TUESDAY | OCTOBER 31, 2017 | SAFAR 11, 1439 AH VOL. 36 NO. 351 | PAGES 28 | BAISAS 200 HM GREETS PRESIDENT XI HIS MAJESTY SULTAN QABOOS HAS SENT A CABLE OF GREETINGS TO PRESIDENT XI JINPING OF CHINA ON THE OCCASION OF ELECTING HIM AS SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF CHINA FOR SECOND TERM. HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN EXPRESSED HIS SINCERE GREETINGS ALONG WITH BEST WISHES OF SUCCESS TO PRESIDENT XI JINPING AND THE CHINESE PEOPLE PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY, WISHING THE EXISTING RELATIONS OF FRIENDSHIP follow us @omanobserver BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES FURTHER DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH. www.omanobserver.om [email protected]
IPHONE X DEMAND ‘OFF THE CHARTS’ P13 HAMILTON TAKES FOURTH TITLE DESPITE COLLISION P21 IRAN MOVES TO SAVE LAST ‘MASCOT’ ASIATIC CHEETAHS P26 IT’S OFFICIAL Council of Oman session on Nov 14 MUSCAT: In response to the Majlis Ash’shura is expected to Royal orders of His Majesty Sultan IN RESPONSE TO host the Minister of Commerce and Qaboos, the opening of the third Industry to deliver a statement of annual session of the Council of ROYAL ORDERS the ministry. Oman (State Council and Majlis oversight activities. He said that during the past two TO HOST MARS SIMULATION EXPERIMENT Ash’shura) will be on November 14. The major activities include the sessions of the 8th term, there has Majlis Ash’shura’s regular first election of the Majlis Ash’shura been a qualitative leap during which sessions will also start on the same Office members, heads of the the Majlis Ash’shura discussed day amidst hopes of achieving standing committees and reviewing developments and issues affecting more progress in the legislative and plans and programmes of various citizens. oversight work by the Council of committees. The major issues include Oman. He added that at the beginning the implications of the current MUSCAT: A number of memoranda In this regard, Shaikh Ali bin of the term, Majlis Ash’shura will economic crisis for which Majlis of understanding (MoUs) on the Nasser al Mahrouqi, Secretary- host the Minister Responsible for Ash’shura presented a number of Sultanate’s hosting and supporting General of Majlis Ash’shura said Financial Affairs to discuss the draft recommendations and proposals the experiments for simulating life on that the third annual session (2017- state budget. during discussion on the draft Mars were signed at the Majlis Oman’s 2018) of the 8th term of the Majlis Later in December, there will be budget for the state for 2017 and the premises on Monday under the auspices will be buzzing with legislative and many ministerial statements. 9th Five-Year Plan. — ONA of His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tareq al Said, Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan. The first MoU was signed between New bus routes to connect airport, hospitals Oman National Steering Committee VINOD NAIR Of the 10 new services, new routes buses for inter-city services and 65 for AMADEE-18 and Austrian Space MUSCAT, OCT 30 will be between Ruwi and Muscat buses for the city services starting from Fo-rum (OeWF). As per the MoU, the International Airport and Burj al Sahwa December this year, till August 2018. Sultanate will host the experiments Mawasalat on Monday signed and Muscat airport, apart from other The agreement, on behalf of that serve joint research interests agreements with the Arab Engineering routes connecting commercial centres Mawasalat, was signed by Ahmed bin and enhance international efforts in Services Company, ‘dealers for MAN in and hospitals. Ali al Bulushi, CEO, includes the supply Oman, and First Vehicles LLC to supply Mwasalat Taxi should hopefully be of 33 MAN buses, the first-of-its-kind the field of space travel and scientific around 98 public transport buses. launched by the year-end, including the in the Middle East with technical exploration. Speaking to the Observer, the airport services. specifications such as Adaptive Meanwhile, in sunglasses and company said that the Route 2 (Wadi To be supplied over a period starting Cruise Control, Lane Guard System jumpsuits, a crew of European test Kabir-Ruwi) and Route 4 (Wadi-Kabir- from December, the agreements and Emergency Brake Assist to avoid astronauts is laying the groundwork for Muscat) will be extended to Al Bustan provide for the supply of 98 buses accidents as much as possible. a Mars simulation in the barren expanse from the coming year. during the next phase, including 33 TURN TO P5 of the Omani desert, a terrestrial mission intended to pave the way to the red planet. TURN TO P2
INSIDESTORIES Code of ethics for journalists unveiled
ZAINAB AL NASSRI and media. The conference was held MUSCAT, OCT 30 FRESH SYRIA PEACE TALKS OPEN under auspices of Dr Abdulmunim IN KAZAKHSTAN’S CAPITAL P7 The Second International Scientific bin Mansour al Hasani, Minister of Conference kicked off on Monday at Information, in the presence of Dr Ali Sultan Qaboos University will focus bin Saud al Bemani, Vice-Chancellor on “Arab Society and Social Networks of SQU, and a number of local in a Changing World”. media representatives, academics, The conference aims at researchers and officials. highlighting social media influence The opening ceremony included on the community, analysing relations the launch of Code of Ethics for CLOWNS BRING LAUGHTER TO TRAUMATISED ROHINGYA KIDS P8 between various social networks journalists which was prepared as new media platforms, looking at by media professors in media related topics like social networking, department at SQU, and Oman citizen journalism and blogging Journalist Association (OJA). The journalism, and viewing impacts of code was signed by various local these new media tools on education, media representatives and chiefs. economy, politics, technology, society TURN TO P3
EX-TRUMP CAMPAIGN MANAGER MANAFORT INDICTED P11 GENEVA: The amount of EMISSIONS HIT carbon dioxide in the earth’s WEATHER TODAY atmosphere grew at record rate RECORD IN 2016 in 2016 to a level not seen for MUSCAT SALALAH NIZWA millions of years, potentially MAX: 350C MAX: 310C MAX: 370C fuelling a 20-metre rise in sea MIN: 220C MIN: 240C MIN: 190C levels and adding 3 degrees to temperatures, the United Nations SUNRISE 6.10 AM said on Monday. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide PRAYER TIMINGS (CO2), the main man-made FAJR: 04:53 greehouse gas, hit 403.3 parts per million (ppm), up from DHUHR: 11:50 400.0 in 2015, the UN World ASR: 15:03 Meteorological Organization said MAGHRIB: 17:28 in its annual Greenhouse Gas ISHA: 18:58 Bulletin. — Reuters marssimulation OMANDAILYOBSERVER 2 TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017
FROM PAGE 1
The “analog astronauts” of the Austrian Space Forum — a volunteer-based collective — have arrived in Oman to begin preparations for a four-week simulation mission due to begin next year. Touching down at Marmul Airport, the five-person advance team loaded up on sunscreen and, with their Omani counterparts dressed in crisp white gowns and OMAN colourful turbans, boarded four- by-fours and plunged into the desert under the blazing sun. Oil installations receded into A gateway to life on Mars the background and only rocky plateaus and ancient sandy riverbeds remained as far as the eye could see. Maps were spread on the hoods of the vehicles. “We want to simulate Mars on Earth and so we need a place that looks as much like Mars as possible. And we found it here in Oman,” Alexander Soucek, the lead flight director of the AMADEE-18 mission, said. The team was on a quest to pin down the location of the base camp for the simulation, to be held in February. “Here the humans coming from Earth will land after six months travel through space... Simulated, of course!” Soucek said upon arrival at the chosen site. A number of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on the Sultanate’s hosting and supporting the experiments for simulating life on Mars were signed at the Majlis Oman premises on Monday under the auspices of “When we fly to Mars in reality, His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tareq al Said, Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan. HH Sayyid Shihab honoured the public and private organisations that supported the experiment to simulate life on Mars. The signing we will need as many questions as ceremony was attended by minsters, members of the State Council and undersecretaries. PICTURES BY HUDA AL BAHRIYAH possible already answered so that we are really well prepared.” During the mission, the team will carry out a series of experiments, from growing Members of the greens without soil in an inflatable Austrian Space hydroponic greenhouse to testing Forum inspect a site an autonomous “tumbleweed” in Oman’s Dhofar rover, which maps out terrain desert, near the while propelled by the wind. southern Marmul outpost, on “There are very few groups Monday, in on this planet testing these preparation for a procedures and doing these high- four-week Mars fidelity simulations,” said Soucek. simulation mission “We are one of them.” due to begin next year. — AFP The team hopes the simulation will help nail down future tools and procedures for the first manned mission to Mars. Field commander Gernot Groemer predicts a Mars mission may be carried out by a collective of the United States, Russia, Europe and possibly China relatively soon — with the first human to set foot on the red planet maybe already born. “What we’re going to see here in about 100 days is going to be a sneak preview into the future,” said Groemer, describing a U-shaped encampment where “an exquisitely compiled suite of experiments” will take place. Those include experiments designed to test human factors that could affect pioneering astronauts, such as mental fatigue and depression. Just 15 people will enter the isolation phase, when their only way to troubleshoot snags will be through remote communication with “earth” in Austria. The total cost of the project is expected to be around half-a- million euros, covered mainly by private donations from industry partners. The Austrian Space Forum argues the money is not being “thrown into space” and that the tools being developed are not only useful for life on a taking place at SultanSuS ltann QaboosQabbooos OmOOman,mana , I hopehoh pep ttoo sesseee gegeologists.eolologgisi ttss. I anandnd coccommunitymmmmununiitty developmentdeevev loopmp enent seservervrve theththe interestsinintet rests ofo tthehe eexperimentxperimmeent hehhelpl them discover other worlds at distant planet but for our own. Grand Mosque in MuMuscat,scatt, gegearedareded hohopepep ttoo seseee asastronautsstrronauutst iinn ththee ffufuture.”tuure.” prpprogrammes.roggrarammm eses. aanandnd ensureeensusurer iitststs ssuccess.ucu ceess. ththee solar system. “Most people every day use especially towards hundreds of MOUs: The first agreement was The agreement was signed by He added that the geology and Raoul Restucci said in a a handful of space technologies young students. signed by Shaikh Dr Al Khattab bin Shaikh Dr Al Hinai and Raoul topography of the Sultanate are statement that the company will without even knowing it,” Shaikh Dr Al Khattab bin Ghalib Ghalib al Hinai, Deputy Chairman Restucci, PDO Managing Director similar to those on March surface, provide subsidy and will avail the said Groemer, listing off al Hinai, Deputy Chairman of the of the State Council, Head of the and Said bin Abdullah al Manthri, which will be the original base for experiment site south of the PDO’s satellite imagery, fuel injection State Council, Head of the Strategic Strategic Planning Committee at CEO of OBC. achieving the simulation aims. concession area. for cars and breast cancer Planning Committee at Oman Oman Astronomical Society, and Shaikh Dr Al Hinai delivered a He said that the scientific team It will also provide support in screening software. Astronomical Society, says a high Dr Gernot Gromer, President of the speech saying that signing of the of OeWF has visited natural sites health, safety, environment and On Monday the Austrian Space school team will even participate, OeWF. MoUs completes the efforts, which that are similar to Mars. other logistic issues by hosting the Forum signed a memorandum conducting a geophysics The second MoU was signed started last March. He said that the Saleh bin Said al Shithani, experiment to simulate life on Mars. of understanding with Oman, experiment to find water. between the Oman National OeWF’s selection of the Sultanate Chairman of Oman Astronomical HH Sayyid Shihab honoured making the Sultanate’s selection as “The whole idea is to ignite Steering Committee for for conducting these experiments Society, said that the Sultanate’s the public and private the mission site official. imagination within the young AMADEE-18 and Petroleum came after an international hosting highlights the organisations that supported the For the Omani Astronomical society in Oman, female and male, Development Oman (PDO) and competition that are based on a contribution of Oman to space experiment to simulate life on Mars. Society, which invited the Austrian and I hope this journey of discovery Oman Broadband Company (OBC) range of factors and principles. research and studies and enhancing The signing ceremony was attended Space Forum, the mission is a way will help them to always search for on providing logistic and financial The scientific team of the forum the readability of technology. by minsters, members of the State to inspire the country’s youth. the unknown,” he said. subsidy as part of their corporate concluded that conducting such It also supports the systems that Council and under-secretaries. A series of lectures are “I hope to see astrophysicists in social responsibility (CSR) experiments in the Sultanate will enhance the astronauts’ life and — ONA/AFP insideoman OMANDAILYOBSERVER TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 3
Code of ethics for media unveiled
scientific credit to be a reference for We need to produce a The main topics will be covered decision makers and the institutions competitive, creative and developed by 105 papers through 24th sessions concerned. content,” he urged. and they discuss new media and its Dr Abdullah al Kindi, an Associate Dr Basyouni Hamada, professor relation to traditional one, impacts of Professor in Mass Communication from Qatar University, said in his which from political, social, cultural Department and Head of Scientific paper that despite the massive trend and educational aspects, besides Committee of the Conference, towards using social media in all its legal and ethical frames. said in his speech that mass use of different forms, it didn’t help in terms The first day debated citizen social media platforms constitutes of combating corruption in the Arab journalism, use of social media in FROM PAGE 1 a real landmark as more than half of world. political marketing; obstacles and the population around the world, “To properly utilise the new risks, and future of Arab culture in With contribution from around roughly 4 billion, are connected to media platforms, there must be a digital era. 120 participants form the Sultanate the Internet, 3 billion of whom use comprehensive understanding of Also, pioneers in producing local and abroad, the four-day event also social networks. their potentials to change reality. We contents in social platforms displayed seeks to encourage researchers “We have to consider the must also realise that this doesn’t their experiences, then a discussion to keep abreast of international influence of these networks and mean total journalistic freedom, but panel on impacts and regulations concerns about social networks, and the changes they make on people’s rather well-codification of issues,” he was held. enrich the Arab communities with communication. asserted. — Pictures by Khalfan al Toobi OMANDAILYOBSERVER 4 TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 spotlight NEED FOR SKILLED NATIONAL WORKFORCE
ALTHOUGH TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING WERE NOT VERY ATTRACTIVE TO OMANI YOUTH TILL A FEW YEARS BACK, THEY ARE NOW SLOWLY AND STEADILY BECOMING A MAJOR SUCCESS
SAMUEL KUTTY
asser al Wahaibi attractive to youth till a few years education and training spheres in the future,” Mohamed adds. leading provider of quality vocational was not sure what back, they are now slowly and steadily aim of making sure of the quality of all Technical education in Oman training for the hospitality, catering he would do after becoming a major success. training programmes. first began with an initial student and travel industries in the Gulf region. his high school The Ministry of Manpower Academics and experts find enrolment of 65 male and female According to its principal Robert education. But his represented by the Directorate-General many school graduates now being students. Now, the annual average McLean, youngsters must understand Nfather, a retired of Vocational Training has developed attracted to technical education, number of students is 10,000 male and the real requirements of the job market. motor mechanic vocational training programmes which making it their first or second choice female students who graduated with a “It isn’t always about knowledge of a from the army, was aware of his son’s keep abreast of the requirements of the amongst other higher education General Education Diploma, accounting subject, but how to use that knowledge talent and aptitude. Omani labour market for a skilled and institutes. for 38 per cent of all students enrolled in a working capacity,” he told Observer After his post-basic education, Nasser semi-skilled national workforce. “Most students who pass out under government coverage in Oman. in a recent interview. joined a vocational training centre on A range of specialisations such as from technical institutes don’t have The number of enrolled students in With the number of visitors arriving his father’s advice and successfully engineering, information technology, issues about settling in jobs once all of the seven colleges of technology is in the Sultanate showing a steady completed his diploma in fire safety business, applied sciences, pharmacy, they find the right opportunity,” opines 40,000 male and female students. increase and many international engineering. Now he is employed in a photography and fashion design are Mohamed al Hinai, an academic with During the 2015/2016 academic year, brands opening their hotels, the private company earning a four-digit offered by different colleges in the Sultan Qaboos University. there were 5,485 graduates across all hospitality sector will be able to salary. Sultanate. But what happens often is that bad disciplines. accommodate a large number of “During my training, it is not only The courses are aimed at developing advice and unrealistic expectations of The colleges of technologies aim Omanis in jobs. that I acquired technical skills, but high quality national human resources doing businesses overshadow their to deliver high-quality student-based With a choice of several hotels, also absorbed knowledge and ability by preparing and qualifying secondary abilities, he says. higher education to build the capacities employment opportunities are aplenty. to understand what I need to do as an school graduates. Adding to the problem is the of competitive, confident graduates The skills gained by working in the employee,” says Nasser. Also, the ministry, in cooperation and preference by the youngsters to join and furnish them with robust technical hospitality industry have proved to be Vocational training plays an important coordination with the labour market, government jobs. knowledge and competencies and a a great way of developing people even role in preparing and qualifying Omani offers an array of programmes and “What is positive now is that there strong character. when they shift to other industries,” he youths to meet the country’s needs for majors that match the market’s needs is a growing realisation among some This will qualify them to lead a said. a qualified national workforce in various for technical and vocational skills. students with the support of their successful life and to effectively There’s a growing realisation now vocational and technical areas. The ministry has strong links with parents and teachers that they choose contribute to the country’s that giving students the chance to try Although technical and vocational different key strategic partners in careers of their interest so that they development. out their chosen careers early on can education and training were not very private and public sectors as well as in could better prepare them for the National Hospitality Institute is a better prepare them for the future. insideoman OMANDAILYOBSERVER TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 5
‘Glorious November Boost to defence ties MUSCAT: Sayyid Badr bin Saud Around the al Busaidy, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs, received in World’ his office at Muaskar Bait Al Falaj MUSCAT: Sayyid Badr bin Saud on Monday Air Marshal Enzo al Busaidy, Minister Responsible Vecciarelli, Chief of Staff of the for Defence Affairs, launched Italian Air Force, who is currently at his office at Bait Al Falaj on Monday “The Glorious visiting the Sultanate. November Around the World” The two sides reviewed fields of initiative in the presence of the existing military cooperation Hamoud bin Mohammed al between the two friendly countries Azri, General Supervisor of and means of enhancing them, as Oman Qaboos Website, which well as exchanging viewpoints on is dedicated to showcasing a number of matters of common the personality of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to the world in concern. turn, the Italian guest expressed Air Marshal Enzo Vecciarelli 30 international languages. The meeting was attended his happiness of this visit. and his delegation also visited Sayyid Badr hailed the by Air Vice Marshal Matar bin The two sides exchanged the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) distinguished international Ali al Obaidani, Commander viewpoints and discussed a range Museum in Bait Al Falaj Castle. initiative launched by the of the Royal Air Force of Oman of military fields, as well as issues The guest and his accompanying website as it provides an (RAFO), the Italian Ambassador of common concern between the delegation viewed the historic important e-window to to the Sultanate and the delegation two Air forces of the two friendly manuscripts and models, as well as showcase loyalty and gratitude to His Majesty the Sultan on the accompanying the guest. countries. the Omani architecture. occasion of the glorious 47th Later, Air Vice Marshal Matar The meeting was attended He was also briefed on the National Day celebrations. bin Ali al Obaidani also received by Air Commodore Salim bin progress enjoyed by SAF during He appreciated the efforts of in his office Air Marshal Enzo Khalfan al Rahbi, RAFO Senior the prosperous reign of His all those working at the website Vecciarelli. Air Staff Officer and the Military Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the to allow all peoples around The Air Vice Marshal welcomed Attaché at the Italian Embassy in Supreme Commander of the the world to affirm loyalty the Italian guest, wishing him a Muscat, as well as the delegation Armed Forces. and gratitude to Leader of the victorious march, His Majesty good visit to the Sultanate. On his accompanying the guest. — ONA the Sultan, and share the Sultanate’s joy of the Glorious National Day, each in his/her own language for the first time New bus routes to connect airport, hospitals in the world. The initiative received a FROM PAGE 1 Al Bulushi said: “Buses will be manufactured according wide support by the accredited These buses will be used to replace a number of old to specifications and all technical and operational embassies in the Sultanate, buses operating on the existing inter-city lines, apart from aspects have been taken into account when purchased.” as well as the Sultanate’s the new routes. MAN will also supply 35 low-floor buses In the first half of next year, the public transport buses embassies abroad through with a length of 12m and 40 seats. For the first time, 30 will have electronic reservation systems and bus accurate inviting peoples outside and low-floor VDL buses with 31 seats will be supplied, which tracking systems that allow the user to track the bus until inside the Sultanate to take will be used on roads with higher curves and rotations. it arrives. part at the event. The website management will provide the These buses will be also cost and fuel efficient. The total Al Bulushi said: “Ten new routes in Muscat will be invitation to participate banner cost of supplying these 98 buses is RO 11.6 million. operated with the arrival of new buses, taking the for all relevant organisations These agreements will provide job opportunities for total number to 17 lines from the current seven routes, in different languages starting more than 320 Omanis, including 250 Omani drivers including catering to Royal and Khoula Hospitals. City bus from today. — ONA and technical staffwho will be enrolled in an intensive routes within Salalah and Suhar will be launched next Looking for job, car, flat and furniture? Check out the Observer classified page. training programme over the coming months. year.” insideoman OMANDAILYOBSERVER 6 TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 NetCode regional training launched
Health Minister holds talks with Unicef representative
