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TUESDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11392 December 10, 2019 Rabia II 13, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Our Say

By Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Editor-in-Chief From Qatar to Rwanda His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Rwandan hen the winners of fourth President Paul Kagame unveiling the monument of the fourth edition of edition of Sheikh Tamim His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and other dignitaries with the Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence WBin Hamad Al Thani In- winners of the fourth edition of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award. Award at the Kigali Convention Centre Garden yesterday. ternational Anti-Corruption Ex- cellence Award were honoured yes- terday in Kigali, the capital of the dynamic and vibrant African nation Rwanda, a new chapter got etched in golden letters in the annals of the Amir, Rwanda president honour winners fi ght against a global menace. It was a momentous occasion when His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Rwandan President Paul Kagame feted the of Anti-Corruption Excellence Award winners. My heart was fi lled with pride as I attended the ceremony. I understand it was His Highness President Kagame praises His Highness the Amir’s vision Monument of the award’s fourth edition unveiled in Kigali the Amir’s idea to choose the African Continent and particularly Rwanda to host the latest edition of the award QNA lated the award winners and all the instituted by The Rule of Law and Kigali candidates as well, saying: “Collec- Anti-Corruption Centre (ROLACC), tively, you represent the very best with HE Dr Ali bin Fetais al-Marri at of the fearless spirit and determina- the helm who is an exemplary and is Highness the Amir Sheikh tion required to sustain zero tolerance outstanding representative of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani against corruption.” on the international arena. He is also Hand Rwandan President Paul His Highness the Amir and the the United Nations Special Advocate Kagame honoured yesterday winners Rwandan president also unveiled the for the Prevention of Corruption. of fourth edition of Sheikh Tamim Bin monument of the award’s fourth edi- The selection of Rwanda is highly Hamad Al Thani International Anti- tion in Kigali Convention Centre Gar- signifi cant. Rwanda and Qatar en- Corruption Excellence Award at a cer- den. joy a very strong and deep relation- emony at Kigali Convention Centre Namibian President Hage Gein- ship. President Kagame has been Garden. gob, Chairperson of the African Union instrumental in ushering in political The Amir and the Rwandan presi- Commission Moussa Faki and FIFA stability to one of Africa’s fastest- dent honoured Dr Maria Krambia- president Infantino attended the mon- growing economies which witnessed Kapardis from Cyprus, Dr Alban Koki ument unveiling. A number of mem- a total turnaround, waking up from a from Albania who won in the scientifi c bers of the Supreme Committee and devastating war and 1994 genocide research category, Jack Lumuba from the Advisory Council of the award also against the Tutsi ethnic group that the Democratic Republic of Congo, attended. cost more than a million lives. International Youth Musicians Asso- The monument, shaped as a hand of Among the highlights of the ciation, Anora Alkanova and Kenneth His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and other off icials at the Kigali steel, symbolises the solidarity of all award event was the unveiling of Kaunda for the lifetime award. Convention Centre Garden yesterday. the nations of the world as one hand, a monument designed by Doha- The award ceremony was attended for all co-operating in order to combat based Iraqi contemporary artist and by the Chairperson of the African Advisory Council which choose the tion as very important, adding that it Convention Centre Garden. President corruption. sculptor Ahmed Albahrani. Every Union Commission Moussa Faki, and award winners and several interna- indicates the importance of the coun- Kagame said that the sculpture sym- His Highness the Amir left Kigali nation which hosts the award gets President of the International Football tional personalities also attended. tries’ fi ght against corruption. bolises both the openness and the fi rm in the evening. He was seen off at Ki- this artwork, which symbolises Association (FIFA) Gianni Infantino, In his speech at the award ceremony, The Rwandan president thanked resolve needed to prevail in the fi ght gali International Airport by President transparency and the fi ght against UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina President Kagame praised the vision of the Amir and the United Nations for against corruption, expressing pride Kagame, Minister of Foreign Aff airs corruption. As President Kagame J Mohamed and John Brandolino from His Highness the Amir who was behind choosing Kigali to host the award cer- over placing it in the capital Kigali. and International Co-operation of said, the sculpture stands for both the United Nations Offi ce on Drugs and the creation of the “Sheikh Tamim Bin emony of the fourth edition. Rwanda has already started the anti- Rwanda Vincent Biruta, Mayor of Ki- openness and the fi rm resolve need- Crime. Besides Namibian President Hamad Al Thani International Anti- He also applauded the unveiling of corruption journey, so this event will be gali Pudence Rubingisa, and Qatar’s ed to prevail in the fi ght against cor- Hage Geingob, a number of members Corruption Excellence Award”. the sculpture of the fourth edition of an encouragement to end it, he added. ambassador to Rwanda Abdullah Mo- ruption. Rwanda has already started of the Supreme Committee and the He described the award’s fourth edi- the award, which was held in the Kigali The Rwandan president congratu- hamed al-Sayed. Page 24 the anti-corruption journey, so this event will be an encouragement to end it, he stated. Be it Arab Spring or the past tur- moil in Sudan, if you dig deep, cor- ruption will be discovered as the Calls for eff orts to fi ght corruption, achieve integrity root cause of discontent. There are a number of countries which suf- fer due to corruption despite be- Seventh Global ruption poses threats to the rule of law ing rich in natural resources. It is in Organisation of and societies, reduces the value of local this context that Sheikh Tamim Bin organisations, increases social instability, Hamad Al Thani International Anti- Parliamentarians Against harms the countries’ legitimacy and af- Corruption Excellence Award has Corruption Conference fects the reform campaigns,” he said and been established as a beacon of hope kicks off in Doha added that corruption hinders equality, and courage in the battle against a reduces confi dence in local organisations scourge and injustice. and hinders sustainable development. The President of Namibia, Hage By Shafeeq Alingal He said there is a need to face the chal- Geingob, who spoke at the award Staff Reporter lenges posed by corruption, increase ac- ceremony, recalled how an expose by countability and spread integrity to build Al Jazeera Channel led to fi ve persons strong institutions that address corrup- being jailed in a corruption case. FIFA mphasising the role of parliamen- tion. The chairman, who expressed his President Gianni Infantino spoke tarians in combating corruption, belief in achieving integrity and ensur- about his fi ght against corruption Eachieving integrity and creating ing the success of follow-up measures within his organisation and went on more strict anti corruption rules, the sev- His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Speaker of the Shura Council Ahmed bin to combat corruption, said several things to give a case study of the situation enth Global Organisation of Parliamen- Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud attending the GOPAC conference. PICTURE: Thajudheen Pages 2,3 including stakeholder contributions, before he took offi ce and what he tarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) political will and the desire to fi ght cor- has achieved. Undoubtedly, Sheikh Conference kicked off in Doha yesterday. moud, GOPAC chairman Dr Fadli Zon ruption and its support to the global ef- thanked all participants for their ef- ruption through asset control and ac- Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Interna- The conference was opened in the pres- and Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) forts to eliminate the malpractice. forts in fi ghting corruption. countability are needed to eliminate cor- tional Anti-Corruption Excellence ence of His Highness the Deputy Amir president Gabriela Cuevas Barron. The Speaker thanked and appreci- Dr Fadli Zon, while addressing the ruption. “Fight against corruption needs Award is scaling greater heights. Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, In his opening speech, HE al-Mah- ated Dr Fadli Zon for his wise manage- opening session, called for co-operation the participation of worker union fed- HE the Speaker of the Shura Council moud noted that the conference refl ects ment and the organisation’s eff orts to and partnership between all organisa- erations, civil society, religious scholars [email protected] Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mah- Qatar’s keenness towards fi ghting cor- hold the conference in Doha. He also tions in order to tackle corruption. “Cor- and others,” he said. To Page 3 Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, December 10, 2019 QATAR

Deputy Amir meets GOPAC chairman and IPU president

His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani met at the Sheraton Hotel in Doha with the Chairman of Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), Dr Fadli Zon, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Gabriela Barron, and parliamentarians on the occasion of their participation in the 7th Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption Conference being hosted by Doha.

GOPAC conference refl ects Qatar’s eff orts to combat corruption: Speaker

By Shafeeq Alingal servance. “The award is a tribute its programmes that are aimed Staff Reporter to institutions and individu- at eliminating corruption or re- als who contribute to the fi ght ducing its eff ects,” he said. against corruption,” he said. In remarks to reporters, HE he seventh GOPAC con- The Speaker, who noted that al-Mahmoud said that corrup- ference has come as a Qatar plays a leading role in com- tion is a scourge that affects Tconfi rmation of Qatar’s bating corruption, said that this development, the future of na- continuing support towards was recognised by Arab Monitory tions, and the lives of people, eliminating corruption globally, Fund (AMF) in its recent report. pointing out that integrity is an HE the Speaker of Shura Council “Qatar has passed a number essential element in the life of Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al- of legislation and laws to en- a person. He stressed the ne- Mahmoud has said. While de- sure integrity, transparency and cessity to create mechanisms livering the opening speech, the corruption free administration. to prevent corruption, bribery speaker said that the conference The country has made strides in and favouritism. refl ects Qatar’s sincere eff orts to combating corruption by joining On the recommendations that combat corruption. the UN convention and promot- are expected to come out of the He noted that the conference ing all possible steps against cor- HE the Speaker of Shura Council His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and other dignitaries at the seventh conference, HE al-Mahmoud coincides with the announce- ruption,” he said. Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid GOPAC conference yesterday. said that the conference will ment of the winners of Sheikh He went on to say that cor- al- Mahmoud hold several sessions during Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani ruption is a major obstacle to tion. “The conference assumes play a fundamental role in fi ght- and international ventures. which speakers will present ide- International Anti-Corruption sustainable development and ing out that many countries signifi cance at a time when such ing corruption and underlined “Qatar strongly supports all as related to good governance, Excellence Award in the Rwan- freedom will not be allowed and today are witnessing massive protests are getting strong day the need to join hands against international eff orts to combat integrity, and combating cor- dan capital Kigali and Interna- justice will not prevail if it re- protests in demand for reform by day,” he said. the threat by strengthening co- corruption and stands with all ruption, as well as the system of tional Anti-Corruption Day ob- mains out of the control, point- and the fi ght against corrup- He said parliamentarians can operation and starting regional its capabilities with GOPAC and good management. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 10, 2019 3 QATAR

Speaker signs MoU with Serbian counterpart Speaker meets Djibouti and Burundi counterparts

Qatar’s Shura Council and Serbian National Assembly signed yesterday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Doha. HE the Speaker of the Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud and Serbian National Assembly President Maja Gojkovic signed the MoU. The signing took place on the sidelines of the seventh Global Organisation of Parliamentarians against Corruption Conference in Doha yesterday. The two sides agreed to enhance co-operation in the parliamentary field. They also agreed to enhance communication between the two parliamentary institutions. The meeting also saw a review of parliamentary relations and the means to enhance them, in addition to issues on the HE the Speaker of the Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud yesterday met the President of the conference’s agenda. National Assembly of Djibouti and President of the African Parliamentary Union (APU) Mohamed Ali Houmed, on the sidelines of his participation in the 7th Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) Conference. The Speaker also met the President of the Senate of Burundi Reverien Ndikuriyo, on the sidelines of the conference. The two meetings dealt with co-operation in the parliamentary field and the means to enhance them, in addition to important topics on the conference’s agenda. GOPAC conference discusses promoting good governance

By Ayman Adly issues related to good governance and corruption and bribery. Staff Reporter the implementation of accountabil- Alfallah said that in Libya people ity. The committee, which had only are struggling to create a democratic eight member states when formed nation that sustains good govern- ff ective legislation and transpar- in 2011, now has 79 member states. ance, and fight corruption that have ency regulations should be issued It looks into the best practices in the long impeded the progress of the Eand enforced to tackle the diff er- fight against corruption and spread country, while representing all sec- ent forms of corruption that impede them for the benefit of all countries. tions of the society within the new progress in many countries, stressed He also talked about some of the suc- government to make decisions that parliamentarians participating in the cessful experiences in the field in reflect the will of people. 7th Global Organisation of Parliamen- Georgia, Croatia and Paraguay. In the meantime, al-Marri said that tarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) Syamuddin reviewed the impacts of the failure of governments and people’s Conference which opened in Doha yes- corruption in slowing down the eff orts representatives in fi ghting corruption terday. to maintain progressive development in in the parliaments’ halls have lead peo- The fi rst plenary session of the con- countries and the need for parliaments ple to the streets to demand so, entail- GOPAC conference delegates watch live stream of ference discussed the topic of promot- to keep open links with the people ing massive risks of chaos and loss of ing good governance stepping up with and listen to their voice and demands lives and property. He suggested that Sheikh Tamim anti-corruption award ceremony UN Sustainable Development goals through a modern transparent system. parliaments should work in harmony 16 (peace, justice and strong institu- Cuevas talked about the high with governments rather than clash Heads of delegations participating session on accountability, with the in all its forms. They also discussed the tions). The session was moderated by levels of corruption and bribery in with them. in the 7th Global Organisation of attendance of HE the Speaker of the role of the parliament in honouring John Hyde, secretary of GOPAC, in the different countries of Latin Amer- “We in Qatar are confi dent about the Parliamentarians Against Corruption Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin the aspirations of the people presence of delegates from diff erent ica, which undermines the trust of measures taken by the government and (GOPAC) Conference, in Doha, Zaid al-Mahmoud, Chairman of Global through legislation that enhance countries. people in their governments and its departments in protecting against watched a live stream of the 4th Organisation of Parliamentarians good governance, integrity, and The panellists were Giorgi Kaldi- administrative systems. A consider- the harms of corruption and penalising edition of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Against Corruption (GOPAC) Dr Fadli transparency. ashvili, member of the Open Partner- able percentage of the people there the corrupt,” he said, pointing to the Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Zon, and President of the Inter- They also discussed the challenges ship Steering Committee; Dr H M Azis believe they have to pay bribes to successful experiences of Qatar in the Excellence Award which took place in Parliamentary Union Gabriela Barron. facing the fight against corruption Syamuddin, vice-speaker of the house government officers at different fi eld stressing that this could not have Rwandan capital Kigali yesterday. The participants reviewed and stressed the role of civil of representatives of Indonesia; Dr levels to get access to the services been achieved without the wise and The participating parliamentarians their experiences in promoting society organisations in promoting Carlos Alberto Perez Cuevas, chairper- they are legally entitled to. good policy of His Highness the Amir discussed in the second plenary transparency and fighting corruption transparency. - QNA son of GOPAC Latin America; Majida In some countries of Latin Amer- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Alfallah, Board member, Arab Region ica, such as Venezuela, people even governance. Parliamentarians Against Corruption think that corruption is getting Al-Marri talked about the role of (ARPAC); and Abdullah bin Fahad bin worse. Accordingly, he stressed the parliamentarians in fi ghting corrup- Ghorab al-Marri, member of Qatar need for change in Latin America tion by putting the necessary legisla- Shura Council. and politicians should take the ini- tion and legal frameworks and follow- Kaldiashvili pointed out that cor- tiative in the fight against corrup- up their enforcement. ruption is a global challenge that tion starting with transparent and The delegates from diff erent coun- should be combated on all levels fair elections and voting systems to tries thanked Qatar for hosting the through the collaborative efforts arrive at giving people easy access to conference and giving them an open of stakeholders. He said the Open the necessary public services while platform to exchange their views and Partnership Steering Committee is keeping effective tools to continue experiences on such key issues for a multi-party initiative interested in the fight against potential forms of progress.

HE the Speaker of the Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud, GOPAC chairman Dr Fadli Zon and Inter- Panellists discussing the impact of good governance on progress at the conference yesterday. PICTURE: Thajudheen Parliamentary Union (IPU) president Gabriela Cuevas Barron with delegates. PICTURE: Thajudheen

Calls for eff orts to President of El Salvador visits Katara Dhow Festival fi ght corruption resident of El Salvador Nayib Bukele and his accompanying del- From Page 1 Pegation has visited Cultural Village He emphasised the role of parliamen- Foundation – Katara. tarians in combating corruption and During his tour, President Bukele was asked global leaders to play the required acquainted with the facilities of Katara. moral role and help parliamentarians in He also visited the Katara 9th Traditional their campaigns to achieve integrity. Dhow Festival, where he was briefed on Gabriela Cuevas Barron said corrup- the important aspect of Qatar’s marine tion threatens human well-being, hap- heritage. piness and access to education and basic General Manager of Katara, Dr Khalid and public services adding that it im- bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, gave a presenta- pedes people’s lives and prevents them tion about the Katara 9th Traditional from exercising their national and hu- Dhow Festival and its activities, which man rights. She noted that parliamentar- highlight an important historical era in ians have a great responsibility to reduce the life of Qatari society. corruption and fi nd legal solutions to end The president of El Salvador was also it in all its forms and at all levels. briefed on Katara’s activities throughout She praised Qatar’s role in hosting the the year, which enrich the local cultural conference and the role of His Highness and tourism scene and build bridges of the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- communication with other cultures. Thani in global fi ght against corruption President Bukele expressed his admi- at all levels. ration for Katara. - QNA Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, December 10, 2019 QATAR

Amir sends condolences Qatari envoy to president, PM of India Qatar takes part in to Cuba is Highness the Amir in Delhi, wishing the injured a Sheikh Tamim bin speedy recovery. presents HHamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and His Highness the Deputy Minister of Interior Sheikh Ab- Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin dullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al- preparatory meeting papers Hamad al-Thani sent yester- Thani also sent yesterday a cable day cables of condolences to of condolences to Indian Prime resident of Cuba Miguel President of India Ram Nath Minister Narendra Modi on the Diaz-Canel received the Kovind and Indian Prime victims of the factory fi re in Del- Pcredentials of Abdullah bin Minister Narendra Modi on hi, wishing the injured a speedy Mohamed al-Derbasti, ambas- the victims of the factory fi re recovery. for Gulf Summit sador Qatar to the republic in Havana yesterday. QNA The ambassador conveyed the Ecuador’s vice president arrives in Doha Riyadh greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Vice President of Ecuador Otto accompanying delegation to the Cuban president, and the Ramon Sonnenholzner arrived in were welcomed by director he 145th session of the wishes of His Highness the Amir to Doha yesterday on a visit to Qatar of Department of Protocol at Ministerial Preparatory the president with good health and to attend Doha Forum 2019. the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs TCouncil for the 40th Ses- happiness, and to the government Upon his arrival at Hamad Ibrahim Youssef Fakhro, and sion of the GCC Supreme Coun- and people of Cuba progress and International Airport, Ecuador ambassador to Qatar cil was held yesterday with the prosperity. Sonnenholzner and the Yvonne Abdel Baqi. participation of Qatar. For his part, the Cuban presi- The delegation of Qatar to dent conveyed the Qatari am- the meeting was chaired by HE bassador his greetings to His Qatar condemns bombing in Afghanistan the Minister of State for For- Highness the Amir, wishing him eign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad good health and happiness, and Qatar has voiced strong Ministry of Foreign Aff airs al-Muraikhi. to Qatar continued progress, de- condemnation and reiterated Qatar’s firm position on The meeting, in which for- velopment and prosperity. denunciation of the rejecting violence and terrorism eign ministers of the Gulf Co- The president also wished the bombing which took place regardless of motives and operation Council (GCC) coun- success of the ambassador in in Afghanistan’s southern reasons. tries are taking part, discussed a performing his duties, assuring province of Helmand and The statement expressed Qatar’s number of topics on the agenda him of providing all support to resulted in killing a number of condolences to the families of the related to the preparations for upgrade the bilateral relations be- security forces. victims and to the government the Gulf Summit, which will tween the two countries to closer In a statement yesterday, the and people of Afghanistan. begin today. HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi arrives Riyadh yesterday. co-operation in various fi elds.

