Amir Arrives in Zagreb on Two-Day Visit

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Monday 19 November 2018 | 11 Rabia I 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7715 | 2 Riyals Ooredoo tv Business for FREE Entertainment, sports, news, and much more, over your Business Broadband line Visit ooredoo.qa/business Amir arrives in Zagreb on two-day visit

THE PENINSULA H H the Amir began the official visit yesterday to the DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Republic of Croatia, which Hamad Al Thani arrived yesterday evening in Zagreb for a two-day state will be followed by visit to visit to Republic of Croatia the Italian Republic. H H the Amir and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at the International Embassy in Zagreb was inaugurated in Zagreb Airport Franjo Tudman by early 2013, after the opening of Croatia’s Croatian President’s Adviser for Embassy in Doha end of 2012, as its first Foreign Affairs Dario Mihelin, Ambas- embassy in the Gulf Cooperation Council sador of the State of Qatar to Croatia, (GCC). Nasser bin Hamad Mubarak Al Croatian President Kolinda Grabar- Khalifa, Croatia’s Ambassador to Kitarovic, in April 2017 paid an official Qatar, Croatia’s Assistant Minister of visit to Qatar where she discussed with Foreign and European Affairs, Ivana H H the Amir promoting the relations Zivkovic, and members of the Qatari between both countries especially in Embassy in Zagreb. the political, economic, investment and H H the Amir began the official visit environment field. yesterday to the Republic of Croatia fol- At the end of the discussion, the lowed by the Italian Republic, at the President awarded H H the Amir with invitation of Croatian President Kolinda Grand Order of King Tomislav with Grabar-Kitarovic and Italian President Sash and Great Morning Star, which is Sergio Mattarella. the highest state order of Croatia. H H the Amir is expected to discuss In 2009, Father Amir H H Sheikh with the leaders and senior officials of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and H H both countries the ways to boost and Sheikha Moza bint Nasser paid an develop the bilateral relations between official state visit to the Republic of both countries in various fields, as well Croatia. as a number of topics of mutual interest. In 2004, Former President of A number of agreements and memoranda Croatia Stjepan Mesic visited Qatar for of understanding for different fields in the first time and in 2008 visited it for both countries. the second time. In November 2012, Qatar and Croatia have growing, Former President of Croatia Ivo unique strategic relations, which are Josipovic visited Qatar. continuously developing in all fields In February 2016, Prime Minister especially trade, economy and of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic visited Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrives at the Zagreb International Airport yesterday evening. H H the Amir investment. Diplomatic relations Qatar. was received by Croatian President’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Dario Mihelin, ambassadors of both countries and other between the two states were establish in December 1992 and the Qatari `SEE ALSO PAGE 2 dignitaries.

'3839 Marangatu' PM opens 5th Information Security Conference All members to School renamed THE PENINSULA attend Riyadh GCC electronic banking transactions and contribute to tackling any attempts to hack 'State of Qatar' prevent organised electronic crimes. the electronic systems of the state. Summit: Kuwait DOHA: Prime Minister and Interior A unified legislative framework will At the international level, the Gov- QNA QNA Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser help the world from protecting themselves ernment of Qatar is also working in coordi- bin Khalifa Al Thani has inaugurated the from the organised criminals who try to nation with international and regional KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign DOHA: Acting Charge Fifth Information Security Conference for exploit the existing lacunae in the separate organizations to enhance information Minister Khaled Al Jarallah affirmed d’Affaires at Qatar’s Embassy the Financial Sector organised by Qatar legislations. As cyber crimes are always a security efforts and benefit from interna- yesterday that the next Gulf summit in the Republic of Paraguay Central Bank (QCB) at Sheraton Grand cross-border activity, there is an urgent need tional expertise in this area and to apply the will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Abdulrahman Ahmed Al Doha Resort and Convention Hotel for a rapid coordination between countries. best international standards and practices, in December and will be attended Suwaidi participated in a yesterday. The opening session was The Minister said that the State of Qatar has he added. by all Gulf countries. “I am opti- ceremony to change the attended by a number of their Excel- recognised the importance of information The Minister pointed out that the shift mistic that the level of represen- name of “3839 Marangatu” lencies ministers and senior officials from security in the financial sector since the to digital banking has led to a variety of tation is expected to be high and school to the “State of Qatar”, the banking sector. sector plays an important role in the risks facing several levels of banking, reflects the keenness of GCC on the occasion of the state The Prime Minister also toured the exhi- economy, and due to the important role including the payment and settlement leaders to maintain this pioneering visit paid by Amir H H Sheikh bition organised on the sidelines of the con- played by this sector in the economy, several system, customer data and the infra- experience,” Al Jarallah said in Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ference, where he took a look at the par- years ago. structure of information networks within press statements carried by Kuwait to Paraguay last month, ticipating national and global companies The Minister of Finance said the Prime banks, which could threaten the loss of news agency. where students of the school showcasing the latest technologies in infor- Minister and Interior Minister established confidence in the banking system. The Ministerial Committees participated in the welcome mation security, the solutions to various the National Cyber Security Committee, He stressed that this situation requires have been meeting in Kuwait and ceremony for H H the Amir. sectors related to information security, specialised in the preparation of infor- close cooperation between government thus ensure that the GCC mech- The Principal of the school information infrastructure and mation security policies and programs. agencies and the banking sector and infor- anism is maintained, effective and expressed gratitude to the cybercrime. Its members include representatives mation technology institutions to develop continuous. He stressed that this State of Qatar to agree on Delivering the opening speech, H E Ali of all ministries and sectors in the country an integrated vision on how to coordinate summit represents a ray of hope in changing their school’s name Shareef Al Emadi, Minister of Finance, has to coordinate and cooperate among it to efforts to address the electronic risks. reviving the efforts aimed at con- to the “State of Qatar”, and called for a unified legislative framework implement policies and plans to provide taining the Gulf dispute. said that the flag of Qatar will among the countries of the world for safe a high level of information security and `CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 remain high in the school next to the flag of Paraguay. She pledged to exert every effort to make the school an example for others. Qatar elected next President of Global Public Diplomacy Network Mayor of Villa Elisa City AMNA PERVAIZ RAO handed over the Qatari format to cover everyone and this created member countries to promote public “This is based on our belief that cul- Acting Charge d’affaires the THE PENINSULA a big challenge. Finally Qatar was unani- diplomacy and raise awareness in the tural diplomacy is the means to decision of the Municipal mously elected as the new President,” said global society through culture and civil overcome conflicts and differences, Board to change the name of DOHA: Qatar has been elected the next Darwish S Ahmad, Director of Marketing society initiatives. through mutual respect, co-existence the school. President of the Global Public Diplomacy and Cultural Affairs at Katara. In his opening address, Dr Khalid bin and acceptance of others and respecting The Acting Charge Network (GPDNet) at its fifth General Representatives from nine countries, Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of their cultures. We hope the future would d’Affaires at Qatar’s Embassy Assembly which began at the Katara who are part of the 14 member organisation Katara Cultural Village said that Katara see more countries joining this network in Paraguay expressed thanks Cultural Village yesterday. are attending the two-day conference. is striving to build a communication and joint cultural projects being imple- to the Municipal Board and Qatar will take over the presidency of The opening session began with a bridge between the Arabs and the rest of mented,” said Al Sulaiti. the school administration for the organisation next June from Turkey, welcome speech by Prof Seref Ates of the world. Besides Qatar, other countries repre- the decision to name the the current President, for the next three- Turkey, the current president of GPDNet, Al Sulaiti said Katara has made great sented in the meeting are Hungary, Phil- school after Qatar. year term. who is also president of Yunus Emre strides in cultural diplomacy, through a ippines, Nigeria, Singapore, Turkey, The ceremony was “The election was held after high level Institute based in Ankara, Turkey. variety of activities focusing on cultural Mozambique, Taiwan and South Korea. attended by officials and discussions, both on the cultural and dip- He said the meeting will discuss ways dialogue and interaction between the East ` Qatari Embassy staff. lomatic level. This time it was held in a new to strengthen cooperation between and the West. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 02 HOME MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 Amir arrives in Croatia on two-day state visit

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the Speaker of Iraqi Council of Representatives, Mohammed Al Halboosi, at Amiri Diwan, yesterday. Amir, Iraq’s Parliament Speaker review fraternal relations

QNA Speaker conveyed the greetings and Salih and Prime Minister Adil Abdul wishes of further health and happiness Mahdi, and more progress and pros- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived yesterday in Zagreb for a two- DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin of Iraq’s President Barham Salih and perity to the Iraqi people. day state visit to Republic of Croatia.H H the Amir and the accompanying delegation Hamad Al Thani met at Amiri Diwan Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi to The meeting reviewed the fraternal were welcomed upon arrival at the International Zagreb Airport Franjo Tudman by yesterday with the Speaker of Iraqi H H the Amir, and to the people of Qatar relations between the two countries and the Croatian President’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Dario Mihelin; the Ambassador Council of Representatives, Mohammed further progress and prosperity. means of developing them. of the State of Qatar to Croatia, Nasser bin Hamad Mubarak Al Khalifa; the Croatia’s Al Halboosi, and his accompanying dele- H H the Amir entrusted the Iraqi The meeting was attended by Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Croatia’s Assistant Minister of Foreign and European gation, on the occasion of their visit to Parliament Speaker to convey his Speaker of the Advisory Council H E Affairs, Ivana Zivkovic; and members of the Qatari Embassy in Zagreb. Qatar. greetings and wishes of good health and Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al At the outset of the meeting, the happiness to Iraq’s President Barham Mahmoud.

Amir condoles with US President PM opens 5th Information Security Conference QNA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 especially in light of growing concerns DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al The world is currently wit- about the break- Thani sent yesterday a cable of condolences to nessing an important devel- throughs that are the President of the United States, Donald Trump, opment of electronic crimes of made by electronic on the victims of the wildfires in California, all kinds, as new and sophisti- devices which have wishing speedy recovery for the injured. Deputy cated methods have been become simple and Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani developed as a result of the tre- available to also sent a cable of condolences to the President mendous progress and devel- everyone. of the United States, Donald Trump, on the victims opment in the field of tech- Hannig high- of the wildfires in California, wishing speedy nology and means of commu- lighted the impor- recovery for the injured. Prime Minister and nication and associated tance of finding Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser systems, which has doubled solutions that limit bin Khalifa Al Thani also sent a cable of condo- international efforts to reduce the risks related to lences to the President on the victims of the wild- its spread and reduce the risks electronic uses, to fires, wishing speedy recovery for the injured. of surrounding information protect the security security. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and other of information from Amir congratulates Experts and specialists dignitaries at the Fifth Information Security Conference for the Financial Sector (ISFS), held in Doha, any threats espe- around the world have agreed yesterday. cially in view of the King of Morocco on the need to find the best global trend solutions in the area of infor- He reiterated the impor- towards enhancing QNA mation security to detect and tance of the public sector to financial coverage in various deal with electronic risks in provide support to companies developed and under DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al advance. in that sector which helps in developed countries. Thani sent yesterday a cable of congratulations to The Finance Minister said responding to cyber attacks He said the awareness King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco that the Information Security and achieving the principle of amongst government on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Conference for the financial protection and security of user agencies and private institu- Day. Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad sector is part of the efforts of information. tions on the increased risk of Al Thani also sent a cable of congratulations to the State of Qatar and the Christensen said govern- cyber attacks has heightened. King Mohammed VI. Prime Minister and Interior Central Bank of Qatar to safe- ments have come a long way These entities are starting Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin guard the security of infor- in the field of information to take action to address the Khalifa Al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to mation in the financial sector, security in the last decade risks of information security the Head of the Government of the Kingdom of in order to enable the financial however, this does not rise to in various aspects to ensure Morocco, Dr Saadeddine Othmani on the anni- institutions in the State to play the required levels, especially the security of the financial versary of his country’s Independence Day. their role in sustainable devel- with regard to information sector and help the use of opment, reaching the goals security in particular. He governments have more institutions. Hannig high- modern methods under the Amir greets President of and objectives and realizing added that the world is cur- information than the private lighted the importance of this breadth of institutions that the Qatar National Vision rently witnessing radical and sector and therefore have to conference as a platform for provide financial services. Latvia on National Day 2030. important transformations, help the private sector com- exchanging experiences and Founder and CEO of Addressing the opening especially with regard to panies to expand information updates on the protection of Allied Wallet Andy Khawaja QNA session, Guillermo Chris- internet speeds and techno- security to ensure the privacy information in the financial also highlighted the impor- tensen, Partner in the White logical development, which of users and customers and sector, which is a fundamental tance of cooperation between DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Collar Defense and Gov- requires playing large roles in reduce vulnerability to cyber pillar in the local economies all parties in order to provide Thani sent yesterday a cable of congratulations ernment Investigation Group the public and private sectors attacks. and the global economy in the best solutions in the field to the President of the Republic of Latvia, and Chair of the Cybersecurity in order to strengthen the Executive Director of the general. He stressed the need of information security and Raimonds Vejonis, on the occasion of his coun- and Data Privacy Practice at infrastructure necessary to Alliance for Financial to create systems for the pro- reduce cyber attacks by try’s National Day. Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Brown Rudnick, said there are protect information security. Inclusion (AFI) Dr. Alfred tection of electronic sectors in strengthening mechanisms of Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani also sent a cable challenges facing vital infra- Christensen reiterated the Hannig said information the financial sector to achieve protection effectively, as of congratulations to the President. Prime Minister structure, especially in the importance of coordinating security in the financial sector sustainability and provide hacking and piracy of banking and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin information security for efforts between the public and is one of the major challenges greater guarantees and con- data grew by about 33 percent Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent a cable of private sector companies. private sectors, especially as facing both governments and fidence in the financial sector, in the past years. congratulations to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, Maris Kucinskis, on the occasion of his country’s National Day. Deputy Amir greets Ministry of Education follows up on curricula implementation THE PENINSULA Sultan Qaboos of Oman and coordinators for early ele- students’ and parents’ acceptance for different era, prepare children and mentary school classes. The dis- the new curriculum. provide them with new skills and QNA DOHA: The Ministry of Education cussion is part of the detailed follow- Assistant Undersecretary for competencies, for the 21st century. and Higher Education said it is keen up on the educational process and Educational Affairs of the Ministry Al Khater added the new cur- DOHA: Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin to instil cooperation between all to support schools in terms of cur- Fawzia Abdulaziz Al Khater said the riculum is experimental and can be Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday a cable of congrat- parties in the teaching process, to ricula and sources of learning. new mathematics curriculum is of reconsidered or modified but there ulations to H M Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman overcome difficulties and to provide They discussed the new sourced global standards and is the most is no moving backwards, and if there on the occasion of his country’s National Day. support and training to teachers in of learning which began to be imple- ambitious . It also meets the aspira- were challenges it will be tackled. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh order to achieve the best implemen- mented in the current academic year tions of the State of Qatar to build a The teachers and coordinators Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani also tation of the new curricula. of 2018-2019 as well as the chal- high quality education system in line agreed that the curriculum and sent a cable of congratulations to H M Sultan This came in a discussion panel lenges facing the teaches and coor- with its Qatar National Vision 2030. learning sources are excellent and Qaboos bin Said of Oman on the occasion of his held by the educational affairs with dinators in schools in terms of She also demanded teachers to exert provide the students with advanced country’s National Day. a number of mathematics teachers teaching the new books and the further efforts to prepare for a skills in mathematics. MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 HOME 03 PM meets Governor of Central Bank of Kuwait

Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani met yesterday with the Governor of Central Bank of Kuwait, Mohammad Al Hashel, on the sidelines of The Fifth Information Security Conference for the Financial Sector (ISFS) held in Doha. They reviewed relations of Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani met cooperation between yesterday with the Speaker of Iraqi Council of Representatives, Mohammed Al Halboosi, and his the two brotherly accompanying delegation. The meeting was also attended by Speaker of the Advisory Council H E countries and ways Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud. of developing it in various ﬁelds in addition to a number of regional and Qatar, Iraq discuss bilateral ties international issues of mutual concern. QNA Mahmoud also met with the supports Iraq’s stability, progress Speaker of Iraqi Council of Rep- and recognising the hopes and DOHA: Prime Minister and resentatives Mohammed Al Hal- aspirations of its people. Interior Minister H E Sheikh boosi and his accompanying For his part, the Speaker of Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa delegation. Iraqi Council of Representatives Al Thani met yesterday with the During the meeting they dis- praised the cooperation between Speaker of Iraqi Council of Repre- cussed the bilateral relations both countries and the desire to sentatives, Mohammed Al between the State of Qatar and develop it further. He also Halboosi, and his accompanying Republic of Iraq and ways to expressed his appreciation for the delegation, on the occasion of support and develop them in stances of the State of Qatar in their visit to Qatar. various fields, especially the par- support of Iraq. The meeting dealt with liamentary sector. The meeting The meeting was attended by bilateral relations and means of also reviewed a number of issues Advisory Council Deputy Speaker developing them in addition to of common interest. H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al topics of mutual interest. The The Advisory Council Speaker Sulaiti, a number of Their Excel- meeting was attended by Speaker expressed his content towards the lencies advisory council members of the Advisory Council H E development of relations between and Advisory Council Secretary- Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al both countries. He reiterated the General H E Fahd bin Mubarak Al Mahmoud. Separately, Al interest in everything that Khayareen.

Al Mahmoud describes relations Prime Minister meets number of senior officials at ISFS Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani met yesterday with CEO of Allied Wallet Company, Andy Khawaja; Executive Director of Financial Integration Alliance with Iraq unique and strong Organization, Alfred Hannig; Chair of the Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Practice at Brown Rudnic, THE PENINSULA region. They also discussed meetings also discussed the need Guillermo Christensen; Former Defence Advisor in the UK, Major General Arthur George Denaro; strengthening the relations to activate the economic relations and President of Crest, Ian Glover, on the sidelines of the Fifth Information Security Conference for DOHA: Speaker of the Advisory between Qatar and Iraq and the between Qatar and Iraq the Financial Sector (ISFS), in Doha. The meeting discussed relations of cooperation and ways of Council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah economic cooperation between explaining that committees from developing them in various ﬁelds, especially in the ﬁeld of security and cyberspace, in addition to bin Zaid Al Mahmoud described both countries, Al Mahmoud said. both governments will be formed a number of topics of common interest. the relations between the State of He said Iraq’s strength is to quickly implement what has Qatar and the Republic of Iraq as important to Qatar and the sta- been discussed and to positively unique, reiterating that the visit bility of the region, explaining that be reflected in the relation made by the Speaker of Iraqi Qatar’s relation with Iraq has between both countries. Council of Representatives, come from the idea that Iraq is an He explained that he dis- Mohammed Al Halboosi, is important country and its stability cussed with Al Mahmoud topics positive, where discussions on a and development is of signifi- that must be included in the pro- number of issues of interest to cance to all. gramme of the Inter-Parlia- both countries took place. For his part, Al Halboosi said mentary Union conference which In a press conference fol- it was a fruitful meeting, where will be held in Doha in April 2019. lowing their meeting, Al they discussed different topics They also discussed the method Mahmoud said the discussion was that are of benefit to both coun- to produce decisions that will fruitful regarding issues and mul- tries and their peoples. restore the stability in the regions tilateral aspects in the parlia- Speaking to Qatar News and further development to the mentary cooperation between Agency (QNA), Al Halboosi said Arab region and to the world. In both entities as well as parlia- his meetings touched on the ways addition, they also discussed mentary diplomacy in interna- to strengthen the ties between many issues led by strengthening tional conferences in terms of both countries and people, under relations between parliamen- coordinating stances for the the historic relations and the tarians and the boosting of par- benefit of Qatar, Iraq and the kinship that binds them. The liamentary diplomacy.

