a meeting in Doha session of talks with the Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. The yesterday. talks focused on reviewing bilateral relations and the means to enhance them in all fields. They also discussed regional and international issues. The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior held a luncheon banquet in honour of the Portuguese premier and his accompanying delegation. QBA to study investment Doha hosts regional workshop opportunities in Portugal on combating terror fi nancing he Qatari Businessmen after this meeting and we are Qatari investments in light of the opportunities in the local, re- Association (QBA) has ready to discuss investment op- launching of Qatar Airways di- gional, and global markets. Tunderscored its interest portunities in sectors such as in- rect fl ights from Doha to Lisbon. He also encouraged Portu- QNA tices in this regard. saying that it aims at enhancing to study the Portuguese market dustry, renewable energy, infor- Meanwhile, Henriques pre- guese businessmen to study the Doha Commenting on the work- the capacity of experts working in and the diff erent sectors that of- mation technology, and others,” sented investment projects in Qatari market, adding that the shop, NAMLC Chairman HE the prevention of Money Laun- fer investment opportunities for Sheikh Faisal said. Portugal’s real estate sector, in- Qatari private sector “is willing Sheikh Fahad bin Faisal al-Thani dering and Terrorism Financing foreign investors. During the meeting, Costa cluding historical sites consid- to enter into partnerships with ead of Qatar Financial said that the workshop is part of fi eld, especially law enforce- In a meeting yesterday with was joined by ambassador An- ered as among Portugal’s tourist their counterparts and achieve Information Unit (QFIU) Qatar’s ongoing eff orts to en- ment agencies, security agencies Portugal’s Prime Minister Anto- tonio Tanger, Portugal’s Trade destinations. He also discussed mutual benefi t.” HHE Sheikh Ahmed bin hance the regional as well as its and fi nancial information units, nio Costa, QBA Chairman Sheikh and Investment Agency (Ai- urban development projects Aside QBA board mem- Eid al-Thani inaugurated yes- domestic capabilities on com- which are important elements in Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani ex- cep) chairman and CEO Luis along river banks and the estab- ber Sherida al-Kaabi and QBA terday a workshop on combating bating terrorism fi nancing. prevention of terror fi nancing. pressed interest in studying the Castro Henriques, and other lishment of residential and tour- members Khaled al-Mannai, terror fi nancing, hosted by Qatar He pointed out that the govern- This regional workshop is one range of investment opportu- members of the Portuguese ist complexes. Saud al-Mana, Sheikh Nasser National Anti-Money Launder- ment of Qatar acknowledges that of many others to be hosted in the nities available in the southern delegation. QBA’s fi rst deputy chairman bin Nawaf al-Thani, Hamad bin ing and Terrorism Financing terror fi nancing is one of the great- regional AML/CFT training facility European country. Costa also highlighted the im- Hussein Alfardan emphasised Ali al-Hedfa, and QBA deputy Committee (NAMLC). est challenges faced by the world that Qatar established, he added. “We want the discussions be- portance of Portugal’s tourism on the interest of Qatar’s private general manager Sarah Abdallah Some 30 experts from the today and considers combating it Al-Harden explained that Qa- tween the two sides to continue sector and its potential to attract sector in exploring investment also attended the meeting. Qatari anti-terrorism fi nancing a top priority. He said that Qatari tar is hosting this workshop in agencies as well as law enforce- legislators are constantly working the belief that it will support the ment experts from 11 countries to strengthen laws and regulations exchange of experience and ex- King Salman briefs Saudi cabinet on meeting with Emir in the region are taking part in that will prevent the fi nancing of pertise in the region, especially the workshop which is organised terrorist activities. the in member-states of MENA- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Culture and Information Awwad Saleh al- He added that the cabinet welcomed final by the United Nations Offi ce on Qatari stakeholders and of- FATF, on the issues of combating Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia Awwad told Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the communique of the joint Qatari-Saudi co- Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and fi cials are keen to co-operate money laundering and terrorism reviewed the results of his meeting with HH Saudi cabinet praised the results of the 5th ordination council, that highlighted the various the Middle East and North Af- with international organisations fi nancing and raising aware- the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, on meeting of the joint Qatari-Saudi co-ordination events in some Arab and Islamic countries rica Financial Action Task Force and benefi t from their expertise, ness about them, in addition to May 1 in Jeddah. council, co-chaired by HE the Prime Minister which were tackled in a way that ensured (MENAFATF). which can improve Qatar’s poli- strengthening compliance with This came during the Saudi Cabinet session and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin the preservation of their safety, stability and The workshop aims at dis- cies and capabilities, he added. international standards and the yesterday, chaired by the Custodian of the Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and Crown Prince, the prosperity of their citizens, and stressed cussing means to disrupt terror- Executive Secretary of NAM- implementation of all relevant Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdualziz Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior that the fight against terrorism is a shared ism fi nancing and exchanging LC, Essa Mohamed al-Harden international recommendations al-Saud. of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohamed bin Naif bin international responsibility that requires expertise as well as best prac- commented on the workshop and resolutions. Following the meeting, Saudi Minister of Abdulaziz al-Saud. concerted eff orts at all levels to confront it. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 9, 2017 3 QATAR

QCB, Bangladesh Bank sign MoU

Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh Bank for enhancing co-operation in the banking field and the exchange of information and experience. According to a statement issued by QCB yesterday, the MoU was signed by HE the Governor of Qatar Central Bank Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud al-Thani and the Minister of Foreign Aff airs of Bangladesh Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, in Doha yesterday.

Qatar, Bosnia sign air service agreement

QNA Doha

atar and Bosnia and Herzegovina yes- Qterday signed an air transport agreement. The agreement was signed by HE the Min- ister of Transport and Communication Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti and Bosnia’s Minister of Transport and Communi- cation Ismir Jusko. The agreement comes HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti and Bosnia’s aims at enabling the na- Minister of Transport and Communication Ismir Jusko signing the agreement in Doha. tional carrier to expand its network to reach more Following the signing Jusko discussed bilateral rela- communications and means international destina- ceremony, HE Jassim Seif tions between the two coun- of supporting and developing tions. Ahmed al-Sulaiti and Ismir tries regarding transport and these relations. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, May 9, 2017 QATAR

Deputy PM meets Turkish envoy Envoy presents credentials OFFICIAL

Emir issues decrees

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued the following decrees yesterday: 1. Decree No 21 of 2017 ratifying an air transport agreement between the governments of Qatar and Azerbaijan, signed in Baku on August 28, 2007. 2. Decree No 22 of 2017 ratifying a co-operation agreement in the fields of culture and arts between the governments of Qatar and Mexico signed in Doha on January 21, 2016 and the annexed diplomatic notes on about the approval of amending the text of Article II of the agreement. HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi with the ambassador of 3. Decree No 23 of 2017 ratifying a HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Aff airs Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Cyprus Dr Michalis A Zacharioglou in Doha yesterday. The ambassador presented a copy of his Memorandum of Understanding al-Mahmoud yesterday met the Turkish ambassador to Qatar Fikret Ozer in Doha. They discussed credentials to HE al-Muraikhi. HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi (MoU) between Qatar Central bilateral relations and ways of enhancing them in various fields, as well as issues of common con- also received a copy of the credentials of the Tanzanian ambassador to Qatar, Fatma Mohamed Bank and Central Bank of cern. Rajab. Venezuela signed in Caracas on November 25, 2015. 4. Decree No 24 of 2017 ratifying a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for co- operation in the field of financial aff airs between the Ministry of Finance in Qatar and the Ministry HBKU institute celebrates Portuguese Language Day of Finance in Belarus signed in Doha on October 30, 2016. 5. Decree No 25 of 2017 ratifying amad Bin Khalifa students were also present in attendance a fl avour of an agreement in the fields of University’s (HB- at the event. the language and its sig- culture and arts between the HKU’s) Translation Prime Minister Costa nifi cance in the world to- governments of Qatar and and Interpreting Institute said, “In a globalised day. Guests also had the Kuwait signed in Doha on (TII), in collaboration with world, in which borders opportunity to get a taste January 11, 2016. the embassies of Portugal and distances are no of traditional Portuguese 6. Decree No 26 of 2017 ratifying and Brazil, celebrated the longer major obstacles, food, and mingle with lu- an air transport agreement Day of Portuguese Lan- Portuguese is a fac- sophones during the event. between the governments of guage and Culture at the tor of competitiveness, Portuguese envoy, Qatar and Kuwait signed in Doha HBKU Student Centre in as a language of diplo- Tânger, highlighted the on January 10, 2016. Education City yesterday. macy and business, as a importance of Portuguese All decrees shall have the force The day’s festivities language of culture and as a language in today’s of law in accordance with Article focused on facilitating knowledge and also as world and said, “The lan- 68 of the Constitution and be exchange and dialogue an important communi- guage is the basis of a cul- implemented and eff ective from between faculty, students cation tool for Internet ture, and the culture is the the date of their issuance and and the Portuguese speak- and social media. The root of a nation. The cul- they shall be published in the ing communities living in geographical disper- tural identity of a nation off icial gazette . Qatar. sion of the Portuguese is like a tree, whose strong Hosted by TII, Portu- speaking countries, roots allow it to battle all Emir ratifies guese Language Day was their cultural diversity adversities.” attended by the Prime and the complementary Dr al-Malki, said, “Our Cabinet decisions Minister of Portugal, of their economies are institutes, centres and António Costa, ambassa- not disadvantages; on initiatives are committed HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa along with other off icials at the Portuguese Language Day celebration at HBKU. dor of Portugal, António the contrary, they are to serving and enriching Hamad al-Thani yesterday ratified Tânger, and minister valuable assets for these the society by promoting the following Cabinet decisions: counsellor at the embassy nine nations and for active citizenship, while 1. Cabinet decision No 19 of 2017 of Brazil, João Carlos Bel- CPLP, the Community preserving our culture. approving the application of the loc. of Portuguese Speaking Hosting the Portuguese provisions of Law No 24 of 2002 Senior members of the Countries.” Language Day at HBKU on retirement and pensions on university’s faculty and Following the Portu- creates opportunities for Qatari employees by Al Qayed staff , including Dr Amal guese Language Day’s of- open dialogue between our Holding Group Company. al-Malki, founding dean fi cial opening ceremony, multicultural and multi- 2. Cabinet decision No 20 of of the College of Humani- students from TII deliv- lingual community here in 2017 establishing and forming ties and Social Sciences at ered a short session on the Education City, and also the technical committee for HBKU, along with other Portuguese language. It showcases our own rich the equivalency of university government offi cials and gave dignitaries and guests Arab heritage.” degrees. The decisions are eff ective starting from their date of issue and are to be published in the off icial gazette. Instruments of ratification

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday issued the following instruments of ratification: 1. Instrument of ratification endorsing a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) on co- operation in the field of culture between the governments of Qatar and Azerbaijan, which was signed in Doha on February 27, 2017. 2. Instrument of ratification endorsing a draft MoU on Prime Minister António Costa interacting with some students at the event co-operation in the fields of youth and sports between the governments of Qatar and Azerbaijan, which was signed in Doha on February 27, 2017. Ooredoo tv off ers ‘Kids Mode’ feature Emir appoints QNA general manager oredoo tv service any additional packages ‘Kids Mode’ from today off ers a new ‘Kids or movies whilst using the by selecting the children HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin OMode’ feature, it feature, giving more secu- shaped icon in the top Hamad al-Thani issued yesterday was announced yester- rity to parents. right of the home menu Emiri decision No 13 of 2017 day. Subscribers can easily Manar Khalifa al-Mu- screen, accessing the appointing Youssef Ibrahim switch between the ‘Kids raikhi, director of Com- Ooredoo tv ‘settings’, or Abdulrahman al-Maleki as Mode’ and the normal munity & Public Rela- for users with the latest general manager of Qatar News Ooredoo tv services de- tions, Ooredoo Qatar said: Ooredoo Premium Re- Agency (QNA). pending on viewer’s needs. “A huge focus for us is mote Control, pressing the The decision is eff ective starting Once the ‘Kids Mode’ to ensure family friendly dedicated children shaped from its date of issue and is to be has been selected, Oore- content for our users; and icon. published in the off icial gazette. doo tv’s box will only show thanks to this latest serv- Content available via live channels and On De- ice update, parents can re- the ‘Kids Mode’ is based Minister meets mand content suitable for lax knowing their children on Ooredoo tv subscrip- children and family view- cannot watch inappropri- tion packages. Existing Sudanese off icial ing. ate content, or accidently Mozaic TV customers who On top of this safety fea- subscribe to any services, want to upgrade to Oore- HE the Minister of Endowments ture, the ‘Kids Mode’ has whilst watching Ooredoo doo tv can visit any Oore- (Awqaf|) and Islamic Aff airs Dr been designed to be easier tv.” doo retail shop to register Ghaith bin Mubarak al-Kuwari to navigate. Users will not Ooredoo tv subscrib- and collect a free Ooredoo met the Secretary General of be able to subscribe or rent ers can begin enjoying the tv play device. Sudanese “Holy Qur’an Society” Abdulrahman Mohamed Ali Saeed. During the meeting, the Advisory Council discusses draft law on hygiene Secretary General of Sudanese “Holy Quran Society” thanked the Ministry of Endowments The Advisory Council held draft law on the “Public some provisions of the and Islamic Aff airs for donating its regular weekly meeting Hygiene”. The council Labour Law issued by Law 160,000 euros to Al-Furqan under the chairmanship of approved the draft law No 14 of 2004 and Law No Radio to purchase radio re- HE the Speaker Mohamed and decided to submit its 13 of 1990 was read out. broadcasters for about 10 radio bin Mubarak al-Khulaifi. recommendations thereon The Council unanimously stations in Sudan. Al-Furqan The Advisory Council to the Cabinet. Then, a decided to refer the draft Radio Group of the Holy Qur’an listened to the report of memorandum by the memorandum to the Legal Society of Sudan was launched in the Services and Public Cabinet General Secretariat and Legislative Aff airs 2008 with the aim of spreading Utilities Committee on a on a draft law amending Committee. the values of the Holy Qur’an.

Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, May 9, 2017 QATAR HMC’s new hospitals Pakistan minister welcome fi rst patients

head of their offi cial opening, childbirth, post-natal care and beyond. a medical procedure, patients will be Hamad Medical Corporation’s The 72,000sq m facility which will able to leave hospital and recover in the seeks investment A(HMC) Ambulatory Care Center replace Women’s Hospital as the larg- comfort of their own home, without (ACC) and Women’s Wellness and Re- est tertiary hospital in the region is to the need for an overnight hospital stay. search Center (WWRC) yesterday wel- be staff ed by over 2,000 highly trained The new facility will off er advanced comed the fi rst patients to their outpa- clinicians specialising in gynaecology, clinical and surgical practices in the tient clinics - uro-gynaecology clinic obstetrics, and newborn care. It will of- most technologically advanced oper- at WWRC and podiatry clinic at ACC. fer 240 private inpatient rooms, a sig- ating theatres and treatment rooms. from Qatar Additional clinics as well as surgi- nifi cantly larger emergency room, seven Where possible, this will include non- cal services will commence later this operating theatres, 26 delivery rooms invasive techniques, robotic surgery By Joey Aguilar “We have seen the beginning of e- year at both facilities and gradually and 112 cots in the neonatal intensive care and laparoscopic equipment to ensure Staff Reporter Commerce in Pakistan. There is great phased in ahead of their offi cial open- unit for the care of critically ill newborns. a faster healing time and less stress. potential for investment in IT also,” he ing. These new facilities join the Qatar The ACC, the other new Medical Patients will also be supported on their added. Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) which City hospital to welcome its fi rst outpa- journey to recovery by the ACC’s outpa- atari and Pakistani investors Pakistan, he noted, has been en- welcomed its fi rst patients last year. tients, will also gradually phase in clini- tient clinics, located in the same building. should ‘exploit’ the various in- couraging its companies to invest in The uro-gynaecology clinic is the cal and surgical services throughout the Clinical imaging, laboratory and phar- Qvestment opportunities and Qatar as well. fi rst Women’s Hospital clinic to re- course of the year. Podiatry services macy services will also be available. the bilateral potential between the two The Minister said he also received locate to the WWRC and will be fol- will be followed by audiology, ENT and Hamad al-Khalifa, HMC’s chief of countries, Pakistan’s Minister for Com- a positive response from his coun- lowed by its oncology and colposcopy gastroenterology outpatient clinics and Healthcare Facilities said: “Last year merce Khurram Dastgir Khan has said. terpart in resolving some visa is- clinics. These together with additional a pre-admission anaesthesia clinic and HMC welcomed the fi rst outpatients to “There is great potential for in- sues, especially in securing business clinical and surgical services will also surgical services will also follow. the QRI and we are proud to do the same vestment in energy infrastructure, Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce visas. be gradually phased in throughout the When fully operational, the ACC at both the Ambulatory Care Center tourism, and information technology Khurram Dastgir Khan. Dastgir’s visit aims to follow up on course of the year. will off er patients a new approach to and the Women’s Wellness and Re- (IT), and a great interest in agro food the visit made by HH the Emir Sheikh The WWRC will provide women in surgical and clinical care in Qatar, pro- search Center. This is a signifi cant step processing in Pakistan,” the minister joined by a delegation of 26 Pakistani Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in 2015 Qatar with specialised care through all viding day care surgery, some inpatient forward towards the full opening of our told reporters yesterday on the side- businessmen, including agro food and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz stages of their lives. Once fully opera- surgical care and clinical care in a sin- new hospitals, delivering both expanded lines of his visit to Qatar. processors and rice exporters, among Sharif’s visit to Doha in 2016. tional, it will off er a range of surgical and gle dedicated location. This means that capacity and some of the most advanced He said that Pakistan has made “very others. The Pakistani Minister noted a clinical services from preconception to within 23 hours of receiving surgery or healthcare facilities in the region.” good progress” in overcoming its en- Dastgir cited Pakistan’s “tremen- $50mn drop in rice exports to Qatar ergy crisis, and invested with its part- dous potential” in agro food process- last year, from $78mn in the previous ner (China) in this sector by putting up ing, a rapidly expanding industry. years to $20mn in 2016. electricity generation projects. Dastgir noted that Pakistan is also “I think there is an issue of fair op- According to Dastgir, some of these willing to host sectoral delegations portunity to Pakistani rice exporters projects have already started and Pa- of Qatari investors interested in food also, because in the last tender that kistan expects to add 10,000MW to processing, for example. was issued by the Central Tribunal its grid next spring season, enough to The minister said he invited Sheikh Committee here in Qatar, it specifi cally overcome shortages. Ahmed to come to Pakistan with a del- mentioned Indian,” he said. “Pakistan now is poised to grow egation and inaugurate an exhibition, “That was not fair. I raised this is- and begin realising the potential of its scheduled for the end of October. sue as well. I said we are not seeking 200mn people.” Dastgir also highlighted Pakistan’s a quota, we are seeking a fair chance The minister met with Qatar’s Min- booming IT sector, which he claimed at bidding for these contracts and the ister of Economy and Commerce HE has “grown many fold” with more than Minister was very kind and he actu- Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Moham- 40mn broadband subscribers, and a ally brought up the issue himself, he is ed al-Thani, and spoke to offi cials and “tremendous pool” of English speak- aware of it, and we expect to resolve it members of Qatar Chamber. He was ing IT graduates. this year,” Dastgir stressed.

HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari and other dignitaries at the National Cancer Framework 2017-2022 launched yesterday. Minister launches cancer framework

From Page 1 now also talk about patient engage- porting patients across the entire Prof the Lord Darzi of Denham, ment, experience, and most impor- pathway and has an increased focus chair of the National Cancer Com- tantly outcomes,” said Lord Darzi. on understanding the patient expe- mittee, highlighted the vision and The new framework will ensure rience, and working with patients in commitment across the health sec- earlier intervention through en- the development of services. tor in delivering the National Can- hanced screening programmes, It will allow for the measurement cer Strategy. “The improvements in continued rapid diagnosis, and and monitoring of the progress made services in recent years have enabled treatment, which will ensure can- during implementation, using the ap- us to not only talk about new equip- cer diagnoses are made earlier when proach indicated by the Institute of ment, facilities and staff in the frame- treatment can be less invasive with Healthcare Improvement’s “Triple work, although these things are of improved outcomes. The framework Aim”, of Better Health, Better Care and course still important, but we can recognises the importance of sup- Better Value. More screening drives to detect cancer planned

By Joseph Varghese “We have made great progress in perience of the patients who are going Staff Reporter cancer research and education.There through the pathway of cancer treat- have been great improvements in in- ment. We also aim to have more intake formation research as well as diag- for the screening programme,” added ollowing the success of the nostic research. We are using stem cell Lord Darzi. breast and bowel cancer screen- treatment to cure some types of can- According to Dr Khalid Rashid al- Fing programme, introduced over cer. We are also using other advanced Rumaihi, senior consultant, Urol- a year ago, plans are afoot to launch modes of treatment in cancer.” Prof ogy, head of Urology Section, Hamad more screening programmes for sever- Knuth explained. Medical Corporation, Qatar has all the al other types of cancer in the country. Prof the Lord Darzi of Denham, latest technology and advanced treat- This was revealed to Gulf Times chair of the National Cancer Commit- ment for cancer. yesterday, by Prof Alexander Knuth, tee said that 80 to 99% of the targets “We use stem cell treatment. We medical director and CEO, National have already been met in various areas also have advanced chemotherapy and Center for Cancer Care and Research, of the Qatar National Cancer Strategy immunotherapy. We have introduced and the chair of the Qatar Cancer Re- 2011-2016. “Both in the speed and the several innovative practices such as search Partnership, on the sidelines of magnitude of its implementation, the robotic surgery and cyber knife. If you the launch of National Cancer Frame- strategy has been a great success. It are looking for any treatment approved work 2017-2022. has achieved most of the targets. The in the world, we have it here,” he noted. “We are in discussion with other new strategy will look into advance- Dr Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad al- stakeholders to introduce screening ments of technology to be used as well Thani, director, Public Health at the for several types of cancer, including as at new diagnostic tools.” Ministry of Public Health and Dr Mar- cervical cancer, lung cancer and thy- “We will be much more proactive iam Ali Abdul Malik, managing direc- roid cancer.We hope it can be imple- in the smoking cessation programme. tor, Primary Health Care Corporation mented at the earliest possible.” There will be improvement in the ex- were also present on the occasion.

Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, May 9, 2017 QATAR

Al Kaaban family park is formally inaugurated

l Khor and Al Thakhira munici- Apality yesterday inaugurated the Al Kaa- ban Park at Al Kaaban City. The family park is lo- cated within a family res- idential area on a space of 10,693sq m with a com- pletely shaded kids’ play area equipped with safe rubberised grounds. It has also covered ar- eas with proper seats, a water fountain, a water duct, some sport equip- ment, walking corridors, and modern toilets. There is diversifi ed greenery with various plants and trees. Besides, the park has an adequate number of surveillance cameras. In future, the park will be supplied with a Wi-Fi connection for provid- ing Internet access to the visitors. Officials stroll through the new Al Kaaban Park after it was formally opened to the public. Visitors enjoy the sight of a fountain at the park. Al-Saff ar is ‘Artist in Residence’ at Doha Fire Station art fi esta

atar Museums (QM) has opened an exhibition by Al-Saff ar was born in Doha in 1971, and Symposium of Contemporary Art. Qatari contemporary artist Ebtisam al-Saff ar at the graduated from the Faculty of Art Education The Qatari Art Residency Programme is QDoha Fire Station Artist in Residence space. in 1995. A member of the Qatar Arts Asso- a recurring three-month residency open to Open from 10am to 10pm until May 22 in the Annex ciation, al-Saff ar has participated in many all Qatari artists, and provides one artist at a Building (above Cafe #999), the exhibition celebrates the art exhibitions all over the world includ- time a studio accommodation space and the accomplishments of al-Saff ar during her three-month Qa- ing in France, Dhaka, Japan, Tunis, Rabat, chance to experience an art residency in Par- tari Art Residency Programme in Paris. Oman, and Qatar. Most recently, she held an is, visit museums, galleries and be immersed Al-Saff ar was the fi rst artist to take part in the unique exhibition in Tunisia at the Mediterranean in the art scene in the city. exchange programme, organised under the patronage of QM chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. Hosted at the Qatar Studio at the renowned Cité inter- nationale des Arts, Paris, France, the programme enabled the artist to have a studio space in one of the biggest and most important art residencies in the world and interact with other artists from around the world. To open the exhibition, al-Saff ar spoke to a large audience in the Fire Station’s cinema yesterday evening to discuss her journey, experiences and the works that she produced dur- ing her time in Paris, which are now on show in Doha. Al-Saff ar‘s works in her exhibition focus on visual ex- pressions of human faces and the expressive energy that they produce. The artist has called her collection of paintings produced during her residency in Paris ‘What is Left in the Faces’, as she believes that what remains in a facial expression after every experience that a human encounters does not end, but is instead transmitted from one generation to the next. Khalifa al-Obaidli, director of the Fire Station, said: “Al- Saff ar is a hugely talented artist, and her works will not only inspire the local community, but also inspire our own artists in residence, and help to create an indigenous cul- ture of creativity and innovation in Qatar. We will continue to provide more opportunities for Qatari artists to visit Paris to encounter diff erent cultures and to connect to the everyday life of local citizens.”

Ebtisam al-Saff ar with Khalifa al-Obaidli at the opening of the exhibition yesterday.

Jeep model recalled over safety concerns

he Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC), in collaboration with United Cars Almana, has an- Tnounced the recall of Jeep Wrangler 2016- 2017 models because of a malfunction in the front impact sen- sor wire. The MEC said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing eff orts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and re- pairs. The MEC will co-ordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out. The MEC has urged all customers to report any viola- tions to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels: Hot- line: 16001, e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @MEC_ Qatar, Instagram: MEC_Qatar, MEC mobile app for An- droid and IOS: MEC_Qatar Gulf Times Tuesday, May 9, 2017 9 QATAR

Energy Minister Ashghal starts project to hosts Tamuq’s former dean

E the Minister of En- of Directors. He noted that ergy and Industry the Association has been de- develop roads in Shamal Hand Qatar University veloped at the organisational Alumni Association (QUAA) level since its establishment he Public Works Authority (Ash- president Dr Mohamed bin in 1879. He further noted that ghal) has started implementing Saleh al-Sada yesterday host- the main objectives of the As- TPhase 1 of the Roads and Infra- ed the former dean of Texas sociation remained the same. structure Development Project in Al A&M University at Qatar (Ta- He said: “These objectives Shamal. muq), Dr Mark H Weichold, include fostering the Aggie A wide range of rehabilitation works at an event in which the latter Network, strengthening links will be carried out as part of the project in gave an overview on Tamu’s between former students and order to develop the existing local roads, Association of Former Stu- their alma mater, and serving enabling them to meet the requirements dents. the student body.” of the growing population in Al Shamal. Dr al-Sada was joined by “The university supports The project also includes building per- QU president Dr Hassan al- 450,000 graduates since 1979. manent developed roads and a new sew- Derham, QU leadership and The Association organised age network in the area to serve about faculty, and QUAA members. 300 social, cultural, charitable 3,600 business and residential buildings, “It is a pleasure to host a re- and sport events in 2016, and Ashghal has said in a press statement. nowned person in the academ- over 282 events in 2015 and The Roads and Infrastructure Develop- ic fi eld to outline the experi- 239 in 2014. We encourage our ment Project in Al Shamal extends from ence of Tamu’s Association of current students to volunteer Al Ruwais to Aba Dhelouf, and is planned Former Students. Dr Weichold in the Association’s events to be completed in Q3, 2019 at a cost of was in Qatar for many years and to remain loyal to their about QR700,000,000, according to the and has a strong background alma mater after graduation.” authority. in the education system in Qa- QU’s manager of Alumni The works include providing roads tar,” Dr al-Sada said. and Stakeholder Relations connected to all houses in the area and Weichold briefed the audi- Rana Alfalasi said: “This event upgrading existing roads, in addition ence on Tamu’s Association shows our commitment to to building roads that lead to all land of Former Students and the benefi t from the experiences plots that are not built yet. As part of the role of the Association’s Board of prestigious universities.” project, 40km of new internal roads will be built while 80km of existing roads will be rehabilitated, increasing their capacity. The works will also include installation of three traffi c signals and 4,500 lighting poles, and the construction of 12 intersec- tions, Ashghal has explained. Further, the construction works include 28km of sidewalks and 8,000 car parking slots, while 1,000 signboards will also be installed in the area, enhancing the safety of road users and pedestrians. The works Ashghal will complete, whether on existing roads or the ones it will construct, include asphalt works, road markings, pavements, medians, and installation of lighting systems and sign- boards to enhance safety, the statement in addition to eliminating inconven- which help reduce accidents noticeably. to separate residential and work areas. points out. ience caused by maintenance works To reduce inconvenience caused by the Dust and noise control works also take The authority has stressed that the that used to take place on deteriorating project works, Ashghal has said it will put place and Qatar Construction Specifi - Roads and Infrastructure Development roads in the area. The project will also in place a plan that will meet all the re- cations 2014 will be followed to ensure Project in Al Shamal will help improve enhance traffic safety through the con- quirements of residents, schools and busi- that the highest standards are met in all the area, with residents benefiting from struction of signal-controlled intersec- ness owners – specifi cally during this pe- construction works, the authority has Dr Weichold receiving a commemorative plaque from HE Dr the developed, sustainable, safe roads, tions and speed monitoring systems, riod. Also, safety barriers will be provided stressed. Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada.

Winners of the AAB Treasure Hunt. AAB Treasure Hunt concludes

bdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co Of the 87 renovated and new parks dependent internal audit party prior to (AAB), the exclusive distributor across Qatar, fi ve were visited by the the announcement of the winners. Aof Toyota and Lexus, has con- participating teams. They cruised The champion of the fi rst AAB cluded the fi rst AAB Treasure Hunt safely from Al Wakrah, Al Thumama Treasure Hunt received a cash prize in collaboration with the Public Parks Family (South) Park, Onaizah Park, of QR5,000, a trophy and other gifts, Department of the Ministry of Munici- Dahl Al Hamam until Al Khor before while the fi rst runner-up won QR3,000 pality and Environment (MME). heading back to Al Abdulghani Tower and a trophy. The second runner-up The AAB Treasure Hunt is a CSR for the fi nal challenge. got QR1,500 and a trophy. initiative promoting public parks in Al Khor Park quickly became the fa- The participating teams felt it was a Qatar while reminding the participants vourite park of the participants, taking great day for bonding between family to observe road safety practices. It is into account the space, new facilities and friends and they got to learn about not a race but a matter of managing and mini-zoo. Many of the partici- each other better, noting that team- time while completing challenges such pants said they discovered the beauty work made a diff erence. as solving riddles/puzzles, perform- of these parks and would visit them in In a press statement, AAB stressed ing tasks or activities and looking for future. that working towards a green environ- ‘treasures’ at the parks, according to a Serdar Toktamis, AAB’s chief execu- ment is one of its CSR pillars. “This is press statement. tive offi cer, sent off the fi rst batch of the primary reason behind AAB’S close The MME has renovated existing participants at the start of the Treas- collaboration with the Public Parks parks and added new locations across ure Hunt. Present with him during the Department and the ministry,” it add- Qatar. These parks serve as a family awards ceremony was Mohamed al- ed. hub, providing ample space for families Khouri, director of the MME’s Public Road safety issues were also empha- to enjoy nature as well as for children to Parks Department. sised during the initiative and observed have safe play areas. The results were verifi ed by an in- by the participants.