Minister leads delegation to OIC ministerial conference

QNA The conference, which took place from Istanbul December 7-9, discussed the included agenda on issues and topics related to the family, children, women, persons with atar has participated in the disabilities and the elderly. fi rst ministerial conference of On the sidelines of the conference, HE Qthe Organisation of Islamic Yousef bin Mohamed al-Othman Fakhro Co-operation (OIC) on Social Devel- met Turkish Minister of Family, Labour opment, which was held in the Turk- and Social Services Zehra Selcuk. ish capital Istanbul, with a delegation During the meeting, aspects of joint headed by HE the Minister of Admin- co-operation between the two sides istrative Development, Labour and were discussed, especially issues related Social Aff airs Yousef bin Mohamed to work and social aff airs, and ways to al-Othman Fakhro. support and develop them. HE Yousef bin Mohamed al-Othman Fakhro at the conference.

Managers and workers working at Al Thumama Stadium project pose for a SC celebrates 15mn group photo. safe work hours in Al Thumama Stadium project he Supreme Com- ment the highest levels of mittee for Delivery regulations,” he added. T& Legacy (SC) cel- Al-Bishri noted that ebrated health and safety the lessons learned from milestones at two FIFA the application of lead- World Cup Qatar 2022 ing health and safety poli- infrastructure projects cies will be a legacy of after Al Thumama Stadi- Qatar 2022 that will carry um and the training sites on locally, regionally and registered 15mn safe work internationally. hours. More than 3,500 people A total of 10mn safe work are currently employed at hours registered at Al Thu- the Al Thumama Stadium mama Stadium and 5mn at construction site. Each re- the training sites. No inju- ceived a certifi cate for their ries occurred at either site achievements, while more that caused construction to than 2,000 attended the be halted. The milestones appreciation ceremony. A were celebrated by the SC dozen local companies are and its various contractors, involved in the construc- which organised award cer- tion of the stadium, which emonies for the workers will have a capacity of involved. 40,000 and host matches Abdulla al-Bishri, up to the quarter-fi nals health and safety man- stage in 2022. ager (assurance) at SC, Meanwhile, two Qa- said: “We are delighted tari companies – Nakheel that the health and safety Landscapes and Gulf Con- processes and procedures tracting – are delivering we implemented have the training sites, which achieved outstanding re- currently employ more sults. The credit must go than 1,500 workers. Con- to our workers and the tractors involved in both entire project team. projects have displayed “We will continue with an outstanding commit- our commitment to health ment to health and safety and safety to ensure that and worked closely with all parties taking part in the SC to achieve this Qatar 2022 projects imple- milestone. (QNA) Tuesday, December 10, 2019 5 QATAR Qatar Charity organizes workshops on due diligence and anti-money laundering atar Charity (QC), in Some 233 employees, mostly of combating money laundering cooperation with the Qatar from Qatar Charity’s field offices and terrorism financing witnessed QFinance and Business in 28 countries across the globe, the participation of nearly 120 Academy (QFBA), organized and 93 staff from the International employees from the Marketing workshops, with 65 hours of Operations and Partnerships Sector, Department, Collection training, on due diligence and Communication and Resource Department, and Donor Relations modern methods to combat money Development Sector, and Executive Department at Qatar Charity. Management for Support Affairs laundering and terrorism financing Attending the workshops, the at Qatar Charity Headquarters, in the field of charitable work. participants came to know the legal participated in the due diligence aspects related to the requirements Hundreds of employees working at workshops. Qatar Charity Headquarters in Doha to protect charitable work, keep up and in its field offices worldwide The workshops focused on field with the renewed necessities, and attended these workshops, which due diligence in projects, contracts, engage in national and international come as part of its efforts to hone sponsorships and money transfers, efforts to combat money laundering the skills and capabilities of its staff and included case studies, in and terrorist financing. addition to group discussions. to combat money laundering and They also received technical terrorism financing in the field of Relevantly, the training training to differentiate between charitable work. workshops on modern methods combating money laundering and terrorism financing in their various which gives participants certificates next year, targeting all employees phases, in the field of charitable as an authority accredited by several at the level of units, departments, work. specialized international centers. and field offices of Qatar Charity,” Tarab added. It is worth mentioning that Ms. Najat Tarab, director of the these programs complement the Human Resources Department at Earlier, this year, Qatar Charity implementation of the training plan Qatar Charity, said, “The programs organized three training workshops for combating money laundering under the training plan for the on the risks of terrorism financing and terrorism financing. second half of 2019 are nearing and money laundering in the field completion, and the Training These training programmes are of charitable work, in cooperation Section is currently conducting supervised by the Training Section of with the Qatar Finance and Business a comprehensive evaluation of the Human Resources Department at Academy (QFBA). The workshops training activities.” Qatar Charity, in coordination with were attended by 133 employees its Governance and Institutional “The section is also conducting of Qatar Charity, both male and Development Sector, and in a study and analysis to determine female, working at its Collection cooperation with the Qatar Finance training needs in order to prepare a Department, in addition to staff and Business Academy (QFBA), comprehensive training plan for the from its Marketing Department. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, December 10, 2019 QATAR Gord launches Qatar’s energy effi ciency testing facility

By Joseph Varghese from setting standards to con- Dr Mahathir Mohamad Staff Reporter ducting necessary tests to verify the compliance of appliances with the specifi cations required he Gulf Organisation for in order to improve the overall Research and Develop- quality of products in the local QU to Tment (Gord) has launched market.” EcoLab, Qatar’s pioneering fa- “We are proud to see the cility for testing energy effi cien- launch of EcoLab, which is a honour cy and safety of air conditioners fi rst-of-its-kind facility in Qa- and home appliances. tar. The lab features latest in- Gulf Times had reported struments and equipment for Malaysian about the facility and it will be measuring energy effi ciency of operational before the end of ACs and home appliances. We this year. The facility is run by cannot stress enough the im- premier Gord with high quality testing portance of such initiatives that equipment and well-trained not only benefi t multiple sec- technical experts. The off icials pose for a picture in front of EcoLab during the opening ceremony. PICTURE: Nasar K Moideen tors but are also in line with the alaysian Prime Minister A special ceremony was held government’s eff orts,” Yosouf Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday to unveil EcoLab in Dr Yousef Alhorr, founding range of comprehensive testing equip EcoLab in record time. at the facility include exhaust Abdulrahman Saleh, executive Mwill visit Qatar Univer- the presence of representa- chairman of Gord, said, “Rep- facilities. With ISO 17025 cer- Today, we are proud to present fans, hair dryers, hair straight- director, QSTP, noted. sity on Friday, it was announced tives from government agen- resenting the government’s ef- tifi cation, EcoLab will operate a laboratory that houses latest ener and steam iron. The next Delegates at the ceremony yesterday. cies. Located at Qatar Science forts to conserve power, regu- in accordance with the highest testing equipment in the region, phase of testing will include re- included senior leadership from He will deliver a speech on the and Technology Park (QSTP), lations have been passed in international standards, mak- using advanced control sys- frigerators and freezers, wash- prominent public organisations strong and strategic bilateral re- Ecolab is the sole provider of favour of energy-effi cient air ing the laboratory the fi rst in tems that emulate local weather ing machines, water heaters and such as the Ministry of Munici- lations between Qatar and Ma- novel energy effi ciency testing conditioners, which all suppli- Qatar to determine the qual- conditions. Going forward, we clothes dryers. pality and Environment, The laysia and hold a dialogue with services in Qatar. The testing ers in the market must adhere ity of home appliances based hope to expand EcoLab’s off er- Nawaf Ibrahim al-Hamad al- Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic the guests. of all types of window and split to. Putting this in context, the on their performance on energy ings in areas of product quality Mana, assistant of the chairman Aff airs, Qatar General Electric- The Malaysian prime minister air conditioners are done using idea behind EcoLab is to pro- and safety metrics, in addition testing,” added, Dr Alhorr. of Qatar General Organisation ity & Water Corporation repre- will be welcomed by Qatar Uni- state-of-the-art environmen- vide testing services necessary to indoor air quality testing and With its current capac- for Standards and Metrology, sented by Tarsheed, Qatar Gen- versity president Dr Hassan bin tal chamber that can simulate to meet the country’s regulatory portable appliance testing. ity, EcoLab can test all types of said, “We strongly believe that eral Organisation for Standards Rashid al-Derham, along with a the region’s tough climate con- requirements.” “We have hired specialists commercially available home- this initiative will boost col- and Metrology, Qatari Diar for number of members of the Board ditions in terms of temperature EcoLab, sprawled across from all over the world who use air conditioners. Other laboration between various Real Estate Company and Qatar of Trustees, vice-presidents, and humidity. 20,000sq ft, will off er a wide worked tirelessly to build and appliances that can be tested entities within Qatar, starting Petrochemical Company. deans, faculties, students and members of the general commu- nity. During the lecture to be held at Ibn Khaldun Hall at Qatar Uni- versity, Dr al-Derham will award a honorary doctorate to Dr Mo- WISH summit 2020 hamad. This will mark the sec- ond honorary doctorate awarded by Qatar University, with the fi rst presented to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Decem- to be held over 3 days ber 2015.

reviously held for two bal healthcare calendar. “Evidence-based research days, the next edition More than 100 countries continues to be the foundation Pof the World Innovation were represented at WISH of eff orts to overcome global Summit for Health (WISH) 2018, where more than 2,000 health challenges, and such Mercedes- conference has been expanded healthcare experts, policymak- research is at the core of our to three days following the suc- ers, and innovators gathered to biennial summits. cess of WISH 2018 and feedback work collaboratively towards “Through WISH, Qatar con- Benz G 500 from delegates. The conference, achieving the goal of building a tinues to provide a vital forum which will take place from No- healthier world. for exploring ways to improve vember 16-18 next year, aims to Specifi c topics for WISH health outcomes for communi- A frame from one of the WISH summits. model of be the most sustainable so far. 2020 will be announced over ties both in Qatar and around Expansion means that more the coming months and will the world. Next year’s expanded signifi cant cuts in the use of presents a clear and present to leading by example by mak- attention can be given to each focus on a range of medical, so- summit will provide a greater- plastic, more energy-effi cient danger to human health, with ing our summits more energy 2018 recalled healthcare topic being scru- cial, humanitarian, and policy- than-ever opportunity for par- transport options, and a range of infectious diseases spreading to conscious.” tinised by summit delegates, driven areas of local, regional, ticipants to contribute to truly other measures that will centre new populations and extreme WISH 2020 will also feature with the main topics due to be and global signifi cance. eff ecting change.” around innovation. weather episodes threatening “The Innovation Hub”, a large, he Ministry of Com- announced over the coming Ahead of each summit, re- A commitment to sustain- Sultana Afdhal, chief execu- access to water and sanitation. interactive exhibition space in- merce and Industry, months. ports providing policy recom- ability will underpin WISH tive, WISH, said, “It is impossi- With this in mind, we are com- augurated at WISH 2018, that Tin co-operation with WISH 2020 will be the fi fth mendations are published for 2020 with a pledge to be 30% ble to ignore the eff ect that over- mitted to both looking for and showcases examples of health- Nasser Bin Khaled Automo- edition of the Doha meeting each of the main topics covered. more environmentally friendly consumption and the misuse promoting sustainable solutions care innovation and provides biles, dealer of Mercedes-Benz which has quickly established Lord Darzi of Denham, ex- than previous summits due of limited resources is having to health challenges brought an informal space for dynamic in Qatar, announced the recall itself a major fi xture of the glo- ecutive chair, WISH, said, to use of recyclable materials, on the world. Climate change about by climate change, and curated discussions. of Mercedes-Benz G 500 4X4 model of 2018 as the software for the powertrain control unit may not conform to manufac- turer specifi cations. The Ministry confi rmed the HEC Paris conducting recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing eff orts to protect consumers Leadership Development and ensure that vehicle deal- ers follow up on defects and repairs. programme for Qatargas The Ministry has said that it will co-ordinate with the dealer EC Paris, ranked “The aim of the Leadership De- to follow up on the maintenance number three world- velopment programme is to off er and repair works and will com- Hwide in Executive Edu- our high potential employees who municate with customers to en- cation by the Financial Times, is are in leadership positions, expe- sure that the necessary repairs conducting a custom-designed riential and practical approaches are carried out. programme for Qatargas. that address real organisational The Ministry urges all cus- The Cadre Leadership De- and business challenges,” said tomers to report any violations velopment Programme has Ghanim al-Kuwari, chief human to its Consumer Protection been specifi cally designed capital offi cer, Qatargas. and Anti-Commercial Fraud by HEC Paris in conjunction “This approach is aligned to the Department, which processes with Qatargas Learning and company’s leadership competen- complaints, inquiries and sug- Development Department. cies and philosophy,” he added. gestions through the following The programme refl ects the The participants will be taken channels: Call Centre: 16001, company’s commitment to in- through core modules on glo- e-mail: [email protected], vesting in its workforce. This bal industry trends, strategy Twitter: @ MOCIQATAR, In- year, 45 leaders were invited to and decision making, opera- stagram: MOCIQATAR, mobile the nine-day programme, ac- tional excellence and business app for Android and IOS: MO- cording to a statement. performance. Some of the participants of the programme. CIQATAR 33rd International Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent opens

