BUSINESS | 14 SPORT | 19 Qatar plans huge Al Sadd go atop as Al investments in Duhail survive Qatar Germany: Report SC scare

Monday 3 September 2018 | 23 Dhul-Hijja I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7638 | 2 Riyals

Over 43,000 sign up as FIFA 2022 volunteers on first day

AMNA PERVAIZ RAO “This tournament will THE PENINSULA provide a platform to showcase the DOHA: The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has true nature of the officially opened doors for Arab world and people from Qatar, region and volunteers will be the world to register as volunteer essential partners in to support preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. ensuring that all our Within first four hours of the preparations for 2022 launch, more than 12,000 people help achieve this,” signed up as volunteers via the SC’s Secretary-General registration platform www. seeyouin2022.qa. It hit 43,014 Hassan Al Thawadi said. while going to press. Volunteers will contribute towards numerous Qatar 2022 FIFA’s Qatar 2022 volunteer pro- milestones, including stadium gramme, which will cover launches and test events. They various aspects of the tour- will support in a range of func- nament, including match day tions, including event man- operations. agement, hospitality, marketing, During the launch event at communications, audience man- the Four Seasons Doha, SC agement, security, medical unveiled the first 22 volunteers Officials from the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy with first 22 volunteers at the launch of registration of volunteers, yesterday. services and more. from countries across the region, PIC: ANWAR SADATH Applicants must be aged 16 including Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, and over, they are not required Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Pal- from Qatar, Arab region and the transportation or related to any would play a pivotal role in “This tournament will to have any volunteering expe- estine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, world. We aim to recruit about other field. We will sit and talk helping Qatar deliver a unique provide a platform to showcase rience and will receive training Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, 14,000-16,000 volunteers. Vol- with officials from Russia to tournament. We have always the true nature of the Arab world in the lead-up to the tournament, Turkey and Yemen. unteers will play an important discuss what we need to improve maintained that this tournament and volunteers will be essential which will kick off on November Talking to The Peninsula, role throughout the tournament in order to deliver the best for is one for the whole region. partners in ensuring that all our 21, 2022. Nasser Al Khater, SC’s Assistant and we will make sure that all our audience.” Now, we are excited to open preparations for 2022 help Working as a volunteer now Secretary-General for Tour- our volunteers are well trained. During the event, SC’s Sec- registration for volunteers inter- achieve this,” Hassan added. will give participants an nament Affairs said: “We are We will manage everything with retary-General, Hassan Al ested in joining us on our advantage when applying for pleased to welcome volunteers special care whether it is Thawadi said: “Volunteers journey. →CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Around 90,000 Ashghal signs QR1bn contracts Qataris expected to visit Turkey this for six new health projects year: Ambassador

IRFAN BUKHARI Dr Eng Saad bin Ahmad Al On the occasion, Dr Eng Saad RAYNALD C RIVERA THE PENINSULA Muhannadi said that during the bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi, Pres- THE PENINSULA last five years (2014-18), Ashghal ident of the Public Works DOHA: The Public Works had implemented double the Authority, thanked Prime Min- DOHA: Turkey expects Authority (Ashghal) yesterday number of health centres that ister and Interior Minister H E around 90,000 Qatari visitors signed contracts of building five were implemented in the past. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin this year as bilateral relations new health centres at Al Khor, He added that four other Khalifa Al Thani for his unlimited become stronger in recent Al Wakra South, Al Sadd, Al health centres for Madinat support and for providing budgets years, Ambassador of Turkey Mashaf and Ain Khalid. Khalifa South, Umm Ghuwailina, for the new projects, as well as to Qatar Fikret Ozer said Ashghal also signed another Al Thamid and Nuaija were overcoming all obstacles that face yesterday. contract of building of National under designing phase whose infrastructure projects that serve Ozer was speaking at a Health Laboratories. The total implementation will commence both citizens and residents. press conference held yes- value of six new health projects in coordination with the Ministry Ashghal President also Corporation, thanked President largest infrastructure projects in the terday at the Turkish Embassy is around QR1bn. of Public Health. expressed his pride that all con- of the Public Works Authority for country and compete for the largest to announce Turkey-Qatar These contract agreements The five new health centres tractors who had been awarded his continuous support and development projects inside and Intercultural Dialogues, a new were signed by Dr. Eng Saad bin will serve around 3,500 visitors the new contracts were local fruitful cooperation during the outside Qatar. He added that Al- project carried out by Istanbul Ahmad Al Muhannadi, President per day. contractors, noting that Ashghal past years and during this year. Sorayi Group would establish Intercultural Dialogues Asso- of the Public Works Authority, in The new projects come as part encouraged local and national The contractors reposed their national health laboratories. ciation of Art (IKASD). the presence of Dr Musallam Al of achieving the Qatar National companies to implement their complete trust in Ashghal. Rashid Hashim Abdullah of Al He said that while Turkey Nabit, General Manager Assistant Vision 2030, which comes at the projects in line with the direc- Al Kaabi, Vice-Chairman of Tawfeek & Partners for Con- and Qatar currently enjoy for Administration and Financial top of Ashghal’s strategy. In the tives of the wise leadership. AlSorayi Group for Trading and tracting said that Ashghal has excellent political, economic Affairs in the Primary Health Care contracts signing ceremony, it was Dr. Musallam Al Nabit, Contracting praised the role of the opened the way for local com- and military relations, they Corporation, and a number of offi- revealed that Ashghal had imple- General Manager Assistant for Public Works Authority in sup- panies to execute important also attach great importance cials from the Ministry of Public mented 24 health buildings Administration and Financial porting national companies and projects in the country that serve on further strengthening cul- Health and the contractors. between 2004 and 2018. Affairs in the Primary Health Care qualifying them to implement the the health sector. tural relations with Qatar. “Dear friends, as you know, the political, economic and military relations between Turkey and Qatar are at excellent level. As the Embassy HBKU sees 33% increase in admissions of Turkey in the State of Qatar, we desire to carry these rela- FAZEENA SALEEM “We have 332 new students Health and Life Sciences. Mohannad Khandakji, a new centers – Qatar Computing tions further. But on the other THE PENINSULA this year. Among them 42 percent “It is a huge opportunity for PhD student in Genomics and Research Institute (QCRI), Qatar hand, we attach a great impor- are Qataris and others are resi- the students to study at HBKU Precision Medicine at the College Environment & Energy Research tance to the cultural relations DOHA: Hamad Bin Khalifa dents and international students. because it is a homegrown uni- of Health and Life Sciences said: Institute (QEERI), and Qatar Bio- between the two countries,” University (HBKU) has seen an Every year we see a steady versity with many local and “The programme is outstanding medical Research Institute (QBRI). said the ambassador. increase of 33 percent in admis- increase in the number of students international collaborations. I regionally and globally. As well They also get the chance to “Turkey and Qatar share sions to its five colleges this year. since the beginning,” Mohammed would encourage people to apply as HBKU has global partnerships collaborate with partner univer- the same cultural values in The total number of admis- Al Salat, Admissions Specialist at here if they are interested to con- with institutes like Harvard Uni- sities at Qatar Foundation, and different fields. As we have sions has increased from 250 in HBKU told The Peninsula. tinue their students and increase versity and HBKU is part of Qatar institutions across Qatar, for their shared the same happiness, 2017 to 332 this fall. As a homegrown university, knowledge,” said Al Salat. Foundation which has branches research and professional pains and concerns Students from Qatar, the HBKU embodies the nation’s He also emphasised that of prestigious universities. This pursuits. throughout the history, the region and around the world aspirations and offers a variety some courses such as the Master provides plenty of opportunities Among the colleges at HBKU, two nations have felt very kick started their academic of courses at the College of of Science and a PhD in to exchange research collabo- College of Science and Engi- close each other. We expe- journey at HBKU yesterday. Islamic Studies, College of Genomics and Precision Med- ration and this very aspect is not neering has the highest number rience the advantages of this HBKU opened its doors to the Humanities and Social Sciences, icine are the rarest in the region, present at any other place.” of students and this year it has togetherness in sisterly and incoming students this fall under College of Science and Engi- which shows how HBKU is Students at HBKU are given received 136 new admissions. friendly Qatar,” he added. the ‘Hayakom at HBKU’ theme neering, College of Law and helping in reaching Qatar the opportunity to work closely yesterday. Public Policy, and College of National Vision 2030. with the three national research →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 →CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 02 HOME MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018

Amir greets President of Vietnam

DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday a cable of congratulations to the Pres- ident of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Tran Dai Quang, on the occasion of his country’s National Day. Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani also sent similar cable of congratulations to the President. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the Prime Minister of the Socialist H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, and other officials with four of the leading names in the National Basketball Republic of Vietnam, Nguyen Association at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University Student Center at QF’s Education City. Xuan Phuc, on the occasion of his country’s National Day. NBA stars inspire schoolchildren during Qatar visit Qatar flays THE PENINSULA The stars from the four-time NBA All-Star Klay delighted to welcome to QF, serve great to learn that basketball has stabbing incident National Basketball Thompson of the Golden State as inspiration for millions of such a huge following in Qatar. DOHA: Four of the leading names Association are Warriors, seven-time NBA All- people throughout the world. “We’ve been impressed with at Amsterdam in US basketball have showcased Star Tracy McGrady, and Los “Meeting people who are not our tour of Qatar Foundation and their skills and inspired others spending five days Angeles Lakers head coach Luke only heroes within their sport, but Education City. The students were DOHA: The State of Qatar has with their dedication to excel- in Doha at the Walton pass on basketball tips to also positive role models for great, and it was amazing to see strongly condemned a knife lence as they visited Qatar Foun- invitation of the their young sporting students, society in general, is an oppor- young people from all over the stabbing incident in a railway dation (QF). before hosting a Q&A session. A tunity for members of the QF world pursuing their dreams.” station in the Dutch capital The stars from the National Supreme Committee friendly competition at QF then community to enhance their rec- And speaking about his QF Amsterdam, in which two Basketball Association (NBA) are for Delivery & Legacy pitted the NBA players against ognition of what is required to experience, Thompson said, “This American citizens were seri- spending five days in Doha at the to see how Qatar is Qatar’s national basketball team. achieve our goals in life.” Masterclass is an example of how ously injured. invitation of the Supreme Com- preparing to host the The events at Education City Commenting on the visit, Al Qatar Foundation is helping stu- In a statement, the Min- mittee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) illustrated how QF promotes Thawadi said, “We’re thrilled to dents who might otherwise not istry of Foreign Affairs reit- to see how Qatar is preparing to 2022 FIFA World Cup. sport and physical activity, as a be hosting these sporting icons — have access to an event like this. erated Qatar’s firm stance host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, key element of nurturing healthy their visit is further testament to The facilities at Qatar Foundation, rejecting violence and ter- how the country is a destination lifestyles and stronger commu- the support and excitement all and the passion of the students, rorism, regardless of motives that welcomes the world, and its nities. The visit of the NBA stars over the world for the Qatar 2022 really show the spirit of Qatar and reasons. The statement commitment to encouraging Foundation; Sheikh Mohammed also showcased how QF is sup- World Cup. ahead of the 2022 World Cup, and expressed Qatar’s wishes for young people to participate in bin Hamad Al Thani, Managing porting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, “We’ve always said sports I’m excited to find out more about a speedy recovery to the sport. Director of SC; Hassan Al Qatar’s sporting ambitions, and have the power to transcend what Qatar has in store for the injured. As part of their visit to Qatar, Thawadi, Secretary-General of its global profile as a forward- borders and bring people tournament.” On August 31, a 19-year- the NBA guests held a Masterclass SC; Omran Al Kuwari, Executive thinking, open, and diverse together. We’re confident that During their time at Edu- old person pulled out a knife for about 40 schoolchildren at the Director, CEO Office, QF and nation. these NBA superstars and their cation City, the NBA stars also met and stabbed two people, seri- Hamad Bin Khalifa University other dignitaries. Al Kuwari said, “The dedi- fans will see the great work we’re students from QF member ously injuring them. The Student Center at QF’s Education The class, which was opened cation and the values of profes- doing to make Qatar 2022 truly Hamad Bin Khalifa University suspect was then shot by City, attended by H E Sheikha by Al Thawadi, saw triple sional sportspeople, such as our amazing.” and QF’s partner universities, police, right after the violent Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice- Olympic gold medalist Carmelo guests from the National Bas- Reflecting on his visit to Edu- sharing basketball tips and advice crime took place. Witnesses Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Anthony of the Houston Rockets, ketball Association whom we are cation City, Anthony said, “It was on how to succeed in life. said that the incident began as an argument on a train platform, which then escalated. Around 90,000 Qataris Qatar calls on fighting parties Zakat Fund gives in Libya to end violence soon expected to visit Turkey over QR9m to