Govt to train 3,000 for digital governance

atar has witnessed 54mn com- duction are the core objectives of gov- pleted transactions per year ernment shared platform applications Qthrough 1,079 online services and infrastructure. and 22 transactions per individual per On open government, he said the year through 581 mobile services, a top aim is to broaden the range of vendors offi cial of the Ministry of Transport to supply digital services including and Communications (MOTC) said more small and medium sized enter- yesterday. prises. The number of digital services in Qa- al-Sayed addressing QDG forum Regarding the enhancement of ICT tar was 1,660 as on March 2017, which capacity and skills, he said the aim is comprised 1,079 online and 581 mobile delivery, effi cient government, open to train 3,000 government ICT profes- services, Hassan Jassim al-Sayed, as- government, ICT capacity and skills, sionals over three years as part of ef- sistant undersecretary (Government and policy, standards and regulatory forts to serve the transformation and Programme and Information Technol- framework. meet the needs of Qatar digital govern- ogy) at MoTC told Qatar Digital Gov- Of the total digital services as on ment programme. ernment (QDG) Forum. March this year, the bulk of it (about “eGovernment is a journey from “All individuals and businesses will 42%) benefi ted citizens, followed by simple electronic services to whole of benefi t from connecting online with businesses (36%), multiple benefi ci- Government services and now is the Qatar’s more open and effi cient gov- aries (18%) and the remaining govern- time for more SMART services to sat- ernment,” he said, adding the key pil- ment. isfy our users requirements,” according lars of QDG were innovative service Al-Sayed said effi ciency and cost re- to him.

Gulf Times Tuesday, May 9, 2017 11 QATAR Bill Manager Malabar Gold & Diamonds names raffle draw winners service now for all Vodafone postpaid users odafone has announced As another example of local that its Bill Manager usage if a customer consumes Vservice is now available all of the local data allowance for all its postpaid customers. included in their plan and starts Launched in January this year getting charged at the standard initially for Red Postpaid cus- out of bundle rates then upon tomers, the innovative product spending QR20, Bill Manager ensures customers never receive will automatically give the cus- a shocking bill again. tomer 250 MB without addition- Bill Manager does this by al charges, which is equivalent to automatically giving custom- the benefi t of a Smart Data Rate ers the benefi ts of the best local product. data or roaming products when If the customer continues to Malabar Gold & Diamonds announced the raff le draw winners of their festive campaign – ‘Win up to 30 kilos of gold in 18 days’ at an they go out of bundle without Mohamed al-Sadah, COO, Vodafone consume local data and reaches event held at their outlet in Doha. The draw was conducted by Mohamed al-Marri from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce in the customers having to activate Qatar. QR70 in charges, Bill Manager presence of Malabar Gold & Diamonds regional head Santhosh T V, zonal head Noufal Thadthil, deputy branch head Raju T Johny and those products in advance. will automatically add the ben- other executives. The winners – S Sankar and Abdul Raheem – have each won the prize 500gm of gold, through raff le draw. “At Vodafone, we believe will only ever pay QR70 for 6GB efi t of QR70 mobile Internet customers should always ben- of extra data,” he added. pack which gives the customer efi t from fair bills. Vodafone Bill For example, customers who 6GB data. Bill Manager contin- Manager challenges the stand- start roaming in one of the 78 ues tracking usage levels giving ard telecommunications prac- countries included in Vodafone benefi ts of 10GB data when a tice of operators that expects Passport Pack and their roam- customer reaches QR110 and so customers to keep track of what ing data or voice usage reaches on for all mobile internet packs. is the best product to add, how QR100 which is the price of the Bill Manager will be available Airlines sign codeshare pact to add it and when to add it. Passport Pack, they will auto- for free for all new postpaid cus- “Bill Manager does all of that matically receive 1GB data valid tomers and will be automatically without charging them anything in 78 countries, 1GB additional added to existing postpaid cus- iddle East Airlines and place at the Middle East Airlines cial partnership between the two dle East Airlines on the Beirut- extra and makes sure their bill is data valid in the GCC countries tomers from their next bill cycle. Turkish Airlines have headquarters in Beirut. Mid- companies and their respective Istanbul (and vice-versa) route always optimised with no extra and 100 roaming minutes valid Bill Manager also keeps custom- Msigned a new codeshare dle East Airlines chairman and countries. At the same time, and on the fl ights of Turkish unnecessary charges,” said Mo- for a week for absolutely no extra ers informed via timely SMS no- agreement, covering routes be- director-general Mohamad A passengers of both airlines will Airlines on the Istanbul-Beirut hamed al-Sadah, chief operating charge. tifi cations about their savings tween Turkey and Lebanon and El-Hout and Turkish Airlines be given more travel options be- (and vice-versa) route. Turkish offi cer, Vodafone Qatar. If the customer consumes the and customers can also check expanding travel opportunities deputy chairman and CEO Bilal tween Lebanon and Turkey, the Airlines will operate three daily “It is possible for a postpaid data or minutes within a week, My Vodafone App at any time for passengers of both airlines. Eki signed the agreement in the statement notes. fl ights on the Istanbul-Beirut- customer to be charged over Bill Manager will give them the to check how much extra value The agreement comes into presence of senior offi cials from Under the terms of the agree- Istanbul route, while Middle QR1,000 for 1GB of out of bun- same benefi ts the moment their Bill Manager has given them. For eff ect on May 15, according to a both carriers. ment, Middle East Airlines and East Airlines will be operating dle data in Qatar. Now with Bill usage reaches another QR100 more information visit, www. statement. This new codeshare agree- Turkish Airlines will place their two daily fl ights on the Beirut- Manager, this same customer and so on. vodafone.qa The signing ceremony took ment will broaden the commer- codes on the fl ights of Mid- Istanbul-Beirut route. Expert advises steady Doha Bank launches approach to workplace loyalty programme

oha Bank has an- ers. It’s a “one-of-a-kind” pro- ers will celebrate getting up to nounced the launch gramme wherein every One Doha 25,000 Doha Miles over and health promotion Dof Doha Miles, its new Mile is equivalent to One Mile/ above their regular earning loyalty programme that will re- Point with all exchange partners, whenever they spend abroad place the existing Dream the statement explains. and at duty-free stores around co-ordinated approach to (WHP) as the combined ef- and eat a large percentage of oyalty programme. Dr R Seetharaman, Doha the world this season.” workplace health promo- forts of employers, employ- their food there. The new Doha Miles Bank Group CEO said: “The Braik al-Marri, head of Dis- Ation leads to a planned ees and society to improve the “Cost eff ective interventions Lloyalty programme, new Doha Miles is designed to tribution at Doha bank, added: and comprehensive set of pro- health and well-being of people include educating employees which is off ered exclusively for drive sustainable loyalty and “Our customers can be lucky grammes, policies, benefi ts, and at work. by conducting regular health Doha Bank credit cardholders, customer engagement and to by winning a whopping 1mn environmental support designed The event aimed to raise the promotion activities, screen- is designed to convert credit provide exceptional benefi ts to Bonus Doha Miles in three raf- to meet the health and safety community awareness on the ing them for behavioural and card spends locally and inter- Doha Bank credit cardholders fl e draws to be conducted every needs of all employees, a semi- epidemiological, demographic, underlying risk factors, such nationally into reward points. with global fl ights and hotels month until August 31. Doha nar at Qatar University (QU) was economic and health transitions as hypertension, diabetes and Dr Fahad Hanna: “Worksite It off ers cardholders the ex-fl around the world.” Miles is truly full of surprises, told. occurring in Qatar. other chronic disease, off er- interventions can include a wide ibility of redeeming the Miles Gul Khan, head of Retail benefi ts and thrilling rewards QU-College of Health Scienc- Dr Hanna noted that health ing incentive programmes to variety of health promotion earned for free fl ights in more Banking at Doha Bank, noted: for all Qataris and residents.” es (QU-CHS) assistant professor promotion is a key strategy in walk/exercise and implement activities...” than 300 airlines and book at “We have carefully crafted For those who prefer shop- of public health Dr Fahad Hanna improving health of a popula- healthy policies within the over 300,000 hotel locations Doha Miles with all-inclusive ping, Doha Miles still allows was speaking on “The need for tion. He stressed the impor- worksite.” “The college is keen to in- worldwide, the bank has said in free fl ights, hotels, miles ex- purchases on Doha Bank POS workplace health promotion: tance of having sustainable pro- CHS dean and Biomedical Re- vest in programmes that sup- a statement. change and free shopping in in Qatar. Also, one can also approaches and models for grammes within the worksite to search Centre director Dr Asma port active and healthy lifestyles Cardholders can also benefi t Qatar. To celebrate the new transfer their Doha Miles to implementation”. prevent chronic diseases such as al-Thani described the seminar within Qatar’s community, and from the Doha Bank Miles Ex- Doha Miles launch, Doha Bank their Shukran Rewards account The seminar, which engaged hypertension. as an activity that demonstrates providing the ultimate support change Programme, which al- is giving up to 50,000 bonus and enjoy free shopping at a group of students, faculty and “Worksite interventions can the college’s eff orts to uplift its to the country’s healthcare sec- lows customers to exchange their Doha Miles with all its new Shukran brands such as Splash, staff from QU Health colleges, include a wide variety of health staff and students academically tor is part of our mission, which Doha Miles with popular fre- credit cards, which customers Babyshop, Home Centre, etc. aligned with the Luxembourg promotion activities because and to engage them on issues covers all the residents in Qa- quent fl yer programmes such as can redeem for free fl ights and The same can be given as a gift Declaration 1997 that defi nes employees spend a large portion that are of the interest of the tar in general and employees in those of Qatar Airways, Etihad, hotel booking this summer. to a family member or friend on workplace health promotion of their waking hours at work wider community. particular.” Jet Airways, fl ydubai and oth- “ Also, our credit cardhold- their Shukran account. Community College signs local and foreign MoUs

he Community College bal provider of customs educa- ance standards in accordance of students, faculty and staff ; of Qatar (CCQ) yes- tion, technical assistance and with international systems. development of collaborative Tterday signed local and research. The Associate of Applied Sci- research programmes or projects international MoUs as part of The purpose of this MoU is ence in Customs Management of mutual interest; and discus- its ongoing eff orts to keep up to build on the previous agree- is a two-year degree programme sion of academic and adminis- to date with the best practices ments between the signing that provides students with trative developments, including around the world and enhance parties to jointly develop and critical knowledge and skills in co-sponsorship of symposia, its various educational oppor- deliver a comprehensive pro- the fi eld of customs and border seminars and conferences. tunities and quality academic gramme of Customs educa- protection. This programme is The co-operation will also programmes. tion and training for the State designed to prepare individuals extend to the development of The MoUs were signed in of Qatar to raise the academic that are seeking employment in education generally, including the presence of Dr Ibrahim standards of customs profes- the fi eld of customs and bor- the potential for off ering joint al-Naimi, president, CCQ; sionals and the profession, der management, or for current programmes; exchange of schol- Ahmed bin Abdullah al-Jamal, with a strong commitment to customs employees wishing to arly publications and informa- chairman, General Authority world-class customs education advance their careers at their tion; exploration of avenues for of Customs; Dr David Wid- and best practices. workplace. participating students to earn dowson, CEO, the Centre for The signing parties will work In the same context, CCQ college credits at MDC; and de- Customs and Excise Studies at together to support co-opera- signed a MoU with MDC, the velopment of a 2+2 programme Charles Sturt University, Aus- tion in the implementation of largest institution of higher pathway for CCQ associate de- The off icials at the MoUs signing ceremony yesterday. tralia; and Dr Eduardo J Pa- various academic activities such education in the US with more gree graduates to join MDC bac- drón, president of Miami Dade as: executing and maintaining than 165,000 students. The MoU calaureate degree programmes. The CCQ off ers a number for students wishing to transfer The CCQ also off ers short- College (MDC), US. the Associate of Applied Science aims to outline the possible ways The CCQ, which opened in of associate and bachelor de- to four-year universities, high term continuing education and CCQ signed an MoU with the in Customs Management degree; in which CCQ and MDC can September 2010, is described as gree programmes that meet the demand 2+2 associate and bach- marketable skills certifi cates General Authority of Customs, delivery of a Bachelor of Border develop and carry out collabo- the fastest growing institution needs of the labour force in Qa- elor’s degree programmes and for those who wish to upgrade and the Centre for Customs Management in Doha; exchange rative activities, including the in Qatar today with an enrol- tar. Among them are two-year two-year Associate of Applied their knowledge and skills to be- and Excise Studies at Charles of experiences and advice; and development of workshops and ment of 4,300 students at four Associate of Arts and Associate Arts and Applied Science degree come more marketable in the job Sturt University, a leading glo- Commitment to quality assur- project opportunities; exchange diff erent campuses. of Science degree programmes programmes. market. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, May 9, 2017 REGION/ARAB WORLD Oman Air launches daily Muscat-Manchester service

man Air has celebrated frequency to the UK and will the launch of its new dai- “further boost the already Oly fl ight - WY105 - from strong political, economic and Muscat to Manchester. social links” between the two The new service departs countries, according to a press Muscat at 2pm daily and ar- statement. rives in Manchester at 7.05pm, “As well as being the only di- while the return flight leaves rect service between Muscat Manchester at 8.45pm and ar- and Manchester in the north of rives in Muscat at 7.20am the England, the fl ight will open up next day. easy access to Oman Air’s out- The inaugural flight depart- standing range of destinations ed from Muscat after a cake- for customers from both Muscat cutting ceremony attended by and Manchester, with over 27 the CEO of Oman Air, a host of destinations having connectiv- high-ranking dignitaries and ity inside of three hours in both the Oman Air senior manage- directions,” the statement noted. ment team. Manchester is one of the Upon arrival in Manchester, UK’s most dynamic cities, and the flight was greeted by the the new fl ight “signals the lat- Lord Mayor of Manchester and est move in the airline’s ambi- other senior Manchester Air- tious and dynamic programme port officials. of fl eet and network expansion The daily flight to Man- and boosts Oman’s connection chester, operated by an A330- to the UK an important trading 200, is Oman Air’s third daily partner”, Oman Air said. Dignitaries at the cake-cutting ceremony.

PEACE EFFORT Libya’s neighbours, UN back new bid for talks

Libya’s neighbours and the United Nations yesterday voiced their support for a meeting held last First evacuations from week between the North African country’s main rival figures, the head of the UN-backed govern- ment, Fayez Seraj, and eastern commander Khalifa Haftar. The two men had held talks in Abu Dhabi, their first in more than a year and a half, over a UN-me- Damascus rebel district diated deal that Western powers hope will end the factional fighting AFP rebel-held province of Idlib, in province, which is included in that has dominated Libya since Damascus Syria’s northwest. the zones, where it is allied with the 2011 fall of Muammar Gaddafi. The evacuation deal was other opposition groups. Libya’s neighbours and regional struck late Sunday night, and The deal says the “de-escala- powers have often diff ered on how yrian rebels and their dozens of people gathered in tion zones” would be bordered by to advance, with Egypt closer to families began evacuating Barzeh from Monday morning. security areas with checkpoints Haftar and his anti-Islamist militant Sfrom a district of Damas- An AFP photographer saw and observation centres “ensured campaign and Algeria pushing for cus for the fi rst time yesterday, rebel fi ghters carrying light by the forces of the guarantors an inclusive approach including bringing the government closer weapons looking on as children by consensus”, but that “third- using the influence of Tunisia’s to recapturing all of the capital. and women in brightly-col- party” monitors could also be moderate Islamist movement. The evacuation began days oured headscarves pulled shab- deployed. As part of diplomatic eff orts by after regime backers Russia and by suitcases and duff el bags. But yesterday, Muallem reject- Libya’s neighbours, Algeria yester- Iran and rebel supporter Turkey A source from the pro-gov- ed UN or international monitors. day hosted a meeting with the UN signed a deal to implement “de- ernment National Defence “We do not accept a role for the envoy to Libya and ministers from escalation zones” where the Forces said rebel fi ghters would United Nations or international Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan, Niger and government and opposition will be allowed to take their “per- forces to monitor the agreement,” Chad, as well as representatives of halt hostilities. sonal weapons” with them. he said. He added there could be the UN-backed government.. Foreign Minister Walid Mual- Negotiations were ongoing a role “as the Russian guarantor “The meeting between Prime Min- lem yesterday rejected any role for a similar deal in the district has said, for military police”, but ister Seraj and Marshall Haftar is for the United Nations or inter- of Qabun, in Damascus’ north- it was unclear if he was referring a positive sign,” UN envoy Martin national forces in monitoring east, which forces loyal to Presi- to Syrian or foreign units. Kobler said in separate comments the zones. dent Bashar al-Assad have been Russia meanwhile said it had in the Algiers meeting. The deal to evacuate Barzeh shelling heavily for weeks. tabled a draft UN Security Coun- district mirrors similar agree- “We are working on Qabun cil resolution backing the safe ments for opposition-held ter- and there is the Yarmuk camp, zone deal. A source at the UN told OPINION ritory elsewhere, allowing fi ght- where talks are underway for the Syrian opposition fighters and their families gather at a staging point in the Barzeh neighbourhood of the Russia’s Interfax news agency US debates over ers safe passage in exchange for evacuation of armed groups,” capital Damascus yesterday, as they wait to be evacuated. that “a vote on the draft will take surrender. said Muallem. place possibly this week”. embassy move State television cited the Da- Assad’s government controls six-year confl ict, which erupted “de-escalation zones” agreed have until June 4 to submit Western diplomats expressed ‘wrong’: Erdogan mascus provincial governor as all but six districts of Damascus: in March 2011 with anti-regime by Russia, Iran and Turkey. maps fi nalising the borders of reservations, saying it was pre- saying a fi rst wave of 1,022 peo- Barzeh, Qabun, Jobar, Tishreen, protests and has killed more The agreement, inked in the the zones. It calls for continued mature to endorse the Astana Turkish President Recep Tayyip ple, including 568 fi ghters, had Tadamun, and Yarmuk camp. than 320,000 people. Kazakh capital Astana, excludes fi ghting against the Islamic State deal until fi nal arrangements Erdogan yesterday said debates left Barzeh yesterday. The evacuation is a fi rst in the But the opposition says it is Damascus city. group, which is largely absent for the proposed “de-escalation over the possibility of moving the The channel said the evacu- capital, but the Barzeh agree- forced into them by heavy gov- It mandates an end to hos- from the areas where the zones zones” were agreed. US embassy In Israel from Tel Aviv ation would take fi ve days, but ment follows a model of “rec- ernment bombardment and tilities, including air strikes, in will be implemented, as well as The agreement has been re- to Jerusalem are “extremely wrong” that rebels who chose to stay onciliation deals” implemented siege tactics. specifi ed zones for six months. former Al Qaeda affi liate Fateh ceived with caution by Washing- and should be dropped. US Presi- could do so if they registered across the country. Yesterday’s evacuation be- The deal came into eff ect on al-Sham Front. ton, with US Defence Secretary dent Donald Trump had promised with the government. The government touts such gan as battlefronts quietened in midnight Friday, with fi ghting Fateh al-Sham has a power- Jim Mattis saying it was being during his campaign to move the Those leaving will head to the deals as the best way to end the Syrian territory included in four subsiding, but the co-sponsors ful presence particularly in Idlib studied. Page 13 American embassy to Jerusalem, whose status is one of the thorniest issues of the Israeli-Palestinian con- flict. Speaking at a forum in Istanbul, Erdogan said everyone should be careful on issues that concerned Rouhani says era of ‘violence and extremists’ over the status of Jerusalem, warning that even “relocating a stone” in the city could have serious implications. AFP don’t approve of those who only tle for re-election on May 19 as have chosen the path of free- “The debates over the possibility Tehran called for executions and jail conservative opponents attack dom,” he told his opponents. of US moving its Israel embassy throughout the last 38 years,” his failure to revive Iran’s stag- Rouhani raised an old threat, to Jerusalem are extremely wrong he told a packed stadium in nant economy. often levelled at hardliners, that and should certainly drop from the ran’s President Hassan Rou- the western city of Hamedan, Analysts say his surprise vic- they want to segregate men and agenda,” the Turkish president said. hani launched a scathing referring to the revolution of tory in 2013 was largely down women on public footpaths. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani greets his supporters during a Erdogan, a fervent supporter of Iattack on his conservative 1979. to his promise of improved civil “You don’t know them, I campaign rally in Hamedan. Palestinians, made peace with Israel election rivals yesterday, say- “We’ve entered this election liberties, and he has again made know them. They wanted to in June last year after bilateral ties ing their era of “violence and to tell those practising violence this a dominant theme of his create segregated pavements said in a swipe against one of split the sexes in his city coun- deteriorated over the 2010 Israeli extremism” was over. and extremism that your era is campaign this year. the same way they issued a his main challengers, Tehran cil offices. The allegation was raid on a Gaza-bound aid ship that “The people of Iran shall over.” “Your logic is prohibition and directive for sex segregation mayor Mohamed Bagher Ghali- dismissed by one of his oppo- killed 10 Turkish activists. once again announce that they Rouhani faces a tough bat- nothing else. Our young people in their work place,” Rouhani baf, who reportedly tried to nents. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 9, 2017 13 ARAB WORLD Tunisia protests hit energy output by two foreign fi rms

Reuters fi eld in southern Tunisia had not been affected.ENI did not Tunis been shut-in since Feb 28 due to give details yesterday about labour and social unrest. any impact on its operations. Protests have centred in Tunisia’s Energy Minister Newly-elected Hamas chief, Ismail Haniya (centre), shakes hands during a visit to protesters taking part in a sit-in in support of Palestinian rotests over jobs and de- southern Tataouine province Hela Chikhrouhou told a con- hunger-striking prisoners in Gaza City, yesterday. velopment in southern and where Italy’s ENI and Austrian ference that total oil produc- Pcentral Tunisia have halted firm OMV have mainly gas op- tion fell to 44,000 barrels per production or shut fi elds of two erations, but have also started day (bpd) from 100,000 bpd in foreign energy companies, local to emerge in central Kebili re- 2010 because of protests and radio and companies said yester- gion. low investment due to a lack of day, in a new challenge to Prime Since its 2011 uprising energy legislation. Oil revenues fell from 3bn New Hamas chief backs Minister Youssef Chahed. brought democracy to Tunisia, Tunisia is only a small oil and successive governments have Tunisian dinars ($1.24bn) in gas producer compared to its struggled with social unrest in 2010 to 1bn Tunisian dinars Opec neighbours Libya and Al- the south and central provinces ($413.96mn) in 2016, the min- geria, but protesters targeting where unemployed youth feel ister said. In the past, Tunisian pro- hunger-striking prisoners energy output have erupted at a they have been left out of the sensitive time as Chahed’s gov- economic benefits of the revo- testers targeted the state-run ernment tries to enact austerity lution. phosphate business, where AFP stood with the hundreds of United States and the European of Fatah — a rival political fac- reforms. In Tatouine region, a group production falls since 2011 Gaza City prisoners on hunger strike in Union. Hundreds of Palestin- tion to Hamas. State-run Tataouine radio of demonstrators has camped caused about $2bn in losses. Israeli jails. “This visit is a mes- ians in Israeli jails have been re- On Sunday, Israeli authori- and Mosaique FM radio said out for several weeks in the Sa- Output in phosphate — a key sage to our heroic prisoners that fusing food since April 17. ties distributed video footage sit-ins halted production at en- hara desert and threatened to source of foreign income — has ew Hamas leader Ismail your cause was and will remain Israeli authorities put the purporting to show Barghouti ergy company Perenco’s Baguel blockade roads used by oil and risen this year after agreements Haniya pledged support a top priority,” he said during a current fi gure at 860 hunger secretly eat in his cell. and Tarfa fi elds, which are joint gas companies unless they see were reached with protesters. Nfor hunger-striking visit to a protest in support of strikers, while Palestinian of- Barghouti’s wife and other ventures for gas and condensate more jobs and a share in the re- The revival of the state-run Palestinian prisoners yester- the strikers in Gaza. fi cials say 1,500 have been par- Palestinian offi cials dismissed output, according to the Perenco gion’s energy riches. phosphate production will help day in his fi rst comments since “Your freedom is a national ticipating. the video as fake and an attempt company website. OMV said last week it had the North African country’s being elected as head of the duty and your dignity is our They have issued a list of de- to break the hunger strikers. A Perenco spokesman de- demobilised around 700 non- economic growth, which also movement that runs the Gaza dignity,” the 54-year-old add- mands including better medical Some 850,000 Palestinians clined to comment. essential staff and contractors suffered from a decline in rev- Strip. ed. services, family visits and more have been incarcerated since A spokesman for Canada- from its southern Tunisia op- enues from the tourism sector Haniya, who was chosen by Hamas has run Gaza since dignifi ed detention conditions. Israel’s occupation of their ter- based Serinus Energy said by erations as a precaution. after major militant attacks in the party as its new leader on 2007 but is considered a terror- The strike is being led by ritories 50 years ago, Palestin- e-mail that its Chouech Essaida But it said production had 2015. Saturday, said the movement ist organisation by Israel, the Marwan Barghouti, a member ian leaders say. Security forces kill militants Family of Palestinian toddler being trained for attacks burned alive sue Israel AFP has occupied the West Bank for 50 years and Khatib Jerusalem said the state must accept responsibility for the kill- AFP which country they were al- offi cial interpreter of religious with the aim to create a state ings. “The child Ahmed suff ers from disability,” he Cairo leged to have received training. law, though his opinion is not of chaos, instability, and to fo- added, as well as “medical and psychological inca- The security forces came legally binding. ment internal strife.” elatives of a Palestinian family burned alive pacity from the loss of his father, mother and brother”. under heavy fi re as they pur- According to the statement, The Brotherhood, once fi led a lawsuit against Israel yesterday de- Amiram Ben-Uliel, 21, from the northern West Bank gyptian security forces sued the militants, before these groups were formed ac- Egypt’s largest opposition Rmanding it be held responsible and pay dam- settlement of Shilo, was charged with three counts of killed eight militants who shooting back at them, the cording to “assignments issued movement, has long denied in- ages over the 2015 attack blamed on Jewish extrem- murder and one of attempted murder, arson and con- Ewere being trained to at- ministry said. by the organisation’s leader- volvement in violence. ists in the occupied West Bank. spiracy to commit a hate crime. tack government and Chris- “This led to the deaths of the ship abroad to its leadership in The Brotherhood’s Mo- Eighteen-month-old Ali Dawabsha died along A 17-year-old, whose name remains under a gag tian targets in a shootout in the mentioned leader and seven of the country.” hamed Mursi was elected as with his parents when their house was fi rebombed in order, was charged with being an accessory to com- country’s southern desert, the the elements,” of whom two They planned “to form Egypt’s fi rst civilian president July 2015. His brother Ahmed, now six, was the sole mitting a racially motivated murder. government said yesterday. had been identifi ed as Muslim groups to carry out a series of in 2012, but the army replaced survivor from the immediate family but was left with An Israeli defence offi cial said the family would not Those killed included Helmi Brotherhood members wanted hostile operations in the com- him a year later following mass severe burns. be eligible for compensation that applies to terror vic- Masri Mohareb, a leader who in other cases, it said. ing period by sending elements protests. “Today we fi led a complaint with the Nazareth dis- tims since it is only open for Israeli citizens. transported militants across The statement did not say from these groups to join train- Since then, an extensive trict court demanding the state of Israel be held re- The offi cial said the family would be able to apply Egypt’s southern border to join whether there were any casual- ing camps abroad.” crackdown on the group has sponsible for the burning of the Dawabsha family in instead to an alternative committee that compensates training camps, the interior ties among the security forces. Then they were to “return left it in disarray with compet- the village of Duma in the West Bank,” lawyer Hassan people for so-called nationalist attacks. ministry said in a statement. Mohareb is also wanted in to target state institutions, ing wings that have disagreed al-Khatib, who represents the family, said by phone. Nasser Dawabsha confi rmed to AFP they had re- The statement did not say several cases, and has received and government and Chris- on whether to use violence, Ahmed’s uncle Nasser Dawabsha said they were seek- jected a previous compensation off er because they when or exactly where in the the death penalty pending the tian buildings, and a number of after police quashed their ing an admission of responsibility from the state and were demanding the state accept responsibility, desert they were killed, nor in approval of the mufti, Egypt’s public fi gures and policemen, protests. 16mn shekels (4mn euros, $4.4mn) in damages. Israel which he said had been refused. Besieged Syrians battle fuel shortages by recycling