he 33rd International Confer- head of International Relations and the agenda of the 33rd Internation- the membership of IFRC’s Standing ence of the Red Cross and Red International Humanitarian Law; al Conference was adopted and the Commission. TCrescent began in Geneva, and Zeena Mahjoub Elhusein, Inter- session moderators were assigned. The opening ceremony of the Switzerland, yesterday. national Humanitarian Movement Meanwhile, the QRCS delegation conference took place yesterday Held by the International Federa- co-ordinator. made “intensive eff orts to enhance along with art exhibitions, formal tion of the Red Cross and Red Cres- Reema Masoud al-Mereikhi, board the organisation’s international rela- procedures and side events. cent Societies (IFRC), the event is at- member, left for Doha following her tions”, a press statement noted. Bilat- Today, there will be a morning net- tended by delegations from almost all participation in the IFRC Youth Fo- eral meetings were held with 20 del- working meeting, a plenary opening national societies around the world, rum, which preceded the conference. egations of the participating national session and the fi rst ‘International including Qatar Red Crescent Society Over three days, the 22nd Session of societies to consider potential co-op- Humanitarian Law: Protecting People (QRCS). the General Assembly of IFRC saw a eration and capacity-building. in Armed Confl ict’ commission. The delegation of QRCS is headed series of plenary sessions, roundtable Al-Hammadi chaired a meeting Tomorrow, the second commis- by its secretary-general, Ali bin Has- discussions and seminars. with his Indian counterpart to have sion, ‘Shifting vulnerabilities’, will be san al-Hammadi. Members are Dr On Sunday, the plenary sessions talks on many issues of common held and the elections of the Standing Mohamed Salah Ibrahim, executive of the Delegate Council 2019 began. interest. Commission will be conducted. director of the Relief and Interna- It approved seven decisions centred Representatives of Arab and Muslim The last day, Thursday, will focus on tional Development Division; Muna around two main themes: Account- Red Crescent Societies held a meeting ‘Trust in Humanitarian Action’. Fadel al-Sulaiti, executive director of ability & Integrity and Meeting Needs on several points, mainly the nomi- The participants will review reports the Volunteering and Local Develop- & Addressing Vulnerabilities. nation of Dr Hilal al-Sayer, president and approve the decisions submitted ment Division; Dr Fawzi Oussedik, Also, interim reports were reviewed, of Kuwait Red Crescent Society, for by the Drafting Commission. The QRCS delegation. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 10, 2019 7 QATAR Gulf Times’ ‘Friends of Qatar’ initiative comes in for praise By Joey Aguilar Prof Ocando lauded Gulf Staff Reporter Times saying that what the media organisation is doing “is truly extraordinary because it is ulf Times, in partnership fi tting into the need for creat- with Northwestern Uni- ing a large community of civic Gversity in Qatar (NU-Q), awareness.” made history by providing an op- “One very important thing to portunity to develop skills and note is that in the same way that capabilities in the country in the Qatar has to develop a body of area of sports journalism and civic volunteers to work in areas like engagement, said Dr Jairo Lugo- tourism, guidance, support for Ocando, professor in residence visitors, games and logistics, so and director of Executive and all that body of volunteers is be- Graduate Education at NU-Q. ing built, we also have to build “We are very pleased with how a body of volunteers to support the masterclass fi nished, it is the media,” he said, adding that something truly unique and in- hundreds of news media out- novative in Qatar and it is going lets and organisations will also to make a huge diff erence,” he come to Qatar in the 2022 FIFA said. “We look forward to devel- World Cup. oping this further to strengthen An awards ceremony for par- Participants of the Gulf Times - NU-Q masterclass after receiving their certificates of completion. PICTURE: Thajudheen the ‘Friends of Qatar’ commu- ticipants who completed the nity, which will help defi nitely masterclass took place yesterday tor of the Freedom Forum Media media; and Dr Marcela Pizzaro, One of the participants, sion, to capture future must-see sian, and Turkish with diverse build the preparation for the at the NU-Q campus. Studies Centre and editor of Me- assistant professor in residence Wanda Garvey from QBS Ra- moments.” abilities ranging from archery, 2022 FIFA World Cup.” Resource speakers and in- dia Studies Journal, and a former at NU-Q, and an award-winning dio, described the initiative as “It was four-day encompass- food blogging, robotics, pilots, The joint initiative, dubbed as structors for the masterclass in- newspaper reporter; Dr Eddy journalist who worked as a pro- “exceptional, with expert guid- ing diverse strata of Qatar’s and engineers, as well as a Grade ‘Friends of Qatar’, serves as a plat- cluded Craig LaMay, a professor Borges-Rey, associate professor- ducer and reporter at Al Jazeera ance from an exceptional team community, including Wakrah, 11 student,” Garvey said. “An form for people who have a passion and a faculty associate at North- in-residence at NU-Q whose English, both on the ground in of game-changers assembled Barwa and The Pearl-Qatar, with excellent proactive initiative by for sports reporting to enhance western’s Institute for Policy area of academic expertise is Latin America, Washington, DC, to slam dunk Qatar’s sporting various languages spoken in- Gulf Times and NU-Q to stay and further develop their skills. Research, former editorial direc- digital journalism and emerging and Doha. action with their peripheral vi- cluding Russian, German, Per- connected in this digital era.” Winners of Doha Youth Innovation Award, HMC one of world’s best photography category announced healthcare he Ministry of Cul- institutions: ture and Sports has an- Tnounced the winners in the photography category of the minister Doha Youth Innovation Award, which was open to all young E the Minister of Pub- people from the Islamic world. lic Health Dr Hanan The award was launched dur- HMohamed al-Kuwari ing the summer in co-operation stressed yesterday that Hamad with the Islamic Co-operation Medical Corporation (HMC) has Youth Forum, and held in col- become one of the best health- laboration with the Visual Arts care institutions worldwide. Centre, Doha Film Institute and HMC is celebrating this month Youth Hobbies Centre under its 40th anniversary. During that the organisation of the Qatar time, HMC provided safe and ef- Cultural and Heritage Events fective healthcare to everyone Centre. living in Qatar since the issuance The winners of the photog- of the Amiri Decree establishing raphy competition, ‘Islamic the medical corporation in 1979. Values’ segment, are Sultan Commenting on the occasion, Ahmed Niloy from Bangladesh the Minister of Public Health in fi rst place, followed by Gehad said that the wise leadership in Mohamed Edris from Yemen, Ali Asyadzili from Indonesia. by the Ministry of Culture and competition and presented it to Qatar remained committed to Nada Mohamed Salama Wadi Ahmad Asif Sami from Bang- Sports. The second step was the ministry. providing high-quality health- from Jordan, Kazi Mohamed ladesh won the fi rst place in the technical screening, carried Al-Kubaisi expressed hope care to the millions of people Jahirul Islam from Bangladesh; ‘Our Islamic Heritage’ segment, out by the centre, while the fi - that the competition would be who were in Qatar over the past Rabi Adamu Sufi from Nigeria followed by Mohamed Rezaigu- nal stage lasted for a week and annually adopted by the Min- 40 years. and Mohamed Ali Sheida from ia from Algeria, Burcu Emektar included more than one step . istry of Culture and Sports in The minister expressed her Afghanistan. from Turkey and Anas Mohamed The jury consisted of mem- order to highlight local and Arab pride at the high-level of service In the ‘Youth and Suc- al-Dheeb from Oman. bers belonging to the Youth talents and develop them. HMC now provides, which made cess Stories’ segment, the Abdulaziz al-Kubaisi, head Hobbies Centre and others with The award, part of Doha QIC it one of the best healthcare fi rst-place winner is Mo- of the photography section at a long experience in this regard Youth Capital 2019, aims at de- institutions worldwide. hamed Nazmul Hasan Khan Youth Hobbies Centre, said as well as winners of local and veloping the spirit of innovation She also praised the thousands from Bangladesh, followed in a statement that the judg- international awards, al-Ku- and creativity among young of dedicated workers HMC hired by Youssef Loulidi from Mo- ing process involved several baisi pointed out, adding that people in various scientifi c, over the years for the big contri- rocco, Ali Hamed Khalaf al- stages, including administra- the centre drafted the technical literary and artistic fi elds, the bution they made to the corpora- Ghafri from Oman and Mukti tive screening, which was done conditions for the photography statement adds. tion’s success. (QNA) MME braces to implement NDCs HBKU colleges attend China PhD student to fi ght climate change: offi cial recruitment event By Joey Aguilar Dr Rijsberman noted that they ing the pinch, are feeling the im- “But smarter is to come with aculty from Hamad Bin ies, the College of Humanities Staff Reporter organised a number of activities pact of climate change. We need a solution where that sup- Khalifa University (HBKU) and Social Sciences, and the with MME early this year and to step up the game, we need to port from Green Climate Fund Fattended PhD Workshop College of Science and Engineer- prepared a work programme on have much stronger, more ambi- brings additional investments China 2019 in Beijing from ing represented HBKU at PhD he Ministry of Munici- implementing the NDC. tious NDCs for next year, so that from national domestic in- November 23-26. Workshop China 2019. pality and Environment Once approved by MME and is really what we are aiming for,” vestments, banks and pension The annual event provides Overall, HBKU off ers 35 pio- T(MME), in collaboration an agreement has been signed, Dr Rijsberman said. funds,” Dr Rijsberman said. foreign universities and research neering degrees, each tailored to with Global Green Growth In- he said they will start imple- About climate fi nance, he At the United Nations Gen- institutes with opportunities to address topics and challenges of stitute (GGGI), is now prepar- menting the programme in the noted that such eff ort “is a eral Assembly in New York, he present their programmes onsite local and global relevance. HB- ing to implement its Nation- next three years. small but important part of the cited Denmark’s announce- and connect with top Chinese KU’s admissions cycle for 2019- ally Determined Contributions “I was in Mongolia two weeks Dr Frank Rijsberman puzzle”. ment of what he described as graduates and PhD candidates 2020 is now open, and students (NDCs) as part of its eff orts ago where the government just He explained that the $100bn “a very ambitious target for who are looking to study abroad. may apply through www.hbku. to fi ght climate change, GGGI approved new NDCs with our ment is somewhat miraculous, pledge annually from developed reducing emissions, they did so The College of Islamic Stud- edu.qa. director-general Dr Frank support, so they are one of the the fact that we were able to countries to help deal with cli- with business as a partner.” Rijsberman has said. fi rst countries who will be ready. agree on a rule book last year, few mate change (both to reduce “The Danish pension funds “Qatar will also set up a In Qatar, we hope to work the people have expected, now if we their own emissions and to have already invested some Measurement, Reporting, and coming year on having these can also set up a carbon market adopt to climate change) is a $15bn in renewable energy in Verifi cation (MRV) system to new, more ambitious NDCs with which is this year’s big deal, then small amount of money. mostly at home in Denmark and keep track of emissions and we many countries still struggling we move on to the next big tar- “If you look at how much they announce there that by are looking to work on projects with how ambitious they can get,” Dr Rijsberman pointed out. money is needed, it’s going to be 2030, in the next 10 years, they that would indeed help the make them,” Dr Rijsberman said. “Having higher ambition be- trillions of dollars to come up, aim to invest another 50bn dol- country become greener, come About what has been cause in terms of actual emis- to invest in sustainable infra- lars in this green agenda.” up with green growth strategy,” achieved so far in the fi ght sions we are not doing so well, structures,” Dr Rijsberman said. “The amount of money that he told Gulf Times recently. against climate change, he said we are not achieving the real “So the billions that we are available in the private sec- GGGI is a Seoul-based inter- the fact that there was a Paris reductions we need to see on a have in climate fi nance like the tor are much larger than what governmental organisation with agreement was a big achieve- global scale,” he stressed. “In- $10bn that Green Climate Fund is there in climate fi nance but 36 member countries dedicated ment where “countries coming stead, we are seeing forest fi res, just received in its replenish- climate fi nance can draw in, can to promoting green growth and together at a time, including the more typhoons, more droughts, ment need to be used wisely so set the credit guarantees, can be climate resilience. Qatar is a US and China, that was pretty so the warnings keep piling up.” we come up with sort of, yes that little trench of money that founding member who set up signifi cant, because China and “We are not making enough you can have grants and give a can make a project commer- the institution, along with 16 India had never come in there.” progress to address it so coun- $100mn dollar for climate fund cially attractive,” Dr Rijsberman other countries. “That we have a Paris agree- tries around the world are feel- to something smart,” he added. stressed. HBKU off ers 35 pioneering degrees. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, December 10, 2019 QATAR

LuLu Group Qatar makes QR100,000 donation to Qatar Cancer Society Children set for new ‘Star Wars’ experience at

LuLu Group Qatar has donated QR100,000 to Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) to support its aware- ness programmes. The donation is from the revenue of a ‘Shop and Donate’ campaign organ- Doha Festival City ised by LuLu Group to support QCS. Dr Dera al-Dosari, director of resources development, QCS received the donation and thanked LuLu Group for their continuous support to QCS. oha Festival City has announced a new adventure for children to celebrate the Dglobal premiere of the long-awaited family movie, Star Wars: The Rise of the Sky- walker. To be held from December 12 until January 12, 2020, the free-of-charge activation will Ooredoo’s Smart Waste be set up at the Centre Court, ground fl oor, at Doha Festival City – bringing “an excit- ing adventure” for children and their families from 3pm to 10pm daily. Management solution to The event caters to children aged up to 12 years although some zones are unsuit- able for those under six years, according to a press statement from Doha Festival City. enhance customer services Admissions will be based on batches, with a maximum of five people per batch in each zone. Children must be registered to oredoo, the region’s access the area, while Kids Club members leading enabler of dig- will enjoy fast-track access throughout the Oital business innova- activity duration. tion, announced yesterday the Customers who like to sign up their chil- new Ooredoo Smart Waste dren for the Kids Club membership can do Management solution to op- so via the Doha Festival City website or by timise waste collection, espe- visiting the Customer Service desk on the cially in Qatar’s rapidly-urban- first floor near Harvey Nichols. ising areas. Visitors and shoppers will experience Previously, Qatar’s organi- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker by under- sations faced challenges with taking different tasks across eight zones di- their waste management – in- vided into Dark and Light sides, each con- cluding knowing which bins taining different entertaining activities. were full and had to be col- Participants will enter through the lected, but with Ooredoo’s themed arch to enter the ‘Star Wars’ sta- New Smart Waste Manage- lection routes and costs, and new services.” tion, where they will be given a card that ment Solution, organisations also enhance customer services Ooredoo expects strong de- will record their scores in upcoming activi- can optimise collection routes and people’s daily lives. Waste mand from the government, ties. and schedules; and to fl ag any management organisations construction, healthcare, In Zone 2, they will use a Blaster and hone misuse or complaints about the can also receive e-mail or SMS waste management, recycling, their shooting skills using Nerf guns, while bins. alerts in case of any tampering. and environmental sectors. in Zone 3, they will enjoy a visual about the Part of Ooredoo’s expanding Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi, Smart Waste Management characters of the movie. Participants will be For Lego fans, Zone 7 will enable them Robert Hall, general manager, said: “Doha portfolio of Internet of Things chief operating offi cer, Oore- is an end-to-end solution asked to focus, just like Rey from the movie, to build their own ‘Star Wars’ structure or Festival City delights in bringing the best in (IoT) services and solutions, doo Qatar, said: “As Qatar ur- running on the Ooredoo IoT to raise a crate from the ground, in Zone 4. masks, while the last and fi nal area of the fun and learning for our shoppers. ‘Star Wars’ Smart Waste Management is a banises, eff ective waste man- platform. The solution com- In Zone 5, participants will discover if they journey will open a door to a world of ‘Star is a family favourite around the world and we cloud-based solution that pro- agement is a pressing need. bines sensors on bins or recy- are on the dark or light side after entering Wars’ memorabilia and merchandise exclu- are very excited to introduce this unique ex- vides complete visual visibility In response to feedback from cling cages, mobile Internet their scores from the previous zones, and sive for the new movie release. perience. We are looking forward to the glo- on bins. Real-time dashboard our customers, our new Smart of Things connectivity, an ap- they will select a robe and light saber for the “The event continues our series of unique bal premiere and welcoming the movie fans reports cover bin location, Waste Management solution plication Web portal, and 24/7 next stage. entertainment activations for children and and lovers. We look forward to welcoming temperature, and fi ll-level. leverages intelligent Internet of support services. Data is hosted With their gear on, visitors will pose for families at Festival City, giving shoppers un- you to enjoy more memorable moments with As a result, Qatar’s organi- Things tools for organisations securely in-country on Oore- a photo opportunity in a scene with Rey to paralleled experiences as expected from their us at the one and only Doha Festival City.” sations can optimise their bin to optimise their waste man- doo’s industry-leading, Tier either battle the stormtroopers or be one of preferred entertainment and shopping desti- For more information, visit type and location, waste col- agement processes and deliver 3-certifi ed Qatar Data Centre. them, creating a photo memento. nation in Qatar,” the statement noted. dohafestivalcity.com Ooredoo extends retail network with new shop at Msheireb metro station

oredoo, Qatar’s lead- Mobile Broadband at the new ing telecommunications shop will receive a free metro Ooperator, has extended card with credit to use for metro its consumer retail network rides. with the opening of a new shop Speaking of the new shop at Msheireb Metro Station, the opening, Manar Khalifa al-Mu- main station of Doha Metro. raikhi – director PR and Cor- The new shop is Ooredoo’s porate Communications – said: fi rst at a metro station, and off ers “Metro stations are convenient one of its high-tech self-service locations for customers to pop machines which has been in- in on their way past, and an ideal stalled as part of a planned roll- extension of our already wide out of SSMs at metro stations in retail shop network. In keep- Doha, it was announced yester- ing with our aim of complete day. The first 100 customers who subscribe to Shahry and Mobile digitalisation, we’re proud to of- Ooredoo off icials inaugurating the new shop at Msheireb Metro Station. The Msheireb Metro Sta- Broadband at the new shop will receive a free metro card with credit fer one of our state-of-the-art tion shop off ers all the Oore- to use for metro rides. Self-Service machines to make “The metro is a holistic project, ness opportunities for the busi- to open the fi rst Ooredoo shop in doo products and services, and carrying out transactions even and its stations are considered as ness sector, entrepreneurs and Doha Metro Stations, which will will allow customers to fulfi l all tv packages, to recharging and Ooredoo will be off ering cus- quicker and easier.” attractive points not only for pas- owners of small and medium- contribute to the service of pas- their service requirements from choosing new smartphones and tomers special opening promo- Ajlan Eid al-Enazi, chief of sengers, but also for the residents sized companies, who are look- sengers through the services and signing up to new mobile plans, accessories. tions, and the fi rst 100 custom- Strategy and Business Develop- of the neighbouring areas. At the ing to have a presence in Doha communications solutions pro- new home services and Ooredoo To celebrate the opening, ers who subscribe to Shahry and ment Division at Qatar Rail, said: same time, it provides new busi- metro stations. We are pleased vided by the company.” Qatar Insurance Group holds blood donation drive

atar Insurance Group development of the society and sion for the greater good. In fact, recently held a blood do- spares no eff ort to fulfi l its CSR being socially conscious has Qnation campaign at the duties. By participating in vari- allowed us to respond, engage QIC headquarters in West Bay. ous social initiatives and envi- and solve the common concerns The campaign was organised ronmental engagements, QIC of the society along with the in collaboration with the Hamad Group has been consistent in co-operation of our customers, Medical Corporation (HMC) demonstrating its commitment business partners and affi liates.” Blood Donation Unit. HMC mo- towards its societal mission,” the Commenting on the initiative, bilised its blood donation bus Group said in a statement. al-Suwaidi added: “The blood along with its medical unit to as- Delighted by the turnout of donation drive is an integral part sist in the successful completion volunteers, Fahad al-Suwaidi, of the framework of QIC Group’s of the blood donation drive. deputy CEO of QIC, thanked the corporate social responsibil- “For QIC Group, the blood staff for their participation and ity and engagement towards the donation campaign serves as said: “It is indeed gratifying to community. As a responsible an important corporate social see such support from our staff corporate citizen, we will con- responsibility (CSR) initiative, and I hope this would serve as a tinue to participate in activities which creates scalable impact for source of inspiration for others related to health, wellness and the society, environment and its in the future. At QIC, we have the environment to demonstrate people. Like all other businesses, ensured that the core values of our unwavering commitment QIC Group considers CSR as a our business and operating prin- towards the community and the cornerstone for the sustainable ciples align with the noble mis- nation.” Off icials and staff mark the blood donation campaign. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 10, 2019 9 QATAR