Qatar condemns Uruguay team learns about bombing in Tikrit Qatar’s experience in teaching DOHA: The State of Qatar has strongly students with special needs condemned the explosion which took place in the centre of Tikrit, northern QNA Iraq, resulting in deaths and injuries. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s firm position DOHA: An educational delegation from the Oriental on rejecting violence and terrorism, Republic of the Uruguay is currently visiting Doha to learn regardless of motives and reasons. about the experience of the State of Qatar in the integration The statement affirmed Qatar’s sol- and teaching of students with learning disabilities and idarity with the Iraqi government and people with special needs in various categories. its support for any measures taken to The visit also represents an opportunity to inform the preserve security. The statement concerned authorities at the Ministry of Education and expressed the condolences of Qatar to Higher Education of the experience of Uruguay in the men- the families of the victims, the gov- tioned educational fields and the services available within ernment and people of Iraq, wishing the it. A meeting between the delegation and Assistant Under- injured a speedy recovery. secretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Edu- cation and Higher Education, Fawzia Al Khater offered a presentation on the mechanism of the integration in the Qatar ﬂays attack in public schools in Qatar and the services provided, in addition to the role of the Special Education and Gifted India’s Punjab state Education Department in the Ministry in this regard. Al Khater said that the Ministry of Education and Higher DOHA: The State of Qatar has strongly Education will organise in the future a number of visits to condemned the explosion which targeted countries with excellent educational experience, noting a gathering of a religious community in that a team from the Special Education and Gifted Edu- Punjab State in northwestern India, cation Department recently visited Finland and Sweden resulting in deaths and injuries. to learn about their experience in the integration process. In a statement issued yesterday, the For his part, the Ambassador of Uruguay to Qatar, Dr Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Jorge Antonio Sere Sturzenegger, extended thanks to Qatar Qatar’s firm position on rejecting violence for receiving his country’s educational delegation, headed and terrorism, regardless of motives and by Director of the National Education Department of the reasons. The statement expressed the Ministry of Education and Culture of Uruguay. He praised condolences of Qatar to the families of the great support offered by Qatar under the leadership of the victims, the government and people Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to education of India, wishing the injured a speedy for all citizens and residents, especially the interest in edu- recovery. cating the student with special needs and integrating them. 04 HOME MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 Qatar pledges $30m to GFF Deputy PM and FM meets Speaker of Iraqi Parliament THE PENINSULA The Qatari pledge came for Development’s strategy during the participation focuses on achieving sustainable DOHA: The State of Qatar has of the State of and comprehensive development pledged, $30m through the Qatar Qatar in the Global through project financing in Fund for Development (QFFD), Financing Facility human development, especially to contribute to the Global (GFF) replenishment in the health sector. This is in line Financing Facility (GFF), to with the objective of the Global contribute to the Fund’s program conference held in Oslo Financing Facility to achieve Sus- to support the health and nutrition on November 6. tainable Development Goal of women, children and adoles- number 3 by 2030.” cents for the next five years. He added: “GFF represents a Mariam Claeson, Director of The Qatari pledge came unique platform to address global the Global Financing Facility, said: during the participation of the health challenges and secure “Today we are on the cusp of State of Qatar in the Global additional funding for health and transformative change in global Financing Facility (GFF) replen- nutrition by blending grants with health when no woman, child or ishment conference held in Oslo the World Bank’s IDA and IBRD adolescent will be left behind. The on November 6 with a delegation financing.” generous contribution of the gov- headed by Minister of State for Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, ernment of Qatar will support the Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin Director General of QFFD said: GFF partnership to help countries Saad Al Muraikhi. “This contribution in line with the to transform the futures of their During his speech, H E Sultan State of Qatar’s principles under people by embedding the prior- bin Saad Al Muraikhi said: the leadership of Amir H H Sheikh itization of health culturally, polit- “Through its partnership with Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in ically and financially. Sup- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al GFF, the Qatar Fund For Devel- helping the needy and vulnerable porting leaders around the Thani met yesterday with Speaker of Iraqi Council of Representatives, Mohamed Al Halboosi, and opment aims at contributing populations around the world and world to make these changes is effectively to the global strategy focusing on the development of vital and we are thrilled today his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their visit to Qatar. The meeting dealt with bilateral for women’s, children’s and ado- their countries.” to have the support of Qatar to relations and means of developing them in addition to topics of mutual interest. lescents’ heath.” He added: “The Qatar Fund make this vision a reality,”

Ooredoo serves as Gold MoI marks road traffic victims day Sponsor for QCB’s 5th SIDI MOHAMED Dr. Mohammed Bin Hamad Al tops the list globally, reaching 24 THE PENINSULA Thani, Director of the Public Health cases per 100,000 people. Information Security Conference Department at the Ministry of Brigadier Mohammed DOHA: The General Directorate Public Health, pointed out that the Abdullah Al Maliki, Secretary of the THE PENINSULA of Traffic yesterday commemo- State has paid great attention to National Traffic Safety Committee, rated the World Day of Remem- providing safety for all road users. pointed out that the aim of com- brance for Road Traffic Victims “Therefore, the National Strategy memorating the victims of road DOHA: Ooredoo, the region’s (WDR) under the slogan ‘Roads for Traffic Safety was launched and accidents was to demonstrate our leading enabler of digital Have Stories’. all governmental and non-govern- determination and strength to business innovation, The event was held at the mental sectors participated in avoid repeating these painful trag- announced yesterday that it is General Directorate of Traffic efforts to reduce the road accident edies, and to work with all force to serving as the Gold Sponsor for Auditorium in the participation of mortality rate in 2017 by 75% lower reduce road accidents that cause Qatar Central Bank’s 5th Infor- a number of entities such as the Major General Mohamed Saad than that of 2006.” casualties, through the developing mation Security Conference for National Traffic Safety Committee, Al Kharji Rashid Taleb Al Nabit, plans and programs that achieve the Financial Sector, which the Ministry of Public Health, the Assistant Undersecretary for Land security and safety for road users started yesterday and ends Ministry of Transport and Com- resulting from these accidents. Transport at Ministry of Transport and pedestrians. today. munications and Qatar Transpor- Besides that, the efforts of the police, & Communications, said that Dr. Hassan Al Thani, the Head Held under the patronage Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin tation and Traffic Safety Center at ambulance, civil defense, and others traffic accidents are transconti- of Trauma and Vascular Surgery of Prime Minister and Interior Nasser Al Thani, Chief Business Qatar University took part in the who lost their lives to prevent the nental to all countries of the world at Hamad Medical Corporation Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah Officer at Ooredoo Qatar, event. Major General Mohamed recurrence of such incidents have and are in a steady increase (HMC), said that the accident bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, speaking at the ISFS. Saad Al Kharji, Director General of to be appreciated as well.” despite the efforts exerted by database in Qatar shows that the Information Security Con- Traffic and Vice Chairman of the Al Kharji stressed that the countries to reduce them. more than 2000 people suffer ference for the Financial Sector NTSC, said: “We must remember danger caused by road accidents He pointed out that the sta- from injuries, most of them due aims to create, manage, and (DDoS) mitigation suite, and the millions of victims of road acci- led the United Nations to adopt tistics indicate that the GCC coun- to traffic accidents. protect information flows also BlackBerry Enterprise dents in the world and the suffering collective international action tries loose more than $19bn a year On the sidelines of the World across financial services. Mobility Suite enabling cus- of their families and friends, in aimed at reducing the seriousness as a result of traffic accidents on Day of Remembrance for Road As Gold Sponsor, Ooredoo tomers to secure smart addition to the great loss of eco- of the situation, under Global Plan the road, which is equivalent to Accident Victims, an awareness is showcasing how its digital devices. In addition, the latest nomic resources due to the big eco- for the Decade of Action for Road 3.7percent of the total losses glo- exhibition was opened at General solutions enable secure digital Data Centre solutions such as nomic cost of treating injuries Safety 2011-2020. bally, and that the mortality rate Directorate of Traffic. transformation for the financial Disaster Recovery and data and public sectors, and protect back-up that enable business critical national infrastructure. continuity are also Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, demonstrated. Zakat Fund Chief Operating Officer, Al Kubaisi added: “Qatar’s provides QR22m MOTC conducts survey to update Ooredoo, said: “We’re dedi- public and financial sectors are at cated to combining global the front line of fending off cyber- assistance security and data protection attacks. At the Information Transport Masterplan of Qatar innovations with local Security Conference for the in October expertise to provide a safe Financial Sector, we will exchange THE PENINSULA In addition, the MOTC is still cooperate with the staff and inter- environment for Qatar best practices in preventing conducting a range of question- viewers of the consulting company National Vision 2030’s cyber-threats and highlight how THE PENINSULA DOHA: The Ministry of Transport naires and surveys on members assigned by the Ministry to conduct nationwide digital transfor- we provide the safest and secure and Communications (MOTC) is of the public, including house- the surveys, and participate in its mation. The Information network and solutions that can DOHA: The Zakat Fund of carrying out a Field Survey holds, parking users, public countrywide field survey program. Security Conference for the ensure business continuity and the Ministry of Awqaf and Program that started in Year 2017 transport passengers, pedestrians Data obtained from the Financial Sector provides an data management.” Islamic Affairs has and will continue until the end of and cyclists, airport passengers, surveys will assist MOTC in ideal platform to showcase our During the conference, extended assistance worth year 2019, throughout the country hotel guests and traffic counts to further development and update portfolio of Qatar’s leading Ooredoo’s senior executives over QR22m during last to update the Transport understand the travel behavior of of the TMPQ, taking into the cloud-based managed security presented and shared thought October to the beneficiaries Masterplan of Qatar (TMPQ). the people of Qatar and their people of Qatar’s aspirations in solutions and services running leadership and case studies on of the families registered In the coming period, the ‘activity-based travel trips’ over a the development and moderni- on our Qatar Data Centre.” security challenges and oppor- with it. Ministry will start collecting data period of time. Questions will zation of land transport plans. Visitors to the Ooredoo tunities. Ooredoo speakers The Fund provided through roadside interviews. The include the timing and locations It is worth noting that strict stand can experience the included Sheikh Nasser bin QR22,778,514 in October, Ministry, in cooperation with the of activities, transport mode, and privacy provisions will apply. All Ooredoo’s portfolio of infor- Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani, including cyclical assistance, Traffic Department of MOI, are whether people were able to information, whether related to mation security services, Chief Business Officer; and one-time aid, tuition fees, installing roadside stations to perform any activity at home or personal identity or travel and including Cloud Email Sachin Singh, Senior Manager, and treatment. This was paid facilitate conducting surveys with not. Accordingly, the Ministry activities, will remain Security, Cloud Web Security, Security Product for those entitled to in road commuters. invites all citizens and residents to confidential. Distributed Denial of Service Development. accordance with the Shariah regulations. It pointed out that it provided QR 10,971,612 as cyclical assistance to eligible Qatar elected next President of families, QR 2,992,593 as onetime aid to those in specific needs, and QR Global Public Diplomacy Network 8,397,246 for those in fam- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ilies eligible for assistance and educational institutes with best who have students enrolled content and ideas and help in the in different education stages, Giving a presentation on Katara delivery of projects and programmes. as well as QR 388,662 for projects, Darwish S Ahmad, Director of It also works in partnership with several patients who are eligible for Marketing and Cultural Affairs at Katara international organisations such as assistance in cooperation said that Katara has an experienced Unesco, Isesco and Alliance of Civiliza- with Hamad Medical Corpo- team, 50 percent of whom are nationals, tions. “As a member, we have only one ration, along with QR 22,400 who are experts in culture and tradi- year experience with GPDNet, and we in other assistance to tions and capable of engaging with the are capable of taking it to further families. young generation as well as new heights,” said Darwish Ahmed. Zakat donors can pay technologies. “Qatar hosts expatriates from about their Zakat through 30 Katara held 572 events last year in 151 nationalities. Public diplomacy will offices spread throughout diverse areas such as culture, tradition, help us reach out to the world, and to the country. They can also education, diplomacy including major different communities. We can benefit Representatives from eight countries with Darwish S Ahmad, Director of Marketing make their Zakat through international events. and contribute a lot by working together and Director of Cultural Affairs at the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet), the ATMs of Masraf Al Rayan Katara is one of the top five in the with other members of GPD Net,” at its ﬁfth General Assembly held at Katara yesterday. and Qatar Islamic Bank, country in the field of Corporate Social Darwish told media. which are spread throughout Responsibility. The GPDnet, founded in 2014 aims experience between member countries projects among cultural and public the country’s vital areas. It supports ministries and cultural to enable exchange of knowledge and and establish bilateral or multilateral diplomacy institutions around the world. MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 HOME 05 Qatar University launches Artificial Intelligence National Competition

THE PENINSULA solution and demos. In his comment, CENG Dean Prof DOHA: Qatar University College Abdelmagid Hammuda said, of Engineering (QU-CENG) “The competition will recognize launched the Artificial Intelligence the developers who are paving National Competition (AINC) that the path for future innovative AI is challenging students, devel- technologies which can be FROM LEFT: Dr Khlood Al Mutawaa, Consultant, Public Health, Head of Non-Communicable Disease opers, professionals and deployed to support infra- at MoPH; Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al Thani, Director of Public Health Department at the Ministry of researchers to develop and structure and address challenges Public Health; and Dr Amani Al Khatim, Specialist Physician, during a press conference to announce demonstrate how humans can in Qatar 2022 World Cup”. the latest ﬁndings of tobacco control survey held at the Ministry of Public Health yesterday. collaborate with powerful Arti- “The ideas and solutions will be PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA ficial Intelligence (AI) technologies evaluated based on innovation, to tackle some challenges and QU-CENG Dean Prof Abdelmagid complexity and feasibility for imple- relevant problems related to 2022 Hammuda. mentation and cost,” he added. FIFA World Cup Qatar. On the benefits of partici- Survey finds more youth This competition is also an March 15, 2019. The competition pating, CENG Associate Dean for opportunity to raise awareness consists of two levels and partic- Research and Graduate Studies of AI technology in Qatar and pro- ipants are required to submit Prof Abbes Amira said, “The top quitting smoking in Qatar vides a platform for participants either a “Concept & Design” or three ideas for both competition to share AI ideas and “Proof of Concept & Demo”. options will each receive prizes FAZEENA SALEEM applications. Only one submission will be plus an opportunity to present THE PENINSULA He also said that once the products. It reveals that 6.6% of AI national competition considered later in the evaluation the idea and present demos at an tax on tobacco products is students smoked cigarettes, began accepting submissions stage and it is encouraged that AI workshop taking place on increased it will become harder while 4.5% used smokeless from yesterday (November 18, participants register early in April 15, 2019 at Qatar University, DOHA: In a positive devel- for the youth to get the products tobacco. 2018) and will continue until order to plan and build their College of Engineering.” opment, habit of smoking has as the prices become high. Also The survey has also indi- reduced among the youth in with more inspections the shops cated that quitting rate is less Qatar according to the latest will be under steady than previous years. According Global Youth Tobacco Survey surveillance. to the law in Qatar tobacco can (GYTS). The survey has revealed GYTS, a component of the be sold to only to those above General Authority for Minors Affairs that 12.1% of youth from ages 13 Global Tobacco Surveillance the age of 18. But Among the to 15 years smoke tobacco in system (GTSS), is a global respondents to the survey 69.1% honours 550 outstanding students Qatar. The prevalence of standard for systematically cigarette smokers who tried to QNA smoking among youth in Qatar monitoring youth tobacco use buy cigarettes were not pre- developing their abilities to be integration with government was 15 % in 2013 and 17.9% in (smoking and smokeless) and vented from buying them active members in advancing the agencies in the country, which 2007. It was 20% in 2004. “We tracking key tobacco control because of their age. DOHA: Under the patronage of development of the country. ensures the speed and confiden- are working harder to reduce indicators. “We have regular inspec- the Prime Minister and Interior Al Nuaimi pointed to the tiality of the exchange of infor- the prevalence of smoking. We GYTS was conducted in tions at the shops but they won’t Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Authority’s continuous efforts to mation related to sponsors which are looking to see a 90 percent Qatar this year by the Ministry of be able to reach all the super- Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the improve the level of services currently exceed 4,000 minors. non smoking population,” said Public Health (MoPH). A total of markets and small shops regu- General Authority for Minors offered to whom under its aus- He said that they are working Dr Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad 2,328 Qatari and non Qatari stu- larly. Although, the minimum Affairs (GAMA) has honoured 550 pices and their families as the on building an electronic financial Al Thani, Director of Public dents in grades 7 to 9 responded age to get tobacco products is 18 outstanding students under its transition strategy adopted for the model, to monitor the funds of the Health Department at MoPH to the survey, of which 1,608 but some people get it through care at a ceremony held at the period 2016 to 2021 which aims minor and his property, follow up, addressing a press conference were aged 13 -15 years. illegal practices as some of the Qatar National Convention to developing and modernising provide information about it , as yesterday. Dr Kholod Al Mutawa, Con- small shop still keep selling it,” Centre. the working methods and to ensure the minor can track the “The Public Health sultant Public Health, Head of said Dr Elkhathatim. The Chairman of GAMA, Saad focusing on enhancing the role of movement of his money until he Department is committed to Non Communicable Diseases, “Any violation to the law can Nahar Al Nuaimi thanked Prime technology in facilitating the reaches the age of majority. continue reduce the smoking MoPH and Dr Amani Elkhat- be reported the hotline 50302001. Minister and Interior Minister for services for all who deals with it, On community partnerships, habit among youth, encourage hatim, Specialist Physician, Non Anyone who sells tobacco patronising the honoring cer- as well as integrating with the Al Nuaimi said the organisation more youth to seek quitting Communicable Diseases also products to those below the age emony, and Minister of Awqaf unified government service is seeking through a “new section service, enhance family and explained about the trends of of 18 will have to go through the and Islamic Affairs for his support gateway. of community partnerships” to community support when it reflected by the survey. legal process,” she added. GYTS to the Authority. The Chairman of GAMA, build and partner with various comes to implementing the law Among the respondents to is conducted in every five years He stressed that this care pointed out that the project of institutions ensuring the provision and do more researches,” he the survey, 15.7 % of boys and and it was held for the fourth time reflects the keenness of of Qatar technological transformation of social, educational and health added. 8.7% of girls use any tobacco in Qatar this year. for all segments of society by works to achieve electronic services to their children. 06 HOME MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 Stars of Science ‘battle of four’ begins THE PENINSULA Conducting market brain through the eyes, pro- research on new viding medical practitioners DOHA: The final six innovators products from with vital data and information on Season 10 of Stars of Science, that could protect people from Qatar’s Foundation’s potential users, the risk of recurring strokes. edutainment TV show, took buyers, and experts is Meanwhile, Salim’s inno- their place in the hot-seat once a crucial piece of the vation, ‘Safe Frankincense again during its two customer Varnish for Artists’, is proving validation episodes. innovation puzzle and to be an exciting and creative Conducting market research has been the focus addition to this season. The on new products from potential of the show’s most environmentally-friendly users, buyers, and experts is a recent two episodes. natural paint is made from crucial piece of the innovation Omani Frankincense and has puzzle and has been the focus demonstrated its capacity to be of the show’s most recent two Performance Patch System’, an organic, cost-effective ‘Parkinson’s Early Detection is intended for families to use ends on Thursday, November episodes. Four finalists have impressed athletes and practi- solution. Kit’, uses novel antibodies taken and aims to safeguard people’s 22 at 9am GMT. now landed a spot in the Grand tioners, but fell short of winning The three female innovators from blood samples to detect privacy. For a full broadcast guide to Final, where they will stop at the experts’ votes. vigorously defended their inno- early stages of the disease. The The public’s say will make Stars of Science Season 10, visit nothing to take home the Stars With the finishing line in vations during the second cus- innovation can help patients all the difference in the www.starsofscience.com of Science trophy – and voting sight, neurosurgeon Walid and tomer validation episode. Sadly, seek medical advice as early as upcoming Grand Final as voters, And if you believe you have has now started. artist Salim celebrated their the show had to bid farewell to possible and benefit from early along with the jury, decide the what it takes to be successful The first customer vali- customer validation victory. Rooda Al Qebaisi and her inno- detection. Sylia’s project, the winner of Stars of Science on Stars of Science Season 11, dation episode featured the all- Walid’s innovation, the ‘Neu- vation, ‘Dynamic VIP Seating ‘Home Privacy Drone Blocker’, Season 10 in the next and final the show is accepting applica- male team of Abdallah Al rovascular Retina Analyzer’ is Manager’, while Noor Majbour effectively and precisely detects episode - and change the future tions for its next season until the Sairafi, Walid Al Banna, and a time-efficient, non-intrusive and Sylia Khecheni advanced intruding drones and blocks of the region’s top innovators. end of December 2018. Visit Salim Al Kaabi. Abdallah’s inno- optical device, with its portable to the Grand Final. them from transmitting within Online voting is now open on www.starsofscience.info/ vation, the customizable ‘Sports scanner analyzing a patients’ Noor’s innovation, the just three seconds. The device www.starsofscience.com and applynow/sos.html to register.