Reuters Douma, Syria

or residents of besieged Douma, the daily strug- Fgle to survive involves not just avoiding the violence that has ravaged the Syrian town, but labouring to obtain scarce basic commodities. Facing a shortage of fuel to run generators and machinery due to the siege, former construc- tion worker Abu Kassem set up a makeshift refi nery to extract fuel from plastic waste through a process of burning them and condensing the released gas. It is a gruelling process. “There is no pleasure in our work. It is very dangerous and requires a lot of caution. When I see that the equipment’s situ- ation is stable, I can take a lit- tle rest and smoke the hookah,” said Abu Fahad, 28, one of Abu Kassem’s sons. The workshop — which em- ploys Kassem’s three sons and Abu Fahad (second right) rests with colleagues inside a workshop in the besieged Douma neighbourhood of other relatives — has operated Khodor, 20, stands inside a workshop where he works in Douma. Damascus, Syria. for some three and a half years, since government forces began Using methods learned from are sold for domestic and com- Smoke billows from fires and of the workers. The workshop A day’s work will see 800 kg eastern Ghouta at the end of their siege of rebel-held eastern instructional videos posted on mercial use in place of natural generators, and the fumes from operates 15 hours a day, six days to 1,000kg of plastic used in 2013 fuel prices rose madly and Ghouta, a district on the out- the Internet, the family takes gas. burning plastic hang ever- a week, and workers’ only pro- the workshop, where 100kg of we were no longer able to water skirts of the Syrian capital where plastic bottles, rubble from The fuels are then sold to present in the air. tection against the effects of plastic makes approximately 85 crops as in the past,” Abu Firas, Douma is located. damaged buildings, plastic customers, including bakeries, “Working here is very tiring, inhaling the polluted air caused litres of fuel. 33, an agricultural worker in the As the siege intensifi ed, severe from cooking utensils, water farmers who need fuel to power but we feel that we are provid- by burning plastic is advice A litre of benzene fuel sells district told Reuters. fuel shortages began to hamper and even sewage pipes to pro- water pumps and consumers ing a great service to people. I from some to drink two cups of for 2,200 Syrian pound ($4.70), “When we started producing agriculture, transport and other duce liquid and gas fuels. for use in cars and motorcycles. have been working here for a milk a day to try to offset the and a litre of diesel for 2,000 local fuel, and that water engines activities, so Abu Kassem began The liquid is refined into For those who toil in the short time and have begun to effects. Syrian pounds. could be powered by this fuel lo- searching for a way around the gasoline, diesel and benzene workshop, the environment adapt to the atmosphere here,” The efficacy of the treatment Local residents are grateful. cal fuel, life returned to agricul- problem. fuels, and the gases obtained leaves much to be desired. said Abu Ahmed, 28, another is uncertain. “When the siege began on tural land.” Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, May 9, 2017 AFRICA

Land grab protest Hundreds fl eeing homes in DR Congo every day: UN

AFP Geneva

n average of 4,600 people fl ee their homes every day in the Democratic Republic of ACongo, the UN said yesterday, warning of a dramatically deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country. A full 3.7mn people were displaced within DR Congo by the end of March — more than double the 1.6mn at the start of 2016, the United Nations hu- manitarian agency OCHA said. “This is a massive, massive deterioration,” Rein Paulsen, who heads OCHA’s country offi ce in DR Congo, told reporters in Geneva. The situation is particularly dire in the central Kasai region, where spiralling violence between government troops and tribal militias has forced 1.27mn people from their homes since last Septem- ber, he said. “That’s an increase of 100,000 in the last week,” Paulsen said, describing the numbers as “shocking and dramatic.” The fi ghting in Kasai erupted after government troops last August killed tribal chief Jean Pierre Mpandi, also known as Kamwina Nsapu, who had launched an uprising against President Joseph Ka- bila. Violence in the region has left at least 400 people dead since September. The UN has meanwhile reported fi nding 40 mass graves, while two UN researchers — Michael Sharp, an American, and Zaida Catalan, a dual Swedish- Chilean national — investigating the violence were abducted and shot dead. One of the victims was also beheaded. “What we have in Kasai is a protection crisis of massive proportions,” Paulsen said. Under a power-sharing deal reached on New South African protesters gather around a burning tyre in the Eldorado Park district in Johannesburg during a demonstration against land grabbing, housing and unemployment. Year’s Eve, DR Congo is set to hold an election by the end of 2017. But last week the government said it had indefi - nitely postponed voter registration in two Kasai provinces after the brutal killing last month of an electoral offi cial. Most worrying perhaps is that the violence has increasingly taken on an ethnic character, with fi ghting breaking out between a wide range of com- munities, Paulsen said. “Inter-ethnic, inter-communal confl ict (is) at the heart of why things are deteriorating so rapidly,” he Men accused of killing said. The violence and surging displacement has left some 3.8mn people in the country in need of food aid, with the situation particularly critical for chil- dren. There are currently an estimated 1.9mn children under the age of fi ve in the country suff ering from severe, acute malnutrition, meaning they could eas- boy get bail in S Africa ily die without immediate aid, Paulsen said. In light of the dire situation, the UN has appealed AFP burning down a white family’s home A witness has claimed he was de- him as he took pictures of the inferno. 5,000 rand ($369) bail and their case for $812.5mn for aid to DR Congo in 2017, but so far Johannesburg and heightening racial tensions that liberately jettisoned. The men claim Another photojournalist, from a will resume on June 26. less than 20% of that amount has been funded, he erupted after the teen’s death. he jumped off the truck as they were local newspaper, was also attacked Racially charged incidents be- said. Pieter Doorewaard, 26, and Philip taking him to the police. and injured in the scuffl e. tween white farm owners and poor iolent clashes erupted yes- Schutte, 34, are accused of killing The death sparked rioting in the Magistrate Magaola Foso told black farmhands and residents are terday in a remote north Matlhomola Mosweu on April 20, town, with black residents torching a packed court room that he was common in South Africa. Vwestern farming commu- after they reportedly caught him and looting white-owned shops. aware of the tensions around the Last year two white farmers in nity in South Africa after two white stealing sunfl owers from a farm in The accused later handed them- case but said he would not respond eastern Mpumalanga province al- farmers accused of murdering a the area. selves over to the police. emotionally. legedly forced a black man they ac- 3 Somali soldiers 16-year-old black boy were granted The boy is alleged to have died Following yesterday’s arson at- “There is no link between the said cused of trespassing into a coffi n. bail. after being thrown out of a moving tack on the white-owned property, a witness evidence and the two per- The case sparked outrage af- Residents of Coligny took to the vehicle driven by the pair and suf- farmer pulled a gun on an AFP pho- sons at this stage,” he said. ter a video of the alleged incident killed in roadside streets after the court decision, fering a broken neck. tographer at the scene and attacked The two accused were released on emerged on social media. bomb explosion

Reuters Former rebels block entrance to Ivory Coast’s second city Mogadishu

AFP trouble in several towns, yesterday’s our integration into the army,” a t least three Somali soldiers on a ordnance- Abidjan protesters have not been integrated spokesman for the demobilised clearing mission were killed yesterday by a road- into the army and carried no weapons. men, Amadou Ouattara, told AFP. Aside bomb just 90km north of the capital, from They are known locally as “the After January’s uprising by rebels where Islamists militants were routed six years ago. everal hundred ex-rebels yes- demobilised”. already integrated in the army, the Al Qaeda-linked Shebaab claimed responsibility terday blocked access to Ivory “We want our piece of the cake,” authorities handed out bonuses to for the attack at a checkpoint on the outskirts of the SCoast’s second city Bouake, shouted men wearing the red arm- 8,500 mutineers, provoking a wave town of Shalanbood in the Lower Shabelle region. their former stronghold, seeking bands of the New Forces rebellion. of anger among fellow soldiers and “We went out of town in search of bombs but one thousands of euros in bonuses in The New Forces occupied the paramilitary gendarmes who pro- had been planted right on the spot where we were line with a deal following a deadly north of the world’s top cocoa pro- tested in turn. based,” regional military offi cial, Mohamed Nur, said. January mutiny. ducer from 2002 to 2011 and backed Ensuing clashes in the politi- “The blast killed three of my colleagues and in- Security forces were deployed to current President Alassane Ouat- cal capital, Yamoussoukro, claimed jured four others,” he told Reuters. monitor the upheaval, which caused tara against the stubborn incumbent four lives. The insurgents gave a higher toll. a tailback of about 100 vehicles out- Laurent Gbagbo, who refused to quit A source close to the mutineers at “We are behind the bomb at the checkpoint that side the main southern entrance to power despite losing an election. the time claimed that the govern- killed four soldiers, including two offi cials,” She- the city, but the former rebels start- Security forces were deployed to ment had promised to give 12mn baab’s military operations spokesman, Sheikh Ab- ed letting cars in the afternoon as monitor the upheaval, which caused CFA francs to each man, starting Several hundred ex-rebels block access to Bouake to press pay demands diasis Abu Musab, said. they began negotiations with local a tailback of about 100 vehicles out- with a payment of 5mn CFA francs yesterday. The group carries out frequent attacks in and authorities. side the main southern entrance to to be followed by further settle- around the capital Mogadishu in its decade-old at- Most shops in the city, a commer- the city, but they did not intervene, ments from May. no details of any fi nancial pledges. chases of materiel worth 1.2bn euros. tempt to topple the Western-backed government cial and transport hub in the centre an AFP journalist saw. The government vowed to restore Last year, Ivory Coast launched Part of the plan provides for the and drive out African Union peacekeeping troops. of the west African country, how- “We want 18mn CFA francs calm with a promise to “improve the an ambitious plan for the moderni- departure of several thousand men, Somalia has been at war since 1991, when clan- ever remained closed. ($30,000) per person, the recogni- standard of living” throughout the sation of the military, including an particularly ex-rebels, who will not based warlords overthrew dictator Siad Barre and Unlike the mutineers who caused tion of our rank of corporals and security forces, but it has released overhaul of personnel as well as pur- be replaced. then turned on each other. Nigeria races to contain deadly meningitis outbreak

By Eromo Egbejule, Reuters has killed more than 800 people November 2016, in Nigeria’s to contain the surge in infections “Initially the response from The state government has health systems in the aff ected Zamfara, Nigeria so far this year in the north. worst outbreak of the disease in recent months. the state government was not set up a committee to distrib- states, say experts like Mannir. “We are grateful to Allah that since it killed more than 2,000 “What is important now is appropriate,” said Bature Mannir, ute vaccines and drugs, while Such investment may be a long he got better,” his grandmother people in 2009. that we provide an information secretary of the Nigerian Medical aid organisations like Medecins way off as the government strug- hen six-year old Mo- Zainab said at the health centre, Meningitis is the infl ammation vaccine to our people, on how Association (NMA). Sans Frontieres (MSF) are work- gles to deal with its fi rst recession hamed Waziga arrived sitting next to Mohamed who was of tissue surrounding the brain the virus is contracted and warn State governor Abdulaziz Yari ing with the Nigeria Centre for in 25 years amid falling oil prices, Wat a health centre in lying on a makeshift bed under and spinal cord, which can be against cross infection,” said Yu- was reported by local media last Disease Control (NCDC) to try to and a humanitarian crisis created northwest Nigeria complaining a shea tree because there was no caused by viral or bacterial infec- suf Lawal, state coordinator for month as saying the outbreak control the meningitis outbreak. by Islamist militant group Boko of joint pains and drowsiness, he room for him in any of the wards. tions. It spreads mainly through the Maternal, Newborn and Child was God’s punishment for sin. At least 1.3mn vaccines have Haram, Nigeria observers say. was given an injection and sent “He keeps asking me when we kisses, sneezes, coughs and in Health (MNCH2) programme. “However things changed and been acquired, 500,000 of which Sitting in a clinic in Zamfara, home without any concerns. will go home, and I worry again close living quarters. In mainly Muslim Zamfara, home the (response) is yielding a very were provided by World Health where her two sons, aged 13 and However his suff ering grew that I will lose him,” she told the Nigeria has launched a mass to over 3.2mn people and known for good result as the number of Organisation, according to the four, were recovering from men- worse, and his family rushed him Thomson Reuters Foundation. vaccination campaign and start- its strict religious code, health cen- cases have drastically reduced,” federal government. ingitis, Zainab Abdulazeez stared to a diff erent facility in Zamfara Thousands of meningitis cases ed conducting house-to-house tres are full to the brim, with make- Mannir added. “The state and all Yet given the regular occur- at the empty bed of a child who state, where he was diagnosed have been reported by the health searches to identify those affl ict- shift wards made of bamboo setup other stakeholders need to sus- rence of meningitis, which killed died during the night. “I cried with meningitis, marking yet an- ministry in the northern states ed with meningitis for treatment, outside of hospital grounds for sick tain the tempo until the situation 33 people in Nigeria last year, and cried...it could have been my other case in an outbreak which Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto since as the state and aid agencies race and recovering patients. is contained.” more must be done to strengthen children.” Gulf Times Tuesday, May 9, 2017 15 AMERICA Kushner kin Trump merchandise apologises for China name drop

AFP “Kushner Companies apolo- New York gises if that mention of her brother was in any way inter- preted as an attempt to lure he family of White investors. That was not Ms House adviser Jared Meyer’s intention.” TKushner apologised yes- The New York Times reported terday for mentioning his name that at an event in Beijing on while urging wealthy Chinese Saturday, Meyer told investors investors to sink millions into that the project “means a lot a New Jersey real estate project. to me and my entire family”, Nicole Kushner Meyer was in and mentioned her brother’s China at the weekend, seeking former role as chief executive more than $150mn in invest- of Kushner Companies. ment in a luxury apartment Jared, 36, is senior ad- complex known as ‘One Jour- viser and son-in-law of US nal Square’, on which ground President Donald Trump. He is scheduled to break early next stepped down from the fam- year. ily business in January to join She urged wealthy Chinese the US administration where to buy stakes through the EB-5 he has far-reaching infl uence visa programme that off ers US over both domestic and foreign Tourists looks at Trump Kids merchandise on sale at Trump Tower in New York. residency in exchange for at policy. least $500,000 investment in a Representatives of Chinese US business that must also cre- government-approved immi- ate at least 10 American jobs. gration agency QWOS, which The pitch raised concern over hosted the investment drive, potential confl icts of interest pointedly dropped the name of and set off a media restormfi Trump’s daughter Ivanka, who in the United States, leading is Jared Kushner’s wife and Kushner Companies to issue a popular in China. formal apology yesterday. Attendees were reassured “In the course of discussing by a US lawyer that despite Appeals court set to this project and the fi rm’s his- his tough talk on immigration, tory with potential investors, Trump himself was a key de- Ms Meyer wanted to make clear cision-maker for EB-5 policy that her brother had stepped and was unlikely to make any away from the company in Jan- changes to it in the near future uary and has nothing to do with — making it a safe path to US this project,” the fi rm said. residency. hear travel ban case President Trump’s sion in either venue go against has become more moderate part- challenge to the ruling in Hawaii The lawsuit said that the order administration is pursuing him. ly due to many appointments by will take place the following week violates federal immigration law two appeals Central to both of these cas- President Obama,” Tobias said. in front of a panel of three judges and a section of the US Consti- es are public remarks made by “The full court ruling is more in the San Francisco-based ninth tution’s First Amendment that Obama warned Guardian News and Media Trump and members of his ad- likely to refl ect this composi- circuit of appeals. The court is the prohibits government discrimi- Washington ministration during the 2016 tion.” same one that blocked Trump’s nation on the basis of religion. election and after his victory, Nonetheless, the Maryland fi rst order and has drawn unprec- The administration said in Trump not to hire which lawyers argue demon- ruling before the fourth circuit edented criticism from the presi- court papers that the claims are he crucial next stage in strate the travel ban is designed blocks only the part of Trump’s dent since then. “speculative and not ripe” with the legal battle over Don- to explicitly target Muslims and order that suspends refugee ad- Trump has threatened to none of them being able to show Flynn: former offi cial Tald Trump’s attempt to therefore violates the religious missions. “break up” the circuit and has a “concrete, imminent injury” ban entry to the US from several protection provisions of the US The case was brought by a col- lambasted the Hawaii ruling at traceable to the order. Muslim-majority countries was constitution. lective of immigrant advocacy rallies. Government lawyers said the AFP Despite that message, to begin yesterday. A federal ap- The administration argues the and legal groups, including the The temporary injunction in court should not base its fi nd- Washington Trump hired Flynn to the high peals court in Virginia will hear ban is justifi ed on national secu- International Refugee Assistance Hawaii is broader than the one ings on comments made by profi le job of national security arguments in the case. rity grounds. Project (Irap), the American Civil issued in Maryland and blocks Trump during the 2016 election adviser before fi ring him for In March, Trump issued a re- The hearing in Virginia, before Liberties Union and the National not just the president’s attempt campaign about his intention to arack Obama warned misleading the administration vised order that sought to tem- the fourth circuit of appeals, will Immigration Law Center. to suspend refugee resettlement impose a so-called Muslim ban his soon to be successor about his contacts with Russia. porarily halt new visas from six occur in front of all 15 serving Irap director, Becca Heller, but also his attempt to block new because those statements were BDonald Trump against Former acting attorney gen- Muslim-majority countries and judges on the court, underlin- expressed confi dence that the visas from six Muslim-majority made before he was sworn in as hiring Michael Flynn as his eral Sally Yates is expected to suspend refugee admissions. ing the exceptional nature of the appeals court would uphold the countries. president on January 20. national security adviser, a tell a Senate inquiry that she It was blocked by federal case. ruling. “The courts have spoken, The US district judge who Lawyers for the American Civil former administration offi cial also explicitly warned Trump’s courts in Maryland and Hawaii. So-called en-banc hearings time and time again: the revised made the ruling in Honolulu, Liberties Union, representing the told AFP yesterday. team in January that Flynn The streamlined order fol- are extremely rare at the initial executive order is just as dis- Derrick Watson, began receiving challengers, said in court papers As President Trump sought could be compromised by once- lowed Trump’s fi rst attempt to stage of a case and, according criminatory and harmful as the death threats shortly after it was that Trump’s comments before to blame the Obama admin- concealed communications implement a travel ban, issued to professor Carl Tobias at the fi rst,” Heller said. “We are hope- issued. the election cannot be ignored. istration for missing Flynn’s with Russia’s US ambassador. days after he was sworn into of- University of Richmond’s school ful that the fourth circuit court According to local reports in “President Trump publicly links with Russian contacts, Trump, who fi red Yates soon fi ce, that was chaotically rolled of law, this could mean it takes will uphold the decision to block March, he has been receiving 24- committed himself to an in- the former administration re- after taking offi ce, fi red off a out and quickly blocked by fed- longer for a ruling to be delivered. this Muslim ban. hour protection from federal law defensible goal: banning Mus- vealed that Obama warned series of pre-emptive strikes eral courts around the country. The fourth circuit is com- “However, we will not stop enforcement. lims from coming to the Unit- Trump personally about the ahead of her appearance on The Trump administration prised of nine judges nominated until the ban is rescinded in its The challengers in the Mary- ed States,” the ACLU lawyers embattled retired general. Capitol Hill, accusing Obama is appealing the rulings against by Democratic presidents, fi ve entirety and refugees who are land case include six people, wrote. Flynn lasted just 24 days as of enabling Flynn and assailing the March order in two appeals nominated by Republicans and fl eeing from violence and per- some of whom are US citizens, Whatever the court rules, the national security adviser be- Yates for allegedly leaking clas- circuits, and the president has one who was nominated by both. secution can continue to reach who say the ban would prevent case is likely to be appealed to fore being fi red by Trump for sifi ed information. vowed to take the case to the “The fourth used to be one of safety in the United States.” family members from entering the Supreme Court, which would not telling the truth about con- “General Flynn was given Supreme Court should a deci- the most conservative courts but The Trump administration’s the United States. make the fi nal decision. tacts he had had with Russia’s the highest security clearance ambassador to Washington. by the Obama Administration,” Obama hired, and fi red, Trump tweeted. Flynn as the head of the De- “Ask Sally Yates, under oath, fense Intelligence Agency. if she knows how classifi ed in- Obama warned Trump about formation got into the newspa- New contender for Flynn’s conduct during a fi rst pers soon after she explained it Republicans riven by meeting in the Oval Offi ce, a to W H Counsel,” he added, ap- warning “based on Flynn’s role parently referring to the coun- Wall Street’s top cop as head of DIA,” a former ad- sel’s offi ce, an in-house legal ministration offi cial said. team. debate on healthcare Reuters Spokespeople for Morgan New York Lewis, Kasowitz and the De- partment of Justice declined to Guardian News and Media … No one’s going to be beating down their door,” he comment. US Attorney for the Washington said on Fox News Sunday. avid Miller, a white col- Southern District of New York Stranger Things, But there were already alarming signs for the lar defence lawyer and is considered one of the most White House of a groundswell of discontent among Dformer federal prosecu- important posts in the US jus- embers of the Trump administration took moderates that presages a stormy ride in the Senate. tor, has emerged as a candidate tice system. Beauty win big to TV channels on Sunday to insist they Susan Collins, the senator from Maine who is an to succeed Preet Bharara as the It entails overseeing more Mwere on track to pass a bill to repeal and expert on healthcare, vowed to eff ectively bin the next Manhattan US attorney, than 200 prosecutors handling replace the current healthcare law and return power House bill and start all over again. according to people familiar high-profi le cases ranging AFP fewer opportunities for her, to the states to fi x an ailing healthcare system. Making a veiled dig at the breakneck speed of with the matter. from terrorism to wrongdoing Los Angeles that her curiosity and passion Fears continued to grow in the moderate wing the passage through the House, she told ABC’s This Miller, a partner at Morgan, on Wall Street, cyber attacks for knowledge and her desire of the party, however, that the reform could leave Week: “The Senate is starting from scratch. We Lewis & Bockius in New York, and corruption. for more in life were grounds millions without coverage, infl ict devastating cuts are going to draft our own bill and I am convinced has in recent weeks spoken In addition to Wall Street ostalgic horror sensa- for alienation,” said Watson, 27, on poorer and older Americans, and cost the GOP we are going to take the time to do it right. We will with offi cials in the US Depart- cases, whoever is chosen will tion Stranger Things of her iconic character. dearly at the 2018 midterm elections. come up with a whole new approach.” ment of Justice and the White inherit the offi ce’s investiga- Nand Disney’s Beauty “I loved playing someone After Republican leaders pushed a revised bill The prospect of prolonged debate in the Senate, House as well as members of tion into a scandal at Fox News and the Beast shared the spoils who didn’t listen to any of that. through the House of Representatives that was so followed by renewed infi ghting with House Repub- Congress about the job, said Channel over payments to set- Sunday at the MTV Movie and I’m so proud to be a part of a rushed several members admitted they had not even licans before arriving at a fi nal viable bill, will fi ll the people, who spoke on con- tle sexual harassment claims TV Awards, expanded and re- fi lm that celebrates diversity, read it in full, a battle will now be joined in the Senate. White House offi cials with foreboding. dition of anonymity about the and the prosecution of a Turk- named this year to include tel- literacy, inclusion, joy and love With the party holding a paper-thin majority of But infl uential moderates indicated that they private discussions. ish gold trader in a politically evision. the way that this one does.” just two seats, and with controversy raging around were determined not to be bullied into accepting Edward McNally, a partner charged case that has angered Netfl ix’s hit series took best Daniel Kaluuya and Milton several aspects of the bill, Donald Trump faces an terms that they are convinced could hurt the party at Kasowitz Benson Torres, Turkey’s President Recep show and best actor in a show Lil Rel Howery, the stars of uphill struggle to secure the legislative victory he so badly in the midterms. has been viewed as the lead- Tayyip Erdogan. for an emotional Millie Bobby surprise smash hit thriller Get desperately craves. The president used his favourite John Kasich, the governor of Ohio who sought ing candidate among at least Miller, 43, was an assist- Brown, one of its young stars, Out, got the prizes for “next bullhorn, Twitter, on Sunday to begin the lengthy the Republican nomination for president, sounded four people said to have been ant US attorney under Bharara while best actor in a movie generation” and best comedic process of browbeating wavering Republican sena- the alarm over the plan to rein back Medicaid ex- under consideration, accord- from 2009 to 2014. During that went to Emma Watson for performance respectively. tors into line. “Republican Senators will not let the pansion. He said that could impact 700,000 people ing to sources and media re- time he was on a team of pros- Beauty, which also picked up Best villain went to Jeff rey American people down!” he said. in his state, a third of whom have mental illnesses or ports. ecutors involved in the offi ce’s best fi lm. Dean Morgan for his turn as His chief of staff , Reince Priebus, signalled that a experience drug addiction. It is not clear who is now crackdown on insider trading “The village in our fairytale the bloodthirsty Negan in The more dignifi ed pace of debate might be tolerated in “What happens to those people?” he asked on favoured to get the position, and was lead counsel in pros- wanted to make Belle believe Walking Dead, while best hero the Senate, in contrast with the unseemly haste of CNN’s State of the Union. “They give you a $3,000 which requires the President’s ecutions of narcotics-related that our world was smaller than was awarded to Taraji P Henson the House. “Everyone is excited and ready to go to or $4,000 tax credit to buy insurance. What do you nomination and is subject to cases, as well as mail fraud and the way that she saw it, with for Hidden Figures. work and take the time necessary to look at the bill think they can buy for that?” confi rmation by the Senate. embezzlement schemes. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, May 9, 2017 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

INVESTIGATION CRIME WEATHER ACCIDENT LESE-MAJESTY 2 killed making landmine Indonesia probes jailbreak, New Caledonians take shelter 6 people killed in Japan 105 Thais arrested for royal in Myanmar’s Rakhine 150 inmates still on the run as Cyclone Donna bears down apartment fire insults since 2014 coup

Myanmar security forces have started “clearance Indonesia has launched an investigation A cyclone bearing down on New Caledonia in the At least six people were killed in an overnight The number of people arrested on lese-majeste operations” in part of Rakhine state after two into accusations of mistreatment by prison South Pacific was upgraded yesterday to a category fire at an apartment building on the charges in Thailand has reached 105 since a May people were killed while trying to make a landmine, guards, after around 350 inmates broke out five storm, the most destructive wind-speed level, south-western Japanese island of Kyushu, 2014 coup in the country, rights groups said the government said yesterday. Two men died of an overcrowded jail on Sumatra island prompting local authorities to order people to stay local media reported yesterday. Five other yesterday. At the time of the coup, there were six and three were injured by an explosion on the in Riau Province last week, an official said indoors and take shelter. Gusts close to the centre men at the site in the city of Kitakyushu individuals behind bars for royal insults, but nearly outskirts of Theni village in Butheedaung township yesterday. Three days after the mass escape, of Cyclone Donna were estimated to be as strong as were taken to hospital, the Kyodo a hundred more have since been arrested after on Thursday, said a statement from the off ice 151 prisoners were still on the run and 197 have 300kph, according to the Vanuatu Meteorology and News agency reported yesterday, citing the country’s military junta launched a crackdown, of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. Security been recaptured, Ferdinand Siagian, the head Geo-hazards department, with the storm projected local civil defence authorities. The fire according to findings by the Paris-based forces launched the operations after the incident of Riau Province’s Law Ministry office, which to make landfall today. “There is enormous broke out at the two-storey wooden building International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and on Sunday discovered supplies of gunpowder oversees Pekanbaru prison, told Reuters. “We uncertainty about the speed and trajectory of where 16 people lived, many of them day and two other local NGOs. “In less than three years, and charcoal which they believed were being used are carrying out a deep investigation into the Donna at the moment, we are unable to tell labourers and all living by themselves, Kyodo the military junta has generated a surge in the to make landmines. They “are still investigating serving officers,” said Siagian, adding that the people how long they will have to stay at home,” reported. The fire was reported around number of political prisoners detained under lese- the deaths, injuries and those involved in making warden of the prison had been transferred to a Olivier Ciry, a spokesman at the Civil Defence 11.20pm on Sunday and was put out about four majeste by abusing a draconian law,” said FIDH homemade mines”, the statement said. different post. and Risk Management agency told Reuters. hours later, the report said. president Dimitris Christopoulos in the statement.

Record haul of pangolin South Korean candidates scales in Malaysia

make fi nal election pitch AFP Kuala Lumpur

AFP Seoul alaysian customs offi cers have seized more than 700kg of Mpangolin scales, the country’s outh Korea’s presidential hope- largest haul of the scales considered by fuls yesterday made a fi nal push some to have medicinal properties, of- Sfor votes, with the left-leaning fi cials said yesterday. candidate a clear favourite, as the The 712kg haul worth 9,184,800 North assailed the outgoing conserva- ringgit ($2.12mn) was made last week in tive government a day before the polls. two separate seizures. A former pro-democracy activist On May 2, eight gunny sacks of the and human rights lawyer, Moon Jae- scales weighing 408kg were found at a in of the Democratic Party — who fa- Kuala Lumpur airport warehouse. vours engagement with Pyongyang They are believed to have arrived on a — has been leading opinion polls for fl ight from Accra, Ghana, which trans- months. ited in Dubai. The fi nal Gallup Korea survey of the Two days later, 10 more sacks weigh- campaign ahead of today’s vote gave ing 304kg were found and seized. him 38%, far ahead of centrist Ahn These were supposedly on a fl ight Cheol-soo on 20%. from Kinshasa, DR Congo, to Nai- Today’s vote was called to choose robi, Kenya, transiting in Dubai before a successor to Park Geun-hye after reaching Kuala Lumpur. her impeachment for corruption and Malaysian offi cials say they are in- abuse of power. vestigating. The campaign has focused largely Pangolins are indigenous to the jun- on jobs and the economy, with North gles of Indonesia, parts of Malaysia and Korea less prominent despite high areas of southern Thailand, and their diplomatic tensions between Wash- meat is considered a delicacy in China. ington and Pyongyang over its nuclear Four pangolin species can also be and missile ambitions. found in Africa. Moon has promised to reinvigorate A 2016 report by wildlife monitor the South’s sluggish growth and cre- TRAFFIC and the University of Ad- ate more jobs, and hinted at a more elaide indicated a rise in the African fl exible approach towards its nuclear- pangolin trade since 2000. armed neighbour. Increasingly they are smuggled to The front-runner advocates dia- Southeast Asia from Africa, but the logue and reconciliation with the majority go to China. North to defuse the situation and The shy pangolin’s brown scales are eventually lure it into negotiations made of nothing more than keratin — that have been at a standstill for years the same substance as fi ngernails — but — an approach criticised by his con- are highly prized in Vietnam and China servative opponents. South Korean presidential candidate Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party attends an election campaign in Seoul yesterday. where they are misleadingly touted as Pyongyang yesterday slammed bearing medicinal properties. the South’s conservatives — who and Washington has said military ac- “With landslide support with tens In December Moon said that if elect- ty Korea party — who placed level with Soaring demand for the products have been in power for a decade — as tion was an option, sending tensions of thousands of votes, a miraculous ed, he was willing to visit North Korea Ahn in some surveys last week, the last has seen an estimated 1mn pangolins “senseless traitors seeking only con- spiralling. change like a natural cataclysm is pos- ahead of the United States, the South’s ones available under South Korean law plucked from Asian and African forests frontation and war” who were respon- Moon — who lost to Park in the last sible,” he said at his campaign head- security guarantor with 28,500 troops — said security would top the agenda over the past decade. sible for the “tragic” state of North- election in 2012 — has benefi ted elec- quarters in Seoul. based in the country. if he won. The Convention on International South relations. torally from the anger over the scan- “I will work as the people’s presi- The comments were seized on by “Tomorrow is judgement day for the Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) An editorial in Rodong Sinmun — the dal that brought her down, which saw dent from the day I am selected by the opponents who accuse him of being pro-North, leftist forces,” Hong said. meeting in Johannesburg last Septem- mouthpiece of the ruling Workers’ Party millions of South Koreans taking to the people.” soft on nuclear-armed Pyongyang. “Please help me win by a landslide so ber voted overwhelmingly to ban trade of Korea — acknowledged that an elec- streets in candlelit demonstrations to Centrist Ahn similarly vowed to He sought to backtrack, saying he it’s impossible for them to pick a fi ght.” in the endangered pangolin, the world’s tion was taking place, and said conserv- demand her removal. “head straight to work at the presi- meant defusing tensions was an issue A high turnout is expected — even most heavily traffi cked mammal. atives were scheming to retain power. Ahead of a packed day of last- dential offi ce of Cheong Wa Dae” if of utmost urgency and he would meet more than the last vote’s 75.8% — with When threatened or attacked, Pan- The North has carried out two minute rallies across the country, he wins and address urgent issues re- US President Donald Trump before over a quarter of South Koreans al- golins curl into a defensive ball, making nuclear tests and a series of missile Moon asked voters to deliver him a garding the country’s security, diplo- any other leaders. ready having voted in early ballots last it easy for them to be picked up by hu- launches since the start of last year hefty mandate. macy and economy. Hong, from the ousted Park’s Liber- week. man hunters.