‘Jordanian-Qatari National Day an occasion relations have always to advance reforms: NHRC been distinguished’ QNA Doha QNA achievements in various fi elds Social and Cultural Rights. Those the right to political asylum, not- Doha and emphasised the importance two covenants have the force of ing that this places the State of of the state’s success in preserv- law in accordance with article Qatar in the forefront in the Gulf ordanian ambassador to Qa- ing its principles, especially with 68 of the Constitution and join- region, the Arab region and the tar Zaid Mufl eh al-Lawzi said E the Chairman of the regard to the protection of hu- ing them is a positive indicator of Middle East, as this legislation is Jthe Jordanian-Qatari rela- National Human Rights man rights. the states’ attitude towards hu- the fi rst of its kind in the region. tions have always been distin- HCommittee (NHRC) Dr He added: “It is important to man rights as they represent an He stated that these reforms guished under special patronage Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri said the take pride in our achievements important international legiti- will also confi rm the political will of the King of Jordan Abdullah celebration of National Day is an in various fi elds, but most im- macy that encompasses all hu- to reform the legislative system II bin al-Hussein and His High- occasion to affi rm the values of portantly we must affi rm Qatar’s man rights provisions in general, to ensure greater freedoms and ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin loyalty and pride in the home- dedication to its positions and he added. respect for human rights, which Hamad al-Thani, indicating that land, and an opportunity to ap- principles, especially with regard Dr al-Marri also expressed will raise the status of the State the co-operation in various fi elds preciate all the sacrifi ces and to defending the rights and free- his appreciation of the amend- of Qatar in the fi eld of human has been ongoing for decades. eff orts made by the current and dom of people and the protection ment of some provisions of the rights protection, in light of the In an interview with Qatar Jordanian ambassador to Qatar previous leaders, starting with of human rights, which are the law regulating the entry, exit and welcome received from the In- News Agency (QNA) on the oc- Zaid Mufleh al-Lawzi. the Founder, to establish the cornerstone of the stability of residence of expatriates in a way ternational Labour Organisation casion of the National Day, the State of Qatar. any country.” that guarantee their rights to exit and many international human ambassador expressed his coun- the country further progress and In a statement to Qatar News He pointed out that no coun- HE the Chairman of the National temporary or fi nally during the rights organisations. try’s constant aspiration to en- prosperity. Agency on the occasion of the try can maintain its stability and Human Rights Committee Dr Ali validity of the employment con- He continued by saying “as hance this co-operation and fi nd He also said that the progress National Day, HE Dr al-Marri unity without paying attention to bin Smaikh al-Marri. tract without any restrictions, we celebrate Qatar’s Nation- its new prospects. and prosperity achieved by Qatar congratulated the State of Qatar, human rights, including the right which contributes to the protec- al Day and the achievements He added that he was hon- and the role it plays in regional the leadership, the government to life, education, health, free- “Our message today to every tion of the freedom of movement made, we look forward to the oured to convey the highest issues refl ects the wisdom of and the people, led by His High- dom of opinion and expression citizen and resident is regarding and travel. government continuing its re- greetings to His Highness the the Qatari leadership, which has ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin and other fundamental rights the need to preserve our unity “We also note the qualitative form approach through enact- Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad earned Qatar respect and appre- Hamad al-Thani, on the behalf of enshrined in national laws and and stability and move forward leap in establishing the right to ing further laws and continuing al-Thani and the Qatari people ciation at the regional and inter- the staff of the National Human regulations and various interna- in the road of its development, residency in the State of Qatar, to amend legislation guaran- on this happy occasion, wishing national levels. Rights Committee. tional laws and conventions and while respecting human rights, which is a legislative leap that teeing the protection of human Dr al-Marri stressed that Na- in line with Qatar National Vision without discrimination, exclu- enhances human rights gains in rights with the recommenda- tional Day celebrations are also 2030. sion or marginalisation,” he said, the State of Qatar. tions of the Committee in its an occasion to examine achieve- The chairman of NHRC em- and called for continuing the This law will give its benefi ci- various reports and in line with ments made as well as the chal- phasised the importance of the pace of reforms and legislation aries a number of rights and priv- Qatar’s international and re- lenges, adding that “we must role played by citizens and resi- taken by the state to protect hu- ileges, including similar treat- gional status. Tunisian envoy praises emphasise the importance of dents together to achieve the man rights, and expressed satis- ment to citizens in a number of The chairman of NHRC con- maintaining the stability and renaissance of the homeland and faction with the reform taken by areas,” Dr al-Marri clarifi ed. cluded by saying “we continue to unity of the country and develop maintain stability and unity in the government, which included The chairman of NHRC also urge the government to continue distinctive bilateral ties it, and this includes the protec- the face of external challenges, the issuance of decrees No 40 welcomed the issuance of Law with the approach of reforms and tion of human rights, when talk- especially the blockade. He add- and 41 of 2018 regarding the join- No 11 of 2018 that regulates po- the protection of human rights, ing about accomplishments as ed that the citizens and residents ing of the State of Qatar to the In- litical asylum, which is an im- within the framework of our vi- QNA this enabled us to make continu- faced together all violations and ternational Covenant of Civil and plementation of Article 58 of the sion and mission to realise Qatar Doha ous achievements over the years.” punitive measures imposed with Political Rights and the Interna- Permanent Constitution of the National Vision 2030 and the De- He expressed pride in Qatar’s the blockade. tional Covenant on Economic, State of Qatar, which guarantees velopment Strategy 2018-2022. unisian ambassador Sami al-Saidi emphasised the depth of Qatari-Tunisian relations and described them as exceptional, Tdistinctive and highly unique in terms of co-ordination, co- operation and exchange of visits. In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the National Day, the ambassador said that Qatar-India relations have come a long way: envoy the Qatari-Tunisian relations are witnessing an upward pattern that highlights Qatar’s commitment to support Tunisia to succeed in its economic transition, and its keenness to elevate these relations to new QNA Ambassador Kumaran ex- He added that Qatar is blessed levels. Doha pressed his gratitude to the with abundant natural resources He expressed Tunisia’s yearning that relations witness broader leadership and the government and takes the utmost care to put prospects for bilateral co-operation in the coming period, after the of the State of Qatar for their these resources to effi cient use, presidential and legislative elections in Tunisia, pointing out that ndian ambassador to Qa- hospitality and support to the keeping in mind aspects like the Qatari private sector in turn is engaged in this renewed dynamic tar P Kumaran praised the Indian community in Qatar over sustainability and the welfare of through large investments in Tunisia’s vital sectors such as tourism, Ilong-standing, deep-rooted the years. future generations. banks and others. He also added that Tunisians who reside in the Qa- and multi-faceted relations be- He said it is a matter of pride These eff orts on the part of tar in turn represent an additional tributary of joint co-operation for tween Qatar and India, saying that the large and diverse Indian the Qatari government have led their contribution to the journey of construction and development that those relations have been community in Qatar is appre- to positive results, largely due to that Qatar is witnessing. documented through trade and ciated for its discipline, hard- the alignment of the Qatari peo- The Tunisian ambassador considered National Day as an occa- cultural ties between the two work and law-abiding nature. ple with the goals set by its wise sion that evoke the struggles of the past and draw lessons from them countries. He added that, as a result, leadership, he underlined. to build the present and plan for the future. He stressed that Qatar’s In exclusive statements to the size of the Indian commu- Ambassador Kumaran ex- National Day carries indications of patriotism, national affi liation and Qatar News Agency (QNA), the nity has grown over the years tended his warm greetings to revival of the past and represents a milestone in the journey of Qa- ambassador added that this re- Indian ambassador to Qatar P to reach nearly 750,000, giving His Highness the Amir Sheikh tar and a renewed point of support for the foundations of the mod- lationship has evolved in recent Kumaran. them an opportunity to contin- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani; ern state. He expressed his congratulations and those of the Tunisian years into a mutually benefi cial ue to contribute substantially to of Qatar, whether at the national His Highness the Father Amir community in Doha to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- partnership, given the series of the two countries, which hold the growth and development of or international level. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al- mad al-Thani and the people of Qatar on this national occasion. high-level visits by both sides. a lot of promise. He expressed Qatar. He expressed his deep appre- Thani; the other members of the He also expressed his great pride and appreciation for the pioneer- The ambassador emphasised his happiness that, during the As the Indian community in ciation for the impressive steps ruling family; representatives of ing achievements that Qatar has fulfi lled in its exceptional journey that Qatar is one of India’s ma- ongoing Qatar-India 2019 Year Qatar joins the celebrations of taken by Qatar in a variety of the Government of Qatar and that included all aspects of life. He said that what Qatar was able to jor energy partners and bilateral of Culture, they have success- National Day, the ambassador vital areas, especially education, the friendly people of Qatar, on accomplish in such a short period of time has been a source of pride to trade between the two coun- fully organised nearly 40 events expressed his confi dence that business, industry, infrastruc- the occasion of National Day Arabs and Muslims, and that the journey of growth and development tries has grown rapidly in recent so far, with the active co-oper- the India-Qatar partnership is ture, tourism and social devel- 2019, which is an important day is progressing rapidly, placing Qatar at the forefront of the world de- years, adding that there are sev- ation and support of the Qatari poised to scale new heights in opment, which is a testament to in the history of the state, com- velopment indicators, thanks to the fi rm political will, the strong pub- eral areas where India looks for- authorities, pointing out that the months and years ahead. the far-sightedness of the Qatari memorating the country’s uni- lic determination and the catalyst for economic and social prosperity. ward to expanding the economic there are some important cul- He congratulated the Qatari leadership and their vision to fi cation under the leadership of He added that the strong presence of Qatar on the international co-operation, including invest- tural events/programmes being people and their wise leadership maximise developmental ben- Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin arena made it an eff ective and infl uential country on many issues of ment opportunities, between planned in the coming weeks. on the achievements of the State efi ts. Thani in 1878. interest to international politics. Ties between Italy and Qatar wide, solid and effi cient: Italian envoy

QNA tion for the good of our peoples,” will be implemented, Qatar has Doha he added. Ambassador Salzano become even more dynamic and congratulated His Highness the friendly. Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad The full business ownership talian ambassador to Qatar al-Thani, His Highness the Fa- rights for foreign companies, the Pasquale Salzano affi rmed ther Amir Sheikh Hamad bin abolition of the “kafala system” Ithat the relations between It- Khalifa al-Thani and His High- and the elimination of the no- aly and Qatar are wide, solid and ness the Deputy Amir Sheikh objection certifi cate (NOC) for effi cient. The ambassador said Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, as migrant workers to change jobs, that two countries have contin- well as the Qatari people on the combined with the establish- ued to experience an impressive occasion of the National Day. ment of a non-discriminatory Aspire Zone Foundation growth in all sectors of common Today, the Qatari people fi nd minimum wage and the increased interest. themselves closer than ever and protection of human rights, are In an statement to Qatar News are keen to show their pride just some of the most signifi cant Agency (QNA) on the occasion about the remarkable achieve- achievements in 2019, the Italian lists National Day events of Qatar National Day, he noted ments they have been able to gain ambassador said. “our natural friendship and mu- Italian ambassador Pasquale over the last few years, in a very Qatar has continued to walk tual trust are based on a continu- Salzano. challenging time, the ambassa- along a path of social inclusion, spire Zone Foundation These include collaborations be activities for kids by Shabab ous high-level political dialogue, dor said, expressing most sincere openness to diversity and cultur- (AZF) has announced a with the Ministry of Adminis- Youth 22. intense cultural exchanges and a education, social empowerment congratulations for the success- al exchanges, enhancing dialogue Aseries of events at Aspire trative Development, Labour & Meanwhile, the Qatar Balloon deep economic integration that and environmental sustainabil- ful results accomplished so far and international co-operation Park from December 12-18, to Social Aff airs for cultural cel- Festival is currently under way has led to a remarkable increase ity. in Qatar and the hope that many at all levels, in particular embrac- be held from 3.30pm-10pm, for ebrations and the Police Sports at the park, behind the lake near of the bilateral trade volume and “There is no doubt we have others will soon be achieved. ing the fi ght against the disas- Qatar National Day under the Federation for military, obsta- Al Furousiya Street, with 30 par- relevant business opportunities achieved outstanding results so Qatar has proved to be a strong trous impacts of climate change, leadership of His Highness the cle and shooting competitions. ticipants from around the world. for our companies.” far, but there is also a huge un- and resilient country, and that he noted. Without forgetting Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad There will also be a military The event is sponsored by Saleh Italy and Qatar, he said, have tapped potential that we can still diffi culties have not prevented its its traditions and cultural roots, al-Thani. parade by the National Service Al Hamad Al Mana Co (Nissan, proved to be like-minded part- develop together. To this aim, people to look ahead and aim high Qatar is ready and committed to The activities at Aspire Park Academy, while the Girls Crea- Infi niti, Renault), Qatar Insur- ners, keen to extend this fruitful Italy and Qatar are both strongly with trust and courage, following face and overcome all challenges, feature collaborations between tivity Center will have an art cel- ance Company, Rayyan Water collaboration to new projects, committed to further deepen a vision based on innovation and remaining always true to its high AZF and a number of organisa- ebration and the Qatar Air Sports and KidZania. For more informa- such as development co-oper- their relations at all levels and change, he said, pointing out that moral values and principles, the tions to provide activities for the Committee will have an air show tion, one can visit www.aspir- ation initiatives in the fi elds of explore new fi elds of co-opera- thanks to the major reforms that Italian ambassador stressed. community. and parachuting. Also, there will ezone.qa Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, December 10, 2019 QATAR

Students from Iqra English School with off icials. Students from Iqra English School participating in the campaign at Fereej Kulaib Plaza. Ashghal opens Fereej Kulaib Plaza Iqra English Iqra English School were present tion of 760m of bicycle track, Abdul Salam al-Aji, one of at the event. 1.4km-long pedestrian lanes and the prominent persons from the School students Hessa al- Kaabi, member of 6,500sq m of green areas, as well area, said preserving the envi- plant trees on the the Supervisory Committee of as the planting of 125 trees. ronment is everyone’s responsi- the Beautifi cation of Roads and Al-Rumaihi said such plazas bility. “Therefore, our children occasion Public Places, Ashghal, said are very important as they pro- must participate in such cam- the distinctive design of Fer- vide areas for residents and visi- paigns,” he said, hoping that Fer- he Public Works Author- eej Kulaib Plaza highlights the tors to have an outing. “It also eej Kulaib Plaza would encourage ity (Ashghal), represented heritage, facilitates pedestrian creates a healthy culture that sports. Tby the Supervisory Com- movement and links a number of supports physical activities,” he Saima Samir, director of Iqra mittee of the Beautifi cation of commercial and residential es- added. English School, said she is proud Roads and Public Places, opened tablishments in the area. Khalifa al-Sayed, one of the of participating in the campaign Fereej Kulaib Plaza to the public Al-Kaabi noted that the main dignitaries from the neighbour- for beautifying Qatar and plant- yesterday. works of the project have been hood, expressed happiness at the ing trees. “I am glad to partici- During the opening, students completed while some works opening of Fereej Kulaib Plaza pate with our students in this from Iqra English School par- are undergoing. The remaining and thanked Ashghal for its ef- campaign. It will contribute to ticipated in the planting of trees works are being implemented forts to increase green areas and boosting their awareness of the at the plaza as part of the ‘Qa- in full swing to complete the trees in Qatar and for encour- importance of their role in pre- tar Beautifi cation and Our Kids project in two months. aging children to participate in serving the environment.” Planting Trees’ campaign that Maryam Bader al-Kuwari, a preservation of the environ- The students, too, expressed aims to plant a million trees in co- member of the committee, said ment. delight at their participation in operation with the Ministry of the plaza has green areas, seat- Another community leader the campaign. One of them, Jas- Municipality and Environment. ing spaces and shading trees that in the area, Ateeq al-Sulaiti, sim Mohamed, said: “It is the Members of the Supervisory allow visitors to perform various stressed the importance of this fi rst time that I am planting a Committee, Badar Sultan al- activities. campaign to support the culture tree and am happy to do it.” An- Rumaihi, member of the Cen- The Fereej Kulaib Plaza project of environmental protection and other student, Mohamed Abdul tral Municipal Council — fourth is being implemented using envi- to provide a safe and healthy en- Rahman al-Mahmoud, added: constituency, dignitaries from ronment-friendly materials and vironment for existing and fu- “I love green squares and like to the area and representatives of the works include the construc- ture generations. plant trees.” Qatar National Day ‘embodies Germany partnering many concepts and values’ Qatar to tackle future

QNA also qualifi ed for the upcom- Doha ing Summer Olympic Games — Tokyo 2020, and to date, ath- challenges: envoy letics champions Mutaz Essa ecretary-General of Qa- Barshim, Abderrahman Samba, tar Olympic Committee Abu Bakr Haider, Qatari jump- QNA ners of Qatar and will continue S(QOC) Jassim Rashid al- ing team and Rami al-Rumaihi, Doha to support the amazing develop- Buainain, has said the celebra- who also qualifi ed for this im- ment of the country in striving to tion of the National Day of the portant event. achieve its National Vision 2030. State of Qatar, embodies many Al-Buainain said that the mbassador of the Federal the ambassador stated. concepts and values, and it is achievements of this year also Republic of Germany to Ambassador Hans-Udo Muzel an occasion that shows the ex- included that of Qatari weight- Athe State of Qatar Hans- said: “Qatar has chosen the slo- tent of solidarity and cohesion lifter Faris Ibrahim who won two Udo Muzel said that friendship gan, ‘The path of excellence is between the wise leadership silver medals in the 2019 World and co-operation between the diffi cult’ to refl ect the past two and the people of Qatar and its Weightlifting Championships two countries is not limited to years of the blockade which made residents. which was held in Pattaya, Thai- business, as Berlin is partner- life more arduous for each and He said in a statement to Qa- land, and the Qatari beach hand- ing with Doha in many other every one on both sides of the tar News Agency (QNA) that ball team which won the Asian fi elds to jointly tackle the chal- rift, as families have been torn there are many lessons that can Secretary-General of Qatar Olympic Committee Jassim Rashid Championship held in Weihai, lenges of the future, saying that apart, business relations and be learned from this occasion, al-Buainain. China, and which qualifi ed for Qatar is an important partner cultural ties being renounced. At perhaps the most important be- the World Championship 2020 for his country during its non- the same time, Qatar has gained ing the struggle of the ancestors Al-Buainain praised the to the fullest and contribute for the fi fth time in a row. permanent membership of the The German ambassador to in strength, economically and and how they endured diffi cul- achievements witnessed by the eff ectively to the achievement He pointed out that the United Nations Security Council Qatar Hans-Udo Muzel has said socially,” he added. ties in order to achieve national country in various fi elds, saying of Qatar National Vision 2030 achievements were also present in 2019-2020, sharing a common the future looks bright for the Ironically, the blockade has unity, and the role of the founder that the achievements of the and therefore continues to de- at the level of Special Needs vision of a multilateral frame- bilateral relations between the had a positive catalysing eff ect Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin State of Qatar have continued velop continuously through a tournaments due to the win- work based on a rules-based two nations. on the self-suffi ciency of the Thani, in the establishment of since the founder Sheikh Jassim number of plans, programmes ning of 13 medals (4 gold, 4 sil- world order. Qatari economy, on achieving its the rules of the State of Qatar. bin Mohamed bin Thani’s role and projects that will ensure ver, and 5 bronze medals) at the In an executive statement to tives, adding that the sixth National Vision 2030 and on the Al-Buainain pointed out that in establishing the foundations that the pace of work is acceler- 2019 Special Olympics World Qatar News Agency (QNA) on session of the Joint Ministerial diversifi cation of Qatar’s inter- the celebration of national events of the modern State, and said ated in line with Qatar National Summer Games held in the the occasion of Qatar National Economic Commission,which national relations, he affi rmed. contributes to enhancing loyalty the State has achieved many Vision 2030 and to achieve the UAE, and that Qatar had also Day, the ambassador said that was held earlier this year and Thus, the very diffi cult experi- and belonging to the homeland goals in various fi elds, making it goals of this ambitious plan. won the goal ball for the blind Germany has partnered with co-chaired by the Qatari and ence of the blockade has made in the hearts of all, and a sense among the developed countries He revealed that the current in the West Asian Paralympic Qatar for a very successful Ger- German Ministers of Economy Qatar stronger, he said. of pride in Qatari national iden- and which occupies a promi- year 2019 has witnessed many Games 2019 held in Amman. In man Cultural Season in the past, and trade, will greatly contrib- “As we have learnt in German tity and adherence to it. He noted nent position internationally. sports achievements at various addition in the women’s sport, expressing hope to build on all ute to enhancing bilateral eco- history, miracles in history are that the preservation of the val- He explained in this regard levels, most notably the victory the Qatari teams won 34 medals these positive examples of a nomic, business, investment possible. When the Berlin Wall ues and principles established that the National Day is in fact of the fi rst Qatari national foot- (9 gold, 14 silver and 11 bronze) fruitful co-operation with Qatari and energy co-operation which came down on November 9, by the founder Sheikh Jassim bin an opportunity to highlight ball team in the Asian Cup held in the sixth edition of the Gulf friends to strengthen bilateral have been praised by both His 1989 ending the Cold War in Eu- Mohamed bin Thani comes by the achievements of the State in the UAE, for the fi rst time in Women’s Sports Tournament relations even further. Highness Sheikh Tamim bin rope and the world, everybody in tracing and following his sacri- in all areas, including sports the history of Qatar football, as held in Kuwait. The ambassador said that the Hamad al-Thani, the Amir of Germany and all over the world fi ces for the country. fi eld, which has witnessed great well as champion Mutaz Essa He added that this year, Doha future looks bright for the bi- Qatar, and Dr Angela Merkel, were taken by surprise. My mes- He stressed that contributing achievements at all levels, and Barshim who won the gold also hosted two major interna- lateral relations between Ger- Chancellor of the Federal Re- sage to the Qatari people there- to the upliftment of the home- at the same time he expressed medal in the high jump compe- tional events, the 2019 World many and Qatar, pointing out public of Germany. fore is: Continue to hope for an land is a duty of all who live on confi dence that the future will tition and Abderrahman Samba Athletics Championships, that these relations is based More than 100 German com- end to the blockade and continue its territory, whether citizens be more prosperous under the who won the bronze medal for which was held for the fi rst time on the deep personal trust and panies operate in Doha, with to off er dialogue in the spirit of or residents, and therefore eve- wise leadership of His High- the 400m hurdles at the World in the Middle East and the World long-standing relations that some having opened their offi ces mutual respect which the Qatari ryone is required to play its role ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Athletics Championships in Beach Games of the Association has grown over decades be- even before the independence of leadership has shown for the past in building and development of bin Hamad al-Thani. He added Doha 2019. He added that a of National Olympic Commit- tween the two countries’ peo- Qatar in 1971, these companies two years,” the German ambas- the country. that QOC strives to fulfi l its role number of Qatari athletes have tees (ANOC) in its fi rst edition. ples and business representa- have now become trusted part- sador said.