PHCC warns Georgetown announces of the dangers of poor oral disaster management hygiene degree info session THE PENINSULA DOHA: In efforts to raise awareness on the importance of oral health and its impact, DOHA: Knowing how to handle Primary Health Care Corpo- an emergency or disaster situ- ration’s (PHCC) Department ation is critical for the success of Oral and Dental Health, of every organization. launched ‘Asnani School Oral Addressing this need, Geor- Health Program’. getown University is presenting This new program is a an information session about replacement of a previous one their unique one-year disaster The “Rhizomes” exhibition featuring art pieces depicting pain and the effects of war at Art Gallery. and is designed to decrease management master’s degree the prevalence of dental caries for working professionals today suffered by up to 89% of at 7pm at the Marriott Marquis school children in Qatar. City Center Hotel in Doha. QU alumni and current staff member Asnani program, has been Offered by Georgetown’s implemented in schools from School of Continuing Studies, November 2018, and is led by the International Executive Dr Tim Frazier. creates art gallery titled ‘Rhizomes’ Najat Alyafei, the Head of the Master’s in Emergency and Dis- Preventative Oral Health aster Management (IEDM) THE PENINSULA Ahmed Al Emadi, Dean of the Commenting on her work Services at PHCC as well as the program helps the next gener- thinking and problem-solving College of Education and the and the name “Rhizomes” Amna Asnani School Oral Health ation of global leaders prepare abilities in order to assess the DOHA: Media Chapter in Qatar Qatari cartoonist Abdulaziz says, “This label emerged from Program Manager. The Asnani for and respond to a wide situation and deploy responses University’s Alumni Association Sadeq. my belief that roots are always Program is a five-year plan to variety of natural, techno- under stress and in times of creates the art exhibition The exhibition was notably able to connect what, to us on cover 130,000 students in logical, and man-made dis- uncertainty, and go on to serve entitled “Rhizomes,” which attended by a number of QU the surface, seems divided. I was governmental schools. asters. The information session in important leadership roles showcases a compilation of art alumni, staff and faculty, as well looking for my roots and I found Najat Alyafei commented, will provide insights about the in this field,” said Dr Tim by artist Amna Abdulkarim, a as guests from outside the uni- them intertwined deep in pain. “Everyone should be aware of program’s on-site residences Frazier, faculty director, graduate of QU who is currently versity, including a handful of For me, that was the pain of war, the consequences of not around the world, curriculum, Georgetown. working as a Media Relations Qatari artists, a delegation from although I did not experience it taking good care of their oral requirements, fees, career The November 19 infor- Specialist at QU. the Ministry of Youth and Sports, first-hand because I do not live hygiene. Poor oral health can outlook, and more. mation session is open to the The focus of the gallery is and exchange students from in my country Syria, I lived it lead to dental caries and gin- Next year’s cohort will be public and no reservations are the depiction of war and its Korean universities. through my heart.” gival inflammation to teeth the third group of students to required, but visitors are after-effects. The art exhibition comprised she added: “ I thought I was loss, so to keep teeth life take this unique master’s encouraged to register online The exhibition was officially of 17 pieces that depict pain of the spared the harms of war, but longer, it is important that degree, joining a diverse group through the Georgetown School opened by Dr. Darwish Al- contemporary human being and when I was drawing, I looked everyone takes oral hygiene of professionals from fields of Continuing Studies website. Emadi, QU’s Chief Strategy & the effects of war, but also how closer and saw the wounds in into consideration, along with such as medicine, human and The application deadline for the Development Officer; Mohamed hope and love emerge from this my paintings, which looked like regular dental check-ups social services, military, IEDM degree fall term is May 1, Al-Mohannadi, Director of Out- destruction. The artist, Amna, explosions. I realize now that which can help to avoid dental humanitarian aid, first 2019. Interested applicants can reach and Engagement; Nasser used a number of techniques to geography can be an illusion, health issues and keep response, and all levels of gov- learn more about the program Al-Marri, Director of Commu- carry out her work including lead, proximity is not necessarily harmful bacteria under ernment. “Graduates of our on the website: https://scs.geor- nications & Public Relations; Dr. ink, and metallic watercolor. measured by distance.” control.” program gain strong critical getown.edu/iedm. MEA Grand Master from Qatar now LG Global No. 1 THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Joby Davis, a technician at Jumbo Electronics who specializes in home entertainment products recently won a Gold Medal at the 1st ever LG Global Skill Olympics that was held in the republic of South Korea from November 6 to 9. The competition brought together the best technicians from all of LG’s regional offices in the world to test their technical knowledge and skills of LG products. Previously, Davis won the ‘Grand Master’ title for premium products at the 8th LG MEA Service Skill Olympiad in October after fiercely competing amongst his peers from other countries Joby Davis (fourth right) posing for a group photo with officials after winning in the Middle East and Africa region. a Gold Medal. There, apart from the Skill Olympiad he also visited LG’s research center at the LG Twin Towers in Seoul and also a “Joby’s achievement at the international workshops and skill upgradation pro- La Villa Restaurant sightseeing tour of the city to experience level serves as a testimony to some of grams for its technicians and also par- Korean culture. the fine talents that come to Qatar and ticipates in similar competitions in the The team at La Villa Restaurant (12th ﬂoor) at Mercure Hotel is geared up Joby Davis on returning to Qatar was Jumbo Electronics a leader in the elec- region organized by various brands. to give you a most unique experience with the panoramic view of Msheireb felicitated by Video Home & Electronic tronics retail space is proud to attract These trainings equip the service tech- Downtown. Lunch daily from 1 pm onwards. You can enjoy a crunchy, chunky, Center’s Vice Chairman & Managing such good talents.” said CV Rappai. nicians with the latest technical crispy and spicy platter of appetizer for just QR20. A wide selection is available Director, Sajed Jassim Mohammed Video Home & Electronic Center knowhow which enables them to on the A La Carte menu. Sulaiman, and Director & CEO CV Rappai with one of the largest service centers address any product complaint along with other company officials. in Qatar regularly undertakes training promptly. MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 HOME 07 HMC urges elderly residents to get influenza vaccine

THE PENINSULA change and the cooler winter safe for most people, but he rec- The most common side months move in, we see an ommends elderly residents who effect of the ﬂu shot DOHA: Physicians at Hamad increase in the number of have existing medical conditions is arm soreness, and Medical Corporation (HMC) and patients with the common cold, talk to their doctor before getting sometimes redness the Primary Health Care Corpo- influenza, and other viral infec- the vaccine. He adds that most ration (PHCC) are cautioning tions of the respiratory tract. As healthy adults will not experience at the injection site. elderly residents who have not people age, they are at higher risk any side effects from the vaccine. People do however yet received the influenza of complications from influenza “The most common side sometimes report vaccine that they may be at and for this reason, it is strongly effect of the flu shot is arm higher risk of complications from recommended that those aged soreness, and sometimes redness body aches, fever, or a flu. 65 years and above get the at the injection site. People do cough. Dr Mahmoud Ahmed Refaee, influenza vaccine,” said Dr however sometimes report body a Geriatric Medicine Specialist at Rafaee. Dr Mahmoud Ahmed Refaee, aches, fever, or a cough. For most HMC, said the influenza vaccine, He added that elderly resi- Geriatric Medicine Specialist people, these symptoms will dis- reduce the spread of the infec- or flu shot, has been available in dents who contract the flu are at HMC. appear after 24 hours,” said Dr tious disease and can save lives. older adults, because they may Qatar since October. He said the especially vulnerable to compli- Rafaee. According to Dr Elawad, be at increased risk of falls, influenza vaccine is recom- cations and may be more suscep- Dr Khalid Elawad, Health while both the common cold and injuries, and complications. mended for senior’s age 65 years tible to pneumonia and the wors- as soon as possible. Dr Rafaee Protection Manager, with PHCC, the flu generally impact the res- The flu vaccination is free of and above, adding it is a safe and ening of existing chronic medical said it takes about two weeks to said the Ministry of Public Health, piratory system and produce charge to all residents of Qatar effective way to help stay healthy, conditions like congestive heart build immunity to the influenza HMC, and PHCC, have joined many of the same symptoms, and is available at all PHCC prevent illness, and even save failure, asthma, and diabetes. virus and says immunity typically forces to launch a national they are caused by different Health Centers, some private lives. For the best protection, it is lasts through the flu season. influenza vaccination campaign viruses. He says the flu can be health facilities, and government “As the weather begins to advisable to get the flu vaccine Dr Rafaee said the flu shot is because the vaccination does very dangerous, particularly for facilities.

UCL Qatar students win international award THE PENINSULA campus in 2014 and the award Higher Education of the State of to the two UCL Qatar projects, Qatar. The team involved, which DOHA: Students from UCL initially won in 2017, has includes students from Qatar, Qatar (University College recently been renewed for the Ghana, Canada and Zambia, London Qatar) have won top academic year 2018-19. now plans to extend the project awards for their submissions to The initiative invites the tens to more unaccredited schools in the global UCL ‘ChangeMakers’ of thousands of UCL students Qatar, ensuring their libraries scheme. The recognition has from all over the world to put are up to the required standards come for projects that are forward ideas for how to improve needed for accreditation. improving the academic and the learning experience at UCL Students on UCL Qatar’s education landscape in Qatar. and the local and international Museum and Gallery Practice The ChageMakers evalu- communities the university programme won the second ation team in the UK singled out touches through its courses. award for their “Make our two winning initiatives in Qatar. Master’s students on UCL Research Visible” project. The The first is a project to maximise Qatar’s Library and Information purpose of the project is to the benefits of libraries for Studies programme were rec- develop a strong museums and Qatar’s schoolchildren and ognised for partnering with a cultural heritage academic com- teachers in unaccredited non-accredited Doha-based munity in Qatar, the wider GCC schools, with the final aim of school to introduce reforms to and beyond by create a learning Officials at Qatar Charity’s pavilion at the 3rd International NGO Fair in Istanbul. helping the schools obtain full ensure its library is fully com- and research forum for students, accreditation. pliant with the Qatar National staff and alumni. The second project is School Accreditation (QNSA) Describing UCL Qatar’s designed to encourage the cre- standards, to help the school involvement in the Change- Qatar Charity participates in 3rd ation of a wider community of move a step forward in the Makers programme, Sam Evans, academics and staff in the cul- process of obtaining full Director of UCL Qatar, said, tural heritage field, by raising accreditation. “This is an international scheme, International NGO Fair in Istanbul the profile of the research work The educational benefits of open to tens of thousands of stu- being produced in the country. the reforms being suggested to dents – so winning these awards THE PENINSULA ating in the world. ident of the Union. The ChangeMakers initiative the schools will be shared with is a huge achievement! Congrat- This will contribute to unify Ahmet Selim Köroğlu, chief was launched by UCL’s main the Ministry of Education and ulations to all involved.” DOHA: Qatar Charity partici- and organise the humanitarian advisor to Turkish President pated in the 3rd International effort in order to alleviate the Recep Tayyip Erdogan, opened NGO Fair, which was held in severe suffering of the peoples the Third International NGO Fair Istanbul on November 17 and 18 in the world and upgrade the on Saturday. He welcomed the and attended by 170 organiza- humanitarian roles. QC’s pavilion participants and stressed that it tions from 40 countries. has provided information on the would contribute to enhancing QC’s participation, through humanitarian roles played by the cooperation, coordination and its pavilion at the fair, reflected philanthropists and benefactors building humanitarian partner- a bright picture of the humani- from Qatar. It has also given ships with the organizations tarian role played by Qatar, said information on the outstanding operating in the world. a release. The pavilion also dis- efforts made by Qatar Charity in The two-day exhibition, tributed QC’s publications in partnership with international which concluded yesterday, Arabic and English to visitors, organizations. included several workshops, and presented a video clip on A great number of people training sessions, and capacity QC’s different achievements and visited QC’s pavilion at the fair building of the participating activities across the globe. to know its humanitarian activ- organizations. Qatar Charity, through its ities across the world. The The Union of NGOs of the participation in the fair, which pavilion was also visited by Ali Islamic World was established is the second of its kind, aims to Kurt, President of the Union of in Turkey in 2005, and to date, strengthen its relationship with NGOs, Hussein Tauran, a it has 312 NGO members from the various organizations oper- Turkish MP and former Pres- 63 countries.

Seventh Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy to take place this month THE PENINSULA workforce that can create a “We look forward to co- sustainable future for the hosting the Qatar University DOHA: The Qatar University country. ExxonMobil Teachers Academy ExxonMobil Teachers Academy More than 55 teachers are later this month with our is due to take place in Doha later expected to take part in this partner ExxonMobil Qatar,” said this month. year’s program. Around 40 of Ahmed Al Emadi, Dean of Qatar Now in its seventh year, the these teachers are grade 7-9 University’s College of Edu- academy was established in math and science teachers from cation. “The academy has suc- 2012 by ExxonMobil Qatar and Qatar’s government schools; 10 cessfully produced well-pre- Qatar University’s National are Teach For Qatar (TFQ) pared teachers who are pas- Center for Educator Devel- fellows, and the remaining are sionate about their subjects, opment. In collaboration with representatives from the Min- have a positive attitude and who the Ministry of Education and istry of Education and Higher teach effectively. As a result, we Higher Education, it provides Education. have students who are pas- science and math teachers from All participating teachers sionate about science and math, Qatar’s government schools have been carefully selected by and who understand the ben- with an opportunity to acquire Qatar University (QU), TFQ and efits and opportunities that new teaching strategies and the Ministry of Education and working in science-related sub- improve their skills. Higher Education, and are jects can bring to their futures The academy also helps strong, effective and dedicated and to their communities,” he teachers to inspire students so individuals who are committed added. that they’re motivated to study to providing students with the “The Qatar University Exx- math, science, technology, and highest possible quality onMobil Teachers Academy is engineering (STEM) subjects at education. our leading education program school and get them excited By the end of this year’s thanks to our partnership with about the prospect of pursuing academy, more than 310 Qatar University, and the con- careers in STEM fields. In doing teachers would have taken part tinuous support of the Ministry so, the Qatar ExxonMobil in the program. These teachers of Education and Higher Edu- Teachers Academy is directly are expected to reach and cation,” said Alistair Routledge, supporting national efforts engage over 13,000 students President and General Manager towards preparing a capable through their classrooms. for ExxonMobil Qatar. 08 HOME MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Washington Post: Trump defending Bin Salman’s ‘lies’ ANATOLIA “Now we learn that both parties have spoken up in that would cover Mohammed Mr. Trump backed the rejection of the Saudi cover-up bin Salman. The bill would also CIA assessment ISTANBUL: The Trump admin- Saudi leader despite a and the administration’s suspend most US arms sales and premature but istration is helping Saudi Arabia’s conclusion by the CIA response, the article said. deliveries to Saudi Arabia until Crown Prince Mohammed bin “Three Republican senators it ‘honored a complete cessation Salman, who is “brazenly seeking that the prince was, in — Lindsay O. Graham (S.C.), of hostilities in the Yemen war’ possible: Trump to lie his way out of accounta- fact, responsible for Todd C. Young (Ind.) and Susan and stopped interfering with REUTERS bility” for the killing of Saudi jour- ordering Khashoggi’s Collins (Maine) — have joined deliveries of humanitarian aid.” nalist Jamal Khashoggi at the assassination,” The three Democrats, including The Post wrote that Foreign Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Robert Menendez (N.J.), the Relations Committee Chairman WASHINGTON: President Donald according to the Washington Post. Washington Post ranking minority member of the Bob Corker is “giving Mr. Trump Trump called a CIA assessment In an unsigned editorial yes- editorial said. Senate Foreign Relations Com- a chance to tell the truth about blaming Saudi Crown Prince terday, the paper’s editorial mittee, to back legislation that Mohammed bin Salman and Mohammed bin Salman for the board wrote: “On Thursday, a Donal Trump would require the adminis- adjust his policies accordingly, killing of Saudi journalist Jamal state prosecutor in Riyadh tration to sanction within 30 a correction that is essential to Khashoggi “very premature” and advanced an account of the the “kill team” as well as the perhaps because that would days ‘any official of the gov- a rational and workable US said he will receive a complete killing blatantly at odds with Saudi ambassador in mean acknowledging that the ernment of Saudi Arabia or strategy in the Middle East.” report on the case tomorrow. established facts, excusing the Washington. White House’s outsize bet on the member of the royal family’ tied “If the White House instead Trump, on a trip to California, crown prince from all blame. “Mr. Trump nevertheless has 33-year-old prince as a strategic to the Khashoggi murder by continues to abet the crown prince said the killing “should never have “Rather than reject this con- refused to accept Mohammed ally was badly mistaken.” ‘credible evidence.’ in his lies,” the Post said Congress happened.” The report on Tuesday temptible cover-up, President bin Salman’s responsibility, A number of legislators from “Given the CIA conclusion, must act “swiftly and decisively.” will explain who the US gov- Trump, who had pledged to ‘get to ernment believes killed Khashoggi the bottom’ of the case, went along and what the overall impact of his with it.”The editorial said the US murder is, Trump said. It was Treasury Department “imposed Trump on Khashoggi death tape: ‘No reason for me to hear it’ unclear who is producing the sanctions on 17 mostly low-level report. suspects already implicated by the AP reason for me to hear it,” Trump said in the there continue to be questions about what Trump also said the CIA Saudis, while excusing both interview with “Fox News Sunday.” ‘’I know role he played. Trump noted to “Fox News finding that bin Salman was Mohammed bin Salman and top WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump everything that went on in the tape without Sunday” that the crown prince has responsible for the killing was intelligence officials.” said there is no reason for him to listen to having to hear it.” repeatedly denied being involved in the “possible.” “Now we learn that Mr. a recording of the “very violent, very On Saturday, Trump said his adminis- killing inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Trump made the remarks Trump backed the Saudi leader vicious” killing of Saudi journalist Jamal tration will “be having a very full report “Will anybody really know?” Trump hours after the State Department despite a conclusion by the CIA Khashoggi, which has put him in a diplo- over the next two days, probably Monday asked. “At the same time, we do have an said the government was still that the prince was, in fact, matic bind: how to admonish Riyadh for or Tuesday.” He said the report will include ally, and I want to stick with an ally that in working on determining respon- responsible for ordering the slaying yet maintain strong ties with a “who did it.” It was unclear if the report many ways has been very good.” sibility for the death of Khashoggi, Khashoggi’s assassination,” it close ally. would be made public. A Republican member of the Senate a US-based Washington Post added, referring to a leaked Trump, in an interview that aired yes- American intelligence agencies have intelligence committee said that so far, there columnist. intelligence assessment reported terday, made clear that the audio recording, concluded that the crown prince ordered is no “smoking gun” linking the crown “Recent reports indicating that last week by the Post. supplied by the Turkish government, would the killing in the Saudi Consulate in Turkey, prince to the killing. Sen. Roy Blunt of Mis- the US government has made a The Post reported that intel- not affect his response to the October 2 according to a U.S. official familiar with the souri, who has received a confidential intel- final conclusion are inaccurate,” ligence officials have “high con- killing of Khashoggi, a columnist for The assessment. The official was not authorized ligence briefing on the matter, told ABC that State Department spokeswoman fidence” in their assessment and Washington Post who had been critical of to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on “it’s hard to imagine” that the crown prince Heather Nauert said in a have briefed the president on the Saudi royal family. condition of anonymity. Others familiar with didn’t know about the killing, but he said, statement. “There remain their evidence, which includes “It’s a suffering tape, it’s a terrible tape. the case caution that while it’s likely the “I don’t know that we absolutely know that numerous unanswered questions an audio recording of the killing I’ve been fully briefed on it, there’s no crown prince was involved in the death, yet.” with respect to the murder of Mr. and phone calls by the leader of Khashoggi.”

Iran arrests four workers protesting Security situation not unpaid salaries good for polls: Netanyahu AP BLOOMBERG meeting with Finance Minister TEHRAN: Iran’s state-run Moshe Kahlon, who has urged Irna news agency is reporting TEL AVIV: Prime Minister him to go to early elections. that the country’s authorities Benjamin Netanyahu said Earlier in the day, Netanyahu have detained four workers yesterday Israel is facing one of announced a multimillion protesting not having been the most complex security chal- dollar program benefiting paid their salaries for months lenges since its founding and security and police veterans — in the southwestern province can’t afford to go to early elec- something that required an of Khuzestan. tions, making a last appeal to across-the-board cut from The report says that in keep his tottering government other ministries, and was seen recent days many people have intact. as bolstering the finance min- attended the demonstrations In a speech, Netanyahu ister’s popularity. at the Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane stressed his long security back- The crisis was triggered on Mill in solidarity with striking ground as he made the case for November 14 when Defence workers there. Irna quotes why he would keep the defense Minister Avigdor Liberman quit Khuzestan governor, portfolio in his own hands, after and pulled his Yisrael Beitenu Gholamreza Shariati as the defense minister’s resignation party’s five legislators out of the saying, “workers have rights, last week brought his gov- government, saying it wasn’t A member of the Yemeni pro-government forces walks through a destruction in an industrial district we are looking into their ernment to the brink of collapse. responding forcefully enough in the eastern outskirts of the port city of Hodeida, yesterday. issues and demands.” The The appeal appeared aimed at to rockets fired into Israel by factory is about half a century Education Minister Naftali Palestinian militants in Gaza. old and began seeing labor Bennett, who has threatened to That left Netanyahu with the problems when it was priva- withdraw his eight person Jewish support of just 61 members of Houthis mobilise to fight ahead of envoy visit tized almost 10 years ago. Home party — toppling the coa- the 120-seat parliament. AFP Iran is in the grip of an lition — if he’s not put in charge Netanyahu has managed city home to a vital port. — announced a pause in their economic crisis and has seen of defence. to paint himself as the Men, some of whom looked offensive last week amid interna- sporadic protests in recent “We are in one of the most mature adult in the room SANA’A: Yemeni rebels have said very young, were lining up with tional calls for a ceasefire and months as officials have tried complicated security situations amid bickering children, said they are ready to mobilise more bandoliers around their UN-led peace efforts. They added to downplay the effects of the ever, and in a situation like that Mitchell Barak, a public fighters to the frontline despite a shoulders and rifles in their however that they remain on edge US’s restored sanctions. you don’t overthrow a gov- opinion expert who served lull in battleground Hodeida, as hands, chanting the Huthi as the sound of coalition jets can ernment, you don’t go to elec- as an adviser to Netanyahu the UN envoy prepares to visit the slogan: “God is greatest. Death constantly be heard overhead. Car bomb in Tikrit tions,” Netanyahu said, in the 1990s. Commentators country to boost peace efforts. to America, death to Israel, curse UN special envoy Martin referring to challenges from noted that Netanyahu’s plea Dozens of Houthi rebels the Jews, and victory to Islam.” Griffiths said on Friday that he leaves at least Hamas militants in the Gaza against early elections sounded put on a show of strength on Residents said by telephone plans to travel to rebel-held Strip and Iran and Hezbollah in like a campaign stump speech, the outskirts of the capital on Sunday that relative calm had Sanaa in the coming week to two dead the north. “It’s irresponsible.” as he reeled off a list of his Sanaa on Saturday, appar- held in Hodeida city since pro- finalise arrangements for peace Netanyahu came to the security economic and diplo- ently getting ready to head government forces — backed by talks to take place in Sweden ANATOLIA news conference from a matic accomplishments. towards Hodeida, a Red Sea a Saudi-led military coalition soon.