Indonesia set to disband hardline Islamist group Aussie quarantine destroys rare

Reuters plant specimens from France Jakarta

By Subel Bhandari, DPA process of banning sending specimens to Aus- ndonesia is to disband an Is- Sydney tralia now,” she told local broadcaster ABC. lamist group that calls for a A comprehensive review of the quarantine Istate based on Shariah, citing procedures has been undertaken and a number concern it undermines a secular ustralian biosecurity offi cers have un- of corrective measures implemented to avoid state ideology in the world’s big- wittingly destroyed historic and valuable such incident in the future, the department said. gest Muslim-majority country, Aplant specimens from France, offi cials Australia has some of the world’s strict- offi cials said yesterday. confi rmed yesterday. Authorities incinerated est quarantine procedures. Biosecurity offi cers Chief security minister Wiran- a herbarium, a collection of preserved plant screen about 138mn mail articles a year. The de- to said a government panel had specimens for scientifi c study, of rare fl owering partment said that herbarium specimens are not evaluated Hizb ut-Tahrir Indone- plants dating back to the mid-1800s, sent by the without biosecurity risk. sia (HTI), which seeks to establish Museum of Natural History in Paris to Queens- According to offi cials, the package arrived in an Islamic caliphate, and decided land’s Herbarium in Brisbane in March. Australia in early January 2017, with a declared to take legal steps to disband it. Michelle Waycott, who chairs the Council of value of A$2 and no prior notifi cation or men- The group is the Indonesian Heads of Australasian Herbaria, said the pressed tion of its signifi cance. branch of Hizb ut-Tahrir, a glo- plant specimens were “the fi rst type specimens The documentation accompanying the pack- bal Islamist party that has been collected of a species,” adding that they were age did not comply with Australia’s import con- banned in some Arab and Central “literally irreplaceable collections and of high ditions and so the department contacted the Asian countries. historic and scientifi c value.” Queensland Herbarium — but communication “The activities of HTI strongly The plant specimens were destroyed due to was delayed due to a mix-up over email ad- indicate that they are in confl ict non-compliance with Australia’s biosecurity dresses and the need for more paperwork. with the Pancasila and the con- import conditions, the Department of Agricul- The specimen spent a total of 76 days in the stitution,” said Wiranto, who uses ture said yesterday, while admitting that it had department’s possession, 46 days past the limit only one name. A February 5, 2017, file photo of Indonesian protesters from the Hizb ut-Tahrir holding a demonstration been “a deeply regrettable occurrence.” for storage. It was incinerated in a routine de- Pancasila is Indonesia’s state in support of Muslim clerics at the National Monument in Jakarta. “The department acknowledges the intrinsic struction of goods with a declared low value. ideology, which includes belief value of the specimens as a botanical reference The destruction of the specimens should not in god, the unity of the country, over the rising infl uence of Islam- Nur said there should have tion of pluralism and moderate Islam. collection and concedes that unintentionally pro- have proceeded while communication between social justice and democracy, and ist groups in Indonesia, which is been dialogue before a legal proc- One such group, the Islamic ceeding with destruction of the specimens was the department and the intended recipient was which enshrines religious diver- home to sizeable communities ess was started and her group was Defenders Forum (FPI), shot to premature while communication between the de- ongoing, the government admitted. sity in an offi cially secular system. of Buddhists, Hindus, Christians monitoring the situation. prominence during a recent elec- partment and the intended recipient was ongoing,” Waycott said it was the second such inci- “Their activities create ten- and people who adhere to tradi- Islamist vigilante groups, tion for governor in the capital, the department told DPA in a written statement. dent in a matter of weeks, after a collection of sions in society, threaten secu- tional beliefs. banned under the authoritarian Jakarta. The group was instru- “This is a deeply regrettable occurrence, but specimens from New Zealand was destroyed by rity and order, and unity,” Wiranto A spokeswoman for HTI, Iff a regime of former President Su- mental in mobilising hundreds of it does highlight the importance of the shared biosecurity offi cers. “The New Zealand herbaria added. Nur, urged the government not to harto, which ended in 1998, have thousands of Muslims against the responsibility of Australia’s biosecurity system, have now banned sending any specimens to He denied that the decision disband the group, saying every expanded in recent years. Christian incumbent over accu- and the need for adherence to import condi- Australia,” Waycott said. meant the government was op- citizen had a right to organise and Though usually small and on the sations he insulted Islam. tions,” it said. Waycott said the French museum The department said it is unaware of the sec- posed to Islamic organisations. HTI was just delivering Islamic fringes of society, such groups are HTI was among the groups that employees were “very unhappy” with the loss ond incident, but is investigating it as a matter The ban comes amid concern teaching. seen as a threat to Indonesia’s tradi- supported the rallies. of their collection. “I suspect that they’re in the of priority. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 9, 2017 17 BRITAIN

Facebook plans steps to stop fake news during general election

Guardian News and Media running newspaper adverts that stressed it is a platform rather than same content, or an increase in Full Fact has so far raised “At election time our work is ing, specifi cally for articles that London give 10 tips on spotting fake a publisher and therefore has dif- messages sent from that account. £28,000 in a crowdfunding exer- more needed than ever before,” are outliers, where people who news. ferent obligations towards verac- “With these changes, we ex- cise to fact check the UK election said Will Moy, director of Full read the article are signifi cantly They advise that “if shocking ity of content than media outlets. pect we will also reduce the campaign. It is unclear how big Fact. He declined to comment less likely to share it. We’re now acebook has announced claims in the headline sound unbe- It was strongly criticised during spread of material generated the fi nancial contribution will further, saying details of the ar- expanding the test to the UK.” moves to help suppress fake lievable they probably are”, to “check the US election when false stories through inauthentic activity, in- be from Facebook and Google, rangements with Google and Fa- The moves were greeted with Fnews during the UK general the author’s sources to confi rm they spread on social media including cluding spam, misinformation, which is also providing backing. cebook have yet to be settled. scepticism by Hetan Shah, chief election, starting with the dele- are accurate” and “only share news that the pope had endorsed Donald or other deceptive content that The charity already checks major Facebook also said it would executive of the Royal Statistical tion of tens of thousands of bo- that you know to be credible”. Trump, but such egregious exam- is often shared by creators of fake claims by political parties, news- put unshared articles lower in Society, which is calling for social gus profi les. The moves follow growing ples have yet to surface in the UK accounts,” a spokesperson said. papers and political manifestos UK rankings on the basis that, “if media platforms to accept they The US social media company, pressure on Facebook over fake general election. The company also announced and is now expected to extend reading an article makes people have an implicit editorial function. which has more than 31mn ac- news. Until now the company Facebook has now said it has it was supporting Full Fact, a UK further into social media. Its staff signifi cantly less likely to share “You would expect them to be counts registered in Britain, is has appeared resistant, with changed its systems to “reduce fact checking charity, “to work of 11 will double for the election it, that may be a sign that a story closing down bots as part of their also launching a fact-checking chief executive Sheryl Sandberg the spread of … misinformation” with major newsrooms to ad- campaign with researchers from has misled people in some way”. regular function and they have initiative and said it will stop recently arguing that it could not by fake accounts it claims it can dress rumours and misinforma- the House of Commons library A spokesperson added: “In been talking about third party promoting posts that show signs be “an arbiter of truth”. now recognise more easily by de- tion spreading online during the and the Offi ce of National Statis- December, we started to test in- fact-checking for months,” he of being implausible. It is also The company has repeatedly tecting repeated posting of the general election”. tics joining on secondment. corporating this signal into rank- said. Ukip will still have a future after Brexit, says Nuttall

Guardian News and Media the talk. But walking the walk will London begin in September, once negotia- tions really begin in earnest.” Nuttall pointed to immigra- kip’s leader has insisted tion as another fruitful area for his party has a political Ukip, saying the Conservatives Ufuture after Brexit, as he had “broken their promises on unveiled an immigration policy this time and time again”. May’s that would seek to impose zero record as home secretary showed net migration to the country over she could not be trusted to meet a fi ve-year period. her renewed pledge to reduce net Stressing the need for “clear migration to the tens of thou- water between us and the estab- sands, he added. lishment parties”, Paul Nuttall Ukip’s immigration policy, Prime Minister Theresa May addresses Conservative parliamentary candidates for London and the southeast at the Dhamecha Lohana Centre in Harrow, north west London, yesterday. argued that as well as holding unveiled in Westminster by Nut- Theresa May to account over tall and the party’s immigra- Brexit, Ukip hoped to introduce tion spokesman, John Bickley, radical policies in other areas. includes a pledge to reduce net He argued that because of its migration to zero over a fi ve-year role in pushing forward the Brex- period, with no exceptions for it agenda Ukip had been the most student numbers. infl uential party of the century. This would lead to an immi- He said last week’s disastrous gration commission being es- PM reiterates pledge local election performance – tablished to try to manage arriv- when Ukip won just one seat, als to about 300,000 a year over made a net loss of 114, and took fi ve years – a fi gure intended to 5% of the vote – was a one-off match a similar-sized outfl ow. and to be expected given the im- Arrivals would be restricted minent general election. via an Australian-style points He said: “We knew that these system for skilled workers, Bick- to cut net migration local election results were go- ley explained, with a bar on un- ing to be diffi cult. We knew that skilled or low-skilled entrants. Guardian News and Media at the Home Offi ce, claimed that come out, because taking them “On Sunday a new French vote to be a step closer to Jeremy they were going to be the most People from overseas would London Brexit would help her achieve the out would look like trying to president was elected – he was Corbyn sitting at that Brexit ne- diffi cult set of elections we were need a work visa, with the one aim. “When we leave the European “rig the rules”. elected with a strong mandate gotiating table – we must not let going to fi ght.” exception being the Republic of Union we will have the opportu- May made the comments in which he can take into a strong that happen.” Speaking on Sunday, Nuttall’s Ireland because of its open bor- heresa May has confi rmed nity to make sure we have control an event centre on an indus- position in negotiations. In the She was also asked about Ma- predecessor, Nigel Farage, had der with Northern Ireland. There that the Conservative of our borders – leaving the EU trial site in Harrow to scores of UK we have to make sure we’ve cron’s previous comments about warned that if May delivered a would be no preferential treat- Tpledge to cut net migra- means we won’t have free move- south-east and London candi- got an equally strong mandate. ripping up the Le Touquet treaty, robust Brexit, Ukip might no ment for other EU countries. tion to the tens of thousands ment as it has been in the past,” she dates including cabinet minis- And every vote for me and my a bilateral agreement that allows longer have a political future. The other caveat would be will be in her party’s manifesto, added. ters Damian Green and David team will strengthen my hand British border offi cials to be sta- Nuttall dismissed this, argu- a time-limited system of six- despite having missed the target Senior party sources have Gauke, the former justice sec- in those negotiations,” she said, tioned in France, but has been ing that Ukip would be needed as month seasonal visas for agri- after making the same promises told the Guardian that sticking retary Michael Gove and former triggering a huge round of ap- controversial because of migrant an “insurance policy” as the prime cultural workers, with the idea in 2010 and 2015. to the policy was largely about MPs Nick de Bois and Mary plause from the gathered candi- camps in Calais. minister was politically incapable of that these would be phased out “We do want to bring net mi- perception so that voters see Macleod, who hope to win back dates. May suggested the issue would delivering a suitably robust Brexit. once enough UK staff could be gration down to sustainable lev- the government working to- their old seats. The group was In a personal attack on the La- be high on the agenda in June. “It isn’t going to happen,” he found to fi ll the role. els. We believe that is the tens of wards the goal even if it is in- joined by journalists and sur- bour leader, May added: “And the “It works for the benefi t of the said. “There’s no chance that Asked about the farm workers’ thousands,” the prime minister ternally thought to be difficult rounded by banners that read alternative is to risk making Jer- UK and France and obviously the that will happen whatsoever. I’m scheme, Bickley said it would told journalists at an event in the to achieve. “Theresa May’s team”, with the emy Corbyn prime minister, and government that is elected on confi dent that she will begin to operate only in the summer – “I constituency of Harrow West to They said the prime min- word “Conservatives” in much try to picture him sitting at that June 8 will be sitting down and backslide once these negotia- don’t think we’re very produc- launch the campaigns of Con- ister would also want to keep smaller print. negotiating table with the collec- talking to Monsieur Macron and tions start. tive in this country during the servative candidates for London student numbers in the overall The prime minister also sug- tive might of the European com- others about how that system “At the moment, the prime winter months” – and the aim and the south-east. net immigration figure, despite gested that the victory of Em- mission and 27 other European has worked both for the benefi t minister is being believed on the was to encourage Britons to take May, who oversaw immigration cabinet ministers such as Boris manuel Macron in France would countries against him. of France and benefi t of UK,” she issue of Brexit. She’s able to talk on the work over time.” policy during more than six years Johnson thinking they should boost the EU27 in Brexit talks. “A vote for any other party is a said. May, Corbyn to appear Tories open up on BBC Question Time record lead: ICM poll Reuters bour down one point at 27%. London The Conservative lead was the Agencies newsgathering, defended the Show sofa, but said the off er had biggest on record for any elec- London corporation’s decision not to yet to have been accepted. tion survey conducted by ICM, challenge May’s refusal to ap- He said: “It is up to the Cor- rime Minister Theresa the polling fi rm said. pear in head-to-head debates by byns about whether they want May’s Conservative Party ICM said the centrist Liberal heresa May and Jeremy featuring an empty chair in her to appear as couple or not. The Phas opened up the biggest Democrat Party was on 9%, up Corbyn will appear one place. invitation has certainly been ex- lead on record for polls con- one point from last week, while Tafter the other on a BBC Speaking to the BBC’s Daily tended.” ducted by research fi rm ICM, the anti-European Union UK In- Question Time general election Politics programme, he said: May was the fi rst leader to suggesting it remains on course dependence Party fell two points special, in a compromise deal “The prime minister decided, as refuse to take part in head-to- for a sweeping win in a national to 6%. agreed after the prime minister is perfectly within her rights, not head debates, saying she pre- election in a month’s time. ICM interviewed 2,038 adults refused to take part in head-to- to take part in the programmes. ferred on-the-ground cam- An ICM poll published yes- online between May 5 and 7. head debates. We don’t really believe in the paigning. Corbyn then said he terday, which was conducted Pollsters got the result of the The two main party leaders empty chair, because the emp- would not be involved in a debate immediately after the Conserva- 2015 election badly wrong, con- will answer questions from a TV ty chair is tactic to embarrass made up of opposition party tives scored big wins in local cluding that they had underesti- studio audience in York in a pro- someone to come and talk to us.” representatives. But both La- elections last week, gave May’s mated support for the Conserva- gramme hosted by David Dim- Munro added: “Surely the bour and the Conservatives have party a 22-point lead over the tives and had over-represented bleby. It matches a similar format interest of the audience is best agreed to the alternative format. opposition Labour Party ahead Labour supporters in their sur- agreed before the last election served by hearing all the cases Labour and the SNP have re- of the June 8 national election. veys. when David Cameron refused to from the parties they can vote peatedly accused May of running May caught her political ri- ICM’s research director, Mar- appear on the same stage as Cor- for. The freedom of speech comes scared of head-to-head debates vals and investors unawares last tin Boon, said there was now a byn’s predecessor Ed Miliband. with a freedom not to speak, and with their respective leaders. month when she called the elec- risk that the latest poll was over- The programme will be broad- if political readers decide for Labour said May’s refusal to take tion, saying she wanted strong stating support for Conserva- cast on June 2, six days before the whatever reason not to take part, part in a full debate was anti- backing from voters before she tives and under-representing the election, and will be followed by we are not really into strong- democratic. launches into tough negotia- Liberal Democrats. a series of prime-time interviews arming people into the studio.” The BBC announced there tions with the European Union “With the last two years spent by Andrew Neil with the main Theresa May will appear would also be a live TV debate about Britain’s departure from on the development of polling party leaders. alongside her husband, Philip, hosted by Mishal Husain at the end the bloc. methods specifi cally devised The SNP leader, Nicola Stur- in an interview for the One Show of May featuring senior fi gures, in- Yesterday’s survey for the with the intention of confront- geon, and the LibDem leader, tonight. Munro confi rmed that cluding some leaders, from all the Guardian newspaper put support ing the Labour problem, the Tim Farron, will appear in a sep- the BBC had also invited Jeremy seven main parties. It will include Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn addresses campaigners for the Conservatives at 49%, up question must be considered arate programme on June 4. Corbyn to appear alongside his Ukip, despite the party’s lack of and members of the public outside the Town Hall in Royal Leamington two points from the previous ICM/ that we’ve gone too far the other Jonathan Munro, head of BBC wife, Laura Alvarez, on the One representation in Westminster. Spa, central England, yesterday. Guardian poll last week, with La- way,” he said. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, May 9, 2017 BRITAIN

CRIME PEOPLE OFFBEAT LEGAL HEARING Boy, 17, stabbed I had Thatcher picture on Irish beach washed away Ministers face court Iraqi admits beating to death in London my bedroom wall: Farron 33 years ago reappears fight on plan for pollution Bangladeshi man to death

A 17-year-old boy has died after he was discovered Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has said he An Irish beach that disappeared more than Environmental lawyers could seek to halt the A mentally ill Iraqi man has admitted by paramedics in north-east London late on had a poster of Margaret Thatcher above his bed 30 years ago has returned to an island off the government’s proposals to tackle toxic air before manslaughter after beating to death a fellow Sunday night with a serious stab injury, police said. as a schoolboy but denied he had been a young County Mayo coast. The sand at Dooagh, Achill the general election after branding them flawed. detainee at an immigration facility. Zana London ambulance service (LAS) called police at Tory. Farron said he had “all sorts of weird icons” Island, was washed away by storms in 1984, ClientEarth may return to the High Court within Yusif, 32, killed 64-year-old Bangladeshi Tarek 11.31pm after finding the teenager on High Street, as a schoolboy during an ITV programme in which leaving only rocks and rock pools. But after a weeks after government put out its draft air Chowdhury in a cell at Colnbrook Immigration Walthamstow, following reports of a stabbing. one of his schoolfriends claimed the MP had an “I freak tide around Easter this year, hundreds quality plan on Friday. Ministers have already Removal Centre on December 1. Both men were The boy was taken to hospital but died shortly Love Maggie” sticker on his textbook. He hinted the of tonnes of sand were deposited around the lost three court battles over inadequate policies being held there while waiting to be deported. afterwards, according to the Metropolitan police. interest in the Conservatives had been the result of area where the beach once stood, recreating addressing Britain’s toxic air scandal. Fresh legal Yusif, who speaks Kurdish and used a translator No arrests have been made. It was the second fatal a teenage crush. “There was a young woman who the old 300-metre stretch of golden sand. Sean action threatens to further shred the government’s in court, denied murder but pleaded guilty to stabbing on the streets of London at the weekend. when I was about 15 or 16 had a soft top Morris Molloy, manager at Achill Tourism, said local reputation on this issue which ministers sought, manslaughter by diminished responsibility at Detectives were appealing for witnesses and Minor and she was a young Tory and so I was people were delighted to have the beach back. unsuccessfully, to park before the general election. the Old Bailey. Prosecutors accepted the plea as information after a 23-year-old man who was found somewhat taken aback by her, but frankly not by Alan Gielty, who runs a local restaurant, said the ClientEarth has not yet decided whether to go to Yusif has a “psychiatric history”. Two psychiatric stabbed in Uxbridge at 1am on Saturday morning her politics,” he tells Julie Etchingham during the reformed beach was attracting a new influx of court but chief executive James Thornton said: reports concluded he was suff ering from an died shortly after arriving at hospital. first of ITV’s The Leader Interviews. tourists. “The plan is shocking in its inadequacy.” “abnormality of the mind” at the time.

Farron in Scotland Widow branded NHS staff ‘are a liar over forged will quitting to London Evening Standard London

gold-digging wife has been branded a liar for stack shelves Atrying to land her late husband’s £600,000 fortune with a “ridiculous” forged will she claimed to have found in an empty Doritos packet. Marsha Henderson married re- tired bus conductor-turned-lolli- due to low pay’ pop man Newton Davies in 2004, when he was 76 and she was in her Guardian News and Media high-quality patient care. The for a 1p increase in income tax to twenties. The marriage “came like London NHS can’t carry on failing to re- generate extra funds for health a thunderbolt” to his friends and fl ect the contribution of our staff and social care with May’s refusal family. through fair and competitive pay to commit to any tax increases for Their union lasted nine years HS staff are quitting to for fi ve more years. that purpose. With the Tory ma- until his death in 2013 aged 85, stack shelves in super- “Pay restraint must end and jority set to increase, “this guaran- when he left Henderson £25,000 Nmarkets instead of caring politicians must therefore be clear tees a bleak future for the NHS and but the bulk of his £600,000 es- for patients because they are so about when during the lifetime of for its staff under the Conserva- tate to his only daughter, Paulette demoralised by years of getting the next parliament it will happen tives”, claimed Lamb. Davies. pay rises of only 1% or nothing, and how.” He repeated the organi- Jeremy Hunt, the health secre- Henderson challenged the hospital bosses have warned. sation’s demand for £25bn in extra tary, repeated his pledge of more division of the estate in 2015, The health service is now so funding to help the NHS in Eng- money for the NHS if the Tories claiming she had found a rival understaff ed that patient safety is land get through until 2020 and are re-elected and said that nurs- will in the attic of her late hus- being put at risk and people with warned that staff are also leaving es’ pay should go up. Responding band’s home in Harrow Road, mental health problems are expe- because they are exhausted from to a question from the BBC inter- Wembley. riencing delays and setbacks as a having to work so constantly to viewer Andrew Marr about some But a judge has now ruled that result, NHS leaders say. keep up with the unprecedented nurses going to food banks, Hunt the document, which would have The intervention in the general demand for care. replied that average nurse’s pay is landed Henderson a £550,000 election campaign comes from Hopson added: “We are get- £31,000. windfall, was an obvious forgery, NHS Providers, which represents ting consistent reports of reten- “Is that enough considering the riddled with errors, and her story almost all of England’s 240 NHS tion problems because of work- brilliant work that they do? I think about fi nding it in a crisp packet hospital, mental health and am- ing pressures in the health service many people would say they want was “ridiculous”. bulance trusts. They told min- causing stress and burnout.” to pay them more. I think they do Judge Nigel Gerald, sitting at isters bluntly yesterday that the Medical royal colleges, health an incredible job. If you want more the mayor’s and City of London government’s longstanding policy trade unions and health chari- money to go into the NHS – and Court, accused her of “orches- of holding down NHS staff pay is ties such as Cancer Research UK this government recognises we trating a fraud” as he declared the wrong and is damaging the serv- have been highlighting in recent will need to put more money into second will invalid. ice by deepening its already severe months the damaging eff ects on the NHS and the social care system “It is Henderson’s evidence staff shortages. patient care of widespread short- because of the pressures we face – that the November 2011 will “Years of pay restraint and ages of doctors, nurses, GPs, para- then the question is how you get was found in the loft of the de- stressful working conditions are medics and many other NHS staff there,” said Hunt. ceased’s house, in a Doritos bag taking their toll,” said Chris Hop- groups. He also insisted that key NHS on the fl oor of the loft, in around son, NHS Providers’ chief execu- Norman Lamb, a former coali- waiting time standards, such as March or April 2015,” he said. tive. “Pay is becoming uncom- tion government health minister, the four-hour target in A&E and “She says she knows nothing petitive. Signifi cant numbers of said NHS pay restraint – which 18-week wait for planned hospital about how it came to be written trusts say lower paid staff are leav- had operated since 2010 – was care, were not particularly useful or executed. ing to stack shelves in supermar- “stupid” and had gone on so long measures of true NHS perform- “There is no doubt, upon the kets rather than carry on with the that it was proving counterpro- ance. Lives saved from cancer and evidence which I have heard, that NHS.” ductive. heart disease as a result of better Henderson ... came to court to lie. He urged Theresa May to aban- “The Conservatives expect care showed the service was doing There is no doubt of any nature don her plan to limit NHS staff ’s NHS staff to take year-on-year well, he added. whatsoever that the November pay increases to 1% a year until real-terms pay cuts in order to try Jonathan Ashworth, Labour’s 2011 will is a simple but rather 2020 and not pursue it during the to stave off fi nancial disaster in health spokesman, said Hunt’s poor-quality forgery. There is next parliament as a way of mak- the NHS,” said the Liberal Demo- agreement that it was unaccept- equally no doubt in my mind that ing the NHS’s books balance. crat health spokesman. “You can’t able that the A&E target had not it was forged by Henderson.” He added: “Trust leaders tell possibly justify this over such a been met in England for more than He said one “striking” error us that seven years of NHS pay long period. It is also stupid be- two years was “an admission of was the forged document refers to Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrat Party, campaigns in St Andrews, Scotland, restraint is now preventing them cause great staff will vote with failure straight from the horse’s it being “her” last will rather than yesterday. from recruiting and retaining the their feet and leave.” mouth: the Tory-made A&E crisis “his”. staff they need to provide safe, He contrasted his party’s plan is simply ‘not acceptable’”.