QNA this year: Ambassador needy families The statement also stressed that the Skhirat agreement, the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 such military operations can only national dialogue and the DOHA: Zakat Fund run by the DOHA: The State of Qatar called complicate matters further in meetings that followed. He said cultural ties between Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic on the parties in conflict in Libya Libya. The statement also stressed the people have been Affairs provided worth over for an immediate end to violence, The Ministry of Foreign that the Libyan people and the strengthened in the recent years, QR9m to needy families in and to work urgently on regaining Affairs renewed Qatar’s support future generations were the ones thanks to touristic visits of Qataris Qatar during Eid Al Adha. calm in Libyan capital Tripoli and of UN missions who continue to paying the price of the current to Turkey. The money was spent to its surrounding areas. try and resolve the situation. confrontations as they are “We estimate that, we will meet the requirements of Eid The Ministry of Foreign Qatar also called on the parties deprived of their right to edu- have hosted approximately Al Adha for 3,384 beneficiary Affairs said in a statement that involved not to obstruct the cation and suitable services, 90,000 Qatari visitors in Turkey families registered at the Fund, Qatar has been monitoring with political process, and encouraged adding that their wealth is being in 2018. This tendency has more said a release. These families great concern the rocket attacks regional forces and the interna- drained on conflicts that the wise meaning for us than economic receive monthly and seasonal and the escalating violence in tional community to push for in Libya can work out through profits. Our Qatari friends visiting assistance. Other beneficiaries Libyan capital Tripoli and its sur- peaceful dialogue and an end to dialogue and an immediate Turkey have chances to know the are needy families and a roundings over the past few days. the bloodshed in accordance to ceasefire. Turkish culture better and to bring number of minors who are the cultural items of Turkey to registered with the general Qatar. As a result of this interaction, Turkish movies and series authority for minors affairs. are very popular in Qatar,” Fikret Ozer (pictured), Turkish Ambas- The aids are provided to its sador to Qatar, said. beneficiaries in accordance MoI awards winners of He also expressed interest to continue organising more cul- with the Shariah regulations tural activities building on the success of 2015 Qatar-Turkey Year and after taking the necessary of Culture, which witnessed many activities organized both in procedures for those Turkey and Qatar. “We are very keen to pursue the positive atmos- requesting assistance, to make Security Research Contest phere of these activities organized in 2015. In coming term, we sure they reach people who will be making more effort to hold such activities,” he said. need those aids. THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The Ministry of Interior yesterday celebrated the winners of MoI Security Over 43,000 sign up as FIFA Research Contest 2017-2018, with the attendance of Director General of Public Security Major 2022 volunteers on first day General Saad bin Jassim Al CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Khulaifi, a number of officers across the region to unite in support of Qatar’s and officials from the Ministry Mead Al Emadi, the SC’s Community tournament. of Interior (MoI). Engagement Manager, gave a presentation during Essoussi, who spent time volunteering with The celebration was held at the event that offered details on how to sign-up FIFA’s anti-doping unit during Russia 2018, said: Officers Club of the Civil as a volunteer. Mead Al Emadi told The Peninsula: “There are many advantages to volunteering. It Defence under the patronage of The Director-General of Public Security, Major General Saad bin “We are looking forward to cater huge number gives you the chance to meet people from all over Prime Minister and Interior Min- Jassim Al Khulaifi (right), and a number of officers from the Ministry of volunteers, fans and spectators. We will provide the world. You also have the opportunity to rep- ister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin of Interior at the award function, yesterday. special training to all our volunteers depending resent your country and region.I volunteered as Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. on which field they choose. The opportunity to I wanted to give a good image of Arab youth. Now This year the contest focused meeting the goals of the ministry Abdullah Al Mahanna Al Marri participate in such a tournament is unprecedented I have returned from Russia, I feel very proud at on ‘Enhancing Intellectual and tries to include research and head of the awarding com- and I encourage all interested football fans and what I achieved.” Security in Qatari Society’ under centers in public universities, mittee for the contest. The award volunteers from around the world to join us on Al Shanfari from Oman said: “Volunteering themes like “the concept of intel- police college and Police Training receivers were Dr Wadha Matar the road to 2022.” has many positive impacts and offers the chance lectual security and its Institute, in aim to raise the level Morshed Al Nuaimi from Min- The event also hosted a panel session to learn important skills. I have seen people change treatment”, “relation between of intellectual security among istry of Education and Higher involving,Mohammed Saadon Al Kuwari, Ambas- their outlook through volunteering. This is the national security and intellectual members of society and institu- Education, Laila Fadl Hamad Al sador of SC; Faisal Al Shanfari from Oman and first time the World Cup will be held in our region, security” and “the role of fam- tions to achieve security and sta- Sada from MOI and Amina member of the Arab Federation for Voluntary so it’s a valuable opportunity for millions of ilies, education and media in pro- bility in the Qatari society,” said Mohammed Shafie Al Ansari Activities; and Mohamed Essoussi, from Tunisia, people.” moting intellectual security”. “It Director-General of Police from the Ministry of Municipality who was a volunteer during the 2018 FIFA World Volunteers interested in registering their is a tool that will contribute to College Brig. Dr Mohammed and Environment. Cup in Russia. Al Kuwari called on people from interest can visit www.seeyouin2022.qa. MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018 HOME 03

Qatar strongly HMC gets re-accreditation condemns attack for Palliative Care Program in Mogadishu DOHA: The State of Qatar has strongly condemned the THE PENINSULA proud of this achievement and quality standards and our teams attack on a government office honored to be re-accredited by are committed to the provision in the Somali capital, DOHA: The National Center for an internationally recognized of exemplary care,” he added. Mogadishu, causing deaths Cancer Care and Research organization such as JCI. This Dr Azza Ibrahim Hassan, and injuries. In a statement, (NCCCR), part of Hamad Medical highlights HMC’s approach to Senior Consultant, Oncology at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Corporation’s (HMC) network of developing excellence in NCCCR and Director of the Sup- reiterated Qatar’s firm stance specialist hospitals, recently healthcare in Qatar and it rec- portive and Palliative Care rejecting violence and announced the successful ognizes the outstanding quality Program said coping with terrorism, regardless of re-accreditation of its Supportive of care we provide to our advanced illness is stressful for motives and reasons. and Palliative Care Program by patients. Our vision is to deliver patients and their families. She The staff at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research. The Ministry expressed the Joint Commission Interna- an internationally recognized said the goal of HMC’s Sup- condolences of the State of tional (JCI). Supportive and Palliative Care portive and Palliative Care those who may need immediate accreditation recognizes hospital Qatar to the victims’ families, Palliative care is care pro- Program and to become a Program is to maintain an assistance and accepting programs that demonstrate the government and people vided for people who have a life- regional leader in palliative care optimal quality of life for patients referrals for symptom control exceptional care to optimize the of Somalia, wishing the limiting illness and for whom the clinical services.” and caregivers. and psychological support for quality of life for patients with injured a speedy recovery. primary goal is quality of life. “This is the only palliative “The patient is at the heart of both patients and their families. serious illnesses. It acknowl- Palliative care takes a holistic care program accredited as a everything we do here at HMC The program also provides edges compliance with the HBKU sees approach to address the full clinical care program by JCI in and our Supportive and Palli- advice on the direction of care highest standards. spectrum of a patient’s needs, the Middle East and Gulf region. ative Care Program is focused and assistance in communicating In 2016 the supportive and 33% increase from the physical and emotional This achievement reflects HMC’s on the patient. It is tailored to difficult medical information,” palliative care team developed to the spiritual and social. commitment to providing the meet patient needs, using proven said Dr. Hassan. a Fellowship Program focused in admissions Commenting on the signifi- best quality services to our tools and techniques to better The Palliative and Sup- on palliative care for patients CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 cance of the international patients by offering world-class integrate, coordinate, and com- portive Care Program was ini- and families at diagnosis, during accreditation, Professor Alex- cancer therapies and support. municate patient care. The tially accredited in 2012, fol- active treatment, and at end-of- Dr Tareq Al Ansari, ander Knuth, CEO and Medical Our Supportive and Palliative program prioritizes patients with lowed by a second re-accredi- life. The first fellow joined the Assistant Professor at the Director at NCCCR, said, “We are Care Program meets the highest late-stage disease, identifying tation in 2015. The JCI program in 2017. College of Science and Engi- neering said, “It is the biggest college in HBKU which pro- vides variety of Master and Ooredoo announces bonus data with PhD programmes in fields such as sustainable environment, QAF Medical Services Command Hala Flexi, Dawli and data recharges sustainable energy, supply chain management and ICT serving Qatar’s needs. The THE PENINSULA takes part in Global Medix 2018 massive 22 GB with a QR200 variety of degrees we offer Flexi Card. which are very relevant to DOHA: Ooredoo announced Hala Data Recharges and Qatar and to the world.” THE PENINSULA yesterday that all Hala Dawli Card customers will get The incoming cohort of customers can now enjoy a 500 MB of free data with a students at HBKU represent DOHA: The Qatar special data bonus for making QR10 recharge or Dawli top-up, versatile educational back- Armed Forces a data recharge on their Hala 1250 MB with a QR20 data grounds. Ghoroor Ahmed, a Medical Services account. recharge or Dawli card top-up new Masters students in Command partici- All Hala customers who and a huge 20 GB extra data Women Society and Devel- pated in the Global make a data recharge of QR10 with a QR200 Data Recharge. opment at the College of Medix 2018 exercise and above via selected Hala All bonus data will be Humanities and Social Science held at Fort McCoy, services will be rewarded with available on top of regular has obtained her bachelor Wisconsin, USA from up to 20 GB of bonus data. allowances and the new offer degree from Weill Cornell August 13 to 16. Hala customers can also is valid until September 10, Medicine Qatar. The exercise earn bonus data by purchasing 2018. “I have come from medical aimed at training all Flexi Cards and Dawli Cards. As well as pay-as-you-go school to a college of human- medical and para- Customers who recharge services, Hala offers a host of ities. But I find a connection medical staff on the with a Hala Flexi Card will earn daily and weekly calling between the two fields. I like medical evacuation 1.1 GB of free data with a QR20 bundles, designed to cover to learn more about health and and evacuation Flexi top-up, 7.1 GB with a international needs, data and about women in society devel- stages in the field QR100 Flexi top-up and a local calling/SMS. opment,” she added. and to take lessons The participants at the Global Medix 2018 exercise held at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. learned through previous wars and air, land and marines, as well as a number of crises and how to avoid them, said a release. The brotherly and friendly countries.The participation exercise included hands-on training and field of medical services comes in response to the invi- training using field simulations technology. The tation received by the Qatari Armed Forces from exercise included a group of branches of US naval, the Central Command of the US Army.

ACTA reveals new identity CRA represents

THE PENINSULA Qatar in UPU been taken as a verbal symbol of its commitment to achieving the Congress DOHA: The Chairman of Admin- highest indicators of integrity, istrative Control and Trans- transparency and combating DOHA: A high-level delegation parency Authority (ACTA) corruption, in cooperation with from Qatar, headed by Hamad bin Nasser Al Missned all departments of the State . Mohammed Ali Al Mannai, yesterday launched the new ACTA looks forward to President of the Communica- identity of the Authority. The idea working on spreading the new tions Regulatory Authority of identity, comes since its identity to all sectors of society, (CRA), is participating in the inception until its announcement and to be reflected in the systems 2nd Extraordinary Congress of by Amiri Law No. (6) of 2015, and rules of all institutions and the Universal Postal Union reorganiing the ACTA and its departments in the State. (UPU), being held from objectives and competencies. An awareness plan has been September 3 to 7, 2018 at The ACTA new identity fea- developed for all segments of the African Union headquarters in tures first its logo, which inspired society, including concepts and Addis Ababa. It is being its design and its philosophy from values of integrity and trans- convened as part of ongoing the naked eye as a symbol of parency, the prevention of all efforts to reform the UPU, with control and monitoring, adopting forms of corruption and its man- a view to improving and maroon color, which symbolises ifestations, the promotion of reli- speeding up decision-making the State’s flag, thus embodying gious awareness and the national processes. An Extraordinary the ACTA main message and the responsibility to combat cor- Congress may be convened at meanings and objectives it ruption. The plan will be acti- the request, or with the consent aspires to. The phrase “ towards vated in cooperation with all of at least two-thirds of the a flourishing homeland” has also departments in the State. member countries of the UPU.

Kahramaa’s water quality exceeds WHO standards

THE PENINSULA water exceeds WHO standards. accreditation and one of the first In 2017, The Water Quality Lab accredited laboratories in the DOHA: The Water Quality Lab of has collected more than 30,000 region. Qatar Genera Electricity and samples where more than This accreditation is a recog- Water Corporation (Kahramaa) 189,000 tests were performed, nition of Kahramaa Water Quality has renewed the recognised said a statement. Lab capability of issuing authentic International Standard ISO Kahramaa’s Water Quality and accurate chemical and 17025:2005 from the American Lab was granted the accreditation microbiological results, moreover, Association for Laboratory for the first time in 2012. It is one it maintains and complies with Accreditation (A2LA) for third of around 200 non-commercial the requirements of international straight time. laboratories in the world quality standard ISO 9001:2008. Kahramaa made tremendous authorized to use the logo of the This international accredi- efforts to ensure the quality of world class certification body tation opens the door for Kah- drinking water it provides to cus- A2LA. ramaa water quality lab to be an tomers as per the highest inter- Kahramaa Water Quality Lab international reference for testing national standard, said a release. is the leading laboratory in Qatar samples and issuing accurate The quality of Kahramaa drinking in terms of international results inside and outside Qatar. 04 HOME MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018

Civil service DFI Cinema to screen globally-acclaimed ‘The Rider’ exams for THE PENINSULA The screenings Back home, Film and Best Director. Ranked OFWs in Qatar are part of DFI’s Brady finds #1 Best Movie of 2018 on Met- DOHA: The Doha Film Institute himself won- acritic, The Rider is the second on October 12 Cinema (DFI Cinema) will screen ‘Contemporary dering what he feature film by Chinese film THE PENINSULA the profound film, The Rider Releases’ which has to live for director, screenwriter and pro- (USA/2018) directed by Chloé aims to bring a when he can ducer Chloé Zhao, whose debut Zhao, on Thursday and Friday at selection of the latest no longer do film Songs My Brothers Taught DOHA: The Philippine Civil the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) what gives him Me (2015) premiered at Sundance Service Commission (CSC) Auditorium. internationally and a sense of Film Festival. will conduct the Career The screenings are part of regionally acclaimed A still from the film ‘The Rider’. purpose: to The Rider is rated 18 plus and Service Examination-Pen and DFI’s ‘Contemporary Releases’ films to Qatari ride and is screened with Arabic subtitles. Paper Test (CSE-PPT) for which aims to bring a selection compete. To The first screening on Thursday Professional and Subprofes- of the latest internationally and audiences. films that engage audiences with regain control of his fate, he is at 7pm followed by two sional levels in Qatar on regionally acclaimed films to their strong narratives and unique undertakes a search for a new screenings on Friday at 4pm and October 12, the Philippine Qatari audiences. new narratives in world cinema treatment and hope to inspire our identity and tries to redefine his 7pm. Tickets are priced QR35. Embassy has announced. Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief and enhance appreciation of good talented filmmakers to push their idea of what it means to be a man Students and Culture Pass by The Philippine Civil Executive Officer of DFI, said: cinema among the public. The own creative boundaries.” in the heartland of America. Qatar Museum members can Service Commission is a “Selected from recent festival Rider is a brilliantly crafted film The Rider narrates the life of The film premiered at Cannes avail of discounted rates of QR25 general ability test designed favourites and emerging new that is powerfully empathetic and Brady Jandreau as a once-rising Film Festival 2017 and has won per person. Tickets are available to measure an individual’s voices of DFI granted filmmakers, visually rich, assuring viewers a star of the rodeo circuit, who is several accolades since including at DFI Ticket Outlet across the preparedness to enter gov- Contemporary Releases aims to highly memorable cinema expe- warned that his competition days five nominations for the Inde- MIA Auditorium and online at ernment service in the strengthen awareness of the bold rience. We will continue to bring are over, after a tragic accident. pendent Spirit Award for Best www.dohafilminstitute.com Philippines. A Professional or Subpro- fessional Eligibility is one of the qualifications to enter government service. AFG College welcomes Passers of the Profes- sional Level will obtain the Career Service Professional new cohort of students Eligibility, which is appro- priate for appointment to THE PENINSULA existing student body who com- both first level (clerical) and menced their studies the pre- second level (technical) posi- DOHA: AFG College with the vious academic year. tions in the government, University of Aberdeen The college chairperson, Dr including executive/mana- welcomed its new cohort of Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al gerial positions in the second undergraduate business and Thani, commented, “It is so level. accounting students this week at encouraging to see so many new On the other hand, Sub- their campus in Al Mamoura students starting their academic professional Level passers Doha. journey with the University of will obtain the Career Service Attending the first day of Aberdeen here in Qatar. Subprofessional Eligibility their student induction pro- Aberdeen University is not only appropriate only for first level gramme, over one hundred and one of the oldest UK universities, positions in the fifty students completed their it is also ranked within the top 1 government. registration and were introduced percent of global universities for The Commission has to their university lecturers and research excellence and student again begun holding the personal tutors who offered a outcomes. I am delighted to be CSE-PPT overseas to cater to guided tour of the institutions part of this great institution and OFWs who are interested to facilities and the range of student looking forward to the intro- obtain a career service eligi- services available to them. duction of new postgraduate bility, in the hope of returning AFG College with the Uni- management degrees which we and securing government Safari launches Turkish Festival versity of Aberdeen currently are hoping to launch this employment back in the offers two bachelor degrees with October.” Philippines. Safari, the leading hypermarket group in Qatar, unveiled its new promotion — Turkish Festival. The honours specialising in business A further fifty new students For the requirements and Festival was inaugurated by the Turkish Ambassador, Fikret Ozer, along with Zainul Abideen, the management and accountancy are expected to join the Qatar application process, visit: Director and General Manager of Safari Group of Companies; Ashraf Abu Issa, the Chairman of the and finance. campus over the coming few http://www.csc.gov.ph/new- Abu Issa Marketing and Distribution; Muhammed Keten, MD of Ulker Middle East; with staff of Safari The new students will com- days, resulting in over two updates/1588-csc-to-hold- Group, Abu Issa Marketing & Distribution, Ulker Middle East Management at Safari Mall in Abu Hamour. mence their studies this month hundred undergraduate students civil-service-exam-for-ofws- and will join the university’s joining the 2018 academic year. in-qatar.html