Thundery rain and strong winds forecast for today

hundery rain and strong The weather report states that conditions are expected inshore of scattered rain, which may be other hand, will be around 26- The Met department had The chances of rain are ex- winds are expected in the wind speed may go up to 35 at times and there is a chance of thundery occasionally. 27C today. earlier said the state of atmos- pected to continue until to- Tthe country today, the knots off shore and 30 knots in- rain, which may be thundery in The minimum temperature Yesterday, a minimum tem- pheric instability was expect- morrow morning, followed by Qatar Met department has shore during thundershowers some places. Also, blowing dust is expected to be 18C today in perature of 19C was recorded ed to continue affecting the fresh to strong northwesterly said. today, with the sea level rising is likely at times. Al Khor, followed by 20C in in Sheehaniya, Ghuwairiyah, country due to the extension winds in some areas that will Similar conditions have also to 12ft. Partly cloudy to cloudy condi- Dukhan, Abu Samra and Ruwais, Turayna and other places, while of a low-pressure system over result in a drop in tempera- been forecast for off shore areas According to the detailed tions are also expected off shore and 21C in Doha, Wakrah and in Doha was 22C. The maximum the region, reaching its peak tures, the department had along with high seas. forecast, partly cloudy to cloudy today and there is a possibility Mesaieed. The maximum, on the ranged from 24C to 28C. today. forecast. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 10, 2019 11 REGION/ARAB WORLD Iraqis rally against govt as Western envoys summoned AFP Baghdad

raqis turned out yesterday to mourn a prominent activist Igunned down the previous evening, the latest violent epi- sode in anti-government dem- onstrations in which more than 450 people have died. That came as Iraq’s foreign ministry summoned four West- ern envoys over their condem- nation of a deadly attack against protesters at the weekend. Iraq’s capital and its south have been gripped by more than two months of rallies against corruption, poor public services and a lack of jobs. Prominent civil society ac- tivist Fahem al-Tai was killed in a drive-by shooting in Iraq’s shrine city of Karbala late Sun- day while returning home from protests. Hundreds joined his funeral procession Monday, carrying 53-year-old Tai’s coffi n through Iraqi demonstrators shout slogans during ongoing anti-government protests in Basra, yesterday. Mourners react during the funeral of the Iraqi civil activist Fahem al-Tai, who was killed overnight, in Kerbala. the city’s streets. “We will not forget our mar- Asaib Ahl al-Haq is one of the rallies could derail their anti- tigate”.The envoys also pressed cism at the earlier meeting. still based across Iraq and are several of the attacks on vari- tyrs,” read one sign carried by most powerful groups in Iraq’s regime movement. the government to implement In addition to those killed, facing a spike in rocket attacks ous factions in Iraq. tearful protesters. Hashed al-Shaabi security force, Demonstrators are seeking a its recent order that the Hashed dozens of protesters went on their positions. The latest Tensions between Iran and The country is expected to a network of armed groups inte- comeback after an attack on a “stay away from protest loca- missing after the attack on the in the early hours of yester- the US have soared since last see widespread protests today, grated into the state. major Baghdad protest site left tions”. In response, Iraq’s foreign parking complex and have yet day saw four rockets slam into year, when Washington pulled marking two years since Iraq de- Hashed chief Faleh al-Fayy- 20 protesters and four police of- ministry yesterday summoned to resurface, their relatives an Iraqi base that hosts a small out of a landmark nuclear feated the Islamic State group. adh over the weekend ordered fi cers dead, sparking nationwide all three ambassadors as well said. contingent of US forces next to agreement with Tehran and re- Activists have called for mas- the factions to stay away from outrage. as their Canadian counterpart, Demonstrators have for Baghdad International Airport. imposed crippling sanctions. sive marches from other Iraqi rallies. Founded in 2014 to fi ght The British, French and Ger- who had similarly condemned weeks complained of being Six Iraqi troops were wound- Baghdad, worried about be- cities towards Baghdad, but par- IS militants who had seized man ambassadors to Iraq con- the violence. monitored, threatened and ed, according to the military. ing caught in the middle of amilitary leaders have warned swathes of northern Iraq and demned the violence in a meet- The ministry said their com- harassed in an intimidation Security sources said they their bitter dispute, is also such protests would be “ruin- neighbouring Syria, the Hashed ing with caretaker premier Adel ments were an “unacceptable campaign aimed at blunting belong to the elite Counter- struggling with its own domes- ous.” is made up of mostly various fac- Abdel Mahdi, who resigned on intervention in Iraq’s internal their movement. Terrorism Service, created and tic political crisis. “It will bring the most mas- tions, many of which have been December 1. affairs”. A diplomatic source Since October 1, the youth- trained by US forces. President Barham Saleh has sive chaos yet to Baghdad,” said backed by Iran. “No armed group should be said the envoys were “not sur- led rallies have accused the No American forces were until December 17 to name a Qais al-Khazali, the head of the It initially backed the govern- able to operate outside of the prised” at having been sum- ruling class both of being inept wounded in the recent salvoes. replacement premier, and po- prominent Asaib Ahl al-Haq ment over protests but switched control of the state,” the envoys moned, particularly after the and corrupt and of being heav- While there have been no litical parties are deep in talks armed faction, who was recently sides, although protesters fear said in a statement, urging the PM had defended his govern- ily influenced by neighbouring claims of responsibility, US to agree on a consensus candi- blacklisted by the US. Hashed fi ghters’ presence at government to “urgently inves- ment in response to their criti- Iran.Some 5,200 US troops are defence officials have blamed date.

Erdogan says Turkey aims to settle Iran ready for full Lebanese protesters throw trash 1mn refugees in Syria offensive area prisoner swap: Zarif Turkey aims to settle 1mn at politicians’ houses in Tripoli Syrian war refugees in the area of northern Syria where it Agencies return all Iranians who are being carried out a military incursion Dubai held unjustly in America,” Rabiei DPA/Reuters in October, President Tayyip was quoted by the state news Beirut Erdogan said yesterday. He agency IRNA as saying. told state broadcaster TRT that ran’s Foreign Minister Mo- Rabiei said eff orts to swap Ankara would finance the reset- hamed Javad Zarif said yes- prisoners were not linked to any cores of Lebanese anti- tlement on its own if allies did Iterday the Islamic republic is other US-Iranian talks, which government protesters not provide support. Turkey and ready for a full prisoner exchange would only be possible if Wash- Syesterday threw garbage its Syrian rebel allies launched with the United States, tweeting: ington lifted sanctions and re- outside the houses of politi- the off ensive against the Kurdish “The ball is in the US’ court”. turned to Tehran’s 2015 nuclear cians in the northern port city YPG militia, which Ankara views “After getting our hostage deal with world powers. of Tripoli to show their dismay as a terrorist group. After seizing back this week, fully ready for Tensions have heightened be- at their perceived failure in do- a strip of land inside Syria 120km comprehensive prisoner ex- tween Iran and the United States ing their jobs. long and around 30km wide change,” Zarif said. since US President Donald Since mid-October, huge running from the town of Ras Al The United States and Iran Trump last year pulled Wash- rallies have taken place across Ain to Tel Abyad, Turkey signed on Saturday swapped prisoners ington out of the nuclear deal the country, separate deals with the US and — American graduate student and reimposed sanctions that with demonstrators from Russia to halt its assault. Turkey Xiyue Wang, detained for three have crippled Tehran’s economy. various religious groups ac- had previously said it could settle years on spying charges, and Iran has responded by gradu- cusing the political class of up to 2mn Syrian refugees in a imprisoned Iranian stem-cell ally scaling back its commit- mismanagement and corrup- 444km-long “safe zone” it aimed researcher Massoud Soleimani, ments under the agreement. tion. Cars are stuck after breaking down on a flooded road due to heavy rain, at the southern entrance of to form in northeastern Syria, accused of sanction violations Washington has demanded The demonstrations led the Lebanese capital Beirut, yesterday. and repeatedly urged Nato allies — in a rare act of cooperation be- that Iran release the Americans premier Saad Hariri to resign to provide financial aid for the tween two longtime foes. it is holding, including father and left Lebanon in economic Faisal Karami. The chants It is not the first time pro- 11, France’s foreign ministry plans. Turkey currently hosts Separately, Iranian govern- and son Siamak and Baquer and political turmoil, seen as prompted his guards to throw testers have thrown trash said, adding that the meet- more than 3.5mn refugees from ment spokesman Ali Rabiei said Namazi; Michael R. the worst crisis since the 1975- stones at the protesters, leav- bags outside the houses of ing aimed to push Beirut neighbouring Syria’s 8-1/2-year- Iran had always sought an “all White, a Navy veteran impris- 1990 civil war. ing three of them injured. Tripoli politicians. to quickly create a govern- old war. Turkish off icials have not for all release” with the United oned last year; and Robert Lev- “We want all of you to re- Lebanese army intervened Meanwhile, France will ment that could restore the indicated when any resettlement States. inson, a former FBI agent miss- sign,” chanted the protesters and separated protesters and host an international con- economic situation in the of refugees would begin. “We are ready to co-operate to ing since 2007. near the house of lawmaker guards. ference on Lebanon on Dec country. 160 Palestinian cars vandalised New chief EU diplomat urged to review stance on Palestine AFP Jerusalem AFP a new state would be taken by peace deal. But, to some Europe- Brussels individual member states, but an capitals, Washington has al- ore than 160 cars were Asselborn wants to at least dis- ready put its fi nger on the scales vandalised in a Pales- cuss it at EU level. by recognising the divided city of Mtinian neighbourhood uxembourg’s veteran for- “The European Union must Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and of Jerusalem with anti-Arab eign minister has written continue to promote and sup- by moving its embassy there. slogans scrawled nearby, Israeli Lto the new head of Eu- port the consensus in favour of In his letter, Asselborn com- police said yesterday, in a sus- ropean Union foreign policy to the two-State solution,” Assel- plains that Israel’s building of pected hate crime. urge a debate on recognising born write to Borrell, who was settlements on occupied land The cars in the Shuafaat Palestinian statehood. Spain’s foreign minister before also endangers the peace process neighbourhood of east Jeru- In a note to Josep Borrell, moving to Brussels. “One way to and is a “fl agrant violation” of salem had their tyres slashed, who took offi ce last week as help save this solution would be international law. with slogans, “There is no room Brussels’ chief diplomat, Jean to create a more equitable situa- “The recognition of Palestine in the country for enemies” and Asselborn said a discussion tion for both parties. as a State would neither be a fa- “When Jews are stabbed we could support eff orts to ndfi “In this regard, I believe that vour, nor a blank cheque, but a aren’t silent” scrawled in He- A Palestinian man looks at damaged car tyres after an Israeli police spokesman said yesterday that an incident a “two-state” solution to the it is time to start a debate within simple recognition of the right brew with red paint nearby, pho- took place whereby damage was caused to over 160 vehicles in Shuafaat, in East Jerusalem, yesterday. Middle East confl ict. the European Union on the op- of the Palestinian people to their tos published by Israeli media The letter, seen by AFP yes- portunity of a recognition of the own state,” he argued. showed. place overnight under the cover generally target Palestinian or tyres of cars on the main street,” terday during an EU foreign State of Palestine by all its Mem- “In no way would it be direct- Police said their forces “con- of the rain, and that the perpe- Arab Israeli property in revenge said Maysa Abu Khdair, a resi- ministers’ meeting in Brussels, ber States.” ed against Israel.” tinue to search the area for the trators were religious Jews. for nationalistic attacks against dent whose car was targeted suggests that member states Israel and its ally the United There is sympathy for this po- suspects who fl ed the scene.” The incident bore the hall- Israelis. and whose surveillance cameras could debate recognition at a States oppose the recognition of sition in Europe, but the EU has A local offi cial told public mark of a “price tag” attack, a “Three masked settlers caught the scene. future similar get-together. Palestine as a state, arguing that not taken a united position on broadcaster Kann that foot- euphemism for Jewish nation- sneaked into the neighbour- “My daughter went on foot to Any decision on establish- this would prejudice eff orts to Palestinian statehood, regarding age revealed the vandalism took alist-motivated hate crimes that hood early and damaged the school in the rain,” she added. ing diplomatic relations with fi nd a lasting Israeli-Palestinian it as an issue for member states. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, December 10, 2019 AFRICA S African anti-apartheid activist Ben Turok dies at 92 AFP morning of December 9, accord- an independent perspective the delegation that drew up the Turok also stood out as one of RSA’s body politic. RIP,” opposi- of parliament who took a stand Johannesburg ing to a statement by his son Ivan throughout. Freedom Charter in 1955 and also the few ANC members to openly tion leader of the United Demo- and voted against Zuma. RIP Mr Turok, without giving further “His wisdom and counsel will served time in jail during apart- speak out against government- cratic Movement, Bantu Holo- Turok.” details about his death. be sorely missed.” heid for treason. led corruption under ex-presi- misa tweeted. The family said the stalwart outh African anti-apart- “He was always outspoken Local media reported that the “Comrade Turok dedicated his dent Jacob Zuma’s administra- “Prof Ben Turok sparked a fi re had asked that “in view of the heid activist and outspoken and dedicated – his whole life former parliamentarian and eco- life to the struggle against racism tion. in my generation ... that led us present predicament facing the SAfrican National Congress to fi ghting for freedom, equality nomics lecturer had been ill and and oppression,” the ruling ANC Tributes poured in from all to the Rhodes Must Fall and Fees country”, his death should be (ANC) veteran Professor Ben and social justice in South Afri- hospitalised for some time in a said in a statement, adding that sectors of society on social me- Must Fall movements,” @Lwazi_ marked by a private ceremony, Turok passed away in the early ca,” Ivan Turok said in the state- Cape Town hospital before meet- he was “unwavering, vocal and dia. Somya said. rather than anything offi cial or hours of yesterday, his son has ment. ing his death. unambiguous” in his commit- “A very independent comrade Another social media user, @ formal. said. “He was a loyal, lifetime mem- Formerly an anti-apartheid ment to the freedom of the peo- has gone. Thank you for your Swannie1, tweeted, that he was He is survived by his wife Mary, Ben Turok, 92, died on the ber of the ANC, but retained hero, Turok was a key member of ple of South Africa. intellectual contribution to the “one of the only ANC members three sons and extended family. Nairobi’s governor claims trial on graft Kornelius Hamasab sits by his vegetable garden on his plot of Reuters under a hooded camoufl aged trouble after Sonko’s supporters reclaimed land. Nairobi jacket. called for protests. Chief public prosecutor Noor- Sonko, a member of Kenyatta’s din Haji has accused Sonko and Jubilee Party, said in a statement he governor of Kenya’s his associates of the misappro- on Sunday that his arrest was capital Nairobi pleaded priation of 357mn Kenyan shil- politically motivated and that he Namibia vows to Tnot guilty in court yester- lings ($3.52mn). was a law-abiding citizen. day to corruption and other eco- Ogoti said later that he would He urged his supporters to nomic crimes involving millions rule tomorrow whether to grant avoid any actions that “may change ‘status-quo’ of dollars. bail to Sonko, other offi cials threaten the peace”. Kenyans and investors have and businessmen and women “What I ask of you, my sup- long complained of corruption in charged alongside him. porters, is to pray for me. Even of farm ownership Kenya, East Africa’s business hub He ordered that they remain in all my haters, please pray for and the region’s richest econo- custody until then. me,” read the statement, written my, and President Uhuru Keny- The prosecutor’s offi ce said partly in English and partly in By Sofia Christensen, AFP the market at this stage,” he atta has promised to crack down it had also requested Sonko be KiSwahili. Okahandja, Namibia said. “The problem is the gov- on the problem. barred from accessing his offi ce Sonko was represented in ernment has no money and Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi during the duration of his trial court by a high profi le team of they can’t buy these farms.” Sonko was arrested on Friday and Sonko is seen in the courtroom for a hearing after he was arrested on and be denied bail. Kenyan lawyers, including Sen- ibrant rows of neatly Namibia’s commercial is accused of conspiracy to com- corruption-related charges, at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi. It said that he was a fl ight risk ate Majority leader Kipchumba lined plants grow on a farmers union estimates that mit corruption, confl ict of inter- and was likely to interfere with Murkomen. Vpatch once trampled by about 8mn hectares of land est, failure to comply with laws A former senator, Sonko is a The 44-year-old appeared inquiries and intimidate wit- Police used tear gas to disperse the cattle of a large commercial have been off ered to the gov- related to procurement, unlaw- fl amboyant fi gure, known for his before anti-corruption chief nesses. hundreds of Sonko’s supporters farm run by a family of German ernment since independence. ful acquisition of public property glitzy lifestyle, fl ashy clothes, magistrate Douglas Ogoti yes- Police set up barriers on streets when he was called into the anti- descent in Namibia. Only 3mn were purchased. and laundering the proceeds of chunky gold jewellery and eye- terday dressed in a designer shirt around the court and diverted corruption offi ce for questioning From that 2,400sq m rec- “The white community is crime. catching hairstyles. sequined with a gold teddy bear traffi c in anticipation of possible in November. tangle of sand in the northern selling their land,” said Bernar- Otjozondjupa region, Kor- dus Swartbooi, a former depu- nelius Hamasab, 69, now pro- ty land minister who registered duces spinach, onions and to- his own party after a spat with matoes. government last year. “It’s not Hamasab is among the 16% as if they are keeping their land Miss South Africa of black Namibians owning ar- as was the case in Zimbabwe.” able land in the semi-desertic Swartbooi ran for president southwest African nation. in a general election last month White Namibians, who are under his Landless People’s is Miss Universe descended from former colo- Movement (LPM), which has nisers Germany and South vowed to redress historic land Africa and make up 6% of the ownership imbalances. AFP “I think that it is time that that population, own 70% of the The LPM came third with Atlanta stops today,” she said to thunder- land. 4.9% of the vote. ous applause. “It doesn’t seem right to He accused the government Tunzi beat more than 90 con- me,” said Hamasab, who ac- of using land reform to em- iss South Africa was testants from around the globe quired his land as compensa- power a “small elite”. crowned Miss Universe in the 68th instalment of Miss tion fi ve years after the farm “Most of those that they Mon Sunday in Atlanta Universe, which was held in At- downsized into a guesthouse in want to resettle are their after a lavish ceremony fi lled lanta’s Tyler Perry Studios. 2000 and laid off its staff . friends,” Swartbooi told AFP. with glitter and heartfelt speech- Of the two favourites ahead “The government should do “The poorest of the poor ... es about female empowerment. of the competition, Miss Thai- something about it,” he added, have not been able to enjoy the Zozibini Tunzi, 26, fi nished land Paweensuda Saetan-Drouin while his family picked and full benefi t of land reform.” ahead of the Puerto Rican and made it to the fi nal 10, but Miss rinsed collared greens to be Namibian government rep- Mexican fi nalists in a fl ashy tel- Philippines Gazini Ganados did sold in the capital Windhoek, resentatives declined several evised event, hosted by Ameri- not. 150km (90 miles) away. AFP requests for an interview. can comic turned TV personality The Philippines’ Catriona Namibia adopted a “will- Geingob, who has been re- Steve Harvey. Gray, who presented Tunzi with ing-buyer, willing-seller” ap- elected for another fi ve year Television personalities Va- the crown, took home the Miss proach to land reform after in- term, has pledged to redistrib- nessa Lachey and Olivia Culpo Universe crown in 2018. dependence from South Africa ute 43% of arable land by 2020 served as backstage commenta- The pageant has had a contro- in 1990. to previously disadvantaged tors, and a panel of seven women versial past. Farmers wishing to sell their Namibians. determined the winner. Multiple contestants have al- business must fi rst off er it to Halenke, like many, fears Tunzi earned cheers during leged that US President Donald the state, which parcels it into this could cripple agricultural her closing speech, a new seg- Trump would regularly enter smaller plots and redistributes production if not “done in the ment of the competition, in the competitors’ changing room to “previously disadvantaged right way”. which she talked about wanting while he owned the organisation Namibians”. “You cannot take a man from to empower young women to feel from 1996-2015. That strategy has done lit- under a tree ... and put him on a confi dent. Additionally, Miss Universe tle to redress the imbalance, farm,” said Halenke. “You must “I grew up in a world where a continues to host the swimsuit however, prompting President enable people fi rst.” woman who looks like me, with competition, which has attract- Hage Geingob to call for a more He recalled the case of On- my kind of skin and my kind of ed criticism for objectifying the muscular approach. gombo West, a thriving com- hair, was never considered to be contestants, although that part Newly-crowned Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, waves from stage after the 2019 Miss “The willing-buyer, willing- mercial fl ower farm that went beautiful,” she said. of the pageant was not televised. Universe pageant at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. seller principle has not de- idle after it was redistributed to livered results,” he told a land low-income families in 2005. conference last year, adding “Even the ministers have ... that the “status-quo should farm(s) but there is no proper Cyclone lands not be allowed to continue”. production,” noted Halenke. in Madagascar Geingob has since demand- “They think it’s easy (but) Kenya sued over treatment of traffi cked women ed constitutional amendments farming is not for sissies.” Cyclone Belna hit northwestern to allow for the forceful expro- Hamasab is all too familiar Madagascar yesterday after priation of white-owned com- with the back-breaking la- brushing past the Indian Ocean Reuters all victims of traffi cking are proached us, we would of course – have mushroomed in cities in- mercial farms with “fair com- bour it takes to profi t from Na- island of Mayotte and the Nairobi not compelled to testify, and consider providing funds for cluding Nairobi, Mombasa and pensation”. mibia’s meagre soils. Comoros archipelago. the government pays for their these victims,” said Elizabeth Kisumu, where large numbers of His proposal echoed con- He was also supported by his Off icials issued a red alert for speedy and safe repatriation.” Mbuka, head of the Counter Kenyans of South Asian descent troversial plans in neighbour- former employer and received Madagascar’s western Boeny charity said yesterday The government has said Traffi cking in Persons Secre- live. ing South Africa to expropriate advice from German agricul- region and a yellow alert for the that it is suing the Ken- it hopes to repatriate the fi ve tariat. Police and anti-traffi cking land without compensation. tural experts. surrounding areas. A yan government over a women, aged in their 20s, in the Mbuka said a court order groups have repeatedly voiced It also brought back memo- But most resettled Na- “No loss of life or people failure to provide fi ve women coming days. for the repatriation of the fi ve concerns that some of these ries of land seizures in Zimba- mibians have not been so lucky. wounded for the time being,” said traffi cked from India and Nepal The petition, due to be heard women had now been given. private clubs are used as a front bwe in 2003, when thousands “The resettlement pro- the National Off ice for Disaster for sexual exploitation with ap- today, states that Kenya’s attor- A rising number of women to ensnare women, some in sex of white farmers were chased gramme is not accompanied by Risk Management, adding that propriate care after they were ney-general, inspector-general and girls are leaving South Asian slavery, with women forced to off their properties. a wholesale agrarian reform,” 172 people had been displaced. rescued. of police and director of public nations such as Nepal, India, pay off loans by erotic dancing Helmut Halenke’s grandfa- said Swartbooi, adding that The cyclone reached a maximum HAART Kenya said a decision prosecutions violated an anti- and Pakistan to work in Bolly- or having sex with clients. ther Otto left the German state poor farmers needed funding wind speed of 180kph (112mph) – to make the three Nepali and traffi cking law that says victims wood-style dance bars in Ken- An offi cial from the Indian of Bavaria in 1908 and sailed to mechanise production. which has the potential to cause two Indian women rescued from have a right to privacy and safe ya’s adult entertainment indus- High Commission in Nairobi thousands of miles to Namibia, A few miles away from Ha- severe damage. a Nairobi bar in August stay and repatriation. try – many illegally – according said there had been “a few” where he bought farmland. masab’s garden, Absalom More than 200mm (8”) of rain testify against their alleged traf- It also calls on authori- to activists and police. cases involving the traffi cking of Otto’s investment grew into Mbautaenge shares a shack is expected within the next 24 fi ckers had caused them psy- ties to pay expenses of more There is no offi cial data, but Indian women to Kenyan dance a successful family-run beef with four brothers and a young hours. chological harm. than 1.3mn Kenyan shillings the results of police raids com- bars. farm and game hunting spot girl from a remote village. “There are strong concerns “After four months, the vic- ($12,830) incurred by the char- bined with fi gures on repatria- “Whenever there is a case, for tourists, and is now owned They scrape by on fi rewood, of widespread flooding in tims just want to go home. They ity for the care of the victims, tion of rescued women suggest we request consular access and by his great grandson. which they collect in the area vulnerable areas,” said the have become deeply trauma- which the law says is the state’s scores of women and underage provide whatever support we Squinting across a parched and sell to a broker. ministry of transport, tourism and tised and suicidal ... some have responsibility. girls are victims of organised can to the victims,” said the of- stretch of bushland seared by “There is no rain in this meteorology. been hospitalised,” said Sophie Kenyan offi cials denied a lack human traffi cking from South fi cial, who did not want to be an ongoing drought, Halenke, area,” said Mbautaenge, 37, his The UN Off ice for the Co- Otiende, programme consultant of care and said no request for Asia to Kenya. named. “We try to ensure that 67, said he doubted Namibia’s clothes blackened by charcoal. ordination of Humanitarian for HAART Kenya, which has funds had been received. Common in India, so-called all Indian nationals go back as cash-strapped government “But you just give me oppor- Aff airs said an emergency rented a house for the victims. “We have received requests mujra dance bars – where young soon as possible, but we can would come after the property tunity, training and livestock, operations team has been “So we have fi led a complaint from other charities which are women dance to Bollywood mu- only do this when the court or- anytime soon. and I will do something diff er- deployed to the Boeny region. against the government so that being considered. If HAART ap- sic for money from male patrons ders this in the host country.” “There are a lot of farms on ent.” Gulf Times Tuesday, December 10, 2019 13 AMERICAS Former US Fed chairman Volcker dies aged 92