Honoured House prices in fi rst Two-year-old girl quarterly fall since ’12

Agencies lowest rate for four years. London The Bank of England has also mauled by fi ve dogs said that the number of mort- gages being approved has fallen Guardian News and Media They heard the aunt repeatedly stamp out illegal dog fi ghting. The ouse prices are “stagnat- for two months running. London shout: “The dog’s got the baby!” banned breeds are the pit bull ter- ing” and have actually Samuel Tombs at Pantheon as neighbours rushed to help. rier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Hfallen in the last three Macroeconomics said the Hali- A neighbour added: “I can’t Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. months, according to the Hali- fax fi gures were further evidence two-year-old girl has even actually think about it now,” Chief inspector Dave Westby of fax. In the three months to April, that the squeeze on real wages been mauled by up to fi ve and was too upset to speak further Merseyside police said: “This was prices fell by 0.2% – the fi rst was off setting the boost to house Adogs as she played in the when approached by the Press As- a horrifi c attack, which has result- quarterly fall since November prices from falling mortgage garden of a house in Liverpool. sociation. None of the neighbours ed in a two-year-old girl suff ering 2012. rates. The toddler was with her aunt gave their names. extensive injuries to her head and Over the past month alone, “House prices likely will con- and friends, aged four and six, Police remained at the scene body. “The investigation is in its prices fell by 0.1%, the Halifax tinue to be underpinned by a when the dogs burst into the gar- yesterday, with forensic offi cers early stages, but it is believed that said. However, for the year to shortage of supply, due to the den in Toxteth on Sunday after- going to and from the house. the child was playing in the back April, prices rose by 3.8%, the high moving costs faced by ex- noon. A spokesman for Merseyside garden of a relative’s address with same fi gure as in March. It leaves isting homeowners. In addition, Police said she suff ered serious police confi rmed earlier yesterday two other children, aged four and the average cost of a house or fl at competition among lenders will injuries to her head and body and that the girl was undergoing treat- six years, when a number of dogs at £219,649. continue to drive down mortgage is being treated at Alder Hey chil- ment at Alder Hey for serious but from a nearby house managed to Martin Ellis, Halifax housing rates this year, boosting the size dren’s hospital. not life-threatening injuries. get into the garden. economist, said one reason why of loans that some households Neighbours yesterday described The girl’s aunt was also taken “At this stage it is believed that prices were slowing was that can aff ord,” he said. the dogs as “XXL American bull to hospital for minor injuries and the little girl was attacked by more property had become too expen- However, the Bank of Eng- dogs” that were being bred for later discharged, police said. than one dog, and offi cers are try- sive for many people. land’s loan-to-income ratio rule sale. The animals were kept in the Detectives said fi ve dogs and fi ve ing to establish how many dogs “Housing demand appears introduced in 2014 would pre- garden next door but got through puppies were seized following the were involved in the incident. For- to have been curbed in recent vent leverage rising signifi cantly a hole in the fence, according to attack. A 35-year-old man was ar- tunately, a relative who was in the months due to the deterioration further, the economist added. locals. rested on suspicion of having dan- house was able to rescue the child in housing aff ordability caused Under the rule, banks and Neighbours described hear- gerous dogs out of control. Inves- from the dogs. British cartoonist Peter Brooks poses with his CBE medal by a sustained period of rapid building societies cannot lend ing screams as the toddler’s aunt, tigators were working to establish “I want to reassure people that after being appointed Commander of the Most Excellent house price growth during 2014- more than 15% of their mortgag- looking after the children for the the breed of the dogs. the little girl is now getting the best Order of the British Empire (CBE) during an investiture 16,” he said. es to riskier borrowers. They, in afternoon, fought off the attack Four breeds of dog are banned possible care and treatment for her ceremony held by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Last week rival lender Na- turn, are defi ned as people bor- and ran to the front of the house under the Dangerous Dogs Act injuries at Alder Hey children’s Palace in central London. tionwide said house prices were rowing more than 4.5 times their carrying the child. 1991, which was introduced to try hospital.” growing at 2.6% annually – their annual income. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 9, 2017 19 EUROPE Putin holds out an olive branch Macron faces tough Reuters Moscow

ussian President Vladimir Putin told France’s Pres- Rident-elect Emmanuel challenges ahead Macron yesterday that he want- ed to put mistrust aside and work Reuters/AFP ular” election success. EU’s strict defi cit rules after en- with him, in a change of tack af- Paris But even while pledging to help joying several delays from Brus- ter the Kremlin expressed sup- France tackle unemployment, sels in the past several years. port for Macron’s rivals in the she rejected suggestions that Germany, for its part, cher- presidential race. mmanuel Macron was Germany should do more to sup- ishes its balanced budget and fi s- “The citizens of France have confronted yesterday with port Europe’s economy by im- cal prudence, even as Chancellor trusted you with leading the Putin: The citizens of France Epressing reminders of the porting more from its partners to Merkel has promised to do what country at a diffi cult time for have trusted you with leading challenges facing him as France’s bring down its big trade surplus. she can to make Macron’s presi- Europe and the whole world the country at a diff icult time next president, even as allies European Commission Presi- dency a success. community,” Putin told Macron, for Europe and the whole world and some former rivals signalled dent Jean-Claude Juncker put it Expectations are high that whose staff had accused Russia community. their willingness to work closely bluntly: “With France, we have a France will miss its targets in during the campaign of trying to with him. particular problem ... the French 2017, with the European Com- damage their candidate. faded under the weight of a nep- The centrist’s victory over far- spend too much money and they mission set to unveil its latest The Kremlin said Putin told otism scandal, Putin took the rightist Marine Le Pen in Sun- spend too much in the wrong forecasts for the French economy Macron in a congratulatory tel- unusual step of granting a Krem- day’s election came as a huge re- places. This will not work over and the rest of the European Un- egram: “The growth in threats of lin audience to far-right can- lief to European Union allies who time,” Juncker said in Berlin. ion on Thursday. terrorism and militant extrem- didate Marine Le Pen, who was had feared another populist up- He said between 53% and 57% In February the Commission ism is accompanied by an esca- Macron’s opponent in Sunday’s heaval to follow Britain’s vote to of France’s gross domestic prod- forecast that France would end lation of local confl icts and the run-off . quit the EU and Donald Trump’s uct went toward public spending. this year with a defi cit of 2.9% of destabilisation of whole regions. She told reporters after meet- election as US president. “That can’t go well in the long GDP, just under the 3% limit set In these conditions it is especial- ing Putin that if victorious, her “He carries the hopes of mil- run with relatively high debt,” by Brussels. ly important to overcome mutual fi rst act would be to think about lions of French people, and of Juncker warned, indicating that But the French government mistrust and unite eff orts to en- lifting the sanctions that the Eu- many people in Germany and the Macron could not rely on the unveiled new spending since then sure international stability and ropean Union imposed on Russia whole of Europe,” German Chan- good will of his key European and the Commission warned that security.” after it annexed Ukraine’s Cri- cellor Angela Merkel told a news partners for too long. in 2018 France would be back Macron is seen at a ceremony yesterday to mark the end of World Late on Friday, 1-1/2 days mea peninsula three years ago. conference in Berlin. “France is going to have to above the red line to 3.1% of GDP. War II at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at the Arc de Triomphe in before polls opened, Macron’s Macron’s victory extends a “He ran a courageous pro- compromise with others ... Ger- Macron has pledged to slash Paris. campaign said it had been the losing run for Putin, who had European campaign, stands for many is not alone in speaking out public spending by €60bn target of a massive computer banked on political upheaval in openness to the world and is about a policy of stability – there ($66bn) over the next fi ve years, protest against Macron’s planned minister Manuel Valls. hack that dumped internal cam- Western capitals bringing in new committed decisively to a social are other countries too,” he told in part by cutting 120,000 public labour reforms. Yesterday key members of the paign e-mails online. leaders better disposed towards market economy,” the EU’s most reporters. sector jobs. On assuming offi ce next Sun- centrist arm of The Republicans A New York-based cyber intel- Russia. powerful leader added, congrat- France is under huge pressure But he has also urged Europe- day as France’s youngest leader appeared ready to work with Ma- ligence consultancy, Flashpoint, He is expected to run for re- ulating Macron on his “spectac- to get its budget in line with the an-wide reforms and a shift in since Napoleon, the 39-year-old cron despite the party hierarchy said that there were indications a election next year, and a lifting focus away from rigid fi scal dis- faces the immediate challenge calling for unity to oppose the hacker group with ties to Russian or easing of Western sanctions cipline. of securing a majority in next new president and calling those military intelligence was behind would help him secure a strong France’s economic malaise, month’s parliamentary election that were wavering “traitors”. the attack. mandate from Russian voters, especially high unemployment, in order to have a realistic chance “I can work in a government Putin has repeatedly denied who are feeling the pain from an had undermined the popularity of implementing his plans for majority,” said Bruno Le Maire, a interfering in the elections of economic slowdown made worse of outgoing Socialist President lower state spending, higher in- senior Republicans party offi cial, any foreign countries, and re- by the sanctions. Francois Hollande to the point vestment and reform of the tax, who had been an aide of presi- jected previous allegations about During the US presidential where he decided not even to run labour and pension systems. dential candidate Francois Fillon. Kremlin-backed hacking opera- campaign, Putin spoke in glow- as a candidate. With the two mainstream par- “The situation is too serious for tions. ing terms about Donald Trump. “This year, I wanted Em- ties – the conservative Republi- sectarianism and to be partisan.” Earlier in the campaign, a Ma- US intelligence offi cials al- manuel Macron to be here with cans and the left-wing Socialists Le Pen, 48, defi antly claimed cron aide had said Russia was leged Russia actively tried to help me so that a torch could be passed – both failing to reach the presi- the mantle of France’s main op- mounting a campaign to dissem- Trump’s campaign by hacking on,” said Hollande, who appeared dential run-off , his chances of position in calling on “all patriots inate “fake news” via cable tel- his opponents’ e-mails. with Macron at the Tomb of the winning a majority that supports to join us” in constituting a “new evision and social media to dis- Russia has denied that. Unknown Soldier at Paris’ Arc de his election pledges will depend political force”. credit Macron and help his rivals. But since Trump took offi ce, Triomphe to commemorate Vic- on him widening his centrist Her tally was almost double Putin had spoken favourably he has not delivered the prom- tory in Europe Day and the sur- base. the score that her father Jean- about Macron’s conservative ri- ised rapprochement with Rus- render of Nazi forces on May 8, The Socialists are torn be- Marie, the last far-right can- val Francois Fillon, who had said sia, instead sticking closely to 1945 at the end of World War II. tween the radical left of their de- didate to make the presidential he wanted a reset of frayed rela- the Russia policy espoused by his Demonstrators gather near a placard, with the message reading Elsewhere in Paris, hundreds feated candidate Benoit Hamon run-off , achieved in 2002, when tions with Russia. predecessor as president, Barack ‘Welfare Decline – Everyone on the Street’, to protest against Macron, of people, led by the powerful and the more centrist, pro-busi- he was trounced by the conserv- Later, after Fillon’s prospects Obama. the day after the country went to the polls. CGT trade union, marched in ness branch led by former prime ative Jacques Chirac. FN’s euro divisions burst into the open after poll loss

Reuters His victory, by 66% to 34%, “victory depends on it”. the EU were a “scarecrow” for Paris was more comfortable than sur- In early 2016, Le Pen quashed both left-wing and right-wing veys had predicted. internal criticism of her policy, voters. While a large majority of FN which would allow France to Le Pen’s estranged father Jean- arine Le Pen’s defeat in supporters back a return to the devalue its currency and print Marie, the founder of the party, France’s presidential franc, opinion polls taken this money to fi nance defi cit spend- also chimed in on Sunday, telling Melection has triggered a year indicate that three-quarters ing, and party offi cials by and RTL radio that her euro stance rare public display of disagree- of France’s voters want to keep large toed the line. was largely to blame for her de- ment among offi cials and allies the euro, including many older But then, as she looked to pick feat. of her National Front (FN) on the voters who fear that their euro- up votes between the fi rst and However, Jean Messiha, who far-right party’s policy of quit- denominated pensions could be second rounds of the election, was in charge of drafting Le Pen’s ting the euro. devalued. Le Pen said scrapping the euro presidential platform, insisted The European Union was the Immediately after conceding was not a precondition of her that the eurozone was destined second most important issue for defeat on Sunday, with parlia- economic policies and could take to collapse and that ditching the voters on Sunday’s run-off elec- mentary elections looming next some time. currency was the right thing to tion, according to a Harris In- month, Le Pen said she would Soon after the election defeat, do. teractive poll, just after jobs and overhaul the party without re- Le Pen’s niece Marion Marechal- “Softening our position on ahead of terrorism, migration, vealing what that would mean for Le Pen, popular in the party and monetary sovereignty caused us taxes and a wide range of other policy. one of only four FN lawmakers, to lose votes. Giving up on it alto- themes. But several key fi gures wasted said her aunt’s change of course gether would well and truly dis- The election off ered a stark no timing in airing their views. had come too late and failed to qualify us,” he tweeted. choice between Le Pen’s plan to Robert Menard, a mayor in convince voters. And her campaign director ditch the euro and break up the the southeast who was elected in Pascal Gannat, an FN regional David Rachline repeated yes- EU, and the centrist Emmanuel 2014 with FN support, tweeted councillor, told France Bleu radio terday Le Pen’s stated view that A woman holds up a mask of Le Pen as people behind her gather yesterday with French and European Macron’s pledge to deepen EU that the FN needed “an adjourn- that Le Pen’s anti-euro stance the euro was an economic “dead flags near the Eiff el Tower and a banner with the message, ‘France tells Hate: Never Again’. integration. ment” on the issue, adding that and her desire for France to quit weight”.

Norway orders Hundreds of migrants feared drowned in Mediterranean cull on reindeer The Norwegian agriculture ministry has ordered the culling Reuters/AFP Two groups of survivors told ship, which was alerted to di- llo, the UN refugee agency es- cording to these survivors, there one of the rubber boats had been of some 2,200 wild reindeer after Rome the organisations that hun- vert by Italian coastguards and timated the number of dead at were 170 on board the boat, killed by a smuggler for his base- chronic wasting disease (CWD), a dreds drowned when their rub- dropped them off on Sunday in more than 80. which sank because of overload- ball cap. contagious brain complaint, was ber boats began to defl ate before Pozzallo, southern Sicily. Separately, Libya’s coastguard ing.” The UN refugee agency says discovered in some of them. ore than 200 migrants rescuers arrived. Representatives of the UN picked up seven survivors over Among those missing were that, excluding the latest ship- In order to prevent a spread of are feared to have died More than 60 are feared dead High Commissioner for Refu- the weekend who said they were more than 30 women and nine wrecks, more than 1,150 peo- the disease, the whole herd in Min the Mediterranean and three bodies were recovered gees (UNHCR) and the Interna- on a boat packed with 170. children, Koko said. ple have disappeared or died which the disease was detected, over the weekend, according to on Saturday, survivors brought tional Organisation for Migra- Aid agency International Eleven bodies washed up on so far this year trying to reach which lives in the Nordfjella testimony from survivors, and to Sicily on Sunday told Italian tion (IOM) were able to meet Medical Corps, which gave med- the shore west of Zawiya, said Italy from North Africa, where a region between Oslo and Bergen, several bodies, including that of coastguards. them yesterday to hear their ac- ical care to the survivors, also Mohanad Krima, a spokesman breakdown of law and order has must be culled by May 1, 2018. an infant, have washed up on a The boat left Libya carrying counts. confi rmed their account. for the Red Crescent in Zawiya. allowed people smugglers to op- CWD was first detected in April Libyan beach. about 120, they said. Survivors told them that “We rescued on Sunday seven “All the bodies are of female erate with impunity. 2016 in a reindeer living in the About 7,500 people have been There was some discrepancy women and children were illegal migrants – six men and victims and there is a girl of less Migrant arrivals to Italy by mountains between Hemsedal rescued off the coast of Libya in the numbers. among those missing. a woman,” said Omar Koko, a than one year old,” he said. sea are up about 30% this year and Laerdal, the first case of the since Thursday, the Italian and Some 50 survivors were Based on its interviews with coastguard commander in the Last week, survivors said a on 2016, when a record 181,000 disease outside North America or Libyan coastguards said. picked up by a Danish container some of the survivors in Pozza- western city of Zawiya. “Ac- young man found shot dead on came. South Korea. The Norwegian authorities have since carried out tests on 11,000 Remains of Soviet soldiers found in east German town Teenager suspected in death of abandoned baby in Italy elk, reindeer, red deer and other deer species, with positive results German authorities unearthed the remains of at be found at the site, and that the soldiers most A newborn baby girl has died after being the baby, lowering her with a rope from a first floor recorded in two reindeer in least 21 Soviet soldiers in a town east of Berlin likely died in the Oderbruch region in April of 1945. abandoned in a council estate park in the north- window, after giving birth at home. Nordfjella and two elk in Selbu, yesterday after they were discovered underneath a The Battle of the Seelow Heights at the western eastern Italian port city of Trieste, and her teenage The woman was checked into the same hospital bringing the total number of construction site last week, off icials said. border of the Oderbruch was the largest battle of mother is the main suspect in the case. where her baby died. cases to five. The operation to remove the remains from the the war on German territory. The baby was discovered on Sunday by a Leonardo Tamborini, a prosecutor for the local It was unclear where the ground is being conducted under the supervision Some 33,000 Soviet and Polish soldiers, as well as neighbour walking her dogs, and was taken to the juvenile court, said the woman would undergo a animals caught CWD, which of Russian embassy representatives, according 12,000 from the Nazi armed forces, died there. Burlo Garofolo hospital in “desperate” conditions, psychological exam, and noted that a similar case is a degenerative disease to Joachim Kozlowski of the German War Graves The Oderbruch region is still plagued with the the clinic said. She died a few hours later. happened in the region last year. similar to bovine spongiform Commission. legacy of the war in the form of hazardous military The Corriere della Sera newspaper reported that a Tamborini added that the 16-year-old does not encephalopathy (BSE) in cows Kozlowski said he believes that more remains will waste. 16-year-old girl confessed to police to abandoning come from a deprived household. and scrapie in sheep. Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, May 9, 2017 INDIA

AVIATION TRIAL ENTERTAINMENT CRIME PARTNERSHIP Drunk Gujarat deputy Court summons Himachal Hyderabad helicopter Bouncer killed in gang Airtel rides with Ola to CM’s son taken off flight CM, others in DA case joyride from today war near Chandigarh off er digital services

The son of Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister A New Delhi court yesterday issued summonses Telangana Tourism has announced that it will A bouncer was shot dead by unidentified In a bid to co-create an ecosystem to address the Nitin Patel was yesterday stopped by to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra organise Hyderabad helicopter joyride from today people outside a famous temple in Haryana’s country’s growing communication and mobility authorities from boarding a flight to Greece Singh, his wife Pratibha Singh and seven others until May 14. As a large number of tourists are Panchkula district adjoining Chandigarh needs, Airtel and Ola yesterday announced a after he arrived in a “heavily drunken” state in a disproportionate assets case. Special Judge expected to arrive in Hyderabad during summer yesterday afternoon, police said. Amit Sharma strategic partnership to off er several digital and argued with the airport staff , off icials Virender Kumar Goyal issued the summonses vacations, the tourism department has decided was going to sit in his car outside a Shiv temple services to their customers. Airtel Payments said. Jaimin Patel, his wife Jhalak and after considering the charge-sheet filed in the case to organise the joyride from Necklace Road on in the area when two young men approached Banks will now integrate with Ola app to off er their daughter Vaishvi were stopped from under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of the banks of Hussain Sagar lake. Indwell Aviation him and fired from a close range. The temple convenient digital payments solutions to boarding the 4am flight. When he reached Corruption Act. Life Insurance Corporation agent Pvt Ltd will organise the 10-minute joyride, is located close to Chandigarh’s boundary. customers for their rides. Ola Money will be Ahmedabad International Airport, he was Anand Chauhan, his associate Chunni Lal, Joginder during which tourists can view Hyderabad from The assailants escaped in a vehicle in which integrated as a digital payment solution within unable to walk due to his inebriated state. Singh Ghalta, Prem Raj, Lawan Kumar Roach, air by hopping onto a helicopter. According to other people were already seated. Sharma MyAirtel App and the Airtel website to enable He went through the immigration and other Vakamullah Chandrashekhara and Ram Prakash the department, this is a novel option of viewing was rushed to the Post-Graduate Institute of recharge of Airtel prepaid mobile/DTH and checks in a wheelchair due to his drunken Bhatia are the other accused. The CBI has accused landmark tourist spots and other destinations Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) payment of Airtel mobile/broadband bills through state, airport off icials said. “Jaimin Patel was them of abetment to crime and forgery after a of Hyderabad from over 1,500ft. The ride where doctors declared him dead. Police Ola Money. “Ola will also benefit from Airtel’s prevented from boarding the flight. He also preliminary inquiry found that Virbhadra Singh, will provide a bird’s eye view of several areas off icers in Panchkula district said preliminary extensive retail network and our integrated suite had an argument with the staff ,” the off icial as the federal steel minister from 2009 to 2012, including Tank bund with Buddha statue, Lumbini investigation indicated the killing was part of a of world-class connectivity solutions,” said Gopal added. allegedly accumulated assets worth Rs100mn. Park, NTR Garden, Birla Mandir and Charminar. gang war. Vittal, managing director and CEO of Bharti Airtel. SC rules Lalu must stand trial again in fodder scam RJD chief suff ers major blow; “We have held that for each Kumar’s coalition government in BJP hails verdict off ence there will be a separate Bihar. trial,” the court stated. The ruling also comes at a dif- Agencies Yadav has always denied any fi cult time for the RJD chief who New Delhi wrongdoing and still enjoys mas- is already battling allegations of Bilkis Bano holding her two-year-old daughter Aksha speaks to reporters as her husband Yakub Rasool looks on in New Delhi yesterday. sive popularity in Bihar. graft and ‘criminal-politician A vocal critic of Prime Minister nexus’ after audio tapes emerged he Supreme Court yester- Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata of his purported conversation day ordered that Rashtriya Party (BJP), Yadav was sentenced with jailed mafi a don Mohamed TJanata Dal chief Lalu Pras- to fi ve years prison over his in- Shahabuddin. ad Yadav stand trial on historic volvement in the scam but only Shahabuddin, who is currently Want justice, not revenge, corruption charges that saw him served two-and-a-half months. lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail, is disqualifi ed from parliament. The BJP, the main opposition serving a life sentence after being The former Bihar chief minister party in Bihar, welcomed the convicted in over 10 cases. was banished from the Lok Sabha, court’s decision. He was shifted to Tihar in Feb- the lower house of parliament, in “Our stand has been vindicat- ruary this year following a Su- says Gujarat gang-rape victim 2013 after he was convicted of de- ed. The court should also cancel preme Court order. frauding a scheme to help farm- the bail granted to him,” Devesh After coming out of jail in Sep- ers, but other charges stemming Kumar, Bihar BJP’s vice president, tember last year, Shahabuddin IANS punishment, but at the same Their appeal was endorsed by ment for the “masterminds of from the same “fodder scam” said. had termed Yadav his leader and New Delhi time I do not want anyone else rights activists Kavita Srivasta- the cover up” in the Gujarat ri- were put on hold. One of India’s most charis- called Nitish Kumar as the “chief to die in my name. I want jus- va and National Award winning ots. Yadav – whose party now rules matic politicians, Yadav’s term minister of circumstance”. tice, not revenge,” said Bano. fi lm director Shonali Bose. “These fi ve policemen were Bihar in an alliance with the Ja- as Bihar chief minister led to the The veteran politician has been gang-rape survivor yes- Bano said after 15 years of “While it might be too little mere foot soldiers in the cover nata Dal (United) and Congress state becoming synonymous with accused of fraudulent land deals terday said she was con- indescribable struggle she is too late, nonetheless the ver- up. Their indictment by the – and 44 others were found to violence, poverty and graft. and of acquiring a ‘mall’ in Patna Atent with a Bombay High preparing for a new beginning, dict is historic in the sense that court is indeed a message but have ripped off the rural assist- He still enjoys huge popular through shell companies. Court verdict upholding life and urged that the 11 convicts perhaps for the fi rst time po- justice will be done when the ance programme to the tune of support for championing back- He has denied all charges levelled sentence for her tormentors. should not be granted parole. licemen have been convicted for masterminds of the cover up Rs380mn ($6mn). ward castes and in the last Bihar by state BJP leader Sushil Modi. Bilkis Bano refused to compare “The verdict has ensured covering heinous crimes,” said of the 2002 riots are brought to The 68-year-old was con- election in 2015, his party won However, according to Hin- her case with the Nirbhaya trial that people can have faith in the Bose, referring to the high court justice,” she said. victed in one case by the Ranchi more seats than any other, but dustan Times, he has admitted to where the Supreme Court upheld country’s judicial system and setting aside the acquittal of fi ve Former bureaucrat N C Saxe- High Court but proceedings were agreed to honour an earlier agree- “fl oating a limited liability part- death penalty for the convicts. expect justice.” policemen. na said police have prejudices stayed in three others “on the ment with JD(U) leader Nitish nership fi rm renamed as LARA, In one of the most horrify- Bano and her husband Yakub The policemen – charged with against the minority commu- grounds that a person convicted Kumar who is now the chief min- acronym for Lalu and Rabri” and ing incidents during the 2002 said in order to live without any tampering evidence by fudging nity in cases of communal vio- in one case could not be tried in ister of the state. divulged that the fi rm that was Gujarat riots, Bano, then 19 and fear, it was necessary that the documents and compromising lence. similar cases based on same wit- In recent weeks, his sons Te- developing the mall had as di- pregnant, was brutalised by a convicts are not granted parole. the inquest ‘panchnama’ (diary) Police almost always function nesses and evidences.” jashwi and Tej Pratap have been rectors his minister sons who gang of men and many of her “The verdict is an opportu- – had been acquitted by the trial with strong prejudices against The Supreme Court has over- accused by the BJP of concealing became “partners… when their family members were killed in nity for us to make a new be- court in January 2008. minorities during riots,” he said, turned that decision, ordering vast real estate assets which were mother transferred her shares to front of her eyes. ginning. For the last 15 years “Bilkis and Yakub along with citing several administrative that Yadav stand trial in the re- illicitly acquired, according to the them ‘out of love’.” While upholding a trial court we have been living in constant their daughters have spent a and judicial reports where po- maining cases and that a verdict opposition. Meanwhile, Sushil Modi refut- sentence of life term to 11 con- fear, changing places, not able long time in fear and apprehen- licemen have been indicted for is reached within nine months, As an immediate fallout, it takes ed media report that he has asked victs, the Bombay High Court to go back home. It is important sion. We, therefore demand that their role in communal violence. offi cials said. the wind out of opposition sails Nitish Kumar to dump Yadav’s on May 4 rejected a Central that the convicts are not granted no parole be granted to any of On May 5, a Supreme Court The top court wondered how just ahead of presidential election RJD and join the BJP-led national Bureau of Investigation appeal parole,” said Bano. the convicts,” she said. bench upheld the death sen- the same judge on the same facts in July and puts in jeopardy the Democratic Alliance. seeking death sentence for three “After the trial court’s sen- “The right of granting parole tences of all four convicts in of the case could take one view in larger project of a grand, pan- Modi, a former deputy chief of the convicts. tencing in 2008, several of the is with jail authorities and the the Nirbhaya case in which a respect of one accused and a con- national anti-BJP a l - minister and a vocal critic of Interacting with reporters in convicts came out of jail with home department. We would 23-year-old paramedical stu- trary view in case of Yadav. liance in 2019. Yadav since the 90s, said: the national capital, Bano said parole. We used to live in con- urge them to ensure that the dent was gang-raped inside a The judges also criticised the Analysts said “I have not off ered any one, she was happy with the court’s stant fear of retribution, threats convicts are never given parole,” moving bus on December 16, Central Bureau of Investigation yesterday’s ver- including JD (U) led by Nit- verdict in her case. and fear of being killed. The said Srivastava, national sec- 2012 in Delhi. The savage assault for its delay in fi ling the appeal dict also gives ish Kumar, to join the NDA “I am very happy with the high court should ensure that retary of the People’s Union for led to her death due to internal against the high court order and rise to interest- after the apex court or- court’s verdict. The horrors I the convicts are not given parole Civil Liberties. injuries 13 days later in a Singa- the agency’s director to hold an ing possibili- dered trial against Lalu suff ered deserve the maximum now,” said Yakub. Bose also demanded punish- pore hospital. inquiry and fi x responsibility. ties in Nitish Prasad.”

Home Guards stage protest NHRC urged to take action Three convicts to be in entrance test ‘dress code’ sentenced today IANS led to the serious crime and said Pune he would demand the maximum Agencies But there is no mention of in- move the button on her jeans punishment for all the accused. Thiruvananthapuram nerwear on this year’s prohib- after it set off the metal detector. “Considering the brutal man- ited articles list which includes “She was sent back, she came fast track court yester- ner in which the victim was dark clothes, long sleeves, back and told me ‘Papa, the day convicted three men gang-raped and then killed, this he Kerala State Hu- brooches, badges, closed shoes jeans button has to be removed, Ain the sensational Octo- falls under the category of rarest man Rights Commission and socks. the button is an objectionable ber 2009 gang-rape and mur- of rare case,” he added. T(KSHRC) yesterday urged The student, who has not been item’. der of software engineer Nayana Nayana’s husband, Abhijit Pu- the National Human Rights identifi ed, told media she was at Promptly I removed the but- Phatak-Pujari. jari and her younger sister have Commission to take action the test centre in Kannur when ton,” the father told NDTV. Special Judge L L Yenkar will demanded that “the accused against offi cials a day after a girl a metal detector started to beep “Then I went to a shop about sentence them today. should be hanged” for the hei- claimed that she had to remove during a security check. 3km from the exam centre and Yogesh Ashok Raut, Mahesh nous crime. her innerwear before sitting for “At that time, they told that bought a new dress for her after Balasaheb Thakur and Vishwas “There is some sense of relief. the National Eligibility-cum- without removing my inner- getting the shop opened.” Hindurao Kadam were found Whether it is Nirbhaya or Naya- Entrance Test (NEET) at a centre wear I cannot enter the exam hall The school principal said he guilty, said Special Public Pros- na, it was an act of rape and mur- in Kannur. since they (the hooks) are made was unaware of the student’s in- ecutor Harshad Nimbalkar. der.... The law prescribes capital KSHRC acting chairman P of metal. So, I took off my top nerwear ordeal but admitted his Another accused, Rajesh Pan- punishment as an option... and I Mohandas has directed that a innerwear there itself and gave school stuck to the rules. durang Choudhari, turned an think they deserve it,” Pujari said. case be registered and has asked it to my mom, she was waiting “We have clear instructions approver and will be eligible for However, he expressed disap- the Kannur district police chief outside,” the student told NDTV that if the metal detector beeps, a pardon. pointment that despite being and the Central Board of Second- news network. no one can be allowed inside. “We have conclusively es- heard by a fast track court, it took ary Education (CBSE) to submit The girl was quoted in The Whenever it beeped, we told stu- tablished the various charges over seven years for the verdict. their report within three weeks. Times of India as saying that dents to remove what they have,” against all the accused and the The case created a scare among Authorities issue strict dress she lost all her “confi dence and Jalaluddin K told NDTV. Members of the Home Guards stage a demonstration court has accepted our argu- Puneites, especially those work- codes to tackle widespread composure when I was asked to Meanwhile, the parents of seeking higher salaries in Patna yesterday. The Home ments,” Nimbalkar said. ing in late-night shifts in the IT cheating on the entrance test for remove it in front of everybody”. the students have decided to fi le Guards is a paramilitary police force. It is a voluntary force, He said that the prosecution sector and resulted in enhanced India’s prestigious medical col- Another student’s parent said a complaint with the CBSE in tasked as an auxiliary to the police. managed to establish the com- security measures both by the leges. his daughter was forced to re- Delhi. plete chain of circumstances that companies and police. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 9, 2017 21 INDIA Ambulances exclusively for cows launched in UP

By Michael Safi ing of the animals, which are re- given birth to us, one that nour- Sanjay Rai, chief trustee, said started anything yet,” Rai said. where slaughtering cows is per- being caught transporting cattle. New Delhi vered by most Hindus. ishes us to adulthood - which is he had been interested in help- Prime Minister Narendra mitted. Khan’s family say he had a le- The fi rst fi ve ambulances were the earth - and one whose milk ing to protect cows for nearly a Modi won offi ce in 2014 cam- The ministry is also explor- gal licence to purchase the cows launched last week by Keshav has made us strong, the cow, decade but had lacked fi nancial paigning for a national ban on ing the possibility of setting up a and intended to use them for n a country where poorer Prasad Maurya, the deputy chief and it is this last one that we are resources to establish an ambu- cow slaughter, and under his national network of gau shalas to milking, but state ministers la- people often have to carry minister of Uttar Pradesh. They working on.” lance service. “And there was no tenure there has been a surge in house the stray cattle who wan- belled him a cow smuggler and Itheir injured relatives to hos- are funded by the Gau Vansh He said the ambulance service support from the government projects to improve the animal’s der streets and fi elds - estimated rationalised the attack, saying pital, the launch of a new private Raksha trust, an NGO that al- had received about 200 calls and side,” he said. welfare. by the more recent livestock both he and his murderers were ambulance service in India was ready operates a network of gau was able to attend to about 25 The new state administration In April the federal home min- census to number around 5.3mn. at fault. cheered by some politicians. shalas, a kind of nursing home cows a day. of Yogi Adityanath, a hardline istry outlined plans to assign The other side of the growing Last week two Muslim men in- But these new ambulances, for old or abandoned cows that For the past 20 years the trust Hindu revivalist, has been more each one of India’s approximate- zeal to protect cows is increasing cluding a teenager were killed in equipped with sirens and a doc- might otherwise be slaughtered. has been running a similar low- encouraging and had allocated ly 190mn cows a unique identi- violence against those perceived Assam after they were suspected tor on board, will exclusively “In India we have the mythol- cost ambulance service for rick- the ambulance service a toll-free fi cation number. The scheme is to be harming them. In Rajasthan of trying to rustle cows. A man in serve injured cows, in the lat- ogy that we have three mothers,” shaw pullers and rural labourers, number, he said. “On a verbal intended to prevent the animals last month a dairy farmer, Pehlu Bihar was blinded in one eye af- est of a series of high-profi le said Sugandh Kumar, vice-pres- and it added cow welfare to its basis they support us, but for from being smuggled to Bangla- Khan, was attacked by a mob ter being attacked for beeping at schemes to improve the wellbe- ident of the trust. “One that has agenda in the past two years. fi nancial support they have not desh or to the few Indian states and died from his injuries after a cow blocking his path. Rajnath calls for fi nancial choking of Maoist rebels