MUSCAT: Dr Ahmed bin and the Unicef in the relevant fields Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister including health field, emphasising of Health, received in his office the need for strengthening the on Monday Lana al Wreikat, collaboration between the Ministry MUSCAT: The regional training would lead six sessions. two-day will highlight monitoring Representative of United Nations of Health and Unicef in health and in Monitoring and Support for The opening ceremony was and enforcement of National Code International Children’s Emergency childhood domains. Al Wreikat Implementation of the International delivered by Dr Ayoub al Jawaldeh, The Sultanate was Legal and Regulatory Measures, Fund (Unicef) in the Sultanate. expressed her admiration of the Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Regional Adviser Nutrition of the and analysing country challenges The minister welcomed the Unicef Sultanate’s health system development Substitutes and Subsequent Relevant WHO Eastern Mediterranean selected among eight and needs for strengthening code Representative, wishing her success and the achievements made in health World Health Assembly Resolutions Regional Office (EMRO). countries in the world legislation and monitoring. in her new duties in the Sultanate. areas pertaining to woman and child (NetCode) began under the auspices of Dr Al Jawaldeh affirmed that to implement the The regional meeting comes in Dr Al Saeedi highly praised the health, as well as the immunisation Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Saeedi, the WHO is providing the member NetCode evaluation line with the Sultanate’s celebration cooperation between the Sultanate programme. — ONA Minister of Health, at the Radisson states with the tools and guidance of Breastfeeding Week, which will be Blu Hotel, Muscat, on Monday. to implement the International and follow-up system observed on the 1-7 November under The ceremony gathered Code of Marketing of Breast-milk the theme ‘Sustaining Breastfeeding representatives of the Eastern Substitutes and Subsequent Relevant Together’. The Sultanate was selected Mediterranean Region, as well World Health Assembly Resolutions among eight countries in the world Tanfeedh initiative follow-up as regional and international (NetCode) that will enable them to set Inappropriate Promotion of Foods for to implement the NetCode evaluation organisations. up or strengthen effective monitoring Infants and Young Children. Moreover, and follow-up system. As a result, the unit highlights its functions The three-day workshop, organised systems. the inappropriate marketing practices MoH, represented by the Nutrition by the World Health Organization Later, the sessions of the first in EMR was reviewed, and last session Department and in collaboration with MUSCAT: The Implementation Support and Follow-up Unit is working on (WHO), in collaboration with the day began that addressed at first the scoped the status of National Legal and the MoH Information Technology, following up the outputs of the National Programme for Enhancing Economic Nutrition Department at the Ministry new developments in relation to Regulatory Measures to implement introduced e-notification for the Diversification (Tanfeedh), which includes 77 initiatives and projects, as well of Health (MoH), is hosting 10 experts the International Code highlighting the International Code in EMR. national code violation of Marketing as a series of 14 initiatives and projects under the business environment team in NetCode from the region that the WHO Guidance on Ending The sessions of the remaining of Breast-milk Substitutes. — ONA for public, private partnership (PPP). The Unit collects and analyses data, follows up and evaluates key performance indicators, in coordination with the concerned authorities, finds solutions to the challenges that may arise during implementation and adopts a clear follow-up mechanism. Prof Salma gets The Unit works with a clear vision to create an effective government ‘Birth spacing can save women’s lives’ performance environment to increase the competitive advantage of the Sultanate by providing support and facilities to government and private Lifetime entities and their level of performance to contribute to raising the economic KABEER YOUSUF towards the number one and social development revenues in order to attract investments and increase MUSCAT, OCT 30 per capita income, push towards implementing the Sultanate’s plans and seek sustainable development Achievement the achievement of economic diversification. Worldwide, unchecked inequality and failure to protect goal, to eliminate poverty. Hussam bin Ahmed al Nabhani, Supervisor of Tanfeedh Team at the the rights of poorest women could undermine peace and “Economic inequality Award Implementation Support and Follow-up Unit, said that the Unit is working world’s development goals, according to a UNFPA report. reinforces and is reinforced to overcome the challenges facing sectors that promote economic Globally, only about half of the world’s women hold by other inequalities, diversification in the Sultanate by enhancing the contribution of non-oil paid jobs while women earn 77 per cent of what men get. including those in women’s sectors and solving the challenges facing investors wishing to enter the The State of World Population 2017 suggests that three health, where only a Sultanate’s markets. He added that the idea of the laboratories supported and followed by the in five women worldwide lack maternity leave, and many Asr Toson, Representative of privileged few are able to Unit came in line with the economic growth in the country and an attempt pay motherhood penalty. However, Oman needs to fill the United Nations control their fertility, and, as by the Government to set the challenges facing the sectors as priorities. in certain gaps such as short maternity leave and birth- Population Fund, Sub- a result, can develop skills, Regional Office for the GCC He added that the laboratories came to set the real beginning to promote spacing. Oman has made recommendations on these two countries enter the paid labour force economic diversification in the Sultanate according to the main performance topics at ministerial representations. and gain economic power,” indicators and their control panel to follow up the progress of the Omani “Unless inequality is urgently tackled and the poorest Toson said. Shaima Aly, Programme and Communication Economy and its promising projects. women empowered to make their own decisions about Associate was also present. He pointed out that the most significant change introduced by the Unit since its establishment is the “performance measurement principle” that was their lives, countries could face unrest and threats to peace “To achieve progress in women empowerment, each MUSCAT: In recognition of her introduced in the government sector for the first time at this level in a manner and development,’ Asr Toson, Representative of the United country needs to tailor-make a comprehensive strategy contribution, research excellence close to the scientific form according to figures and statistics. Nations Population Fund, Sub-Regional Office for the within their socio-cultural framework.” and accomplishments in the field On the challenges facing the work of the Unit, Al Nabhani explained that of Chemistry, Prof Salma bint GCC countries, told the Observer, quoting the report titled The report further says that limited access to family there are major challenges and the Unit deals with them with transparency, Mohammed al Kindi, Dean of the “Worlds Apart: Reproductive Health and Rights in an Age planning translates into 89 million unintended pregnancies which resulted in success in changing the prevailing thinking on the College of Science, and Professor promotion of economic diversification. of Inequality” published by UNFPA, on Sunday. and 48 million abortions in developing countries annually. in the Department of Chemistry at He further said that failure to provide reproductive This not only harms women’s health, but also restricts The Supervisor of Tanfeedh Team at the Unit further said that the Sultan Qaboos University, has received methodology of the Unit’s work with the rest of the relevant bodies from health services, including family planning, to the poorest women’s ability to join or stay in the paid labour force and “Lifetime Achievement Award in government institutions and private sector companies is based on gathering women can weaken economies and sabotage progress move towards financial independence. Chemistry” by the Venus International the parties at one table, solving the challenges and finding ways to make Foundation (VIF) based in Chennai, them succeed, which makes it much easier for these parties. He added that India. the best example in this regard is the standardisation of custom inspection The award will be handed over efforts, which will undoubtedly give the Sultanate a great place in the import to Prof Al Kindi at the third Annual and export. Research Meet of the VIF to be held on Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Head of the Business Environment November 11 in Chennai. Team and Finance in the Unit, said that the responsibilities of the Day puts spotlight on role of VIF, a leading professional Implementation Support and Follow-up Unit are to provide all kinds of organisation, is a trust dedicated to support to the concerned parties through a clear work methodology advanced innovation and excellence and to identify projects, opportunities and laws that would increase the for the benefit of humanity. It is competitiveness of the Omani economy. aiming to serve academic research He pointed out that since the establishment of the Unit, the team has anaesthesiologists in surgery and professionals who are working worked with a number of positive responders, including but not limited to in the fields of agricultural sciences, the “Invest Easy” project and the “Investment Services Centre” in partnership engineering, health and medical initiatives and the “Foreign Investment Law” of the Ministry of Commerce and sciences, humanities and social Industry. — ONA sciences, management, science, veterinary and animal sciences. 564 expatriate Al Ghad Al Mushriq School workers deported MUSCAT: The weekly report of the students impress and inspire Ministry of Manpower points out that the number of workers violating the Labour Law during October 22 to 28 stood at 817 including 688 commercial workers, 55 farm workers and 74 housemaids and their equivalents. The inspection teams caught 811 workers including 326 absconding workers, 433 illegal workers and 52 workers with other violations. MUSCAT: The Oman Society of from Royal Hospital, Khoula conduct of surgery. The Governorate of Muscat Anaesthesia and Critical Care in Hospital, Al Nahda Hospital, along It included educational exhibition witnessed the largest number of collaboration with the Ministry of with anaesthesiologist from Sultan with various stations ranged from pre- workers violating the law with 487, MUSCAT: Al Ghad Al Mushriq celebrations, the students visited a Health (MoH) organised recently an Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), surgery procedure, basic life support, followed by the Governorate of North Private School recently held the local orphanage on October 11. awareness event on the celebration Armed Forces Hospital (AFH), and labour analgesia station. Al Batinah with 170 workers. Primary School Awards Ceremony Prior to the visit, enthusiastic of The World Anaesthesia Day at and anaesthesiology residents from Free consultation was also provided The competent authorities at the for 2016-2017. Enthusiastic students parents handed gifts which were Ministry of Manpower are taking the Avenues Mall. Oman Medical Specialty Board by Pain Team from Royal Hospital for performed their roles exceptionally wholeheartedly packed by teachers legal procedures against them. The event was held with the (OMSB). people wanting to come for further On the other hand, the statistics well putting out a spectacular show. and children alike. The visit began presence of Dr Maher bin Jaffer al The event aimed at identifying advice for their ailments. showed that 564 expatriate workers These performances were followed with the students meeting and Bahrani, Medical Affairs Deputy the anaesthesia services to the public Moreover, the celebration involved were deported for violating provisions by Student Council Investiture greeting all the wonderful children Director-General at Royal Hospital, as and raising awareness on the role an a section for children where they were of the Labour Law and the ministerial ceremony. and presenting them with special well as number of anaesthesiologists anaesthesiologist plays in the safe dressed up as doctors. decisions executing the law. — ONA As part of its Global Dignity Week cards and gifts. region OMANDAILYOBSERVER TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 7 FRESH SYRIA TALKS OPEN IN ASTANA NEW HOPE: Russian-backed Syria congress may happen next month ASTANA: A fresh round of peace talks seeking to end Syria’s war opened in the Kazakh capital Astana on Monday, as part of a Moscow-led push supported by Iran and Turkey. The latest round of talks begins days after the IS group was forced out of its de facto capital Raqa in northern Syria, in a major victory for the US-backed Kurdish-Arab Syrian Democratic Forces. Recent rounds of talks in the Central Asian nation have focused on ironing out the details of a Russia-led plan for four de-escalation zones in Syria. “Closed-format talks have begun,” Kazakh foreign ministry spokesman Relatives hug one of the hostages held by IS militants who escaped from his Anuar Zhainakov said, adding that the captors in Qaryatayn town in Homs province, Syria, on Monday. — Reuters two-day negotiations would conclude with statements to the press. brought about an initial reduction in backed congress of all Syria’s ethnic Zhainakov confirmed thatfighting, the International Red Cross groups may take place in Russia and delegations from the Syrian has voiced concern that the violence begin working on a new constitution government and the rebels seeking has intensified again, including in the as early as next month, the news President Bashar al Assad’s ouster had zones. agency RIA reported. arrived in Astana, as had negotiators Previous rounds of Astana The congress, which President from Turkey and Syria backers Russia negotiations have ended without Vladimir Putin first mentioned earlier and Iran. major breakthroughs, but they have this month, may take place in mid- Despite backing opposite sides in made more progress than the parallel November at Russia’s Black Sea resort the war, Ankara and Moscow have UN-driven talks on Syria in Geneva. of Sochi, RIA said. been working closely on Syria since The last round of talks in September The idea of a congress had United a 2016 reconciliation ended a crisis saw Russia, Turkey and Iran agree Nations backing, a senior Russian caused by the shooting down of a to jointly police a buffer zone in the negotiator on Syria said. Russian war plane. contentious northern province of Russia’s Hmeymim air base in Syria A de-escalation zones plan was first Idlib, where Ankara and Tehran are also might be used, he added. tabled in Astana in May to minimise viewed as having competing interests. “This matter is still being fighting between government forces Zones covering part of the south of discussed,” Alexander Lavrentyev, the and moderate rebel factions, as well the country, Eastern Ghouta, and the head of the Russian delegation at Syria as improve access for aid for civilians central province of Homs had already talks in Kazakhstan, told reporters living in the zones. been agreed during a previous round between meetings with diplomats But international organisations of talks. from Turkey and Iran. painted the humanitarian situation Russian military police were then “As you know UN Special in Eastern Ghouta — covered by the deployed to secure the areas. Representative on Syria Staffan De zones deal and located just outside Syria’s United Nations envoy Staffan Mistura has in principle supported the capital Damascus — in dire terms de Mistura urged parties to move on the idea of holding the congress,” earlier this month. from the zones towards “a more stable Lavrentyev said. “Although he had Unicef says over a thousand political settlement” during a mid- some reservations, he supported this children in the area are suffering from October visit to Moscow. initiative of Russia.” severe, acute or moderately acute The next round of Geneva talks will Lavrentyev said the congress malnutrition, with over 1,500 more at begin on November 28, De Mistura would focus on seeking “compromise serious risk, as aid convoys have failed has said. solutions towards the political to reach needy populations. Meanwhile, a source familiar with settlement” of the Syrian conflict. While the de-escalation zones the Syrian situation said a Moscow- — Agencies
IN BRIEF
Kuwait cabinet resigns KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Emir accepted the resignation of the prime minister and his cabinet on Monday, state news agency Kuna reported, asking them to continue important duties until a new cabinet is sworn in. Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak al Sabah tendered his resignation earlier on Monday to Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber al Sabah. Local media, quoting members of parliament, said a cabinet shakeup had been expected. Iran to lift Kurd border curbs LONDON: Iran will reopen all its border crossings with Iraq’s Kurdistan region in the coming days, lifting restrictions imposed after last month’s Kurdish vote in favour of independence, its chief of staff said on Monday. The announcement comes a day after Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani said he would give up his position as president on November 1, after the independence referendum he championed backfired and triggered military action by the Baghdad. Kurd journalist stabbed to death KIRKUK: A Kurdish video journalist with a channel backing Iraqi Kurdistan’s leader Masoud Barzani was stabbed to death at his home overnight in disputed Kirkuk province, a security source said on Monday. Four armed men broke into the home of Arkan Sharif, a 54-year-old journalist with Kurdistan TV, at 2:30 am in the Daquq area south of Kirkuk city, the source said. Sharif, a father of three, was stabbed five times after his family were locked up in another room, the source said. — Agencies asia Dead model was ‘not overworked’ OMANDAILYOBSERVER The Chinese agency representing Vlada Dzyuba, a 14-year-old Russian model who died after taking part in Shanghai Fashion Week, has denied TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 allegations that she was overworked and exhausted. “We feel sorry that we 8 lost an angel,” ESEE Model Management in Shanghai said. — AFP Japan to help Philippines rebuild war-torn Marawi CEMENTING TIES: Abe offers to help with other projects ranging from rail infrastructure to river defences
TOKYO: Japan said on Monday it will help the Philippines rebuild conflict-torn southern Marawi city as well as other infrastructure in a deepening of ties to counter China’s regional influence. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made the pledges in a joint This photo taken on October 24 shows women walking past a roadside poster of Chinese President Xi Jinping, after the statement with Philippine President closing of the 19th Communist Party Congress in Beijing. — AFP Rodrigo Duterte following talks in Tokyo. Duterte on October 23 announced Chinese varsities start ‘Xi Thought’ institutes the end of five months of military operations in Marawi held by IS rebels BEIJING: Xi Jinping Thought will now one of Xi’s pet slogans. THE DISTINCTION PLACES in a conflict that destroyed much of be taught, researched and promoted in Planned activities for the group universities across China, ensuring that XI ON A PAR WITH MAO include tours to promote Xi Thought the city’s centre and displaced some 300,000 people. the leader’s eponymous philosophy ZEDONG AND DENG in rural communities and visits to Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe “The Government of Japan is implanted in students’ hearts and XIAOPING. IT MEANS THAT Liangjiahe, the northern village where at the end of their signing ceremony and joint remarks announcement at Abe’s minds. Xi spent seven years as a “sent-down recognizes that rehabilitation and official residence in Tokyo on Monday. — Reuters At least 20 universities have HIS DOGMA WILL BECOME youth” during the Cultural Revolution. reconstruction of the City of Marawi established research institutes for Xi’s A MANTRA FOR A NEW Liu’s attitude mirrors that of many is extremely important,” the statement The two countries, he added, would Vietnam for the two-day APEC ideology, which was enshrined in the institute directors, who in interviews GENERATION said. address common issues including meeting from November 11, which Communist Party’s constitution during with Chinese media over the weekend its 19th national congress this month. espoused a deep devotion to Japan also offered to help with North Korea and “a free and open US President Donald Trump and other projects ranging from rail Indo-Pacific.” Chinese President Xi Jinping will The distinction places Xi on a par villages,” Jiang Hongxin, head of Hunan spreading Xi-isms. infrastructure to river defences Japan is concerned about China’s attend. with Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. Normal University’s newly-founded “The (research) centre has a unique It means that his dogma — “Xi Jinping Xi Thought research centre, told the duty, which is to push forward Xi including a possible 600 billion yen growing power in the South China Leaders from the Association of Thought on Socialism with Chinese People’s Daily, the party mouthpiece. Jinping Thought on Socialism with loan to help fund development of a Sea and sees cooperation with Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Characteristics for a New Era” — will Liu Ying, party secretary of the Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in subway in Manila. the Philippines, which lies on the and other countries in the region will become a mantra for a new generation. curricula, in classrooms and in minds,” Tianjin University of Technology’s The meeting was an opportunity waterway’s eastern side, as key ally meet again in the Philippines after According to media reports on Communist Youth League, said the Chen Xianda, a professor at Renmin Sunday, the research institutes will not University of China, told the Beijing- for Abe to discuss security in Asia in helping prevent Beijing’s influence the APEC gathering for the East Asia idea of forming a Xi Thought “learning ahead of key regional meetings spreading into the western Pacific. Summit and a gathering of ASEAN “hide in the ivory tower” but advocate group” came to her spontaneously based Guangming Daily. beginning with the Asia-Pacific Duterte, unlike his predecessor, that will be chaired by Philippine’s the incorporation of Xi thought in all during his marathon speech at the One institute director said the aspects of daily life. congress’s opening. lessons must “enter brains and hearts,” Economic Cooperation (APEC) Benigno Aquino, has been less president. “We will gather many experts and “After studying these ideas, while another said the Xi Thought gathering in Vietnam in November. critical of Beijing’s island building in Duterte in his statement in Tokyo professors to disseminate and preach students will have more confidence organisation would “guide the “I confirmed with President the South China Sea. The Philippine did not mention China, instead Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with entire school, from top to bottom, in not only in the country, but also in their Duterte that we are both maritime leader will return home on Tuesday calling North Korea to halt its ballistic Chinese Characteristics for a New Era own lives,” she said. “They will have a implementing the spirit of the 19th in businesses, neighbourhoods and congress”. — AFP nations sharing basic values and after an audience with the Japanese missile and nuclear test and return greater belief in the Chinese dream” — strategic interests,” Abe said during Emperor. to talks with the US Japan and other his joint announcement with Duterte. Abe and Duterte will travel to countries. — Reuters
Afghan Taliban say BACK FROM THE BATTLEFIELD kidnapped US prof Kim tours cosmetics is seriously ill plant with wife, sister KABUL: The Afghan Taliban said on Monday that Kevin King, one of two professors from the American SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim They have often accompanied Kim University of Afghanistan who were Jong-Un took his stylish wife and to official events since he took power kidnapped at gunpoint in Kabul last powerful sister to a make-up plant for a in 2011, in a break from the past when year, is seriously ill and needs urgent “field guidance trip” amid the country’s former leaders’ spouses or sisters rarely medical attention. nuclear standoff with the US. made public appearances. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah During a visit to the Pyongyang Ri, a former star singer also known Mujahid said King, an American, was Cosmetics Factory in the capital, Kim for her affinity for luxury fashion, is suffering from “dangerous” heart disease and kidney problem. hailed its “world-level” products that known to have three children with “His illness has intensified, his realised “the dream of the women who Kim. Yo-Jong, believed to be in her feet have swollen and sometimes want to be more beautiful”, the official 20s, was promoted earlier this month he becomes unconscious and his KCNA news agency reported. to be an alternate member of the party’s condition worsens every day,” Mujahid Kim was accompanied by Kim Yo- powerful politburo — the decision- said in a statement. Jong, his younger sister and a senior making body presided over by her “We have tried to treat him time member of the ruling Workers’ Party, it brother. to time but we do not have medical facilities as we are in a war situation,” said, with photos showing Kim’s wife Ri Known to be handling the party’s he added. King and his Australian Sol-Ju following him at the factory in a propaganda operations, Yo-Jong has colleague Timothy Weeks were floral pattern dress. been seen accompanying Kim closely kidnapped in August 2016 as they The two are seen as the most and in a casual manner — rare among A Philippine soldier holds his baby daughter as he arrives at the port of Manila on Monday, with some 500 personnel were returning to their compound in powerful women in the isolated, deeply the country’s top officials — at high- composed of marines, sailors, aviators and intelligence operative after a five-month deployment against IS supporters in the Afghan capital. — Reuters patriarchal nation. profile public events. — AFP Marawi City. — AFP Clowns bring laughter to traumatised Rohingya children
KUTUPALONG, Bangladesh: The skits before a huge gathered crowd. in Bangladesh since late August are Rohingya boys and girls shrieked with Theatre groups in Bangladesh have children. delight as the clowns juggled hoops a record of using “drama therapy” to Many crossed the border alone and somersaulted, their red-nosed lift spirits in the most depressing of from their villages in Myanmar’s antics provoking a sound rarely heard circumstances. westernmost Rakhine State after in the world’s largest refugee camp — One troupe performed for the their parents were murdered and children’s laughter. survivors of a factory collapse in 2013 communities driven out by state- The clowns have been providing that killed 1100 garment workers, sanctioned violence. much-needed levity in the crowded while another hosted shows in a small Charities on the ground say Bangladesh camps, where hundreds village in Bangladesh’s south that lost children are in dire need of emotional of thousands of traumatised Rohingya nearly 50 children in a tragic road and mental support after enduring children spend long days in bleak and accident. such trauma on their difficult journeys. difficult conditions. In the Rohingya camps, where “I am sure our show will live in Mohammad Noor lives with many lie sick or injured mourning their memory for some time. It won’t his mother and three siblings in a the death of family and loss of their erase their scars, but it will boost their makeshift shanty in the teeming homelands, laughter is sorely needed. confidence,” said Faker Ali, an acrobat Kutupalong camp, where a lack of food “Our sole aim is to bring laughter to who has worked in drama therapy for and water means a constant struggle to the Rohingya,” said Rina Akter Putul, more than two decades. survive. a veteran acrobat and the lone female But it’s not just the children who The 10-year-old fled Myanmar last member of the group. benefit from the visiting performers. month after his father was killed in “Making people laugh is a tough Among the spectators who flocked brutal violence by the army that the Rohingya refugee children watching the Bangladeshi theatre group ‘Drama Therapy’ at Kutupalong refugee camp in Ukhia. — AFP job, especially for those who lost their to a recent show were countless elderly United Nations has likened to ethnic parents in the conflict.” Rohingya refugees, clapping and cleansing. clearing is a welcome distraction from “It is hilarious. I have never seen just laughing and laughing,” he said, as The UN estimates 60 per cent of the smiling as the acrobats whirred rings The impromptu circus in a dusty the horror at home. anything like it. My friends and I were a quartet of painted clowns performed more than 600,000 refugees to arrive and bars. — AFP analysis OMANDAILYOBSERVER TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 9 Big role for US at climate talks despite withdrawal
ALISTER DOYLE It is not yet clear if any US political for implementing the Paris agreement he United States will play a big role at Washington retains its place in the leaders will attend. on issues such as the reporting of global talks next month on shaping the Many US allies, including France, greenhouse gas emissions and how Paris agreement on climate change, talks because the Paris pact stipulates Canada and Britain, hope to coax national emissions will be checked. to the dismay of some nations that that no country can formally pull Trump to end up staying in the pact Washington and many other want Washington sidelined because out before November 2020 which is backed by all nations except developed nations have long sought of President Donald Trump’s plan to Syria. Nicaragua, which had judged the tough rules to bind emerging nations T withdraw from the deal. deal too weak, ratified it this month. such as China and India, which have US officials have said they will be “The Trump regime really needs ahead of the meeting, as it traditionally In a sign that most nations are been wary of outside oversight. constructive at the annual 195-nation to walk away and not hold the rest of has. This year is on track to be the willing to permit a strong US role, an And many delegates expect the climate meeting in Bonn, Germany, the world hostage to the President’s second warmest since records began in internal UN document obtained by US officials, many of whom were from November 6-17 to work on a ineptitude,” said Ian Fry, who represents the 19th century, behind 2016. Reuters shows that a US official, Andrew architects of the Paris accord under “rule book” for the 2015 Paris plan to Tuvalu, a low-lying Pacific island nation Scientists say rising temperatures will Rakestraw, will co-lead a section of the former president Barack Obama, will shift the world economy from fossil at risk of rising sea levels and storm stoke ever more powerful hurricanes, talks with a Chinese counterpart on contribute to clear, enforceable rules fuels this century. But other nations are surges. He said that Trump’s pro-coal floods and wildfires. But US delegates ensuring transparent rules for the Paris that will be in US interests whether it is torn between welcoming or berating policies, and doubts that climate change at preparatory meetings said they will agreement. in or out of the deal. Washington’s envoys after Trump is caused by man-made greenhouse gas play a positive role in Bonn, said Nazhat And the US delegation will be led “Having the United States at the decided in June to pull out and instead emissions, could undermine urgency Shameem Khan, chief negotiator of Fiji by Thomas Shannon, a career diplomat table with good negotiators who can promote the US fossil fuel industry. at the meeting of senior officials and which will preside at the meeting. who gave a speech in 2015 calling take this forward is a win-win,” said Washington retains its place in the environment ministers. The US approach “send positive climate change “one of the world’s Paula Caballero, a director of the talks because the Paris pact stipulates The White House did not respond signals... that this will not be a greatest challenges”. World Resources Institute think-tank that no country can formally pull out to requests for comment and the State destructive COP,” she said, using the The meeting will work on a rule and formerly a climate negotiator for before November 2020. Department has not set up a briefing shorthand for Conference of the Parties. book, due to be completed in 2018, Colombia. — Reuters FINDING RESPITE!