Ashghal signs QR1bn contracts for six new health projects Ashghal President Dr Eng Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi (fifth right) with other officials at the contract signing ceremony of six new health projects worth QR1bn at Ashghal headquarters in West Bay, yesterday. PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH / THE PENINSULA

Dr Azad Moopen gets FICCI’s Lifetime Achievement Award THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at 10th edition of The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI) Healthcare Excellence Awards. The prestigious accolade is in recognition of his valuable contribution and efforts in the Dr Azad Moopen (centre) receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award field of healthcare. Under his at FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards. leadership, Aster DM Healthcare in the last 31 years has become one of the few entities across the Accepting the award at a cer- healthcare at affordable costs at globe providing the complete emony in New Delhi, Dr Moopen the doorstep of the people that we circle of care from primary, paid tribute to Aster DM Health- serve and pushing boundaries to secondary, tertiary to quaternary care’s 17,000 plus staff members achieve our mission has seen us medical care, said a statement. for their efforts in providing set benchmarks in healthcare Starting with a single doctor “compassionate care to millions excellence. I would like to thank clinic in Dubai in 1987, when of patients” and hardwork to keep FICCI for this honour, and this healthcare was still in its prim- pushing the boundaries of serves as further motivation to itive stages in the region, Dr healthcare excellence. continue making a positive dif- Moopen has played a significant “Our journey over the last 30 ference in the lives of the people role in shaping the healthcare years has been driven by our that we serve everyday,” Dr industry in the UAE and GCC. vision to provide quality Moopen said. MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018 HOME 05 HBKU marks beginning of new academic year HBKU continues to raise a new generation of entrepreneurial, research-driven minds whose academic and professional contributions will be a testament to its institutional excellence.

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) celebrated the commencement of the Academic Year 2018-19 with the Univer- sity’s Orientation Day which was held yesterday. This year, the University wel- comes an incoming cohort of 332 students made up of 49 nation- alities with a Qatari student enrolment rate of 42 percent. The annual event set a tone for the returning and incoming student, faculty and staff members, who came together for a full day of informative sessions, which introduced them to the University’s framework as well as the institution’s objectives for the upcoming year. The attendees further learned about the University’s main mission, vision, pillars and values, which HBKU President Dr Ahmad M Hasnah (left, below) addressing the Orientation Day yesterday, while students gather for the event. serve as important guidelines for the graduate experience at HBKU address the challenges we will Sciences, College of Science and Development. Science in Logistics and Supply HBKU continues to raise a as they gained an understanding face tomorrow.” Engineering, College of Law and This year, the University is Chain Management; and a PhD new generation of entrepre- of the experiences of Yousef “It is our hope to create a Public Policy, and College of notably marking an expansion in Logistics and Supply Chain neurial, research-driven minds AlJaber, a College of Science and journey of transformative growth Health and Life Sciences. of its curricular offer with the Management. whose academic and profes- Engineering alumnus and a Class for our students and to help them This included outlining launch of six new degree pro- HBKU is guided by Excel- sional contributions will be a tes- of 2016 graduate. find a place within the tapestry available support structures grams across a variety of disci- lence, Innovation, People and tament to its institutional Following his laudatory of graduate life. The teachers, which range from IT services to plines that cater to Qatar’s Partners — four founding pillars excellence. remarks to the incoming cohorts, peers, and friends they meet here academic writing and research business world. HBKU’s College that reflect a directive of con- Furthermore, their outputs President of HBKU, Dr Ahmad M today will undoubtedly become support, as well as the Univer- of Islamic Studies added a Master tinuous advancement at the across all domestic industries will Hasnah, said: “Within HBKU’s valuable connections for life.” sity’s e-library. Students also of Science in Islamic Art, Archi- highest international level support Qatar’s development as community, each individual is The event explored an array renewed their commitment to tecture and Urbanism; a Master through the support and a self-reliant nation whose home- integral to the continued success of academic, social and profes- upholding the HBKU Code of of Arts in Islam and Global inclusion of strong stakeholders, grown industries and talents of the institution. As we mark the sional development opportunities Honor and Academic Integrity Affairs; and a PhD in Islamic partners, employees, and underscore its place within the beginning of the academic year at HBKU before concluding with and discussed the importance of Finance and Economy. Similarly, researchers. Ultimately, these global market-economy. at HBKU, we welcome both new academic breakout sessions communal inclusivity both the College of Science and Engi- principles join together into a To learn more about HBKU’s and returning students who will organised by each of its five col- within the University as well as neering’s new degrees include a uniform formula for the educa- upcoming events and activities go on to become innovative leges — College of Islamic Studies, Qatar Foundation for Education, Master of Data Analytics in tional contribution to the nation’s throughout the new academic leaders in their own right and College of Humanities and Social Science and Community Health Management; a Master of grand challenges. year, visit hbku.edu.qa. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018 Call to boost Iran’s defence capabilities REUTERS to fulfill their commitments will have serious consequences,” DUBAI: Iranian Supreme Leader Kamal Kharrazi, a former Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran official website foreign minister who heads a yesterday that war was unlikely top foreign policy council, told but called on Iran’s armed forces said: Ayatollah Burt, IRNA reported. to boost their defence capacities, Khamenei emphasised Iranian officials have said according to his official website, that based on political they would decide whether to as the country faces increased calculations there quit the 2015 nuclear deal with tension with the United States. world powers after studying the On Saturday, Iran is no likelihood of European package of economic announced plans to boost its a military war but measures that could help offset ballistic and cruise missile added that the US sanctions. capacity and acquire modern “European countries have fighter planes and submarines armed forces must be not been able yet to take nec- to boost its defences following vigilant ... and raise essary measures to secure Iran’s the US pullout from Tehran’s their personnel and interests under the nuclear nuclear agreement with world agreement,” Kharrazi said. equipment capacities. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (left) delivering his speech after receiving an honourary powers. “(Burt) said Britain’s position doctorate at a ceremony at Manas University, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, yesterday. “Ayatollah Khamenei is different from that of the emphasised that based on French call for negotiations on United States and we are looking political calculations there is no Tehran’s future nuclear plans, for a European mechanism to likelihood of a military war but its ballistic missile arsenal and make the nuclear accord suc- Turkey to further boost ties with Kyrgyzstan added that the armed forces its role in wars in Syria and cessful,” IRNA reported. ANATOLIA must be vigilant ... and raise their Yemen. Burt, on the first visit by a about FETO, saying it is a in the areas of politics but also personnel and equipment Iranian President Hassan British minister since US Pres- “treacherous and sneaky” in economy, trade and culture. capacities,” the website quoted Rowhani said last month the ident Donald Trump withdrew ANKARA: Turkey is determined organisation. About Manas University, Khamenei as telling com- Islamic Republic’s military from the nuclear deal, earlier to further enhance bilateral FETO and its US-based which was established in 1995, manders of Iran’s air defence prowess was what deterred met Iranian Deputy Foreign relations with Kyrgyzstan while leader Fetullah Gulen orches- Erdogan said he had visited the forces. Washington from attacking it. Minister Abbas Araghchi. rescuing it from “the shadow of trated the defeated coup of July university thrice in the last eight “The Supreme Leader said Separately, a senior Iranian Iranian Foreign Minister Fetullah Terrorist Organization 15, 2016, which left 251 people years. ...the air defence units were a diplomat met visiting UK Junior Mohammad Javad Zarif said on (FETO)”, President Recep Tayyip martyred and nearly 2,200 He praised the university for very sensitive part of the armed Foreign Minister Alistair Burt Saturday the talks with Burt Erdogan said yesterday. injured. its growth in academics and forces and on the front line of and urged swift European action had involved “access to “We are resolute in further Ankara also accuses FETO technology in a short span of 23 confronting the enemy, and on a planned package of eco- banking resources and the sale enhancing our relations in the of being behind a long-running years. emphasized the need to increase nomic measures to offset the US of oil”. upcoming period while saving campaign to overthrow the state “Turkey has contributed their readiness and capabilities,” pullout from the accord and the Iran has been seeking com- it from the shadow of FETO,” through the infiltration of $356m in grant to the uni- the website said in its report on reimpositions of sanctions by mitment from European signa- Erdogan said at a ceremony at Turkish institutions, particularly versity,” Erdogan said. the gathering, which was held Washington, the state news tories of the nuclear deal that it Manas University in the Kyrgyz the military, police, and The Turkish president to mark Iran’s Air Defence Day. agency IRNA reported. will be able to access the capital Bishkek, where he was judiciary. added that a total of 128 Turkish Saturday’s news of the mil- “The imposition of (US) Western banking system and awarded an honourary Erdogan said Turkey wants people were employed at the itary development plans came sanctions and pressures and the continue to sell oil despite US doctorate. to increase cooperation with university as academics and a day after Iran dismissed a lack of rapid action by Europe sanctions. Erdogan warned Kyrgyzstan “brotherly” Kyrgyzstan not only administrative personnel.

Iran parliament Abbas says ‘Palestine still believes in two-state solution’ drops plan to ANATOLIA for our children and our youth of Israel, and trying to redefine administration to return to the “will no longer commit further impeach minister from both peoples.” the Palestinian refugee in vio- negotiating table, arguing that funding” to the UNRWA. RAMALLAH: Palestinian Pres- “Despite all the difficult cir- lation of the resolutions of inter- Washington gave up its status as The US was by far UNRWA’s AFP ident Mahmoud Abbas yesterday cumstances surrounding us, we national legitimacy. a neutral mediator by making largest funder, giving $350m said Palestine still believes in still believe in peace on the basis Jerusalem remains at the the declaration. annually, or about one-quarter TEHRAN: Iran’s parliament peace on the basis of the prin- of the resolutions of interna- heart of the Middle East conflict, About the US decisions to end of the agency’s budget. called off a planned vote to ciple of a two-state solution, tional legitimacy and the prin- with Palestinians hoping that funding for he United Nations Earlier last week, UNRWA impeach the education according to the official Pales- ciple of a two-state solution to East Jerusalem — occupied by Relief and Works Agency for Pal- had warned if Washington went minister yesterday, Iranian tinian news agency WAFA. establish our civil state, which Israel since 1967 — might even- estine Refugees in the Near East through with its funding cut it media reported, offering Speaking at a meeting with works to spread culture and tually serve as the capital of an (UNRWA), Abbas stressed that this would likely result in greater some respite for the a delegation from the Israeli peace in the world,” he said. independent Palestinian state. issue must be resolved in instability. embattled government of “Peace Now” movement at the Abbas recalled that the con- Trump, however, sparked accordance with the resolutions Established in 1949, UNRWA President Hassan Rowhani. presidential headquarters in tacts with the US administration international uproar for his of international legitimacy and provides critical aid to more than Twenty-nine lawmakers Ramallah, Abbas said: “Peace have been cut since President decision to recognize Jerusalem the Arab Peace Initiative. 5 million Palestinian refugees in signed a motion last must be reached no matter how Donald Trump announced the as Israel’s capital. On Friday, the US State the Gaza Strip, the Israeli- Wednesday to impeach the great the challenges and diffi- transfer of the US Embassy to The Palestinians have Department spokeswoman occupied West Bank, Jordan, minister, Mohammad Bathaei, culties it faces, for a better future Jerusalem, declaring it the capital snubbed calls from the Trump Heather Nauert said Washington Lebanon, and Syria. but all of them withdrew their signatures. “Given the imminent opening of schools (on Sep- tember 23), those requesting Six dead in Somalia the impeachment have with- drawn their request,” said Ahmad Amirabadi, a member suicide car bombing of parliament’s presiding AP board, according to the semi- ground after the explosion official news agency ISNA. before the ambulances and the Rouhani has faced NAIROBI: At least six people paramedics reached the scene mounting pressure from law- were killed, including two and the whole scene was very makers over his handling of children, after a suicide ugly,” witness Halima an economic crisis. bomber detonated an explo- Mohamed said. sives-laden vehicle outside a The attacker “literally failed district headquarters in Soma- to achieve their goal of inflicting One dead, dozens lia’s capital, authorities said maximum casualties,” police yesterday. captain Hussein said, accusing injured as church Capt Mohamed Hussein the IS-linked militant group Al said that the bomber tried to Shabab of carrying out the collapses in Nigeria speed through a checkpoint but attack. was stopped by Somalia Al Shabab later claimed AP security forces, prompting him responsibility for the to detonate the vehicle near the explosion, which shattered a WARRI: One worshipper has gate of Howlwadag district period of calm in seaside been killed and dozens of headquarters. Mogadishu. Protesters block a street with burning tyres after the Yemeni rial severely plunged against foreign others injured after a church The three soldiers who The Somalia-based Al currencies, in Aden, yesterday. collapsed in southern Nigeria. stopped the truck were killed Shabab often targets the capital Delta state police instantly and the three others with bombings, including a spokesman Andrew Ani- killed were civilians, said the truck bombing in October last akama said that St Paul Protests over Yemen’s ailing economy Mogadishu mayor’s spokesman, year that left at least 512 people Catholic Church in Adagbrasa Salah Hassan Omar. dead. REUTERS collapsed midway into the civil war in 2015 between the Aden’s usually bustling Fourteen people, including Somali troops are meant to service. internationally recognised gov- markets were empty yesterday six children, need intensive take over the Horn of Africa Church collapses are rel- ADEN: Hundreds of demon- ernment, based in the south and after the coordinating council care, said the Aamin Ambulance nation’s security in the coming atively common in Nigeria. In strators protesting against backed by Saudi Arabia, and the of the General Confederation of service. years from an African Union December 2016 dozens of Yemen’s deteriorating economic Iran-aligned Houthi movement Southern Workers’ Unions Among the wounded was force but concerns about their worshippers were killed situation and weakening which controls the north called for civil disobedience. deputy district commissioner readiness remain high. when a church collapsed in currency blocked major roads including the capital Sanaa. Plumes of smoke from burning Ibrah Hassan Matan. The United Nations’ Akwa Ibom state. and burned tyres in the southern Soaring prices have put tyres filled the air, including in Many victims were students Security Council recently voted The governor’s city of Aden yesterday, with some basic commodities out of the main square where a at a nearby Islamic school. Offi- to delay the reduction of troops spokesman, Charles Aniagwu, shops and government offices reach for many Yemenis, and National Bank of Yemen cials warned there could be in the African Union force from said that the government has closing. the central bank has struggled building is situated. more casualties as the blast October to February and the dispatched a team to The Yemeni rial has lost to pay public sector salaries on There were reports of brought down nearby buildings target date to hand over determine the cause of yes- more than half its value against which many depend as foreign smaller protests in nearby including a mosque. security to Somali forces to terday’s collapse. the US dollar since the start of a exchange reserves dwindle. municipalities. “I saw bodies strewn on the December 2021. MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018 ASIA 07 Calling for discipline not autocratic: PM Modi