IANS there was a need to improve the New Delhi training and other facilities at the camps. “The residential camps of ederal Home Minister security forces should be well Rajnath Singh yesterday equipped with power and water Fcalled for choking of fi - facility and better connectivity,” nancial resources of left-wing he said. extremist groups and said it was He also called for the need to the fundamental instrument to adhere to the Standard Operat- counter Maoist violence. ing Procedures to ensure safety The minister’s remarks came of the security forces. AAP leaders Sanjay Singh, Ashutosh and Dilip Pandey address a press conference in New Delhi yesterday. during his inaugural address at “There is a need to chalk out the day-long security review a specifi c action plan for each meeting here with the chief threat with short-term, medi- ministers of Maoist-aff ected um-term and long-term strate- states, days after the rebels killed gies clearly defi ned.” at least 25 paramilitary troopers Singh said the whole country in Chhattisgarh. was agitated over the killing of Singh also asked for imple- 25 Central Reserve Police Force mentation of the new doctrine (CRPF) troopers in Sukma. AAP suspends Mishra, “SAMADHAN” for use in secu- “I am convinced that their rity operations: S - Smart Lead- martyrdom will not go in vain. ership, A - Aggressive Strategy, The day is not far when this M - Motivation and Training, mindless violence will end.” A - Actionable Intelligence, D He stressed on the need to - Dashboard-based KPIs (Key discuss and work out an “inte- Performance Indicators) and grated strategy” of security by trashes graft charges KRAs (Key Result Areas), H - giving impetus to development Harnessing Technology, A - Ac- in 35 worst-aff ected districts to IANS to have evidence in support of and is making baseless allega- it clear who is behind all this,” for Kejriwal’s resignation, Singh tion Plan for each threat and N eliminate the Maoist infl uence. New Delhi his allegations that two people tions as he did not even spare he said. said that “severe” allegations - No access to fi nancing. Singh said that “the presence close to Kejriwal tried to in- Kejriwal’s deceased brother-in- Singh said Mishra was mak- of corruption had been made He called for a more proactive of our forces should instill fear” fl uence the probe in the water law,” Jain said. ing all sorts of allegation in- against Finance Minister Arun approach to deal with left-wing among the leftist rebels and a he Aam Aadmi Party yes- tanker scam. Jain said that Mishra was cluding that he witnessed Ke- Jaitley by suspended BJP mem- extremism. sense of confi dence among the terday suspended rebel He also dared Kejriwal and making allegations against Ke- jriwal accepting Rs20mn from ber Kirti Azad, but nothing “Today we need to consider local people and tribals. Tleader Kapil Mishra hours Jain to undergo a lie detector jriwal’s brother-in-law Suren- Jain. happened. whether to react only after the Home Secretary Rajiv Me- after he made a fresh allegation test and off ered to subject him- dra Bansal who is “no more”. “While making such serious “Despite serious allegations, occurrence of any incident or hrishi said the government’s of corruption against Delhi self to such a test. The AAP fi elded its senior allegations, Mishra did not even he is still holding the post of we should be more proactive,” demonetisation move helped Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Mishra also alleged that he leader Sanjay Singh to trash feel it important to clarify when fi nance minister. So, we do not he said. choke Maoist funds which is alleging that Health Minister had witnessed Kejriwal accept- Mishra’s allegations. the deal was conducted and need to learn the lessons of mo- The minister added that the evident from their desperation Satyendar Jain had told him he ing Rs20mn from Jain. Singh accused the Bharatiya which relative of Kejriwal was rality and principles from the left-wing extremist groups were to snatch fi rearms. had settled a Rs500mn land deal Mishra said he will meet the Janata Party and the central involved,” Singh said. BJP and the Congress,” Singh trying to weaken democracy in “Demonetisation has choked in favour of Kejriwal’s brother- Central Bureau of Investiga- government of being behind Yesterday, Mishra fi led a said. the country but would “never (Maoist) funds. Therefore they in-law. tion (CBI) offi cials today to give Mishra in his campaign against complaint with the ACB on Mishra met the media again succeed” in doing so. are showing desperation to The party trashed his allega- them all evidence in support of Kejriwal, saying it was part of a what is known as the water in the evening to claim that Jain He also called for increased snatch arms,” Mehrishi said. tions and the AAP’s Political the allegations. larger conspiracy to “fi nish off ” tanker scam, saying Kejriwal had told him that he managed use of technology in security Prime Minister Narendra Aff airs Committee (PAC) met in Jain denied Mishra’s allega- the AAP and to “silence” the delayed action in the case. a Rs500mn land deal in Chhat- operations and to counter left- Modi on November 8, 2016 de- the evening and took the deci- tions, saying “no such land deal opposition. “The ACB is under the cen- tarpur in south Delhi for Kejri- wing extremism. clared Rs500 and Rs1,000 cur- sion to suspend Mishra who was took place” and said he will fi le Singh told reporters that the tral government which is ruled wal’s brother-in-law. “We need to have enough un- rency notes as illegal tender. sacked as minister on Saturday. a defamation case against the kind of allegations Mishra has by the BJP. It is the BJP which is “The deal was fi nalised for manned aerial vehicles with each The home secretary was re- “Mishra has been suspended former minister. levelled makes it clear that “he behind all this,” Singh said. the Bansal family,” he said. battalion. Since extremists use plying to media queries after the from the primary membership “There is a limit to lying. I was being used” to harass Ke- The AAP leader said at a time Rebutting Singh’s charge that looted weapons, we need to have day-long security review meet- of the party,” an AAP leader said. wasn’t present at CM’s resi- jriwal and other ministers in the when the country was facing was speaking the BJP’s lan- trackers in the weapons, embed ing. Mishra yesterday escalated dence on May 5 (Friday) and I Delhi government. serious internal and external guage, Mishra said he had al- biometrics in triggers and have Meanwhile, two Maoist guer- his attack on Kejriwal, two days can prove it in many ways,” Jain “Mishra is now speaking the security threats, the only prior- ways spoken stridently against unique identifi cation numbers in rillas were arrested while fi ve after he was sacked as water and said. “Show us papers (of land language of the BJP and the ity for the BJP and the central the BJP’s policies and the gov- explosive material,” he said. tractors were set afi re by sus- tourism minister. deal) or proof if it’s true?” he Congress. He is saying the same government was to “fi nish off ” ernment and decried the way Highlighting the need for mo- pected leftist insurgents in He went to the Anti-Corrup- said. things the two parties had been the AAP. the AAP brands people “who tivation and training, Singh said Jharkhand yesterday, police said. tion Branch (ACB) and claimed “He has lost mental balance saying for months. This makes Rejecting the BJP’s demand speak against the leadership”.

Heavy security for Bieber’s Guard of honour Karnan ‘sentences’ CJI concert in Navi Mumbai to fi ve years in jail IANS Act of 1989 and amended Act IANS has experimented with more ad- The organisers have arranged Kolkata of 2015”. Navi Mumbai venturous electronic sounds. for parking slots for around However, the Supreme Besides India, the Asian com- 15,000 and shuttle services to and Court has already restrained ponent of his current tour in- from the stadium. Meanwhile, iving a fresh twist Justice Karnan from dis- olice will provide security, cludes Tel Aviv and Dubai. legendary sarod player Amjad to his three-and-a- charging any judicial and including surveillance by Nagrale said police had been Ali Khan will gift an autographed G half month stand-off administrative functions and Pdrones, for tomorrow’s deployed at various entry-exit travel-friendly sarod to Bieber. with the Supreme Court, directed all authorities and concert of Canadian pop singing gates and the event venue to “He’s a role model for the mil- Calcutta High Court judge tribunals not to take note of sensation Justin Bieber at the D manage the crowds. lennial generation and it’s so C S Karnan yesterday “sen- any “purported” order passed Y Patil Stadium, an offi cial said Inside the stadium, plain- wonderful to see the love that he tenced” Chief Justice of In- by him. yesterday. clothes police will be on watch, has generated. Since it’s his fi rst dia Jagdish Singh Khehar The other judges named in Expecting a turnout in excess a special police control room will visit, it’s a welcoming gesture as and seven other apex court the “order” are Justice Dipak of 45,000 for the live show, Navi be functional and a CCTV sur- an Indian artiste,” the maestro judges to five-year rigorous Misra, Justice J Chelameswar, Mumbai Police Commissioner veillance system with a command said. imprisonment. Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Hemant Nagrale said around 500 centre will monitor the event. “It’s a more travel-friendly Justice Karnan, who is fac- Madan B Lokur, Justice Pinaki police personnel and 25 offi cers Prior to the main concert, the sarod... More of a memento. It ing contempt charges for de- Chandra Ghose, Justice Kurian would be deployed for security entire stadium will be checked by is a left-handed sarod since I grading the judiciary and mak- Joseph and Justice R Banu- and emergency disaster man- the bomb detection and disposal understand he’s a left-handed ing allegations of corruption mathi. agement at the venue. squad. Throughout the event, guitarist.” against several Supreme Court While seven of the judges The 23-year-old icon is likely to drones mounted with cameras Ace Indian designers like Ro- judges, ruled the eight judges were members of the bench reach Mumbai today for the con- will provide live feeds to the po- hit Bal, Varun Bahl, Anamika guilty of harassing a “Dalit that initiated contempt pro- cert, part of the Asia leg of “Bie- lice control room at the venue. Khanna, Krishna Mehta, Amit Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti inspects judge” (Karnan), with a “com- ceedings against Justice Kar- ber’s Purpose World Tour,” and his The organisers, White Fox, will Aggarwal, Riddhima Kapoor Sa- a guard of honour on the lawns of the civil secretariat in mon intention”. nan, Justice Banumathi along fi rst performance in India. deploy private security agencies hni and Manav Gangwani have Srinagar yesterday. The secretariat opened in Kashmir’s The 12-page “order” said with Chief Justice Khehar had The tour is to promote his for crowd management and ticket also come together to contribute summer capital after six months during which it functioned the accused have “commit- restrained him from discharg- fourth album, the critically- checking. Navi Mumbai police will to the mementoes for the Gram- in the winter capital Jammu. ted” an off ence “punishable ing any judicial and adminis- acclaimed Purpose, in which he be attending to overall security. my Award winning singer. under the SC/ST Atrocities trative functions. Gulf Times 22 Tuesday, May 9, 2017 LATIN AMERICA

Alleged drug traffi cker’s fi ance rubbishes Colombia charges

Guardian News and Media Sainsbury, a 22-year-old fi t- represented Guantanamo Bay I know she was not involved in forcement Agency’s interest, Kenny, acting pro bono for her but we are able to talk almost Sydney ness trainer from South Austral- detainee David Hicks. the drug trade, I know she was according to News Corp, which Sainsbury, said she was entitled every day and that is a great ia, was arrested at an airport in Broadbridge pleaded with the not deliberately taking drugs and reported that a plane ticket was to the presumption of innocence. comfort for both of us,” he said. Colombia on April 12 with 5.8kg media to stop camping outside carrying them anywhere.” bought for her by a third party in “Cass’ defence is going to be “She is concerned about the he fi ance of alleged drug of cocaine hidden in her luggage. his home, saying they were har- He did not take questions after Hong Kong to fl y from Australia run in a court in Colombia, not in conditions of the jail, which are traffi cker Cassandra She says she was tricked into car- assing him and his family. He making his initial statement. to London and then to Bogota. the media in Adelaide,” he said. not ideal, and it is very diffi cult TSainsbury has “no doubt” rying the drugs, and believed she acknowledged there were unan- Kenny confi rmed that Sains- Kenny said he could not give a “We have great faith in the for her not knowing anyone. I of her innocence. was bulk-buying headphones as swered questions about the case, bury had not gone overseas for six timeline of events. Colombian legal system and hope to be able to get over there Scott Broadbridge has also presents for her wedding party. but said he was certain of his months before going to Colom- Broadbridge and Sainsbury’s we’ll be doing everything we can soon, and I hope we are able to voiced concerns about the “not Her family has alleged she was partner’s innocence. bia, and had nothing tying her to family have already refuted re- to provide her the best possible prove her innocence.” ideal” conditions of Bogota’s El set up by a man she met in Co- “I would just like to say that I South America that would cause ports that she left Australia defence that we can.” Sainsbury’s Colombia-based Buen Pastor women’s jail, say- lombia. Broadbridge addressed have no doubt Cass is innocent her to travel there for a week. with signifi cant debts, including Broadbridge said he was lawyer, Orlando Herran, said she ing his partner is under extreme the media in Adelaide with law- of the charges” he said. It was her unusual travel plans money owed for a failed personal speaking to his partner daily. could face eight to 20 years be- stress. yer Stephen Kenny, who has “Cass is the light of my life, that fi rst raised the US Drug En- training business. “It is extremely stressful for hind bars, if convicted. Govt urged to end illegal gold mining in Amazon

Thomson Reuters Foundation illegal gold mining operations. Rio de Janeiro Unsuccessful attempts to stop the mining and lawsuits against other government agencies by ffi cials in Brazil’s largest prosecutors underline the dif- state are facing mounting fi culties in enforcing environ- Opressure to crackdown mental laws in remote but valua- on illegal gold mining in the ble regions of the world’s largest Amazon rainforest where thou- tropical forest. sands of workers are destroying The prosecutor could not pro- ecologically sensitive land, ac- vide a timetable for the lawsuit cording to the Amazonas state that could impact illegal mines prosecutor’s offi ce. in an isolated area that is home Venezuela’s Central University students march to the education ministry, during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas yesterday. Since 2007, thousands of min- to about 20,000 people. ers have descended upon Apui in Luis Fernandez, a biology pro- northwestern Brazil in the so- fessor at Wake Forest University called “New El Dorado” hoping in North Carolina who focuses to strike rich but in the process on the Amazon, said no-one dis- destroying 14,000 hectares of puted that illegal mining was de- jungle by cutting down trees and stroying sensitive forest land but poisoning rivers with mercury. banning the industry is diffi cult In a drive to close these ille- for authorities. Maduro plan to recast gal mines, prosecutors are now Fernandez said the gold rush suing Brazil’s environment en- had drawn wealthy local busi- forcement agency, the Institute nessmen, poor itinerant miners of Environment and Renewable and prostitutes into the jungle — Natural Resources (IBAMA), and and some workers were victims other government departments of human traffi cking, living in which they say have failed to stop deplorable conditions. constitution opposed ecological crimes in illicit mines. “Poverty is high and the IBAMA and other government economy has been destabilised Agencies assembly to rewrite the consti- rique Capriles said, appearing There is no provision in the “If the opposition maintains agencies dispute those allegations. because of Brazil’s recession,” Caracas tution. at a news conference with other current constitution for the its position,” political scientist “We want to suspend all Fernandez said. “In the west- Clashes at protests have left MUD leaders. “We have a con- sector-by-sector elections, Luis Salamanca said. “Maduro (mining) actions on this 14,000 ern Amazon, illegal mining has 36 people dead and hundreds stitution, and the government Maduro says. could change the very model of hectares,” Amazonas state pros- grown very quickly. It’s a major enezuela’s opposition injured since the unrest erupted cannot repeal it by act of force.” Citizen assemblies will the state to perpetuate his grip ecutor Leonardo Galiano told the driver of environmental destruc- yesterday staged fresh on April 1, according to authori- But some analysts said they be held today to explain the on power.” Thomson Reuters Foundation in tion and human traffi cking.” Vstreet protests against ties. fear the opposition is leaving “fl aws” in the constituent as- “Do not leave the space free,” a phone interview. Precise data on the value of President Nicolas Maduro’s ef- Jaua invited the opposition to the way open for Maduro to sembly, deputy Stalin Gonzalez he warned, adding, “this could “We want the government to the black market operations is forts to reform the constitution a meeting yesterday about the change the constitution at will, said. be the last election in Venezue- start campaigns against these diffi cult to fi nd, Fernandez said, in a deadly political crisis. constitutional reforms. “The possibly cementing his grip on He said there would be a la.” environmental crimes.” but it’s likely worth billions of Supporters of the opposition doors are open, especially to the power. march tomorrow on the Su- Maduro’s plan has drawn With Brazil’s suff ering through dollars annually. Democratic Unity Roundtable spokespeople of the MUD. MUD rejects Maduro’s pro- preme Court and other judicial widespread international criti- its worst recession in a century Prosecutors hope suing IBAMA (MUD) gathered in eastern Ca- Dialogue is the way forward,” posal to elect half the members offi ces around the country, and cism. and high global gold prices, illegal will force the authorities to take racas to march to the education he said. of the constituent assembly other protests Thursday and The United States, Mexico, miners have polluted the area with the problem more seriously and ministry under the slogan “No The opposition has refused to by voting in sectors it says are Friday. Brazil and Spain have said that mercury and other chemicals to launch a new crackdown. to the dictatorship.” take part in the assembly. government-controlled, while On Sunday, the presidential any process to modify the con- separate gold from grit while au- IBAMA spokesman Tiago They blame Maduro for Opposition congressional the rest would be chosen in mu- panel guiding the constituent stitution requires universal suf- thorities have failed to enforce the Costa said the agency brokered an economic crisis that has speaker Julio Borges rejected the nicipal elections. assembly process, led by Elias frage. law, the prosecutor said. a deal in 2010 between the state caused food shortages and plan as “constitutional fraud.” Capriles maintains that Ma- Jaua, met with youth group Chile has said the process is Mercury, a highly toxic metal, of Amazonas and gold miners in say his constitutional move is The government called on its duro — whose leadership is leaders. worsening an already bad po- is released into the environment order to carry out environmental a ploy to resist calls for early supporters to stage counter- rejected by seven of 10 Ven- Some analysts warned that litical crisis, and Luis Almagro, then travels up the food chain to licensing of the mines. elections. demonstrations. ezuelans, according to polls — is MUD’s decision to sit out that secretary general of the Or- fi sh, fi sh-eating mammals and also But those licenses were not re- Education Minister Elias Jaua “We cannot take part in a trying to avoid a general elec- process could leave the way ganization of American States humans, endangering the health of newed and the agency has stepped has been appointed by Maduro fraudulent process,” former tion, the main demand of the open for the government to (OAS), has called the process indigenous people living closest to up enforcement activities. to set up an elected constituent presidential candidate Hen- opposition protests since April 1. change the constitution at will. “fraudulent.” Mexican engineers Official visit Mexico, US sugar trade talks next week

fl ood Tesla hiring event sugar in the US market. Reuters Mexico City The ministry also said, Reuters cars a year by 2018, a six-fold in- recruiters in Monterrey declined however, it remained open to Monterrey, Mexico crease from 2016. to comment on the event or the reaching a negotiated agree- The factory will build Tesla’s company’s hiring plans in Mexico. exican Economy ment. upcoming Model 3. Reporters were escorted off Minister Ildefonso The US sugar industry ngineers from across Mexico boasts a substantial the premises by security. MGuajardo will travel pressed the commerce depart- Mexico streamed into a pool of experienced manufac- The call from a top US com- to Washington DC next week ment late last year to withdraw Ecramped hotel lobby in the turing engineers, with 19 auto- pany to Mexican engineers con- for talks about sugar exports, from a 2014 trade agreement industrial city of Monterrey for a motive plants owned by global trasts with the White House’s he told reporters yesterday, that sets prices and quota for chance of a job with the US elec- automakers including General cooler stance toward both Mex- in an attempt to break an im- USimports of Mexican sugar, tric vehicle maker Tesla, which is Motors Co, Ford Motor Co, ico and high-skilled immigrants. passe that threatens to trigger unless the deal could be rene- looking south of the border for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and In his fi rst days in offi ce, tit-for-tat duties on sweeten- gotiated. talent in short supply at home. Volkswagen. Trump pressured US companies ers. The letter was sent by Ron- The fair was held at a delicate A steady tide of hopefuls to stop moving manufacturing Mexico and the United States ald Lorentzen, acting assistant time for American fi rms hir- showed up at the event unan- and jobs to lower cost Mexico. last week extended a deadline secretary for enforcement and ing abroad as President Donald nounced and without an ap- He also wants to overhaul a to June 5 to reach an agreement compliance with the com- Trump reviews immigration rules pointment, some having trav- visa system that he says replaces on how much Mexican refi ned merce department, to Juan for bringing high-skilled foreign elled hundreds of kilometres, Americans with workers from and crude sugar can enter the Cortina Gallardo, president of workers to the US, part of a “buy mistakenly thinking it was an other countries, but shortages of USMexico’s economy min- Mexico’s sugar chamber. American, hire American” policy. open recruiting fair. engineers make it hard for tech- istry, the country’s top trade “However, despite every- Tesla, which prides itself on its Several dozen were turned away. nology companies to hire only authority, had earlier put the one’s best efforts and numer- “Made in America” credentials, Tesla gave them a brief expla- Americans. blame for the impasse squarely ous meetings, there remain had scheduled interviews with nation about the mix-up, said Tesla chief executive Elon Musk on the US side. outstanding issues between an unknown number of Mexi- those being interviewed were is himself an immigrant from “Excessive demands from the parties,” Lorentzen wrote, can candidates and was slated often already weeks into their ap- South Africa who sits on Trump’s US producers and refiners adding that the agreement to screen other prospective em- plication processes, and directed business advisory council. have impeded the ability to will be terminated if a new ployees at the closed-door event. them to e-mail their resumes, ac- Tesla has been actively hiring reach a solution,” the minis- one cannot be reached by The Silicon Valley automaker cording to more than a dozen me- in the past few months for as- Italian President Sergio Mattarella (left) and his Argentinian try said, adding that US ne- June 5. is recruiting in the US’ neigh- chanical, mechatronic, electrical sembly-line jobs at its Fremont counterpart Mauricio Macri, arrive for the welcoming gotiators continued to press Termination of the agree- bour for work on robotics and and chemical engineers that Reu- plant, but has found that manu- ceremony before a working meeting at the Casa Rosada for limits on Mexican raw ment would result in large other automated equipment at ters spoke with outside the event. facturing engineers are in even presidential palace in Buenos Aires yesterday. Matarella is on sugar exports for US refiners anti-dumping tariff s being its Fremont, California factory, Representatives from Tesla shorter supply than software a three-day off icial visit to Argentina. as well as ending “all compe- slapped on sugar imports from where it aims to build 500,000 headquarters in California and engineers in Silicon Valley. tition” from Mexican refined Mexico. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 9, 2017 23 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN

VISIT DIPLOMACY MILITANCY REGIONAL PEACE WEATHER Sohail Mahmood to be new Bomb hits girls’ school Pakistan seeks US help to Light rainfall expected in Pakistan envoy to India in northwest Pakistan break Afghan-India nexus Islamabad next week

Career diplomat Sohail Mahmood will be A bomb exploded outside a girls’ school Reiterating its charge that India and Afghanistan Despite the high temperatures, the twin cities Pakistan’s new High Commissioner to India and in northwestern Pakistan early yesterday, had formed a nexus against it, Pakistan has are likely to see a mild and occasionally pleasant is set to take charge at the end of this month, wounding two police off icers but injuring asked the US to help break the alleged alliance May, due to regular arrival of clouds over the Foreign Off ice sources said. Mahmood, now no students as classes had not yet begun, “for the sake of regional peace”, a media report Potohar region. The Met Off ice has said northern Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkey, will succeed authorities said. The bomb at the school here said yesterday. A senior off icial at the Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkha, Gilgit-Baltistan and Abdul Basit. The sources said the Indian High in a suburb of Peshawar, capital of Khyber Pakistan Foreign Ministry said that during recent Azad Kashmir are expected to receive slightly Commission in Islamabad issued visa to Pakhtunkhwa province, detonated as a counter- contacts Washington was urged to play its role above normal precipitation. Hot, dry weather is Mahmood on Friday. Mahmood, who has served terrorism police vehicle drove by, off icials said. to defuse Pakistan-Afghan tension. “We know expected in most parts of the country, while rain Adviser to the Pakistani Prime Minister on in Pakistani missions in Washington, New York, “Two counter terrorism department personnel the US has a stake in Afghanistan. They (the thunderstorms and heavy winds are expected Foreign Aff airs, Sartaj Aziz and Minister for Ankara and Bangkok, is 55 years old and holds were wounded in the IED (improvise explosive US) want peace between us but India is trying in a few places. Light rainfall is expected in Foreign Aff airs of Oman Yousuf bin Alawi bin a Masters degrees in History and International device),” Peshawar police chief Mohamed Tahir to disrupt these eff orts. We have asked them Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hazara and the Fata Abdulla address a press conference in Islamabad Relations. He joined the Foreign Service in 1985 told AFP. A second device was found nearby but to take care of India if they can. New Delhi is next week. The Met Off ice said: “These regions yesterday. Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdulla is in and is one of the senior most off icers of the was defused, he said The blast damaged the obviously pulling their (Afghanistan’s) strings,” are likely to receive three to four rain spells Pakistan for a two-day off icial visit. Pakistan Foreign Service. main gate of the school and some walls inside. the off icial, told The Nation. accompanied by thunderstorms.”

Pakistan observes Thalassemia Day Google Maps to be used to settle Pakistan-Afghan border dispute

AFP rand Line”, many nationalists tional demands. Kandahar believe the true border of their For instance, its Indian site country ends at the River Indus shows the entirety of disputed that runs though Pakistan and Kashmir as controlled by India. akistan and Afghanistan gave India its name. In Pakistan, however, the site plan to use Google Maps “Offi cials from the geological shows the internationally rec- Pto help settle a border dis- survey departments of the two ognised de facto border, the Line pute that led to deadly clashes countries will conduct a survey, of Control, marked with a dotted last week, offi cials from both and they will also make use of line to denote it is disputed. sides said yesterday. Google Maps,” said a senior Pa- In 2010 Google was embroiled At least eight civilians were kistani security source in Islam- in a Central American border killed on both sides in fi ght- abad who requested anonymity. dispute that saw two neighbour- ing that began when a Pakistani Abdul Razeq, the police chief of ing countries dispatch troops A Pakistani boy suff ering from thalassemia receives a blood transfusion at a clinic in Lahore yesterday. Thalassemia is a genetic census team accompanied by Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, and heavily armed police to their disease of the blood where patients cannot produce enough haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells, that transport oxygen soldiers visited disputed villages added: “After negotiations, both joint border. from the lungs. International Thalassemia Day is marked this year on May 8. along the southern border on sides have agreed that a geological The incident happened after Friday. survey should be conducted. a Nicaraguan commander cited Pakistan inherited its 2,400- “Technical teams of both Google’s version of the border km border with its western countries will use GPS and map in an interview with Costa neighbour when it gained inde- Google Maps as well as other Rican newspaper La Nacion to pendence from Britain in 1947, means to get the answer.” justify a raid on a disputed area IS Afghan leader ‘killed in targeted raid’ but Afghanistan has never for- Internet firm Google com- of Costa Rica. mally recognised it. plies with local laws in certain Google later said it had made a And while offi cial Afghan countries that compel it to mistake and corrected its map to AFP came days after Washington that comes to Afghanistan will “The assault force was able to maps refl ect the so-called “Du- show borders in line with na- refl ect one sanctioned by the US Kabul dropped its largest non-nu- meet the same fate”. safely separate the women and State Department. clear bomb on IS hideouts in “This is the second ISIS- children from the combatants Pakistan resumes census in border villages Pakistan last year began try- the same area. K emir we have killed in nine and there were no civilian casu- ing to harden the traditionally he head of Islamic State Analysts described him as months, along with dozens of alties,” he said. soft border with Afghanistan in Afghanistan — de- “obscure”, but authorities as- their leaders and hundreds of Salvin added that “more Pakistan resumed its census in wounded. through trenching and fencing, Tscribed as the master- cribed responsibility to him for their fi ghters,” he added, us- than 500” IS fighters have border villages yesterday, after The fighting lasted for the but its eff orts were met with mind behind high-profi le at- assaults in Kabul, including the ing the acronym denoting the been killed since an offensive Islamabad and Kabul agreed entire day. hostility from Kabul. tacks including an assault on a savage attack on a military hos- group’s local affi liate, Islamic began against them in March, to conduct a survey for a fresh Pakistani authorities then Ethnic Pashtuns living in the military hospital that claimed at pital in March when assailants State Khorasan Province. though he could not immedi- demarcation of a disputed postponed the census in two region have traditionally paid it least 50 lives — has been killed, stabbed bedridden patients and The fi rst, Hafi z Saeed, was ately provide an estimate on frontier area following deadly disputed villages, fearing a little heed. US and Afghan offi cials said. threw grenades into crowded killed in a US airstrike also in how many remain. clashes last week, off icials said. repeat of the clashes. Villages straddling the fron- Abdul Hasib, whose group wards. Nangarhar province in July last Kabul-based analyst Ahmad Fighting erupted on Friday At least 2,000 families from tier have mosques and houses is affi liated with IS in Iraq and “He had ordered the attack” year. Saeedi said the killing was un- between Afghan border police the villages were evacuated with one door in Pakistan and Syria, was killed last month in on the hospital, the presiden- Like Hasib, his death was likely to aff ect the group in a and Pakistani troops escorting from the area out of fear that another in Afghanistan. a targeted raid by special forces tial statement said, adding that seen as a setback, but not a dramatic way because he would off icials conducting the census their houses might come under Pakistani forces on Sunday el- in the eastern province of Nan- Kabul will fi ght IS and other mortal blow to the group. be quickly replaced. near the border in the province shelling from Afghan side. evated their rhetoric when they garhar, the presidential palace extremist groups “until they are Nato spokesman Captain Bill “Dozens of Daesh fi ghters of Balochistan. “The census has resumed today said they had also killed “more in Kabul said in a statement. annihilated”. Salvin later elaborated on the have been killed in eastern Af- More than a dozen people, after the agreement,” said than 50 soldiers” in last week’s The second leader of the Nato commander in Afghan- raid, telling AFP: “There were ghanistan, but it did not bring mostly Pakistani civilians, were Wasseh, speaking from Quetta, border clashes — a claim quickly jihadist group to be killed by istan General John Nicholson women and children in the positive change,” he said, us- killed, while nearly 100 were the capital of Balochistan. rejected by Kabul, which said it US and Afghan forces in less confi rmed Hasib’s killing and compound” where Hasib was ing the Arabic acronym for the lost two soldiers. than nine months, his death warned that “any ISIS member killed. group. Is Pakistan’s solar power poised to take off ?