AHMED ELUMAMI AND ULF LAESSING ashionable cafes springing up in Libya’s capital are shutting out single men and catering for women looking for a break from the tensions — political and personal — crowding in around them. The cafes with European names and bright decor seem a world away from the city’s traffic-clogged and still violent streets. In a socially conservative society, they also offer privacy and protection from unwanted advances. F “If I go with my friends, we chat about our problems and change our mood,” said 27-year-old Haneen, eating a late breakfast in the busy La Rambla cafe. “A family place is more comfortable... there’s no harassment or flirting.” For owners and managers of the businesses marketing themselves as “families-only” cafes, it’s also a welcome change from the traditional clientele — hundreds of other rowdier eateries across Tripoli are packed out with young men, tables spilling out onto the streets and giant screens broadcasting soccer matches. “Family cafes are great,” said Abdulhameed Ghreetly, manager of At Home Cafe, which looks out onto the Mediterranean. “They are less of a headache than the cafes for young guys. You know the problems with the young guys and their quarrelling.” Most of Tripoli’s economy has been in freefall since major battles between rival factions in 2014 left the country divided with competing governments. The female clients are offering some respite — managers say they spend more on fancy coffees and juices than the espresso- sipping men. “The guys just ask for coffee and water,” said Mohamed Abdurrazak, La Rambla’s owner. “The women come to eat.” The menus are heavy with pastries, pancakes, waffles and milkshakes, along side the popular “Oriental breakfast” which includes shakshouka (poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce) and ful (fava beans with herbs and spices). Prices are higher, too. A coffee in a regular cafe costs two Libyan dinars ($1.50 at the official Masoud Barzani’s dream led to downfall exchange rate, 25 cents at black market rates), and five or six dinars in a family cafe. The new businesses are also flourishing in Benghazi, Libya’s second city, which suffered heavy damage during more than three years MICHAEL GEORGY Kurds showed their military capability Washington hospital in 1976, Mulla of fighting. Customers come to relieve the daily stress, said Saad al asoud Barzani, who spent decades leading by joining Iraqi government troops and Mustafa lamented that he had ever trusted Farjani, the owner of the Coffee Factory. “A l l the time you hear of new the long-oppressed Kurds, confirmed on Iranian-backed paramilitary forces to the United States. family cafes opening. There are about 20 and there could be more.” Sunday he was stepping down as president drive IS militants out of Mosul. A year earlier, Mulla Mustafa had been Some see the cafes as heralding a return to relative normality — their of the Kurdistan Regional Government Confident that the time was right fighting a guerrilla war against Baghdad owners say they have had little trouble from armed groups known for after his drive for independence backfired. for an independent homeland, Barzani backed by pro-Western shah, but he was extortion and theft. Upmarket shops, some with international brands, After decades of struggle, critics say pursued the referendum. It resulted in left high and dry when then-US secretary have opened in smarter neighbourhoods. Barzani made one of his biggest mistakes overwhelming support for secession. of state Henry Kissinger brokered a deal For some they are a sign of increasing openness — Libyan women M by pushing hard for a September 25 But the joy was short-lived as Iraqi that allowed Saddam to crush the Kurds. have little chance to socialise outside the home. For others they are a referendum. Kurds voted overwhelmingly government forces and paramilitaries During the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, reminder of the limits on women in a country where outdoor public for independence, but won little sympathy shattered the Kurds’ dreams with a series Masoud Barzani allied the Kurdistan spaces are dominated by men. — Reuters outside their region. of lightning military advances. Democratic Party that he had inherited As well as the Iraqi government, Turkey from his father with Tehran once more. It and Iran threatened to take tough action did not go well. against any move towards secession, Critics say Barzani Some 8,000 Barzani tribesmen fearing it would encourage their own were rounded up and paraded through restive Kurdish populations to follow suit. made one of his Baghdad before being executed. The United States and other Western biggest mistakes In Saddam’s words: “They went to hell.” powers joined the chorus of opposition by pushing hard Despite the massacres, and Iraqi to the vote. The Baghdad government chemical attacks, Barzani retained enough rejected it as illegal and sent troops to for a referendum. of a fighting force to respond to president ESTABLISHED ON 15 NOVEMBER 1981 seize the oil city of Kirkuk, which the Kurds voted George Bush’s appeal for an uprising EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Kurds regard as the heart of any future overwhelmingly for during the 1991 Gulf War. Abdullah bin Salim al Shueili homeland. independence Taking Bush at his word, the Kurds rose In just a few hours, the city the Kurds up against Saddam, and Barzani and his regard as sacred was gone, along with Peshmerga — known as “those who face HEAD OFFICE ADVERTISING other Kurdish-held territory across the death” — came down from the mountains Tel: 24649444, 24649450, AL OMANEYA ADVERTISING & PUBLIC RELATIONS, P.O. Box 3303, north. Some accused Barzani of having Barzani was born in 1946, soon after to join the uprising and capture several 24649451, 24604563, 24699437 P.C. 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman led his people to disaster. For many years, his legendary father founded a party to cities in the north. Fax: 24699643 Tel: SWITCHBOARD: 24649444 he had used cunning and patience to help fight for the rights of Iraqi Kurds. But the victorious allies balked at the SALALAH OFFICE DIRECT: 24649430/24649437/24649401 the Kurds survive long years of brutality Deeply influenced by his father, Mulla prospect of a Kurdish split from Baghdad Fax: 24649434 under Saddam Hussein. Mustafa Barzani, known as the Lion of and did nothing to stop Saddam’s troops Tel: 23292633 DISTRIBUTION AGENT After the US-led invasion that toppled Kurdistan, Masoud Barzani joined the and helicopter gunships from crushing Fax: 23293909 Saddam in 2003, Barzani became a central Kurdish guerrilla forces known as the the rebellion. While more than a million NIZWA OFFICE Al OMANEYA for Distribution & Marketing, P.O. Box 974, figure in the drive to create an autonomous Peshmerga at the age of 16 and gained Kurds fled to Turkey and Iran, many P.C. 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Tel: 25411099 Kurdish state in northern Iraq. fighting experience in the mountains. dying of hunger and exposure on the way, Tel: 24649351/24649360 P.O. Box 955, P.C. 611 Kurdish leaders kept their territory The younger Barzani would become Barzani stayed to fight on. He was saved Fax: 24649379 relatively free of the sectarian bloodshed familiar with one of the popular themes by a US and British no-fly zone established Website: omanobserver.om e-mail: [email protected] that plagued most of Iraq. in Kurdish history — betrayal by regional over the north in 1991 which allowed him Western oil executives flocked to the and Western powers. and his Kurdish rival, Jalal Talabani, to PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising region seeking deals. Exiled and dying of cancer in a retake the area. — Reuters P.O. Box 974, Postal Code 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman [email protected]
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this page are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the opinion of the Observer. india OMANDAILYOBSERVER 10 TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 SC to set up constitution India, Italy mend relations after bench on Aadhaar petitions
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on being made compulsory for CBSE marines’ row, sign 6 agreements Monday said a five-judge constitution students to appear in Class 10 and 12 bench would hear a batch of petitions exams. challenging the validity of the As court said that the challenge to BOOSTING TIES: Pacts to promote investments and cooperation in energy, railways and culture Aadhaar law on charges of being Aadhaar law would be heard by the intrusive and violating the right to five judges constitution bench, the NEW DELHI: India and Italy sought privacy. issue of extending the deadline for to mend ties on Monday following The top court also pulled up the linking Aadhaar with bank accounts, years of tensions over the arrests of West Bengal government for directly PAN, mobile numbers and other Italian marines suspected of shooting From our talks today, I approaching it against the central schemes for those who don’t have the dead Indian fishermen. government’s move to make Aadhaar unique identification number is now Italian Prime Minister Paolo felt we both are interested mandatory for availing benefits under on the backburner. Gentiloni held talks with his Indian in taking our bilateral social welfare schemes. The issue is not there, as the court Premier Narendra Modi in New A bench headed by Chief is hearing the matter in the last week Delhi and the two sides signed six relations to a new height. Justice Dipak Misra and Justice of November, the Attorney General agreements. Your visit has helped us A M Khanwilkar and Justice D Y said. The existing deadline is up to “From our talks today, I felt we both Chandrachud said the hearing on the December 31. are interested in taking our bilateral set new priorities for our petitions challenging the government In the last hearing of the matter relations to a new height. Your visit relationship move would take place in the last on October 25, the Centre had has helped us set new priorities for our week of November. indicated that the deadline for linking relationship,” said Modi, appearing The court said this after Attorney Aadhaar with bank accounts, PAN, alongside Gentiloni. NARENDRA MODI General K K Venugopal told the mobile numbers and other schemes The six pacts included those to Prime Minister bench that the government had filed for those who don’t have the unique promote investments and cooperate a detailed affidavit refuting all the identification number and are willing in areas such as energy, railways allegations on expanding the area to go for it may be extended till March and culture. Italy is among India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni before under Aadhaar linkage. 31. — Reuters five largest trading partners in the their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday. Asking the court not to issue any The validity of Aadhaar law has European Union, with trade worth $ 2012, when Italian marines Salvatore The two countries are currently seminars in each other’s country. further interim orders, Venugopal been challenged by a number of 8.8 billion in 2016-17. Girone and Massimiliano Latorre fighting a legal battle on the issue at Gentiloni arrived in New Delhi said the government was ready to people, including former Karnataka “I think the relaunching of our were arrested in India, suspected the International Tribunal for the Law on Sunday on a two-day tour, the argue and the court, if deemed fit, High Court Judge K S Puttaswamy, diplomatic relationship will produce of accidentally shooting dead two of the Sea. first visit by an Italian premier since could set up a constitution bench first Chairperson of National great opportunities for both countries,” Indian fishermen during anti-piracy The Modi-Gentiloni talks focused Romano Prodi visited in 2007. to decide on the various Aadhaar Commission for Protection of Child said Gentiloni, the first Italian premier operations in the Indian Ocean. on bringing fresh momentum to Earlier on Monday, the Italian petitions. Rights and Magsaysay awardee to visit India in a decade. They were later released on bail bilateral relations including trade leader was given a ceremonial He said the government had Shanta Sinha and researcher Kalyani “Italy and India share a joint stand and allowed to return to Italy but their and investment. The discussions also reception at the presidential palace, already issued more than 100 orders Sen Menon. on global challenges like climate arrest and subsequent legal action in covered cooperation in cyber-security after which he and Modi met top and notifications to address the Aadhaar is being challenged in change, the fight against terrorism and India led to a near freeze of diplomatic as well as science and technology. business leaders from both countries. glitches in the implementation of the court amid apprehensions that protection of democratic values.” relations. The two countries are celebrating Gentiloni also held meetings with Aadhaar. it violated right to privacy — which “We will build on this message Italy maintained the incident 70 years since the establishment President Ram Nath Kovind and The government counsel also a nine-judge bench had already of friendship from our discussions took place in international waters of diplomatic relations in 2018, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj. He told the court that fake reports were declared as a fundamental right — today,” he added. and that India was acting outside its which will see year-long cultural was scheduled to conclude his visit being spread about Aadhaar linking, with the use of biometric details like Relations have been tense since jurisdiction. performances, exhibitions and late on Monday. — dpa including how the unique ID was fingerprints and iris scans. — IANS
Pakistani, Indian MONSOON RAINS IN CHENNAI China may again IN BRIEF military commanders block Indian bid to trade barbs in call Supreme Court to hear blacklist ultra leader ISLAMABAD: Indian and Pakistani woman in annulled military commanders fired offheated BEIJING: China on Monday signalled accusations on Monday in a rare it would again block an Indian marriage case telephone conversation between the request at the United Nations to nuclear-armed rivals over repeated NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has blacklist the head of a Pakistan-based cross-border firing in disputed ordered a 24-year-old woman whose militant group because there was Kashmir. no consensus, a move likely to cause marriage to a Muslim man was annulled During the call initiated by recrimination in New Delhi. at her Hindu father’s request to give Islamabad on a hotline, Pakistan’s India, backed by the United States, evidence in person, saying only she director-general of military operations has been trying to get Maulana could decide her own fate. lambasted his Indian counterpart for Masood Azhar on a UN list of groups The decision to annul the marriage targeting “innocent civilians” near the with ties to Al Qaeda, blaming his and force the woman, Akhila Ashokan, Line of Control (LoC) — the de facto group for a series of attacks in India, to return to live with her parents has border dividing the region. including one on its parliament in 2002 caused outrage among women’s rights “Indian troops are deliberately and another last year on an airbase. campaigners in India. targeting innocent civilians including But China, a member of the UN Earlier this year Ashokan’s father children... such deliberate actions are Security Council, has repeatedly put a asked the Kerala High Court to annul of serious concern and a violation technical hold on the Indian request, the marriage, claiming she had been of the 2003 agreement,” said Major- the latest of which is due to end this forced into it and made to convert General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, week. to Islam. The high court agreed, but according to a statement. Such decisions must be based on her former husband challenged the India responded with a volley of cast-iron evidence and fully backed decision in the Supreme Court, which its own accusations, saying Pakistan by members of the UN panel charged on Monday ruled that Ashokan should continues to send militants across the with implementing resolutions relating appear in person to give evidence on LoC to target Indian troops and places to sanctions on militant groups November 27. civilians near its military installations and individuals, Foreign Ministry It questioned whether the lower to aid insurgents. spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. court had the legal right to annul a “Lt Gen A K Bhatt emphatically “China proposed a technical hold, marriage between two adults. stated that retaliatory firing by Indian the aim of which was to give more Inter-religious relationships are still a troops has only been carried out in time for the committee members to taboo in India, particularly in rural areas. response to unabated support given discuss it and for relevant parties to Ashokan married in December by Pak Army to armed terrorists who have further consultations,” Hua told a last year after converting to Islam and infiltrate across the border and target Women ride a bike during heavy monsoon rains at Marina Beach in Chennai on Monday. — AFP daily news briefing. — Reuters changing her name to Hadiya. Indian Army posts with heavy calibre She has not been allowed to leave weapons,” said a statement released her father’s house since the marriage by the Indian side. was annulled in May. Kashmir has been divided between The country’s federal investigations India and Pakistan since the end of agency has said it is looking into British colonial rule in 1947, but both Cong plans protests on note ban anniversary her husband Shafin Jahan’s links to claim the territory in full. extremist groups. The neighbours regularly exchange But he has not been convicted of any fire across the border despite signing a NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday said it will scam of the century” and that GST had “crushed crime. — AFP ceasefire in 2003. — AFP observe November 8 as “Black Day” with country- businesses and wiped out jobs”. wide protests against demonetisation with the theme The party’s general secretaries will be present on “Bhugat Raha hai desh” (the country is suffering) and November 8 in all the states. The party workers will Ǧ ϐ will not rest till “inherent flaws” in the Goods and hold rallies and protest march across all state and Services Tax (GST) are resolved. district headquarters in the morning and will also Ǯǯ The party said the people of the country will never hold a candlelight march in the evening. pardon the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi “A government drunk with power and blinded by MUMBAI/AHMEDABAD: A Jet Airways him on the ‘No Fly List’ immediately, will go down in India’s history alongside Muhammad arrogance has the audacity to celebrate the surgical Mumbai-New Delhi flight was diverted to in addition to other statutory criminal Bin Tughlak for the “gross misadventure” of strike on India’s economy,” said Surjewala. Ahmedabad due to “security issues” after action,” Raju said. a letter warning about a hijack and bomb The Boeing 737-900 flight 9W-339 demonetisation that wreaked havoc with India’s Surjwala asked: “Who is responsible for the death threat was discovered in the plane’s had departed from Mumbai around economy. of nearly 150 ordinary citizens who died in bank toilet. The person who left the note has 2.55 am, and after diversion landed in The party made the announcement after a meeting lines? Who is responsible for the utter confusion been identified. Ahmedabad around 3.45 am. of its General Secretaries which was presided over by outside GST Council,” said Congress spokesperson and consequent losses caused by repeated change The flight with 122 passengers, The flight was finally cleared for take- Vice President Rahul Gandhi. Randeep Singh Surjewala. of demonetisation rules by RBI on 135 occasions? including seven crew, landed in a remote offand left for New Delhi around 10.45 In another meeting on GST, Rahul Gandhi, Former “Congress will not rest until a resolution of Who is responsible for loss of over 3.72 crore jobs on bay at the Ahmedabad airport and all am, said an airlines spokesperson. Prime Manmohan Singh along with P Chidambaram these issues is done by the BJP government to the account of demonetisation in MSME sector alone? passengers were disembarked and The pilot alerted Ahmedabad airport and Jairam Ramesh and finance ministers of the satisfaction of business and services,” he added. Who is responsible for loss of entire savings of crores screened. authorities about the threat letter Congress-ruled states examined the “mess created by Briefing reporters, Surjewala said demonstrations of housewives done over a lifetime? Civil Aviation Minister Ashok after the plane took off. The letter was Gajapathi Raju in a tweet said: “I am reported to be in Urdu and English. the Modi government on account of inherent flaws in will be held in every district and state capital on “Who is responsible for crash of business of small informed that the person responsible for The Jet Airways statement said the the design, architecture and rates of the GST”. November 8, the day the Modi government decided shopkeepers and small and medium enterprises on the Jet flight (9W-339) incident causing flight was diverted following “declaration “The meeting decided that Congress leadership last year to junk Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. account of the impact of demonetisation? Who is landing at Ahmedabad today morning of an emergency as per established and Congress finance ministers will espouse the “Bhugat Raha hai desh” is the common theme of the responsible for contraction of GDP from 9.2 per cent has been identified.” security procedures, due to the detection pain and suffering of MSMEs, shopkeepers, traders, Congress and other opposition parties. to 5.7 per cent resulting in a loss of over Rs 3 lakh “I am advising the airlines to put of an onboard security threat”. — IANS housewives and common man, both inside and Surjewala said demonetisation “was the biggest crore?,” asked Surjewala. — IANS world OMANDAILYOBSERVER TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 11 Former Trump aides indicted as Russia probe accelerates GUILTY: Manafort hands himself in after being indicted by a federal grand jury
WASHINGTON: Paul Manafort, a former campaign manager for President Donald Trump, surrendered to the FBI on Monday and another ex- aide pleaded guilty to lying to agents in the most serious steps yet of a federal probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Some people wave flags from Occitania, Flanders, Wallonia and Catalonia in front Manafort, 68, a longtime Republican of the ‘Generalitat’ palace (Catalan government headquarters) in Barcelona on operative, arrived at the Federal Bureau Monday. — AFP of Investigation’s Washington field office to hand himself in after being indicted by a federal grand jury on charges including money laundering Spain’s direct rule takes and conspiracy against the United States. In a separate announcement on Monday, the office of Justice hold in Catalonia as Department Special Counsel Robert Mueller said former Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos had secessionists accept polls pleaded guilty on October 5 to making false statements to FBI agents in the BARCELONA/MADRID: Spain’s Russia probe. Papadopoulos is an direct rule over Catalonia took hold Spain’s state prosecu- international energy lawyer. smoothly on Monday as employees This file photo shows Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump giving a thumbs up as his campaign manager Paul tor called for charges Manafort associate Rick Gates was ignored calls for civil disobedience Manafort (2nd R), campaign official Rick Gates (2ndL) and daughter Ivanka (R) look on during Trump’s walk through at the of rebellion and sedi- named alongside Manafort in the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 21, 2016. — Reuters to turn up for work, and secessionist 12-count indictment, which was the parties agreed to stand in new tion, as well as fraud first from Mueller’s investigation into elections, implying acceptance that the and misuse of funds, alleged Russian interference in last Ukraine. “If I were the defence lawyer I’d be regional government was dissolved. to be brought against year’s campaign to try to tilt the vote in Lawyers for Gates and Manafort looking into cooperating,” he said. Ousted Catalan president Carles Trump’s favour. did not immediately return calls for Manafort associ- US intelligence agencies say Russia Puigdemont travelled to Belgium with Catalan leaders Neither Trump nor his campaign comment. ate Rick Gates was interfered in the election to try to help several other members of his sacked was mentioned in the indictment and An initial court appearance and Trump defeat Clinton, by hacking and administration, a senior member many of the charges, some of which arraignment for the two men was named alongside releasing embarrassing e-mails and of Spain’s ruling People’s Party said. lawmakers accepted they had been go back more than a decade, appear scheduled for 1:30 pm (1730 GMT) Manafort in the disseminating propaganda via social Spain’s state prosecutor, Attorney- dismissed. related to Manafort’s work for Ukraine’s on Monday in Washington before 12-count indictment media to discredit her. The Kremlin General Jose Manuel Maza, called for A call for widespread civil pro-Russian government and political Magistrate Judge Deborah Robinson, a has denied any meddling. charges of rebellion and sedition, as disobedience from the main civic figures there. court spokeswoman said. The indictment contains counts of well as fraud and misuse of funds, to groups behind the secessionist Russia investigations by Mueller Trump, who has denied any conspiracy against the United States, be brought against Catalan leaders. campaign failed to attract many and several congressional panels have allegations of collusion with the conspiracy to launder money, acting Catalonia, a prosperous region with followers. Most public sector workers cast a shadow over the Republican Russians, reiterated on Monday his Monday morning, referring to his as unregistered agents of Ukraine’s its own language and culture, triggered such as teachers, firefighters and the president’s first nine months in office public frustration with the Mueller Democratic presidential rival last government, false and misleading Spain’s biggest crisis for decades by police started worked as normal on and have widened the rift between probe, which he has called “a witch year, Hillary Clinton. statements and failure to file reports of holding an independence referendum Monday and there was no sign of Republicans and Democrats. hunt.” Legal experts said the indictment foreign bank and financial accounts, on October 1, which Spanish courts widespread absenteeism. Manafort ran the Trump campaign “Sorry, but this is years ago, before could just be an opening salvo by the special counsel said. called illegal. A trade union, Intersindical-CSC, from June to August of 2016 before Paul Manafort was part of the Trump Mueller. It put pressure on Manafort The charge of conspiracy to Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy which had called for a general strike resigning amid reports he might have campaign. But why aren’t Crooked to cooperate with Mueller’s Russia commit money laundering carries a assumed direct control of the region in Catalonia, said on Monday it had received millions in illegal payments Hillary & the Dems the focus””?,” investigation, said Renato Mariotti, a maximum 20-year prison sentence. on Friday, sacked its secessionist cancelled it. from a pro-Russian political party in Trump said in a Twitter post on former federal prosecutor in Chicago. — Reuters government and called a snap election Sacked Catalan leaders have for December 21. remained ambiguous but they stopped Monday’s calm on the streets of short of directly defying Spain’s Barcelona resolved a weekend of authority. There were no signs of any uncertainty during which it was not spontaneous demonstration taking Kenyatta wins 98pc of vote in repeat election clear how the region would respond to place. central control. Puigdemont posted a picture NAIROBI: Incumbent President the violence seen so far is starting to Some of the most prominent ousted on Instagram taken in the regional Uhuru Kenyatta won 98 per cent of the take on ethnic overtones. Catalan leaders, including Puigdemont government headquarters, but was not vote in a repeat presidential election In his victory speech, Kenyatta and Vice-President Oriol Junqueras, seen entering, suggesting the photo in Kenya, although only 39 per cent of repeated his belief that his victory in had said they would not accept their may have been taken by someone else. voters turned out due to an opposition the original August 8 election — later dismissal. But their respective parties, Regional transport chief Josep boycott, the electoral commission said nullified by the Supreme Court due to a PdeCat and Esquerra Republicana Rull posted on Twitter a picture of on Monday. string of irregularities — was legitimate de Catalunya, said on Monday they him working in his office but he was The announcement touched off and said dialogue would have to wait if would take part in the election, a tacit later seen leaving the building. Spain’s small protests in a few opposition the opposition was going to lodge court acceptance that parliament had been transport minister had said in a radio strongholds, but also celebrations in cases again. dissolved. interview Rull would be allowed to pro-Kenyatta areas of the east African “My victory today is just part of La Sexta television said Puigdemont collect his personal belongings but not country. Veteran opposition leader a process that is likely to once again could seek asylum in Belgium together work there. Raila Odinga had already branded the be subjected to a constitutional test with five other sacked members of his When he left, Rull said he would election a farce. through our courts... I will submit to administration. now attend a PdeCat party meeting: Given the deeply polarised this constitutional path regardless of The regional legislature cancelled “Let’s go on with the scheduled atmosphere, some Kenyans fear that the outcome,” Kenyatta said. — Reuters Uhuru Kenyatta (R) holds his certificate of election on Monday. — AFP a meeting for Tuesday, another signal agenda,” he said. — Reuters Danish submarine owner admits to dismembering journalist