IANS “If a House functions per the norms, everybody properly, then nobody focuses on the Chairperson; NEW DELHI: Prime Minister pays attention to who what that person’s qualities are Narendra Modi yesterday and how that person maintains launched a veiled attack on the is presiding. But when discipline in the House. opposition for disrupting it does not function “This year, people got the Parliament proceedings and as per the norms, opportunity to witness how Naidu dubbing presiding officers who everybody focuses presides over the House. Had the tried to enforce discipline as House functioned properly this “autocrats”. Modi praised Rajya on the Chairperson; wouldn’t have been possible,” Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah what that person’s said Modi making a veiled attack Naidu for ensuring “discipline” qualities are and how on the opposition protests over in the House. that person maintains various issues in Parliament. “Naidu is a disciplinarian, but Naidu’s tenure as the Rajya the situation in the country is such discipline in the House, Sabha Chairman has witnessed that it has become easy to call dis- Modi said. continuous disruptions especially cipline undemocratic. If someone by the Opposition over a host of Paying obeisance even tries to be a disciplinarian, issues including Rafale fighter jet he has to face the music. He is alignment with the mission of a deal and lynching incidents. Bollywood actor Avinash Tiwari (second right) and actress Tripti Dimri (second left) pay their respects called an autocrat and they open new India in the making. Modi then went on to praise at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, yesterday. the dictionary…,” said Modi. The event witnessed former Naidu for his “diligence” to carry Modi said the disruptions in Prime Ministers H D Deve out the work that has been assigned the Rajya Sabha enabled Naidu Gowda and Manmohan Singh to him whether as a union minister to display his administrative sharing the dais with Modi, or a BJP politician. expertise. Union Finance Minister Arun “Which ever duty he had, he The Prime Minister was Jaitley and Lok Sabha Speaker performed with utmost dili- Sitharaman discusses J&K security with Governor speaking after unveiling “Moving Sumitra Mahajan. gence and adapted into that role On... Moving Forward: A Year In Praising the former BJP Pres- with ease. He always provides IANS Bipin Rawat, held discussions security, particularly in the Office” — a book marking the ident’s administrative expertise, visionary leadership whenever with Governor Satya Pal Malik context of increasing attempts completion of Naidu’s one year Modi said, “Naidu himself follows he gets a responsibility. He gets SRINAGAR: Defence Minister at the Raj Bhavan here,” a at infiltration and the ongoing as the Vice President and the discipline which he preaches. the best experts to ensure justice Nirmala Sitharaman yesterday statement said. anti-terrorist operations. Rajya Sabha Chairman. Discipline is in his nature. is done to the work assigned.” discussed the security situation The Governor and Defence They also had detailed dis- The book details Naidu’s “If a House functions The Prime Minister also lauded in Jammu and Kashmir with Minister discussed several cussions on the Urban Local mission of engagement on key properly, then nobody pays Naidu for always being focused Governor Satya Pal Malik. important inter-related issues Bodies and Panchayat elections issues with various stakeholders attention to who is presiding. on the plight of farmers and the “Sitharaman, accompanied concerning effective man- which will be conducted in across the country and it’s But when it does not function as development of agriculture. by Chief of Army Staff, General agement of internal and external October-December this year.

Vadra booked, Kerala minister warns of action for fudging flood damages Congress alleges IANS With Chief Minister Pinarayi Kerala floods have claimed the local bodies officials have suffered on account of floods. “This witch-hunt Vijayan leaving for medical 483 lives and the estimated loss begun estimation of the losses. money will be given to all and there THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A treatment to the US, Industries is more than the annual outlay Jayarajan spoke tough when is no rule that this money will be by Premier Kerala Minister yesterday warned Minister E P Jayarajan, the de of the state. Thousands of houses he was told about specific cases of given to only who were in relief that strict action would be taken facto number two in the gov- have been destroyed, while a officials overestimating the camps. Every family who suffered against the state government offi- ernment, told the media that greater number of homes have damages suffered to residential the floods... even if they remained IANS cials who were not making an “very tough action” would be been damaged. properties in Malappuram district. in their homes would get this. Only objective assessment of the taken against erring officials. “All With the state government The state government has also those who say they do not want, NEW DELHI: The Congress damages caused to houses by the complaints will be looked into starting a massive fund collection announced an interim relief of Rs will not be given,” said Revenue yesterday said Prime Minister recent floods. and none will be spared,” he said. drive to rebuild a ‘new Kerala’, 10,000 to every family that has Secretary P H Kurien. Narendra Modi had launched a “vicious and malicious witch-hunt” by filing cases against former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Don’t become slaves Hooda and Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of party chief Rahul Gandhi, for a contro- versial 2008 land deal in to national parties: Gurugram. The Congress said it was being done to divert attention KCR sounds poll bugle from the corruption saga of Rafale deal, demonetisation, Rs12 lakh crore loot through IANS TRS leaders claimed that 25 hike in fuel prices, failure to lakh people attended the create two crore jobs every HYDERABAD: Telangana Chief meeting held at Kongara Kalan year, rapidly falling rupee and Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on the city outskirts. failing economy and com- yesterday sounded the poll KCR, as Rao is popularly plete failure of the BJP bugle, appealing to the people known, made no government. of the state not to become announcement about disso- “A new set of manufac- slaves of national parties and lution of the Assembly to go for tured lies is being served urged them to emulate Tamil early polls. through false and fake FIRs Nadu for their self-respect. He said the ministers and against political oppo- The Telangana Rashtra party leaders have authorised nents,” said Congress Samithi (TRS) chief gave the call him to take a decision which is spokesperson Randeep at a massive public meeting in the best interest of Tel- Singh Surjewala. held here amid talks of early angana. “In the coming days “As elections to the four polls to the state Assembly you will hear that decision.” states of Rajasthan, Madhya which completes its term in He announced the for- Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and May 2019. TRS has hinted that mation of a manifesto com- Mizoram along with the it may go for early polls to mittee, headed by party General general elections draw delink them from the Lok Sabha Secretary K Keshava Rao. The near, the fake news factory elections. panel will come out with what and dirty tricks department Promising to take Tel- TRS plans to do if voted to of the Modi government- angana forward on the path of power again. BJP act maliciously in development, Rao sought con- Seeking a fresh mandate, pursuit of their vicious tinued support of the people so KCR promised to make propaganda.” that the TRS can take various “Bangaru” or golden Telangana Denying any wrongdoing, works launched by it to their a reality. Stating that works on Surjewala said Skylight Hos- logical conclusion. many irrigation projects were pitality of Vadra purchased “You have to decide on, he said the goal of bringing land measuring 3.5 acres on whether decisions relating to one crore acres under irri- January 28, 2008 in the Telangana should be taken by gation would be achieved in notified commercial zone of us here or should we become two years. Sikohpur in Gurugram slaves of Delhi parties,” he said KCR vowed to further through a registered sale- in an obvious reference to the increase the revenues of the deed for Rs 7.95 crore, Congress and the Bharatiya state and distribute the fruits of including stamp duties. Janata Party (BJP). economic development among “In accordance with the Hinting that the TRS will people. prevailing government policy contest the coming polls on the He promised to do more for for grant of licence, a com- plank of self-respect, he the welfare of various sections mercial licence for 2.5 acres advised Telangana people to of people by increasing the was granted on December 15, emulate Tamil Nadu, which has social security pensions and 2008. its own parties and where providing jobs to the “After a lapse of nearly people never allow Delhi unemployed. five years, this land was sold parties to take their decisions. The TRS chief recalled his by Skylight to DLF for Rs 58 Lakhs of people were mobi- announcement that he would crore on September 18, 2012. lised from across the state for not seek votes in the next elec- Even on this amount, Sky- the meeting christened “Pra- tions if he failed to ensure light/Vadra paid an additional gathi Nivedana’ (Progress tapped drinking water to every tax of Rs8 crore. report). house in the state. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018 Wishing away Palestinian refugees: ESTABLISHED IN 1996 End of United States’ UNRWA aid

CHAIRMAN AL JAZEERA SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI he UN Palestinian refugee agency EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (UNRWA) has called the decision DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI by the Trump administration to no [email protected] longer commit funding “deeply regrettable”T and “shocking”. Chris Gunness, spokesperson for the ACTING MANAGING EDITOR United Nations Relief Works and Agency, MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED said on Friday’s move would affect “mil- [email protected] lions of people” including “some of the most disadvantaged and marginalised on this planet”. For nearly 70 years, UNRWA DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR has provided lifesaving assistance to more MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI than five million Palestinian refugees in [email protected] the occupied territories, as well as Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. But over the past year, the US gov- ernment has made it increasingly clear it considers the work the organisation does, and who it considers as refugees, to be an obstacle in the protracted Palestinian- EDITORIAL Israeli conflict. In January, a month after President Donald Trump sparked widespread inter- national condemnation by recognising Gaza suffers from a 44 percent unem- were echoed earlier this week by Nikki Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the White ployment rate. Gunness, the agency’s Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, who Boosting relations House decided to cut $65m in aid to spokesman, told Al Jazeera that if UNRWA accused the agency of exaggerating the atar has taken many steps which have resulted in UNRWA. It was later reported that the didn’t receive emergency cash injection in number of Palestinian refugees it cur- strong ties with friendly countries around the world. Trump administration had withheld about the next 30 days, when its funds are rently provides aid to, amid reports Wash- QRecently, Minister of Economy and Commerce H E $305m in funding, and only delivered expected to run dry, a “doomsday sce- ington is planning to cap the number it Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani visited Tajikistan. $60m to UNRWA. nario” could unfold. officially recognises as refugees at only The visit was aimed to further boost the relations The US decision to stop all funding to “Let there be no mistake; this decision 500,000. between the two friendly countries. the UN agency, which it called an “irre- is likely to have a devastating impact on “We will be a donor if it (UNRWA) Speaking at an event he expressed hope that efforts deemably flawed operation”, was quickly the lives of 526,000 children who receive reforms what it does ... if they actually would be taken to increase cooperation between Qatar criticised by the Palestinian leadership. A a daily education from UNRWA; 3.5 change the number of refugees to an and Tajikistan on the economic, trade and investment levels. spokesperson for UN Secretary-General million sick people who come to our accurate account, we will look back at He was speaking at the third session of the Joint Tajik- Antonio Guterres also pushed back against clinics for medical care; 1.7 million food partnering them,” Haley said. By under- Qatari Economic, Commercial and Technical Cooperation claims that the agency was inefficient. insecure people who receive assistance mining UNRWA’s definition of refugees, Committee, which was held in the Tajik capital Dushanbe. “UNRWA has a strong record of pro- from us, and tens of thousands of vul- the administration appears to be attacking The event was an ideal opportunity to discuss ways to viding high-quality education, health and nerable women, children and disabled the Palestinian belief in the “right of develop trade and investment partnership between busi- other essential services, often in extremely refugees who come to us. “If we don’t fill a return”. Mustafa Barghouti, a former Pal- nessmen from both countries. difficult circumstances,” a statement by funding gap of $217m very quickly, they estinian information minister and sec- The third session, discussed economic and trade rela- Stephane Dujarric read. are all likely to suffer.” retary-general of the Palestinian National tions between the two countries and enhanced cooper- “The secretary-general calls on other What programmes does it offer? Initiative, said the decision to end funding ation in related fields such as trade and investment, higher countries to According to UNRWA, the US provided was “not just an economic act, but also a education, fisheries and water resources, civil aviation, help fill the $364m to the agency last year. Other political one”. agriculture, tourism and culture. remaining member states donated $650m. “The US tried to liquidate the issue of The visit yielded positive results as the two sides agreed financial gap, The funds helped provide for basic Jerusalem by saying they were removing it to take the necessary steps to so that commodities such as flour, rice, sugar, from the negotiating table, now they want develop economic relations and For nearly 70 UNRWA can powdered milk, canned meats, pharma- to kill UNRWA with the aim of killing the increase the volume of trade years, UNRWA continue to ceuticals and drugs, as well as general right of the Palestinian refugees to return exchange between them, has provided provide this supplies such as school textbooks and to their homeland. “These are actions including facilitating the flow lifesaving vital equipment. aimed at liquidating the Palestinian issue Qatar has provided of goods, services and invest- assistance, as Mohammad Oweis, a Washington, completely while trying to normalise rela- humanitarian ments between the two coun- assistance to well as a DC-based political analyst and researcher, tions between Israel and Arab countries. assistance to tries. The two sides also more than sense of hope who specialises in the Middle East, said the “This will fail and what the Americans more than 100 renewed their desire to intensify five million agency helped people such as himself go have done will make us more determined and increase cooperation in Palestinian thisnerable vul- on to live a better life. “I was born in a tent to stick to the rights of Palestinian ref- countries, mostly activating the previously signed population.” in a refugee camp. I was raised in camp. ugees, especially after their nationalistic developing agreements and memorandums refugees in Originally Without the help of UNRWA, I would not law, which is nothing but a system of countries, of understanding. the occupied established as have had clothes, food or schooling,” he apartheid”. amounting to $2bn The two sides also agreed territories, as well a temporary said. Key to the Trump administration and Sam Bahour, a cofounder of the Right on signing an agreement on the solution, Israel’s criticism of UNRWA is the way the to Enter campaign, which highlights Israeli a year. This figure prevention of double taxation as Lebanon, Syria UNRWA was agency counts the refugees — its total restrictions on Palestinian movement, represents more between the two countries at and Jordan. set up after includes the descendants of refugees who agreed, adding that the end of funding than 0.7 percent the earliest opportunity, the the creation were originally displaced by the creation would awaken the Palestinian com- participation of Tajikistan in the of Israel in of Israel. munity. With the UN struggling to grapple of Qatar’s national international product exhibition 1948 to assist the more than 700,000 Pal- Israel fears that the passing of refugee with a host of international crises, the income. to be held in Doha in October estinians who were forcibly expelledfrom status from parents to children could shortfall could have disastrous conse- and forming of a Qatari-Tajik their towns and villages. threaten the country’s so-called “Jewish quences for the five million Palestinian Businessmen Council to Since then, it has helped four genera- character”, as Palestinians claim the right refugees. enhance business relations between the two countries and tions of Palestinians with basic needs, of return to their ancestral homeland. According to Gunness, the $217m to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, services including housing, healthcare, education Earlier this year, Israeli Prime Minister shortfall means that by the end of the and other economic fields. and social services. Benjamin Netanyahu called for UNRWA to month “UNRWA will be running on empty In a related development, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan Employing more than 30,000 staff, it be scrapped and accused the agency of and won’t have enough money to pay for to Qatar Nuran S Niyazaliev said, early this week, that the mostly works in education, and operates helping “fictitious refugees”. its 22,000 teaching staff”. Kyrgyz Republic is looking for ways to strengthen trade closely with local government bodies. It “UNRWA is an organisation that per- “After September we won’t have and business with Qatar. helps more than half of the Gaza Strip’s petuates the Palestinian refugee problem enough money to run our schools, health He said that the Kyrgyz Republic wanted to expand trade two million population, a region which and the narrative of the right-of-return, as clinics and our relief and social services relations beyond existing range of products and investment has been devastated by more than 10 it were, in order to eliminate the State of programmes,” he said. “We are working in power generation, mining, transport, infrastructure, agri- years of blockade. According to UNRWA, Israel,” Netanyahu said. His comments tirelessly to avoid that.” culture, halal industry as well as tourism. He said that being an agricultural country, Kyrgyzstan could provide food products to Qatar. Qatar has always been in the front in helping needy people across the globe. Qatar has provided humanitarian Africa’s forests at risk if indigenous rebels excluded assistance to more than 100 countries, mostly developing KEVIN MWANZA countries, amounting to $2bn a year. This figure represents his community in Kenya. acres) of degraded forest on Human and Peoples’ more than 0.7 percent of Qatar’s national income. REUTERS “They feel they are lands by 2030 under the Rights. Strong ties with several countries shows that Qatar’s neglected and their rights are African Restoration Initiative The world’s indigenous foreign diplomacy is a success. nitiatives to restore not protected, yet this is their aiming to conserve water, people and local commu- African forests, deci- ancestral home,” he said at boost harvests and combat nities have historically used mated by loggers and the Global Landscapes climate change. and owned half of the land land-hungry farmers, Forum, a conference on sus- The Ogiek won a globally, but they only have Imust include indigenous tainable land use. landmark case against the rights to less than one-fifth of QUOTE OF THE DAY people if they are to succeed, Tensions are rife around Kenyan government in it, according to analysis by experts said. the world between conserva- Africa’s highest human rights the development charity Analysis shows that tionists, who believe the best court in 2017 over their Oxfam. We are determined forest-dwelling communities way to protect forests is by eviction from the Mau forest After the eviction of the to strengthen the often sabotage efforts to creating reserves where — Kenya’s largest water Baka people from the functioning of an plant or safeguard trees humans do not live, and mil- catchment area - in the Rift Ngoyla-Mintom forest in independent and when they are excluded from lions of indigenous people Valley. Cameroon in 2012, wide- them, whereas they can who have been expelled Since then, the com- spread logging took place impartial judiciary prove valuable allies if they from their traditional lands. munity has restored over 100 said Israel Bionyi, a in real terms which are brought on board, they With Africa’s population acres of the forest, with the spokesman for the Interna- sets goals for the said. expected to nearly double by support of the government, tional Land Coalition continuation of unity “When you don’t give a 2050, demands are by replanting and guarding advocacy group. and peace for the chance to forest people like increasing on already scarce forests in areas where they “The presence of indig- the Ogiek to own their land, pushing people to live, Kobei said. enous people in these spaces people. ancestral land, they feel like invade forests for The Ogiek are optimistic makes it difficult for logging they are rebels,” said Daniel agriculture. of returning to their ancestral companies to take advantage Recep Tayyip Erdogan Kobei, head of the Ogiek Dozens of countries have forests as the government of the forest,” he said. Turkey’s President Peoples’ Development committed to restore 100 has pledged to honour the (Reporting by Kevin Mwanza, Program, which promotes million hectares (247 million ruling by the African Court Editing by Katy Migiro. MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018 OPINION 09 As elections approach, what is the risk of Russian meddling?