Reuters investment, as part of its at- lenge grid-connected power,” mon sight in Pakistan, but it’s Islamabad tempts to end the crisis. said Fariel Salahuddin, an energy only a matter of time before it But Pakistan also has a range specialist based in Karachi. does,” said Masud. of major solar projects in the “Roof-top solar panels are Pakistan already has one ma- olar energy production in pipeline, amounting to more growing organically and as jor solar park — the Quaid-e- Pakistan is poised to take than 4,400 megawatts in po- for the grid-connected solar Azam Solar Park in Bahawalpur, Soff — just as the South tential power, said Amjad Awan, projects, lots of pieces are com- built with Chinese investment. Asian country is ramping up coal chief executive offi cer of the ing together like regulation, tar- It produces 400 megawatts production to help plug a crip- federal government’s Alterna- iff s, investments and grid capac- with plans to rise to 1,500 mega- pling power crisis, energy ex- tive Energy Development Board ity,” she added. watts of solar production. perts say. (AEDB), an autonomous body Pakistan’s National Electric “Not just the Chinese, but New high quality solar maps working under the Ministry of Power Regulatory Authority many other companies from — essential to securing fi nancing Water and Power. (NEPRA) has issued guidelines countries like Germany and the for major solar projects — show Until now, the country’s lack for net metering so consumers United States are coming into Pakistan is one of the world’s of detailed solar maps — needed can now sell excess solar energy Pakistan to invest in solar ener- best countries for producing so- by major investors, especially US they produce back to the grid, gy,” said Vaqar Zakaria, the chief lar energy because of its arid cli- companies — has held back de- Salahuddin said. executive offi cer of Haigler Bailly mate and latitude. velopment of renewable energy, One of the fi rst licenses for Pakistan. “Pakistan’s solar potential said Ali Habib, managing part- net metering was issued to Pa- “However, the support and is huge,” said Jamil Masud, an ner of Shama Solar, a company kistan’s parliament building in incentives being off ered for energy expert who helped draft based in Lahore. Islamabad, which switched to coal-based power generation are Pakistan’s national renewable That changed in March, when solar energy last year. far more attractive than those energy policy. Pakistan became one of the few Some banks have started fi - being off ered for investment in “The government is waking developing countries to produce nancing home solar systems, solar power,” added Zakaria. up to its potential,” said Masud, the maps. which are cropping up across the However, despite its consid- a director of Hagler Bailly Pa- They were developed by the country. erable solar and wind potential kistan, an energy and environ- AEDB and World Bank, drawing Pakistan is one of the world’s best countries for producing solar energy because of its arid climate and The Islamabad Electric Sup- and the rapidly decreasing costs mental consulting fi rm in Is- on data from nine solar data sta- latitude. ply Company has introduced net of renewable energy, Pakistan lamabad. tions and 12 wind masts installed metering, and other power com- continues to focus on building “With the prices of (photo- across the country. little cloud cover or air pollution Pakistan’s data has been made ing institutions”, said Masud. panies in large cities such as La- its coal-powered generating ca- voltaic panels) falling drastically “This is credible data ac- — has the country’s largest solar public as part of the Global Solar That can substantially lower hore and Karachi will be follow- pacity. in the last four years, the switch- cording to which banks can give potential, they show. Atlas website, giving commer- the costs around projects, which ing suit “in a matter of months, The government plans to add over to renewables will happen funding to potential projects,” “The maps reveal that even cial scale projects ready-to-use in turn encourages companies to not years” said AEDB’s Awan. 10,000 megawatts of coal energy — gradually.” said Awan. “The government areas...receiving the least aver- seasonal and monthly data. set up large-scale solar power However, the government still to the country’s energy mix by Pakistan’s current national can now do the appropriate zon- age annual irradiation are bet- This means investors do not facilities, he said. needs to simplify connection 2020. power shortfall is estimated to ing and develop solar and wind ter than Germany’s best regions have to spend signifi cant time Frustrated with constant rules and procedures for small- “Solar and wind have their be more than 6,000 megawatts, areas.” for solar power generation,” said and money gathering data for power cuts, consumers are al- scale solar power to be more limitations. Solar can’t produce causing long power outages The solar maps highlight Masud. their projects. ready installing small-scale widely adopted, Masud said. electricity at night,” said Shama across the country. which regions are most suitable Germany is a world leader in Instead, “they can instanta- roof-top solar systems for their “There are several procedural Solar’s Habib.”Every country The country is building nearly for solar power generation. producing solar energy, and uses neously acquire certifi ed data of homes and businesses. and commercial details to be needs a base load that can run all a dozen coal power plants over The southwestern province of detailed solar maps to assess its ‘bankable’ quality that should be “Solar is already taking off in worked out before rooftop pho- the time — and that still comes the next 15 years with Chinese Balochistan — a desert area with own solar resources. acceptable to commercial fi nanc- Pakistan — it’s going to chal- tovoltaic panels become a com- from coal and gas or oil.” Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, May 9, 2017 PHILIPPINES Manila joins Beijing to fi ght illegal gambling

Reuters betting. “It is allowed in the Manila/Hong Kong casinos. I am not very conver- sant about it,” she said. Chinese law forbids citizens hina and the Philip- from gambling online and at pines have joined forces home. Cto tackle illegal gam- The Public Security Bureau bling, part of Beijing’s broader has made repeated statements campaign to curb illicit capital since March that transnational outfl ows and a pledge by Ma- cyber gambling is harmful to nila to weed out unscrupulous the country’s economic secu- operators from the country’s rity, image and stability. booming gaming industry. Yet proxy betting is grow- The co-ordinated crack- ing at such a pace in the Phil- down comes amid warming ippines that Suncity, the top Senator Alan Peter Cayetano (right) speaks next to head of the delegation Menardo Guevarra during the universal periodic review of the Philippines by the Off ice of the United Nations ties between Chinese Presi- junket operator bringing in High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) yesterday at the UN off ices in Geneva. dent Xi Jinping and his Phil- high rollers from China, told ippine counterpart Rodrigo Reuters in April that 80% of Duterte, who has made illegal its business comes from proxy gambling the third front in gambling and 20% from cus- his all-out war on crime, after tomers travelling to casinos for drugs and corruption. live table games. In their fi rst joint exercise, Ben Lee, managing partner Philippine and Chinese au- of IGAMIX Management and thorities cracked a transna- Consulting in Macau, said tional cyber gambling op- the latest directives this year Drug war under fi re eration in April, shutting four from China were clear warn- illegal websites run out of the ing signs. Philippines, arresting 99 peo- “China warning specifi - ple and freezing more than cally that they would crack 1,000 bank accounts, China’s down again on foreign casinos Public Security Bureau said. should be heeded by all, espe- Martini Cruz, chief of the cially those operating in the Philippines National Bureau online space,” he said. at UN rights council of Investigation’s cyber-crime The proxy business in the division, told Reuters authori- Philippines is mainly facilitat- AFP mine the fi ght against a scourge terday, hoisting placards pro- ties were preparing further ed by Macau junket operators Geneva that has poisoned Filipino soci- claiming “Duterte is not a mass raids in May targeting ille- who bring high rollers into the ety. murderer.” gal betting and online fraud casinos’ opulent VIP parlours, He specifi cally highlighted the Foreign governments and UN originating in the Philippines either in person or via proxies. he Philippines came under abuse of methamphetamines, offi cials are free to criticise the and targeted at Chinese gam- The junkets take on the risk global pressure yesterday linking them to violent crime president, protest organiser, blers. “We have been visited by for casinos, settling all credit Tover its deadly drug war, and sexual violence he claims Dexi Jimenez said, but added Chinese police to crack down and debt for the players in facing calls for action following had become part of “normal life” that they needed to understand on these illegal gambling op- Macau, Hong Kong and China an alleged wave of extra-judicial before Duterte took offi ce. “the war on drugs has gained erators. They are also targeting via their own internal banking killings. Cayetano also showed a vid- (him) excellent ratings” in public possible fugitives who have networks. Diplomats from all continents eo clip of Duterte vowing to opinion polls. made our country a sanctu- In a VIP area in a Manila raised concern over the surge in put “drug lords...below (the) Duterte was elected largely on a ary,” Cruz said. casino, Chinese and Korean deaths during President Rodrigo ground”, an unusual move at the law-and-order platform in which So far, the crackdown has nationals wearing earpieces Duterte’s so-called anti-drug UN council where governments he promised to eradicate illegal not targeted proxy betting, shuffl e from table to table af- campaign, which has claimed do not typically publicise death drugs by killing tens of thousands which is permitted in licensed ter a series of bets, carrying thousands of lives since he took Pro-President Rodrigo Duterte protesters carry placards during a rally in threats by their heads of state. of people. Since then, police have casinos in the Philippines and rectangular white plastic trays offi ce last year. front of the United Nations (UN) off ice in the financial district of Manila. Human Rights Watch ap- reported killing 2,692 people in has contributed to a boom in containing gaming chips and The Philippines was facing its plauded the “growing chorus of anti-drug operations. VIP revenues. smartphones. regular review at the Geneva- crucial for the Philippines to The council meeting be- international concern at the hu- They say unspecifi ed parties Casinos in the country raked A Macau-based execu- based UN human rights council, “investigate the allegations of gan with Filipino Senator Alan man cost of President Duterte’s have murdered another 1,847 in nearly $3bn in overall reve- tive whose company operates where each country’s record is the more than 7,000 deaths as- Cayetano, a Duterte ally, de- murderous ‘war on drugs,’” in a people in drug-related inci- nue last year. proxy gambling in the Philip- scrutinised every four years. sociated with the counter-nar- nouncing what he called a cam- statement from the group’s Ge- dents, while 5,691 other violent The practice, in which a pines said there was little con- Canada urged Manila to “end cotics campaign since July 2016, paign by rights advocates and neva direct John Fisher. deaths are under investigation. gambler outside the casino cern on the ground in Manila extra-judicial killings, enforced including over 2,600 killings by the media to distort perceptions He said the UN rights body In a major report on the drug gives instructions to an agent as the practice is licensed by disappearances, illegal arrests security forces and 4,000 by un- of the government’s actions. should consider expelling the war in February, Amnesty In- via a live stream or online Pagcor. “To play the game in and detention, torture and har- known assailants”. “There is no new wave of Philippines, which currently ternational accused police of platform, allows people to bet China is legal online, it is not assment”, with similar com- US President Donald Trump killings in the Philippines,” holds one of 47 rotating council shooting defenceless people, anonymously and can allow happening in China,” he said, ments made by delegations from has invited Duterte to the White Cayetano told the council. seats, “if killings without ac- paying assassins to murder ad- players to escape the attention explaining that the casinos in- Australia, Brazil, France, Ger- House, outraging human rights He said the government’s ene- countability continue.” dicts and stealing from those of authorities in their home stall video screening so punt- many and Ghana, among many groups, although the Filipino mies were using “a political tac- A group of roughly 50 pro- they killed. Duterte has previ- countries. ers can see the play. others. fi rebrand has said he may turn tic” of manipulating fi gures on Duterte supporters braved a light ously boasted of taking part in Industry executives have For now, proxy gambling The United States said it was down the off er. extra-judicial killings to under- rain outside the UN earlier yes- killings. said increased scrutiny could continues to boost the VIP impact the lucrative proxy coff ers in the Philippines with business in the Philippines mega casinos Solaire and City particularly if it continues to of Dreams reporting double ramp up ahead of the offi cial digit VIP volume growth in the Former army general named new environment minister opening of Japanese slot ma- fi rst quarter this year. chine tycoon Kazuo Okada’s The casinos do not report new $2.4bn casino in the capi- proxy betting fi gures. Reuters closure of more than terte’s spokesman Ernesto Abella said in 2002, during the government of former tal Manila in July. However, executives in Manila half the mines in the a statement. president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. While proxy gambling is Macau familiar with the VIP world’s top nickel “Let us put an end to all specula- Duterte has said he met Cimatu in banned in Singapore and in boom in the Chinese territory ore supplier. tions,” said Duterte as he announced the Davao City many years ago where he Macau, the world’s largest prior to Xi’s crackdown on hilippine President Rodrigo Duterte “We are confi- appointment of Cimatu, according to a served as mayor for more than two dec- gambling hub, it operates in corruption and tighter junket has appointed former army general dent that Secretary Facebook post by Agriculture Secretary ades. a legal grey area in the Phil- regulation cautioned against Pand ambassador Roy Cimatu as the Cimatu shall faith- Emmanuel Pinol, that shows a photo of Duterte largely backed Lopez’s mining ippines and offi cials tend to relying too strongly on the new environment minister, his spokes- fully serve the in- Cimatu with Duterte and other cabinet crackdown but it angered miners who tread cautiously when dis- method.”Proxy betting in the man said yesterday. terest of the coun- officials. then sought her removal. cussing the subject. Philippines is a ripe target for Cimatu will take over from Regina try and the Filipino Duterte appointed Cimatu on April 23 Lopez in February ordered 22 of 41 Andrea Domingo, the head China,” said a senior casino Lopez whose appointment was rejected Roy Cimatu people in his ca- as a special envoy to help overseas Fili- operating mines to close permanently of the Philippines gaming reg- executive based in Macau who by the Commission on Appointments pacity as the new pino worker refugees. and cancelled dozens of contracts for ulator, Pagcor, told Reuters she was not allowed to be named last week, ending her 10-month mining DENR (Department of Environment Cimatu briefly served as chief of undeveloped mines. was not familiar with proxy due to company policy. crackdown during which she ordered the and Natural Resources) Secretary,” Du- the Armed Forces of the Philippines in She also banned open-pit mining.

Duterte keeps ‘excellent’ trust rating in survey Philippines, US launch smaller military exercises Philippine President Rodrigo give a reason for their ratings. Duterte kept his “excellent” trust Based on SWS methodology for rating for a fourth consecutive net trust ratings, a score of 70 AFP relations with Beijing. While on leader, and is also expected to quarter in an opinion poll, with and above is considered excel- Manila a trip to Beijing last year Du- this month travel to Moscow for four-fifths of Filipinos giving him lent, 50 to 69 is very good, 30- terte, a self-described socialist, a meeting with Russian Presi- the highest score in a survey 49 good and 10-29 moderate. announced that he was in the dent Vladimir Putin. that focuses on personality SWS diff erentiates trust ratings he Philippines and Unit- “ideological fl ow” of China’s Duterte last week said he may rather than policy. from satisfaction ratings. ed States launched an- communist rulers. be too busy to accept an invita- Pollster Social Weather Stations Trust gauges public sentiment Tnual military exercises in Much of Duterte’s criticism tion by Trump to visit Washing- has been tracking trust ratings about a personality while satisfac- Manila yesterday but the long- appeared to have been trig- ton, even though no date had of Duterte since December tion is related to an individual’s time allies scaled them down gered by American criticism of been proposed for the trip. 2015, when he signed up for a performance related to his posi- in line with President Rodrigo his drug war, which has claimed Previous editions of the Ba- presidential election that he won tion or duty. Duterte’s pivot to China and thousands of lives and been likatan exercises involved large- six months later. Duterte started Ranhilo Aquino, a priest and politi- Russia. condemned by rights groups scale joint operations in or near off with a 47% trust rating and cal commentator, said the high Duterte has in his 10 months as a possible crime against hu- the South China Sea, which his peak was 84% a week before rating did not necessarily mean in offi ce sought to weaken ties manity. China claims nearly in its en- he took off ice late in June. his policies were as popular as with the United States, the Phil- Duterte responded to criti- tirety. Eighty percent of the 1,200 he was, citing other surveys that ippines’ mutual defence treaty cism from then-US president This year the exercises will Filipinos surveyed in the first showed declines in support for partner and former colonial rul- (From L-R): Philippine exercise director Lieutenant General Oscar Barack Obama by describing focus only on counter-ter- quarter this year by SWS said reinstating the death penalty and er that he has said is diminish- Lactao, US ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim, Defence Minister him using an off ensive epithet rorism and disaster relief, the they have “much trust” in the Duterte’s bloody war on drugs, ing as a global superpower. Delfin Lorenzana, Foreign Aff airs Under Secretary Ariel Abadilla, and threatening to sever defence heads of the Philippine and US firebrand leader, a one percent- which has killed thousands of The 12-day “Balikatan” war Military chief Eduardo Ano, and US exercise director Lieutenant relations completely between delegations said at the opening age point drop from December. Filipinos. Aquino in a television games that opened yesterday General Lawrence Nicholson link arms during the opening of the the two nations. ceremony at the national mili- Eleven percent said they were interview said Duterte came will involve fewer than half the annual Philippines-US military exercise at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon Bilateral ties have warmed tary headquarters in Manila. undecided and 10% have “little across as being pro-poor and the number of soldiers than in 2015, City, suburban Manila yesterday. under Obama’s successor, Don- They will involve 2,600 trust” in the former mayor from continued high rating of him also when they were steered by Du- ald Trump, but Duterte has con- American soldiers and 2,800 the southern Philippines. reflected “exasperation with the terte’s pro-American predeces- which in previous years had Duterte has reversed Aquino’s tinued to signal his preference Filipino troops, according to The survey was conducted way things were before him”. sor, Benigno Aquino. been widely seen as a show of policy of challenging China for building stronger relations both sides. This is down from from March 25 to 28 and was “I don’t think these numbers There will also be no focus strength against Beijing over forcefully on the territorial row, with China and Russia. 12,000 in the 2015 edition of Ba- released at the weekend. necessarily translate into policy on boosting the Philippines’ competing claims in the South electing to instead pursue closer Duterte is due to next week likatan, which means shoulder- It did not ask respondents to support,” he added. maritime defence capabilities, China Sea. economic, political and military visit China for a second time as to-shoulder. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 9, 2017 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Nepal Call for Everest age limit after fi nes solo climber without death of 85-year-old climber permit By Michael Safi, GNS Mountaineering Association. three over 75 have reached the Kathmandu “It has to come into eff ect as peak of the mountain, fewer soon as possible to avoid dis- than half of 1% of total climbs. $22,000 asters like the death of Min Ba- In the same period, two epal’s biggest alpine as- hadur Sherchan. We have been climbers classifi ed by the Hima- sociation will push the pushing for [it] and we will bring layan Database to have disabili- AFP Ncountry’s government it to the government’s notice ties died while trying to climb Kathmandu to implement an age limit on once again.” Everest, from 28 attempts. who can climb the world’s tall- The Nepal government an- Ascents from the Tibetan side est mountain after the death nounced two years ago it was of the mountain are restricted South African attempting of an 85-year-old at Everest considering introducing regula- by the Chinese government to to climb Mount Everest base camp at the weekend, the tions, including a ban on novice those between 18 and 60 years Aalone and without a permit second fatality in the past week. climbers and anyone aged above old. The restrictions were put has been ordered off the moun- The body of Min Bahadur 75. A ban on anyone under 16 in place the same year Jordan tain, had his passport confi scated Sherchan, at one time the old- climbing is already in place. Romero, 13, from California, and will be fi ned $22,000, an of- est man to reach the summit The tighter rules – which in- became the youngest person to fi cial said yesterday. of Mount Everest, was airlifted clude requiring climbers to have reach Everest’s summit. Ryan Sean Davy, 43, told of- from base camp on Saturday af- ascended a peak at least 21,000ft The head of Nepal’s tourism fi cials at base camp that he had ternoon after a suspected heart high in the past – have yet to department, Dinesh Bhattarai, climbed alone as far as camp two attack. be implemented and attracted said on Monday the government - 6,400m (21,000ft) - to accli- He had been preparing to as- widespread criticism, including had yet to be approached with matise ahead of a summit push cend to the 29,029ft (8,848m) from local communities who de- a proposal to restrict climb- before he was caught. summit to reclaim his record, pend on revenue from overseas ing permits, which cost $11,000 Foreigners have to pay the broken in 2013 by the Japanese climbers. (£8,000). Nepal government $11,000 for climber Yuichiro Miura, then Sherpa said some human Nepal has issued about 376 permission to climb the 8,848m aged 80. rights groups and foreign em- permits to foreigners this year, (29,030ft) peak - a major earner While paying tribute to the bassies were sceptical whether the highest number since the Off icial carry the body of Min Bahadur Sherchan brought to Lukla helipad on Saturday. for the impoverished country. “legendary” mountaineer, Ne- earlier proposed restrictions, 1950s, and many people whose “I saw him alone near base pal’s peak alpine club said yes- including on disabled climbers, climbs were postponed after compromising the safety of all ice crampons to the wrong feet. a poor sense of professionalism,” camp so I approached him and terday his death underlined the would stem the death toll on the deadly earthquakes in past years climbers. He said their inexperience and Mosedale said. he ran away,” said Gyanendra need for tighter restrictions on mountain. are expected to return. A British mountaineer, Tim the lack of professionalism from Ueli Stick, a highly experienced Shresth, the government liaison who could climb the mountain. Only a tiny fraction of those Veteran mountaineers have Mosedale, complained on Fa- their Sherpa guides was a “toxic Swiss climber, died in a fall at offi cer at base camp. “It’s been a decade since we who have died trying to climb warned the peak will become cebook last month of fi nding mix”. Mount Nuptse, a peak near Ever- “I followed him with my friend have been advocating for the Everest have been disabled or overcrowded, and that the im- a group of novice climbers at- “Everest is hazardous enough est last week. Described as “one of and found him hiding in a cave age limit, 16 years to 76 years,” outside the 18-75 age window. provements in technology are tempting to navigate the treach- as it is without complete novices the fi nest alpinists of his, or any, nearby,” he said. said Ang Tshering Sherpa, According to data up to 2014, attracting less experienced erous Khumbu Icefall without being looked after by inexperi- generation”, he had planned to as- “He had set up camp in an iso- the president of the Nepal only 26 people under 18 and people to Everest, potentially oxygen, one even applying their enced Sherpas from teams with cend Everest in spring. lated place to avoid government offi cials.” It is highly unusual for a foreign climber to attempt to scale Everest alone - most do so with the help Flag-makers of at least one Sherpa guide and a large support team at base camp. Minister hints at Davy could be banned from Nepal for fi ve years or face a 10-year ban on climbing in the country. Shresth said he had also seized cabinet reshuffl e Davy’s passport and told him to return to Kathmandu to retrieve it. He will also be fi ned $22,000 - double the cost of the permit. Davy could not be reached for by PM Hasina comment, but photos on a Face- book page under his name appear to show a climber traversing the By Mizan Rahman I think they won’t leave the tary Party (ALPP) recently. Khumbu Icefall, which lies be- Dhaka government anytime soon.” A ruling party MP said the tween base camp and camp one. The Awami League formed prime minister told the meet- In an accompanying post, the government for the sec- ing that a survey will be con- Davy - who identifi es himself as uling Awami League’s ond consecutive term with a ducted in all the parliamenta- a director and producer - said senior leader Obaidul 51-member cabinet in 2014. ry seats in every six months to that he had reached a height of RQuader yesterday In a reshuffl e in July 2015, know the popularity of local 7,010m in six hours. said there may be a cabinet Nurul Islam was made expa- leaders. “When I heard that most of reshuffl e soon. triates welfare and oversees She said the party will give the expeditions on Everest had “Cabinet reshuffl e is a reg- employment minister while those leaders who do well in retreated to base camp because ular process. There may be Asaduzzaman Khan home the survey the nomination for of incoming weather, I made my a reshuffl e in the Cabinet ... minister and Yeafesh Os- the next election. move,” read the post. but we don’t know who will man science and technology Another MP said, “The AFP could not independently remain and who’ll go ... It’s minister. party chief said those whose verify the authenticity of the completely the prime min- Besides, Nuruzzaman names will come up in Facebook page. ister’s jurisdiction,” Obaidul Ahmed was made state min- the survey report will get Davy told offi cials that he didn’t told reporters. ister for food while Tarana nomination.” have enough money to buy a fl ight The reshuffl e is being Halim state minister for posts The prime minister asked from the Everest region to Kath- planned to inject dynamism in and telecommunications. the lawmakers to narrow mandu to collect his passport. He functioning of the cabinet as Meanwhile, the Awami the distance between them said he would instead walk and the country is fast approach- League will pick the party and grassroots leaders and then catch a bus - a journey that ing 2019 which will see crucial candidates for the 11th par- campaign in favour of the would take at least four days. Tailors stitch materials for Buddhist flags at a shop in Colombo yesterday. Sri Lankan Buddhists are general election. liamentary elections on the government by portray- Last year, an Indian couple was preparing to celebrate Vesak, which commemorates the birth of Buddha, his attaining enlightenment Responding to a query basis of a popularity survey ing the scenario of its de- banned from Nepal after they and his passing away at the full moon, which falls on May 10 this year. about Jatiya Party’s decision report, said some ruling party velopment activities on the faked photographs purporting to over quitting the govern- lawmakers. social media. show them at the top of Everest. ment, Quader, also the road They said Prime Minister Out of the 16 independent The pair - both police consta- transport and bridges min- Sheikh Hasina, also Awami MPs, 11 joined the meeting bles - superimposed themselves ister, said, “It’s their own League president, revealed and Sheikh Hasina introduced and their banners onto photos matter whether they’ll leave this while chairing a meeting them to Awami League MPs at taken by another Indian climber Minister accused of blocking the government or not, but of Awami League Parliamen- the beginning of the meeting. of his Everest summit. supporters from meeting Modi EU hopes for inclusive Agencies velopment, prevented its workers the Norwood grounds saying the Colombo from inspecting a site where Modi CWC will not be allowed to at- would hold a public meeting. tend Friday’s meeting. “The Indian High Commis- A police complaint has been Sri Lankan political party sion in Colombo invited the fi led against the minister. Bangladesh national poll representing Indian-or- CWC to attend a public meeting Digambaran is the leader of Aigin plantation workers at Norwood grounds with Modi. the National Union of Workers has accused a minister of at- Minister Digambaram prevented (NUW), a member of the Tamil By Mizan Rahman parties in the country, BNP, their ‘wish’ to see Bangladesh “We don’t just talk, we act,” tempting to prevent its support- us from entering to inspect the Progressive Alliance (TPA) and Dhaka boycotted the last national responds to that pillar. said the Ambassador terming ers from meeting Indian Prime site yesterday,” CWC central United National Front for Good election allowing many seats to Responding to a question on Rohingya issue as global and Minister Narendra Modi during provincial council member Ka- Governance (UNFGG). go uncontested. Hefajat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s humanitarian crisis. his visit to the country this week. napathy Kanagaraj said. The Indian prime minister on he European Union (EU) engagement with the govern- Responding to a question The Ceylon Workers’ Congress Kanagaraj said nearly 30,000 May 12 will inaugurate a well- hopes that all the politi- “We wish that all political ment and recently formed al- on overall democratic and hu- (CWC), the largest trade union- CWC supporters are scheduled equipped hospital in the central Tcal parties in Bangladesh forces in this country will liance led by Jatiya Party, the man rights situation, he said, cum political party, said that to attend the public meeting on hill area of Dickoya built with the would take part in the next na- participate in the next diplomat said he fi nds these “There’s a diffi culty everywhere Palani Digambaran, the minister Friday in the central province. Indian assistance. tional election in 2019, saying elections obviously to developments as positive ones (in the world). You also have of hill country, new villages, in- He said Digambaram pre- He will later address a public there have been some ‘lessons make them as inclusive as as they believe in inclusivity in some issues.” frastructure and community de- vented the CWC from entering rally at the Norwood grounds. learned’ from the last election. possible” politics. Asked how long the EU can “There’ve been some lessons Ambassador Mayaudon says sustain the pressure as many learned already that will cer- Indicating political and so- it will help Bangladesh build an are taking about getting out tainly lead to proper approach cial instability that might ap- inclusive society. “If initiatives from the EU, the ambassador Lanka forex reserves marginally down in April ... We wish that all political pear anywhere in the world due are taken to engage with some said, “I think the EU is an ex- Sri Lanka’s off icial foreign January, tens of billions of rupees bought $192mn from banks and forces in this country will par- to lack of inclusive democracy, components of society who tremely resilient institution.” reserves fell $71mn from a month were printed to repay a maturing sold only $13mn. Data does not ticipate in the next elections Mayaudon said, “Obviously as otherwise would have been left Europe Day, held on May 9 earlier to $5,045mn in April 2017, rupee bond in a strategy that include sales and purchases from obviously to make them as in- friends and partners of Bangla- aside ... I think it is positive.” every year, celebrates peace and off icial data show. has become the latest danger to the government. clusive as possible,” said Pierre desh we don’t want to see that Asked about China’s eff orts unity in Europe. The date marks Sri Lanka had been losing forex economic and monetary stability. April forex deals with banks have Mayaudon, the EU ambassador is happening in your country.” to help Bangladesh resolve Ro- the anniversary of the historical reserves steadily after printed In took almost two months for not been released. In April, the in Bangladesh. The EU ambassador, how- hingya issue, the EU ambas- ‘Schuman declaration’. money in 2015 and 2016 to the Central Bank to pull back the Central Bank printed money to The diplomat, who will com- ever, confi dently said that (po- sador said China joins its voice At a speech in Paris in 1950, drive state and private credit to printed money. finance seasonal demand for plete his tenure by August, litical and social instability) will with many other voices. “It’s Robert Schuman, the then unsustainable levels and foreign In February, the Central Bank sold cash, but it is usually able to also hoped that the next election not happen in Bangladesh. very encouraging.” French foreign minister, set out investors panicked and started to $297mn to defend the currency, collect dollars from remittances will be an occasion of all the The ambassador, however, He said the EU and China are his idea for a new form of po- pull out funds. but also bought $146mn from and dollar conversions from citizens of Bangladesh allowing said the EU has a universal strategic partners and the EU litical co-operation in Europe, Although Sri Lanka is having commercial banks. export firms that pay salary them to express their opinions. agenda to promote free, fair keeps playing its role in fi nding which would make war between a programme with the IMF, in In March, the Central Bank advances. One of the major political and inclusive election, and it is solution to Rohingya issue. Europe’s nations unthinkable. Gulf Times 26 Tuesday, May 9, 2017 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Deputy Managing Editor: K T Chacko Energy, economics and