AFP complications from prostate can- His tenure ended with Barack there was no higher calling than “there was something very solid at the Fed would mean “tough With Volcker at the helm, the Washington cer, his daughter Janice Zima said. Obama in 2008, when he called public service,” current Fed about him.” medicine.” Fed raised interest rates from Tall and known for his dead- for stricter banking regulation in chairman Jerome Powell said in Carter said yesterday he was With infl ation — which Vol- 11% to 20% (today, by compari- pan humour, Volcker forged a the wake of the global fi nancial a statement. “deeply saddened” to learn of cker described as too much cash son, they are in a range of 1.5% to ormer US Federal Reserve career as a fi nancier and fi ercely crisis. “His life exemplifi ed the high- Volcker’s death, calling him “a chasing too few goods — hitting 1.75%). chairman Paul Volcker, who independent public servant who But it was as Federal Reserve est ideals — integrity, courage, giant of public service,” suggest- an eye-watering 14% annually, Such drastic tightening was Ftackled American infl ation wielded monetary policy with chairman, fi rst under Jimmy and a commitment to do what ing his actions may have helped he made no secret of his plans to especially painful and hit during in the 1970s and 80s and later lent authority and acumen. Carter and then Ronald Reagan, was best for all Americans. His cost Carter a second term but raise interest rates. a recession. his name to landmark Wall Street A Democrat, he advised that he left his deepest mark, al- contributions to the nation left a were still “the right thing to do.” “I don’t think there is any feel- Auto dealers sent him car keys reforms, has died in New York. American leaders of both major beit during diffi cult times, and lasting legacy.” Amid the oil crisis in the late ing or any evidence around at the in coffi ns. Volcker, who headed the US parties, starting with Richard earned the respect of economists After announcing his can- 1970s, the American economy moment that the economy is suf- Building contractors mailed central bank from 1979 to 1987, Nixon in 1971 at the US Treasury, around the world. didacy for the White House in suff ered rampant infl ation. fering grievously from a shortage him wood planks they could not was 92. where he helped guide the US “I am deeply saddened by the 2015, Donald Trump expressed Carter bucked the advice of of money,” Volcker testifi ed dur- use, since homes were not sell- The cause of his death was exit from the gold standard. passing of Volcker. He believed admiration for Volcker, saying aides who said installing Volcker ing his Senate confi rmation. ing. Democrats Marine Toys for Tots programme sharpen knives to impeach president

Reuters nomination to face Trump in the Washington 2020 election, and then obstruct- ed Congress’ investigation. Trump denies having done an- S Democrats yesterday ything wrong and has called the sought to bolster the case impeachment probe a hoax. Ufor impeaching President The House Judiciary panel is Donald Trump, describing his expected to vote by the end of the pressuring of Ukraine to investi- week on whether to send formal gate a political rival as a “clear and charges to the full House. present danger” to free and fair That would set up an inevitable elections and national security. clash with the White House and In a hearing that could lay the its Republican allies. groundwork for a vote later this No current House Republican week on formal impeachment has come out in favour of im- charges in the House of Repre- peaching Trump. sentatives Judiciary Committee, The White House has refused the top Democrat on the panel to participate in the impeachment said there was extensive proof of hearings in the House, including US first lady Melania Trump attends the annual Marine Toys for Tots programme hosted by the US Marine Corps Reserve at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Trump’s wrongdoing. those before the judiciary com- Washington, DC, US, yesterday. “The evidence shows that mittee, because it says the process Donald J Trump, the president is unfair. of the US, has put himself before White House spokeswoman his country. He has violated his Stephanie Grisham tweeted dur- most basic responsibilities to the ing yesterday’s hearing that there people. He has broken his oath,” was no evidence of wrongdoing by representative Jerrold Nadler, the Trump and that “there’s no ob- panel’s Democratic chairman, struction whatsoever.” said in his opening statement. In a letter to Collins, Nadler Republicans fi red back, brand- denied Republicans’ request for ing the impeachment inquiry as a eight witnesses to appear before ‘No political bias’ in FBI fanciful but not factual eff ort by the inquiry. Democrats to unseat a president A vote in the House in favour of who had done nothing to merit impeachment would trigger a trial being removed from offi ce. in the senate where a two-thirds “Presumption has now become vote of those present would be the standard instead of truth,” said needed to remove the president probe of Trump campaign representative Doug Collins, the from offi ce. ranking Republican on the panel. A conviction is considered un- Reuters of an investigation that shad- tered an e-mail contained in counsel investigation detailed between his campaign and Rus- “They’re desperate to have an likely. Washington owed the fi rst two years of his a renewal of the application a Russian campaign of hacking sia and long cast a cloud over his impeachment vote on this presi- It has been 20 years since presidency. which claimed that Page was and propaganda to sow discord presidency. dent.” Americans last witnessed im- Horowitz found that the FBI “not a source” to another US in the US, harm Clinton and “The FBI had an author- The hearing yesterday was a key peachment proceedings, when he US justice depart- had a legal “authorised purpose” government agency. boost Trump. ised purpose when it opened step before determining charges, Republicans brought charges ment’s internal watch- to ask for court approval to be- In truth, Page served as a Mueller documented numer- Crossfi re Hurricane to obtain known as articles of impeach- against Democratic president Bill Tdog said it found numer- gin surveillance of Carter Page, a “operational contact” to anoth- ous contacts between Trump information about, or protect ment, that the full Democratic- Clinton arising from a sexual re- ous errors but no evidence of Trump campaign adviser. er unnamed agency, which was campaign fi gures and Moscow against, a national security or controlled House is likely to vote lationship he had with a White political bias by the FBI when But Horowitz also found a to- not named in the report. but found insuffi cient evidence federal crime, even though the on before Christmas. House intern. it opened an investigation tal of 17 “basic and fundamen- The FBI investigation, of a criminal conspiracy. investigation also had the po- The Republican-controlled He was acquitted in the senate. into contacts between Donald tal” errors and omissions in the launched in the summer of Trump called the investiga- tential to impact constitution- senate will then conduct a trial on After weeks of investigation Trump’s presidential campaign original application and all sub- 2016 ahead of the November tion, known within the FBI as ally protected activity,” Horow- whether to remove Trump from into Trump’s request that Ukraine and Russia in 2016. sequent renewals to the Foreign election pitting Trump against Crossfi re Hurricane, a witch hunt itz’s report said. offi ce. investigate Biden and his busi- The report by inspector gen- Intelligence Surveillance Court Democratic candidate Hillary and assailed FBI leaders and ca- FBI director Christopher The heart of the issue is wheth- nessman son, Hunter Biden, the eral Michael Horowitz was like- (FISA). Those errors made the Clinton, was taken over in May reer staff ers who worked on it. Wray agreed with all of the in- er Trump abused his power by committee is focused on two ar- ly to give ammunition to both case appear stronger than it 2017 by former FBI chief Robert Democrats have accused spector general’s fi ndings. At- pressuring Ukraine to investigate ticles charging Trump with abuse Trump’s supporters and his was, Horowitz said. Mueller after Trump fi red James Trump of seeking to discredit torney general William Barr said former vice president Joe Biden, of power and obstruction of Con- Democratic critics in the ongo- In particular, the report sin- Comey as the agency’s director. a legitimate investigation that the report “refl ects a clear abuse who is seeking the Democratic gress. ing debate about the legitimacy gled out an FBI lawyer who al- Mueller’s 22-month special detailed extensive interactions of the FISA process.”