STOCKHOLM: Danish inventor Peter admitted that he later dismembered held in custody since August 11 and inspector Jens Moller Jensen said in Madsen has admitted dismembering her corpse and spread the body parts has changed his version of events the statement. the corpse of Swedish journalist Kim in Koge Bay” off Copenhagen. several times. Police said divers were still Wall, whose body parts were found Police also said Madsen was After intentionally sinking his searching for Wall’s arms, and both at sea after she interviewed him on suspected of having “sexual relations submarine early on August 11 in Koge her and Madsen’s cell phones. board his homemade submarine, other than intercourse... under Bay, some 50 kilometres from the Madsen is an eccentric, well- Danish police said on Monday. particularly aggravated circumstances, Danish capital, he was picked up by known figure in Denmark. Madsen, who is suspected of based on the 14 stab wounds to and a rescue vessel and told police he had He has successfully launched murdering Wall, has until now denied around Kim Wall’s genital area.” dropped Wall off on land after their rockets with the aim of developing mutilating her body. That was believed to have taken interview the previous evening. private space travel. In earlier police questioning, the place shortly after her death, police said. On September 5, he changed his And his homemade submarine 46-year-old said she had died in an Prosecutors have previously said story to say a 70-kilo hatch fell on her Nautilus, launched in 2008, was the accident when a heavy submarine they believe Madsen killed Wall as part head, killing her, and that he threw her biggest private sub ever made when hatch fell on her head, but he has now of a sexual fantasy, then dismembered Peter Madsen Kim Wall body, intact, overboard in a panic. he built it with help from a group of changed his story to say she died of her body and tossed the parts into the But police said on October 7 they volunteers. carbon monoxide poisoning, police sea. hard drive did not belong to him. in the same waters on October 7. had located her decapitated head and A court hearing to extend Madsen’s said in a statement. Investigators found a hard disk in Wall failed to return from an Wall, 30, worked as a freelance an autopsy showed no sign of a skull custody had been scheduled for “He has now explained that Madsen’s workshop that contained interview with Madsen on board his journalist based in New York and injury. Tuesday, but the hearing has been Kim Wall died as a result of carbon fetish films in which women were homemade submarine on August 10. China, and her articles were published The carbon monoxide poisoning cancelled as he no longer contests his monoxide poisoning inside the tortured, decapitated and burned Her headless torso was found in the Guardian, The New York Times explanation now “gives the police detention, police said. submarine at a time when he was on alive. floating in Koge Bay off Copenhagen and others. reason to request further information Preliminary trial dates have been deck,” police said. Madsen has denied any sexual on August 21, and her head, legs and Madsen, a 46-year-old self-taught from the forensic coroner and the set for March and April, police said. “Furthermore, Peter Madsen has relations with Wall, and insisted the clothes were recovered in plastic bags engineer who is married, has been military’s submarine experts,” police — AFP panorama OMANDAILYOBSERVER 12 TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017
TIMELY WORK: Workmen abseil down the clock face of the Royal Liver Buildings LET’S BE TOGETHER: Rohingya refugee children walk at Moynerghona refugee HARVEST TIME: Farmers harvest rice on a field at Khokana in Lalitpur, Nepal, on in Liverpool, Britain. — Reuters camp in the Bangladeshi district of Ukhia. — AFP Monday. — Reuters
‘Pineapple pen’ star HEADED TO FAIR: A trader arrives with his camels at Pushkar Fair where animals, mainly camels, are brought to be sold to serenade Trump and traded in the Indian state of on Japan visit Rajasthan on Sunday. — Reuters TOKYO: US President Donald Trump will be serenaded with a bizarre hit song about a “pen-pineapple-apple- pen” on his visit to Japan next week. Japan will roll out wacky crooner Pikotaro — whose 45-second “PPAP” ditty went viral last year after being shared by pop star Justin Bieber — when Trump comes to town at the start of an Asian tour, Kyodo News agency reported. The singer, apparently a favourite of Trump’s grandchildren, will attend a dinner hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, government sources told Kyodo. Arabella Kushner, the six-year-old daughter of Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, was seen singing along to the tune in a clip shared on Instagram in November by her mother. The repetitive earworm, whose video features the dancing Pikotaro dressed in his garish animal-print costume, set a Guinness World Record as the shortest song to break into the Billboard Hot 100. Trump is also set to play a round of golf with Japanese pro Hideki Matsuyama during his visit. — AFP
ERECTED TO AMUSE: A 53-metre-high replica of a transformer at a construction site of East Valley of Science and Fantasy virtual- reality theme park in Guiyang, in China’s southwestern Guizhou province. — AFP
EARNING DAILY BREAD: A woman displays breads for sale on roadside in Hanoi, Vietnam on Monday. — Reuters
FLOATING LUXURY: Cruise ship Mariner of the Seas is docked at the Marina Bay cruise centre terminal in Singapore on Monday. — AFP Here comes a finger vibration-based system to secure your car
NEW YORK: Researchers have developed a on surfaces, so sensors that detect subtle to authenticate users. But these systems based approaches, which validate passwords to widely deploy them,” Chen said. system that senses finger vibrations to verify physiological and behavioural differences require costly equipment, complex hardware instead of legitimate users, as well as With VibWrite, the authentication process users before giving them access to cars or other can identify and authenticate a person,” said installation and diverse maintenance needs. behavioural biometrics-based solutions, which can be performed on any solid surface beyond appliances. Yingying (Jennifer) Chen, Professor at Rutgers The goal of VibWrite, which integrates typically involve touch screens, fingerprint touch screens and on any screen size, the paper Called VibWrite, this low-cost security University-New Brunswick in New Jersey, US. passcode, behavioural and physiological readers or other costly hardware and lead to said. system could eventually be used to gain The study was presented at the ACM characteristics, is to allow user verification privacy concerns and “smudge attacks” that It includes an inexpensive vibration motor access to anything with a solid surface, from Conference on Computer and Communications when fingers touch any solid surface, the trace oily residues on surfaces from fingers. and receiver and uses minimal power. homes, apartment buildings and cars to other Security in Dallas, Texas. researchers said. “Smart access systems that use fingerprinting Both hardware installation and maintenance appliances. Today’s smart security access systems It builds on a touch-sensing technique by and iris-recognition are very secure, but they’re are easy, and “VibWrite probably could be “Everyone’s finger bone structure is unique, mainly rely on traditional techniques that using vibration signals. probably more than 10 times as expensive as commercialised in a couple of years,” Chen and their fingers apply different pressures use intercoms, cameras, cards or fingerprints It is different than traditional, password- our VibWrite system, especially when you want said. — IANS TUESDAY | OCTOBER 31, 2017 | SAFAR 11, 1439 AH
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* INBRIEF Collaboration is key to Oman Oil, Rusnano to weigh Ride-hailing Didi to join Japan’s Daiichi co-investment opportunities weathering oil price fall in oil & gas, chemical sectors MAIDEN CONFERENCE: Contractors squeezed enough, time to optimise activities through collaboration, says Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Oil & Gas TOKYO: Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing is gearing up to partner with Japanese taxi provider Daiichi Koutsu CONRAD PRABHU And we can make money by Sangyo and launch an app-based MUSCAT, OCT 30 cab service in Tokyo early next year, optimising our activities,” he stated. reports said on Monday. Unlicensed Salim bin Nasser al Aufi (pictured), Earlier, Al Aufi congratulated private vehicles in Japan are generally Under-Secretary of the Ministry of OPAL on the successful hosting prohibited from engaging in paid Oil & Gas, has urged the Oil & Gas of the conference in line with its transportation, which is Didi’s bread and industry to work together in order to mandate to serve the Oil & Gas butter, according to Nikkei Asian Review. As a workaround, Didi is entering help the sector weather the ongoing industry. “OPAL has transformed the Japanese market via taxicabs rather downturn that has left contractors over the past three years. There was CONRAD PRABHU than private vehicles, the report added. “bleeding” and businesses a point when we thought we should MUSCAT, OCT 30 Comprising around 8,700 vehicles, Daiichi “squeezed”. close it down. But today we are really Koutsu Sangyo has the largest taxi fleet in Speaking at the inauguration of proud of what this organisation is Russian technology corporation ‘Opportunities will Japan. The Chinese ride-hailing company the 1st OPAL Oil & Gas Conference doing.” Rusnano says its recent agreement include strategically now plans to register about 500 of those 2017 at the Grand Millennium Hotel edition of the OPAL Oil & Gas OPAL Chairman Dr Amer al with Oman Oil Company (OOC), in its proprietary application by early next important chemical year, with the number to eventually rise yesterday, Al Aufi appealed for Conference, a turnout that bodes Rawas, described the conference the wholly Omani government and petrochemical to a few thousand. — IANS “collaboration” as the way forward well for the embrace of goals as a networking forum for the Oil owned energy investment arm, is amid a global oil price slump now necessary to strengthen the industry & Gas industry amid a painful aimed at exploring opportunities projects based entering its fourth year. going forward, said Al Aufi. slump caused by the low oil price for “co-investment” in chemical on competitive “I think the next era for us — He also urged the various environment. “This will mark the and petrochemical industries innovative iPhone X demand three years into this so-called crisis constituents of the sector to start of an annual series, serving as that capitalise on “competitive but which is really an opportunity communicate with each other in a networking forum for our Oil & innovative technologies”. technologies’. ‘off the charts’ for challenges — is how do we order to address any challenges Gas community, and will allow for The Moscow-based joint stock collaborate,” the Under-Secretary collectively. “We need to network knowledge exchange and to learn company which implements said. “We have done enough and to listen,” Al Aufi said. “The from international best practices. investment projects by using agreement” with Rusnano on squeezing of the contractors, we operators need to listen to their The conference comes almost three its prodigious resources and October 15, 2017 against the have done enough renegotiations of main contractors, who in turn, must years after the start of the oil price establishing nanotechnology backdrop of the 2nd Russian- contracts, and removing a lot of the listen to their subcontractors, and so crisis, which has really consumed investment funds, said in a statement Omani Business Forum that took fat. When I listen to the contractors, on. We also need to listen carefully a lot of our discussions, and issued at the weekend that both sides place in Muscat. The forum was they are literally bleeding, with to the boys and girls who are at the conferences and workshops. Today, will evaluate opportunities for joint hosted by the Oman Chamber of some saying they are getting out of wellheads – people who know what’s we have a fresh look at the future, investment in oil & gas, as well as Commerce and Industry (OCCI) business. The operators are bleeding happening in the field. They are the technologies, and best practices, chemical related ventures. in cooperation with the Russian- as well, going by the figures that I saw ones who can tell us whether the as we go beyond the crisis through Oman Oil Company, the Omani Business Council. SAN FRANCISCO: Dismissing reports recently which are not very healthy knob should be turned left or right, operational excellence, harnessing biggest investor in the Sultanate’s “The (two parties) are of a lukewarm demand for its “super premium” iPhone X that becomes for them. So the key to staying afloat or left unchanged, in terms of what of technologies, and advances in the hugely important energy and interested in evaluating potential available from November 3, Apple has in these challenges times is through makes money for you. At the end use of big data.” petrochemicals sector, inked a co-investment opportunities in said the demand for the device is “offthe collaboration.” of the day, we are in this business OPAL CEO Musallam al “partnership and cooperation TURN TO P15 charts”. More than 170 industry leaders to make money for the nation, for Mandhari also addressed the “We can see from the initial response, and executives attended the maiden companies, and for the shareholders. gathering. customer demand is offthe charts,” an Apple spokeswoman was quoted as saying by CNET on Monday. Apple, however, did not make it clear whether supply for iPhone X will remain tight as predicted by market analysts. Singapore unveils plan to bolster its financial status The increased demand for iPhone X comes after iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus went on sale late last month and SINGAPORE: Singapore unveiled a and ensuring that technology is not activities may have changed, received a muted response. roadmap for strengthening its status as too disruptive for the sector. necessitating a relook at rules,” he a financial hub in Asia, with the aim “Technology is blurring geography, added. of growing the sector more than 4 per and financial transactions can now Between 2016 and 2020, Singapore New round of TPP cent a year and creating thousands of be increasingly conducted with aims to average 4.3 per cent annual jobs. applications and the Internet via new growth in financial sector real value- talks begin in Japan “With technology transforming the financial entities,” he said. added and annually create 3,000 net TOKYO: The 11 member-countries way financial services are produced, “You want to encourage these jobs in financial services and 1,000 net of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) delivered, and consumed, it is critical things to take off and yet at the same jobs in the fintech sector, the central on Monday started a new round of that Singapore’s financial sector also time, you want to balance that risk... bank said. negotiations in Japan, seeking to transforms, to stay relevant and that some of this new technology It said Singapore aims to be reach an agreement ahead of the competitive,” the Monetary Authority could actually be disruptive to your a leading international wealth Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation of Singapore said on Monday. major local players,” Chua said. management hub, as well as an Asian (APEC) summit next month. One focus is encouraging the A NEED TO REGULATE : Ong hub for fund management. The meeting, taking place in Chiba prefecture, will continue till adoption of technology to increase Ye Kung, education minister and an The MAS said it is working with efficiency, the central bank said. MAS board member, said encouraging the financial industry to develop Wednesday with the aim of re- A visitor speaks to security officers at the building of the Monetary Authority of The MAS said it will take steps innovation “does not mean the Singapore as an Asian centre for capital arranging various types of consensus Singapore (MAS) in Singapore. — Reuters following the withdrawal of the US, such as collaborating with financial regulator takes a laissez-faire, hands- raising and enterprise financing, and reports Efe news. institutions to create common utilities finance. to simplify financial institutions’ off approach.” as an infrastructure financing hub. New Zealand has pushed for for services including electronic The central bank will also expand regulatory compliance. “New and emerging activities It also seeks to develop Singapore the talks to move forward, with the payments, as well as investing in cross-border cooperation agreements Chua Hak Bin, Maybank Kim that pose systemic risk or endanger as a leading centre for Asian fixed newly-elected Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, calling for a revision of the research to develop solutions such with other fintech centres to help grow Eng economist, said a challenge for consumer interests will need to be income, and a global capital for Asian agreement. — IANS as “distributed ledger technology” Singapore as a base for foreign fintech Singapore is striking a balance between regulated. At the same time, the insurance and risk transfer. for inter-bank payments and trade start-ups, and will harness technology staying at the forefront of technology, landscape for existing regulated — Reuters insideoman OMANDAILYOBSERVER business14 TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 BUSINESS ALERT $7.5m oilfield pump Bank Muscat reiterates support to promote motor sports
MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in line with its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to partnership in promoting factory opens in Suhar Oman as a sporting nation, joined hands in hosting the Red Bull Car Park Drift Local Qualifier at the Oman Automobile Association track. Waleed al Hashar, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, was the guest of honour at the event in which adventure motoring BUSINESS REPORTER enthusiasts turned out in large numbers. MUSCAT, OCT 30 Waleed al Hashar expressed his joy and pride in hosting the event and congratulated Petroleum Development Oman the winners. Rifaat al Yahyai won the first place followed by Haitham al Hadidi and (PDO) has been supplied with the first Dhulkafal al Said in the second and third positions. Rifaat al Yahyai will represent ‘Made in Oman’ electric submersible Oman in the regional Red Bull Car Park Drift final to be held in Kuwait. pump (ESP) system for its oil Bank Muscat has been associated with the Red Bull event in its previous editions which were well received by operations from a factory in Suhar. motor sports enthusiasts in Oman. In 2016, the Sultanate hosted the Red Bull Car Park Drift final in which Oman The $7.5 million Borets Seven produced the top three winners. Seas & Co LLC facility was officially opened on Sunday under the auspices Ford F-150 Raptor: Powerful over challenging of Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, desert landscapes Minister of Commerce and Industry. and unmatched or crawl over The facility will assemble and rocky terrain. service ESPs — which provide an A d vanced efficient and reliable artificial-lift FORD’S formidable beast the F-150 Raptor is what materials — method for extracting moderate to dreams are made of. Tough, daring and unmatched, includ ing high volumes of fluids from wellbores BORETS WAS MANDATED our industry in Oman and this new the F-150 Raptor is built with a purpose — destroy high-strength — for use in oil and water wells. TO ESTABLISH THE PLANT factory really is ICV in action.” expectations, do the undone. steel and high- Borets Seven Seas contractors will also Stulberg said: “Oman was the Developed with the DNA of a Baja race truck, the strength, military grade, aluminium alloy — help save install, commission, test and maintain IN THE SULTANATE, first country outside former Soviet F-150 Raptor is agile, versatile and roomy apart from up to 500 pounds versus the prior Raptor for improved the equipment in the field. SO IT CAN PROVIDE Union states, where Borets started its being the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 off-road prowess. Combined with all-new EcoBoost The factory was opened on the TRAINING AND JOB international operations in 2005 — Raptor ever. F-150 Raptor is unique among off-road engine technology, the next-generation F-150 Raptor’s Suhar Industrial Estate after PDO OPPORTUNITIES FOR that’s why the Suhar facility is not just and performance vehicles, with a purpose-built engine, power-to-weight ratio has been improved, making the negotiated a three-year $105 million one more project for us. We put our chassis and suspension that enables it to travel fast truck even more agile off-road. contract with Borets, a global leader OMANIS hearts into its construction and we in artificial lift systems engineering, will apply our best efforts to perform manufacturing, sales and servicing. all our client with high quality and on Baic Oman celebrates first anniversary with special offers Under the terms of the deal, which time.” also has an option for a seven-year has opened this new state-of-the- Borets is planning to extend the BAIC Oman with an impressive line-up of Sedan, Hatchback, Crossover, SUV extension, Borets was mandated to art facility in Oman which is already facility to cater for the assembly,testing and light commercial vehicles (2wd/4wd Pickups), is celebrating one year of its establish the plant in the Sultanate, producing ESPs for our operations. and service of the surface components noteworthy presence in Oman. Gulf Great Sands LLC in Oman is the exclusive so it can provide training and job We have worked hard to make this of the systems, alongside the importer of Baic, which is a leading international automotive group. opportunities for Omanis, as part of happen as factories like this will help current downhole ones. Borets, an Baic (Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation) is the fourth largest PDO’s efforts to develop local skills create job opportunities, develop local international company headquartered automotive group in China with a comprehensive portfolio of products ranging and promote In-Country Value (ICV) technical capabilities, shorten our in Dubai, is using Sohar port to from Passenger cars to Light commercial vehicles and Sport utility vehicles. in hi-tech areas of the economy. supply chains and reduce our costs. import ESP parts, and has opened As part of the Baic Oman first anniversary celebrations, Gulf Great Sands LLC is extending a host of benefits The official opening of the “A key enabler for this achievement a path for potential co-operation to its customers. The Baic anniversary offer which began on October 25 will go on till December 24, 2017. Baic’s facility was attended by Dr Envarbik is PDO’s new ESP contracting strategy and knowledge transfer with Sultan anniversary offer makes it easy to own Baic range of latest models. A Gulf Great Sands LLC spokesperson said, “A s Fazelianov, Russian Ambassador to which is structured in a way that Qaboos University other Omani we celebrate first year in the market, the popularity of the BAIC vehicle range has grown exponentially. We are proud the Sultanate, Borets Chief Executive makes it mandatory for contractors to educational and research institutes. that Baic Group has selected Oman as one of its core markets for international business expansion.” Officer Lev Stulberg and PDO set up ESP manufacturing facilities in The Suhar assembly plant is the first Managing Director Raoul Restucci. Oman as part of their agreements. A of three ESP facilities to be opened in Restucci said: “We are delighted central plank of our ICV programme Oman after PDO negotiations with its Oman Tourism College hosts al Mughairi, Dean, that such a leading company as Borets is to retain more of the wealth of contractors. said, “We always culinary contest seek to create new and exciting ways WITH aims to win “Best Student Chef Team” title, for students to Oman Tourism College hosted the first culinary chef hone their skills Occidental supports awards to competition for the short course students of the Royal so that they can Court of Affairs Khasab project. Sponsored by Oman build successful UAE Exchange, four teams of three students competed careers in the tourism and hospitality sector. Through in a suspenseful three-hour long cook-off to plan and such events, we motivate and inspire our students and recognise Oman’s postgraduates prepare a two-course meal. Coming in first place were give them a platform to showcase their talent. And it is Saif Mohamed Saif, Hussien Talib Ali al Braide, and amazing to see such professional grade culinary skills BUSINESS REPORTER Abdul Manam Talib. from the candidates. I would like to congratulate the MUSCAT, OCT 30 Commenting on the competition, Dr Abdulkarim winners and every participant in this event.” For the second consecutive year, Occidental of Oman (Oxy Oman) and Gulf Intelligence have teamed up to recognise Omani and Oman-based postgraduates with Bank Sohar mobile app continues to gain popularity outstanding achievements in the field of energy. Award nominations, which are open now, will be BANK Sohar’s one-minute mobile banking app redefines wireless banking, bringing evaluated by a proficient Selection Committee that will added convenience and speedy service to customers anytime, anywhere. announce 4 winners, 2 Masters and 2 PhD postgraduates. It comes as part of the bank’s consistent efforts to provide banking excellence and This initiative comes at a time when the Sultanate gets enhance its retail services. The app’s features that are hallmarked by its ground-breaking ready to celebrate its brightest minds who can take the one-minute transaction duration incorporate streamlined user friendliness and globally-lauded helm from the older generation and enhancements into its design technology and facilitate instant payments through Mobile spearhead a new era of innovation in the Sultanate. Payment Clearing and Switching System (MpClear). Such features have allowed the app Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry The winners will be presented with their awards of Oil and Gas, with last year’s contest winners to gain further traction resulting in a 50 per cent increase in the number of users this year. at the 5th Gulf Intelligence Oman Energy Forum on Highlighting the diverse bundle of services that are made to enhance the experience November 28 in Muscat. The awards mark a key step in Significant progress is being made to create an of Bank Sohar customers, Mujahid Said al Zadjaly, DGM — IT and Alternate Channels at Bank Sohar, said: “We are efforts exerted by stakeholders in industry and academia environment where excellent thinkers can thrive in driven by a strong commitment to provide customers with a complete and composite suite of retail services. This to inspire an ethos of innovation and research and Oman; encompassing scientists, engineers, economists, includes leveraging the most current technologies in the industry to create financial solutions that are up-to-date and development (R&D) in Oman. Such mentalities and communicators, analysts and many more crucial roles. cutting-edge.” working environments will also provide more coveted Postgraduate appetite is clearly growing. Around 300 job opportunities for the country’s brightest students — Masters and PhD students have enrolled across sixty encouraging talents to work locally is essential to Oman’s different programmes at the Sultan Qaboos University McDonald’s and FCF bring noble initiatives transformation into a knowledge-based economy. this year alone, marking one of the university’s highest of giving “Postgraduates’ intellectual appetite for pushing enrolment rates so far. joy to children with cancer children with the boundaries of what we think we know should be The volume of postgraduate talents will only grow in cancer a happy recognised and supported. In this way we can foster a line with the Sultanate’s world-class facilities, including the MCDONALD’S Oman (Al Daud Restaurants LLC) has and joyful positive cycle of inspiration and mentorship for even launch of Innovation Park Muscat (IPM) at the end of this lent its support to For Cancer Fighters (FCF) in its effort experience”, said younger generations. Along with entrepreneurship, skills year. IPM marks the newest and most ambitious science to paint smiles and help bring joy to children battling Saif Khamis development and other enabling efforts, enhancement and technology development in the country to date, thus with cancer. al Busaidi, of a focused research capability can play a key role reaffirming the Sultanate’s penchant for novel thinking. McDonald’s and FCF’s joint efforts are held to mark coordinator at in diversification and development of a sustainable Developing and celebrating a cadre of people who have the Global Cancer Awareness month. For Cancer Fighters. economy,” said Stephen A Kelly, President and General invested in the future to tackle important challenges creates “For young children with cancer, a fun day at Magic McDonald’s support to such initiatives is part of Manager, Occidental of Oman. a significant opportunity for Oman moving forward. Planet followed by their favourite McDonald’s Happy the brand’s ongoing commitment to provide ‘simple, Meal means the world. On behalf of FCF, we thank our easy enjoyment’ for everyone, and to give back to the partner, McDonald’s, for always supporting us in our community. New India announces launching of IPO Bank Nizwa delivers convenience on the go