TIKRIT: At least two people were killed and 17 injured yesterday by a car bomb 22 migrants missing attack in Tikrit, Iraq, CAR war crimes suspect Rambo handed to ICC off Morocco after northwest of Baghdad. Police 1st Lt. Numan Al REUTERS boat capsizes Jabouri said that the bomb had African Republic since October lawyers representing him. 2014,” International Criminal AFP gone off in a neighborhood in 29, when during a parliamentary A UN commission of inquiry Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda the center of the town, which AMSTERDAM: A war crimes session he first pointed a gun at found that Christian militias said. “Now, he must answer in is the capital of Iraq’s northern suspect wanted for alleged a fellow lawmaker and then shot under Yekatom had carried out court for his actions.” RABAT: Twenty-two Salahuddin province. He went murder, deportation and torture twice at the ceiling. war crimes and crimes against Bensouda is carrying out migrants have gone missing on to say that the remnants of Muslims in the Central African CAR government officials humanity by targeting Muslims. two separate investigations into in the waters off Morocco’s of the Daesh terrorist group Republic has been handed over to did not respond to requests for The International Criminal conflicts in the Central African Atlantic coast after their boat —which overran much of Iraq the International Criminal Court comment, but the country’s Court - set up to prosecute the Republic. Yekatom’s arrest is the capsized. in 2014 before being crushed in the Hague, the tribunal said. justice minister was expected to worst crimes when member first in the more recent Three people, all with by the army last year — were CAR officials transferred make a statement on Monday. countries can not or will not do conflict. Moroccan nationality, likely behind the attack, Alfred Yekatom on Saturday to Yekatom was handed over so — issued a sealed arrest A pre-trial chamber found managed to swim to shore though none had assumed officials from the global court, to ICC officials on Saturday and warrant for Yekatom on Nov. 11. reason to suspect Yekatom of and alert the authorities after responsibility. Recent months which is investigating six years arrived in the court’s detention “We allege Mr. Yekatom is commanding around 3,000 the vessel hit trouble off the have seen frequent attacks on of violence that has destabilised centre in the Hague in the early criminally responsible for several members of an armed group southern province of Tiznit. security personnel deployed a region at the heart of the con- hours of Sunday, the ICC regis- counts of crimes against humanity operating within the Anti-Balaka Local media said the migrants in northern and eastern Iraq, tinent. Yekatom, a sitting MP try’s spokesman said. and war crimes committed in the movement, which was carrying had been aiming to reach the especially in the provinces of once nicknamed “Rambo”, had There was no immediate Central African Republic between out systematic attacks against Canary Islands about 100km Diyala, Kirkuk, and Saladin. been under arrest in Central comment from Yekatom or any 5 December 2013 and August the Muslim population. west of the Moroccan coast. 10 VIEWS MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 Qatar and Croatia: Advanced ESTABLISHED IN 1996 strategic relations in all fields CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI QNA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI mir H H Sheikh Tamim bin [email protected] Hamad Al Thani continues the foreign tours, calls and meetings with various state ACTING MANAGING EDITOR leaders,A to reiterate Qatar’s inde- MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED pendent approach, in continuation of [email protected] its path to build and fortify the nation, strengthen its structure in all sectors and open new areas to the Qatari DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR economy. In this context, H H the Amir MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI begins the official visit yesterday to the [email protected] Republic of Croatia followed by the Italian Republic, at the invitation of Croatian President Kolinda Grabar- Kitarovic and Italian President Sergio Mattarella. H H the Amir is expected to discuss with the leaders and senior officials of EDITORIAL both countries the ways to boost and develop the bilateral relations between both countries in various fields, as well as a number of topics of mutual interest. A number of agree- Embracing cultural diversity Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receiving the Grand Order of King Tomislav ments and memoranda of under- eople differ in their language, race, nationality, class, standing for different fields in both with Sash and Great Star, the highest state order of the Republic of Croatia, from religion and all. This is what makes people unique. countries. Qatar and Croatia have President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, at Amiri Diwan, during her visit to Qatar in April 2017. PA culture is collectively influenced by these factors growing, unique strategic relations, and is the way people live. It is a lens with which people which are continuously developing in economic and trade cooperation grew tax, as well as in the air transport evaluate everything around them. all fields especially trade, economy to the level of political relations sector, and energy technology . Today, with the advancement of technology and glo- and investment. Diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries, The Croatian Economic Chamber balisation, it is impossible to stay isolated and it creates between the two states were establish noting that it has nevertheless doubled also organized several visits to the a platform for the global communities to exchange their in December 1992 and the Qatari several times since 2002. President State of Qatar since 2003, through cultures. When cultures join together, people tend to learn Embassy in Zagreb was inaugurated in Kitarovic called on Qatari businessmen which it worked to strengthen rela- from one another and it helps to understand different early 2013, after the opening of to invest in her country, stressing that tions with Qatari partners ,and several perspectives. After all, it helps to dispel various negative Croatia’s Embassy in Doha end of Croatia is an open country for business, agreements and memorandums of stereotypes and personal biases on various issues, ideas, 2012, as its first embassy in the Gulf welcoming Qatari investments and understanding are being studied to concepts etc. It provides an atmosphere conducive for Cooperation Council (GCC). Croatian provides many investment incentives. develop cooperation between Doha personal, societal and national development. President In 2009, H H the Father Amir and Zagreb in many fields and sectors. When we take a look at the societies of the most Kolinda Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and In May 2012, Qatar Airways began developed nations, it is clear that they are culturally Grabar- H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser paid an operating direct flights to Zagreb, diverse; a key reason for development. Qatar is one of the Kitarovic, in official state visit to the Republic of which reached 10 flights a week, The most powerful and economically rich nations in the world. April 2017 Croatia. In addition, a number of Qatari Rijeka Islamic Centre was built with Its society is culturally diverse; it embraces cultural paid an ministers and officials visited Croatia an amount of 8 million Euros funded diversity much closer as it’s important for sustainable Qatar and Croatia official visit and held discussion that touched on by the State of Qatar, in addition to development. Qatar, under the wise leadership of Amir have growing, to Qatar promoting and developing the relations donations to the Islamic Organization H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad where she between both countries, each in their in the Republic of Croatia, with the Al Thani, and its various insti- unique strategic discussed specialty. In October 2009, the corner- aim of granting scholarships to tutions has been making huge relations, which with H H the stone of Islamic center in Rijeka was Croatian students to study in the State strides to nourish its diverse are continuously Amir pro- laid, funded by Qatar. In 2004, Former of Qatar and granting pilgrimage to culture. The Memorandum of developing in all moting the President of Croatia Stjepan Mesic the Muslims of the Republic of Croatia. Understanding (MoU) Qatar relations visited Qatar for the first time and in The Republic of Croatia is located Qatar, under the signed in 2011 with Unesco, to ﬁelds especially between both 2008 visited it for the second time. In in central Europe and overlooks the wise leadership promote the diversity of cul- trade, economy countries November 2012, Former President of west on the Adriatic Sea, which sepa- of Amir H H tural expressions and a dia- and investment. especially in Croatia Ivo Josipovic visited Qatar. In rates it from Italy, it consists of more Sheikh Tamim bin logue among cultures, is one the political, February 2016, Prime Minister of than a thousand large and small among the many measures in Diplomatic economic, Croatia Andrej Plenkovic visited Qatar. islands varying in size, of which 48 Hamad Al Thani, this regard. relations between investment Over the recent years many Croatian islands are permanently inhabited, in and its various Going by the words of the the two states and envi- ministers, members of the Croatian addition to the existence of huge water institutions has Minister of Culture and Sports were established ronment Government, including ministers of areas and large lakes. been making H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali field. The dis- foreign affairs, interior and justice, the The population of Croatia about at the 7th St Petersburg Inter- in December cussion also President of the Croatian Parliament four and a half million people, its area huge strides national Cultural Forum in 1992 and the touched on and the Chief of the General Staff of the is more than fifty-six thousand square to nourish its Russia, Qatar has a unique Qatari Embassy the most Croatian Armed Forces visited Qatar. kilometers. Croatia, which is located in diverse culture. culture and that all its indi- in Zagreb was prominent Since the declaration of the estab- the European Union and a member of viduals believe in the value of issues lishment of diplomatic relations the European Union, is making great diversity and multiculturalism, inaugurated in regionally between the two countries, several efforts to attract foreign investments pointing out that there are early 2013. and interna- agreements and memorandums of in its ongoing attempts to move the more than 150 nationalities in Qatar, which reflects the tionally and understanding have been signed to economy and create new jobs, where culture of coexistence among nations. each coun- regulate bilateral relations, including Zagreb is making great efforts in this try’s stance towards it. At the end of the promotion and protection of area to establish a LNG plant on the The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert held at the discussion, the President awarded investments, tourism, economic and island of Krk, which is considered by the St Petersburg Forum under the theme “28 different H H the Amir with Grand Order of banking cooperation, in the area of Croatia as a strategic project allows it cultures, one tune”, reflected the cultural diversity and King Tomislav with Sash and Great human resources development, coop- to diversify energy sources, especially contributed to the creation of a single cultural edifice rep- Morning Star, which is the highest eration in environmental protection as it seeks to be an important player in resenting common values and one human civilisation. state order of Croatia. and a memorandum of understanding supplying the Central and South- The Minister pointed out that the issue of cultural During her visit, the President wit- between the Qatar Chamber and the Eastern Europe With gas that is the diversity in Qatar is not a slogan but a reality that is being nessed the Qatari-Croatian Business Croatian Economic Chamber , prevent most important source of energy for promoted, adding that Qatar is hosting the Doha Inter- Forum, where she hoped that double taxation and evasion of income the foreseeable future. national Center for Interfaith Dialogue, which contributes to building dialogue among different civilisations and cultures. The Ajyal Film Festival organised by the Doha Film Institute is a noble move to enrich its rich cultural diversity Saudi account of Khashoggi murder ‘unsatisfying’ as it provides an opportunity to exchange cultures among TUGCENUR YILMAZ & all film professionals around the world to produce and including five for whom it has recom- negotiations. All this suggest that the showcase their films. ZUHAL DEMIRCI mended the death penalty for ordering members of the 15-member hit squad All in all, culture matters. A culturally diverse society ANATOLIA and committing the killing. the Saudi prosecutors paint as negoti- is a national asset, for which Qatar can ever be proud of. According to the Saudi account, a ators were actually executioners. emarks by the Saudi Chief Prose- team of negotiators at the consulate Shaalan al-Shaalan, the Saudi cutor’s Office on last month’s was unable to persuade Khashoggi to deputy public prosecutor, said an Rkilling of journalist Jamal return to the kingdom, so they used a operation was ordered to either per- Khashoggi present an unbelievable poisonous injection to kill him, and suade or force Khashoggi to return to QUOTE OF THE DAY scenario and leave some questions then dismembered the body. Under Saudi Arabia. Al Assiri, a former unanswered, an analysis of the this account, while the intelligence deputy head of intelligence, issued an statement shows. The Saudi office’s officers waited on the sidelines, the order for Khashoggi’s return on Sept. announcement on Thursday that it had negotiators did the actual killing, 29, a day after the journalist first Europe, and within it charged 11 out of 21 suspects in relation which requires professional skills and visited the consulate building to do the Franco-German to the Oct. 2 killing of Khashoggi at the tools, one of the points that makes it paperwork for his marriage. couple, have the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul was defi- unbelievable. It was Al Assiri who put together the obligation not to let cient and satisfied neither Turkey nor Apparently the Saudis are pushing 15-member team, according to the pros- the international community. Turkey is this unlikely scenario in order to clear ecutor. He contacted a forensics expert the world slip into “unsatisfied” by the prosecutors’ state- the name of Ahmed Al Assiri, a former to join it for the purpose of removing chaos and to guide it ments, said Turkish Foreign Minister Saudi deputy head of intelligence. If evidence from the scene should force on the road to peace. Mevlut Cavusoglu. they succeed, it will strengthen the have to be used. The Saudi prosecutors After Khashoggi disappeared, claim that the incident took place are trying to present the killing as “a uni- camera footage and other evidence independently of Saudi Crown Prince lateral improvised decision” that was Emmanuel Macron revealed that a 15-member hit squad Mohammed bin Salman. taken at the last minute, but bringing in French President came from Saudi Arabia to Turkey on The fact that Khashoggi was killed this forensics expert from Riyadh indi- the same day as the killing. within minutes after he entered the cates that the decision to kill Khashoggi Now Saudi prosecutors have consulate is more proof that the hit was not taken in Istanbul but rather indicted 11 people over the killing, squad did not take part in any planned in Saudi Arabia. MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 OPINION 11 Amid Brexit chaos, Britain’s political system ﬁnally implodes

heresa May surely by now How did it come to this? The withdrawal deal, laying out the terms eigners become easy targets. symbolises the phrase “bad British establishment has always of Brexit, and the “political decla- The British crisis reflects, in this day at the office”. On been deeply divided on the EU. Part ration” setting out objectives for a way, a global crisis with an elite Wednesday night, having of our elite came to terms with the future relationship with the EU, in torn apart about the best way spentT months negotiating the deal by “loss” of empire and saw Britain’s fact, leave us in the dark about our forward. On the one hand, there which Britain will leave the future as being part of Europe. But post-Brexit relationship with the EU. are the Tony Blairs and Hillary NICK DEARDEN European Union next March, May others, taught from the cradle that It attempts both to say that we will Clintons who want to reverse AL JAZEERA had a gruelling five-hour meeting they were born to run the world, have full sovereignty over trade, reg- Brexit, impeach Donald Trump, with her cabinet. That evening, she cannot accept a reduction in British ulations and money, and also to keep and get back to the old policies told the nation that agreement had power. To them, Europe is an affront, so close to the EU that we will be which served them so well. On the been reached, though with a protectionist, bureaucratic effectively inside the customs union. other, there are those who see in reservations. nightmare, and they are desperate to It attempts to take full control over the rise of populist authoritari- Those reservations burst into the reclaim their birthright, in alliance borders, without creating any borders anism a “plan b” for capitalism not open the next morning when the with the United States, to use Britain’s (at least for capital - people without unlike those capitalists who sup- minister responsible for negotiating financial muscle to rule the world significant wealth must keep their ported fascism in Europe in the the said deal, Dominic Raab, led a once more. distance). 1930s. wave of resignations, as May sat for This issue has torn the Conserv- Unsurprisingly, this doesn’t please Needless to say, neither option three hours in front of parliament lis- ative Party apart since the fall of Mar- those who wanted to remain in the will lead us to a better world. While Part of our elite tening to MP after MP from her own garet Thatcher, but it came to a head EU. But it also doesn’t please the leaving the EU could create a party telling her they would oppose in David Cameron’s government. He Brexiteers who want to use Brexit to serious shock which empowers the came to terms with the deal. Some called for her to promised a referendum to appease unleash a wave of deregulation and far right, simply reversing the ref- the “loss” of empire resign. the anti-EU part of his party, and with liberalisation, most notably through erendum will not undo the damage and saw Britain’s Britain is now in its deepest typical arrogance assumed he’d easily trade deals. that’s been done over many future as being political crisis since the World War II. win. He failed. On Thursday, May was attacked decades either. A second refer- May’s deal seems all but dead, as Today, with no majority in par- by remainers who want a second ref- endum which offers people the part of Europe. But there is no viable way for it to pass liament, dependent on a group of far- erendum, and from so-called “hard chance to remain could certainly others, taught from through parliament. She herself still right ultra-Brexiteers from the north Brexiteers” who want to drop out of be part of the solution. But that the cradle that they refuses to accept this. With just four of Ireland, May is unable to ignore the EU with no deal at all. must be accompanied - in Britain months to go till “Brexit day”, and a any one faction of her party. The But there is another element to as in so many other places - by a were born to run the matter of weeks before the gov- daughter of a vicar, she assumes hard the Brexit debate which has made it radical transformation of the world, cannot accept ernment must initiate emergency work will pay off. But it doesn’t, peculiarly toxic and difficult to nav- economy in which governments a reduction in British measures in preparation for “no deal” because the problem is insoluble. igate. In order to win the referendum, constrain the power of corpora- power. Brexit shortages, what happens next She cannot move forward, but she the Brexiteers needed to do more tions and finance, rewrite the rules is anyone’s guess. But a general also cannot be replaced, because her than mobilise right-wing voters who of global trade, remove the power election, a new referendum or a new party’s warring factions will not be hate foreigners. of the market altogether over big Tory leader and fresh negotiations able to agree on a successor. They also had to tap into a deep swaths of our society. are all very serious possibilities. That’s why this week’s dissatisfaction in post-industrial This will not be easy, and it will parts of England and Wales, areas not come from above. But there is a which have been marginalised and chance we can use the divisions hollowed out by four decades of among political elites to build free-market economic policy. around this vision for a better, Communities fed up with being fairer world. Political chaos can ignored, and who feel they were certainly be frightening, but really sold out by the previous Labour big change rarely comes without it. Party governments, individuals Perhaps another bad day for who wanted to stick two fingers up Theresa May is one step closer to at the centre-right politicians creating a better Britain in a better which ran the “remain” campaign. world. It’s this aspect of Brexit which makes it more than a peculiarly British problem, and which locates the crisis firmly within the much broader and deeper crisis which has gripped capitalism since the financial crash of 2008. It should be unsurprising that D-RING ROAD this political crisis, which has POST BOX: 3488 spread to the US, southern and now DOHA - QATAR central Europe, saw its first flash- [email protected] point in Britain, which practically invented neoliberalism. This is a crisis of inequality, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE poverty, the gradual abolition of TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 democracy, of a corporate FAX: +974 4455 7758 economy out of control. When frustration and anger like this have MANAGING EDITOR TEL: no outlet, no obvious means of 4462 7505 remedy, then migrants and for- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769

LOCAL NEWS SECTION he war in Yemen, and the But in the south, the UAE and its pressing the UAE to join Riyadh in TEL: 4455 7743 humanitarian crisis it has more effective Yemeni allies have putting aside doubts about Al Islah inflamed, is usually thought of largely driven out Houthi forces and and working with the group to craft a BUSINESS NEWS SECTION as Saudi-led and controlled. have been concentrating on a coun- domestic political alternative to TEL: 4462 7535 TBut the reality is more complicated, terinsurgency against terrorist groups Houthi domination. and involves a major role by the like Al Qaeda and Islamic State, often So when Al Islah Chairman SPORT NEWS SECTION United Arab Emirates. in coordination with US special forces. Mohammed Abdullah Al Yidoumi and HUSSEIN IBISH TEL: 4455 7745 BLOOMBERG That’s why a meeting in Abu A key ideological division has Secretary-General Abdulwahab Dhabi this week between the leader of emerged between the UAEand Saudi Ahmad al-Anisi suddenly appeared ONLINE SECTION Arabia in how to end the conflict. The in Abu Dhabi this week to meet with TEL: 4462 7501 UAE is categorically opposed to all the de facto ruler of the UAE, Abu [email protected] forms of political Islam. Saudi Arabia Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin detests the terrorist groups and is Zayed, something significant was PUBLIC RELATIONS going on. wary of most Islamist parties, but is TEL: 4455 7613 There’s hope for an end not as rigid as the Emirates. After all, bin Zayed could have [email protected] In particular, Riyadh has been met Al Islah leaders quietly if he willing to work with the Yemeni party wanted to. Indeed, relatively senior ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT to the war in Yemen Al Islah, which is associated with the Emirati officials have sat down with TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 oldest and most established Islamist Yemeni Islamists in Saudi Arabia on FAX: 4455 7870 network in the Middle East, the more than one occasion over the past [email protected] Muslim Brotherhood, because they two years in response to prodding by share an uncompromising antipathy Riyadh. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT the UAE and the heads of the main towards the Houthis and their Iranian But on this occasion, the senior TEL: 4455 7857 Sunni Islamist political party in backers. UAE leader met publicly in his own [email protected] Yemen is a dramatic development, The Saudis think Al Islah’s cooper- capital with the heads of the Yemeni and could be a crucial step toward ation can help stabilize the situation, Muslim Brotherhood group and publi- SUBSCRIPTION & ending the war. especially in the northern parts of the cized it aggressively on all forms of DISTRIBUTION The conflict has killed at least country where the kingdom is most media, including through his own TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 10,000 people, put millions under influential. And they’re optimistic Twitter account, complete with pic- FAX: 44557819 threat of starvation, worsened the about Al Islah’s claim to be part of a tures and mainly in Arabic. [email protected] global refugee crisis, and divided Arab post-Islamist wave of religiously-ori- The message was not primarily A key ideological governments from each other and ented political groups that are getting aimed at Washington, but at regional from their allies in the West. rid of the revolutionary, conspiratorial neighbors and his own domestic division has emerged Saudi Arabia and the UAE inter- and transnational aspects of Islamism audience. It was intended to show All thoughts and views between the UAE and vened jointly in Yemen in 2015 in and re-emerging as law-abiding con- Saudi Arabia that the UAE is serious expressed in these columns Saudi Arabia in how to response to the takeover by Iran- servative nationalists. about helping Riyadh work with Al are those of the writers, end the conﬂict. The backed Houthi rebels of the capital, The UAE, by contrast, has con- Islah to stabilize those parts of Yemen Sana’a, along with large amounts of tinued to view Al Islah and all Broth- in which its influence predominates, not of the newspaper. UAE is categorically territory. Since then, though, the con- erhood-oriented parties with sus- and possibly to signal a willingness to opposed to all forms flict has diverged into two separate picion, and dismisses any claims cooperate with the group in Emirati All correspondence of political Islam. but overlapping campaigns. about a post-Islamist tendency as areas of influence as well. The Saudis and their Yemeni allies opportunistic hypocrisy. There’s every reason to hope that regarding Views and Saudi Arabia detests are concentrating their efforts in the But as pressure from the West this is a signal that both the UAE and Opinion pages should be the terrorist groups north of the country and are mainly increases on Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabia are seeking a way to get send to editor-in-chief and is wary of most opposing the Houthis. That’s where UAE, the coalition’s leaders are clearly out of Yemen, as Washington and office or mailed to the Islamist parties. the war has turned into a desperate trying to think through an exit most of the world are increasingly quagmire. strategy. Saudi Arabia has been demanding. [email protected] 12 ASIA MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018