Media briefing Netfl ix dominates Golden Core stage of Moon Globe nominations rocket ready: Nasa AFP important day” for the space Washington agency “when we get to an- AFP lix, secured five nominations, Pesci were selected for support- nounce core stage complete for Los Angeles ending tied for second with ing roles. in fact the SLS rocket. Once Upon a Time in Holly- For Once Upon a Time... stars asa has completed the “We are making signifi cant wood, Quentin Tarantino’s Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt giant rocket that will progress towards achieving ollywood disruptor Net- nostalgic love letter to 1960s made the acting shortlists, along Ntake US astronauts that Artemis 3 mission and fl ix dominated the Gold- Tinseltown. with Tarantino for directing. back to the Moon, the space getting our fi rst woman, and Hen Globe nominations The nominations traditionally The fi lm helped Sony to reach agency’s head announced yes- next man to the south pole of yesterday as its heart-wrench- see the stars and movies des- eight nominations and fi nish terday, pledging the mission the Moon in 2024.” ing divorce saga Marriage Story tined for awards success start to second overall. would take place in 2024 de- The Artemis 1 mission will grabbed six nods including best break away from the competi- Netfl ix’s The Two Popes, which spite being beset by delays. likely take off by June 2020, drama, kicking off the race for tion — the Globes are seen as a imagines a series of debates be- Towering 212 feet, the equiv- according to the audit report. the Oscars. major bellwether for February’s tween the strict, conservative alent of a 20-storey building, The fi rst test will be un- The streaming giant, which Academy Awards. Pope Benedict and his charis- The Space Launch System crewed. has spent billions to lure the in- Marriage Story earned nomi- matic successor Francis, also (SLS) is the tallest rocket ever Nasa plans to land on the dustry’s top fi lmmaking talent nations for its stars Scarlett Jo- performed well for the streamer, built. Moon’s south pole in order to and fund lavish awards season hansson and Adam Driver, and picking up acting nominations It is also the most powerful, exploit its water ice, discov- campaigns, trounced the tradi- for its screenplay, but Noah for Jonathan Pryce and Anthony designed to reach a record- ered in 2009, both for life sup- tional Tinseltown studios with Baumbach missed out as direc- Hopkins. breaking speed of Mach 23 be- port purposes and to split into a whopping 17 fi lm nominations. tor. And Eddie Murphy’s comeback fore separating from its upper hydrogen and oxygen for use as “I’m not surprised by the The fi lm portrays how a seem- vehicle Dolemite Is My Name add- stage, the Orion crew capsule. rocket propellant. dominance — I’m surprised by ingly stable love can be ripped ed a further two nominations for But its development has been The agency views its re- how massive the dominance is,” apart after Johansson’s actress Netfl ix on the comedy side. hit by delays and cost overruns turn to the Moon as a proving Lorenzo Soria, president of the moves from New York to Los The streamer managed three — its fi rst fl ight was set to take ground for an onward mission Hollywood Foreign Press Asso- Angeles, calling in the lawyers fi lm nods last year, for Mexican place in November 2018, and its to Mars in the 2030s. ciation, said at the Beverly Hills as she separates from a self-ab- black-and-white drama Roma. price tag has risen from $6.2bn It’s not just the cost of the ceremony. sorbed theater director played by The Golden Globes, which fea- to $8bn, or 29%, according to a rocket that has spiralled: Nasa “The announcements are sort Driver. ture separate awards for dramas June audit report. will have spent roughly $34bn of like a coming-of-age of the Scorsese was nominated for and musicals/comedies, are Canada’s Minister of Finance Bill Morneau and Minister of Standing before the orange on the SLS, Orion, and Ex- streaming services. “ best director for Irishman but known for favouring star-stud- Middle Class Prosperity Mona Fortier, speaks to media in behemoth at the Michoud As- ploration Ground Systems The Irishman, Martin Scors- there was no best actor nod for ded movies that perform well at the House of Commons foyer on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, sembly Facility in New Orle- Program programme through ese’s three-and-a-half-hour his leading man Robert De Niro. the box offi ce, often with scant Ontario, Canada, yesterday. ans, Nasa administrator Jim 2019, a sum projected to in- gangster epic also from Netf- Instead, Al Pacino and Joe regard for critics’ reviews. Bridenstine called it a “very crease to over $50bn by 2024. Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, December 10, 2019 ASIA

Cambodia Rohingya refugees demand to start opposition leader trial justice at Myanmar ICJ case in January Reuters Myanmar vehemently denies killings. We saw many killed shot dead by the army after the “Only justice can heal our Jamalida Begum, 29, who Cox’s Bazar allegations of genocide. Myan- before our eyes. All we could August 2017 crackdown: “Once wounds. I know I’ll never get said she was raped by the army mar says its military campaign do was run while our homes Aung San Suu Kyi was an icon of them back, but they will rest in 2016 after her husband was Reuters across hundreds of villages in burned. Now it is time for the peace and we had huge expecta- in peace when their killers are killed: “The military came to Phnom Penh ohingya Muslims de- northern Rakhine state was in global community to act and tions that things would change punished.” my village and killed my hus- manded Myanmar be response to attacks by Rohingya hold Myanmar accountable when she came to power. We Momtaz Begum, 31, hold- band and burned my house. Rheld to account at the insurgents. for the horrifi c crimes they prayed for her, but she has now ing her three-year-old son Three soldiers dragged me to he trial of Cambodian op- United Nations’ top court in Rohingya Muslims housed committed. They must be become an icon of genocide. in her lap, said in tears: “The a bush and pointed a gun at position leader Kem Sokha The Hague, where Myanmar in sprawling refugee camps in held accountable for genocide Instead of protecting us, she army killed my husband. me and raped me until I lost Ton treason charges will leader and Nobel peace prize southern Bangladesh reacted against the Rohingya. has joined hands with the kill- They raped me and torched consciousness. begin on January 15, a court said laureate Aung San Suu Kyi is set strongly on Monday to the “Suu Kyi spoke of rape being ers. Now she is going to defend my house, they stabbed my “I fl ed here after the army put yesterday. to defend the country against prospect of Suu Kyi appearing used by the army as a weapon the killers. We hate her. Shame six-year-old daughter in up large posters with my photo Kem Sokha was arrested in charges of genocide of the this week at The International before she came to power, but on her. the head. I have learned that and went door-to-door looking 2017 and his opposition Cam- minority community. Court of Justice (ICJ) in hear- she is now the defender of the “She and the army and the there will be a trial of Aung for me because I gave interviews bodia National Rescue Party More than 730,000 Ro- ings set for December 10 to 12. army. Shame! killers of my son must all be San Suu Kyi and the army. to foreign journalists after the (CNRP) banned ahead of an hingya fl ed Myanmar in 2017 Here are some quotes from “We are eagerly waiting for punished. I have longed for this We demand the trial of Suu brutal incident. election last year that was con- after a brutal military-led individuals: the hearings... but are not sure day to come. I’ll have no regrets Kyi and the military. Why did “All I want is justice. I want demned by Western countries, crackdown the UN has said Mohammed Zobayer, 19, if we will be able to hear it at in life if I see they are punished.” they kill our innocent people, the punishment of those who who have demanded his release was executed with “genocidal who teaches at a learning all because of the poor internet Rashid Ahmed, 35, who says our kids? Why did they tor- raped us, killed our people, by veteran authoritarian leader intent” and included mass centre in the camps: “We connectivity here.” 12 of his family members were ture and rape our women? We torched our houses, threw our Hun Sen. killings and rape. witnessed rape, torture and Nur Alam, 65, whose son was killed by the Myanmar army: demand justice.” children into the fi re.” Last week the court in Phnom Penh said investigators found enough evidence to proceed with the case. “The Phnom Penh Munici- pal Court will hold trial for the Michelle Obama, Julia Roberts urge accused Kem Sokha on treason charges... on January 15, 2020,” the court’s spokesman Y Rin Vietnam girls to stay in school said. Defence lawyers did not im- AFP lives and the lives of their family off to college or start your mediately respond to requests Can Giuoc and the lives of their commu- businesses,” she added. for comment. nity,” Obama said at Can Giuoc With its booming youth Kem Sokha was freed from high school in southern Long An population and fast-growing house arrest last month but a ban ormer US fi rst lady province in the Mekong Delta. economy, Vietnam routinely on his engaging in political activ- Michelle Obama and Accompanied by Roberts and outperforms its neighbours in ity was kept in place. FHollywood A-lister Julia Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of education rankings, especially His release has been demand- Roberts toured a high school in former US president George in math and sciences. ed by the European Union, which rural Vietnam yesterday, urging W Bush, Obama encouraged School enrolment rates are is considering whether to remove a classroom of teenage girls to the girls to stay the course of also high at 91.7%, but the qual- lucrative trade privileges from stay focused on their education schooling. ity of schooling often drops off Former US First Lady Michelle Obama (centre right) and actress Julia Roberts (left) meet Vietnamese Cambodia over its crackdown on to transform their lives. “I want you all to stay com- in rural areas, and in the poor- students in Can Giuoc district, Long An province yesterday. the opposition, activists and the The promotion of girls’ mitted and focused, it will get est pockets of the country eco- media. schooling has been the corner- tough at times – it already has nomic pressures can force girls ful,” the 16-year-old said. The Obamas have dedicated last week a $500,000 donation to The only evidence presented stone of Obama’s charitable for some of you – but it is well out of school early. In her best-selling book Becom- much of their time post-presi- the Alliance’s work world-wide, against him in public so far is a work since her husband Barack worth it,” she said, before the Student Truong Thi Hai Yen ing, Harvard-educated Obama dency to the non-profi t Obama money earned from merchandise comment he made at a public Obama left offi ce in 2017 after women sat and chatted with said Obama’s visit – and life details how her own education Foundation, which includes the sales related to her book. meeting in which he said he two terms as US president. students. story – was a major motivation. and good teachers shaped her life Girls Opportunity Alliance ini- She will travel next to Malay- was getting advice from un- “When you educate a girl you “Even if your families don’t “She kept trying every day and paved her path to becom- tiative that Michelle promoted sia with Barack and Roberts to specifi ed Americans on elec- give them power and a voice and understand that today, trust to be better and now we can ing a successful lawyer, university in Vietnam yesterday. speak at an Obama Foundation tion strategy ahead of a 2013 an opportunity to improve their me they will, when you go see that she is very success- administrator and advocate. The former fi rst lady announced Leaders event yesterday. ballot. Court orders Lanka shakes up intelligence agency medical test for AFP intelligence, offi cial sources said A local jihad group was blamed – identifi ed previously by offi - lapses, and initiated criminal Colombo yesterday. for the co-ordinated Easter Sun- cials as from India – of a possible prosecutions against them. It is the fi rst time that a mili- day attacks against three lux- attack. The parliamentary probe tary offi cer has fi lled the po- ury hotels and three churches “This failure by the SIS has acknowledged that the then Swiss staff er ri Lanka has for the fi rst sition, and the appointment on April 21. resulted in hundreds of deaths, police chief and the defence time named a military of- comes three weeks after Gota- A committee of parliament many more injured and immeas- ministry secretary shouldered AFP Swiss authorities said she was Sfi cer to head the country’s baya Rajapaksa was elected pres- which investigated lapses urable devastation to Sri Lanka some of the blame, but added Colombo also sexually harassed by her main intelligence agency, which ident promising better security. leading to the devastating and Sri Lankans, and that must that the “greatest responsi- unknown attackers. was blamed for failing to prevent Rajapaksa eff ectively ran the bombings found much of the not be treated lightly,” the par- bility” lay with the SIS chief The magistrate also ordered extremist bombings in April that security forces when the military responsibility lay with the liamentary report said. Jayawardena. Sri Lankan court yes- her to remain in the country killed 259 people. crushed Tamil separatist mili- then head of the SIS, Sen- The then president Maithri- There are two other ongoing terday ordered a Swiss until Thursday to assist the The head of the State Intel- tants in 2009 to end Sri Lanka’s ior Deputy Inspector General pala Sirisena has long blamed investigations into the attacks Aembassy employee at investigation. ligence Service (SIS) was re- bloody civil war. At the time his Nilantha Jayawardena. police chief Pujith Jayasundara – an independent panel headed the centre of an argument be- Sri Lanka has cast doubts over placed by brigadier Suresh Sal- brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was He had been warned on April and ministry of defence sec- by an Appeal Court judge and a tween Colombo and Bern to her claims of abduction while lay, a former head of military president. 4 by a foreign intelligence agency retary Hemasiri Fernando for probe set up by the police. undergo a medical examina- Bern has stood by her account. tion, after she said she was ab- The embassy also main- ducted and sexually assaulted. tained she was not medically The Sri Lankan national al- fi t to speak about her ordeal. leged she was kidnapped and But in line with a court order, forced to divulge sensitive she gave a lengthy statement information about her work to police on Sunday. No pain, no in late November, a day after Last week, the country’s a senior police offi cer sought foreign ministry said Swiss asylum in Switzerland. ambassador Hanspeter Mock The police offi cer who fl ed had been given “clear evi- to Switzerland had been inves- dence” that the staff mem- fame: Thai tigating several cases involv- ber’s account did not add up. ing members of the Rajapaksa Switzerland’s foreign min- family who regained power istry indicated that such proof after Gotabaya Rajapaksa was had not been shared. elected president last month. The Sri Lankan government massage in for Colombo Chief Magistrate last week ordered airport im- Lanka Jayaratne ordered that migration to stop any police the woman be examined by a offi cer leaving the country judicial medical offi cer after without permission. Unesco status

By Sophie Deviller and “For many people Sippachai Kunnuwong, AFP who are disabled or Thousands aff ected by Bangkok in debt, this job is an opportunity because it requires no material heavy rain in Lanka t a Bangkok’s street Krai- – only their hands and rath Chantrasri says he knowledge” Ais a proud custodian of A Thai instructor trains her students from Chile, France and a Thai at the Wat Po Thai traditional massage ome 150,000 people have been ern Provinces is likely to enhance a 2,000-year-old skill – the the famed Wat Pho temple, helps school, outside the grand Wat Po temple in Bangkok. aff ected by the adverse weath- further,” it said in a statement. body-folding, sharp-elbowed thousands of Thai and foreign Ser in 21 districts of Sri Lanka, The Disaster Management techniques of Thai mas- students who fl ock to the centre tors and monks were said to have ally see an uptick of interest from aware of,” the 34-year-old said, with more heavy rain expected, the Centre (DMC) yesterday said sage, which this week could be each year. brought these methods 2,500 Thais when the economy is bad. as she made rotations with her Met department has said. that four deaths were reported added to Unesco’s prestigious The son of a masseuse, he years ago to Thailand, passing its “For many people who are dis- palm on a fellow student’s skull. According to a forecast by the and one person was reported heritage list. takes great pride in his role shar- secrets from master to disciple in abled or in debt, this job is an op- The teachings focus on di- department, heavy rains in ex- as missing. Around 1,131 homes From upscale Bangkok spas ing the ancient discipline at a temples and later within families. portunity because it requires no recting blood circulation around cess of 200mm were expected to have been destroyed with some and Phuket beach fronts to mod- temple whose certifi cation is a Under Thailand’s King Rama material – only their hands and problem areas to solve muscle lash Ampara, Batticaloa, Trin- Small and Medium Enterprises est street-side shophouses, proud banner for any massage III in the 19th century, scholars knowledge,” he says. aches – sometimes drawing winc- comalee, Monaragala, Polon- (SME) also damaged. “nuad Thai” – or Thai massage shop. engraved their knowledge of the Today a therapist at a top- es from clients unaccustomed naruwa, Badulla, Nuwara-Eliya DMC spokesman Pradeep – is ubiquitous across the king- “I’m a continuation of our fi eld onto the stones of Wat Pho. end spa can charge around $100 to the force applied. and Kandy districts. Other parts Koddipili said the displaced dom, where an hour of the back- collective knowledge,” the But the practice really took off an hour inside Thailand, two or Studies have shown it can help of the island will also be aff ected were moved to some 86 emer- straightening discipline can cost 40-year-old said. in 1962 thanks to the formation three times more in London, New relieve back pain, headaches, in- by signifi cant rainfall, reports gency shelters and that dry ra- as little as $5. At Wat Pho’s complex, train- of the school, which has since York or Hong Kong where the somnia and even anxiety. the Daily Financial Times. tions were being given out. This week it may be added to ees run through a catalogue of trained more than 200,000 mas- Thai massage brand is booming. For Matthieu Rochefolle, a “Due to a low level atmos- The army, navy and air force Unesco’s list of “Intangible Cul- moves targeting the body’s acu- sage therapists who practice in But the training is “demand- nurse from Lyon, France, adding pheric disturbance in the south- have deployed specially-trained tural Heritage” when the body puncture points with thumbs, 145 countries. ing”, says Chilean Sari, a profes- Thai massage techniques to his east of Sri Lanka, the prevailing search and rescue units to fl ood meets in the Colombian capital elbows, knees and feet also in- Massage employs tens of sional masseuse who travelled to repertoire of skills could help his showery condition over the is- and landslide prone areas, said of Bogota (December 9-14). corporating deep stretches and thousands of Thais. Bangkok to learn the discipline. elderly patients aching for relief. land particularly in the Eastern, military spokesman General Krairath, who teaches at the contortions. The school’s director Preeda “The technique is very precise, “It could also allow me to earn Uva, North-Central and North- Sumith Atapattu. (IANS) Reclining Buddha School inside Originating in India, doc- Tangtrongchitr says they usu- there are so many things to be a little more,” he says. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 10, 2019 15 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Peaceful Hong Kong march marred by fi re outside court, police say

Reuters Vast crowds of black-clad public peace happened after- The Hong Kong Bar Associa- residents in Hong Kong are fed chief, Wong Sio Chak, yesterday US President Donald Trump Hong Kong demonstrators had thronged wards,” police said in a statement. tion condemned what it called up with the violence and disrup- said security concerns were the last month signed into law the the streets of the Asian fi nan- “Some rioters spray-painted the “acts of arson and vandalism” tion that have plagued the city only reason for barring entry into Hong Kong Human Rights and cial hub on Sunday, in the larg- exterior walls of the High Court, and said those responsible must for months,” said the newspaper, the city, broadcaster RTHK re- Democracy Act, linking the ong Kong protesters lit a est anti-government rally since threw petrol bombs and set fi re be brought to justice. Protest- often used by Beijing to put out ported. former British colony’s special fi re outside court build- local elections last month and a outside the High Court and the ers estimated the turnout at its message. Hong Kong’s new AmCham Chairman Rob- treatment under US law to its au- Hings, threw petrol bombs resounding show of continued Court of Final Appeal, damaging 800,000, while police said it was police commissioner had said he ert Grieves and President Tara tonomy from Beijing. and spray-painted graffi ti on support for the pro-democracy government properties and seri- 183,000. would take a “hard and soft ap- Joseph had been travelling to The unrest in the city of about government buildings, marring movement. ously challenging the spirit of the Police said they arrested 42 proach” to the demonstrations, Macau for an annual ball. The 7.4mn people started in June as what was otherwise a “generally While the march appeared to rule of law,” police said, adding people over the weekend for ri- where acts of violence would be pair were told to sign a statement demonstrations against a now- peaceful” march at the weekend, be largely peaceful — in marked that shops and banks were van- oting, possessing weapons and treated harshly but other issues saying they “voluntarily agreed withdrawn bill allowing extra- police said yesterday. contrast to some other mass dalised in the Causeway Bay and other charges. Some 6,022 peo- more fl exibly. not to pursue entry to Macau”. dition to mainland China. It The comments came as pro- demonstrations over the last six Wan Chai areas of Hong Kong ple have now been arrested in The chairman and president of Wong declined to comment spe- has since morphed into calls for testers called for strikes across months, where protesters fought island. relation to the unrest since early the American Chamber of Com- cifi cally on their cases and said it greater democratic freedoms and the city yesterday. Most railway pitched battles with police — Reuters reporters at the march June, police said. merce (AmCham) in Hong Kong was speculation that their refusal sometimes violent protests. and transport links ran smoothly authorities said there was some on Sunday saw graffi ti and pro- In an editorial, the offi cial were denied entry over the week- was linked to Beijing’s response Protesters have set out fi ve de- during the morning rush hour damage after it ended. testers setting up barricades, but China Daily newspaper called end to the neighbouring Chi- to US legislation backing pro- mands, including universal suf- and there were no reports of “Although the event was gen- were not in the vicinity of the on the Hong Kong government nese territory of Macau, without democracy protesters in Hong frage and an investigation into widespread disruptions. erally peaceful, acts of breaching other incidents. to uphold the rule of law. “Many explanation. Macau’s security Kong, RTHK said. alleged police brutality. Five dead, several hurt in NZ volcano eruption