MUSCAT: New India Assurance Co multiples of 18 thereafter. The bid/ in India with A-excellent rating from BANK Nizwa is bringing Sharia-compliant banking closer to customers with the launch has announced launching of its initial offer opens on November 1, 2017 and AM Best. It is the market leader in of its e-Wallet application. Designed with innovation in mind, the new application public offering. The net offer is for closes on November 3, 2017. India for the last 44 years and presently is a digital extension to the bank’s tailored Islamic financial solutions, which allows 120,000,000 equity shares. The price The lead managers for the offer there are 31 general insurance players customers and non-banking customers, to conduct instant fund transfers through their band is Rs 770-800 per equity share are Kotak Investment Bank, Axis operating in India. mobiles with the use of mobile numbers. The new solution delivers superior payment of face value at Rs 5 each. The retail Capital, IDFC Bank, Nomura FA and New India is the No 1 general security, state-of-the-art encryption, convenience, and efficiency. discount could be Rs 30 per equity Securities and YES Securities. insurer in India in terms of premium, The introduction of Bank Nizwa’s e-wallet complements the initiatives taken by the Central Bank of Oman towards share. New India is multinational general profit, market share and distribution e-Government digital payment and financial inclusion. Customers can use it for instant transfer, bill payments, The floor price is 154 times of face insurance company with operations network. It has the highest claim recharge of their mobiles, as well as perform card less cash withdrawals through wallets from any Bank Nizwa ATMs. value of equity price and cap price is in 28 countries including GCC, UK, settlement ratio and second lowest The app is free of charge and is available for download on both Android and iOS devices. Arif al Zaabi, Acting 160 times that of equity share. Japan, Australia, New Zealand and claim repudiation ratio. Its solvency Head of Retail Banking at Bank Nizwa said, “Mobile banking continues to be one of the fastest growing forms of The bid can be made for a Hong Kong. margin is 2.27 which indicate its digitalisation, representing a highly efficient method of conducting transactions for banking customers.” minimum lot of 18 shares and in New India is the only direct insurer strong financial strength. insideoman OMANDAILYOBSERVER businessTUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 15 OPAL Oil & Gas Conference on cyber Oman Air wins double at World security and regulations opens Travel Awards Middle East 2017
BUSINESS REPORTER MUSCAT, OCT 30 Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has won two awards at the World Travel Awards Middle East 2017. The national carrier was awarded the top position for two awards in the ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline — Business Class’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline — Economy Class’ categories at a glittering ceremony which was held on October 29, 2017 in Dubai. This is the fourth year in a row that Oman Air has taken the titles, which Oman Air services and standards are hallmark of quality in the travel are voted for by travel and tourism of the highest quality. It is immensely industry. professionals from around the world. gratifying to be recognised for our Oman Air and Muscat Duty Free This is the latest in a long line of awards unique product and overall guest (MDF) were awarded the Inflight BUSINESS REPORTER won by Oman Air. experience in both these two key Retailer of the year 2017 during the MUSCAT, OCT 30 Occidental of Oman; Amer al Sinani, Acting CEO of Oman Air, classes in our industry.” annual Frontier Awards held on 6th The two-day Ministry of Oil & Gas; Dr Raied Abdulaziz Al Raisi, said: “This is a The World Travel Awards was October, at Palm Beach in Cannes, Salim bin Nasser bin Said al Aufi, conference will end Abdulkarim, ORPIC, and more. fantastic achievement for Oman Air established in 1993 to acknowledge, France. Under-Secretary, Ministry of Oil & The interactive panel session will to be voted the best, considering reward and celebrate excellence across The Frontier Awards recognises Gas, inaugurated the 1st OPAL Oil & with a CEO panel centre on ICV and the future of ICV. the competition we were up against. all key sectors of the travel, tourism best practice, rewards innovation and Gas Conference (OGCC) at the Grand session on Oman’s The two-day affair will end with These awards set the standards for and hospitality industry. The brand celebrates excellence across the global Millennium Hotel on Monday. oil and gas industry a CEO panel session on Oman’s oil the travel industry and confirm that is recognised globally as the ultimate travel retail industry. The two-day conference, organised and gas industry forecast and action by Oman Society for Petroleum forecast and action plan until 2020 and an exclusive gala Services (OPAL) and managed by plan until 2020 dinner. pioneer and biggest exhibitions and Musallam al Mandhari, CEO, Oman Oil, Rusnano to weigh co-investment conferences organiser Omanexpo, was The first day will culminate in an OPAL says, “By bringing together a opened with a welcome address by interactive panel session that will pool of thought leaders under one roof, Musallam al Mandhari, CEO, OPAL focus on Maximising the Protection we are aiming to increase knowledge opportunities in oil & gas, chemical sectors and opening remarks by Dr Amer al of Assets and an HSE workshop about and awareness about the potential Rawas, chairman, OPAL and Al Aufi. Effective Learning from Major Process opportunities in the Sultanate’s oil FROM P13 potential in the Russian petrochemical nanotechnology industry by investing The first day sessions will revolve Safety Incidents. and gas sector. With Oman’s ICV industry based on its competitive directly and through investment funds around the themes “A l t e r n a t i v e The second day will focus initiatives launched to increase the the chemical and petrochemical feedstock prices and traditionally in nanotechnology projects in the Technologies in Oil and Gas,” and on regulations in the oil and gas percentage from 18 to 32 by 2020, our industries through chemical funds strong role in this sector. Russian Federation. “Cyber-security in the Oil and Gas industry and Oman’s In-Country contribution through this platform launched by Rusnano, bringing benefit “Cooperation with Oman Oil The company has investments in Industry,” which will be presented by Value (ICV) Strategy and the is to further the establishment and to the Russian and the Omani sides. Company, with its extensive portfolio as many as 87 plants and R&D centres high-level speakers from Occidental development of a specialised, expansion of industries and services The opportunities pipeline will include of projects and industry expertise, will around Russia. of Oman (OXY), Oman Oil efficient workforce for the industry and boost job creation and Omani strategically important chemical and enable us to increase the efficiency of Its primary investment focus is Company Exploration & Production in order to raise awareness about the economic growth.” petrochemical projects based on our investments,” Konovalov added. in electronics, optoelectronics and (OOCEP), Glasspoint Solar, RoNik growing investment opportunities OGCC’s supporter and sponsor competitive innovative technologies,” Established in March 2011 telecommunications, healthcare Inspectioneering B.V., BP Oman, in the Sultanate. Presentations will lineup includes Petroleum the Russian state-own nanotechnology through the reorganisation of the and biotechnology, metallurgy and Information Technology Authority be given by Dr Anwar al Kharousi, Development Oman (PDO), Oxy firm said. state-owned Russian Corporation of metalwork, energy, mechanical (ITA), Gulf Business Machines, Oman Oil Company; Brad Hubbard, Oman, OOCEP, Maqshan Oil & Gas It quoted Managing Director Nanotechnologies. Rusnano has the engineering and instrument making, Trowers & Hamlins, Deloitte and International Centre of Regulatory Services, Oman LNG and Daleel Vladimir Konovalov as saying that mandate to implement state policy construction and industrial materials, Siemens. Excellence (ICORE); Sadiq al Lawati, Petroleum. Rusnano sees a lot of investment on the development of the country’s chemicals and petrochemicals. Open Govt Data in Oman: To ‘re-use’ and to ‘innovate’
66 out of 138 countries and Oman’s real-time forecasting in diverse realms. performance across the report’s For instance, the traffic major indicators are suggestive of management may witness lower the need for the country to be more churn-out of traffic jams with the help resilient and adaptive to innovate of real-time linked open data and may its services. Given that the country result in unprecedented results for the scores low on “macroeconomic commuters, traffic controllers, private environment” dimension, it is businesses and the like. Likewise, the important that facilitative conditions real-time linked open data may find STUTI SAXENA AFLAH AL be provided to spearhead innovation ample utility for the oil and gas sector HADHRAMI and technological development. We where different entities across the posit that OGD is a goldmine which supply chain might earn value at every may spur an era of creativity and turn. pen Government innovation in the country. Furthermore, real-time open data Data (OGD) Oman launched its OGD initiative might be tapped by the entrepreneurs initiatives are in 2014 under the aegis of the National and private businesses to improvise based upon Centre for Statistics & Information upon their products and services prom oting (NCSI) in line with the Royal Decree and keep the customer pulse into transparency and 40/2014. According to the “Open Data consideration. Besides, new jobs would Opublic accountability in administration Policy” of Oman, one of the purposes be created across diverse domains besides facilitating citizen engagement of OGD initiative is “To increase as Oman’s OGD initiative gathers and participation in governmental opportunities for this raw data being pace. Students’ creativity would find activities. used creatively to build innovative greener pastures as they investigate OGD implies provision of applications with a positive economic the real-time open data and conceive government data to the public in and social benefit to the public”. organisations, etc. In March 2017, education, and the like. Datasets are important that the OGD initiative of of innovating upon the existing goods a freely-accessible format to be re- Furthermore, the target audience a workshop was held to deliberate published alongside their metadata Oman takes strides in ensuring that and services. used by the users such as citizens, has been identified as “government on expansion of OGD portal and which provides authorship and the datasets are provided by as many Finally, the government should journalists, private businesses, agencies, NGOs, academia, industry improvising the quality of data sets publication details about the dataset. government authorities as possible. be more forthcoming in conducting software and application developers, (including ICT developers) and wherein 16 government entities Legends are clear and there is no Datasets should be complete open data competitions, seminars, and so on. OGD spans across different members of the public who are participated alongside representatives ambiguity regarding the figures and in themselves and there should be workshops and conferences to usher sectors like health, education, tourism, interested in or have a specific use for from the ITA and The Research factoids of the datasets. Datasets are accuracy and reliability of the data. an innovation-centric culture in the transport, industries and the like. government data”. Council (TRA). available in user-friendly formats Oman should gear up for instituting country. Thus, the government would OGD may be re-used by different The government has been The national OGD portal of Oman (CSV and XLS) besides providing the a robust R&D infrastructure to stand to gain by creating more novel stakeholders like citizens, software conducting events to promote its (https://data.gov.om/) provides 56 option of using “search” strings and complement the e-government- sustainable and “smart” solutions. In and app developers, non-government OGD initiative. For instance, the data sets across 12 sectors. Besides, social media plug-ins to share the centric “smart” solutions by providing a highly-volatile digitally disruptive organisations, and the like. It is also Information Technology Authority there are 17 data providers and 3 datasets with the extended community. open data on a real-time basis. For globalised economy, it’s time when anticipated that the data re-use would (ITA) conducted an “Open mobile apps which may be tapped by Finally, there is a provision of data this, the Big Data analytics may Oman adopted a robust OGD policy help in generation of public value, Government Data & Best Practices different users. Besides, web-links to visualisation and mapping which come in handy and linked statistical to create value at all interfaces as social inclusion besides improvisation Symposium” in 2013 wherein capacity data sets are provided which direct a facilitates data analysis and statistical data may unleash a cornucopia of it envisions to realise the tenets of of administration. Here, we will probe building initiatives for e-government user from the national OGD portal to inference to some extent. possibilities for refurbishing the “Vision 2040”. the Open Data initiative of Oman strategies were discussed and the the portals of individual government However, there are a few areas administration and instituting a (https://data.gov.om/). Specifically, need for re-using the data sets was entities. which require a re-visit for ensuring culture of innovation across all [Authors of this article Stuti Saxena we will underline the vast possibilities underlined. For instance, for accessing the the sustainability and success of the realms of the society. With the is Member – American Political unleashed by the OGD initiative of In June, 2013, the ITA launched the data sets linked with “Civil Service”, Oman’s OGD initiative. For instance, participation of all the stakeholders, Science Association and Researcher Oman government by facilitating the “Big Open Data Idea Competition” the user is directed to the web-link of the real “value” of OGD may be including the government authorities, (Political Science), Central University “re-use” of open data and “innovate” wherein 54 participants vied to the Ministry of Civil Service. Open realised only when the user-friendly citizens, software engineers, “app” of Haryana, India; and Aflah Said services and create public value. present the “best idea using open data sets may be availed from sectors datasets are being made available developers, journalists and the like, al Hadhrami, is Member — Oman As per the Global Competitiveness data” and showcased their mobile apps like education, health, energy, social freely, timely and accurately which OGD initiative of Oman may foresee Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL), Report (2016-2017), Oman stands at across tourism, pharmacy, charitable development, public safety, higher are subject to statistical analysis. It is an era of “nowcasting” which facilitates Oman]. international OMANDAILYOBSERVER business16 TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 HSBC Q3 profits up five-fold to $4.6 billion on booming Asia
HONG KONG: Profits at banking giant HSBC leapt five fold in the third quarter to $4.6 billion, the company said on Monday, as business booms in Asia and a huge restructuring drive bears fruit. A man walks at a petrol station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. — Reuters The massive jump in pre-tax profits came weeks after a new chief executive was unveiled as part of a management overhaul that has seen the London- Oil markets firm on expected based behemoth roar back from costly write downs. John Flint, head of retail banking extension of production cuts and wealth management, will take up his position in February when current SINGAPORE: Oil markets were firm THE PACT RUNS TO head Stuart Gulliver steps down, and on Monday, with Brent crude opening has said he wants to “accelerate the above $60 per barrel on expectations MARCH 2018, BUT SAUDI pace of change”. an Opec-led production cut due to ARABIA AND RUSSIA, The Asia-focused firm has been expire next March would be extended. WHO ARE LEADING on a recovery drive to streamline its Brent crude oil futures, the THE EFFORT, HAVE business and slash costs since 2015, international benchmark for oil including laying off tens of thousands prices, were at $60.63 per barrel at BOTH VOICED THEIR of staff. 0018 GMT, up 19 cents or 0.3 per cent SUPPORT TO EXTEND THE That came as part of wide-ranging from their last settlement. AGREEMENT restructuring programmes during That’s close to their highest level a troubled period for the bank and since July 2015 and up more than 36 sector as a whole following the global Pedestrians walk past HSBC signage in the Admiralty district in Hong Kong. — AFP per cent since their 2017 lows last financial crisis in 2008. June. leading the effort, have both voiced Reported pre-tax profit jumped loss on sale of the bank’s operations in of this year. anti-money laundering rules exposing US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) their support to extend the agreement. to $4.6 billion in the three months to Brazil, the bank said in its statement. The bank had in 2015 set out a it to exploitation by drug cartels and crude futures were up by 16 cents, or Opec is scheduled to meet officially the end of September, compared with Analysts said the result was better plan to axe 50,000 jobs and exit non- terrorist organisations. 0.3 per cent, at $54.06 a barrel. at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, $843 million over the same period in than expected. core markets, as it also navigated a In 2015, HSBC was forced to “With strong compliance to Opec’s on November 30. 2016. “I think HSBC is one of the best series of damaging probes into HSBC apologise for “unacceptable” failings at production curbs already supporting The confident sentiment is visible Shares were up 0.7 per cent at international banking stocks at this operations. its Swiss division following allegations prices, comments from the Saudi in the way financial traders have HK$77.65 ($9.95) in early afternoon moment,” Dickie Wong, executive Wong pointed out that it may still that the unit helped rich clients hide Arabian Crown Prince that suggested positioned themselves. trading. director of research at Kingston feel the effects of legal challenges and billions from the taxman. the production cut agreement should Hedge funds and other money Gulliver said the bank had Securities, said. “It is the third expenses. Also during Gulliver’s seven years be extended added to gains,” ANZ managers raised their bullish wagers “maintained good momentum in the consecutive quarter that earnings and “HSBC has had to spend a lot at the helm, HSBC was fined along bank said on Monday. on US crude futures and options third quarter”, with higher revenue revenue have increased.” of money to hire more lawyers to with other global banks by US and The Organization of the Petroleum in the week to October 24, the across its main global businesses. The bank said it was on track to help them to fix their legal problems British regulators for attempting to rig Exporting Countries (Opec) plus US Commodity Futures Trading “Our pivot to Asia is driving achieve annual cost savings of $6 and to enhance their compliance foreign exchange markets. Russia and nine other producers have Commission (CFTC) said on Friday. higher returns and lending growth, billion by the end of the year. department,” Wong said. Last week a British court ruled that agreed to hold back about 1.8 million The speculator group raised particularly in Hong Kong,” he added. After some strong profitable years “This is something that may pull former currency trading executive barrels per day (bpd) to get rid of a its combined futures and options Net profit also rose from a loss of under Gulliver, HSBC earnings them back.” Stuart Scott should be extradited to supply glut. position in New York and London by $617 million in the third quarter of plunged in 2016 on huge write downs The bank was fined $1.92 billion the United States to face fraud charges, The pact runs to March 2018, but 15,041 contracts to 280,634 during 2016 to $2.96 billion. and restructuring charges. by US prosecutors in 2012 to settle days after a US jury found his alleged Saudi Arabia and Russia, who are the period. — Reuters Profits in 2016 had been hit by the Profits rebounded in the first half allegations that it failed to enforce co-conspirator guilty. — AFP Novartis to buy France’s Advanced Nintendo nearly doubles IN BRIEF Accelerator in $3.9 billion cash deal full-year profit forecast Akzo Nobel in TOKYO: Nintendo nearly doubled its business year, up from an earlier 10 talks to buy US ZURICH: Swiss drugmaker Novartis on Monday offered full-year profit forecast on Monday as million forecast. to buy France’s Advanced Accelerator Applications it pointed to sizzling sales of its Switch Switch, capable at home and on rival Axalta (AAA) in a $3.9 billion cash deal to strengthen the games console and a cheaper yen. the go, blends Nintendo’s console oncology portfolio at the world’s biggest maker of The Kyoto-based video game giant and handheld device business with prescription medicines. said it now expects a net profit of 85 its fledgling mobile gaming strategy, Basel-based Novartis’s offer of $41 per ordinary share billion yen ($748 million) for the which got a big brand win with and $82 per American depositary share represents a 47 fiscal year to March 2018, well up Pokemon Go’s success in the summer per cent premium to AAA’s price. It said it would finance from an earlier estimate of 45 billion of 2016. the deal with debt. yen, as it boosted its revenue and “Switch is in excellent shape as — Reuters Novartis is seeking to add AAA’s radio- Employees work inside Novartis lab in Zurich. operating profit estimates. sales of both hardware and software pharmaceuticals that use trace amounts of radioactive kind of cancer that killed Apple founder Steve Jobs. Nintendo also raised sales are growing steadily,” said Hideki compounds to not only create functional images of “Novartis has a strong legacy in the development and projections for Switch, which was Yasuda, an analyst at Ace Research organs and lesions but also to treat diseases like cancer. commercialisation of medicines for neuroendocrine launched in March with a price tag of Institute in Tokyo. AMSTERDAM: Dutch paints and AAA’s flagship product, Lutathera, won European tumours where significant unmet need remains for $300 and is seen as a new pillar for the Nintendo is positioning itself for coatings maker Akzo Nobel said it Union backing in late September for use against patients,” Bruno Strigini, head of Novartis Oncology, company’s earnings. the year-end holiday shopping season was in talks to buy US rival Axalta gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, the said in a statement. — Reuters It now expects to move around 14 with Switch, while a cheaper yen has Coating Systems Ltd that could million Switch consoles in the current also bolstered its bottom line. — AFP create a $30 billion company. Akzo, the maker of Dulux paint, announced it was in “constructive Glencore raises talks” following market speculation about a possible deal. full-year marketing Kobe Steel seeks loan, shareholder It was reported the companies were in talks, sending Axalta’s shares guidance again 17 per cent higher. Akzo has a market capitalisation LONDON: Glencore increased its full- of $22.7 billion, while Axalta is year marketing guidance for earnings offers support after data scandal worth $8.1 billion at Friday’s closing before interest and tax (EBIT) to price of $33.15. between $2.6 billion and $2.8 billion, TOKYO: Embattled Kobe Steel Ltd is chains scrambling to check whether details. Akzo said merging with Axalta, reflecting the mining and trading company’s continued recovery from seeking 50 billion yen ($440 million) the safety or performance of their Executive Vice-President Naoto whose truck coatings business fills the commodity crash last year. in loans from banks, a banking source products has been compromised. Umehara said that Kobe Steel will a hole in its portfolio, would “create Its previous guidance was $2.4 said on Monday, while a shareholder While no safety issues have been continue generating cash on its own a leading global paints and coatings billion to $2.7 billion, which already an said it was ready to offer assistance as identified, Kobe Steel’s parts and to cover expenses from the data company.” upward revision from $2.1 billion to the company grapples with a scandal materials are used across the world falsification as well as for capital Akzo earlier this year faced $2.4 billion at the start of the year. over falsified product specifications. in cars, trains, airplanes and other investment. lawsuits from shareholders angry Glencore issued the guidance in Japan’s third-largest steelmaker also equipment. He said the misconduct would over its decision to reject a 26 billion its third-quarter output report citing operational difficulties and end-of- pulled its forecast for a first annual The company, which has said it likely reduce its recurring profit by 10 euro takeover offer from US rival mine-life declines in some places, but profit in three years while it deals with cannot fully quantify the impact on its billion yen in the full 2017/18 financial PPG Industries. it said full-year earnings would not the financial impact of one of Japan’s finances from the scandal, is seeking year. Analyst Joost van Beek of suffer. biggest corporate scandals. loans from Mizuho Bank and other The company however cut its Theodoor Gilissen said the timing For zinc output, it lowered its Kobe Steel is losing customers and lenders, a banker said. forecast for recurring profit in the of the Axalta deal will be difficult, 2017 guidance to 1.1 million tonnes said on Friday it had the government- The Nikkei business daily reported year by 5 billion yen to 50 billion and Akzo’s management is under (+/- 15,000 tonnes) from 1.13 million sanctioned seal of quality revoked on earlier that Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Executive Vice-President Naoto yen because of better than expected pressure to pull it off. tonnes (+/- 25,000 tonnes) seen in some of its products. Mitsui Banking and Bank of Tokyo- Umehara listens to a question during a earnings in the first half. “There is a large risk that Akzo August. press conference in Tokyo. — AFP CEO Ivan Glasenberg has said he The steelmaker’s admission Mitsubishi UFJ are considering loans Japan’s biggest steelmaker, Nippon will pay too much, as it is clear that will only raise zinc output once he is earlier this month that it had found to the steelmaker. at an earnings briefing later on Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp said on they want to stay out of the hands confident any increase will not drag widespread tampering in specifications Kobe Steel Managing Executive Monday that the company was in loan Monday it will provide support to its of PPG, and Axalta knows that,” he the market lower. — Reuters has sent companies in global supply Officer Kazuaki Kawahara confirmed talks with banks but did not provide smaller rival if requested. — AFP added. — Reuters perspective OMANDAILYOBSERVER businessTUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 17 * LABOUR GROWTH Employment in London financial district boomed