Cow vigilantes Grenade attack attack two in in Amritsar Gujarat IANS

AHMEDABAD: Two persons claims 3 lives were attacked by alleged cow vigilantes when they were AGENCIES Two armed men on a transporting cattle near motorcycle brandished Ahmedabad early yesterday, AMRITSAR: A blast at a religious a pistol at a woman leaving one of them with a ceremony in India’s Punjab state at the gate before stab wound, police said. yesterday killed at least three throwing a hand Zaheer, 23, was rushed to people and injured 20, police said. the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Media reports said two armed grenade at the crowd with a stab wound and was men on a motorcycle forced their building where the injected several units of way into a building where the Nirankari spiritual blood. Nirankari spiritual group was group was meeting. His accomplice, Mustafa, meeting. They brandished a pistol ran away from the spot and at a woman at the gate before hid behind a police van Relatives and brothers of Sukhdev Singh, who was killed in a grenade attack at the Nirankari Satsang throwing a hand grenade at the That’s why we are taking it as a nearby, Danish Khan, an Bhawan, weep at a hospital on the outskirts of Amritsar, yesterday. crowd, the Tribune newspaper said. terror act. We did not have any activist attending on Zaheer All the victims were sect fol- specific input of a strike against at the hospital, said. lowers from nearby villages who any particular group,” he told the volunteer at the gate. to immediately enhance security in a statement. Punjab, which Zaheer and Mustafa were had gathered for the weekly reli- media in Adliwal village. Nirankari followers are at arrangements at all sensitive was divided between India and travelling in a tempo van with gious meeting. Describing it as an unfor- odds with many Sikhs who places, terming it as “the first Pakistan when they split after eight buffalo calves from Punjab Director General of tunate incident, Arora said that dominate in Punjab and con- such indiscriminate attack on independence in 1947, has a Deesa in North Gujarat when Police Suresh Arora, who rushed further investigations will reveal sider the group heretics. innocent people in recent past”. history of sectarian violence. they were intercepted near to the spot along with senior details about who was behind “Everything happened “The possibility of In 1984, the Indian military Ramol in Ahmedabad by six Punjab Police officers, admitted the attack. Witnesses told the within a couple of minutes. They involvement of ISI-based Kha- launched an assault on the people believed to be cow that it was a “terror act”. police that two youths on a got in, threw the grenade and listani/Kashmiri terror groups Golden Temple in Amritsar vigilantes and attacked by “We are taking it as a terror motorcycle, their faces covered, fled,” one man told the police. cannot be ruled out. Police aimed at flushing out militants knives and batons. act. This incident is against a forced entry to the sect campus Punjab Chief Minister Ama- teams are investigating various inside who were demanding an Ahmedabad Deputy group and not an individual. by pointing a pistol at a woman rinder Singh directed the police angles,” the Chief Minister said independent Sikh homeland. Commissioner Himkar Singh said: “The two persons were intercepted by six people, including Row over prayers two motorcycle-borne youths, from the nearby in Taj Mahal Tamil Nadu cyclone toll rises to 45 Rabari colony, and attacked around 12.30 am.” IANS IANS material to the cyclone affected hectare of crop and 39,938 elec- visit the affected areas on Zaheer is out of danger, areas. tricity poles were damaged in Tuesday. DMK President M.K. he said, adding he sus- AGRA: The continuing tug-of- CHENNAI: The death toll due to In Pudukottai district, people the cyclone. Stalin in a letter to the party tained one stab wound. The war between Hindutva and the severe cyclone Gaja that complained about not getting The central government has cadres wondered whether Pal- police officer said an FIR Muslim groups over conducting devastated several districts in relief materials and protested on been asked to depute a team aniswami’s heart was made of had been registered against ‘puja-arti’ and offering ‘namaz’ Tamil Nadu two days ago has the roads. They also set fire to from the National Disaster Man- iron as he appeared to be more unidentified accused under inside the Taj Mahal premises risen to 45 and damaged 117,624 five government vehicles. agement to assess the interested with inaugurating Section 326 of the Indian is causing concern to tourism houses, Chief Minister K. Palan- Speaking to reporters at destruction. To a query about projects rather than visiting the Penal Code for causing circles in Agra. iswami said yesterday. Salem, about 350 km from dropping relief materials by hel- cyclone battered areas. grievous injuries. Industry leaders fear that Opposition leaders have crit- here, Palaniswami said 45 icopters, Palaniswami said Stalin, who toured the areas, Himkar Singh said: “We the dispute could trigger icised what they say was the persons have died in the removal of trees from the roads accused the government of have rounded up some communal a flare-up in Agra, government’s apathy in reaching cyclone and the loss of live- would be completed fully failing to provide sufficient food, persons and finding out more India’s most popular desti- out relief materials like food, stock was put at 735. yesterday. clothing and drinking water for details. We will soon get the nation. The Central Industrial drinking water and other He added that 88,102 Palaniswami said he would the people at the relief centres. assailants.” Security Force (CISF), which is in charge of security inside the complex, has come under fire for failing to stop a group of women on Saturday from Congress releases third list performing ‘puja’ and ‘arti’ Minorities Front to support Congress after sprinkling Ganga Jal around the monument. IANS Again yesterday, Rash- of candidates in Rajasthan triya Bajrang Dal activists JAIPUR: The All India Minorities Front (AIMF) yesterday decided IANS threatened to conduct ‘puja’ to withdraw the nominations of its candidates in the upcoming has been replaced by Rakesh November 16, fielded both its and ‘arti’ inside the Taj Mahal. Assembly polls in Rajasthan to help the “secular forces” defeat Boyat. Chief Ministerial aspirants — The Archaeological “communal elements” led by the Bharatiya Janata Party. NEW DELHI: The Congress The Congress left the seats Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot. Survey of India (ASI) pasted At a meeting of the party’s Parliamentary Board chaired by yesterday released its third list of Bali to the Nationalist Con- While the two-time Chief the Supreme court directive National President S M Asif, it was felt that fielding candidates may of candidates for 13 constitu- gress Party, Mundawar and Minister Gehlot is contesting and notification on the gate result in a division of secular votes. So, the party decided to extend encies, leaving five seats to its Kushalgarh to the Loktantrik from his traditional Sardarpura of the 17th century Taj Mahal support to the Congress. The AIMF chief appealed to the voters to allies in the December 7 Janata Dal and Bharatpur and seat, Pilot is in the fray from last week. defeat “fundamentalist and communal forces”. Rajasthan Assembly polls. Malpura for Rashtriya Lok Dal. Tonk. The original order of the The party underlined that minorities, SCs, STs and OBCs had Among the 13, three candi- On Saturday, the Congress The party has also fielded Supreme Court allows local suffered the most under the BJP government. It also cautioned the dates have been named as released its second list of 32 former Union Ministers C.P. Muslims to offer prayers in the members of the SC and ST communities against the designs of the replacements. candidates, pitting Manvendra Joshi and Girija Vyas for the afternoon only on Fridays BJP that was aiming at splitting SC and ST votes in the reserved B D Kalia has been fielded Singh, son of BJP veteran and Nathdwara and Udaipur when the monument is closed constituencies. from Bikaner West, replacing former Union Minister Jaswant Assembly seats respectively. to public. But the locals want Rajasthan goes to polls on December 7 to elect a 200-member Yashpal Gehlot who will now Singh, against Chief Minister Polls for the 200-member this bar lifted so that they can Assembly. contest from Bikaner East. The Vasundhara Raje in her tradi- Rajasthan Assembly will be offer prayers daily. ASI officials Counting of votes and the declaration of results are scheduled party had earlier named Kan- tional Jhalrapatan seat. held on December 7 and the say security agencies have for December 11. haiyalal Jhawar in Bikaner East. The Congress, in its first list results will be declared on been told to deal firmly with In Keshoraipatan, C.L. Premi of 152 candidates released on December 11. the violators of the order. Kerala BJP protests following leader’s remand India’s ﬁrst elephant hospital cheers animal activists REUTERS PATHANAMTHITTA: The needs if you are going to be using the Kerala unit of the BJP animal.” observed a protest yesterday MATHURA, UTTAR PRADESH: At India’s While elephants are revered as a cul- by blocking highways across first hospital for elephants, opened last tural and religious symbol in India, they the state following the arrest week in the northern state of Uttar are also ill-treated by their unschooled and the subsequent remand Pradesh, 49-year old Asha placed her left mahouts and often fall victim to electro- of senior party leader K. foreleg on a stool for a doctor to attend to cution, poaching, train accidents and poi- Surendran. an injury while visitors filmed it all on soning, animal rights activists say. Surendran was taken into their mobile phones. India’s elephant population fell to custody on Saturday night The facility, armed with facilities 27,312 in 2017 from 29,391-30,711 in 2012, after he got into a scuffle with such as wireless digital X-Ray, thermal government data shows. the police while attempting to imaging, ultrasonography, tranquili- Hundreds of elephants across India, go to the Sabarimala temple zation devices and quarantine facilities, which accounts for more than half of despite police cordon in the has not only come as a respite to the Asia’s elephant population, are held in area. After spending the night elephants but is also attracting local and captivity and sharp metal hooks are often at Chittar police station, foreign tourists. used to pinch and tease them into subor- Surendran was produced before Elephants are an important part of dination. The hospital, on the banks of a magistrate near here in the India’s culture and are prominently dis- the Yamuna River, is close to an elephant morning which remanded him played in festivals and processions in the conservation and care centre run by to a 14-day judicial custody. south of the country. They are also used Wildlife SOS that is home to 22 elephants. BJP leaders and activists as tourist attractions at several forts and Elizabeth Ritson, a tourist from Australia, started to block traffic across the palaces in the northern and western Vets take an X-ray of a leg of Phoolkali, a female elephant, at the Wildlife SOS said she was glad there was now a dedi- state on the highways since regions. The hospital, inaugurated on Elephant Hospital, India’s ﬁrst hospital for elephants run by a non-governmental cated hospital for elephants in India. 10am. The BJP and the Sangh Friday in the town of Mathura, is spread organisation in the northern town of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, yesterday. “Look at them, they are so much Parivar forces have decided to over 12,000 sq feet and is designed to treat happier and when you see the abuse that strengthen their presence in and injured, sick or geriatric elephants. they have been through, the horrible around the temple town and “I think by building a hospital we are animal,” Geeta Seshamani, co-founder of “That captive elephants are not meant shackles that were put on their feet and have asked its cadres to arrive underlining the fact that elephants need Wildlife SOS, the non-profit behind the to be used and abused but instead have to see them all healed up, it’s just really as pilgrims. welfare measures as much as any other hospital, said. to be given the respect which an animal nice,” she said. MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 ASIA 13 US envoy hopes for Afghan peace deal before April poll

AFP remarks to foreign journalists Back in Kabul after based in Kabul, who had not been KABUL: US envoy Zalmay a second round of invited to attend the briefing. Khalilzad said yesterday he regional meetings that Khalilzad’s comments come hoped the Taliban and Afghan as the Taliban step up attacks on government would strike a peace are believed to have Afghanistan’s beleaguered deal within five months — even included the Taliban, security forces, which are suf- as the militants inflict record high Afghan-born Khalilzad fering an unprecedented level of casualties on security forces. casualties. The death toll among Back in Kabul after a second said he remained Afghan soldiers and police is round of regional meetings that “cautiously optimistic” nearing 30,000 since the start of are believed to have included the 2015, Afghan President Ashraf Taliban, Afghan-born Khalilzad for an end to the Ghani revealed this month — a said he remained “cautiously 17-year conﬂict. figure far higher than anything optimistic” for an end to the previously acknowledged. 17-year conflict. In a recent report, the US The former US ambassador remain cautiously optimistic,” Special Inspector General for US Special Envoy for Peace in Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, talks with local reporters at the US to Kabul has been spearheading Khalilzad told Afghan media at a Afghanistan Reconstruction Embassy in Kabul, yesterday. American efforts to convince the briefing. (SIGAR) cited the Nato mission in Taliban to negotiate with the “I hope that the Taliban and Kabul as saying this summer’s toll Afghan government. other Afghans would use the had been worse than ever for ethnic Pashtuns. competition from Moscow, officials said. The incident hap- His appointment as US special (presidential) election as a Afghan forces. Khalilzad said he recog- which this month hosted an pened in Margat area on the out- representative for Afghanistan deadline to achieve a peace Recent Taliban attacks on nised the “complexity” of the international gathering on skirts of Quetta, the capital of oil reconciliation in September was agreement before then — that ethnic Hazara-dominated districts conflict, but insisted: “I would Afghanistan that was attended and gas-rich Balochistan followed weeks later by a meeting would be my hope.” in the southeastern province of like to make as much progress by the Taliban. Khalilzad called province. with the group’s representatives. “The Taliban are saying that Ghazni have left hundreds dead, as possible as soon as possible”. for the selection of negotiating “An improvised explosive But there are growing fears that they don’t believe that they can forced thousands of families to flee His comments underscore an teams to enable talks between the device planted along the road any progress towards peace could succeed militarily... I think there’s their homes, and raised fears of apparent increasing sense of militants and Kabul to start. went off as a vehicle of Frontier be derailed by the April 20 pres- an opportunity for reconciliation sectarian violence. urgency in the White House and Meanwhile, a bomb blast yes- Corps (FC) passed by, killing three idential election, which is and peace.” Most Hazaras belong to the among American diplomats for terday killed three paramilitary soldiers and wounding four expected to be fiercely contested The US embassy in Kabul sent Shiite branch of Islam, while the a deal to be done quickly. soldiers and wounded four others others,” an FC spokesman said on and marred by violence. “I a recording of Khalilzad’s Taliban are Sunni and largely Washington is facing in Pakistan’s troubled southwest, condition of anonymity.

Imran’s govt Pakistan set to receive first tranche of Saudi financial aid completing first INTERNEWS The money would hopefully of payments support and another unprecedented help from China,” available IMF funding quota for 100 days without reach the State Bank of Pakistan $3bn in deferred payments on the minister said, adding that he Pakistan is approximately legislative work ISLAMABAD: Amid hopes of (SBP) by today, Finance Minister oil import. had committed not to disclose $6-6.5bn. reaching an agreement with the Asad Umar said. He said, “My Umar said the facility of details before it was finalised. “I The government had taken INTERNEWS International Monetary Fund Saudi Arabian counterpart has deferred payment on oil import will not divulge the details at this several steps including reduction (IMF) on a basic economic policy given me an assurance in this would mature by next month. moment,” he reiterated. in expenditures to bring drastic framework programme, regard.” However, the finance minister, He claimed that the only cut in the current account deficit. ISLAMABAD: The ruling Pakistan is likely to receive the The second and third tranche who sounded very confident that reason of going to the IMF was “We will reduce the current Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf first tranche of $1bn under the will be received over the next an immediate balance of pay- to accelerate the pace of eco- account deficit to $12bn by the (PTI) of Imran Khan may have balance of payments support two months. Last month Saudi ments crisis had been overcome nomic growth and not to seek end of June 2019, almost $7bn something to defend in terms from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had agreed to provide a with the help of bilateral loan to fill any gap. He explained reduction,” the minister of its 100-day performance, Arabia today, boosting the coun- $6bn package to Pakistan to assistance from Saudi Arabia and that he was not negotiating terms declared, explaining that this was but it has completely failed to try’s plummeting foreign support its ailing economy. The China, did not give any figure. of a loan but of a ‘broader eco- the government target for the deliver when it comes to currency reserves. package included $3bn balance “This will be an nomic reforms package’. The first year. legislative work. The inordinate delay in the formation of the committees by Speaker Asad Qaiser has almost made par- Sri Lanka talks fail to liament non-functional which is evident from the fact that so far the National Assembly during its four sessions since end power struggle August 13 has not passed any legislation, except the Finance AFP Wickremesinghe has (Supplementary) Bill, 2018, demanded his government be known as a mini-budget. COLOMBO: Crucial talks to restored, challenging Rajapakse And the government has resolve a power struggle in Sri to demonstrate a majority in the managed to pull off this Lanka failed to break the 225-member assembly. “achievement” because political deadlock, officials said But brawling erupted in under the Constitution, the yesterday, as the three key parliament Friday with finance bill, which is also players met for the first time Rajapakse loyalists smashing called a “money bill”, is not since crisis erupted last month. furniture, throwing chilli required to be sent to any The Indian Ocean nation powder and launching projec- committee or to the Senate has been paralysed since tiles at rivals in a bid to disrupt for approval. October 26 when President a no-confidence motion With no legislative work Maithripala Sirisena controver- against him. to do, almost all the previous sially sacked the prime minister Rajapakse’s party has sittings of the lower house of and replaced him with a former admitted that they lacked a parliament witnessed debates rival, Mahinda Rajapakse. simple majority in the legis- and speeches on insignificant Deposed premier Ranil lature. Their rivals accuse them Held for illegal fishing matters, with members con- Wickremesinghe insists he is of delaying a vote because they tinuing their corruption Arrested Indian fishermen sit in a police lockup in Karachi, yesterday. Pakistani coast guards arrested still prime minister, and par- do not yet have the required tirades against each other, 12 Indian fishermen and seized their tow boats for illegally fishing in Pakistan’s territorial waters. liament voted twice last week number of MPs. causing uproar and even to reject Rajapakse as leader. “He (Rajapakse) must scuffles. In a bid to resolve the crisis, submit himself to a floor test,” Wickremesinghe and Rajapakse said Lakshman Kiriella, an MP both went to meet the president from Wickremesinghe’s United at his office in the capital National Party. Sunday for what were widely “Otherwise he cannot run Pakistan No.1 in Facebook content censorship regarded as crucial a government.” INTERNEWS negotiations. Kiriella said the United giant revealed. world, during the first six million Facebook users, All three men were at the National Party and their allies According to an analysis of months of 2018. according to the company data. Presidential Secretariat building have twice demonstrated that ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has the report released by the The country recorded more Digital rights activists for nearly two hours with their they had 122 legislators -- nine emerged as No. 1 country in the company on Friday, Pakistan than 700 per cent increase in attributed this rise in content aides and party seniors -- but more than the 113 required to world when it comes to censoring has made 2,203 requests to such requests as compared to restriction to growing wave of failed to end the political demonstrate an absolute content on the Facebook, a new Facebook for content corresponding period of the last censorship on traditional and deadlock. majority. official report by the social media restriction, the highest in the year. Pakistan has about 36 social media in Pakistan. Bangladesh: Rohingya repatriation, relocation plans pushed back to 2019

REUTERS Abul Kalam, Bangladesh’s The crackdown was launched in almost all the accusations, saying refugee agency and aid groups, and the ability to go back to refugee relief and repatriation response to insurgent Rohingya its forces engaged in a counter- who fear for the safety of their original villages and lands DHAKA: Bangladesh’s plans to commissioner, said “a new attacks on security forces. insurgency operation against Rohingya in Myanmar. were not met. tackle the Rohingya refugee course of action” needed to be Rohingya refugees say sol- “terrorists”. The repatriation of the first “I don’t think anyone’s crisis have been stalled until the adopted on repatriation that took diers and Buddhist civilians In late October, Bangladesh batch of 2,200 refugees was to agreeing to go back without new year with repatriation and into account refugees’ key killed families, burned many vil- and Myanmar agreed to begin to begin officially on Nov. 15, but it these,” said Kalam, who last relocation programmes only demands. lages and carried out gang rapes. repatriate hundreds of thousands stalled amid protests at the week called on the international likely to be revisited following More than 720,000 Rohingya U.N-mandated investigators of Rohingya Muslim refugees refugee camps. community to pressure Myanmar year-end general elections, a top fled a sweeping army crackdown have accused Myanmar’s army who fled, but the plan has been None of those on the list to accept certain “logical and Bangladeshi official said in Myanmar’s Rakhine state in of “genocidal intent” and ethnic opposed by the Rohingya ref- agreed to return if their acceptable” demands in order for yesterday. 2017, according to UN agencies. cleansing. Myanmar has denied ugees in Bangladesh and the UN demands for justice, citizenship any repatriation to take place. 14 ASIA MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 Paciﬁc summit ends with no communique

AP It was the ﬁrst time Beijing has retaliated with its own leaders had failed to tariffs on American exports. PORT MORESBY: An acrimonious agree on a declaration “I don’t think it will come as a meeting of world leaders in Papua in 29 years of the huge surprise that there are dif- New Guinea failed to agree fering visions” on trade, said yesterday on a final communique, Paciﬁc Rim summits Canadian Prime Minister Justin highlighting widening divisions that involve countries Trudeau. “Those prevented there between global powers China and representing 60 from being a full consensus on the the US. percent of the world communique.” The 21 nations at the Asia- The two-day summit was Pacific Economic Cooperation economy. punctuated by acrimony and also summit in Port Moresby struggled underlined a rising rivalry to bridge differences on the role declaration in 29 years of the between China and the West for of the World Trade Organization, Pacific Rim summits that involve influence in the usually neglected which governs international trade, countries representing 60 percent South Pacific, where Beijing has US Vice-President Mike Pence talks to Malaysia’s Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (right) as South officials said. A statement was to of the world economy. been wooing impoverished island Korea’s President Moon Jae-in (left) and Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha (third left) look be issued instead by the meeting’s Draft versions of the commu- states with aid and loans. on, during the Apec Summit in Port Moresby, yesterday. chair, Papua New Guinea Prime nique showed the US wanted US Vice-President Mike Pence Minister Peter O’Neill. strong language against unfair and Chinese President Xi Jinping developing nations into a debt trap II such as the World Trade Organ- in Argentina. “There are differ- “The entire world is worried” trade practices that it accuses traded barbs in speeches on Sat- through the loans it offers for ization should not be bent for ences today,” Pence said. “They about tensions between China and China of. China, meanwhile, urday. Pence professed respect for infrastructure. selfish agendas. begin with trade practices, with the US, O’Neill told a mob of wanted a reaffirmation of oppo- Xi and China but also harshly crit- The world, according to Xi’s Pence told reporters that tariffs and quotas, forced tech- reporters that surrounded him sition to protectionism and uni- icized the world’s No. 2 economy speech, is facing a choice between during the weekend he had two nology transfers, the theft of intel- after he confirmed there was no lateralism that it says the US is for intellectual property theft, cooperation and confrontation as “candid” conversations with Xi, lectual property. It goes beyond communique from leaders. engaging in. The US has imposed forced technology transfers and protectionism and unilateralism who is expected to meet President that to freedom of navigation in It was the first time leaders additional tariffs of $250bn on unfair trading practices. He grows. He said the rules of global Donald Trump at a Group of 20 the seas, concerns about human had failed to agree on a Chinese goods this year and accused China of luring institutions set up after World War summit at the end of this month rights.”