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] the environment Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) By Giulio Boccaletti from river basins with projected Even one dam changes the physical the process to pay for itself. Our Fax 44350474 London hydropower development. Without attributes of a river basin. Multiplied projections show that projects sited proper planning, these projects could through an entire watershed, the using a Hydropower by Design jeopardize a key source of food and impact is magnifi ed. Hydropower approach can meet their energy o secure a low-carbon income generation for more than projects planned in isolation not objectives, achieve a higher average future and begin to address 100mn people. only often cause more environmental rate of return, and reduce adverse the challenge of climate Consequences like these are not damage than necessary; they often fail eff ects on environmental resources. Tchange, the world needs always apparent when countries plan to achieve their maximum strategic With nearly $2tn of investment in GULF TIMES more investment in renewable energy. dams in isolation. In many parts of potential and may even constrain hydropower anticipated between now So how do we get there? No system Asia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan future economic opportunities. and 2040, the benefi ts of smarter of power production is perfect, and Africa, hydropower is an important As a result, even dams that meet planning represent signifi cant value. even “green” power projects, given source of energy and economic their power-generation goals may fail System-scale hydropower planning their geographic footprint, must be development. But free-fl owing rivers to maximise the long-term value of does not require builders to embrace managed carefully to mitigate “energy are also essential to the health of other water-management services an entirely new process. Instead, Djokovic goes for communities, local economies, and such as fl ood control, navigation, and governments and developers can sprawl” and the associated eff ects on landscapes, rivers, and oceans. ecosystems. By some estimates, if water storage. Our research shows integrate principles and tools into Hydropower off ers one of the the world completes all of the dam that these services add an estimated existing planning and regulatory clearest examples of how the location projects currently underway or $770bn annually to the global processes. Similar principles are shock therapy to of renewable energy infrastructure planned without mitigation measures, economy. Failure to design dams being applied to wind, solar, and other can have unintended consequences. the resulting infrastructure would to their fullest potential, therefore, energy sources with large geographic Dam-generated electricity is currently disrupt 300,000km (186,411 miles) carries a signifi cant cost. footprints. the planet’s largest source of renewable of free-fl owing rivers – a length In the past, some developers have Completing the transition to a revive career energy, delivering about twice as much equivalent to seven trips around the been resistant to this sort of strategic low-carbon future is perhaps the power as all other renewables combined. planet. planning, believing that it would preeminent challenge of our time, and Even with massive expansion in solar There is a better way. By taking cause delays and be expensive to we won’t succeed without expanding When Novak Djokovic announced recently that he will and wind power projects, most forecasts a system-scale approach – looking implement. But, as the Conservancy’s renewable-energy production. In part company with three of his longtime coaching staff assume that meeting global climate at dams in the context of an entire latest report – The Power of Rivers: the case of hydropower, if we plan with immediate eff ect, it created quite a ripple in the mitigation goals will require at least a river basin, rather than on a A Business Case – demonstrates, carefully using a more holistic 50% increase in hydropower capacity project-by-project basis – we can accounting for environmental, social, approach, we can meet global goals for tennis world. by 2040. better anticipate and balance the and economic risks up front can clean energy while protecting some When Djokovic steps onto the courts this week at the Despite hydropower’s promise, environmental, social, and economic minimise delays and budget overruns 100,000 kilometres of river that would Madrid Masters, he will not see the familiar faces of however, there are signifi cant eff ects of any single project, while while reducing the possibility otherwise be disrupted. But if we don’t coach Marian Vajda, fi tness coach Gebhard Phil Gritsch economic and ecological at the same time ensuring that of lawsuits. More important, for step back and see the whole picture, consequences to consider whenever a community’s energy needs are developers and investors, employing we will simply be trading one problem and physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic in his box. dams are installed. Barriers that met. The Nature Conservancy has a holistic or system-wide approach for another. – Project Syndicate Instead, as it stands, it will be empty. restrict the fl ow of water are pioneered such a planning approach – leverages economies of scale in dam Vadja has been with Djokovic since 2006, during the particularly disruptive to inland what we call “Hydropower by Design” construction. zGiulio Boccaletti is Chief Strategy days when he hadn’t started winning Grand Slams. fi sheries, for example. More than 6mn – to help countries realise the full The fi nancial and development Offi cer and Global Managing Director tonnes of fi sh are harvested annually value within their river basins. benefi ts of such planning enable for Water at The Nature Conservancy. Gritsch has helped him remain in shape for eight years and Amanovic, too, has been around for a similar time. Now six Grand Slam titles later, he has decided that he needs a change. Top athletes resort to whatever means possible to prolong their career or revive a slump. But this move seems like a shot in the dark, an impulse-driven one rather than well-planned. And with the French Open around the corner, it could prove to be costly. The last Grand Slam that Djokovic won was almost a year ago at Roland Garros, when he defeated Andy Murray to claim his only clay court major. He was fl ying high in the early part of the season. But subsequently an elbow injury and ‘personal issues’ as he called it, caused an alarming dip in form. He lost the world No 1 ranking to Murray. Before that Djokovic was the world No 1 for a staggering 122 weeks in a row. The 2017 season began with the shock loss to Dennis Istomin in the Australian Open. Then there were back- to-back hard court losses to Nick Kyrgios – both in straight sets. And there was the loss in last month’s Monte Carlo Masters to David Goffi n. This Hydropower off ers one of the clearest examples of how the location of renewable energy infrastructure can have unintended consequences. Letting go of his downward spiral of support team results for a player for his calibre would have that helped been unacceptable. After letting go of his Development beyond aid him win 12 team, he has hinted Grand Slam that he will be looking By Justin Yifu Lin and Yan Wang strengths. This allows the SSDC that of OECD countries) and vast But it will increasingly be exported at a high-profi le name Beijing to avoid the bottlenecks in partner domestic market, which have as more Chinese enterprises and titles seems like as a coach. He had a countries that one sees under the enabled it to achieve economies of banks “go global.” In fact, China standard ODA model, which separates scale that other countries simply could soon become the world’s largest desperate move successful three-year espite the apparent aid from trade and private investment cannot. Consequently, the overall net creditor, and a portion of its net stint with Boris Becker tranquillity of this year’s – and thus impedes countries construction cost for high-speed rail foreign assets will take the form of during which he won six Grand Slams. But then the two spring meetings of the from exploiting their comparative in China is two-thirds of what it is in patient capital that is suitable for parted ways. There are rumours that the Serb might DInternational Monetary advantages. industrial countries. improving infrastructure, developing Fund and World Bank, there are In our book, we look at this topic But China’s comparative advantages manufacturing sectors, and creating reunite with the German. reasons to be concerned about through the lens of New Structural in 46 of 97 subsectors – particularly jobs around the world. But for now, he has chosen to fl y solo. That is a risky the global economy. The United Economics. NSE treats modern in manufacturing – benefi t other Since 2015, development fi nance has proposition. In today’s competitive world of sport a Kingdom’s impending “hard” Brexit economic development as a process developing countries, too. As labour started to come less from traditional helping hand is always welcome. Changing of coach from the European Union and US of continuous structural change in costs in China rise, labour-intensive aid, and more from development- President Donald Trump’s anti- technologies, industries, and hard industries are relocating to lower- fi nance institutions, development is understandable but letting go of the entire support globalisation agenda are creating and soft infrastructure – all of which wage developing countries, providing banks, and sovereign wealth funds staff seems desperate. That the Serb still has the game economic uncertainty, and will increases labour productivity, and millions of job opportunities. For in emerging economies. China, for is a given. It’s also a given that it’s the mental aspect continue to do so for some time. thus per capita income. example, the Huajian Shoemaking example, has committed $60bn in that he needs to fortify. In contrast to Trump, Chinese According to NSE, the most Company, C&H Garments, and China development fi nancing to Africa for President Xi Jinping has come to the eff ective and sustainable approach for JD Group (an apparel maker), are now the 2016-2018 period – much of it And for that he brought in Pepe Imaz, a former tennis defence of globalisation, and made a low-income country to jumpstart operating in special economic zones patient capital. player from Spain, who is a proponent of meditation. new capital available for creating dynamic growth and development in, respectively, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and China and other emerging He has been around since last Wimbledon year but global pubic goods, enhancing is to develop those sectors in Tanzania. economies are also shifting from with ‘lengthy hugs’ being one of his methods, one has connectivity, and creating jobs in which it has latent comparative In addition to exporting its bilateralism to multilateralism, by developing countries. More than 60 advantages: where production costs comparative advantages, China also working with partners from the global to question Djokovic’s choice. countries have welcomed Xi’s “One are low, but transaction costs are deploys “patient capital,” which North and South. As new South- The Serb is 29 and is still ranked second. He has Belt, One Road” initiative, and 28 high due to inadequate hard and has a maturity of 10 years or more. led institutions such as the Asian enough years left in him to produce another strong heads of state will attend an OBOR soft infrastructure. Governments In a recently published paper, we Infrastructure Investment Bank and run. But for that he needs his batteries fully charged. summit in Beijing on May 14. So, what can help to reduce transaction conceptualise patient capital as the New Development Bank work with is China’s rationale for pursuing this costs by creating special economic an investment in a “relationship,” established multilateral development He needs a few dedicated people in his box shouting grandiose vision – one that so many zones or industrial parks, improving whereby an investor has a long-term banks, they are learning to be better encouragement during the match and helping him countries, especially in the developing infrastructure, and making the stake in a country’s development. partners, and adding momentum to before and after. He is attempting to overcome all of world, have embraced? overall business environment more Patient-capital owners are like equity global development eff orts. these hurdles on his own, for the fi rst time in his career. In our new book, Going Beyond attractive in those enclaves. With investors, but they are willing to China, moreover, is trying to Aid: Development Co-operation for this approach, a developing country “sink” money in the real sector for an learn from its partners so that it can It just feels like he’s already two-sets down in this Structural Transformation, we argue can grow dynamically, and create extended period of time. improve its own governance, labour, battle. It needs to be seen if he can produce another that offi cial development aid (ODA) a virtuous circle of job creation Patient-capital owners are also and environmental standards. And one of his magical baseline fi ghtbacks. need not always be concessional, and poverty reduction, even if its more willing, and better able, to take this two-way process is giving rise to and make the case for going “beyond overall infrastructure and business risks. In the chart below, we show that new ideas, theories, and concepts – aid,” toward a broader approach – like environment are still lacking. a country’s net-foreign-asset position our book being one of them. China’s that taken by China – that includes Moreover, large emerging-market correlates strongly with its long-term embrace of a global role should To Advertise trade and investment. Right now, economies such as China, Brazil, orientation. On the other hand, net- be welcomed. We are cautiously the OECD’s defi nition of ODA does and India can use their comparative foreign-asset positions of countries optimistic that the North and South [email protected] not even include some of the more advantages in infrastructure and with a short-term orientation and a can work together to ensure peace and Display eff ective instruments for facilitating light manufacturing to help others. low savings rate tend to deteriorate, prosperity for all. – Project Syndicate Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 structural transformation in recipient For China, this is in keeping with a while their foreign debts mounts. countries, such as equity investment Confucian dictum: “One who wishes Patient capital plays an important zJustin Yifu Lin is a former chief Classified and large non-concessional loans for himself to be successful must also role in infrastructure fi nancing, economist at the World Bank, Director Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 infrastructure. help others to be successful; one who because it is often accompanied by of the Center for New Structural By combining aid with trade and wishes to develop himself must also technological and administrative Economics, Dean of South-South Subscription investment, donor and recipient help others to develop.” know-how, which helps to improve Cooperation and Development, and [email protected] countries alike can benefi t. China has a clear comparative global connectivity and accelerate Honorary Dean of the National School For example, the South-South advantage in infrastructure development. of Development, Peking University. Yan development cooperation uses construction, owing to its lower So far, China’s large reserve of Wang is a Senior Fellow at the Center 2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved all three activities to capitalise labour costs (the cost of a project patient capital has been used to for New Structural Economics, Peking on recipient countries’ economic site foreman in China is one-eighth fi nance its own domestic projects. University. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 9, 2017 27 COMMENT Why Macron wants to reform Europe

DPA and adapt, and I would argue that Paris there is less German resistance than people think.” Guerot thinks that Macron’s most f six months ago someone had important trump card to convince dared to predict that the new Berlin might be Brexit. French president would be a “He can point to Britain. Germany Ifervent supporter of the European has a lot to loose if a country goes Union, the chances were quite high nuts. Macron could say: if you don’t that the suggestion would have been deal with me, it will be Marine le Pen laughed off . next time.” After populist surges that led to Since Macron’s eurozone plan Brexit, and the election of Donald is not likely to be discussed for Trump, advocating for even deeper a while, Brexit is more likely to economic integration of the EU was dominate the EU’s agenda in the seen as political suicide. coming months. But on Sunday night Emmanuel And while he is celebrated across Macron proved the sceptics wrong. the continent for securing a victory For the fi rst time in 30 years, on a pro-EU ticket, his victory means a French president-elect strode that the British government is likely onto stage to address his jubilant to face tough Brexit negotiations with supporters outside the Louvre to the him as president. sound of the European anthem. During his election campaign Meanwhile European governments, Macron warned that Brexit was “a irrespective of their political crime” and that it would leave Britain background, didn’t even try to contain in a state of “servitude” rather than their relief and erupted into their very taking control of its own destiny. own verbal “Ode to Joy.” “On Brexit, if anything, Macron German Chancellor Angela is going to take a tougher line,” says Merkel said Macron bore the hopes Manuel Lafont Rapnouil, director of many Europeans, and hailed of the Paris bureau of the European his “magnificent” victory, after Council on Foreign Relations. “fighting a bold, pro-European “He has always spoken about it in campaign.” very fi rm terms.” “Congratulations to [the] French In reality, Rapnouil thinks, this people for choosing Liberty, Equality means Macron is not likely to haggle and Fraternity over [the] tyranny French President-elect Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Trogneux celebrate on the stage at his victory rally near the Louvre in Paris. with Theresa May on the four of fake news,” European Council freedoms that form the pillar of the President Donald Tusk said on have attracted the ire of frustrated researcher at Bruegel, a Brussels- “He knows that he will not be able austerity policies in recent years. common market: the free movement Twitter. citizens in France, Greece and beyond. based think tank specialising in to embark on wide-ranging reforms But, says Ulrike Guerot, a Berlin- of goods, capital, services and labour. Italy’s La Repubblica saw Macron’s Macron’s argument is that to stem economics. before the German and possibly Italian based political scientist focussing As a former investment banker, victory as “the turning point for the populist tide, the EU needs to take “Macron’s message is either we general elections.” on European integration, the badly Macron is also expected to try and Europe.” the concerns channelled by populists go further or we go backwards,” says And for all the enthusiasm needed German handshake could lure banks from the City of London to Observers say Macron’s vision for more seriously, and reform. Claes. expressed over his victory, come from Chancellor Angela Merkel, Paris. European integration is not just a “Fixing the architecture of the “His strategy will be to focus fi rst Macron’s plans to deepen Europe’s like Macron a centrist, and “capable of How much of a new deal for Europe campaign pledge. eurozone, creating a common budget on domestic reforms of the labour fiscal integration and to share surprises.” Macron will really be depends very In his manifesto, Macron argues and appointing a dedicated fi nance market, and show his commitment financial risks across the bloc, are “France has delivered a pro- much on how successful he will be at for overhauling the structures of the minister as well as a parliamentary to fulfi lling the EU’s fi scal rules, in likely to be met with scepticism European president and kept the securing a majority in parliament. eurozone architecture, which are assembly dedicated to the monetary order to regain credibility among in Germany, especially by Finance far-right populists outside the Elysee,” As he told his supporters on victory widely seen as lacking democratic bloc” are high on Macron’s agenda European partners like Germany and Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, the says Guerot. night: Europe and the world are decision-making instruments and according to Gregory Claes, a the northern countries. driving force behind EU-mandated “But Germany needs to deliver too watching. Weather report Turkey under European observation Three-day forecast TODAY High: 41 C By Harun Yahya The decision about Turkey that not face to face with a nuisance like urgently needed by Muslim countries. was made as a result of the vote of the PKK, was not subjected to a coup This is because some Muslim societies Low : 29 C Istanbul Inshore: Hazy at places at first the Parliamentary Assembly of the attempt by an internally organised have been under the infl uence of becomes hot daytime with slight Council of Europe last week serves group, nor did it ever face unrelenting superstitious mentalities for a long dust and scattered clouds. ver the last two years as the latest point reached by Turkey wars on its borders. It seems diffi cult time, and they have either turned Turkey has experienced and the European Union. According for the European Union, which to false beliefs or remained passive WEDNESDAY some hectic periods in to this decision, Turkey, one of the evaluates the countries that it will on these issues. This passivity has High: 40 C Oterms of both domestic and founding members of the European incorporate based on its own norms, hindered these societies not only in a Low: 27 C foreign politics. Operation “Euphrates Commission, will be under its to be able to see and evaluate Turkey’s social context, but also in the political Sunny Shield” that launched in Syria, the observation. issues closely. arena, and have, to a large extent, developments in the fi ght against the The aforementioned watch list Indeed, within the scope of prevented the formation of happy and PKK, the July 15 coup attempt and was initially intended to accustom this decision, the EU’s one-sided creative societies. THURSDAY the subsequent state of emergency Eastern European countries ruled by viewpoint, its racist leaders, and the Art, besides encouraging people to High: 41 C all caused signifi cant changes in communist political parties following hatred stemming from Islamophobia appreciate beauty, can help societies to Low: 27 C people’s views of Turkey, both from the dissolution of the Soviet Union and xenophobia can justify the fact develop skills and fend off pessimism. Sunny the perspective of those within it and to the level of democracy in Western that blame falls largely on Europe. Yet It is for this reason that societies that those in other countries. Europe. Turkey was not a country such decisions should be transformed are removed from art and aesthetics While progress was made in under communist rule, but because into a positive one for Turkey in many are societies that can often easily sink Fishermen’s forecast ways. It should not be forgotten that into pessimism, lose their spiritual relations with Russia, American it was a Muslim country at the gate OFFSHORE DOHA support for PYD in Syria had a of the Middle East it was put on the Turkey’s request to join the EU, made richness, and can get bored quickly. Wind: NW-N 5-15/19 KT relatively negative impact on aforementioned watch list and then many years ago, was a step taken in For this reason, aspects such as art, Waves: N 2-4/6 Feet relations with the US, and all these was removed from this list as a result order to adopt the democracy and quality and aesthetics, which the EU INSHORE DOHA Wind: NW-NE 5-15/20 KT developments dragged EU relations of a series of reforms that were carried human rights of those countries. As holds in high esteem, are absolutely Waves: 1-2/3 Feet into abeyance. out after the AKP took power. One of a matter of fact, Turkey has made necessary to adapt. Without a doubt, it is not merely the most remarkable of these reforms signifi cant progress in terms of Democracy is not only a system Around the region because of Turkey’s politics that the was the abolition of the death penalty. human rights with a series of reforms recommended by Europe, but a Weather Weather relations with the EU have become Turkey is currently the only country that took place immediately after model that is essentially Islamic. today Max/min tomorrow Max/min problematic. The extreme right-wing on the list that has come back to it its application for membership. It Our religion, which does not allow Abu Dhabi M Sunny 39/29 Sunny 37/27 leaders who have eff ectively emerged despite being removed in 2004. should be remembered that the steps for compulsion, gives us the perfect Baghdad Sunny 38/22 Sunny 41/25 Dubai in the European Parliament in recent PACE is not an organ of the in question are essentially the steps recipe for democracy. Logically, then, Sunny 39/28 Sunny 37/26 Kuwait City Sunny 39/27 Sunny 42/27 years have strongly raised their voices European Union but the decision has Turkey needs to take. the main democratic societies should Manama M Sunny 37/29 Sunny 36/28 against both foreign and Muslim emphasised the way the EU looks at Europe is based on an elite model in be the Islamic societies. Turkey, Muscat Sunny 38/32 M Sunny 38/32 communities. The anti-foreigner Turkey for a while now. The European which women are held in high esteem undoubtedly, is moving along on the Riyadh P Cloudy 38/27 P Cloudy 38/27 rhetoric that borders racism seems to Union is undoubtedly not in a position and are not oppressed, and in which way of democratisation. This can Tehran Sunny 29/16 Sunny 30/18 have long ago hampered the essential to assess the events in Turkey properly science, art, aesthetics and quality indeed be fully achieved by developing presence of the EU, which is supposed and make a fair deduction accordingly, are strongly emphasised. These are a style of democracy superior to that to be inclusive and unifying. because Europe, unlike Turkey, is the aspects that are especially now of Europe. Live issues Don’t ignore telltale signs of vitamin defi ciency

By Barbara Quinn hand had to be reminded to get my Tribune News Service head out of the way of the sails. But this rookie did glean some important nutrition lessons from my maiden t was my first sailing adventure sailing voyage. and what an adventure it was. Be cautious when on autopilot. Around the world My sister-in-law, Jen took us When the boat is set to steer itself Weather Weather out on Coco Kai, her 70-ft and the captain is not at the helm, today Max/min tomorrow Max/min I Athens Sunny M Sunny 26/14 schooner, which I learned is a boat someone on the crew still needs to 27/14 with two or more masts. (Masts are be on the lookout for hazards. Jen’s Beirut M Sunny 31/24 Sunny 32/20 S T Storms 32/26 the poles that hold the sails, I was friends and crew kept us well away Bangkok 34/27 T Storms Berlin P Cloudy 11/06 Showers 12/03 also informed.) from any nutritional hazards with Cairo Sunny 39/23 Sunny 39/19 Jen knows her stuff . She should, plenty of fresh food and beverages on Cape Town M Sunny 18/11 Sunny 18/13 after sailing around the world on Coco board. Colombo T Storms 31/26 S T Storms 31/26 Kai (named after my niece, Coco) for Have a capable crew. Jen Dhaka S T Storms 33/24 I T Storms 33/24 Hong Kong S T Storms 27/26 P Cloudy 28/26 the past nine years. Watching her crew understands the physics and Istanbul S T Storms 23/13 Showers 17/10 pull this rope and that rope (also called know which way to turn the sails?” Nutrition has other telltale technology required to safely Jakarta S T Storms 32/25 S T Storms 32/24 “lines” or “halyards” or “sheets” “See those little ribbons blowing physical signs that may indicate manoeuvre her vessel. She studies Karachi Sunny 36/28 M Sunny 35/27 depending on their use) to hoist this around on the inside of the sails?” she we are off course. Dull, dry and weather patterns and reports from London P Cloudy 14/07 P Cloudy 17/08 Manila I T Storms P Cloudy 36/27 sail and that sail was exciting. said. “Those are tell tails. They help brittle hair may be a sign of protein other nautical experts. Similarly, 37/27 Moscow S Showers 08/01 Rain & Snow 08/-1 The moment the engines shut down me trim (adjust) the sails to the proper deficiency. Low levels of niacin, smooth sailing through nutritional New Delhi S Showers 43/28 Sunny 42/28 and all I heard was the whissshhh of wind direction.” folate and other B-vitamins may waters requires more than just New York P Cloudy 15/08 P Cloudy 17/09 the gleaming white sails skim us across I get it. That’s where we get the term show up as a red, sore tongue. And holding up a finger and deciding to Paris Sunny 17/05 M Sunny 21/12 the clear blue water, I was suddenly “tell tail” or “telltale” which means a spoon-shaped nails can indicate a go “that way!” It pays to trust the Sao Paulo P Cloudy 26/14 Sunny 24/16 Seoul P Cloudy 21/12 M Sunny 24/13 moved to lean over the bow in true sign that helps us evaluate a situation. deficiency of dietary iron. expertise of those with whom you Singapore Cloudy 31/25 S T Storms 31/25 Titanic movie style and exclaim, “Jack! One telltale sign that sailors of old had From her years of learning and sail. Sydney M Sunny 18/10 Sunny 19/09 Jack!” a vitamin C defi ciency, for example, experience, Jen navigates Coco Kai Thank you, Coco Kai and crew. It Tokyo Clear 24/16 Cloudy 23/16 Instead, I asked Jen, “How do you was bleeding gums. like a seasoned sailor. I on the other was a blast. Gulf Times 28 Tuesday, May 9, 2017 QATAR

HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani inaugurating the 14th Project Qatar Exhibition yesterday. With him are HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, US ambassador Dana Shell Smith, French ambassador Eric Chevalier, and other dignitaries. PICTURES: Jayaram

Right: A vehicle fitted with wheelchair lifts, stair lifts, platform lifts and ramps, used for helping persons of disabilities move around, is showcased at the exhibition. Project Below: A view of the exhibition from the upper level of the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. Qatar opens s many as 516 exhibi- other dignitaries were present at tors from 33 countries are the inauguration. Ashowcasing their prod- Exclusive pavilions featuring ucts, technologies and solutions companies from France, Italy, at the Project Qatar 2017 exhi- Germany, Belgium, the UAE, bition, which was inaugurated China, Turkey, Kuwait, and Pa- yesterday at the Doha Exhibition kistan are set up as part of the and Convention Centre (DECC). expo, besides the stalls and The four-day international pavilions of a large number of trade exhibition for construction brands from other countries and technology, building materials, also those belonging to the Qa- equipment and environmen- tari companies and institutions. tal technology will conclude on Event organiser IFP Qatar’s Thursday. general manager George Ayache The exhibition, which is in the said as in the previous years the 14th year, is held under the pa- expo is also featuring workshops tronage of HE the Prime Minister and conferences. and Interior Minister Sheikh Ab- “We expect to witness some dullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al- major deals and new project Thani, and was inaugurated by launches during the expo,” he HE the Minister of Economy and said. Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Some of the main sponsors Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani. and partners of Project Qatar in- HE the Minister of Energy clude the Qatar Tourism Author- and Industry Dr Mohamed bin ity, Manateq Economic Zones, Saleh al-Sada, the US ambas- NBK Automobiles, Al Sraiya sador Dana Shell Smith, French Group, Palmera, and QD-CPC ambassador Eric Chevalier, and Industries. Hotel rating refl ects its accessibility, says QTA

he number of stars a hotel work environment and inclusive experts to analyse the accessi- their onsite inspections of all 4- has is directly aff ected by urban development. bility of the exhibitions that take and 5-star hotels in the country. Thow accessible it is, the The event, organised by Sasol place in Qatar, with the view to Those that need to are now Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and powered by IFP, was offi cial- ensuring that business events working on making the required has said, highlighting the sig- ly inaugurated by al-Maslamani that are licensed by QTA are ac- adjustments to maintain or im- nifi cance attached to accessibil- and Phinda Vilakazi, president of cessible to all.” prove their classifi cation by ad- ity in the hospitality sector in the GTL Ventures at Sasol Qatar. Al-Maslamani said the 2022 hering to the new grading and country. The most accessible venues in FIFA World Cup has fast-tracked classifi cation criteria. QTA director of planning and Qatar will be awarded today. advances in many key areas and “This year, we are working to quality Nasser al-Maslamani In his speech, al-Maslamani sectors around Qatar, and QTA is complete the inspection of all made the observation on the recalled that they were delighted determined to ensure that one of 3-, 2- and 1-star hotels, and by opening day of the Accessible when approached by Sasol Qatar the legacies of this development 2018, we aim to have completed Qatar Conference. to support its pioneering initia- should be an “authentic, thriv- the inspections of all hotel apart- Under the patronage of HE tive – Accessible Qatar – which ing, sustainable and accessible” ments,” the offi cial added. the Prime Minister and Minister helps amplify the voice of the tourism sector. The new QTA guidelines also of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin disabled community in Qatar and The hotel grading and classifi - mandate that hospitality staff Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, the ensure that their needs are at the cation system places accessibility members are trained to manage two-day conference opened at forefront of major initiatives. guidelines, drafted in accordance and meet the requirements of Doha Exhibition and Convention QTA’s support of the initiative with international best practices, guests with special needs. Centre yesterday. began with the development of at the core of development plans “We are committed to working The conference is taking place the Accessible Qatar mobile ap- for all hospitality establishments with all of our partners in both as part of Project Qatar 2017, the plication, he noted. in the country, he pointed out. the public and private sectors to 14th International Construction “Today, I am honoured to an- “In simple terms, for the fi rst ensure that the tourism and hos- Technology and Building Mate- nounce that we will be continu- time in Qatar, the number of stars pitality sectors are held to the rials Exhibition. ing this partnership, and with it a hotel has is directly aff ected by standards that befi t our country It will cover accessibility- our commitment to accessibil- how accessible it is.” and our visitors.” related issues across various ity, beyond today’s conference,” Al-Maslamani revealed that Some workshops were held on sectors such as tourism, archi- al-Maslamani said. “We will be by the end of last year, licensing the opening day of the confer- The Accessible Qatar Conference under way. tectural design, sports projects, working with Accessible Qatar’s and inspection teams completed ence. NBK Automobiles the official transport partner of Project Qatar 2017

Nasser Bin Khaled (NBK) Automobiles, the enhance its position in the region”, it has said the latest technology and systems.” authorised general distributor of Mercedes- in a press statement. Considered a “breath of fresh air” in the Benz in Qatar, is sponsoring the 14th Project During the international exhibition, NBK compact vans segment, the Mercedes- Qatar Exhibition taking place until May 11 at Automobiles has off icially launched the Benz Vito is favoured not only as a basis for the Doha Convention and Exhibition Centre. Mercedes-Benz van, Vito, while displaying two individual commercial vehicles, but also as a For the second year in a row, NBK Automobiles multipurpose light trucks – Accello and Atego – vehicle for mobile recreational applications. is the off icial transport partner of the as well as the Actros truck for heavy services. The Accelo is a “compact, robust and versatile” international exhibition and is supplying a fleet NBK Automobiles general manager Khalid distribution truck with strong drivetrain to face of luxury cars to transport the VIP guests to Sha’aban said: “Through such initiatives, we all challenges of transport. and from the event. reiterate our strong connection with the Qatari Made for urban distribution and service, The company’s partnership with Project community and with events that enhance the its base makes it suitable for all kind of Qatar “reiterates its commitment to the progress of the national economy. applications: cargo body, cargo box, beverage Qatari community and supports the national “During this exhibition, we revealed the new distributer, flatbed cargo body, refrigerator economy and events that promote Qatar and Vito van for the first time in Qatar. This van will body, tipper, car rescue truck, and people lifter. provide seamless solutions The Atego is a “robust and reliable” truck and services to companies chassis for distribution and short-distance and individuals at the same transport and comes with a distinctive time. compact cab that is modern and comfortable. “We are confident that our It has high load capacity and a “body builder- trucks will be a benchmark friendly set-up”, which are the basis for in their field and will meet numerous applications. the requirements and NBK Automobiles is also displaying a tractor demand of the market, head of Mercedes-Benz Actros 2040 trucks, NBK Automobiles has revealed the all-new Vito van for the first time in Qatar. especially that they have which are used for long-distance haulage, proved their high capabilities heavy-duty distribution haulage and Right: The company is showcasing the Accello, Atego, and Actros trucks. and are distinguished with construction haulage.