early a year after Russian interest in countering Russian med- trust the system,” said Sherri 31 others that researchers said government hackers dling, critics say. Congress has not Ramsay, a former National Security echoed Russian troll operations meddled in the 2016 US delivered any legislation to combat Agency senior executive. before the 2016 election. election, researchers at election interference or Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill Since 2016, we’ve learned Ncybersecurity firm Trend Micro disinformation. of Missouri, seeking re-election in a much more about social media zeroed in on a new sign of trouble: a But there is time to take stock of state that voted overwhelmingly for infiltration. House Democrats’ FRANK BAJAK & group of suspect websites. interference that has come to light - Trump, provided little detail in July May release of thousands of ADAM GELLER AP The sites mimicked a portal for and to assess the risks of what we when an attempt by Russian hackers ads placed on Facebook by US senators and their staffs. Emails don’t know. to infiltrate her campaign came to Russian agents revealed a to Senate users urged them to reset In mid-2016, hackers got into light. deliberate campaign to inflame their passwords — an apparent Illinois’ voter registration database. “While this attack was not suc- racial divisions in the US Tech attempt to steal them. Special counsel Robert Mueller’s cessful, it is outrageous that they companies say they are The attempt to infiltrate the indictment of a dozen Russian intel- think they can get away with this,” working hard to combat such Senate network and others reported ligence agents this July said the McCaskill said. behavior. recently point to Russia’s continued hackers had stolen information on The failed hack, which included But companies must be forced efforts to interfere in US politics, 500,000 voters. an attempt to steal the password of to act faster against such cam- which Moscow official denies. It is the most notable case of at least one McCaskill staffer paigns and be more accountable, There is no clear evidence, foreign tampering with US election through a fake Senate login website said Dipayan Ghosh, who has It is the most experts said, of Kremlin efforts spe- systems made public. There has identified by Microsoft, is the most worked at the White House and notable case of cifically designed to disrupt elec- been no evidence of efforts to notable instance of attempted cam- Facebook on tech policy and is tions in November. change voter information or paign meddling by Russia made now at Harvard. foreign tampering Still, “we fully realise that we are tamper with voting machines, but public this year. It is difficult to assess the with US election just one click away of the keyboard experts caution hackers might Microsoft executives said threat of Russian disinformation systems made from a similar situation repeating have planted unseen malware in recently that the company had efforts. In 2016, the greatest public. There has itself,” Dan Coats, the director of systems that could be triggered detected attempts by Russia’s GRU damage was done by hacking national intelligence, said in July. later. military intelligence agency to hack and leaking emails from Hillary been no evidence Michael McFaul, architect of the “My unofficial opinion is that two senators. Clinton’s campaign and Demo- of efforts to change Obama administration’s Russia we’re kind of fooling ourselves if we Since mid-2017, the group crats’ national organization, voter information policy, has said he believes Russian don’t think that they tried to at least behind that attempt has aggressively widely reported by the news or tamper with President Vladimir Putin perceives make a pass at all 50 states,” said targeted political groups, univer- media. little benefit in major disruption Christopher Krebs, the undersec- sities, enforcement agencies and But comparatively few saw voting machines, now, preferring to keep his powder retary for critical infrastructure at others, according to TrendMicro. individual pieces of misinfor- but experts caution dry for the 2020 presidential the Department of Homeland “Russian hackers appear to mation on social media, making hackers might have contest. Security. be broadening their target set, it unlikely they swayed many Experts said it is too late to safe- Before the 2016 general election, but I think tying it to the votes, said Brendan Nyhan, a planted unseen guard US voting systems and cam- Russian agents sent spear-phishing midterm elections is pure spec- University of Michigan political malware in systems paigns this election cycle. Trump’s emails to 122 state and local elec- ulation at this point,” said scientist. that could be recent decision eliminating the tions officials who were customers Michael Connell, an analyst at Still, it is clear the Russian triggered later. White House cybersecurity coordi- of election software vendor VR the federally funded Center for efforts have stirred others, like nator’s post confirmed his lack of Systems. At least 21 state systems Naval Analyses in Arlington, Iran, to try similar strategies, with were probed by the same Virginia. long-term goals of influencing US Russian unit, officials said. Eric Rosenbach, assistant sec- politics. But federal officials have retary of defense for global security “We can’t just think in the moved slowly to share during the Obama administration context of the next election,” said intelligence. As of mid- and now at Harvard, said Russian Lee Foster, manager of infor- August, 92 state election intrusion that has come to light may mation operations analysis at the officials had been given be only a tip to larger, hidden cybersecurity firm FireEye. “It’s clearances. schemes. not like this goes away after the Much of the machinery “There probably have already midterms.” used to collect and tabulate been compromises of important votes is antiquated, built campaigns in places where it could by a handful of unregu- sway the outcome or undermine lated and secretive trust in the election,” Rosenbach vendors, the outdated said. “We might not see that until the software highly vulnerable very last moment.” to attacks, researchers say. By the time a group called D-RING ROAD “If someone was able to “ReSisters” began organizing a rally POST BOX: 3488 compromise even a against white nationalism, it had DOHA - QATAR handful of voting machines spent a year sharing left-wing [email protected] I think that would be suffi- posts. But in late July, Facebook cient to cause people to not shut down ReSisters’ account and EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 quickly fizzle out. Unsurprisingly, and states have borders.” party leaders across the left, Berlin political scientist Dieter MANAGING EDITOR including Wagenknecht’s own com- Rucht said such views may indeed TEL: 4462 7505 rades at Die Linke, have rejected the “please some of the AfD’s voters”, German far-left leaders DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Stand Up (“Aufstehen”) guerilla cam- predicting success for the new paign as divisive and unhelpful. movement “at least in the short TEL: 4455 7769 The leader of the SPD, Germany’s term”. launch ‘Stand Up’ LOCAL NEWS SECTION traditional labour party, Andrea The idea of a cross-party leftist TEL: 4455 7743 Nahles, quipped that she “wasn’t alliance has repeatedly come up and losing any sleep over it”. been dismissed — in large part grassroots movement BUSINESS NEWS SECTION Others have greeted the effort to because of Die Linke’s uncompro- TEL: 4462 7535 re-energise the left as a challenge to mising hard-left positions, such as Merkel’s centrist coalition gov- wanting to abolish Nato and all SPORT NEWS SECTION ernment and the rise of the far-right secret services. ISABELLE LE PAGE & TEL: 4455 7745 Alternative for Germany (AfD). Germany’s three leftist parties FRANK ZELLER - AFP News weekly Der Spiegel said won combined support of under 40 ONLINE SECTION that, after populist anger over immi- percent in last year’s elections, which TEL: 4462 7501 gration swept the AfD into par- narrowly delivered a bruised Merkel, [email protected] ts battle cry is “Stand up”, its liament last year, “it is high time to until then dubbed “the eternal chan- launch a movement of rallying the cellor”, her fourth four-year term. public face is a divisive anti- PUBLIC RELATIONS left”. The SPD was dispirited and split capitalist politician who sup- TEL: 4455 7613 after a historically poor result, which ports limiting immigration, its But even backers of the idea [email protected] aimI is to build a populist leftwing have wondered whether it is being forced it to reluctantly joined Mer- movement to shake up Merkel-era led by the right people. kel’s conservatives again as junior ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Germany. Wagenknecht, 48 and hailing partner, further damaging morale. TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 On Tuesday, Sahra from the former communist East The working man’s party, which FAX: 4455 7870 Germany’s three Wagenknecht, 48, will launch the Germany, is a lawmaker and polar- saw mass desertions after the tough [email protected] leftist parties won grassroots project which borrows ising TV talk show star, married to a labour market reforms of previous chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, is combined support from the campaigns of British firebrand leftist SPD defector, ex- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn, French finance minister Oskar Lafontaine. now polling below 20 percent, of under 40 percent TEL: 4455 7857 Socialist Jean-Luc Melenchon and US Known as rhetorically brilliant raising existential angst. [email protected] in last year’s Democrat Bernie Sanders. but awkward with voters, she is fre- The mood is more upbeat among elections, which Its aim is to energise followers of quently critical of the EU and defends the ecologist Greens, who under SUBSCRIPTION & narrowly delivered a her far-left Die Linke party, the Vladimir Putin’s Russia. charismatic and pragmatic new co- DISTRIBUTION centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) She argues that the SPD has sold leader Robert Habeck appear open to bruised Merkel, until TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 and ecologist Greens — but also to out its principles and failed to fight a future government alliance with FAX: 44557819 then dubbed “the win back disenchanted working- back against unbridled capitalism either the SPD or conservatives. [email protected] eternal chancellor”, class voters who have drifted to far- and Merkel’s neo-liberal” policies. Carsten Brzeski, chief economist right protest parties. As Germany has absorbed a mass with ING Diba bank, was doubtful her fourth four- Its website launched in mid- influx of migrants and refugees, about the future of “Stand Up”, after year term. The August cites reggae singer Bob Mar- which has sparked a far-right “Germany’s left wing parties have All thoughts and views SPD was dispirited ley’s chant “get up, stand up!” and backlash, Wagenknecht has also failed to work together for decades”. expressed in these columns and split after a declares boldly that “no politician, no broken with the left’s traditional He said Stand Up appears party will solve our problems if we orthodoxy on immigration. “nationalist in tone, with anti- are those of the writers, historically poor don’t do it ourselves”. “The idea of ‘open borders for all’ European and anti-refugee not of the newspaper. result, which forced Tens of thousands have signed is unrealistic,” she said in a recent sentiments”. it to reluctantly up online to join the fight for secure interview. “Such rhetoric not only plays on All correspondence joined Merkel’s jobs and pensions, good education, “If the core concern of leftist pol- the under-currents running through protecting the environment, disar- itics is to represent the disadvan- society but is also a clear attempt to regarding Views and conservatives again mament and “a true democracy not taged, then the no-borders position is win back disappointed Linke voters Opinion pages should be as junior partner, ruled by banks, corporations and the opposite of being on the left. in eastern Germany, who are now send to editor-in-chief further damaging lobbyists”. “All successes in restraining and voting for the far-right AfD party,” he office or mailed to the morale. The jury is still out on whether it regulating capitalism have been said. “It’s where the left and right will spark a political revolution or achieved within individual states, meet.” [email protected] 10 ASIA MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018 US commando takes helm of forces in Afghanistan

AFP General Scott Miller, experience working with some who has commanded of America’s most elite fighters. KABUL: General Scott Miller special operations Nicholson, who will return took command of US and Nato units in Afghanistan to the Pentagon, is the longest- forces in Afghanistan yesterday, serving US commander of Nato as worsening violence erodes since 2013, succeeds and American Forces in hopes for peace in the war-torn General John Afghanistan. country. Nicholson, who is There had been concerns Miller, who has commanded rotating out of the that militants would shower special operations units in Kabul with mortar or rocket fire Afghanistan since 2013, succeeds post after more than to spoil yesterday’s handover, as General John Nicholson, who is two years. they did during Afghan President rotating out of the post after Ashraf Ghani’s speech on the first more than two years. day of the Eid Al Adha holiday The handover comes at a “This is a tough fight,” Miller last month. sensitive time in the 17-year war acknowledged during an outdoor But the ceremony passed off that has seen little progress by change of command ceremony uninterrupted. Afghan or US forces against the in Kabul attended by top Afghan Miller takes up his new role Taliban, Afghanistan’s largest officials and foreign diplomats. more than a year after US Pres- Incoming Commander of Resolute Support forces and command of Nato forces in Afghanistan, U S Army militant group. “There’s no room for status ident Donald Trump unveiled his General Scott Miller walks during a change of command ceremony in Resolute Support headquarters Afghan and international quo, we cannot afford to be com- Afghanistan strategy, which in Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday. players have been ratcheting up placent. We must be aware of increased the US troop presence efforts to hold peace talks with bias and easy conclusions — they and now includes a renewed refused to negotiate with the He added that it was nec- Abu Saad Orakzai, also the Taliban, which was toppled don’t exist here.” In a WhatsApp push to bring the Taliban to the Afghan government, which they essary to “create space for the known as Saad Arhabi, was from power by US-led forces in message to reporters, Taliban negotiating table. see as illegitimate. political process” to end the among several people killed in 2001. spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid But there are fears that There is speculation that war. the strike. IS first emerged in A recent spate of attacks by warned Miller would “fail like the Trump is growing frustrated with another meeting between US and Separately, Miller confirmed Afghanistan around 2014. Taliban and the smaller but other commanders”. the pace of progress in the Taliban representatives could be in a statement that a US air strike Currently there are about potent Islamic State group that For the past two years Miller country. held this month. “We know the in the eastern province of Nan- 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan, left hundreds of security forces has headed up the secretive Joint The Taliban have long military component is only one garhar on August 25 killed the providing the main component and civilians dead has almost Special Operations Command insisted on direct talks with part of this conditions-based leader of the Islamic State group of the Nato mission there to extinguished that optimism. (JSOC) and has lengthy Washington and strategy,” Miller said. in Afghanistan. support and train local forces.