US and allies to N Korea’s ‘tactical’ weapon bring electricity test highlights modernisation to most of PNG AP REUTERS PORT MORESBY: The US, SEOUL: North Korea’s claim last Japan, New Zealand and week that it had tested an Australia said they’ll bring elec- unidentified “ultramodern tricity to 70 percent of Papua tactical weapon” highlighted its New Guinea’s people by 2030, desire to upgrade its conven- boosting the West’s response tional arms and reassure its to growing Chinese influence military even as talks are under in the South Pacific. way to end its nuclear The four countries and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attends the retreat session programme, analysts said. Papua New Guinea signed the of the Apec Summit in Port Moresby, yesterday. North Korean leader Kim electricification agreement Jong-Un witnessed the test of a yesterday at the Asia-Pacific newly developed tactical Economic Cooperation After ‘nap-gate’, Duterte weapon that could serve as a meeting behind held in the “steel wall”, state media capital Port Moresby. reported on Friday, without US Vice-President Mike North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un visiting the Taegwan glass skips Apec summit dinner giving details of the weapon. Pence said it shows how factory at an undisclosed location in North Korea. It was Kim’s first obser- strongly the US and its allies are AFP tweeted yesterday. vation of a weapons test this committed to the region. “It’s The absence of the 73-year- year and could complicate tioned Pyongyang is easily out- modernisation drive. Kim has remarkable to think of the PORT MORESBY: Philippine old Duterte at diplomatic gath- already stalled nuclear talks spent in defence funding by been pushing to modernise pro- impact this will have on peo- President Rodrigo Duterte passed erings has sparked criticism with the United States, although Seoul and Washington, the duction lines at munitions fac- ple’s lives across this nation. on a gala dinner at a regional and speculation of ill health, Washington and Seoul down- North’s forward-deployed tories and replace aging Electricity will drive economic summit in Papua New Guinea, which his spokesman denied, played the development in an troops, guns and multiple- weapons and technology since growth but as others have said, days after skipping key meetings saying the president merely apparent effort not to derail launch artillery rocket systems he took power in late 2011. it will simply improve the in another gathering of world lacked sleep. negotiations. (MLRS) pose a significant threat “The defence industry quality of life for people across leaders for a “power nap”. Duterte has said previously Experts say the test was part to the allies. should develop and manu- Papua New Guinea for gener- Duterte, who has a well- that he suffers from daily of Kim’s initiative to shift the The North Korean military facture powerful strategic ations to come,” he said. known disdain for stiff diplo- migraines and ailments mainstay of the conventional has nearly 5,500 MLRS, 4,300 weapons and military hardware Only about 20 percent of matic gatherings, was a including Buerger’s disease, an military power from a nearly 1.3 tanks, 2,500 armoured vehicles, of our style, perfect its Juche- Papua New Guinea’s 8 million no-show on Saturday night, illness that affects the veins and million-strong army to high- 810 fighter jets, 430 combatant oriented production structure people have electricity and for sending his trade minister the arteries of the limbs, and is tech weapons. vessels and 70 submarines, and modernise its production a significant proportion of instead to pose with heads of usually due to smoking. “This is sort of like the North according to a 2016 assessment lines on the basis of cutting-edge them the supply is not reliable. state donning bright yellow and On Wednesday, the Phil- Korean version of military by the South’s defence science and technology,” he said Most Papua New Guineans live red Papua New Guinean shirts. ippine leader missed four of the reform,” said Choi Kang, Vice- ministry. in his 2018 New Year speech, in the highlands and other His office had initially 11 meetings he was slated to President of the Asan Institute The Centre for Strategic and referring to the long-held prin- remote areas. announced that the mercurial attend and a gala dinner in Sin- for Policy Studies in Seoul. International Studies said last ciple of self-reliance. leader was cutting short his trip gapore, which hosted a meeting “If we have to find an under- week it has identified at least 13 The two Koreas agreed Khmer Rouge to Port Moresby even before the of Southeast Asian leaders. lying message to the outside undeclared missile bases inside during their September summit main meetings began but yes- Observers have compared world, it’s ‘Don’t underestimate North Korea. in Pyongyang to significantly tribunal’s work is terday he did show up at the him unfavourably with Malay- us, we are modernising too.’” The Washington-based reduce military tensions along convention centre. “This after sia’s 93-year-old Prime Min- New advanced weapons might think tank has also said the border, and the North has done: Deputy PM I loudly and naggingly insisted ister Mahathir Mohamad, who be even more crucial if the Pyongyang has been developing begun deactivating artillery AP he stay just one day. ONE DAY, has consistently attended country were to abandon at least hovercraft units for its deployed along the skirmish- I stressed,” Philippine Foreign summit meetings saying it was some of its nuclear arsenal. 200,000-strong special forces prone western shore, Seoul’s Minister Teodoro Locsin his “duty” to do so. Although heavily-sanc- as part of the military defence ministry said. PHNOM PENH: A top Cambodian government official has reiterated his government’s intention to end the work of the UN-backed At least 12 dead in Vietnam floods and landslides tribunal that last week convicted the last two surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge of AFP provincial disaster office said, later, all our houses were genocide, crimes against refusing to be named. destroyed,” said Nha Trang city humanity and war crimes. HANOI: Flash floods and land- “We have mobilised hun- resident Liem, quoted by Deputy Prime Minister Sar slides killed at least 12 people dreds of army troops to help Khanh Hoa province’s official Kheng, speaking at a gov- in central Vietnam, officials people restore lives and clean online news site. ernment ceremony in the said yesterday, as hundreds of up damaged roads,” he said. Khanh Hoa — home to the northern province of Oddar troops were dispatched to The main highway linking popular coastal resort city of Meanchey, said the tribunal’s clean up destroyed villages and north and south Vietnam was Nha Trang — was ravaged by work had been completed and washed out roads. temporarily blocked and some typhoon Damrey last year, there would not be any addi- Heavy rains pounded the railway routes were inter- which killed 27 people. tional prosecutions for acts that central Khanh Hoa province rupted, while images on state Vietnam is routinely hit by led to the deaths of an esti- over the past few days as media showed destroyed heavy rains during typhoon mated 1.7 million people in the tropical depression Toraji blew houses buried under debris and season from May to October. 1970s. He cited the terms under in from the South China Sea, vehicles submerged in floods. At least 185 people have which the tribunal, staffed triggering landslides that wiped Panicked residents told of been killed in natural disasters jointly by Cambodian and out houses and destroyed a running from their homes as across Vietnam since January. international prosecutors and small reservoir. landslides rumbled down Last year, 389 people were judges, had been established, At least a dozen people nearby mountains. reported dead in natural dis- limiting its targets to senior Damaged houses and debris are seen following ﬂash ﬂoods and have been killed so far while a “We ran away after hearing asters, causing damage worth leaders of the Khmer Rouge landslides in the Phuoc Dong commune of central Vietnam’s Khanh search was ongoing for several the huge sound of fallen rocks... $2.6bn, according to official regime that was in power from others, an official from the When we returned a few hours figures. Hoa province, yesterday. 1975 to 1979. MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 EUROPE 15 Macron calls for greater European unity

AFP The ﬁrst French to discuss a range of policy challenges — from a joint eurozone BERLIN: French President president to address budget to migration policy and Emmanuel Macron yesterday the Bundestag in 18 taxing Internet giants. urged a Franco-German push to years, Macron called The German leader reit- make Europe a stronger and for greater European erated that she backed Macron’s more confident global player that proposal for a future European could prevent “chaos” on the unity in order for the army as a symbol of a united world stage. bloc to meet future continent — an idea that has Macron and German Chan- challenges in an raised Trump’s hackles. cellor Angela Merkel have used uncertain world. Last week the American a series of war anniversaries to president mocked the plan by project unity as they push back tweeting that “it was Germany against populist and nationalist in World Wars One & Two - How forces in Europe and Trump’s energy and against climate did that work out for France?” isolationist “America First” change and was now most But German Defence Minister stance. strongly pushing multilateral Ursula von der Leyen insisted With half a year until approaches to trade, security, yesterday that a joint military European Parliament elections migration and environmental force would need not just in which far-right forces look to policy. common equipment and training make gains, Macron made a pas- The first French president to but also “the political will to res- sionate plea for stronger backing address the Bundestag in 18 olutely defend European from Merkel on a range of years, Macron called for greater interests when a conflict breaks reforms to strengthen Europe. European unity in order for the out”. “Europe, and within it the bloc to meet future challenges in And France’s Minister for Franco-German couple, have the an uncertain world. European Affairs, Nathalie French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel shake hands after speaking obligation not to let the world He said Europe must not Loiseau, told the Journal du to reporters ahead of their meeting in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. slip into chaos and to guide it on “become a plaything of great Dimanche “it is not a question of the road to peace,” Macron told powers, must assume greater being against the United States the German parliament. responsibility for its security and but of taking our destiny into our the war’s horrors to drive home the Franco-German partnership with Brexit nearing and a budget “That’s why Europe must be its defence, and must not accept own hands to no longer count on the message that rising nation- and European reform push have conflict escalating between stronger... and win more sover- a subordinate role in world others”. alism is again destabilising the been plagued by policy differ- Brussels and Italy. eignty,” he said at a ceremony to politics”. Macron’s Berlin visit came a world. In a Berlin meeting with ences and the domestic troubles Macron also addressed honour the victims of past wars Merkel said she agreed with week after world leaders met in youths, Macron warned that for- of the two leaders. German hesitation on major and dictatorships. Macron’s assessment that Europe Paris to commemorate the end getting history means “to repeat Since a Franco-German joint reforms such as a large common Macron said it was Europe stands “at a crossroads”, before of World War I a century ago. the mistakes of the past”. cabinet meeting on Europe in budget for the eurozone, saying that had led the drive for green the two headed into a meeting Macron has repeatedly invoked While strong on symbolism, June, challenges have piled up that “this new stage is scary”. Macron’s popularity dips as ‘Yellow vest’ protests spread; over 400 hurt fuel tax revolt simmers AFP ‘yellow vest’ protesters. There REUTERS household incomes even if it was a lot of beverage at certain meant advancing more slowly PARIS: More than 400 people venues, which led to this idiotic PARIS: Emmanuel Macron’s in an environmentally friendly were hurt, 14 seriously, in a day behaviour.” Protest organisers popularity took a further hit in energy transition plan. and night of “yellow vest” have called for more demon- recent weeks, according to a Environment Minister protests over rising fuel price strations yesterday at about 150 poll yesterday, as fuel tax Francois de Rugy said the gov- hikes around France that locations countrywide, the min- protests rumbled on across ernment, which last week claimed one life, Interior ister added. Protests were France in the latest sign of sought to placate motorists with Minister Christophe Castaner reported yesterday in several discontent with the president’s subsidies for the worst off, said yesterday. regions across France. economic reforms. would not back down on its fuel The injury toll, more than On Saturday, groups Only 25 percent of those tax plans. These are set for double the last tally provided blocked roundabouts, major questioned in an Ifop poll another hike in January on Saturday, followed what highways and thoroughfares to between November 9 and 17 including on diesel, the most Castaner described as a express anger over increased said they were satisfied with commonly used fuel in France. “restive” night in 87 locations taxes on fuel and their shrinking Macron, down from 29 percent Macron’s popularity has around the country where pro- purchasing power under Pres- People block Caen’s circular road yesterday in Caen, Normandy, a in October, according to the sunk to as low as 21 percent in testers had blocked roads to ident Emmanuel Macron. day after a nationwide protest against high fuel prices. survey of almost 2,000 people other polls recently, after a express their anger at a series Tempers flared at times as published in the Journal du torrid summer marked by a of hikes in petrol tax. The some drivers confronted the Dimanche (JDD). scandal over the violent injured, 409 in total, included in Saturday’s protests at 2,034 night, of whom 157 were taken protesters or tried to force their In a separate Ifop poll in the conduct of the president’s 28 police, paramilitary police locations countrywide. About into custody. “Last night was way through the barricades. The JDD, 62 percent of those sur- former security adviser and the or firefighters. 3,500 stayed out overnight, he restive... There were assaults, protesters are nicknamed veyed said the government departure of several Castaner told RTL radio that added. Police questioned 282 fights, stabbings,” Castaner said. “yellow vests” for the high-vis- should prioritise policies to help ministers. 288,000 people had taken part protesters in total, 73 during the “There were fights among ibility jackets they wear.

Bavarian premier Soeder to Finland President briefed run for CSU party leadership Trump on forest monitoring REUTERS down after 10 years at the helm AP of the powerful Bavarian a country covered by forests but BERLIN: Bavarian premier regional sister party to Chan- we also have a good surveil- Markus Soeder said yesterday cellor Angela Merkel’s Christian HELSINKI: Finland’s president lance system and network” in he would run to succeed Interior Democrats (CDU), but stay on as says that he briefed US Pres- case of wildfires. Minister Horst Seehofer as leader interior minister. The party is ident Donald Trump amid the Trump said Saturday in of the Bavarian CSU conserv- due to elect a new leader at a California wildfires on how the northern California that wild- ative party. special party congress on Nordic country effectively fires weren’t a problem in “After careful consideration January 19. monitors its substantial forest Finland because the Finns Bavarian State Prime Minister Markus Soeder of the Christian and in accordance with the Seehofer’s decision follows resources with a well-working “spend a lot of time on raking” Social Union during a campaign in Munich, Germany. desire of many members, I am Merkel’s own declaration that surveillance system. leaves and “cleaning and doing ready to serve my party,” Soeder her fourth term as chancellor President Sauli Niinisto said things.” Niinisto said he told told Germany’s DPA news will be her last, and that she will seek the leadership role after the People’s Party’s top candidate in in an interview published yes- Trump “we take care of our agency. “That is why I am step down as leader of the CSU suffered heavy losses in European Parliament elections terday in the Ilta-Sanomat forests,” but said that he can’t running for the post of CSU party Christian Democrats (CDU). Bavarian regional elections last next May, has said he will not run newspaper that he told Trump recall anything being men- leader.” Seehofer announced on Soeder, a long-time rival in month. Manfred Weber, a CSU for the position so he can focus during their brief meeting in tioned on raking. Monday that he would step Bavaria, was widely expected to member and the European on his European campaign. Paris on Nov. 11 that “Finland is Russia: No ‘automatic’ return Czech coalition partner leader backs embattled PM AFP of disputed islands to Japan party to adopt a formal position, he added. MOSCOW: Russia said accepted by Japan. Tokyo claims PRAGUE: The leader of the Hamacek was speaking after yesterday that upcoming talks however that some islands, junior party in the Czech tens of thousands of Czechs about resolving a dispute with which it refers to as its Northern governing coalition said rallied in Prague on Saturday Japan over a group of islands Territories, were not covered in yesterday he saw no reason for calling for Babis to resign as the claimed by Tokyo would not the agreement and should be a no-confidence vote in Prime country marked the 29th anni- necessarily result in Moscow handed back. Minister Andrej Babis, who faces versary of the Velvet Revolution relinquishing them. The dispute has been fraud charges. that toppled the communist “Can you say that this means standing in the way of a peace The billionaire Czech regime. Opposition parties an automatic return of some ter- treaty between the two nations premier faces the vote, which launched the no-confidence ritories? Certainly not,” Kremlin that would officially end World was triggered by allegations he motion last week after media spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. War II hostilities. In September, hindered a fraud probe, on quoted Babis’s son as saying he The dispute over the Kuril chain Russian President suggested that November 23. “I don’t see any was forcibly sent abroad to goes back to the end of World both countries sign a peace reason” to endorse a no-confi- thwart a fraud inquiry into his War II, when their annexation treaty this year “without any dence vote, Jan Hamacek, leader father’s past business dealings. by the Soviet Union was con- preconditions”, but Tokyo said of the CSSD social democrats, Babis denies any wrong- Demonstrators holding placards calling for the resignation of Czech firmed in peace treaties between the territorial dispute should be told the CT24 public news doing and has vowed to “never Prime Minister Andrej Babis due to a subsidy fraud case at the Old the victorious powers and settled first. channel. But it was still up to his resign”. Town Square in Prague. 16 EUROPE MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 Getting rid of me risks delaying Brexit: May REUTERS Several British newspapers reported that She said she would also be done but it is very late in the day ﬁve senior pro-Brexit ministers were working speaking to other EU leaders now and we need to change LONDON: British Prime Minister together to pressure Theresa May to change the ahead of an EU summit to discuss course,” Raab said. (pictured) Theresa May said deal, but May said she saw no alternative plan the deal on November 25. “The biggest risk of no deal yesterday toppling her would Several British newspapers is taking a bad deal to the House risk delaying Brexit and she on the table. reported that five senior proof Commons ... it is very would not let talk of a leadership Brexit ministers were working important to take the action challenge distract her from a together to pressure May to now.” critical week of negotiations. to the chairman of the so-called distracted from the important change the deal, but writing in Opposition Labour leader Since unveiling a draft 1922 committee, Graham Brady. job. the Sun newspaper May said she Jeremy Corbyn said his party divorce deal with the European More than 20 lawmakers “A change of leadership at saw no alternative plan on the would vote against May’s deal Union on Wednesday, May’s pre- have said publicly that they have this point isn’t going to make the table. when it came to parliament, but miership has been thrust into submitted a letter, but others are negotiations any easier ... what Former Brexit minister distanced himself from calls for crisis by the resignation of expected to have done so confi- it will do is mean that there is a Dominic Raab, who resigned on a so-called people’s vote on the several ministers, including her dentially. Brady said yesterday risk that actually we delay the Thursday in protest at the deal, final agreement. Brexit minister, and some law- that the 48 threshold had not yet negotiations and that is a risk said he supported May as leader “It’s an option for the future, makers from her own party been reached. that Brexit gets delayed or but her deal was “fatally flawed” but it’s not an option for today, seeking to oust her. “These next seven days are frustrated.” and he did not think it would be because if we had a referendum To trigger a confidence vote, going to be critical, they are May said negotiating teams approved by parliament. He said tomorrow, what’s it going to be 48 of her Conservative Party about the future of this country,” were working “as we speak” and and meet European Commission May must change course. on? What’s the question going to lawmakers must submit a letter May said. “I am not going to be she intended to go to Brussels President Jean-Claude Juncker. “I still think a deal could be be?” Corbyn told Sky News.

Malta identiﬁes Former prosecutor masterminds in urges reform of UN journalist’s death AFP AFP people have been killed since the conflict erupted in 2011. VALLETTA: The masterminds GENEVA: Former war crimes “We had hoped that the behind the 2017 car-bomb prosecutor Carla Del Ponte, International Criminal Court or murder of Maltese journalist who for years was part of a UN an ad hoc court would deal with and blogger Daphne Caruana commission probing rights the war crimes in Syria,” she Galizia have been identified abuses in Syria, is calling for said, criticising the blocked UN according to unnamed police reform of the UN “talk shop”. Security Council for standing in sources quoted by The Sunday She also argued that the the way of such a process by Times of Malta. upholding of human rights had “doing nothing”. The report quoted high- reached a low point, ques- She also criticised the UN ranking officers as saying that tioning if they still existed. Human Rights Council in a group of “more than two” “The UN is a big disap- Geneva. Half of the 47 countries Maltese nationals had been pointment to me,” she told that currently hold rotating identified as having ordered Swiss weekly NZZ Am Sonntag membership, including the likes her killing. in an interview yesterday, of China, Saudi Arabia and Three suspects are under insisting that “the UN should be Burundi, “are violating human arrest for having carried out reorganised.” rights on a daily basis”, she the murder and facing trial, Del Ponte, a 71-year-old maintained. but the identity of whoever Swiss national who came to “They should be thrown ordered it remained a mystery. prominence investigating war out. Immediately,” she said. Latvia marks centenary of independence Caruana Galizia, who died crimes in Rwanda and the She joked that she had been on October 16 last year, sought former Yugoslavia, was part of asked at a recent event if she FROM LEFT: Estonia’s President Kersti Kaljulaid; Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto; Latvia’s President to expose scandals from petrol the UN Commission of Inquiry would consider becoming UN Raimonds Vejonis and Island’s President Gudni Johannesson walk at the Monument of Freedom smuggling to money laun- on Syria for five years, before Secretary-General, a job she during a ceremony to mark the 100 years of Latvia’s independence, in Riga, Latvia, yesterday. dering, implicating members slamming the door last year. said she would gladly take. of the government and During her time working “But I would probably not organised crime. with the commission, which is last in office for long.” tasked with investigating Del Ponte, who said she is human rights violations and planning to retire for good at the war crimes in Syria’s brutal civil end of this year, warned that war, Del Ponte said she was dis- international justice as a whole Russian official may become Interpol chief: Report appointed to find that the UN was currently in a sorry state. BLOOMBERG was basically a “talk shop”. “We have reached a low the resignation of former pres- who warned Chinese gov- William Browder, for “There are lots of civil point,” she told the paper. ident Meng Hongwei, who is ernment might use the perch instance, a major investor in servants, too many. Only a few “Human rights are no longer MOSCOW: British officials now being investigated by to facilitate the use of extraju- Russia before being barred entry of them really do any work,” valid. We have to ask ourselves expect Alexander Prokopchuk, Chinese authorities under sus- dicial practice — such as in the year 2005, has been she lamented. today if they still exist.” a former major-general at the picion of accepting bribes and detention without charge. detained several times while Del Ponte, known for her But she stressed that “we Russian Interior Ministry, to be violating other state laws. Prokopchuk’s appointment Interpol in various countries frankness, reiterated her frus- have no choice but to believe elected as Interpol president as Meng’s election during a may also raise similar concerns sought to verify arrest warrants tration at the lack of account- in human rights.” soon as Wednesday, The Times closed-door vote in the year over Russia’s use of Interpol’s issued by the Russian ability for the horrendous “We must believe that an reported, without saying where 2016, seen as a coup for the “red notice” — a request to arrest government. crimes committed in Syria, independent international court it got the information. Communist Party, was criti- an individual pending Prokopchuk is currently a where more than 360,000 can bring justice.” The election would follow cised by human rights groups extradition. vice-president at Interpol.