ritain is experiencing an exceptional REMARKABLE consistently made in meetings with in employment would stutter in the period of employment with the rate at ECONOMISTS HAD FEARED BRITAIN’S politicians and business representatives face of weaker GDP growth, but so far its highest since comparable records SURGE IN EMPLOYMENT WOULD STUTTER IN THE FACE during three weeks at the conferences companies have defied those worries. began in 1971. The unemployment rate OF WEAKER GDP GROWTH, BUT SO FAR COMPANIES for the Liberal Democrat, Labour and The proportion of firms more is at its joint lowest since 1975. HAVE DEFIED THOSE WORRIES Conservative parties. confident in their hiring and investment Official annual jobs data released She reminded all the politicians decisions outweighed those becoming B recently showed some positive news for whom she spoke to that the City, while more gloomy by a margin of 10 per the financial district in particular. sector, which has shown strong growth construction ecosystem here, with an an economic powerhouse, a major cent in this month’s survey from From 2015 to 2016, the number of in the financial district (known as the additional 1,500 jobs in the sector. creator, and huge contributor to tax the Recruitment and Employment financial district workers rose from ‘City’) in recent years — has slowed The common (although maybe not revenues, cannot and must not be taken Confederation (REC). It is the third 455,000 to 483,000 — an increase of this time, rising from 37,000 to 38,000 an extremely useful) economic indicator for granted. consecutive reading of 10 per cent, 28,000 jobs, equating to six per cent. jobs (just 2.7 per cent growth). It does, that cranes in a city demonstrate a Businesses need clarity and progress indicating sustained resilience in Financial services were the major however, still account for 7.8 per cent of healthy economy is certainly visible in on UK’s future relationship with the EU. recruitment, though this is down from driver behind this increase and, together City employment. the heart of London over the past few This is why the City has been crystal 20 per cent in February and from 32 per with insurance, accounted for 18,000 of As the Tech Nation report from this years. clear in calling for a financial services cent in July 2016. these jobs. year showed, London hosted 22,000 It remains to be seen what this position paper from the government. By contrast, a net balance of 9 per When breaking down this data ‘meetups’ in 2016 — three times as growth in numbers actually mean The season of party conferences is cent see the economy overall worsening, even further, banking (2,500), non- many as in some of the major cities of for the financial district, and how is it over and it is time for the politicians to though this has not put them off hiring. life insurance (3,000), and insurance Europe, for instance, Berlin, Paris and squared with warnings from many that get on with the serious task in hand. Unemployment is already at a 42- brokers (2,500) were the largest growth Amsterdam. jobs are currently at risk? The point is Businesses, in particular, really year low and looks set to keep falling if components. The City is clearly growing, and, as that much of this growth depends on need to see some serious advances in employers live up to these recruitment Business administration, including economics 101 will show, supply needs the opportunities offered by access to negotiations with the EU leading up plans. “A l t h o u gh the demand for employment agencies, leasing office to keep up with demand. global markets. to the summit meeting to come in temporary agency workers is declining, equipment, and building services also That is why there is currently 93 If Brexit undermines that, and if it December. the demand for permanent staff remains boomed last year, with an additional metre square feet of office space in the causes fragmentation and disruption, UK’s jobs boom will keep on growing strong — which is a positive sign,” said 5,500 jobs created, increasing this sector City, with a further 13.5 metre square we may see the trend going in reverse. as employers say they plan to continue Kevin Green, the REC’s chief executive. ANDY JALIL by 10 per cent to nearly 63,000. feet under construction, to help keep This was a point that the City of hiring, regardless of indications the (The author is our foreign [email protected] The technology sector — specifically pace with job creation. London Corporation’s policy chairman, economy is slowing down. Economists correspondent based in the UK. He the information and communication This has obviously supported the Catherine McGuinness says was had feared Britain’s remarkable surge can be reached at [email protected])
STORMED DEAL PROPERTY DECLINE *Workers from Whitefish * Energy help fix the island’s damaged power grid, in Manati, London house-buyers get Puerto Rico. — Reuters liftfrom Brexit
t 24, Londoner Kai Brader-Tan did not expect to become a property owner so soon in a city where rocketing prices in recent years have prevented many of his peers from getting onto the housing ladder. But the Brexit vote may have given him a step up. A graduate in Chinese and economics now working for a sportswear company, Brader-Tan has bought his first-ever flat in A south London’s gentrifying Brixton area. “It’s been a fortunate turn of events,” he said, explaining that a drop in the asking price from £550,000 to £500,000 finally helped clinch the deal. The capital’s housing sector has been affected by a decline in investment from abroad which many experts have blamed on last year’s Brexit referendum. London house prices may be more than double the national average, but are now growing more slowly than in any other region in the country — the first time in 10 years that this has happened. One report last month even showed them falling. A rise in inflation to three per cent and the quarter-point increase in interest rates projected for November could bring down prices even more. Puerto Rico to cancel Whitefish power contract But there is little cause for celebration among developers, estate agents and investors. The jitters about Brexit were palpable at the MIPIM UK property GINGER GIBSON AND DAVID GAFFEN of Puerto Rico want and deserve — to and you have no light and no water conference in London this month. have the power restored quickly in the that perception changes abruptly to the “The B-Word is the real concern,” said Paul Steward, a strategist uerto Rico’s government power company same manner their fellow citizens on extent that the last four days they’ve been at Barings investment management firm. “The hike in rates is tiny said it will cancel a $300 million contract the mainland experience after a natural throwing stones and bottles” at workers, and we think this inflation is a blip. We’re more worried about the with a tiny Montana company to restore disaster.” Ramos said. downward economic trend overall,” he said. power to the storm-hit US territory after Ramos said contract terms with Martijn Vos, portfolio manager for European investments at an uproar over the deal. THE CONTRACT BETWEEN Whitefish meant that the cancellation Dutch financial services group APG, agreed. “The issue is not so would become effective 30 days from The contract between Whitefish WHITEFISH ENERGY much interest rates and inflation, but the EU referendum,” Vos said. P Energy Holdings and Puerto Rico’s notice and, signalling potential intricacies, Once the uncertainties surrounding the Brexit process have bankrupt power utility came under fire HOLDINGS AND PUERTO explained that there were “a lot of logistics been settled, “we can see how to deal with the other factors.” after it was revealed that the terms were RICO’S BANKRUPT POWER involved. I believe they have people on the Foreign investors have been examining the fall in the average obtained without a competitive public UTILITY CAME UNDER FIRE way here.” property price by 0.6 per cent year-on-year in the last three months bidding process. “The contract is not cancelled as of yet. — the first such decline since 2005, according to data gathered by Residents, local officials and US federal AFTER IT WAS REVEALED I am writing today a letter to the Nationwide, the UK’s largest mortgage provider. authorities all criticised the arrangement. THAT THE TERMS WERE board of directors of PREPA asking for a Just weeks before the UK voted to leave the European Union in The cancellation could further OBTAINED WITHOUT A resolution that will allow me to cancel the June 2016, London’s housing market was comfortably ahead of the complicate Puerto Rico’s most pressing COMPETITIVE PUBLIC contract,” Ramos said. rest of the country in terms of growth, official statistics show. But challenge from the territory’s worst storm Whitefish, which has a full-time staff of by the end of the month, London was no longer the fastest-growing in 80 years — restoring power to its 3.4 BIDDING PROCESS two, said it would complete any work that region, and the capital has not recovered its crown since. — AFP million residents. PREPA wanted it to, and noted their initial Nearly six weeks after Hurricane Maria efforts “exceeded all other efforts by other devastated the island, only about a quarter Earlier, Puerto Rico’s Governor, Ricardo parties.” of homes and businesses have power, Rosselló had called for the contract with They said they completed work on two and the utility has set a goal of having 95 Whitefish to be cancelled, and PREPA’s major transmission lines that crossed the per cent of power back by the middle of Ramos said he had accepted the governor’s island’s mountainous interior, and that December. recommendation. PREPA’s decision to contact them “only Several other utilities have been “Following the information that has sped up the repairs.” involved in recovery efforts, but Whitefish emerged, and with the goal of protecting Criticism increased after a copy of the said they had more than 350 people on the public interest, as governor I am asking contract with PREPA surfaced online and island. government and energy authorities to raised more questions, particularly over Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s immediately activate the clause to cancel language blocking oversight of costs and (PREPA) Director Ricardo Ramos said the contract to Whitefish Energy,” Rossello profits. that he had to consider the “delay risk” of said in a statement. Ramos noted that the federal agreeing to cancel the contract. Ramos noted that the initial enthusiasm contracting process is a long one, and that The territory has reached out to officials from residents over Whitefish employees PREPA “could not wait.” Efforts to restore in Florida and New York, which have coming to the island had shifted in the power have been bumpy. already sent people to Puerto Rico, to send last several days after media reported the It took more than a week for a damage more crews in the event that Whitefish details of the contract. assessment to be completed, and PREPA departs. “A s soon as this whole issue was did not immediately ask for what is known Whitefish said in a statement it was interpreted by the tabloids that PREPA as “mutual aid,” whereupon utilities send “disappointed” in the decision, adding has given away $300 million to a company workers in droves to restore power to that it will “only delay what the people with little experience — if you read that, hard-hit areas. — Reuters A couple view properties for sale in an estate agents window in London. — AFP TUESDAY | OCTOBER 31, 2017 | SAFAR 11, 1439 AH
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Rent a Car PEST CONTROL Umrah/Haj OMAN CO. LLC. FREE WE BUY Buttercup Supply of AL Hikmani for Available on Rent A Car Pesticides, INFORMATION Gel (Cock- and CARS BY AMAZING OFFERS roaches), UNBEATABLE PRICES Rent a car for 10 Public Health Ȅ ABOUT ISLAM CASH SPECIAL Rates on chemicals, services including days and get an extra Agriculture If you would like New Cars & 4 WDs free day. chemicals, the following: 3 in 1 Printer Snake repel- HP2130 to know more RENTING & LEASING Rent for one month lent, Rodent Hiring luxurious 90202090 Tours and Airport Transfer and get 5 days free. baits and coaches, arranging RO 10.900 only about All the cars are other insect Tel: 24582663 repellent from weekly trips, Islam, please GSM: 95859497, 2016 brand new Agropharm For Sale special prices for Ltd UK. preparing visas call: Fax: 24582664, All Cartridges also public departments, PROFESSIONALS for expats at Tel : 99425598, [email protected] companies and long- in Pest Control Service, cost-effective available A RESIDENTIAL land Bedbug Treatment, Rodent 99250777, in Al Athaiba. Close · · · · · term contracts. Treatment, Snake Treatment price, including on UNBEATABLE prices 972494490. and Termite Treatment transport, housing, 99353988, to the sea, 850 sqm. 94380002. (Pre and Post Construction). meals and visits to 99253818, For Sale/Rent · · · · · · · · · · Tel: 24787606 / 24787503 shrine locations. AHAD 2000 Rent a Car. AII HP, Epson, Canon, 99341395, DIESEL Tanker, 1,600 Fax: 24787607 Land and air gallon Volvo, 1987. ȍ͵ 93204595/ 93203481. Lexmark, Samsung 99379133, E-mail: [email protected] trips weekly. 92836774. VILLAS for sale/rents · · · · · Cartridges also available For ladies: Ȁ P. O. Box: 565, Wadi Kabir, 99311310, Postal Code: 117, 99415818, ), (Shops/ 24566016, SULTANATE OF OMAN ϐ Ȁ 4WD Land Cruiser 99361982, COMPUTER SUPPLIES 99321360, 99730723 CLASSIFIED Khuwair) (Flats for & Saloon Car. Rent a 99707248, Ruwi: 24792-792 Or visit: rent/Wadi Kabir). SECTION Car. Daily or yearly. CLASSIFIED SECTION 90777858. ͻͷͻ͵ͶͺǤ [email protected] www.iicoman.om 91169990. Ruwi : 24785668 Behind Royal RUWI · · · · · Oman Police, Adjacent to · · · · · www.islamfact.com 24785668, 99841230 · · · · · Dhofar Building
For Rent For Rent For Rent ONE ϐ A HOUSE in North Al FLATS in Al Amerat, TWO storey villa at Ghubra, 514 sqm and the FLAT for rent in Maabela 3 bedrooms, RO 160. Al Hail and 2km from 3 master rooms. South Al Gubrah behind area of building is 244 sqm, 91117335. Wave Muscat, contains 4 96088926. Bausher Municipality, advertised by the owner . bedrooms, living room, a consists of 6 bedrooms, 99361964. kitchen and 2 toilets, RO 6 toilets, large sitting NEW family flats in 300. 99077722. · · · · · 4 NEW detached town Darsait near the beach, 5 room, large kitchen, two FALT for rent Al Hail South. houses at Bausher Heights, bedrooms, hall with AC, 4 · · · · · family hall, split unit 93244099. adjacent to Expressway bathrooms, balcony with air-conditioner in all (between Golf Club and 2 BEDROOM flat in Al rooms, guest room toilet, · · · · · sea view, RO 450 per the Flyover #7). Each month. Contact Ghubra near Oman Oil 18 covered car parking. town house consist of 5 99315986. Contact 99331448. bedrooms, with 5 toilets, 2 November Street, RO 330 halls, a kitchen with store, · · · · · monthly. 99333479 or · · · · · FLATS for rent, 2 and laundry room. RO 95215360. bedroom, 1 sitting 600 per month. Contact: · · · · · room, 1 kitchen and 3 71547607. A HOUSE in Al Maabela toilets with A/Cs. Al NEW apartment in Ruwi ȋϐȌ FLAT for rent in Al Amerat behind near church consists of 2 A HOUSE for rent in two bedrooms + sitting Mawaleh South. 3 bedroom rooms with its facilities. wholesale Muscat 3 BR, 3 baths 1 room + kitchen + toilet for + 3 toilets + 1 family hall Contact. 94664635, supermarket. Family kitchen, parking for 2 cars each room. 99700908. + 1 kitchen. Monthly rent 95850345. only RO 180/= and terrace. Location: RO 270, for family only. monthly. 92877449. Al Amerat, Al Mahaj. · · · · · Contact. 99882551. · · · · · · · · · · 71109792. TWO new apartment for · · · · · VILLA consists of 3 · · · · · rent in Al Qurum near bedrooms + two majlis Mina al Fahal. Contact. AL GHUBRA, near Mars + sitting room + car ǧ and Hyper Market: Building, A ROOM with a toilet. 94664635, 95850345. parking, South Al ϐ ͳͳϐȄ Ghubra opposite park. Electricity and water Maabela consists of 3 · · · · · are covered in North Al ϐǡ ǡǡ 99444573. Ghubra. (Athaiba at the bedrooms, sitting room NEW building in kitchen and guest toilet. For Sale For Sale Services · · · · · sea). 98872003. and toilets for each room + Maabela Industrial Area ϐȄ sitting room and kitchen · · · · · available for rent. Corner attached, hall, kitchen and FURNISHED ϐ NEW house, not yet A SHOWROOM in Al close to water source. ͳǤ AC maintenance and location for showroom, guest toilet. Al Ghubra in Muscat Grand Mall occupied in South Al Hail Qurum in strategic 99700908. servicing. hypermarket or bank. ǡʹ͵ϐǤ 99445771, 93204595 area of land 760 sqm, location with extravagant FLAT for rent at Al ʹǤFridge, washing machine · · · · · ϐǡͳ GSM: 92902313. 93203481. area of building 110 sqm, interior design on 280 sqm and dish washer repairing. Ansab, 3 bedrooms with is offered for sale at RO ͵ǤPainting and cleaning SHOP in Seeb market. ʹϐǤ · · · · · · · · · · Ͷϐǡͺ toilets and family hall. with toilets, 2 majlis, 25,000. 92470024. services. ͶǤ Electrical, 95250300/ 99110600/ 99323030 plumbing and carpentry 99344644. FLATS in Al Wadi Al Kabir FLAT for family for rent, 2 kitchens, 4 sitting 24182000. · · · · · · · · · · work 97014234, · · · · · near to the Al Kuwaiti alaom Al Akhtar shop, rooms, a sitting room in 99447257, 24290686. · · · · · Mosque. 99425958. HEIDELBERG GTO single NEW villa for rent A PREMISE consists of a behind Irani Bank, Abu basement accommodates · · · · · Abdullah 99627724, 280 people. There is an colour, 36cm x 52cm & ϐǡͶ NEW Flats For Rent at 2-storey villa, 5 rooms, 2 · · · · · Darsait near to Ministry of majlis and 2 apartments. Abu Abdulrahman elevator. RO 290,000. Sorm Machine, single bedrooms, two sitting SINGLE colour, 52cm x 74cm. AL SUMRI AC maintenance. Sports, Mumtaz area The ϐ͵ ϐǡ 99315490. 94380002. room, majlis, kitchen, Khuwair and Al Ghubra, 99369880/ 92857355. We are ready to repair ϐ ǣ and majlis in South Al and install all types of Air- 6 toilets, yard behind family only. 92967853. · · · · · · · · · · the villa in South Al 1 Living Room, 2 Bedroom, Maabela. Priority is for · · · · · Conditioner within Muscat SEMI furnished 2 & 3 Governorate. 94301888. Mawaleh, behind Starcare Kitchen, 3 Toilets, Every companies. 99420140. · · · · · NEW caravans for sale in room with split A/C, High Ȅ Suhar Industrial Area for WE have tourism, · · · · · Hospital. RO 650 monthly. residential, commercial ϐǤ · · · · · PREMIUM ϐ near Atlas Hospital. cost to communicate: 99346851, 98011097. available for rent of lands and farms existing ϐ͵ʹͲȀǦ NEW villa in Al Khoudh 6 99348493/ 98448466/ 99000006/ ORIENT Trading LLC, · · · · · 370sqm, DHL building. in large areas in Muscat Interested persons, is offered for rent. The 93200424/ 24502254. 99330889. Shampooing, sofa, carpet, 8 Rial per sqm. Covered and Barka and over ϐǤ VILLA for rent in please contact. 00968- premise comprises 6 parking. 95852046. · · · · · · · · · · looking directly on the repairing. 99834373. Athaiba, 5 bedrooms. 92225523. bedrooms, male majlis, beach. We also have · · · · · FLATS for rent near RESTAURANT in an 95958315. · · · · · female majlis, a split unit · · · · · rented and non-rented Diwan Zafraniya area end excellent location · · · · · air-conditioned family buildings with different MIDAWA Trading & Cont. NEW ϐ 4 BEDROOM villa at of Muttrah Corniche close in Salalah with Est. plumbing, painting living room and 8 toilets. ϐǤ LUXURIOUS Toyota bus Darsait near the beach, 5 Madinat Qaboos, RO to (Muscat Shiva Temple), equipment and workers. and maintenance. Contact: 99668686. 94380002. 98078455. 2016, air-conditioned, 30 bedrooms, hall with AC, 4 1000.000. One bedroom family, bachelor. Contact 93397812. passengers, offered for bathrooms, balcony with · · · · · ϐǡ 99083071, 99323015. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · daily/monthly/annually, sea view, LULU RO 200/RO 225 with MAINTENANCE: 1. AC ELFAYED for sedative · · · · · ǧǡDouble Cabin, Maintenance & Servicing; Muscat. Contact: RO 450 per month. Ǥ ϐ FOR sale: Extravagant Buses, Cranes, Primover 98080609, 96316269. 99315986. investment in Salalah with AC and 2 toilets RO 2. Fridge, Washing Machine 4 SHOPS in Maabela and furnished residences & Trailers. 99465358 & & Dish washer repairing; 3. introduces the best price 275. Opp police station, Industrial area near for female students in Al · · · · · · · · · · and utilities, for rent: 99454660. Painting & cleaning services; Ruwi. 24790449. Shell Petrol Station Khuwair, Al Mawaleh and 4. Electrical & Plumbing 2 BHK, Al Gubrah, near APPROVED residential ϐǡ 99202224, 98822609. Al Khoudh along with all · · · · · Carpentry work. Contact: Indian School. for labour camp available. daily, monthly and yearly. · · · · · 99447257, 97014234, assets. 99001332. ͳȎ 99332907. Near Sohar Port. Area 98035135/ 96177304/ FLATS for rent in Salalah · · · · · 24504281. 2 · · · · · behind GUtech is · · · · · 15,000m . Water and 91788999. European design, A FLAT in Al Ansab, · · · · · electricity available. For offered for sale. The · · · · · farm view, good situation opposite Al Ansab WE supply quantities of land enjoys a permit WE offer you the Business NEWϐ contact 91577774, Services: Maintenance of in the centre near the sea, Heights Mosque, consists excellent mountainous soil for twin-villa. Darsait near to Ministry of 96198460. 1BHK & 2 BHK flats for buildings and villas for paint ϐǤ 92181524 of a bedroom and sitting in Bausher (suitable for 2) A LAND is for sale in and carpentry and decoration Sports, Mumtaz Area. The rent at Ruwi and Al ϐ ǣ · · · · · WhatsApp. room 91256340. ϐȌ Al Maabela 8 owner. works and installation of Khoudh. 93994402, 99242445, 99327939. 95959166. material water proof and Q 1 living room. A COFFEE shop with all 93994403, 24834644. · · · · · · · · · cleaning services building equipment in South Al Q · · · · · · · · · · management and leasing 2 bedroom. Hail near Hail Al Awamir ·· · · · · FLATS for rent in Al ϐ of real estate (Out motto is Khuwair, Al Hail, Wadi Q Kitchen. School. 99469900. for rent in Salalah, to provide quality in all our ǧfloor house behind Kabir, Al Falaj, MBD and north Auqadain. Call business). Muscat Renaissance Q 3 toilets. · · · · · German University of Muttrah. 99119699/ 91711118. Development and Investment. CLASSIFIED SECTION 99070093. Every room with split A/C. BUILDING near Ruwi TECHNOLOGY in Halban 95250300/ 24813002. is offered for rent. · · · · · · · · · · ϐǤ Market, 6 Flats, 3 · · · · · RUWI ϐ͵ͲͲȀǦǤ bedrooms, 3 toilets & The house contains 4 RESTAURANT or catering : PROVIDES all kinds of legal Interested candidate kitchen, Split Unit (AC), bedrooms, living room, SHOP & STORE, equipment for sale works, LLC registration, a kitchen and 3 toilets. Honda Road (Ruwi). or rent in Al Khuwair 24785668/ 99841230 agreements, contracts. Takes please contact 00968 family only. 99428284, Behind Royal Oman Police, all kinds of cases of companies. 93434100. 92425454. 91239119. 99269200. 93204596, 95999891. 97351649. Adjacent to Dhofar Building, Ruwi. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Saada al Rashdi: 95919344 Ali al Maashari: 99639264 [email protected] 94501166 CLASSIFIED SECTION: Mohammed al Rashdi: 99841230 [email protected] DIRECT: 24649595 — FAX : 24649590 classifieds OMANDAILYOBSERVER classifiedsTUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 19 Situation Vacant Situation Vacant Situation Vacant Situation Wanted AC TECHNICIAN
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KAGONDU NJAGI years. “It’s simple: when there is no rain there is eter Mutisya cuts through a Worsening drought and no fodder. Our livestock die,” he said, pointing yellowing grass field with a erratic rainfall across to the village path littered with rotting animal machete at his farm in Kivaa carcasses. village, southern Kenya, laying Kenya have affected He is not as worried as others, however. Late knee-high blades of grass into harvests and livestock, last year he went to Machakos, a nearby town, a neat pile. “I have made 300 prompting farmers to buy grain for his family. “But I got more than PKenyan shillings ($3) by selling these today,” to look for alternative that,” he said. he said, a large smile spread across his face. Farmers were selling hay bales at the open- Mutisya was not always so cheerful. He used sources of income air market — which came as a surprise as he had to grow maize and beans, but irregular and never seen fodder sold before. insufficient rainfall meant he harvested very Melita now buys about 60 hay bales every little — five bags of maize at most per season, month, which he says allow him to keep his which earned him 10,000 Kenyan shillings bank notes in his pocket. livestock fed and alive, even in dry weather. ($96) at the market. It takes him three hours to plant the grass He has had to manage his budget carefully, “A ft e r paying school fees and hospital bills and, unlike maize, does not need regular however. “If I sell one cow, I can raise enough I would be left with nothing, forced to rely on weeding and treatment for pests, he said. money to buy fodder to feed my other 20 cows the village chief’s charity to feed my family,” He sells grass bales to herders for 200 for a month,” he said. explained the father of three. Kenyan shillings ($2) each, and makes up to But most herders refuse to sell their stock, Worsening drought and erratic rainfall 200,000 Kenyan shillings ($1,930) per season. said Joseph Nkanoni, a project officer at across Kenya have affected harvests and Wild grass like Brachiaria is drought- Dupoto-e-Maa. The herders’ group has been livestock, prompting farmers to look for resistant, nutritious and reduces the need for encouraging people to sell some of their animals alternative sources of income. fertilisers, says the International Center for during drought, to buy fodder or pay for family A growing number of Kenyans living in arid Tropical Agriculture. food or school fees. areas are swapping staple crops for livestock SELLING TO HERDERS “Pastoralists see ownership of livestock as fodder like Rhodes or Brachiaria grass, which Mutisya said the growing demand for fodder enhancing a man’s status in society,” he said. “So require less water to grow, according to the from herders in times of drought is what makes they are reluctant to give their animals up.” Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research it such an attractive proposition for subsistence Trading manure for fodder is another option Organisation. Joseph Mureithi, director of the farmers like him. for herders who would rather not part from organisation, said that “rain-fed staple farming “Pastoralists are realising that in dry weather their animals, say experts. is becoming increasingly difficult in Kenya due it is better to buy fodder for their livestock “Pastoralists rely on fodder grown by to poor rainfall, whereas growing fodder can instead of walking long distances in search of farmers. But farmers too need products like help farmers withstand prolonged drought.” pastures, and risk their animals dying along the manure from pastoralists to farm grass,” said For two years Mutisya has been growing way,” he explained. Joseph Ngondi, coordinator at the Climate Rhodes grass to supplement his income. Paul Melita, an elder from Sonorua village Change Network of Kenya, a network of “It requires less work than maize, and brings in a neighbouring county, said his village is organisations tackling climate change. “So more money,” Mutisya said, shoving a few experiencing one of its worst droughts in everyone wins.” — Reuters TUESDAY | OCTOBER 31, 2017 | SAFAR 11, 1439 AH
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sport Who’s saying what about Hamilton’s fourth title
“It was a horrible way to do it but what can I do” — Hamilton on his bizarre race
“It doesn’t feel real man. It’s not the race you want when you’re 40 seconds down, but I never gave up.” — Hamilton after his ninth-place finish in Mexico
“What Mercedes have done the past couple of years is incredible. I’m so grateful.” — Hamilton
“Did he hit me deliberately-”; “Not sure, Lewis.” — Hamilton querying Sebastian Vettel’s first al p clash which left both men having to pit — and his team’s reply.