Three die as copter crashes Pakistan plans task force to get back money stashed abroad in Afghanistan INTERNEWS three members, led by the SBP gov- formation of a JTF, in addition to citizens in the UK obtained under appropriate orders”. ernor and included federal finance suggesting its terms of reference the OECD multilateral Similarly, persons appearing AFP ISLAMABAD: A committee secretary and FBR chairman. (ToRs) to the apex court. convention.” before the JTF would be asked yesterday suggested setting up Later, it, with the court’s per- Yesterday, the committee It also informed the top court to confirm that they or their MAZAR-I-SHARIF: A heli- a Joint Task Force (JTF) mission, co-opted other members submitted its report, telling the that the committee would form a dependents or spouses owned copter crash in northern comprising representatives of such as the interior secretary, Supreme Court that it would ini- JTF comprising representatives of the reported foreign assets or Afghanistan yesterday killed different important government Deputy Chairman of NAB, the FIA tially act on the information the FIA, FBR, NAB and other submit an affidavit that the at least three people including functionaries and other agencies DG, SECP chairman, represent- about the assets of Pakistani cit- agencies or organisations or persons assets did not belong to them. a foreign pilot, Afghan offi- to bring alleged ill-gotten money atives of the Intelligent Bureau izens in the UAE that had been as “it may deem appropriate”. “Where such an affidavit is sub- cials said. of Pakistani citizens stashed (IB) and the Foreign Office. On obtained by the FIA. According to the proposed mitted, the FIA or relevant agency The aircraft crashed due abroad back. August 7, the court asked the It stated that the committee ToRs, the JTF would summon will approach relevant authorities to “technical problems” The chief justice of Pakistan committee to submit a report by would identify assets of such persons identified by the com- informing them that the owners of shortly after taking off in (CJP) had formed the committee September 3 for achieving the individuals where sufficient mittee for personal hearings. certain assets have on affidavit, Dehdadi district in Balkh to prepare terms of reference objectives of suo motu information was available to Individuals refusing or denied their ownership and request province, Nazer Khuda (ToRs) that can help the gov- proceedings. conduct an inquiry. evading to appear before the JTF them to initiate proceeding with Pamiri, deputy commander ernment recover money Complying with the court’s “The committee will also would be reported to the com- respect to such assets under anti- of Afghan forces in northern smuggled out of the country and order, the committee held examine the possibility of using mittee, “which shall submit in the money laundering legislation or Afghanistan, said. stored in foreign accounts. meetings on August 20 and information available with the FBR monthly reports the names of provide prosecutable evidence to Ten people were on board Initially, the committee had August 30 and proposed the about the assets of Pakistani such persons before the SC for the law enforcement agency.” the helicopter at the time of the accident. It was transporting Afghan security forces from a military base in Dehdadi to Kathmandu airport scare the volatile northwestern province of Faryab. “Three people were killed after plane skids off runway and seven others were wounded,” Pamiri said. The AFP was moved. helicopter caught fire after it The incident comes amid hit the ground, Pamiri added. KATHMANDU: Nepal’s only mounting safety concerns over international airport had to be cracks on the runway’s surface, Police bike squad closed for some 11 hours after which was repaired only a domestic aircraft skidded off recently. set to fight street the recently repaired runway, “An investigation com- officials said yesterday. mittee will look into the cause crime in Karachi The Jetstream 41 was flying of the incident. Other flights in to Kathmandu from Nepa- have safely landed, we don’t INTERNEWS lgunj in southern Nepal late Sat- believe the runway was an urday with 21 passengers issue,” the airport’s general KARACHI: Residents of Paki- onboard when it suffered a manager Raj Kumar Chettri stan’s southern port city of runway excursion before said. Karachi will soon see some coming to a halt onto the Nepal has a poor air 2,000 police commandos adjoining grassland. safety record and Nepal- patrolling on city roads and Nobody was hurt in the based airlines are banned streets on over 1,000 motor- incident but incoming and from flying in European bikes as the authorities have outgoing flights to Nepal’s sole Union airspace. launched a “street watch force” IS men surrender after four years of fighting international air gateway were In April a Malaysian jet with to fight increasing street crime. diverted while authorities 139 people on board aborted its A senior official said that Pakistani militants of the Islamic state (IS) Sediqullah (left) and Sajjad after they surrendered to tried to remove the aircraft, takeoff and skidded off the the plan to set up a new force the Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS) after four years fighting against Afghan and US which had become stuck in runway. comprising trained and young forces, in Achin district of Nangarhar province, yesterday. mud. In March, a US-Bangla police commandos had been The airport reopened at Airways plane crashed near the launched after a batch of 200 8am yesterday after the aircraft airport, killing 51 people personnel with 100 motor- bikes hit the roads in Karachi’s South district. Gradually, he said, the plan would be expanded to other dis- China detains 46 after violent protest over schooling tricts and a total of 1,000 bikes with 2,000 police commandos AP on Saturday night. students from overcrowded said by phone. building to the police station to would become part of the force. They said some of the pro- public schools to expensive Calls to the police and demand the release of the five “In the first phase we have BEIJING: Police in central China testers hurled plastic water private schools. schools affected by the plans who had been detained. brought a team of 200 police have detained 46 people who bottles, bricks, firecrackers and Some parents were con- rang unanswered yesterday. As the protest grew, police commandos with 100 motor- were part of a protest against a beer bottles, injuring more than cerned that their children were The protest began earlier on took away another 10 people but bikes. They are being deputed government plan to address 30 police and auxiliary police exposed to toxic formaldehyde Saturday with parents gathering let them go home under escort in Defence and Clifton in the overcrowded classrooms that officers and damaging several fumes at the dormitory to which and hoisting banners outside six after verifying that they were South district,” said Karachi escalated into violence. vehicles. Police attributed the they were being transferred, he local schools and the city’s Com- parents of students affected by police chief Dr Amir Ahmed Police in the city of Leiyang violence to “good-for-nothings” said. He repeated the police’s munist Party committee the transfer plans. Shaikh. in Hunan province said on their who were looking for trouble. assertion that troublemakers building and blocking roads. Police said that shortly after “According to our plan, official microblog that the people An official at the Leiyang city were using the protest to cause Police said they took away five midnight Saturday, they force- we keep the force under the were detained early Sunday as government who would only issues for the authorities. protesters who were disrupting fully dispersed the protesters command of the area SP. The officers dispersed around 600 give his surname, Zeng, said the “Some lawless people are traffic. after repeated warnings failed force will be in touch with the protesters who had gathered parents were protesting the city making use of this as an oppor- The protesters later marched and detained the 46 people after police helpline Madadgar 15.” outside the local police station government’s plan to transfer tunity to stir up trouble,” Zeng from the party committee the protest turned violent. MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018 ASIA / EUROPE 11

Philippine bomb Duterte eyes arms deal on Israel trip blast leaves one dead, 15 injured AFP AFP to this visit, which symbolises the top arms dealers, with nearly 60 drew global condemnation for strong, warm ties between our percent of its defence exports comparing himself to Hitler in MANILA: Philippine President two peoples,” Israel’s foreign going to the Asia-Pacific region, 2016. Duterte later apologised COTABATO: A bomb ripped Rodrigo Duterte yesterday left Duterte, accompanied ministry said in a statement. according to Israeli defence min- for his remarks. through an Internet cafe in for a visit to Israel and Jordan, Duterte has pivoted the Phil- istry data. Just over a year later the the southern Philippines pursuing a pivot away from his by an entourage ippines away from its former The Philippines emerged as Philippines abstained from a yesterday, killing one person nation’s long-time reliance on including soldiers and colonial master the United States a significant new customer in United Nations vote rebuking the and wounding 15 in the American military hardware and police, will sit down and towards warmer diplomatic 2017 for Israel, with sales of United States for moving its second deadly blast to strike support. with Prime Minister and business ties with China and radar and anti-tank equipment embassy to Jerusalem. the same city in days, author- The four-day visit to Israel Russia. worth $21m. Palestinians see the eastern ities said. will be the first by a Philippine Benjamin Netanyahu The US and Canada have Manila said the trip is part of the disputed city as the The explosion in Isulan leader in more than 60 years of and hold an event both seen military hardware expected to yield agreements on capital of their future state. was a short distance from diplomatic ties between the two with some of the deals fall apart with the Philip- defence as well as labour, which Duterte yesterday expressed where an improvised bomb nations, even though the links pines due to concerns over is one of the Philippines’ top support for a two-state solution under a motorcycle blew up between their people go back to thousands of Filipino Duterte’s drug war. But so far exports. to the Israeli-Palestinian on August 28, killing three Manila’s sheltering of Jews migrant workers in sales with Israel have gone Some 10 million Filipinos conflict. and wounding dozens. during the Holocaust. Israel. smoothly. work abroad and send home “We shall be guided by our There was no immediate Duterte’s visit has generated “(The visit) is for President money that is a lifeline for the constitution and laws as well as claim of responsibility for much attention, powered both Duterte to look for an alternative economy. our international commitments yesterday’s bombing, but by his penchant for foul- entourage including soldiers and market for... weapons for our Manila is keen to sign agree- in support of efforts and initia- authorities’ suspicion imme- mouthed statements — including police, will sit down with Prime armed forces as well as for the ments on protections for the tives including the two-state diately fell on the Bang- likening himself to Hitler — and Minister Benjamin Netanyahu police,” Henelito Sevilla, an workers. solution,” he said. samoro fighters (BIFF). his internationally condemned and hold an event with some of international relations expert at Although the Philippines has Duterte heads to Jordan on “It is the BIFF who is drug crackdown that has killed the thousands of Filipino migrant the University of the Philippines, a special bond with Israelis for September 5, where he is responsible,” Army General thousands. workers in Israel. said. giving refuge to some 1,300 Jews expected to meet King Abdullah Cirilito Sobejana said. “This Duterte, accompanied by an “We assign great importance Israel is among the world’s fleeing the Holocaust, Duterte II. group is out to sow chaos.” The mayor’s office of Isulan and the military said one person was killed in the bombing and 15 were Abe hopes for abduction issue wounded, four of whom were resolution in talks with Kim in critical condition.

Tokyo and Pyongyang have long had tense rela- Japan braces for tions, from historical grievances of Japan’s powerful typhoon wartime brutalities on the Korean peninsula to AFP Pyongyang’s regular sabre rattling, including recent TOKYO: Japan yesterday missile tests last year that braced for a “very strong” sent rockets heading typhoon, with authorities towards Japan. warning of high waves, floods Recent months have and landslides, including in seen a remarkable diplo- areas hit by deadly flooding matic detente on the earlier this year. Korean peninsula with Typhoon Jebi, packing Kim holding summits with winds of up to 252km an AFP both US President Donald hour, is expected to make Trump and South Korea’s landfall on the country’s main leader Moon Jae-in. island on Tuesday (today), TOKYO: Japanese Prime Tokyo fears being shut out according to Japan’s Meteor- Minister Shinzo Abe (pictured) of negotiations on North Korea, ological Agency. said any summit he holds with which have proceeded at a “Maintaining its very North Korea’s Kim Jong Un breakneck pace in recent strong power, the typhoon is must tackle abducted citizens, months with Japan largely on forecast to approach western an issue that has bedevilled the sidelines. New political party launched in Thailand and eastern Japan.” relations between the two During historic talks with The path of the typhoon Former Thai house of representatives speaker and transport minister Wan Muhammad Noor Matha countries for decades. Trump in Singapore, Kim appeared to cover the speaks during the launch of the Prachachat political party, in Pattani, Thailand, yesterday. About 500 North Korea kidnapped reportedly said he was open to western Chugoku region, scores of Japanese citizens in a meeting with Abe. co-founders launched the “Prachachat” party, formed by Muslim politicians of the Wadah group. where record rainfall in July the 1970s and 1980s to help Trump promised to work to unleashed flooding and Pyongyang train its spies, a sore help bring abductees home landslides. point that Tokyo says has has from North Korea. never been adequately In the interview, Abe also addressed. said Japan-China relations have “In the end, I have to meet gotten back “on the completely Chairman Kim Jong-Un,” Abe right track”. South Korean President names special envoy to North Korea told the Sankei Shimbun daily “I’m looking forward to vis- AFP in an interview published yes- iting China and then want to The South’s President Moon Office, will lead a five-member inter-Korean border for their terday, adding he wished to invite President Xi Jinping to Jae-in yesterday named his top delegation to the North’s capital day trip. “break mutual distrust” Japan,” he said. SEOUL: A high-level South security adviser as a special on Wednesday (tomorrow), It will be Chung’s second between the two countries. The world’s second- and Korean delegation will fly to envoy to the North to discuss Moon’s spokesman Kim Eui- visit to the North since March But he added: “As long as third-largest economies also North Korea this week to discuss details before Moon’s planned Kyeom said. this year. we hold a meeting, the have a fraught relationship, arrangements for an inter- meeting in Pyongyang with Kim The delegation, which also The spokesman said that it meeting must contribute to the complicated by longstanding Korean summit there this month, Jong-Un. includes South Korea’s spy chief was unclear whether the dele- resolution of the abduction maritime disputes and Japan’s as relations grow cooler between Chung Eui-Yong, head of the Suh Hoon, will fly to Pyongyang gation would meet the North’s issue”. wartime legacy. Washington and Pyongyang. presidential National Security via a rare direct route across the leader this time around.