Stolen Picasso Former Ukraine leader painting possibly found in Romania to miss treason trial AP AFP MOSCOW: Former Ukrainian BUCHAREST: One of seven president Viktor Yanukovych paintings stolen six years ago (pictured) won’t be able to from a museum in The Neth- appear before a Kiev court erlands as part of a spec- today because of injuries tacular art heist may have sustained on a Moscow tennis been found in Romania, the court, his lawyer said yesterday. public prosector in Bucharest Yanukovych “cannot said yesterday. appear in court seeing as he has Seven masterpieces by been hospitalised” and is unable Picasso, Monet, Gauguin, and to move due to spinal and knee Lucian Freud were stolen injuries, lawyer Aleksandr from the Kunsthal Museum Goroshinsky told Russian news Yanukovych, who so far has Bulgarian citizens block the roads as they gather to stage a protest against government on life in Rotterdam in 2012 in a raid agencies. been absent from court pro- standards in their country, in Soﬁa, yesterday. that lasted only three minutes. Yanukovych fled Ukraine ceedings against him, faces Dutch media at the time in 2014 as tensions in the capital charges of treason, complicity called it “the theft of the flared up following a brutal and in a war against Ukraine and century”. Anti-poverty protest in Bulgaria deadly police crackdown on premeditated actions to alter Public prosecutor protesters calling for the pres- Ukraine’s borders. AFP Augustin Lazar confirmed paramilitary police dispersed started three weeks ago over a ident to follow through with an Prosecutors in August asked that Romanian authorities the crowds, public radio BNR hike in fuel prices and planned association agreement signed for a sentence of 15 years in were in possession of a SOFIA: Thousands of Bulgarians reported, a day after similar pro- increase in taxes on older with the European Union. prison. painting that “might be” one blocked major roads and border tests across France. vehicles. Shortly after disappearing In September, the court of those stolen from the Kun- checkpoints to Turkey and About 2,000 security But they grew to decry low from Kiev, he surfaced safely invited Yanukovych to appear sthal Museum, adding it needs Greece yesterday as weekend officers were deployed as a wages and pensions and falling in Russia. and make a final statement. to be further examined. protests against high fuel prices second day of rallies were held living standards in the EU’s Prosecutors told a Kiev Goroshinsky said at the time Sources said that experts widened to reflect general in dozens of towns yesterday. poorest country, where pur- court in August that Yanuk- that his client was only inter- are checking if the canvas is discontent over low living In the capital Sofia several chasing power is barely half of ovych abandoned the nation to ested in doing so by Skype. Picasso’s “Harlequin Head”. standards in the EU’s poorest dozen protesters marched along the EU average. fate and “fled into the arms of Yesterday, he told Russian A Dutch foreign affairs country. major boulevards shouting Some protesters called for the aggressor,” referring to Rus- journalists that, given Yanoko- ministry spokesperson said Protesters blocked traffic “Mafia!” and “Resign!”, bringing the resignation of the coalition sia’s swift annexation of Crimea vych’s current condition, they the painting’s “authenticity for hours at various points along traffic to a standstill. government of conservative from Ukraine following his would ask to reschedule the must now be established”. major highways before The weekend demonstrations Prime Minister Boyko Borisov. flight from the capital. date of the hearing. MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 AMERICAS 17 Trump hints at Over 1,200 missing in California wildfires AP

CHICO: Nearly 1,300 people replacing five remain unaccounted for and the death toll from the country’s deadliest wildfire in a century climbed to 76, authorities said senior advisers yesterday, hours after President Donald Trump surveyed what remained of a decimated AFP Northern California community. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea pleaded with fire WASHINGTON: US President evacuees to check the roster of Donald Trump is thinking of I have three or four people reported as unreachable replacing up to five senior or five positions by family and friends and to call advisers but insists that his that I’m thinking in if they are safe. Deputies have administration is “running like located hundreds of people to a well-oiled machine,” (to replace) about. date, but the overall number according to an interview aired Maybe it’s going to keeps growing because officials yesterday. end up being two. are adding names, including “I have three or four or five those reported as missing during positions that I’m thinking (to But I need flexibility: the disaster’s chaotic early replace) about,” he said. “Maybe Trump hours, Honea said. it’s going to end up being two. “It’s really very important for But I need flexibility.” you to take a look at the list and Denying recurrent reports “I like her very much, I call us if you’re on the list,” he of a White House in turmoil — respect her very much,” he said. US President Donald Trump (third right), California Governor Jerry Brown (right); Administrator of with pressure growing from said, before adding, “I would The remains of five more the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Brock Long (second right); and Governor-elect Gavin the investigation into Russian like her to be much tougher on people were found on Saturday, Newsom (third left), during the assessment of damage from wildfires, in Malibu, California, yesterday. meddling in the 2016 election the border (with Mexico). Much including four in the decimated — he said that some staff tougher.” town of Paradise and one in full support of the federal gov- 10,000 homes and torched 600 survivors, some who had barely turnover was normal. Trump also defended the nearby Concow, bringing the ernment. Governor Jerry Brown sq km. It is 55 percent escaped and no longer had He declined, however, to decision on Wednesday by the number of dead to 76. and governor-elect Gavin contained. homes, were too busy packing repeat an earlier assurance office of his wife Melania to Honea said among the dead Newsom thanked him for The fire zone in Northern up what little they had left or that John Kelly would remain issue a highly unusual was Lolene Rios, 56, whose son coming out. California is to some extent seeking help to pay much his chief of staff through 2020. statement suggesting that Jed tearfully told KXTV in Sac- “We’ve never seen anything Trump country, and that enthu- attention to the president’s visit. “There are certain things I deputy national security adviser ramento that his mother “had like this in California, we’ve siasm was on display as dozens Michelle Mack Couch, 49, love what he does and certain Mira Ricardel be replaced. endless amount of love for me.” never seen anything like this of people cheered and waved waited in line to get into a things I don’t like that he does. Ricardel left that post the Trump toured the area, yet. It’s like total devastation,” flags as his motorcade went by. Federal Emergency Man- At that aren’t his strength,” he following day for assignment joined by California’s outgoing Trump said as he stood amid the Kevin Cory, a wildfire agement Agency center in the said, referring to Kelly. to an unspecified new position. and incoming governors, both ruins of Paradise. evacuee who lost his home in city of Chico. She needed a While crediting Kelly with The First Lady was Democrats who have traded Firefighters are racing to get Paradise, praised Trump for walker for her elderly mother “doing an excellent job in many reportedly peeved with sharp barbs with the Republican ahead of strong winds and low coming to a state that is often and tags for her car. ways,” Trump said that “at Ricardel’s involvement in her administration. He also visited humidity expected overnight at odds with the White House. “Let’s hope he gets us some some point he’s going to want recent Africa trip. Southern California, where fire- and into Sunday afternoon. Rain “I think that California’s help,” said Couch, who voted for to move on. John will move “I thought it was fine,” the fighters were making progress was forecast for midweek, been really horrible to him and Trump and whose house was on.” president said of his wife’s on a wildfire that tore through which could help firefighters the fights. I mean they’re suing among those burned down last He also said that “there’s a intervention, adding of communities west of Los but also complicate the search him,” he said. “It’s back and week. But as far as taking time chance” that Kirstjen Nielsen Ricardel, “She was with me for Angeles from Thousand Oaks for remains. forth between the state and the out to watch the president, she might be replaced as homeland a long time, although I don’t to Malibu, killing three people. Northern California’s Camp feds. It’s not right.” said wryly, “We don’t have a TV security secretary. know her.” The president pledged the Fire has destroyed nearly But for the most part, anymore.”

Latest group of US WWII-era fighter plane Rhodes scholars includes more crashes in Texas; 2 dead AP injuries or deaths on the women than ever ground. FREDERICKSBURG: A The P-51D Mustang fighter AP privately-owned vintage was returning after performing World War II Mustang fighter a flyover during a living history WASHINGTON: The latest airplane that had participated show at the National Museum group of US Rhodes scholars in a flyover for a museum of the Pacific War, museum includes 21 women, the most event crashed into the parking director Rorie Cartier said in an ever in a single Rhodes class, lot of a Texas apartment email. Fredericksburg is home and almost half of the 32 complex yesterday, killing the to the museum. winners are immigrants or pilot and a passenger, author- The museum said on first-generation Americans. ities said. Twitter that one of those in the The Rhodes Trust yes- Texas Department of Public plane was a military veteran. terday announced the 32 men Safety Sgt. Orlando Moreno “We are extremely sad- and women chosen from a confirmed the two people on dened by the unfortunate group of 880 applicants board had died in the crash in accident this afternoon that endorsed by 281 US colleges Fredericksburg, about 113 km claimed the lives of two won- and universities for studies north of San Antonio, but he did derful people. We express our beginning next fall at Oxford not identify them. deepest condolences to the University in England. The aircraft was destroyed families of both on board,” The organization said this and several vehicles in the Cartier said. is the first year of eligibility parking lot damaged, Federal The Mustang was first built for the scholarship for those Aviation Administration by North American Aviation in covered by an Obama-era Unrest in Pennsylvania spokesman Lynn Lunsford said 1940 and was used by the US DACA program. yesterday. military in World War II and the Law enforcement protecting supporters of the right-wing “We Are The People” rally from counter- Photos from the crash site Korean War. Barack Obama demonstrators, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, yesterday. showed pieces of the plane on The National Transpor- top of parked vehicles. There tation Safety Board and the FAA surprises wife were no immediate reports of said they would investigate. at book show AP Florida recount wraps up, Democrat concedes defeat WASHINGTON: Former President Barack Obama AP practically brought the house wife, R. Jai Gillum. “Although trailed DeSantis by more than gate after winning the Aug. 28 down at Michelle Obama’s nobody wanted to be governor 30,000 votes following a legally primary, telling Fox News that book show in Washington. TALLAHASSEE: Democrat more than me, this was not just required machine recount. voters shouldn’t “monkey this The former first lady is Andrew Gillum (pictured) ended about an election cycle. This was Counties are wrapping up a hand up” by electing Gillum. currently touring the country his hard-fought campaign for about creating the kind of recount this weekend and must Despite implications that promoting her memoir, Florida governor yesterday with change in this state that really submit their official results by DeSantis is racially insensitive - “Becoming,” and participated just hours remaining for counties allows the voices of everyday noon Sunday. an idea he angrily disputed in a conversation yesterday to turn in official recount results, people to show up again in our Gillum’s concession assures during a debate - he is poised to moderated by her longtime conceding to a Republican government.” Florida Republicans will retain officially win the state that friend and former Obama whose party has held that office Gillum’s brief remarks came their grasp on the governor’s Trump carried in 2016. adviser Valerie Jarrett. since 1999. hours after President Donald office since Jeb Bush’s term DeSantis ran as a political When the conversation Gillum, in a video he posted Trump, who at one point in the starting in 1999. outsider despite serving three shifted toward Mrs. Obama’s on Facebook, congratulated campaign had sharply criticized DeSantis, 40, was considered terms in Congress and running feelings about her husband, Republican Ron DeSantis and Gillum, praised him for running an underdog before Trump for US Senate in 2016 before Jarrett announced a “special also vowed to remain politically official results after tense days a tough race. tweeted his support for DeSantis dropping out of the race when guest” and Barack Obama active even though his term as of recounting ballots in both the “He will be a strong Dem- in December, a month before Republican Sen. Marco Rubio came on stage carrying a mayor of the Florida capital of gubernatorial and a US Senate ocrat warrior long into the future DeSantis even entered the race. decided to run for re-election. bouquet of pink roses for his Tallahassee ends next week. Of contest — two nationally — a force to reckon with!” said Trump campaigned to help push The race was the third office he’s wife. his future plans, Florida’s first watched midterm elections that Trump in a Twitter post. DeSantis to a primary victory in run for in two years: his re- Barack Obama said during African-American nominee for have keep the presidential swing Gillum had initially conceded August and visited Florida two election, Senate and governor. the show that Michelle is “one governor said: “stay tuned.” state on edge since Election Day. to DeSantis on election night, but more times to help the Repub- DeSantis is a former Navy of a kind,” strong and honest, The announcement came “This has been the journey he retracted it as the razor-thin lican in the final days of the officer who graduated from Yale and someone he knew he just hours before Florida’s of our lives,” said Gillum, margin between the two candi- election. University before getting his law could always count on. counties must turn in their appearing in the video with his dates narrowed. But he still DeSantis stumbled out of the degree at Harvard University. 18 AMERICAS MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 New caravan formed as hundreds wait at border REUTERS WhatsApp application to launch the latest effort. SAN SALVADOR: At least 150 Among them was Manuel Salvadorans set off yesterday The group from El Umana, a 53-year-old farmer from their impoverished Central from the town of San Pedro American country in a US-bound Salvador was at Masahuat, who said he decided caravan, ignoring their likely least the fourth to join yesterday’s caravan to rejection at the US-Mexico caravan to set off escape MS-13, a brutal criminal border where a larger caravan since a ﬁrst, large- gang that controls large parts of of mostly Hondurans has been El Salvador and neighboring stalled for days. scale mobilization in Honduras. Guarded by police officers, neighboring Honduras. “We are already threatened the men, women and children of by the gangs where we live,” said the gathering caravan marched Umana, pointing to scars on his through San Salvador’s streets to toward the US border, where face he said gang members had Guatemala-bound buses, loaded hundreds of early arrivals have inflicted five years ago. “We no with heavy backpacks, water and been waiting since last week to longer can live with these the knowledge of an arduous cross. people.” 4,300km trek ahead to the US Ahead of the November 6 His motives echoed dozens border. midterm US congressional elec- of migrants in the earlier car- The group from El Salvador tions, President Donald Trump avans who said they were aban- was at least the fourth caravan denounced the large caravan as doning their homes to escape a Central American migrants heading in caravan towards the United States, seen at a shelter in Mexicali, to set off since a first, large-scale an “invasion” that threatened toxic mixture of violence, cor- Baja California state, Mexico, yesterday. mobilization in neighboring American national security and ruption and economic Honduras, which departed on sent thousands of active-duty US insecurity. October 13 from the crime- troops to the border with Mexico. El Salvador and Honduras determined to do what we need California, hundreds of people to dissuade illegal entries. wracked northern city of San Trump has not publicly compete for the highest hom- to do,” said Umana, before from the larger caravan braced US immigration authorities, Pedro Sula. focused on the caravan since the icide rates in the world, leaving with the rest of the for planned protests from local meanwhile, barred passage to That caravan quickly grew election. according to official figures. Both caravan from the Salvadoran Mexicans both in favor and dozens of the migrants who in to thousands as it moved north Inspired by the public spot- countries rank among the capital’s central Plaza Salvador against them. recent days formed orderly lines on daily 50km treks. Many of its light on the larger caravan, Sal- poorest in the Americas. del Mundo. Just over the northern border, to enter through the San Ysidro members were still winding their vadorans organised themselves “It is very dangerous but we Far to the north yesterday, in nearly 6,000 US troops in recent Port of Entry connecting Mexico way yesterday through Mexico on social networks and the have no other alternative. We are the city of Tijuana that abuts days have stretched barbed wire to San Diego.

Marilyn Monroe’s Golden Globe Award Brazil blocks airing fetches $250,000 at California auction of documents in REUTERS activist’s murder WASHINGTON: Marilyn AFP Monroe’s Golden Globe TV Globo. Award sold for a record- The channel said that it breaking $250,000 at Julien’s RIO DE JANEIRO: A Brazilian would respect the order, but Auctions in Beverly Hills, judge has forbidden the coun- would lodge an appeal as it California, auction officials try’s biggest TV channel from believed the ruling “seriously said late Saturday. broadcasting the contents of violated freedom of the press The 1961 award statue for investigative documents about and the right of the population World Film Favorite Female the killing of black rights to information, especially on a from the Hollywood Foreign activist Marielle Franco. case that has elicited great Press Association made Franco, a charismatic city interest in Brazil and abroad.” history as the highest selling council member in Rio de Brazil’s Association of Golden Globe sold at auction. Janeiro and a champion of Investigative Journalists Monroe’s raven black black rights, was shot dead (ABRAJI) condemned what it A part of the wreckage of the ARA San Juan submarine was located one year after it vanished into two-seater, 1956 Ford Thun- along with her driver on March termed “censorship.” the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. derbird, which was auctioned 14. In early November, Public for the first time, fetched The murder bore the hall- Security Minister Raul $490,000 at Icons & Idols: marks of a professional hit and Jungmann said the government Hollywood, which took place Argentine submarine find ‘first triggered an international had received “serious accusa- on Friday and Saturday. outcry. tions” from two witnesses of “a Monroe, one of the most The TV Globo channel criminal organization” trying collectible celebrities, was step’ to learning disaster’s cause gained access to extracts from to obstruct the Franco pictured driving in the car investigative reports last week, investigation. AFP with her husband, playwright means causing it to break up.” Capetown, South Africa for and said it had aired reports on It allegedly involves “public Arthur Miller, shortly after “I prefer to preserve the evi- maintenance, the Argentine two subjects though “without agents from various state their June 1956 wedding. BUENOS AIRES: The discovery dence in place,” she said. navy said. showing elements that can pose entities, militia members and The movie star owned the of the wreckage of an Argentine But she has issued sum- When that is completed, it a risk to witnesses and to the figures from the world of vehicle for six years until submarine lost a year ago has monses to the Argentine naval will return to the area where the investigation” — in keeping organized crime,” he told a shortly before her death in revived a stalled probe into the officers who were aboard the submarine was located. with its editorial guidelines. press conference, adding that 1962. cause of the undersea disaster Seabed Constructor when it According to preliminary Rio’s prosecutor and the the witnesses were given police Darren Julien, president that took the lives of 44 crew found the submarine on Friday, information released on Sat- Civil Police, in charge of the protection. of Julien’s Auctions, said the members. a year and a day after it van- urday by the Argentine navy, the Franco investigation, went to Franco was an outspoken car was “not only part of Families of the victims have ished in the South Atlantic with San Juan imploded two hours court to stop the channel pub- critic of police brutality in Rio, automotive history but comes called for the ARA San Juan to all aboard. after its last communication lishing more. and what she said was the tar- with an aura of glamour, be refloated, an enormous Although an official investi- with the Mar del Plata naval “Diffusion of contents geting of blacks in its teeming, romance and tragedy of a true undertaking that authorities gation was opened a year ago, base, its home port, on linked to the investigation is poverty-stricken slums, or Hollywood legend.” cautioned was likely beyond investigators have had little to November 15, 2017. prejudicial, in so far as it favelas. Monroe gifted the Thun- their means. go on until now. The sound of the explosion exposes personal data of wit- The latest developments in derbird to the son of her acting “We’re talking about a vessel Nonetheless, Argentine navy was recorded and traced to the nesses and harms the investi- the murky case come after the coach, Lee Strasberg, in 1962. that, filled with water, weighs chief Marcel Srur was removed general area where the sub- gation,” Judge Gustavo Gomes presidential election victory of The current owner, who 2,500 tons,” said the judge in from his post in December. marine was found. Kalil in Rio said in a ruling pub- far-right, former army captain wishes to remain anonymous, charge of the investigation, Seabed Constructor, a jewel In a message, Macri lished late Saturday on the O Jair Bolsonaro, who has out- tracked the vehicle down Marta Yanez. in the fleet of US-based explo- promised to get to “the truth Globo newspaper website. raged many in Brazil and through registration and Yanez said she would not ration company Ocean Infinity, needed to honor and respect our The newspaper is part of beyond with his derogatory other documents. risk raising the submarine “if that was headed yesterday for heroes and their families.” the same corporate group as comments. Illinois prison inmate’s death after run-in with staff ruled homicide AP and two dozen or more abra- provided under the Freedom of airlifted to a regional hospital Neither FBI spokesman Brad according to Norfleet’s findings. sions, hemorrhages and lacera- Information Act. Suspended for after the incident , Corrections Ware nor Hess would comment Under the heading “blunt SPRINGFIELD: The death of an tions. Surgery to remove a allegedly violating conduct spokeswoman Lindsey Hess said on the autopsy. abdominal trauma,” the report inmate following an “altercation portion of his bowel appears to standards were correctional Sgt in July. He died six weeks after “The IDOC (corrections says that a portion of Earvin’s with correctional staff” at have followed the injury, the Willie Hedden, 40, of Mount he was airlifted, on June 26, at department) has cooperated fully colon had been removed surgi- Western Illinois Correctional report says. Sterling; correctional Lts Ben- Centralia Correctional Center, with federal authorities and, as cally and an ileostomy bag Center in May has been ruled a The FBI is investigating the jamin Burnett, 33, of Winchester, according to the death certificate per FBI policy, we are not installed for waste removal. homicide, according to an May 17 incident at the prison in and Blake Haubrich, 30, of signed by Clinton County allowed to discuss details In Earvin’s system were mor- autopsy report provided under Mount Sterling, about 400km Quincy and correctional officer Coroner Phillip Moss. regarding an investigation,” Hess phine and Hydrocodone for pain a Freedom of Information southwest of Chicago. Illinois Alex Banta, 27, of Quincy. Moss declined comment. So said in an email. and drugs used for anxiety and request. Department of Corrections offi- Earvin was black. The race did Dr. Gershom Norfleet, the St. In addition to the broken ribs depression. He also had severe Larry Earvin died from blunt cials declined to disclose details of the officers allegedly involved Louis forensic pathologist who and multiple abrasions which narrowing of the aorta, high trauma to the chest and of the altercation. in the altercation is uncertain. performed the autopsy with showed signs of healing at the blood pressure, cirrhosis and abdomen, the death certificate At least four Western Illinois Earvin, serving a six-year special agents from the FBI and time of death, Earvin had pneu- Hepatitis C. from Clinton County in southern employees were placed on sentence for a Cook County Illinois State Police and a state monia, a tracheostomy tube and The death certificate indi- Illinois said. The 65-year-old administrative leave with pay on robbery and scheduled for police crime scene investigator a chest tube to drain fluids, all cates that Earvin was born in an Earvin sustained 15 rib fractures May 22, according to documents release in September, was attending. associated with chest trauma, unknown Mississippi city. MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 HOME 19