“Simply, simply lovely.” — Race winner Max Verstappen after HAMILTON grabbing the lead on the first al p. “I don’t fear him. I like racing TAKES FOURTH TITLE DESPITE COLLISION against him and I just wish I could have done more of it MEXICO CITY: An ecstatic Lewis Hamilton speeds to his fourth F1 title Verstappen, with nothing to lose McLaren team mate Fernando this year.” Hamilton became Britain’s first four- The Briton cannot be caught by rival, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and everything to gain from his Alonso in the latter stages that could — Vettel on Hamilton 2017 championship time Formula One world champion Age 32 front row position, seized the lead have cost him dear, had hoped to Born Stevenage, England Standings on Sunday after fighting back from Ѥ Lewis Hamilton (GER) with an aggressive move through the celebrate by spraying the winner’s “I don’t know why Sebastian World championships 4 last place following an opening-lap Mercedes opening right-left-right corners and champagne from the top of the drove so aggressively to F1 wins 62 collision with arch-rival Sebastian the Red Bull bumping wheels with destroy his race. Lewis was In 2017 9 podium. ѥ Sebastian Vettel (GER) Vettel at the Mexican Grand Prix. Grands Prix Vettel as he went through. Instead, there was the in front and Vettel hit him 206 Ferrari In a race won by 20-year-old Pole positions 72 Hamilton, starting in third considerable consolation of being with his front wing, I just Dutch prodigy Max Verstappen, in a Seasons 11 place, tried to follow Verstappen one of only five men — Germany’s don’t understand it.” Ѧ Valterri Bottas (FIN) Red Bull, the 32-year-old Mercedes Mercedes but the Ferrari’s front wing sliced Michael Schumacher, Argentina’s — Mercedes director Niki Lauda, a driver finished ninth to cement his Hamilton’s rear right tyre as they Juan Manuel Fangio, France’s Alain three-time world champion, on the place as his country’s most successful made contact at turn three. “Did he Prost and Vettel — to win four titles Vettel-Hamilton clash. 333 Hamilton driver of all time. hit me deliberately,” asked Hamilton or more since the championship Vettel, the only man who 277 Vettel over the radio, limping back to the started in 1950. “Congratulations Lewis. Well 262 Bottas could have delayed the seemingly Lewis pits and fully aware that Vettel’s only Prost and Vettel both have four, deserving champion! Also inevitable, ended up fourth after real hope of getting back into the with the late Fangio on five and brilliant for Team Mercedes starting on pole position and then Hamilton reckoning would be if the Briton Schumacher seven. to clinch both titles.” dropping to 19th following a pitstop went out. “Not sure, Lewis,” his race Hamilton’s tally of titles took him — Hamilton’s former teammate and 25 to replace a broken front wing. A place among the 18 2017 engineer Peter Bonnington said in above fellow-Briton Jackie Stewart 2016 champion Nico Rosberg on Twitter all-time greats 15 ITA SIN BEL AZE ESP UAE JPN BRA AUT USA RUS MAL CAN MEX BAH GBR CHN AUS HUN
Hamilton has an unassailable MON reply. It looked far from deliberate and also his late Brazilian idol @nico_rosberg lead of 56 points with two races, F1 titles by driver and stewards swiftly decided that no Ayrton Senna in the all-time lists. M. Schumacher (GER) 7 worth a total of 50, remaining in J. Manuel Fangio(ARG) 5 further investigation of the incident “An unusual way to be world “I hated the race but I am Brazil and Abu Dhabi. “It doesn’t Alan Prost (FRA) 4 was necessary. champion but you are world super happy now. Lewis feel real. That’s not the kind of race Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 4 Vettel pitted while Hamilton, champion very simple. Nobody has achieved it and team S. Vettel (GER) 4 that you want but I never gave up. I 195154 55 56 57 8586 89 93 94 95 2000 01 02 03 04 08 10 11 12 13 14 15 2017 who had started the day 66 points cares how you do it,” said Mercedes’ has won. This is the most
kept going right to the end,” said a ,2/ "ǿ Ǿ ǖǽ ,* %,1, ȡ ǽ%60 ƞ"/1%"")$& + / +!/&5Ǿ,+2$201ǗǜǾǗǕǖǜ clear of his rival, had a longer stop non-executive chairman Niki important.” jubilant Hamilton, the British flag while mechanics inspected his car Lauda, himself a triple champion. — Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff proudly draped over his shoulders. sport’s biggest star, who ended up Bottas finished second at the for further damage. The incident “Who cares- It’s about the result,” He had raised both hands to his sprinting down the pitlane chased Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez robbed the crowd of the prospect said team boss Toto Wolff, when “I’m happy for your bro’.” helmet as he took the chequered flag, by fans. A winner nine times this with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen third. of a real duel between the two asked how it had felt to see Hamilton — Brazilian football superstar Neymar with the crowd rising to applaud. season, including five of the six AGGRESSIVE MOVE contenders, who will both be four- lapped by Verstappen. “He was sends message to Hamilton “Lewis has done a superb job all before Mexico, ninth was his lowest Vettel had needed to be in the times champions when next season lapped because he was crashed into.” year and deserves to win the title,” placing of the campaign and he did top two to have any chance of taking starts, but they still provided thrills France’s Esteban Ocon was fifth “@lewishamilton Legend!!!!! said Vettel. “Congratulations to him. it despite having a badly damaged the title fight down to Brazil in two as they fought back. for Force India, with his Mexican Well done bro...!!” It is his day.” car at a track where overtaking is weeks’ time but his already slim HIGH FIVE team mate Sergio Perez seventh and — British Olympics gold medallist Mo Sunday’s race was both the best difficult enough anyway. hopes seemed to have disappeared Hamilton, who had a thrilling behind the Williams of Canadian Farah and worst of afternoons for the Hamilton’s team mate Valtteri within seconds of the start. wheel-to-wheel tussle with former rookie Lance Stroll. — Reuters Oman face UAE in AFC U-19 Cup qualifying opener
SPORTS REPORTER in Group E alongside Palestine, Syria MUSCAT, OCT. 30 FIXTURES and hosts Jordan. Oman fixtures in Group A Oman will open their campaign Iran are four-time winners of the in the qualifiers for the AFC U-19 Oman v UAE Oct. 31 (3 pm) title but their last triumph was in 1976. Oman v Kyrgz Republic Nov. 2 (10 am) Championship 2018 in Indonesia with Oman v Bahrain Nov. 6 (3 pm) Vietnam were the other a match against regional neighbours Oman v Nepal Nov. 8 (10 am) semifinalists in the 2016 Finals hosted United Arab Emirates in Bishek, by Bahrain, losing their last four tie (All timings Oman Time) Kyrgz Republic on Tuesday. 3-0 to eventual champions Japan. Oman are placed in Group A along They are in Group H of the 2018 with UAE, Bahrain, Nepal and hosts qualifiers alongside Thailand,Qualifiers with Laos, Macau and hosts Kyrgz Republic. Singapore and hosts Mongolia. Chinese Taipei. Oman take on UAE at the Dolen The 2016 title was won at Korea Republic, 12-time Omurzakov Stadium, Bishkek at 3 pm Saudi Arabia’s expense, with Japan champions but eliminated in the Oman Time. triumphing 5-3 on penalties after 120 group stage in the 2016 edition, will Oman coach Rasheed Jabir has minutes failed to see either team make host Group F with Asean opposition expressed his satisfaction over the a breakthrough. in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, preparations camp in Kyrgyzstan. Two-time champions Saudi Malaysia and Timor-Leste to contend The coach commended the players’ exert during training and their being media staff for playing their roles finals along with hosts Indonesia and Arabia will be looking to rectify with. Group J of the qualifiers, high standard performance and serious in terms of implementing properly.” other teams will battle for the 14 berths that and they will host their Group featuring Australia, DPR Korea and punctuality and their obedience to the instructions and executing the “In the current stage we are doing still up for grabs in the tournament. D qualification campaign against Hong Kong, will be played in the the instructions whether in training plans. The weather in Kyrgyzstan is our best to prepare the players so that Reigning champions Japan, who Yemen, Turkmenistan and India in neutral venue of Hanoi. sessions or in their accommodation. ideal for training despite turning cold they can join the Olympic team and finally clinched the title in 2016 after Dammam. The 10 group winners and the five “I would like to hail the sometimes. I would like to commend first teams later on,” he said. finishing runners-up on six previous Iran, beaten 6-5 by Saudi Arabia best second-placed teams will join commendable efforts our players the administrative, technical and China have sealed their spot in the occasions, are in Group I of the in a thrilling semifinal in 2016, are hosts Indonesia in the Finals. cricket/racing OMANDAILYOBSERVER sport22 TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 INDIA PIP NEW ZEALAND IN KANPUR T20 HISTORY THRILLER TO CLINCH ODI SERIES
Kohli and Rohit featured in a 230-run stand to help the hosts post 337-6 after New Zealand elected to field
became the fastest batsman to complete 9,000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in 194 innings. South Africa’s David Miller raises celebrates scoring a The right-hander made 113 off century during the second T20 against Bangladesh in 106 balls, with nine boundaries Potchefstroom, South Africa. — AFP and a six in his 32nd one-day century. The teams will next square off in a three-match Twenty20 Miller hits fastest series beginning in New Delhi on Virat Kohli Wednesday. — Reuters SCOREBOARD T20 century as India KANPUR: India registered a successful in the series opener R Sharma c Southee b Santner------147 2-1 series victory against New in Mumbai and they looked S Dhawan c Williamson b Southee ------14 V Kohli c Williamson b Southee ------113 SA win big Zealand after Jasprit Bumrah’s determined to reprised the role. H Pandya c Southee b Santner ------8 tidy final over secured the hosts’ Bumrah (3-47) poured cold M Dhoni c Munro b Milne------25 POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa: David Miller K Jadhav c Guptill b Milne ------18 six-run win in the third and final water on their plans, however, by D Karthik (not out) ------4 smashed the fastest century in Twenty20 international one-day international on Sunday. first dismissing Taylor for 39 and Extras (LB-1 W-7) ------8 cricket as South Africa outclassed Bangladesh by 83 New Zealand needed 15 runs then running out Latham, who Total (for 6 wkts, 50 overs) ------337 runs in the second and final Twenty20 international at Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-259, 3-273, 4-302, off the final over to chase down made 65, in the 48th over of the 5-331, 6-337. Senwes Park on Sunday. a 338-run victory target but a New Zealand innings. Bowling: T Southee 10-0-66-2, T Boult 10-0- Miller’s 35-ball hundred propelled South Africa nerveless Bumrah conceded only Put into bat, India lost 81-0, A Milne 10-0-64-2, C de Grandhomme to 224 for four before Bangladesh were bowled out 8-0-57-0, M Santner 10-0-58-2, C Munro 2-0- seven while picking up his third Shikhar Dhawan (14) early but 10-0. for 141, completing a clean-sweep for South Africa in wicket of the match to help India New Zealand had to toil in the NEW ZEALAND two Tests, three one-day internationals and two T20 prevail in the runfest. subsequent 35 overs as Kohli and M Guptill c Karthik b Bumrah ------10 internationals. Rohit Sharma C Munro b Chahal ------75 Earlier, centurions Virat Kohli Sharma became the first ODI pair K Williamson c Dhoni b Chahal------64 It was an and Rohit Sharma featured in a to star in four double-century R Taylor c Jadhav b Bumrah ------39 extraordinary innings T Latham (run out) ------65 MILLER’S 35- mammoth 230-run stand to help partnerships. H Nicholls b B Kumar ------37 by Miller. the hosts post 337-6 after New Sharma batted with C de Grandhomme (not out) ------8 He had only BALL HUNDRED Zealand, wary of the dew factor characteristic elegance to score M Santner c S Dhawan b Bumrah ------9 scored 18 runs off 14 PROPELLED T Southee (not out) ------4 later in the evening, elected to 147 off 138 balls. His 15th one- Extras (LB-4, W-16) ------20 balls, then came an SA TO 224/4 field at Kanpur’s Green Park sixes in his blistering 75 and Kane partnership, dismissing both the day century was studded with 18 Total (for 7 wkts, 50 overs) ------331 assault which yielded Stadium. Williamson made a fluent 64 to batsmen but Tom Latham refused boundaries and a couple of sixes Fall of wickets: 1-44, 2-153, 3-168, 4-247, 82 runs off 21 balls to BEFORE 5-306, 6-312, 7-326. New Zealand lost opener help them overcome the early loss. to throw in the towel. before he fell in the 42nd over. Bowling: B Kumar 10-0-92-1, J Bumrah 10- get to his century. BANGLADESH Martin Guptill early in their reply Wristspinner Yuzvendra Latham and Ross Taylor Kohli was silky smooth at the 0-47-3, H Pandya 5-0-47-0, A Patel 7-0-40-0, The previous WERE BOWLED but Colin Munro smashed three Chahal ended the 109-run had engineered New Zealand’s other end as the India captain K Jadhav 8-0-54-0, Y Chahal 10-0-47-2 fastest T20 OUT FOR 141 international century was made off 45 balls by fellow South African Richard Levi against New Zealand in Hamilton in 2011/12. Victories for ISC, Zawawi, QBG and RAY International SCOREBOARD South Africa MUSCAT: A superb match-winning show by Attic Outdoors by 37 runs thanks to Aditya’s H Amla c S Sarkar b M Saifuddin ------85 M Mosehle b Shakib ------5 all-rounder Ansar Raza Ansari helped Indian excellent show with the bat and ball in a C J Duminy b Shakib ------4 Social Club (ISC) to a 32-run victory against Division game at Muscat Municipality ground A de Villiers c I Kayes b M Saifuddin ------20 White Lotus International in a B Division clash IV in Al Amerat. D Miller (not out) ------101 at Muscat Municipality ground I in Al Amerat Batting first QBG scored 151 for 7 in 20 F Behardien (not out) ------6 Extras (LB-1, W-2)3 on Friday. overs, helped largely by opener Aditya’s 37 off Total (For 4 wkts, 20 overs) ------224 Bishen Singh (57), Ansar (45) and Vineet 25. Fiyaz Kamal’s 21 and 17 extras were the Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-37, 3-78, 4-157. Nair (35) were the leading contributors as other major contributors.. Bowling: Shakib 4-0-22-2, T Ahmed 3-0-41-0, M Hasan 4-0-46-0, R ISC reached a respectable 193 for 7 in the Brief scores: QBG 151 for 7 in 20 overs (Aditya 37 – 6x4, Hossain 4-0-51-0, M Saifuddin 4-0-53-2, Mahmudullah 1-0-10-0. Bangladesh stipulated 30 overs. Chetan Mallya chipped Fiyaz Kamal 21. Rossvin Anto 2-19) beat Attic Outdoors 114 all out in 19.2 overs (Vikas Sharma 49 – 4x4. Aditya I Kayes (run out) ------6 in with a useful 20. Nazish Mohammed and 3-24, Shiyas Ibrahim 2-22) by 37 runs S Sarkar c Hendricks b Phangiso ------44 Davinder Kumar bowled well to claim three ISRAR’S SEVEN-FOR FLOORS RAY Shakib b Duminy ------2 overs (Muhammed Nadeem Ashaq 47 – 8x4. Chetan in the 30th over. Ovais Karim topscored for M Rahim c Mosehle b Frylinck ------2 and two wickets respectively. Israr Irfan’s seven-wicket spell bowled White lotus found the going tough against Mallya 3-12, Ansar Raza 3-32) by 32 runs. MCS with a fluent 39 while Ghulam Humayun S Rahman c Hendricks b Duminy ------5 KALAIRASAN LIFTS ZAWAWI TO WIN MARH to a 4-wicket win over Ruqan Al Yaqeen Mahmudullah st Mosehle b Phangiso ------24 some tight ISC bowling and were soon in and Ahmed Khan contributed 34 and 23 In another B Division game won by an (RAY) International in a D Division match at L Das c Frylinck b Pretorius ------9 deep trouble at 94 for 6 in the 18th over. It was respectively. M Saifuddin c Amla b Hendricks ------23 all-rounder, Kalairasan Natarajan powered Muscat Municipality ground I on Friday. finally bundled out for 161 in the 29th over. Brief scores: Muscat Cricket Sports 195 all out in 29.5 M Hasan c Mosehle b Phehlukwayo ------13 Zawawi Powertech Engineering to a thrilling overs (Ovais Karim 38 – 3x4, Ghulam Humayun 34 – 5x4, Israr triggered an amazing collapse after Muhammed Nadeem Ashaq was the only T Ahmed (run out) ------4 two-run win over Muscat Cricket Sports (MCS) Mohammed Ahmed Khan 24 – 4x4. Satnam Singh 3-28, Ray received a 61-run opening stand from R Hossain (not out) ------1 noteworthy scorer with 47 off5 1 balls. Chetan at Muscat Municipality ground II on Friday. Prabhakaran Kannan 3-42, Kalaiarasan Natarajan 2-31) Mohsin Javed (26) and David Raj (28). Extras (LB-2, NB-2, W-4)------8 Mallya and Ansar Raza bagged three wickets lost to Zawawi Powertech 196 for 8 in 29 overs (Kalaiarasan Brief scores: RAY International 100 all out in 16.4 overs Total (18.3 overs) ------141 Kalairasan took two wickets, lending Natarajan 95 – 12x4, 1x6, Asif Abdul Al Balushi 26 – 3x4. each. (David Raj 28 – 4x4, Mohsin Javed 26 – 3x4. Israr Irfan Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-29, 3-32, 4-37, 5-72, 6-93, 7-98, 8-130, excellent support to Satnam Singh and Bhavik Hirji 3-28, Mahid Ali 3-28, Atif Raza 2-36). (Hasan), 9-136. Brief scores: ISC 193 for 7 in 30 overs (Bishen Singh Prabhakaran Kannan, who both bagged three 7-17, Sukhpreet Singh2-27) lost to MARH 103 for 6 in 57 – 7x4, 1x6, Ansar Raza 45 – 5x4, Vineet Nair 35 – 4x4) ADITYA STARS IN QBG WIN 15.4 overs (Muhammed Rizwan 37 – 7x4, V Ramesh 25 Bowling: Hendricks 2.3-0-28-1, Duminy 4-0-23-2, Frylinck 2-0-9-1, defeated White Lotus International 161 all out in 28.2 wickets each, as MCS was bowled out for 195 Qurum Business Group (QBG) eased past – 3x4. Sweetly Raj 2-07, Krishna Raja 2-13) by 4 wickets Pretorius 3-0-27-1, Phangiso 4-0-31-2, Phehlukwayo 3-0-21-1 Al Faisal ends campaign with 11th, 12th place finishes
MEXICO CITY (Mexico): Al Faisal Mexico, especially after not so good arrived in Mexico City with a three- before moving up to 14th through lap al Zubair rounded off his inaugural qualifying,” said FZ Racing’s Al Faisal, point lead in the Porsche Mobil 1 five. Porsche Mobil 1 Super Cup campaign who started both races from 17th Super Cup standings over Norway’s The yellow flag was raised on lap with excellent 11th and 12th-placed positions. “Finishing P12 in race two Dennis Olsen and he extended that to seven after an incident involving finishes in the two races held in and P11 in the first race was amazing five points heading into the final race Robert Lukas and Florian Latorre, conjunction with the Mexican and good points for the championship. after finishing second in the opening who came together, and the incident F1 Grand Prix at the Autódromo We finished in 14th position in the encounter behind the Australian Matt was under investigation from race Hermanos Rodriguez circuit. championship. Campbell. officials. The two impressive points-scoring “The target at the start of the season Second position in race two — Al Zubair maintained 14th finishes in Mexico City lifted the was to be in the top 15. Coming into again behind the Australian — was position at the restart on lap eight and Omani into 14th place in the final this weekend, we were 17th and I sufficient for the Bavarian to confirm a fascinating tussle ensued between driver rankings at the end of his first knew I needed two strong results. the prestigious title for the Lechner Ammermüller and Olsen for second Super Cup and gives him a strong Not only did I achieve my target, but MSG Racing Team. position behind Campbell. foundation on which to build his I also improved more than I thought. Olsen started from pole but lost two Lukas spun out and Zaid Ashkanani strategy to try and finish inside the top I think it’s a really good way to end my positions on the opening lap. Campbell spun on lap 10, as Campbell three in the Porsche Middle East Cup first season in the Super Cup. It’s also a gained the lead and maintained that maintained his advantage ahead of this coming winter. positive way to prepare for the start of advantage from Ammermüller and the chasing group and Al-Zubair “It was very good to end the the Middle East Championship.” Olsen through the subsequent laps, as continued his progression through the season on such a positive note here in Germany’s Michael Ammermüller Al Faisal al Zubair finished 14th in the 2017 Porsche Mobil 1 Super Cup. Al Zubair consolidated 17th position field to 12th. football OMANDAILYOBSERVER TUESDAYsport l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 23 LONDON: Neither Anthony Martial nor Marcus Rashford are happy spending time on the bench, but the competition between them is pushing MARTIAL-RASHFORD both to greater heights for Manchester United this season. With Romelu Lukaku the first- choice number nine and Henrikh rivalry spurs on Mkhitaryan generally preferred by manager Jose Mourinho on the right flank, Martial and Rashford have had to fight it out for the left-wing slot. Rashford tends to start, but Martial Man United has proved brilliantly effective as an impact player and after netting the winner against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, he said he had no desire to become known as a super sub. “I want to play,” said the France international. “I don’t want to be on the bench, but Rashford played well too, so the manager tried to give us all a chance and we have to score and give assists.” Martial’s grievances are backed up by the fact he has been more clinical than Rashford, albeit often having come off the bench to face tiring opposition defences. With four goals and two assists in 267 minutes of Premier League action, Martial has been decisive roughly once every half of football and has already matched his goal tally from last season. Rashford has played much more — 607 minutes — but his three goals and three assists have come at intervals of 100 minutes. Underlining the extent to which they have tended to take things in turns, the pair have found the net in the same game only once — in last month’s 4-1 win over Burton Albion in Tottenham’s Eric Dier in action the League Cup. with Manchester United’s — Reuters Prior to Martial’s match-winning Marcus Rashford. cameo against Tottenham, Rashford had had the upper hand. He scored the only goal in United’s 1-0 win away to Benfica in the there were boos when Martial replaced they will develop into centre-forwards. ball and not just attack space,” said Ousmane Dembele’s unavailability set-up should not be sustainable. Champions League and netted the Rashford against Spurs. Mourinho drew an interesting Mourinho, whose side host Benfica on through injury and Dimitri Payet’s “Without it, you don’t improve. consolation goal in their shock 2-1 The lack of complementarity distinction between them, however, Tuesday. repositioning at number 10 for Young players need that sort of defeat at Huddersfield Town after between 21-year-old Martial and when he explained his decision to One area where the duo differ is in Marseille, could open the door to a environment around them,” he said replacing Martial at half-time. Rashford, who turns 20 on Tuesday, pitch Martial into the fray at Rashford’s terms of their standing at international recall when Didier Deschamps names earlier this season. ‘GOOD FOR THE TEAM’ is explained to a large degree by the expense at Old Trafford on Saturday. level, with Rashford almost a his next squad on Thursday. “I think we’re both enjoying our While both players are popular many characteristics they share. “A n t h o ny Martial is the same guaranteed starter for England A call-up would prove being an football at the moment. We’re both with United’s fans — Martial due to Both are quick, skilful, right-footed position as Marcus, but is more whereas Martial was not called up for impact substitute has not harmed having our say in the games and it’s his excellent debut season in 2015-16, players who are honing their trade as comfortable than Marcus dropping France’s most recent matches. Martial’s standing and Rashford, for good for us, good for the manager, Rashford thanks to his local roots — wide players in the expectation that in between the lines to help drive the But Martial’s form, allied to one, sees no reason why the current good for the team.” — AFP Tough for City to match Arsenal ‘Invincibles’, says De Bruyne
LONDON: Kevin De Bruyne says it was unlikely they would match the Raheem Sterling scored to clinch will be “very hard” for Manchester Arsenal team of 2003-2004, who did City have made the victory at The Hawthorns, City’s City to match Arsenal’s “Invincibles” not lose a single match. eighth straight top-flight win. in going the entire Premier League “To go unbeaten- Well, it’s very best-ever start to a Victory in Italy on Wednesday season unbeaten despite their flying hard. I don’t think it will be possible,” Premier League sea- will mean City progress from Group start. said the 26-year-old. son after 10 games, F with two games to spare, but De Kane could face Real, says City have made the best-ever start “The level of competition is so Bruyne wants to avoid distractions. to a Premier League season after 10 high, in every team. It’s not like, with collecting 28 points “We know if we go to Napoli and games, collecting 28 points with a all respect, 10 or 15 years ago where with a goal difference win then we’ll have qualified. That Spurs boss Pochettino goal difference of plus 29. you have a couple of teams that won’t of plus 29 would be a nice position,” said the Saturday’s 3-2 win at West Brom win against the top teams. Belgium international. LONDON: Tottenham boss and he said: “No. I think no. left them five points clear at the top “Now every game is hard and “It’s important just to get qualified Mauricio Pochettino is hopeful “My perception is that United of the table ahead of Wednesday’s you need to be mentally there. And games it’s good for us. You keep not about thinking about what it Harry Kane will be fit for played like they did against Benfica Champions League trip to Napoli with the Champions League and all maintaining pressure. Hopefully we might mean, whether we could get a Wednesday’s Champions League (a 1-0 away win) and Liverpool (a and the visit of Arsenal on Sunday. the cups, there will be a game where can have two good games this week rest. If we are qualified, that is done. clash with Real Madrid after he 0-0 draw at Anfield). Pep Guardiola’s team boast a maybe we are a little bit less and and go into the international break We might then have to think about missed the 1-0 defeat at Manchester “That’s football. Everyone can proud record of being the only maybe lose. But as long as it keeps unbeaten and it will mean we put a finishing first or whatever but we United. play (how) they want to play.” unbeaten team in England’s top going, it’s good. lot of pressure on the rest.” know if we get a point or win, we are Kane, who has scored 13 High-flying Tottenham have four divisions but De Bruyne said it “Obviously, if you win a lot of Leroy Sane, Fernandinho and qualified.” — AFP goals for Spurs this season, was suffered back-to-back defeats, with expected to be a doubt for the the 1-1 draw at Real and 4-1 win game at Wembley after a hamstring over Liverpool at Wembley being problem forced him out of the followed by a 3-2 League Cup loss match at Old Trafford. to West Ham at the same venue and “With the doctors and the the Old Trafford setback. player, we will take the best decision Spurs are third in the Premier for everyone,” said Pochettino. League, eight points behind leaders “It’s not the last game or the Manchester City and level with final where you would say, ‘OK, Real at the top of their Champions after that it’s holidays’. We must League pool. analyse and take the best decision “The most important thing is to for everyone. be competitive,” said Pochettino. “We will assess him and then “We are in different competitions we will make the best decision. which demand a lot of energy and My feeling is good. But it’s not my effort. We are building a team, new feeling, it’s Harry Kane’s feeling.” facilities at the club and trying to The United match, in which arrive one day into the position substitute Anthony Martial netted where we can win everything. the only goal in the 81st minute, “The process is to finish the was an unremarkable contest for stadium this season so it’s ready much of the time, with the best to play in next season. We have a work coming in defence. young team and now the challenge Pochettino was also asked is to put the club in a position afterwards if opposing teams were where we can win the big trophies more defensive against Tottenham, every season.” — AFP Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne shoots at goal. — Reuters tennis/badminton Armour claims first tour win in style OMANDAILYOBSERVER A tearful Ryan Armour won for the first time on the PGA Tour, shooting a four-under par 68 for a five-stroke victory at the Sanderson Farms Championship in Mississippi on Sunday. The win TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 came in his 105th career start on the tour. “I’m tearing up. I’m not going to lie,” Armour said sport24 after finishing on 19-under par 269 a day after his sonP atrick’s ninth birthday. Srikanth wins French Open FEDERER for fourth Superseries title outlasts Del Potro for eighth Basel title