Mourners pay respect to top Ukrainian rebel EU accuses Guatemalan AFP government of graft AFP DONETSK: Tens of thousands Guatemalan Government, has of mourners gathered in made an important contri- Ukraine’s rebel stronghold of BRUSSELS: The European bution to the fight against cor- Donetsk yesterday to pay their Union yesterday accused the ruption and impunity,” the final respects to separatist leader Guatemalan government of statement said. Alexander Zakharchenko, while President Jimmy Morales of “The European Union has an aide to the Russian president taking a “step backward” by been a staunch supporter of its praised him as a “brother” and shutting down a UN mission work, in cooperation with the a “hero”. investigating corruption in the attorney general,” the European Throngs of admirers — central American country. External Service spokesperson many clutching flowers and in Morales said on Friday he said. tears — formed a line to view the was not renewing the mandate “We expect CICIG to be able flag-draped casket of the of the International Com- to continue its full operation for 42-year-old chief of the self- mission Against Impunity in the remainder of the period in proclaimed Donetsk People’s Guatemala (CICIG) after it made accordance with its mandate,” Republic (DPR), whose body was a joint request with the state the statement added. lying in state in a theatre. prosecutor’s office to lift his The EU pledged to continue Zakharchenko was killed in presidential immunity as part backing Guatemala in bol- a bombing at a Donetsk cafe on of a probe into campaign stering the rule of law and Friday, becoming the four-year finances. developing its institutions in conflict’s most prominent victim “The decision by the Gov- future to benefit all from the Moscow-backed side. ernment of Guatemala not to Guatemalans. His bodyguard also died and renew the mandate of CICIG Both the UN mission and 12 more people were injured. Pallbearers carry the coffin during the funeral ceremony for assassinated leader of the self-proclaimed beyond 2019 constitutes a step prosecutors presented evidence In a statement carried by the Donetsk People’s Republic Alexander Zakharchenko, in Donetsk, yesterday. backward in the consolidation that Morales’ FCN-Nacion party Donetsk republic’s official news of rule of law,” a spokesperson failed to report nearly one agency, Russian President hero and it’s a huge honour to be A representative of the local turned up. Armed men in for the EU’s diplomatic arm million dollars in financing to Putin’s aide Vladislav Surkov your friend,” said Surkov, calling authorities estimated the turnout fatigues cordoned off the city said. electoral authorities during his called the separatist a “brother”. Zakharchenko Sasha, a dimin- at around 100,000 people, while centre and public transport was “In the last ten years this successful 2015 presidential “You are a cool guy, a true utive form of his first name. a witness said more than 30,000 temporarily suspended. body, set up on request of the campaign. 12 EUROPE MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018 Theresa May vows no compromise on Brexit

REUTERS of the divorce. “To ask the question all over LONDON: Britain’s Prime again would be a gross betrayal Minister Theresa May (pictured) of our democracy,” May said. said she would not allow May’s plan would keep compromises to her Brexit Britain in a free-trade zone with strategy that went against the the EU for manufactured and national interest, seeking to agricultural goods. But some allay fears among some in her Brexit supporters have said that Conservative Party that she will would mean parts of the British cave in to Brussels’ demands in economy would still be subject negotiations. to rules set in Brussels. But her words drew scep- Davis, who resigned in ticism, including from the protest over the Chequers plan former Brexit negotiator David after two years as May’s chief Davis who said the pledge was negotiator, said the proposal little reassurance and that he was “almost worse than being would vote against parliament in” the EU, and that May could Jaroslaw Kaczynski, leader of the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS), delivers a speech during the giving May’s exit plan its Theresa May also said use ‘national interest’ as a caveat party’s convention in Warsaw, Poland, yesterday. required approval. she would not hold a to justify further concessions. With under two months second referendum “You’re not going to turn before Britain and the European on Britain’s EU around said to parliament ‘Oh, I Union want to agree a deal to agreed this, but that wasn’t in the Poland should keep away from end over 40 years of union, May membership. national interest’ are you?” he said. is struggling to sell what she Any agreement Britain is calls her business-friendly newspaper. able to strike with EU will need EU’s ‘social ailments’: Kaczynski Brexit to her own party and Parliament returns from its approval from the British par- across a divided country. summer break. liament - presenting a major REUTERS After an initially sceptical “The coming months will be headache for May who runs a interests and making deals with While underlining the need reaction, the EU is formulating critical in shaping the future of minority government propped the mighty of the world”, in an for Poland to remain inside the its response to what has become our country and I am clear about up by a deal with a small WARSAW: Poland belongs in apparent jab at the close ties bloc, his party says the EU is known as the Chequers plan, my mission.” Northern Irish party and whose the European Union but should between the liberal opposition forcing member states to which is designed to protect Both Britain and the EU have own Conservative party are be careful not to be “infected by in Poland and Brussels. conform to standards that con- cross-border trade. stepped up contingency planning deeply divided over Brexit. social diseases” that dominate “I had said we would face an travene Poland’s traditional Boxed in between a those at in case the two sides are unable According to a report in the the bloc, ruling Law and Justice uphill battle and that stones family values. home who would balk at further reach a deal in time, setting Sunday Times, leading Brexiteer (PiS) party leader Jaroslaw would be thrown,” Kaczynski Yesterday, Kaczynski said concession and an EU negotiator financial markets on edge and lawmakers in May’s party are Kaczynski said yesterday. said. “We are being attacked EU membership was “the demanding more concession, weakening sterling at the prospect ready to publish their own plan Speaking at a party con- internally and from the outside shortest way for Poland to difficult talks lie ahead, followed of economic disruption. for Brexit ahead of the party’s vention ahead of local elections ... in ways that discount the achieve parity when it comes to by a vote in parliament on May also said she would not annual conference which begins in October, Poland’s most influ- reality and aim to demean ... living standards” with its whatever deal is reached. hold a second referendum on at the end of September. ential decision-maker laid out Poland”. western allies. “I will not be pushed into Britain’s EU membership, reit- In her article, May reiterated the broad campaign priorities “It’s easy to serve the “But that doesn’t mean we accepting compromises on the erating a long-held position in that Britain would be ready to of the PiS. interests of the most powerful. should repeat the mistakes of Chequers proposals that are not an attempt to counter increas- leave the EU without a deal if He defended his party’s If you want to serve the society, the West and become infected in our national interest,” May ingly vocal campaigning for the two sides cannot agree on democratic record and accused the nation, it’s much more with social diseases that dom- wrote in the Sunday Telegraph another public vote on the terms the divorce terms. critics of serving “powerful difficult.” inate there,” he added.

Afghan teen to face court Moldovans call over Amsterdam attack for reunification with Romania AFP terrorist motive,” Amsterdam AP City Hall announced yesterday THE HAGUE : A 19-year-old after police questioned the Afghan man who was shot and suspect. CHISINAU: Several thousand wounded by Dutch police after Jawed S. has a German res- Moldovans have gathered in allegedly attacking bystanders idency permit and German the capital Chisinau to call for at Amsterdam’s Central Station police on Saturday raided his reunification with Romania. will briefly appear in court apartment. The police did not Supporters carried the today, police said. release details about its exact Romanian and Moldovan The suspect, identified by location. flags, which are virtually authorities as “Jawed S”, “will The suspect will make a identical, and shouted: appear before a judge and until brief first appearance behind “Unity,” and “Bessarabia, then no further details will be closed doors and according to Romanian land,” using the old released,” the Amsterdam Dutch criminal legal procedures name for Moldova. police said in a statement will not be asked to plead. Moldova united with Two American citizens “It is likely that the judge Romania in 1918 and was Russian Communist party supporters carrying a banner reading “55 - and no minute more” as they take were seriously injured when a will remand him in custody for annexed to the Soviet Union part in a rally against the government’s proposed reform hiking the pension age, in Moscow, yesterday. knife-wielding man attacked two more weeks, in order for in 1940. It gained inde- bystanders around noon on detectives to continue their pendence in 1991. Friday at the busy station next investigation,” a Dutch prose- Demonstrators applauded to the Dutch capital’s historic cution service official said. Russians protest pension reform a group of several dozen city centre. This process could take up Romanians who joined Sat- AFP Police quickly reacted and to three months, the official Western sanctions, in the first There were also protests in urday’s reunification rally shot the man in the lower body. added. such hike in nearly 90 years. other Russian cities, including after a 1,300km “Centenary He and the two injured Thousands of commuters MOSCOW: Thousands of The proposed move — Saint Petersburg where some March” march they started in bystanders were taken to and tourists were evacuated people across Russia protested already approved by parlia- 2,500 demonstrators took to the Romania on July 1. hospital. from the rail terminus after the yesterday against a deeply ment’s lower house in a first streets. There was no update on the attack. unpopular pension reform reading in July — has led to a The Russian president this victims’ condition, which police The Netherlands has so far despite President Vladimir rare outburst of public anger. week proposed rasing the Journalists held on Saturday described as been spared from the slew of Putin’s announcement of several Police estimated that some pension age by five years to 60 “satisfactory”. terror attacks which have concessions this week. 6,000 people turned up for the for women, instead of eight over alleged theft “Following an initial rocked its closest European Moscow plans to gradually Communist rally while another years, as previously planned. statement by the suspect it has neighbours in the past few raise the state pension age as the 1,500 joined a smaller protest, The state pension age for of documents emerged that the man had a years. economy struggles under also in Moscow. men will rise by five years to 65. REUTERS

BELFAST: Two journalists were arrested over the German citizens urged to take stand against racism suspected theft of documents from Northern Ireland’s police ombudsman that were used AP Maas’ comments followed death. Scenes of vigilantes 18 injured in Chemnitz protests in a documentary that alleged Saturday’s demonstrations by chasing foreigners in the city’s police collusion in the 1994 CHEMNITZ: Germany’s foreign about 4,500 far-right protesters streets have shocked people in murder of six soccer fans. AFP minister told his fellow coun- in Chemnitz, who were rallying others parts of Germany since The two were later trymen yesterday that they’re too against migration a week after a then. released on bail, police said, lazy when it comes to battling German was killed in the eastern The tension that has built up CHEMNITZ: Eighteen people were injured as the anti-migrant and the documentary makers racism and fighting for city, allegedly by two migrants over the past week in Chemnitz, far-right and counter-protesters held opposing rallies in the secured a temporary court democracy. from Iraq and Syria. Around reflects the growing polarisation German city of Chemnitz, which was hit by xenophobic demon- order to stop police exam- “We have to get off the couch 4,000 leftist protesters also over Germany’s ongoing effort to strations last week. ining documents and material and open the mouth,” Heiko Maas marched through the city in a come to terms with an influx of According to police estimates, more than 11,000 demonstrators seized in raids. said in an interview with weekly counter-protest, and 1,800 police more than 1 million refugees and turned up for the separate protests. The 2017 documentary Bild am Sonntag. “Our generation officers were deployed to keep migrants seeking jobs since 2015. Local police, backed up by officers from across Germany, were “No Stone Unturned” named was given freedom, rule of law the groups apart. The far right has constantly out in force to keep both sides from clashing. But as the rallies a Protestant paramilitary and democracy as a present. We Far-right activists and leftist criticised Chancellor Angela Mer- cleared, scuffles took place among small groups. gunman it said police believed didn’t have to fight for it; (now) groups had already clashed in kel’s decision to allow in hundreds SPD MP Soeren Bartol said on Twitter that his group from shot six fans in one of the most we’re taking it too much for Chemnitz on Monday, a day after of thousands of asylum-seekers Marburg were “attacked by Nazis” while they were heading for notorious episodes of granted.” the 35-year-old German man’s from war-torn countries. the bus. Northern Ireland’s ‘Troubles’. MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018 AMERICAS 13 Pentagon cancels $300m Coalition Support Funds to Pakistan

REUTERS Another $500m in remaining $300m was repro- allowed Taliban-linked insur- coveted training and educational largest share of votes at the IMF. (Coalition Support grammed,” Pentagon spokesman gents in Afghanistan a place to programmes that have been a Khan, who once suggested he WASHINGTON: The US military Funds) CSF was Lieutenant Colonel Kone plot deadly strikes and regroup hallmark of bilateral military might order the shooting down said it has made a final decision stripped by Congress Faulkner said. after ground offensives. relations for more than a decade. of US drones if they entered to cancel $300m in aid to Faulkner said the Pentagon The Pentagon’s decision The Pentagon made similar Pakistani airspace, has opposed Pakistan that had been from Pakistan earlier aimed to spend the $300m on showed that the United States, determinations on CSF in the the United States’ open-ended suspended over Islamabad’s this year, to bring “other urgent priorities” if which has sought to change past but this year’s move could presence in Afghanistan. In his perceived failure to take decisive the total withheld to approved by Congress. He said Pakistani behavior, is still get more attention from victory speech, he said he action against militants, in a new $800m. another $500m in CSF was increasing pressure on Pakistan’s Islamabad, and its new prime wanted “mutually beneficial” blow to deteriorating ties. stripped by Congress from security apparatus. minister, Imran Khan, at a time relations with Washington. The so-called Coalition Pakistan earlier this year, to It also underscored that when its economy is struggling. A Pakistani official, speaking Support Funds were part of a the possibility that Pakistan bring the total withheld to Islamabad has yet to deliver the Pakistan’s foreign exchange on the condition of anonymity, broader suspension in aid to could win back that support if it $800m. kind of change sought by reserves have plummeted over said he was unaware of a formal Pakistan announced by President changed its behaviour. The disclosure came ahead Washington. the past year and it will soon notification of the US decision on Donald Trump at the start of the US Defense Secretary Jim of an expected visit by US Sec- “It is a calibrated, incre- decide on whether to seek a assistance but said one was year, when he accused Pakistan Mattis, in particular, had an retary of State Mike Pompeo and mental ratcheting up of pressure bailout from the International expected by the end of of rewarding past assistance with opportunity to authorize $300m the top US military officer, on Pakistan,” said Sameer Monetary Fund (IMF) or friendly September. “nothing but lies and deceit.” in CSF funds through this General Joseph Dunford, to Lalwani, co-director of the South nations such as China. Pakistan has received more The Trump administration summer - if he saw concrete Islamabad. Mattis told reporters Asia program at the Stimson “They are squeezing them than $33bn in US assistance since says Islamabad is granting safe Pakistani actions to go after on Tuesday that combating mil- Center think tank in when they know that they’re vul- 2002, including more than $14bn haven to insurgents who are insurgents. Mattis chose not to, itants would be a “primary part Washington. nerable and it is probably a signal in CSF, a US Defense Department waging a 17-year-old war in a US official told Reuters. of the discussion.” Experts on the Reuters reported in August about what to expect should programme to reimburse allies neighboring Afghanistan, a “Due to a lack of Pakistani Afghan conflict, America’s that the Trump administration Pakistan come to the IMF for a that have incurred costs in sup- charge Pakistan denies. decisive actions in support of the longest war, argue that militant has quietly started cutting scores loan,” Lalwani said. porting counter-insurgency But US officials had held out South Asia Strategy the safe havens in Pakistan have of Pakistani officers from The United States has the operations.