The Ambassador hailed the outstanding ties The King’s Day was one of the between Belgium and Qatar highlighting the highlights of the Belgian Cultural visit to Belgium of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Autumn launched by the Embassy Hamad Al Thani during which a number of BELGIUM last month to acquaint Qatar with memorandums of understanding were signed. Belgium’s vibrant cultural scene. Belgium mission celebrates King’s Day

RAYNALD C RIVERA Fashion Exhibition at Doha Exhibition THE PENINSULA and Convention Centre on October 26 featuring the latest creations of two T was a festive celebration punc- famous Belgian fashion designers Alicia tuated by scrumptious gastronomic Declerck and Zhanna Belskaya. The duo feast and breathtaking jazz who are the founders of the Alter Era performances as the Belgian fashion house based in Antwerp, a world IEmbassy and the community marked fashion capital, also held a forum at Belgium’s King’s Day on Thursday. Heya. Ever since 1866, the King’s Day has On November 7, two Belgian events been observed in honour of the Belgian took place at Katara Cultural Village monarch with celebrations and last including the opening of ‘Mimesis, the week’s event was no exception as a big travelling landscape’ by renowned number of guests and dignitaries filled Belgian contemporary artist Nadine Grand Hyatt Doha’s lawns to join the Fievet at Katara Art Centre and the well- annual occasion. received jazz concert of famous jazz In his elaborate speech, Belgium musicians Jef Neve and Nicolas Ambassador to Qatar Bart De Groof Kummert at Katara Esplanade as part praised Qatar’s steadfastness in its of the fifth annual Katara European Jazz engagements with the international Festival. community amid the Gulf crisis as well “Jazz is a musical form that is very as its openness to the world with its popular in Belgium to which Belgium many initiatives. has also contributed in a major way. The The Ambassador also hailed the out- major instrument in jazz is saxophone standing ties between Belgium and which was invented by a Belgian so Qatar highlighting the visit to Belgium many years ago by the name of Adolphe of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Sax, so jazz is, for us, an element of our Al Thani during which a number of national culture.” memorandums of understanding were Belgium Ambassador to Qatar, Bart De Groof, delivers a speech on the occasion of King’s Day as Minister of Commerce and The Cultural Autumn concludes with signed and two major Qatari Belgian Industry, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari; Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Dr Ibrahim bin a four-day Belgian Chocolate Festival business forums were held. Saleh bin Khalifa Al Nuaimi; Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhroo and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador which opens tomorrow at The Torch De Groof also touched on the various Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, look on. PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA Doha featuring chocolate tasting and fields of cooperation between the two making workshops by celebrity chef countries from politics, trade and only have a lot of economic, commercial the host country a taste of what Belgium do with your country,” he added. Laurent Gerbaud and exhibition of economy to education, culture and sport and political ties with Qatar but also has to offer. From film and fashion to visual art leading Belgian chocolate brands as well as other areas of mutual interest. have a lot to offer in the cultural field. “We see culture as an extension of and music, the cluster of events provided present in Doha. The King’s Day was one of the high- Culture brings people together, some- the official relations. We have a lot of a glimpse of the dynamic culture of There are about 600 to 700 Belgians lights of the Belgian Cultural Autumn times even more than trade and com- dialogues with Qatar but this political Belgium despite its small size registered in the Belgian Embassy in launched by the Embassy last month to merce,” De Groof told The Peninsula. and economic dimension has to be com- geographically. Doha who are engaged in various acquaint Qatar with Belgium’s vibrant He stressed the series of Belgian plemented by cultural dimension The events kicked off on October 24 sectors such as construction, aviation cultural scene. events in the last two months were because culture tells a lot about coun- with the successful screening of the film and health. “What we want to do is to showcase geared towards introducing important tries. It tells a lot about what you stand “Flying Home” by Academy Award- “We are people who like to come Belgium as a country which does not elements of Belgian culture and provide for as a country and what you want to nominated Belgian director Dominique together every once in a while. Belgians Deruddere at the Museum of Islamic Art like to have this community feeling. We Auditorium as part of the first ever are a rather young community but a European Film Festival Doha. community that comes together quite It was followed by a fashion show often and celebrate things together,” said at opening of the 14th Heya Arabian the envoy.

Acclaimed Belgian artist exhibits in Qatar for the ﬁrst time

y country which dreams of my colours’ says the caption of the cover for ‘Mimesis, the travelling landscape’ – the first solo exhibition in Qatar of internationally acclaimed Belgian artist Nadine Fievet (pictured, below). ‘MFor five decades the septuagenarian artist, who makes nature her muse, has mastered the colours and textures of natural landscapes of her country which is very much evident in the pieces on display she created especially for her exhibition at Katara Art Centre. And she did much more, capturing the beauty and splendour of Qatar’s falcons on canvas in her own unique way no A large number of people attending King’s Day celebrations on Thursday at Grand Hyatt Doha. artist has ever done. In her long career as a professional artist, Fievet boasts over 60 solo exhi- bitions and 130 group shows in her native country Belgium and other parts of the world such as France, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, the Netherlands, Portugal, Morocco, Hong Kong and Germany. Belgian chocolate indulgence Speaking to The Peninsula, literary and art critic and curator Cecilia Burtica said if there’s one thing that makes this artist distinctly exceptional, it’s her vast experience in painting. rguably nowhere else in the year also speaks of the popularity of “Painting is her life. She has her own technique which can’t be observed world will one discover an Belgian chocolates in the local scene. in works by other painters in the same league as her. When you see her immense variety of delicious “Last year’s Festival was sold out paintings you can say they’re Nadine’s, they’re her colours,” explained Burtica. chocolate flavours and combi- almost two weeks in advance of the Mimesis refers to the imitation of nature in art and literature which is the Anations than in Belgium. opening day. It was an amazing response essence of the entire exhibition in which the artist provides art connoisseurs With more than 500 chocolatiers and every day was a real party at Sky and enthusiasts here a juxtaposition of Belgian and Qatari landscape and and above 2,000 chocolate shops, Lounge! This year, we decided to explores the importance of nature in finding and promoting the identity of a Belgium produces almost 220,000 tons organize the second edition of BCF, country. of chocolate every year, most of which because of its previous success and “Landscape, in a way, depicts the identity of a nation. It unites the people for export. Brussels airport is the world’s because we were receiving constant and comprises the collective memory of a country,” said the curator. biggest shop, with over 800 tons sold inquiries about its repetition from our Landscape painting has been an important and distinctive element in annually. guests and people who had attended it,” Belgian art. Many Belgian painters like Nadine have found their identity as “It would not be an exaggeration to she said. artists and made it on world stage by depicting the panoramic beauty of their say that just as many Italian villages It will be a treat for enthusiasts who country and their natural heritage. have a specialty olive oil supplier and wish to learn how to make their own Nadine’s prolific oeuvre is displayed in museums and art galleries and many French villages have a local favourite chocolates as Chef Chocolatier featured in private and public acquisitions in several countries. The exhibition vineyard, so it is true that every Belgian Laurent Gerbaud, one of the best choc- inspires both artists and art enthusiasts to enjoy and ponder. village has its own small chocolate olate makers in Brussels, will facilitate shop,” said Myrto Spentza (pictured), the workshops familiarizing them with Cluster Director of PR& Communica- different varieties and training them tions at The Torch Doha. is associated with high-quality gourmet how to prepare their own Belgian She was speaking to The Peninsula specialties. Recipes have been passed pralines. on the sidelines of the second edition of down through families for generations. “Our celebrity Chef Chocolatier Belgian Chocolate Festival (BCF) which This culture extends to both the quality Laurent Gerbaud is using high cocoa opens tomorrow at The Torch in coop- of ingredients used and the care that is content chocolate, with fruity taste. eration with the Belgian Embassy in taken when making the chocolate. Ecuador, Peru or Vietnam varieties, dark Doha. “Belgian Chocolates are one of the chocolate varieties of around 65 - 72 % Belgium is quite famous for its choc- most famous in the world, if not the cocoa, fresh and slightly acidic, all pow- olate; the best in the world as connois- most. Their high quality and exquisite erful varieties with a long lasting finish, seurs often say. While the raw mate- craftsmanship have made them very will be used during the workshop. Dif- rials do not originate from Belgium, the popular in Doha, with their demand con- ferent toppings like dried nuts and fruits, country has developed over the years stantly rising,” said Spentza, adding as well as more rare ingredients will be an unbeatable savoir-faire for the some of the famous brands which are available for the lucky attendants, ena- pleasure of our tasting buds. Using only present in Doha will be taking part in bling them to create unique pralines top quality ingredients – in particular the festival. according to their own preference and pure cocoa butter – Belgian chocolate The success of the inaugural BCF last taste,” she explained. 20 HOME MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 34 AM St Petersburg Forum strengthens cultural ties SHOROOK 05. 53 AM THE PENINSULA Sohair Wastawy, stressed that the role partnerships. contemporary works from 46 artists ZUHR 11. 19 AM MAGHRIB 04. 47 PM of traditional libraries will continue Also, Qatar Contemporary: Art and of different nationalities. ASR 02. 24 PM ISHA 06. 17 PM DOHA: The seventh St Petersburg despite the progress of digital libraries, Photography exhibition attracted many The forum was inaugurated on International Cultural Forum in Russia noting that the task of libraries and visitors. The exhibition will continue November 15 by Russia’s Deputy Prime concluded on Saturday with the partic- their presence in societies is to gather until December 10. Minister for Sport, Tourism, and Cul- WEATHER TODAY ipation of 35 foreign delegations. people to learn whether through the The exhibition, which is the largest tural Development Olga Golodets and The State of Qatar was the guest of Internet or the place, as the existence of its kind from Qatar to be hosted in Minister of Culture and Sports H E honour at this forum for the first time. of a particular place, facilitates the Russia, is divided into two parts. Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, who chaired It was within the context of the Qatar process of collective learning. Building a Vision: Photography from Qatar’s delegation at the forum. Russia 2018 Year of Culture, during During a discussion at the Saint Qatar features over 250 photographs The St. Petersburg International which many joint events will be held Petersburg State University, musician from 60 photographers of 28 different Cultural Forum aims to discuss ways throughout the year in order to Dana Al Fardan spoke about how the nationalities living in Qatar. It is to support cultural cooperation strengthen the future partnership and Qatari marine art influenced her music curated by Dr. Giles Hudson and between countries and their peoples ties between the two countries and and its interaction with classical music. Sheikha Maryam Al Thani. It show- around the world as well as to promote their peoples. The CEO of Qatar Business Incu- cases 200 photographs from Qatar knowledge exchange on cultural and Several activities were held on the bation Center (QBIC), Aysha Al Museums’ historical collections, artistic issues through holding sem- final day including a panel discussion Mudahka, spoke, during the forum, exhibited for the first time. inars, lectures, roundtables, and on ‘future of libraries and libraries of about entrepreneurship in cultural States of Transformation, the theatre, film and musical shows in the future’, during which the Executive companies and how individuals and second part of the exhibition, is curated addition to supporting and developing Director of Qatar National Library, Dr. artists can establish successful by Dr. Bahaa Abudaya. It features 100 youth initiatives. Eight ‘Made in Qatar’ short films to compete at Ajyal THE PENINSULA boundaries of storytelling techniques. o o The films selected reflect the themes 20 C 30 C DOHA: The Ajyal Film Festival compe- of the festival that celebrates the values Minimum Maximum tition, this year, will showcase 33 of courage, hope and resilience. shorts from over 18 countries, In each of the short films, a genre Moderate temperature daytime with slight including eight ‘Made in Qatar.’ that requires a strong command over dust at places at times and some clouds, From the first hand-drawn ani- the medium, the filmmakers present Mild by night. mated film to be produced by Dream- insights that will surely inspire audi- Works Animation since over 15 years ences to reflect on their own lives,

to searing tales from the region as well communities and the world in ways

HIGH TIDE 03:00 – 13:30 LOW TIDE 07:15 – 20:45 A scene from the ﬁlm ‘Bachir in Wonderland’, which will be showcased at the as inspiring ones on hope, resilience they may not have done before. We Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Ajyal Film Festival. and courage, the short films will be are confident that the short films, evaluated by the young Ajyal Jurors in including a proud showcase of national each of the three categories. films made by Qatari talents, will res- Wonderland, Gubgub, Gummy Gas Don’t Believe In You But Then There The Ajyal Film Festival compe- onate with our audiences and jurors Crisis, Nasser Goes to Space, Odd is an is Gravity, Inanimate, Negative Space, tition, which honours the Best Film in alike.” Egg, Post No Bills, Sh’hab, Siblings, The The Bleaching Syndrome, The Craft, each category, is central to the annual Jurors aged 8 to 12 will watch and Elephant’s Song, Two Balloons, and The Reason, July 2017, and cinema event hosted by the Doha Film discuss films under the Mohaq cat- Two Trams. The short films in the Hilal Transformation. Institute (DFI) to be held this year from egory which has 12 short films this category are As My Father Was, Bird Tickets for Ajyal Film Festival November 28 to December 3 at Katara. year, while Hilal Jurors aged 13 to 17 Karma, Changyou’s Journey, Drop by screenings are priced at QR25 for Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief will watch 10 short films. The Bader Drop, Killing Hope, Last Stop is the general screening and are available Executive Officer of DFI, said: “The Jurors, aged 18 to 21, will evaluate 11 Moon, Millennials, One in 50 Million, online or in-person at Ajyal FNAC diversity of the short films in our com- shorts. The directors of the Best Film Radiance, and Sirocco. Ticket Outlets (located at Doha Fes- petition section highlights the bold new will receive funding support for their The short films in the Bader cat- tival City and Lagoona Mall) or from faces of emerging cinema, with tal- next film. The short films in the Mohaq egory are Amphitheater, Brotherhood, the Ajyal Katara Main Box Office in ented young people pushing the category are Antouni, Bachir in Carlotta’s Face, Commodity City, I Katara Building 12. WISE@Paris to be held under the patronage of Macron THE PENINSULA international education stakeholders, WISE@Paris will begin on February WISE@Paris will be rethinking early among them political decision-makers, 20 with a broad range of activities taking education; empowering teachers and DOHA: The World Innovation Summit entrepreneurs, business and NGO place across Paris at partner sites such education leaders; decrypting the future for Education (WISE), an initiative of leaders, and students. as the Centre for Research and Interdis- of work; and cultivating global Qatar Foundation (QF), has received the Stavros Yiannouka, CEO, WISE, said, ciplinarity (CRI) and Unesco. These activ- citizenship. high patronage of the President of the “Building on the success of previous ities will include workshops, panel dis- These regional events are grounded French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, WISE@ events, we hope that this par- cussions, and roundtables. in partnership with stakeholders to drive for its next regional forum, which will ticular forum will inspire leaders and The main forum will take place on transformation in education with major be held in Paris on February 20 -21, 2019. stakeholders to embrace policies and February 21 at the Palais de Tokyo. Par- change-makers and influencers, with WISE@Paris will explore future sce- practices that promote quality education. ticipants will be able to explore, through the aim of generating tangible global narios of education under the theme WISE is honoured to receive the high a variety of formats, the journey of a educational impact. WISE@Paris will be ‘Education Futures: Fostering Learning patronage of President Emmanuel learner, starting from early childhood the final regional forum before the next Societies.’ Over the forum, WISE will Macron, and we thank him for his development and ending with lifelong edition of WISE’s global Summit takes engage 800 French, European, and support.” learning. The topics highlighted by place in Doha from October 28-29, 2019. Know chocolate secrets at Belgian fest Education Above All THE PENINSULA opening of the event. hosts two workshops Using only top quality ingre- DOHA: The Torch Doha and the dients — in particular pure cocoa for teachers in Qatar Embassy of Belgium in Qatar butter — Belgian chocolate is have teamed up to organise a associated with high-quality THE PENINSULA second edition of the Belgian gourmet specialties. With more the iEARN-Qatar Programme is Chocolate Festival with the than 500 chocolatiers and above to connect schools and youth participation of Belgian celebrity 2,000 chocolate shops, Belgium DOHA: Education Above All organisations worldwide via a chef chocolatier Laurent produces almost 220,000 tons (EAA) Foundation, through its virtual network to empower Gerbaud. of chocolate every year, most of programme Reach Out To Asia young people, encourage inter- The event will take place at it for export. Brussels airport is (ROTA), kicked off the Interna- scholastic collaboration, and Sky Lounge of The Torch Doha the world’s biggest shop, with tional Education and Resource debate world issues in real time, from tomorrow to November 23. over 800 tons sold annually. Network (iEARN) Qatar with the ultimate objective of Unique “Making and Tasting Many Belgian chocolate brands Programme by hosting two enhancing learning and making Workshops” will be held for are available on the Qatari workshops for teachers in Qatar. a difference in their own com- chocolate lovers who want to market. The first workshop took munities and around the world. know all the secrets about choc- Sabry stated, “We are place on October 4, 2018, and the The workshops are an ideal olate. Under the professional delighted to host such an event, second on October 13, 2018, both platform for teachers’ devel- guidance of Laurent Gerbaud, especially after last year’s at Qatar University, the official opment which build on the basic they will have the opportunity remarkable success. It was partner of the iEARN-Qatar principle of Project-based to make their own chocolate and greatly anticipated and through Programme. Learning (PBL), allowing teachers learn how to taste and appre- the valuable collaboration with A group of 40 teachers from to share their best practices, in ciate the different varieties. the Embassy of Belgium, we 13 governmental and private addition to providing them with The raw material used will have organized a festival which schools attended the iEARN opportunities to create and work be a balanced semi-sweet choc- will entertain and educate our teacher’ training workshop, pro- on their projects using the ROTA Chef Sham preparing chocolate. olate, with velvet texture and guests equally”. viding the opportunity for Knowledge Network. satin finish, ideal for the “Such an event has been teachers and students in Qatar Furthermore, an Open House wellness-minded who are chocolate making. After a long The festival will be launched requested by many in Doha. I am to collaborate with an online is organised as part of the iEARN leaning towards a low sugar trip to China, he returned to tomorrow by Bart De Groof, therefore pleased that we could network of educators and programme, which gives stu- intake. Belgium and started experi- Ambassador of Belgium to Qatar, launch such a festival to cele- learners across 140 countries. dents the chance to display their Laurent Gerbaud is one of menting with new flavours and and Sherif Sabry, General brate Belgian chocolate by giving EAA views education as a work and showcase their projects the best chocolate makers in ingredients, like spices, exotic Manager of The Torch Doha, in an opportunity to the chocolate- right, and a tool for community for an audience of educators, Brussels whose creations are a fruits and sugar substitutes. His the presence of Belgian chef lovers in Qatar to learn. I am development. iEARN addresses parents and seniors from various must-try. He belongs to the new journey to China is also reflected chocolatier Laurent Gerbaud. A convinced that the workshops both: improving the quality of organisations. This year’s iEARN- generation of Belgian chocolate in his logo and beautiful pack- vivid crowd of VIPs, media, will be an unforgettable expe- education, while enabling youth Qatar programme will com- makers. He studied History aging – a red seal depicting the bloggers and valued guests from rience for all participants” to take action addressing local or mence with the Open house while taking evening classes on word “chocolate” in Chinese. both parties will be invited to the Ambassador De Groof said. global issues. The main role of event in April 2019.