BASEL, Switzerland: Roger the season to rest his body and Federer displayed some rare no doubt opted to skip the Paris flashes of temper as he battled past tournament to prepare for next Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro month’s ATP Finals in London. 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3 for an eighth Swiss Del Potro would have Indoors title in front of a partisan moved into the eighth and final Basel crowd on Sunday. qualifying spot for London had India’s Srikanth Kidambi poses with his trophy after winning the men’s singles final The 36-year-old local he claimed a third Basel title, but at the French Open badminton at the Coubertin Stadium in Paris. — AFP favourite, beaten by Del Potro now must reach the semifinals in consecutive Basel finals in at least in the French capital to PARIS: Star Indian shuttler Kidambi to draw level at 7-7. 2012 and 2013, was ragged at make it to the season-ending Srikanth defeated Japan’s Kenta However, the Indonesians won times and looked in danger of an tournament. Nishimoto in straight games to win three consecutive points to regain the unwanted hat-trick, but showed “All the best for Paris and the men’s singles title at the French advantage. They did not look back all his fighting qualities to turn then I’ll hopefully maybe see you Open Superseries here on Sunday. from there, beating back a spirited the match around. in London, too,” Federer said Srikanth dominated from the start fight from the Koreans to take the Fourth seed Del Potro, making after an intense battle with the to carve out a 21-14, 21-13 win in 34 first game. a late run to try and qualify for 29-year-old Argentine who fell minutes. The early stages of the second next month’s ATP World Tour just short of claiming a second Sunday’s win helped the eighth game saw a see-saw battle before the Finals in London, broke successive title after winning in seeded Indian to improve his head-to- Indonesians took four consecutive serve in the first game of Stockholm. head statistics against the unseeded points to gain the upper hand. the decider but wilted Federer broke serve in the Japanese to 2-0. The Koreans however, continued as Federer stormed opening game but Del Potro hit Srikanth is the first male shuttler to put up a spirited fight winning five back to the delight of a back immediately when Federer from India to qualify for the French back to back points to level the score raucous crowd inside the netted a backhand. Open final. The victory also made him at 13-13. St Jakobshalle. Del Potro struggled to hold the fourth male player in the history But it did not prove to be enough World number two serve and cracked at 4-4 under of the game to win four Superseries as Polli and Rahayu claimed six Federer charged into a 5-2 a flurry of Federer winners. singles titles in a calendar year. consecutive points to close out the lead and while Del Potro Federer could not serve out the Srikanth struggled in the early game and the match. delayed the end by holding serve, set though and was broken as Del stages of the first game with the The mixed doubles title went to the Federer would not be denied and Potro took it to a tie-break. Japanese taking a 9-5 lead but he Indonesian pair of Tontowi Ahmad racked up his 95th career title as Federer went 3-0 up but lost made a strong comeback to force the and Liliyana Natsir who defeated Del Potro fired a backhand long six successive points. He saved lead at 11-9. China’s Zheng Siwei and Chen under pressure. two set points but Del Potro took The Indian did not look back from Qingchen 22-20, 21-15 in 45 minutes. In edging past Ivan Lendl’s 94 the opener on his third chance — there, going on to win the opening In the women’s singles, Tai Tzu Federer is now alone in second leaving Federer flustered. game. Ying of Chinese Taipei defeated place on the all-time titles list The 19-time Grand Slam Srikanth dominated the second Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in straight which American great Jimmy champion smashed his racket game right from the start, opening games to clinch the title in a match Connors leads with 109. into the net at one point during up a 10-5 lead and holding on to the that lasted for 31 minutes. However, his chances of the opening set, but it was Del advantage to win the game easily. The top seed defeated the fifth snatching the world number Potro’s turn to lose his cool Earlier, the Indonesian pair of seeded Japanese 21-4, 21-16. one ranking from Rafael Nadal when he dropped serve at 4-5 in Greysia Polli and Apriyani Rahayu In the men’s doubles, Chinese before the end of the season are the second as the crowd roared defeated South Korea’s Lee So Hee Taipei’s Jhe-Huei Lee and Yang Lee all but over as the Swiss pulled Federer on. and Shin Seung Chan in straight defeated Denmark’s Mathias Boe out of next week’s Paris Masters Del Potro took the opening games to clinch the women’s doubles and Carsten Mogensen to clinch the citing a back injury. game of the decider but looked title. title. The seventh seeds stunned the Federer, who trails Nadal by fatigued as Federer found The Indonesians took 55 minutes second seeded Denmark pair 21-19, 1,460 points in the rankings, another gear to surge back. to outclass the South Korean pair 21- 23-21 in 45 minutes. has taken regular breaks during — Reuters 17, 21-15. The second game saw a neck In the first game, the Indonesian and neck battle before the Chinese Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates with the trophy in Basel. — AFP took a 3-0 lead in the early stages Taipei pair prevailed to claim the before the South Koreans fought back title. — IANS Knicks stun Cavaliers, Pistons topple Warriors LOCAL FLAVOUR
LOS ANGELES: The NBA are getting everybody’s best shot, and Ahmed al Riyami shines at ISC Open champion Golden State Warriors if you don’t match that type of energy and beaten finalists Cleveland and play with some intelligence and tumbled on Sunday as early season some discipline, you are not going to struggles continued for the league’s win.” powerhouse teams. Perennial Western Conference Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kristaps contenders San Antonio also fell as Porzingis combined for 66 points to Indiana’s Victor Oladipo drained the lead the New York Knicks to a 114-95 game-winning three-pointer with victory over the Cavs in Cleveland. 10.3 seconds remaining in a 97-94 In Oakland, California, the win over the Spurs. Warriors coughed up 25 turnovers in a 115-107 loss to the Detroit Pistons. POISED PACERS The Knicks notched their first The Pacers led much of the game win over the Cavs since October 30, before the Spurs rallied to take a 2014, ending a 10-game losing streak nine-point lead in the fourth quarter. against the Cavs, tipped before the “We just stayed poised,” said season to be headed to the finals for Oladipo, who finished with 32 a fourth time. points. “It’s a long game, there’s a lot Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball against Detroit Pistons’ Hardaway scored 34 points and Andre Drummond (0) at Oracle Arena. — USA Today Sports of ups and downs. It’s a game of runs. MUSCAT: Talented Omani player Tito had earlier disposed off Sri Porzingis added 32 with 12 rebounds You’ve just got to lift each other up. Ahmed al Riyami set the early pace Gauranga 11-5, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8. for the Knicks, who handed LeBron The Warriors connected on a We did a good job of that.” on the opening day of the Open table In other first round matches, James and the Cavaliers a fourth NBA RESULTS blistering 61.4 per cent of their shots Oladipo admitted that his shot tennis tournament organised by the Aditya Sairam defeated Rishabh Indian Social Club and sponsored Sheth 11-7, 11-4, 11-5, Abhinav defeat in eight days. over the first three periods, but from 30 feet away, which put the Detroit bt Golden State 115-107 by Villeroy & Boch + Hansgrohegot. Raghu ousted Wasi Mohamad 11-9, “Tonight’s loss and the last couple NY Knicks bt Cleveland 114-95 trailed 101-88 at 6:25 of the fourth Pacers up 95-94, was “maybe too Denver bt Brooklyn 124-111 The tournament got off to a hectic 11-5, 11-3, Vedant Bahirat showed are unacceptable, and the only way Charlotte bt Orlando 120-113 quarter. deep”. start after veteran Nitin Vaidya no mercy in his 11-0, 11-0, 11-0 we’re going to be able to get out of Washington bt Sacramento 110-83 The Warriors were down 108- “Honestly, I didn’t really want declared the tournament open after blanking over newcomer Humaid it is to put the work in — as players, Indiana bt San Antonio 97-94 105 with 1:55 to play when they got to shoot it that far, but the move exchanging a few rallies with seven- bin Shoaib, Anirudh Menon beat Milwaukee bt Atlanta 117-106 as coaches,” Cavaliers coach Tyronn a steal from Stephen Curry. But he felt good and I just held my follow- year-old Sammridhi, the youngest Shrineekhetan A 11-5, 11-7, 11-9, Lue said. “And we’re going to do that.” missed the contested lay-up and then through and it went in,” he said. participant in the tournament. Viren Kundnani triumphed 11-6, 11- A day after falling to the New “What is this- October- I’m not a three-point attempt. “He was deep and he was off- In first round action of the boys 8, 11-7 over Siddhant Guber, Sibil Orleans Pelicans, the Cavaliers about to go crazy over it right now,” Tobias Harris added a three- balance, but give him credit, he under-13 singles, Ahmed al Riyami Joseph defeated Shashank CB 11-8, looked lethargic as they trailed by 18 James said. pointer for Detroit, before Curry lost knocked it down,” said Spurs coach put in a brilliant all-round display to 11-3, 11-2, Harikrishna Biju prevailed record two back-to-back victories to over Arnav Mohot 11-3, 11-4, 11-0. points in the third quarter. While the Cavs have struggled the ball to Avery Bradley, whose lay- Gregg Popovich after his team’s advance to the quarterfinals. In the second round of the same They trimmed the deficit to 94-88 with slow starts, the Warriors have up sealed it for the Pistons. second straight defeat. In the first round, Ahmed downed event, Aditya Sairam defeated on a James lay-up with 8:20 to play been finding it hard to hold onto “At some point, the ball just has LaMarcus Aldridge scored 26 Shayaan Tanveer with a convincing Abhinav Raghu 11-1, 11-8, 12-10, Sibil before the Knicks regained control. leads. to matter,” said exasperated Golden points to lead the Spurs. But he 11-5,11-5,11-9 verdict and in the Josep struggled before overcoming Kevin Love again led Cleveland Golden State squandered a State coach Steve Kerr. missed a jump shot with 5.1 seconds second showed great fighting Anirudh Menon 9-11, 11-8, 11-9, with 22 points and 11 rebounds. 14-point third-quarter advantage “We are throwing the ball all over left and Patty Mills missed a potential qualities to register a 6-11, 11-2, 11-4, 5-11, 11-8. Viren Kundnani also won James added 16 points, 10 rebounds over Detroit, who shot just 46.2 per the place. It’s focus and execution. game-tying three-pointer just before 10-12, 11-7 win over Indonesian Tito his second round when he defeated and seven assists and said it’s too cent from the field but benefitted “Teams are coming after us every the buzzer as San Antonio’s rally Winbowo. Harikrishna Biju 11-5, 11-4, 11-4. early in the season to worry. from the Warriors’ sloppy play. single night, and we know that. We effort fell short. — AFP international Follow us on Missedd a story? CCheckheck aallll tthehe llatestatest llocalococalal and internationalernational happeninhappeningsgs onon OMANDAILYOBSERVER FACEBOOK facebook.com/omanobserver/ook.com/omanobserver/ TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 25
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GIOVANNA FLEITAS into the icy seas of the austral winter, feeling ong one of the country’s favourite for the bump of seafoods, Chile’s macha clam the shellfish in has become a victim of its own the sand with popularity, with over-exploitation their bare feet, forcing authorities to ban clam before reaching Lfishing in all but a few areas to help down and grappling stocks recover. under the water for the From humble seaside taverns to exclusive reclusive clam. Santiago restaurants, machas have long been a Being a good “machero” is all mainstay of the menu in seafood-loving Chile. about experience. Found in the surf-swept sandbanks along the “The macha fisherman must coasts of Chile and southern Peru, the macha is be in good physical shape to put fished in the traditional way by men and women who up with that. He has to put on 20 brave icy waves and riptides to wrest their prize pounds of lead to anchor himself from the sea. to the sand and resist the waves But since August, fishing for machas has been so that the sea doesn’t move him banned in the central regions of Valparaiso, O’Higgins around,” said Zepeda. and El Maule after industrial-scale extraction has all “I’m 53 and since the age but destroyed stocks. of 10 I’ve been catching The future for the clam lies further north, where machas. It’s dedication that the fishing community in La Serena is held up as an makes everyone a good example of a sustainable way forward after strict worker,” said Luis Castillo, fishery management plans were put in place to help before throwing the catch stocks recover. of the day on the beach on Coquimbo Bay. Once out of the water, the machas are sent to a production centre managed by the fisherman’s cooperative, to be sorted for size and A quota system of around shipped to restaurants 1,000 tonnes a season has and stores. bolstered prices, and the fishing community ensures CLAMS WITH CHEESE that any clam less than A popular seafood six centimetres in size dish in Chile is machas is returned to the sea to served baked in the half- mature shell with a coating of melted Parmesan cheese, Chile along with a drizzle of white wine and lemon. Invented by who else but an Italian immigrant, “Machas a la Parmesana” has become a classic of Chilean cuisine. battling “The machas have almost disappeared in Chile, Conservationists warn that stocks except in this preservation area, where stocks have will have to be carefully managed if such been taken care of for years,” said Franklin Zepada, delicacies are to survive, however. president of the San Pedro Fisherman’s union in La Found only on a stretch of Pacific coastline from Serena. southern Peru down to the Chilean island of Chiloe, On nearby Coquimbo Bay, Zepada says the the macha was almost wiped out by a devastating El to save a conservation programme and a quota system for Nino, which increased the temperature of the Pacific, catches has secured the livelihood of 175 local in 1997 and 1998. macha fishers, including 50 women. It recovered sufficiently in the following years A quota system of around 1,000 tonnes a season to supply both the domestic and export market, has bolstered prices, and the fishing community but according to marine biologist Jaime Agusto, ensures that any clam less than six centimetres in overfishing is a much more persistent foe than El favourite size is returned to the sea to mature. Nino. “If there continues to be a lot of fishing activity BURIED IN THE SAND on the coast, not only will we lose the machas, but Part of the clam’s raw appeal for consumers is the probably other species as well,” he said. gritty fight to claim the bivalve from an icy Pacific in Agusto, who works on the San Pedro macha clam the austral winter. management plan, said unregulated macha fishing The technique is old and rustic. continues to be a problem because the ban is It’s a heart and soul, hands-and-feet kind of difficult to implement along such a lengthy stretch of fishing. No rods, no nets, just pure hand-to-hand coastline. combat with ripping current and surf. He said managers are trying to keep records of In San Pedro, groups of men and women traditional macheros so that if and when stocks “macheras” defy wind and tide to wade thigh deep recover they will be the ones who benefit. — AFP
CROSSWORD
CRYPTIC PUZZLE 31 Give players their cards (4) river (6) DOWN 17, This 18, Satire 19, Pedal 20, ACROSS 32 Connived in arranging a duel 26 As taken by shoplifters and 1 Ballerina (6) On hold 22, Mo-LL 24, Da-y 25, in wintry weather (8) others? (5) 2 Quick look (6) Stain-E-s 26, Tyres 27, Pin-up 28, 1 Lower a net for that woman 33 Finds the key to making love 27 Certain quantities of fish (5) 3 Fall (4) Putty 29, Be-nefi-t 30, S-even 31, (6) between saints (6) 28 Plant from Peru, especially? 4 Gates (7) G-ears. 7 Thanks to whom you may be (3) 5 Weight (5) looking better (8) DOWN: 2, Howdah 3, Spades 4, 30 Chances of making a half 6 Salute (5) 8 Break that tape with your DOWN To-t 5, S-Tory 6, Magical 7, Anon good Detective Sergeant (4) 8 Mix (4) head! (4) 1 In Japan, a pin-up quietly gets 8, Cooler 12, Bo-we-d 13, Stood 10 Prigs possibly used to public ahead (6) 9 Cheerful (3) 14, Vi-Ch.-y 15, Dixon 16, Wells EASY PUZZLE relations (6) 2 A diving attempt to score? (6) 12 Beer (3) 18, Salt-S 19, Play-pen 21, Native ACROSS 11 Just a single rhyme (6) 3 Hard or soft, they can make 13 Crawl (5) 22, Minute 23, Lett-ER 25, Sewed 14 Writer from Harpenden (3) you sore (4) 1 Determined (6) 15 Thong (5) 26, Tub-E 28, Pig. 16 Examples of ultimate panic on 4 Fussy, I see, in the end (7) 7 Journalist (8) 18 Poplar (5) wild seas (5) 5 Telephones endlessly? (5) 8 Pudding ingredient (4) 19 Miserable (3) YESTERDAY’S EASY 17 Not far from the Rhine area 6 One Desmond, very lofty (5) 10 Short sleep (6) 20 Manner (3) SOLUTIONS (4) 8 A pup in a certain stage of 11 Position (6) 21 Model of excellence (7) ACROSS: 1, Ideal 6, Circa 9, 19 Deal with as a special favour development (4) 14 Freezing (3) 22 Male sheep (3) Demigod 10, Scoot 11, Block 12, (5) 9 Figure to be in contention (3) 16 Aware (5) 23 Distant (6) Grebe 13, Cereals 15, Toe 17, 21 On which to question a 12 He’s in the senate (3) 17 Unusual (4) 24 Ages (4) Heed 18, Person 19, Defer 20, learner’s navigation? (5) 13 Study the real possibility of 19 Musty (5) 25 Veer (6) Abates 22, Dram 24, Put 25, 22 It’s what’s expected of you (5) opening negotiations (5) 21 European capital (5) 26 Provide (5) Piously 26, Pearl 27, Ghoul 28, 23 Is it torn from the tenant? (4) 15 Bond with him and he may 22 Navigation aid (5) 27 Number (5) Actor 29, Compose 30, Sleep 31, 26 Society that herded goats and send you a monkey (5) 23 Agents (4) 28 Equal (3) Study. made togas (5) 18 Just the joint for a bender? (5) 26 Tree (5) 30 Profound (4) DOWN: 2, Decree 3, Adored 4, 28 Step on the gas, my good man! 19 The bill for drinks or some 28 For every (3) Let 5, Tiers 6, Cobbler 7, Idle 8, (3) eatables (3) 29 Beast (6) YESTERDAY’S CRYPTIC Cuckoo 12, Glues 13, Cheap 14, 29 Loveless couple with a desire 20 Absorb some of the native (5,2) pass on the story (6) 30 Injure (6) SOLUTIONS Resat 15, Tsars 16, Enemy 18, to move (6) atmosphere (3) 22 It’s topping, but there can be a 24 To lie deviously about Victor 31 Cupid (4) ACROSS: 1, W-hist. 6, Marco 9, Peril 19, Develop 21, Bushel 22, 30 Trip in and out of Gateshead? 21 Get abreast of things with an trick to it (3) is not good (4) 32 Last speech (8) Postman 10, Sweat 11, Go-go-L Dulcet 23, Almond 25, Props 26, (6) interesting chat during tea? 23 How to make it real when you 25 Grit is obtainable from this 33 Gratify (6) 12, Brain 13, Sav-el-oy 15, Dew Puce 28, Ass. international WeWe know yoyouu have yyourour own storstoryy to tell. Get a OMANDAILYOBSERVER chance for yyourour photos to be our InstaInstagramgram ShareShare yyourour story on ‘‘PhotoPhoto ooff the Day’ by followifollowingng and ttaggingagging us on TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 INSTAGRAM feature26 instagram.com/omanobserver/instagram.com/omanobserver/ TRAVEL TALES
AFGHANISTAN
An Afghan woman collects saffron flowers after picking them in a field on the outskirt of Herat. For years, Afghanistan has tried to give farmers alternatives such as fruit crops and saffron to wean them away from poppy farming. — AFP
Life as it happens around 5 the world
CHINA Iran moves to save Models parade creations from the “SUNXIUQIN” collection by Sun Xiuqin during China Fashion Week in Beijing. — AFP last ‘mascot’ Asiatic CHEETAHS
SIAVOSH GHAZI
ranian environmentalists have mobilised to protect the world’s FRANCE last Asiatic cheetahs, estimated A picture taken at sunset in Katzenthal, eastern to number just 50 and faced with France shows the Wineck castle surrounded by vineyards. — AFP the threats of becoming roadkill, Ia shortage of prey and farmers’ dogs. “The last time our photo traps caught a cheetah here, it was two years ago. But we’re sure they are still in the region,” said Rajab Ali Kargar, deputy head of the National Protection Project for the Asiatic Cheetah. His camp is just a stone’s throw from an old royal hunting pavilion in the Garmsar area of Semnan province, around 120 kilometres (75 miles) south of Tehran, but these days the focus is on preservation rather than killing. The world’s fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds of 120 kilometres (74 miles) “Many think that without this programme At least 20 cheetahs have been killed in UNITED per hour, once stalked habitats from the the cheetah would have totally disappeared road accidents over the past 16 years. STATES eastern reaches of India to the Atlantic coast from Iran,” said Jokar. In its bid to raise public awareness, of Senegal. the project’s most successful move was Their numbers have stabilised in parts LACK OF PREY putting an image of the cheetah on the Families cool off at sunset in A tourist enjoys kayaking at the of southern Africa, but they have practically The Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s was national football team’s jersey during the Solana Beach following a record “Laguna de Apoyo” volcanic lagoon setting day of temperatures in Granada, about 43 kilometres disappeared from northern Africa and Asia. devastating for wild animals, particularly 2014 World Cup and the Asian Games in according to local media, in from Managua. — AFP The subspecies “Acinonyx jubatus along the country’s western border. the same year. Southern California. — Reuters venaticus”, commonly known as the Asiatic It was thought for a time that the cheetahs “That move had an extraordinary effect in cheetah, is critically endangered, according had been wiped out, until they were found educating and mobilising people,” said Jokar. to the International Union for Conservation to have retreated into the central desert “Now nearly everyone knows the cheetah is NICARAGUA of Nature, mostly due to past hunting. regions. in danger.” Iran launched its protection project in Three major problems have befallen the Since early September, a new campaign, 2001 with the support of the United Nations Asiatic cheetah in recent time: cars, farmers headed by popular actress Hedieh Tehrani, “when we realised Iran was the last country and having nothing to eat. has raised some eight billion rials ($200,000, to have any Asiatic cheetahs”, said Hooman “When we launched the project, the biggest 170,000 euros) in just over a month as part of Jokar, who heads the programme. danger was the lack of prey,” said Jokar. efforts to relocate farms in order to reduce It set up a network, now numbering 92 The team focused on building up numbers confrontations with the cheetah. specially trained park wardens, who cover a of gazelles and rabbits for the cheetahs to “It’s the biggest mobilisation of civil society total of six million hectares (14 million acres) eat, which has been largely successful. that I’ve witnessed,” said Jokar. in central and northern Iran. Cars and farmers remain a threat, There are also hopes for a cheetah couple “Every day, we cover hundreds of however. held in captivity in one of Tehran’s biggest kilometres to track wild animals in the park,” “Today, the cheetahs leave their zones and parks, Pardisan. said warden Reza Shah-Hosseini, as some 20 approach villages. Farmers and their dogs A first pregnancy failed, but the wardens gazelles galloped past behind him. kill them to protect their herds,” said Jokar. say it is a positive sign that they are mating. There were 20 sightings of the cheetah in A pack of dogs can overpower a cheetah, “The females are very picky,” said Kargar. Semnan province last year. he said. — AFP oman/world Join the discussion on React on topics that affect you the most. Share your views, analysis and opinions and get a chance to see OMANDAILYOBSERVER TWITTER them featured here. Follow and tweet us on TUESDAY l OCTOBER 31 l 2017 twitter.com/omanobserver/ features27 ART ATTACK LOCAL SCENE Pharaonic influences on display IF DISHES at Egypt art show COULD TALK
CLIVE GRACEY www.facebook.com/lesserspottedoman
n the year of the Metal Monkey in the reign of the Hongzhi Emperor, in a drafty workshop in a “ remote mountain village in Jingdezhen, southern China, I was brought forth from porcelain by the gentle hands of a potter. After weeks drying in cool Ispring winds, I was then fired in a kiln stoked with pinewood from the surrounding forests. Once cool again, an old man with a spindly white beard painted on me in Persian cobalt a picture of a pierced rock entwined in a splay of chrysanthemums. I was then covered in white powder and fired once more. In China at that time, the rock with tortuous shape symbolised durability while the chrysanthemum represented longevity. Durability and longevity, as you will see, have been the defining characteristics of my very existence. Packed in straw in a wooden crate with many other blue and white ceramic pieces, we were loaded onto a junk and travelled east for weeks along the great Yangtze River until we eventually reached the coast at Shanghai. We sat on the bustling quay for a long time before we were loaded into the hold of an ocean-going junk. For many weeks we sailed down the coast of China, across the South China Sea till we finally docked at Kalam Bar at the tip aintings by top Egyptian of the Malay Peninsula. In those days, Kalam Bar was the port artists shared wall space where Indian and Arab seafarers met with Chinese merchants with hieroglyphs and to trade. We were unloaded there and spent a long time in a PPharaonic relics at Cairo’s warehouse. Egyptian Museum this One day my crate was opened and an Arab merchant week in an exhibition highlighting inspected me and some other pieces. He must have liked us ancient influences on contemporary for soon after we were loaded onto his large dhow and set sail art. across the vast expanse of the Andaman Sea. What a voyage Artists, intellectuals and that was, the sea so rough and the ship creaking and groaning ambassadors from around the world so much that I thought we would all surely end up on the ocean attended the Saturday night opening floor. But somehow we stayed afloat and after more than a of “A night with Art at the Egyptian month at sea reached the port of Cochin on the Malibar Coast Museum”, organised by the private Art of India. I would happily have stayed there, but it was not to be. D’Egypte organisation. A few days later, we set sail again, this time across the Arabian The exhibition, at the museum on Sea. Cairo’s iconic Tahrir square, will be Finally, we reached a port on the coast of Oman called Qalhat, open to the public until Tuesday. a crowded city with fine buildings and bustling streets. We were “We wanted to highlight the link unloaded and unpacked from our crate and spread out for sale between contemporary art and ancient in the busy bazaar overlooking the harbour. Eventually a man Egyptian Pharaonic art,” Art D’Egypte bought me. I thought I was destined for one of the grand founder Nadine Abdel Ghaffar said. houses in Qalhat, perhaps to serve as a fruit dish for The modern paintings included some noble Arab lady, but instead I was wrapped in abstract portraits and other works animal skin and packed, along with some other by prominent contemporary Egyptian plates and bowls, into the backpack of a camel. artists such as Adel El Siwi, Mohamed For ten days we lurched and bumped along Abla, Ghada Amer, Farouk Hosny and until we came to a city called Nizwa, where I Hoda Lotfi. was again put on sale in the bazaar. Maybe “This initiative shows that artistic my price was too high or people did not like creativity spans millennia reaching my design, for I remained unsold for a long today,” said Abla, who showed five while. But then one day a man came along paintings at the exhibition, reflecting and spotted me, picked me up and smiled at ancient Egyptian influences. me and said, “I know just the place for you.” “Contemporary art is an extension At last, after such a long journey I was to have of art by the Pharaonic ancestors,” he a home. But what would I be? A soup-dish? An said. ornament? The show also includes interactive Again I was wrapped in skins and this time put seminars on ancient Egyptian art and in the saddlebag of a donkey. But the journey was less its influences on contemporary artists. than a day and when we reached the man’s house in a Several prominent archaeologists narrow street of a town called Al-Bilad, he gently unwrapped and Egyptologists are to speak, me and placed me in an alcove along with some other dishes. including former antiquities minister I stayed in that alcove for some time and every single day the The Folk Mink blue and white dish, with a Zahi Hawass. man came and took us out, one by one, rubbed us gently with a pierced rock entwined in a chrysanthemum Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani soft cloth and smiled lovingly at us. splay symbolising durability and longevity. The said it was important to preserve One day he took me out of the alcove and brought me to a dish is painted in the calligraphic style typical Egyptian heritage “because the nearby mosque. There was a beautifully carved prayer niche in of Ming ceramics of the late Chenghua and antiquities belong to the entire world.” the mosque and in the centre was a round space, just the right Hongzhi Period (1465-1505 CE). The ageing Egyptian museum, which size for me. The man gently placed me in the space and fixed me is undergoing renovation, was a key there with gypsum. tourist attraction. And here I have remained for the past five hundred and A fall in tourist numbers prompted thirteen years, watching generation after generation of boys the museum a few months ago to grow to maturity and then into old man as they prayed in open its doors at night in the hope of this mosque five times every day. Then about forty years ago, attracting new visitors. the numbers grew fewer till there was nobody coming at all. Among its best-known exhibits are Only the occasional visitor came in and looked up at me with a golden funerary mask and other curiosity. Twenty years ago, the mosque was renovated and artefacts from the tomb of 18th dynasty once again people began to come and pray, though not in the Pharoah Tutankhamun. same numbers as before. His belongings are among exhibits Last year a funny thing happened. A fat man with spectacles set to be transferred to the Grand came with some steps and climbed right up close to me with Egyptian Museum, a new facility this funny black box in his hand that had a round glass window currently under construction near the at the front. Next thing I knew, he was lying on his back on the Giza Pyramids. floor of the mosque, groaning, and the steps were on top of him! Anani said the facility should open at Lucky for him there was carpet. I’ve seen some strange types in least partially before the end of 2018. – my long life, but that nincompoop surely beats all!” AFP TUESDAY | OCTOBER 31, 2017 | SAFAR 11, 1439 AH
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If dishes could talk
In the ancient settlement of Harat al-Bilad in the Wiliyat of Manah in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, there is a little mosque with a beautifully carved prayer niche dating from 909 AH/1504 CE. In the centre of the rosette of the prayer niche is a blue and white Ming dish. If only dishes could talk, what story would it tell?... 27
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THOR: CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR RAGNAROK Genre: Action The souq in Muttrah Corniche is Running Time: 130 min the Sultanate’s oldest and best known markets in the country. It Starring: Chris Hemsworth, retains its chaotic charm keeping Tom Hiddleston, Cate to its traditional Arabic market Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff roots with shops selling traditional Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, CHILE BATTLING TO artisanal handicrafts, jewellery, Karl Urban with Mark Ruffalo clothes and frankincense. and Anthony Hopkins SAVE A FAVOURITE Instagrammer @traveltramp_uk CLAM gave us a peak of how mesmerising Language: English the bright display of the colourful Subtitle(s): Arabic Long one of the country’s favourite headscarves are in one of the seafoods, Chile’s macha clam has souq’s sections. Asgard is threatened but become a victim of its own popularity, Thor is imprisoned on the with over-exploitation forcing For a chance to be featured, follow other side of the universe authorities to ban clam fishing in all and tag us on Instagram. Don’t without his hammer and to but a few areas to help stocks forget to use #BeAnObserver and escape and save his home recover. From humble seaside #OmanObserver so we can find world, he must fight his taverns to exclusive Santiago your submissions. former ally and fellow restaurants, machas have long been Avenger — the Incredible a mainstay of the menu in seafood- Hulk! loving Chile p25