Teen from New Democrats slam White House Mexico says he for withholding documents was trained for on Supreme Court nominee jihad: FBI REUTERS REUTERS WASHINGTON: Democrats yesterday criticised the Trump TAOS: A 13-year-old boy who administration for refusing to was part of group taken into release thousands of documents custody at a squalid New on Brett Kavanaugh (pictured) Mexico compound last month ahead of this week’s upcoming has told FBI agents his Senate hearings on his nomi- mother’s boyfriend was nation to the US Supreme Court. training him to conduct Kavanaugh, nominated by “jihad” against non-believers, President Donald Trump, according to federal court worked in the White House documents. under former President George conservative credentials, show The boy was among 11 W Bush, whose lawyers combed us the record,” Durbin said. children and five adults living through documents from that Democratic Senator Amy at the compound in Taos time and decided that 27,000 Klobuchar, a Judiciary Com- County when it was raided on of them were protected under mittee member, echoed August 3 by local sheriff’s “constitutional privilege.” Durbin’s concerns in an deputies who discovered a The White House directed interview with NBC’s “Meet the cache of firearms and the Tornado over Michigan them not to hand them over to Press” yesterday, saying, “This children living without food the Senate Judiciary Committee, is not normal.” Republicans A tornado hovers over Kalamazoo, Michigan, in the US, in this picture obtained from social media. or clean water. The dead body one of Bush’s lawyers said in a have dismissed Democrats’ Storms have resulted in tornado warnings in several counties in Michigan. of a three-year-old boy was letter to the chairman of the concerns over lack of access to found buried at the site later. Senate Judiciary Committee, portions of the record on They initially faced state which will host the hearings Kavanaugh’s background, charges, then on Friday, the scheduled to start tomorrow. arguing their criticism is polit- five adults including a Haitian Another 102,000 pages of ically motivated. woman described as the documents related to “Democrats have more than group’s leader, 35-year-old UN human rights mission departs Nicaragua Kavanaugh’s record were not enough information to under- Jany Leveille, were arrested turned over for other reasons. stand that this is a highly qual- AFP by the Federal Bureau of The four-member mission from the Regional Office in The committee has had access ified jurist that should be the Investigation and accused of of the Office of the United Panama,” it said. to more than 415,000 pages on next Supreme Court justice,” conspiracy and firearms MANAGUA: The United Nations Nations High Commissioner The United Nations report Kavanaugh’s background, the Wisconsin US Senator Ron offenses. human rights mission left Nica- for Human Rights (OACNUDH), denounced a wide range of lawyer said in the letter. Johnson, a Republican, said in In an affidavit filed in ragua after being ordered out led by Guillermo Fernandez, serious violations in Nicaragua, Dick Durbin, the No. 2 an interview on ABC’s “This support of a criminal com- by a government it criticized traveled to Panama after including disproportionate use Senate Democrat, said in an Week.” plaint, an FBI special agent over its heavy-handed response Managua ordered its of force by police, which in interview aired on “Fox News Trump nominated wrote that Leveille’s 13-year- to anti-regime protests. departure. some cases resulted in extraju- Sunday” that the White House’s Kavanaugh to be a justice on old son told investigators that President Daniel Ortega’s “The @OACNUDH is dicial killings, enforced disap- citation of privilege on the doc- the US Supreme Court to his mother’s boyfriend, Siraj government on Friday ordered grateful for the support pearances, arbitrary detention uments was the first time that replace the retiring Justice Ibn Wahhaj, 40, wanted to the mission’s expulsion two received in relation to the and torture. had occurred. Anthony Kennedy on July 9. “get an army together” and days after it published a report work carried out in Nica- Ortega, a former guerrilla “There has been more con- Kavanaugh must win a train them for jihad. criticizing the “climate of fear” ragua,” the mission wrote on leader who has been in power cealment of documents that are majority of the 100-seat Senate The boy told agents that in the Central American Twitter. “We will continue to for the last 11 years, rejected the concerning his public service to approve his nomination. Ibn Wahhaj trained him and country, where rights groups monitor the situation and claims and described the UN as and his position on issues than Most Republicans, who hold a another of Leveille’s teenage say months of turmoil has left accompany the victims in their “an instrument of the policies ever in the history of the United slim majority in the chamber, sons in firearms and military more than 300 people dead. search for justice and truth of terror, lies and infamy.” States... If he’s so proud of his are expected to back him. techniques, including rapid reloads and hand-to-hand combat, according to the affi- davit filed in US District Court in New Mexico. Brazil leftist party insists on banned candidate Da Silva The 13-year-old also told the FBI that he watched his AP mother and Ibn Wahhaj The electoral court voted 6-1 expected ruling,” one unlikely to perform supposed “exorcism” early Saturday to reject da Silva’s be overturned on appeal. rituals over the three-year- SAO PAULO: Brazil’s main leftist candidacy because of a cor- The former president is old boy, including one during party said Saturday it’s sticking ruption conviction that has been serving a 12-year-sentence for which the boy choked and his with former President Luiz upheld on appeal. Da Silva and corruption and money laun- heart stopped, according to Inacio Lula Da Silva as its pres- the party are appealing both the dering after being convicted of the special agent’s affidavit. idential candidate even though conviction and the electoral trading favours with con- The teenager said his the electoral court has thrown court ruling. struction company Grupo OAS mother and others at the him off the ballot for an election The ruling had been widely in exchange for the promise of a compound told him not to just five weeks away. expected and there were no beach house apartment. As part talk to anyone about the Da Silva’s vice presidential immediate street protests of the of the ruling, Justice Luis Roberto three-year-old ever being at running mate, former Sao Paulo sort that occurred when the Barroso said the Workers’ Party the compound because they Mayor Fernando Haddad told former president was initially should replace da Silva within would “all go to jail.” reporters the Workers Party will arrested. 10 days, and that he should not Defense lawyers have continue pushing to somehow Da Silva, who was wildly appear as a presidential can- Supporters offormer Brazilian presidentLuiz Inacio Lula Da Silva said that the five adults were get da Silva, 72, who easily leads popular when he left office on didate in free airtime that is attend a vigil outside the Federal Police Superintendence in exercising their constitutional in the polls, back on the ballot. January 1, 2011, is now a sharply given to political parties on rights to practice their “The people are sovereign polarising figure. Many Bra- Curitiba, Brazil. nationwide TV and radio. religion and own firearms, regarding the party’s candidate. zilians still revere him for pulling However the party used the and that the group is being And that candidate is Lula,” millions from poverty during his and politicians, including da because then I will know who first day of free campaign TV discriminated against Haddad said. eight years in power. Silva. That division was clear in will have the biggest impact for airtime on Saturday to denounce because they are black and That strategy would keep da But he and the Workers’ the reaction to the electoral court the poor,” he added. “I know the electoral court ruling in a Muslim. Silva in the spotlight until the Party have lost much of that ruling. Haddad, but I don’t know him spot that featured filed footage The five defendants came absolute last minute, perhaps appeal over the last several years “We have a big debt with well. If he is the candidate, he of da Silva. under FBI surveillance in May rallying support from backers due to a stumbling economy Lula,” said Thiago Renato, a will have my vote.” At a Sao Left-leaning candidate Ciro after Leveille wrote a letter to that could then be transferred to under his hand-picked successor 39-year-old IT specialist in the Paulo coffee shop, Alexandre Gomes of the Democratic Labor Ibn Wahhaj’s brother asking a stand-in, likely Haddad, who Dilma Rousseff and a sprawling northeastern city of Recife. Fonseca- 21 year old medical Party said the electoral court’s him to join them and become is much less popular or corruption probe that has “We trust him here. I will student, called the court decision ruling was “not a good thing for a “martyr.” charismatic. ensnared many top businessmen vote for whoever he endorses an “unfortunate and fully Brazil.” 20 HOME MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 03. 57 AM Qatari climbers SHOROOK 05. 15 AM

ZUHR 11. 33 AM MAGHRIB 05. 53 PM ASR 03. 03 PM ISHA 07. 23 PM scale Europe’s WEATHER TODAY highest mountain

THE PENINSULA to do the extremely difficult climb to the highest point of 5,642m. DOHA: An expedition team from Qatar Part of the group’s mission was to summited Mount Elbrus in Southern promote the importance of mental Russia, the highest mountain in Europe, health in coordination with Ministry of on August 28. They were part of a team Health and also to promote Qatar The expedition team from Qatar. of climbers from Qatar and Kuwait. Russia year of culture 2018. Qatar Museums (QM) and its Chair- “I believe that the best moments in Another team member Aisha Al my country’s flag and I hope I am able person, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint life are those that take our breath away. Naama posted on her Instagram that to inspire some of you,” her post reads. Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, greeted the On August 28th I reached the summit it was one of the most challenging “Today was one of the toughest/ team for their achievement on Twitter. of Mt. Elbrus — the highest mountain experiences in my life, mentally, phys- successful days in my entire life. I tested “Congratulations to our Qatari in Europe —, 5642m of pure hard work, ically, and emotionally. myself in so many levels, mentally and youth who climbed Mount Elbrus in commitment, and team work. I’m “Made it to the summit of Mt Elbrus, physically. I woke up at 12 a.m. to get #Russia as part of #QatarRussia2018 grateful with my team, for their support the highest mountain in Europe. What ready for the summit that lasted until Year of Culture,” her tweet reads. and strength throughout the an experience! it was one of the most today noon. Loved every moment of It took six days of preparation for adventure,” one of the climbers, Fahad challenging experiences in my life, men- this trip, the group work and support,” the team to get acclimatised to the Badar, EGM of International Banking, tally, physically, and emotionally. I am a post by another member Dana Al climate and ready the body and mind CommercialBnak. extremely honoured and proud to carry Mannai said. 33oC 40oC Minimum Maximum Project to boost Qatar-Turkey cultural ties Misty at places by early morning, becomes hot and relatively humid daytime with RAYNALD C RIVERA some clouds, humid by night. THE PENINSULA

HIGH TIDE 11:15 – 21:15 LOW TIDE 03:45 – 17:15 Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department DOHA: Cultural ties between Qatar and Turkey are expected to see a major boost with Turkey and Qatar Intercul- tural Art Dialogues, a four-year project which launches tonight at Katara Cultural Village with an exhibition of works by prominent Turkish artist Fatih Mika. Organised under the auspices of Turkish Ambassador to Qatar Fikret Ozer, the exhibition titled “Endless Entrust” is the first event under the project being carried out by Istanbul Intercultural Art Dialogues Association (IKASD). “This exhibition is the first step for the four-year duration of this important cultural exchange project aimed towards the promotion of intercultural dialogue between the peoples of Turkey and Qatar,” Beste Gursu, President- International Culture and Art Advisor FROM LEFT: Yehya Savas, Coordinator at IKASD; Fikret Ozer, Turkish Ambassador to Qatar and Beste Gursu, President- at Istanbul Intercultural Dialogue Asso- International Culture and Art Advisor at IKASD during a press conference on the “Endless Entrust” expo held at the ciation of Art, told The Peninsula Turkish Embassy, yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA yesterday. Speaking on the sidelines of a press as different museums in Istanbul for important artist in art history who spe- be held at Katara Building 18 Gallery 2 conference yesterday at the Turkish this project,” she said. cializes in gravure art (engraving). will be a retrospective showcasing 44 Embassy, Gursu said they are collabo- She describes Qatar’s art and Gravure art is very important in tradi- of Mika’s works from 1994 till 2017 rating with various art and culture culture scene as “young but very open tional Ottoman art and not all coun- focusing on history and nature. entities to organise various cultural with a new generation who love art and tries know about this art. thus are On September 14, the last day of events in Qatar and Turkey such as culture. I believe we can make very organizing this project for the new gen- the exhibition, the artist will be holding exhibitions, concerts, conferences, good projects here.” eration of art lovers to learn about it.” a conference on gravure art, which is workshops and festivals . On the choice of exhibiting works Gravure art had slowed down at free to the public, she said. “We are now talking with different by Mika to launch the project, Gursu, end of the 20th century, but Mika has The exhibition is sponsored by entities such as Museum of Islamic Art, who is also curating the show, said: worked very hard to ensure its revival. Turkish Airlines and supported by Art Fire Station and Mathaf in Qatar as well “Professor Fatih Mika is a very The two-week long exhibition to and Life GPP.

Doha Youth & Junior Choir unveils new name Heavenly Spa by Westin welcomes THE PENINSULA travel abroad extensively and are great raise the engagement level with other new season with array of offerings ambassadors for Qatar. foreign high-performance choirs and will THE PENINSULA DOHA: In celebration of its fifth birthday, The choir have undertaken four inter- generate increased interest and during weekdays. the Doha Youth & Junior Choir will be national tours in their short existence to involvement from the Qatar-based To focus on the importance of renamed as Qatar Youth and Junior Choir. Germany, Latvia, Croatia and Poland. business community. DOHA: Heavenly Spa by Westin holistic health, Heavenly Spa has Choir Director Alena Pyne sees this The Youth Choir frequently performs Pyne has brought many choirs to Qatar embraces the new season with a introduced an inspiring wellness change as a “natural progression because with Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and for concerts and outreach workshops in selection of treatments and Calendar to complement its various of the choirs’ raised performance level” also with the adult Qatar Concert Choir. schools across Doha, with the aim of wellness packages that suit both treatments. It includes the weekly and most importantly because these choirs Pyne also believes that this change will helping to raise the general standard of individuals and families alike Summer sessions (re-launching in choral singing and generate more interest during the whole month of October outside the hotel garden) in the choral singing art form. September. a very popular package which inl- Such achievements were possible with Visitors are invited to expe- cudes a morning of moving, eating the practical support from the choir fam- rience the Hot Stone massage and feeling well with a 60 minutes ilies and long-term partners such as which is a relaxing body treatment Yoga session balanced with healthy Yamaha Fifty One East, Qatar Philhar- that relieves stiffness and restores breakfast bites followed by time to monic Orchestra, Millennium Hotel Al the energy through the smooth revitalize by the pools till 1:00pm Saad, Swiss International School Qatar, application of heated volcanic for QR120. Germany Embassy Doha and earlier stones with oil. Throughout the Also, the spa will be working in partners, the German International School month of September, guests can collaboration with Evolve, a group Doha and Doha College, according to enjoy 30% off on this treatment, of talented trainers and practi- Pyne. said a statement. tioners with a range of expertise in Last season culminated in the Youth Creating an ideal day retreat, wellness services, for a Candle Lit Choir’s performance with Qatar Philhar- the spa has introduced a refreshing full moon yoga in the open-air area monic Orchestra of the Qatar National and revitalising package, ‘The on the September 25. Anthem at the grand opening of the Qatar Heavenly Ritual Express’ National Library, for Amir H H Sheikh which blends a 30 minute Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his dis- body scrub, 30 minute body tinguished guests. wrap and 30 minute massage The singers prepared carefully and dil- featuring natural and rejuve- igently for this performance, fully appre- nating products for QR800 ciating the honour bestowed upon them. only. The Qatar Youth and Junior Choir have To help guests restore exciting plans for the coming season, and their facial and body health are on the lookout for singing talents. If after a long summer, the spa you can sing in tune, love singing and can will be offering a 40% dis- commit to the rehearsal schedule then reg- count on any 50 minutes The Doha Youth & Junior choir during their performance. ister for auditions through their website, massage, facial or body www.qyj-choir.com. treatment booked before 4pm Heavenly Spa by Westin’s treatment room.