AFP Wellington

ive people were killed, 18 were injured and several Smoke from the volcanic eruption of Whakaari, also known as White Island, is pictured from a boat, New Zealand in this picture grab obtained Fmore were left stranded from a social media video. after an island volcano popular with tourists erupted unexpect- fi ve made it back to Whakatane edly in New Zealand yesterday. on one of the tourist boats,” a Police said some 50 people were company spokesman told AFP. visiting White Island when it ex- Guillaume Calmelet, the co- ploded suddenly in the early af- director of Skydive Tauranga, ternoon — hurling ash and rock saw the eruption from above as high into the air. he took a customer on a tandem Two dozen people made it off skydive from a plane 12,000ft the island, fi ve of whom have above the Bay of Plenty. since died. The rest are being “As soon as the parachute treated for injuries, including opened there was this huge severe burns. cloud that was really diff erent to Nothing is yet known about whatever we’ve seen before,” he a group — now estimated to White Island Tour operators rescuing people minutes after the vol- told AFP. number in the double digits — cano on New Zealand’s White Island erupted yesterday. “I could see it coming out in who are still trapped on the is- freefall, so probably about 30 land. “We’re unsure of the ex- A “considerable number” of voyage. Tourist Michael Schade, seconds for the whole cloud act numbers on there and we’re those caught up in the disaster made it off the island just in time to form, if that. It was pretty unsure of their well-being,” are believed to be Australian, ac- and was able to capture footage quick.” said deputy commissioner John cording to offi cials in Canberra. of the devastation. The country’s National Tims. As many as 30 people are also His videos showed groups of Emergency Management Agen- As night fell, he said volcanic believed to be cruise passen- startled tourists clustered by the cy described the eruption as activity made a rescue attempt gers on a day trip from the ves- shoreline, waiting to be evacu- “moderate”, although the plume too dangerous. “The island is sel Ovation of the Seas, Kevin ated as the ground around them of ash was clearly visible from unstable, there’s a danger of O’Sullivan, chief executive of- smouldered, the sky fi lled with the mainland and from satellites further eruptions, it is physi- fi cer of industry body the New white debris. fl ying overhead. A person injured by the White Island volcano eruption is wheeled into a waiting ambulance on a stretcher cally unsafe for us to return to Zealand Cruise Association told An ash-caked helicopter lies “We have seen a steady de- in Whakatane, New Zealand, in this still image taken from video. the island.” AFP. damaged nearby. As his ship cline in activity since the erup- “I’ve got to consider the safe- The ship’s operator Royal hurtled away, the caldera became tion. There remains signifi cant volcano cone and about 70% serve as an emergency shelter currents of wet ash and coarse ty of our people and emergency Caribbean — who had billed the virtually invisible, shrouded by a uncertainty as to future changes of it is underwater, according in case of an eruption. “Sudden, particles that radiate from the services staff .” The eruption trip to White Island as “an un- thick bank of ash. Volcanic Air but currently, there are no signs to government-backed agency unheralded eruptions from vol- explosion vent.” “These can be occurred at 2:11pm, thrusting a forgettable guided tour of New said they had landed a helicopter of escalation.” GeoNet. Around 10,000 people canoes such as White Island can deadly in terms of causing im- thick plume of white ash 3.6km Zealand’s most active volcano” on the island shortly before the White Island — also known visit the volcano every year. It be expected at any time,” said pact trauma, burns and respira- (12,000ft) into the sky. Seconds — said “a number of our guests eruption carrying four visitors as Whakaari — is about 50km has erupted frequently over the University of Auckland volcan- tory problems. before, live camera feeds showed were touring the island” but did and one pilot. All were now ac- off shore in the picturesque Bay last half-century, most recently ologist Shane Cronin. The eruptions are short-lived, a group of more than a half doz- not confi rm that number. The counted for. of Plenty and is popular with in 2016. In August of that year “The hazards expected from but once one occurs, there are en people walking on the cra- ship has a capacity of around “It had landed on the island. adventurous tourists willing to the New Zealand Defence Force such events are the violent ejec- high chances for further, gener- ter fl oor. Then the images went 4,000 people and set sail from What happened after that we don hard hats and gas masks. airlifted a 2.4-tonne shipping tion of hot blocks and ash, and ally smaller ones as the system black. Sydney last week on a 12-day don’t know, but we know that all It is New Zealand’s most active container onto the island to formation of ‘hurricane-like’ re-equilibrates.”

Empress Masako celebrates birthday ‘Old man’ Trump is ‘bluffi ng’ says N Korea in new outburst

AFP option of military action was still North Korean leader had not Seoul on the table while downplaying used “any irritating expression Pyongyang’s actions, saying the towards the US president as yet”, North’s leader would not want but warned his “understand- orth Korea yesterday to “interfere” with the upcoming ing” of Trump could change. accused US President US presidential elections. “He must understand that his NTrump of “bluffi ng” and “I’d be surprised if North Ko- own style bluffi ng and hypocrisy called him “an old man bereft of rea acted hostilely,” Trump said sound rather abnormal and unre- patience” as Pyongyang ramps Saturday. But Kim Yong-chol, alistic to us,” Kim said. “We have up pressure on Washington over who served as the North’s coun- nothing more to lose.” stalled nuclear talks. Trump and terpart to US Secretary of State Late yesterday another North North Korean leader Kim Jong- Mike Pompeo until the collapse Korean offi cial, Ri Su-yong, un engaged in mutual insults and of the Hanoi meeting, con- vice-chairman of the Cen- threats of devastation in 2017, demned Trump’s “odd words and tral Committee of the Workers’ sending tensions soaring before expression”, referring to him as a Party of Korea, warned Trump a diplomatic rapprochement the “heedless and erratic old man”. against using abusive language. following year. If Trump is not “astonished” In another statement carried by Pyongyang has now set Wash- by North Korea’s response, “we KCNA, he said the US president ington an end-of-year deadline will be irritated,” Kim, now the should “think twice if he does not to off er it new concessions in chairman of the Korea Asia-Pa- want to see bigger catastrophic deadlocked nuclear negotiations, cifi c Peace Committee, said in a consequences.” and has said it will adopt an un- statement carried by the offi cial The North has raised tensions specifi ed “new way” if nothing KCNA news agency. “This natu- in recent months with a series of acceptable is forthcoming. De- rally indicates that Trump is an assertive statements and multi- nuclearisation negotiations have old man bereft of patience,” he ple weapons tests — including a been at a standstill since a sum- said, adding: “From those words “very important test” at its key Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako posing for a photo at their residence in Tokyo. Empress Masako celebrated her 56th mit in Hanoi broke up in Febru- and expressions we can read how satellite launch site at the week- birthday yesterday. ary. irritated he is now.” end — as its negotiating deadline Trump has indicated that the The offi cial noted that the approaches. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, December 10, 2019 BRITAIN/IRELAND ‘Brexit election’ campaign enters fi nal straight

AFP through his EU divorce deal and The veteran socialist has Some polls suggest the vote Grimsby is part of a so-called done little to change the minds of ished state-run National Health London settle debates over Britain’s place promised to negotiate his own could produce another hung par- “red wall” that traditionally voters who opposed or supported Service (NHS). He brandished in the world. EU withdrawal agreement and liament that would extend the backs Labour because of its sup- Brexit from the start. the front page of a newspaper Parliament has been dead- then put it up for a vote in a new political paralysis and further port for trade unions and empha- Johnson has faced constant at a rally yesterday showing the ritain’s election campaign locked since the last election in referendum that could still keep frustrates the business commu- sis on social spending. questions over his trustworthi- picture of a sick boy lying on the entered its frenetic fi nal 2017 stripped the Conservatives Britain partially tied to Europe — nity and Brussels. The party’s would-be fi nance ness and Corbyn has been put on fl oor of a clinic that apparently Bstraight yesterday with of both their majority and abil- or cancel Brexit outright. “We’re taking nothing for minister John McDonnell prom- the back foot over anti-Semitism had run out of beds. “This is a Prime Minister Boris Johnson ity to implement the result of the Opinion polls show the Con- granted,” Johnson said during a ised yesterday to shift wealth within his party. disgrace. They need to invest in trying to lock in the votes needed 2016 referendum on EU mem- servatives maintaining a healthy visit to a fi sh market in the north- from London to the regions in Johnson “is probably the least- our public services,” Corbyn told to draw a line under years of ar- bership. lead. eastern port of Grimsby. the fi rst 100 days of a Labour-led trusted politician people have supporters in the pro-Labour guments and paralysis over Eu- The main opposition Labour But Johnson needs to win at Northern England has in recent government. ever experienced,” McDonnell city of Bristol. ropean Union membership. party leader Jeremy Corbyn is least half of the House of Com- years borne the brunt the eff ects The deep ideological divide said. Corbyn has shown few signs of Johnson is hoping Thursday’s trying to upset the odds and ush- mons seats because his party of increased global competition, between the two main parties Corbyn’s main attack line has being able to mount the late surge poll hands his ruling Conserva- er in Britain’s fi rst leftist govern- has no clear partners among the which have hit domestic industries has produced a highly personal been to accuse Johnson of failing that put Labour within a whisker tives the majority needed to push ment in nine years. smaller parties. from mining to fi shing. campaign that appears to have to properly fund Britain’s cher- of winning the 2017 election. Foster accuses Johnson of breaking word over Brexit deal

Guardian News and Media Financial Times, claimed that 98% London of export businesses are “likely to struggle to bear the cost” of the extra paperwork, fuelling con- oris Johnson has been accused cerns of increased prices for con- of breaking his word over the sumers. While the government BBrexit deal for Northern Ire- dismissed it as an instant analysis land, three days before the general done when Johnson brought home election. Democratic Unionist party his Brexit deal in October, a further leader, Arlene Foster, said Johnson document leaked to the Financial betrayed unionist voters in North- Times over the weekend raises ern Ireland when he sealed a deal concerns that the new controls for with the EU that would introduce Northern Ireland could be in place a trade barrier down the Irish Sea, by the end of 2020, when Johnson contrary to a personal promise he pledges to have completed his exit had made when he spoke at their deal. annual conference last year. The department for exiting Prime Minister and Conservative leader Boris Johnson looks at tyres in a warehouse with CEO Alan Ferguson (right) and Conservative parliamentary candidate for Washington and It meant the party could no the EU document was circulated Sunderland West Valerie Allen during a general election campaign visit to Fergusons Transport in the town of Washington, west of Sunderland, northeast England, yesterday. longer take Johnson at this word, last week and warns that in or- she added. der to meet the December dead- Foster said in future the party, line, “delivery on the ground” of if returned to Westminster, would the new protocols and systems have to check if what he said “was would have to take place before actually factually correct”. She offi cials know the outcome of added: “Once bitten, twice shy, the next stage of negotiations. we will certainly be looking for the “Delivery of the required infra- detail of that this (Brexit) is going structure, associated systems, Premier defl ects blame to look like.” and staffi ng to implement the Her comments put Johnson on requirements of the protocol by notice once again that his Brexit December 2020 represents a ma- deal is under threat if a hung par- jor strategic, political and opera- liament is returned on Thursday tional challenge,” it said. and the DUP’s votes hold the bal- But with three days to go un- ance of power. til the election, the Conservative for long waits in A&E When Johnson announced his party has stuck rigidly to its claim, deal in October, the DUP were told with chief secretary to the Treas- Guardian News and Media “This is a new government with mixed welcome with a number of Speaking on LBC, Johnson Elsewhere in the interview, by HM Revenue & Customs that it ury, Rishi Sunak, saying yester- London a new approach, since I’ve come fi sh wholesalers saying they were promised to “make our case every- Johnson expressed doubts about would entail new checks on goods, day morning there would be no in,” he told LBC. “We’re putting planning to vote for him but one where in the country”, repeatedly the HS2 rail project, saying he ex- Foster told BBC Radio 4’s Today checks. Only a month ago, John- the biggest ever amount into the started booing loudly. He later hammering home familiar Con- pected it to cost “north of £100bn, programme. son told businesses in Northern oris Johnson has sought to NHS, £34bn, and we’re hiring travelled to Sunderland to make a servative lines such as delivering probably”, which was why the gov- “We asked them a number of Ireland he was so sure there would deny responsibility for long 50,000 more nurses.” The 50,000 speech. Brexit, and the idea that the alter- ernment had ordered a review into questions on goods coming into be no checks and that if they got Bwaits in A&E departments nurses fi gure includes the reten- While polling is consistently native to a Conservative govern- it. Northern Ireland from GB, and any forms they could “throw them amid media coverage of an NHS tion of 19,000 who are already em- putting the Conservatives far ment is a Labour-SNP coalition. “It’s only responsible to the they were very clear with us that in the bin”. winter crisis by saying he leads a ployed. enough ahead of Labour to seem- However, he did not specifi cally taxpayer to ask whether it’s being all of the goods would have to Foster was asked how it felt to be “new government” in the last days Asked what he would say to the ingly ensure a majority, the party back up a claim by the Home Sec- sensibly spent, and whether that be checked. Of course only the hailing Johnson as “the saviour of of the election campaign. boy’s family, Johnson said: “Of is stressing the need for voters to retary, Priti Patel, that Labour’s funding is being prioritised right- goods going to Republic of Ire- the union” one moment and then Speaking from the marginal course, I sympathise very much, turn out. approach to crime and policing ly,” he said. land would have tariff s, but that for him to do a deal that her party Labour-held seat Grimsby, John- and I apologise to everybody who Speaking on Sky News, Ri- would result in 4,000 extra violent Johnson was similarly equivocal would be the default position,” believes is “betraying the union”. son apologised to the family of Jack has a bad experience. By and large I shi Sunak, the chief secretary to assaults a year, as well as 52 more about his views on a third runway she said. “I think it says more about who Williment-Barr, a four-year-old think the NHS do an amazing job.” the Treasury and one of the most murders. at Heathrow airport, something he Her comments come as a freshly broke their word than me and the obliged to sleep under coats on a Johnson started the day just after regular Tory spokespeople of re- Asked how Patel reached such himself in 2015 vowed to oppose leaked document, written by offi - leadership of the unionist party,” hospital fl oor in Leeds as he waited 6am at the fi sh market in Grimsby, cent weeks, rejected the idea that fi gures, Johnson replied: “I’m sor- by lying down in front of the con- cials in the government’s Brexit de- she said. for a bed, despite having suspected a Tory target seat held by Labour’s the party seemed well on course ry, you must forgive me, I haven’t struction bulldozers. partment, warns that Johnson’s aim On Sky News on Sunday, John- pneumonia. Melanie Onn with a majority of to win. been able to …” before trailing off . Asked if this would happen, he to implement his deal by the end of son went so far as to say a leaked Johnson talked up planned 2,565. “People remember what hap- Asked if such predictions were said: “I don’t see much sign of any 2020 presents a major challenge Treasury document and Brexit new investments in the NHS, and He toured the market and pened last time around, and it is a “project fear”, he said: “Well, she’s bulldozers yet.” Pressed on the is- because of the need to create new secretary Stephen Barclay’s claims sought to distance himself from watched a live auction before tight election,” he said. “And that’s making a point about crime fi gures sue, Johnson added: “I would have protocols and systems for business that exit declaration forms would nearly 10 years of Conservative holding up a cod for the cameras why the prime minister is out over and the need to have robust po- to fi nd some way of honouring that in Northern Ireland. be required on goods from North- rule, during some of which he and dragging a crate of fi sh across these three days visiting all parts of licing. And I back that idea all the promise. Let’s wait and see when The document, obtained by the ern Ireland to GB were “wrong”. served as foreign secretary. the warehouse. The PM got a this country.” way.” the bulldozers arrive.” Serial rapist given Sturgeon’s message Weather alert issued as storm sweeps in

33 life sentences Guardian News and Media companies registered 26 faults London in the south-west on Sunday and two in Wales, which led to Guardian News and Media tences of 10 years to run concur- ish court in recent times, all 5,500 customers being cut off London rently and one of 14 years, also to returned to court to hear the he UK has been buf- over the course of the day. run concurrently. sentencing. They had issued a feted by gales of up to The M48 Severn Bridge Addressing McCann at the Old note after reaching their ver- T70mph on two coasts, was forced to introduce lane he serial rapist Joseph Mc- Bailey, despite the serial rapist’s dicts, praising the “bravery and with weather alerts in place closures during Sunday, and Cann has been handed 33 non-appearance in court, Edis courage” of the victims for com- from north Wales to the Isle of residents of coastal areas were Tlife sentences with a mini- said: “Joseph McCann, you are ing forward, and the hard work Wight, and an area from Mid- warned to be wary of tidal surg- mum term of 30 years. very dangerous indeed to peo- of the police. At the conclusion dlesbrough to Norwich on the es that could throw debris over Sentencing McCann at the ple who are weaker than you of yesterday’s hearing, one of the North Sea. sea defences. Old Bailey yesterday, justice Edis are. Among other things you are jurors leaned over and hugged There is also a further yellow “The strong winds are pretty called for a “systematic and in- a coward, a violent bully and a one of the victims. warning in place from 6am to- widespread,” said the Met Of- dependent” investigation into paedophile … This was a cam- Since McCann’s convictions, day that covers the entire west fi ce meteorologist Alex Burkill. how he was mistakenly released paign of rape, violence and ab- there have been calls for an in- coast of Scotland, as gusts of “It’s very windy in the west early from prison to go on to duction of a kind which I have quiry into how he was freed in up to 100mph are expected that and south-west so that’s where commit the crimes. never seen or heard of before.” error to commit his crimes. could cause disruption con- we’re going to see the greatest McCann, 34, from Har- Some of McCann’s victims were After a burglary armed with tinuing through to Thursday, impact unfortunately.” The Met row, north-west London, was in court for the sentencing. a knife in 2008, McCann was potentially aff ecting the general Offi ce warned that delays were convicted on Friday of all 37 McCann, who did not attend given an imprisonment for pub- election. likely to continue on road, rail, counts relating to a fortnight- the trial either, citing a bad back, lic protection (IPP) sentence, Storm Atiyah swept in from air and ferry transport, and that long rampage earlier this year refused to attend his sentencing which requires the Parole Board Ireland on Sunday, bringing short-term loss of power was that stretched from London to by video link. to approve a prisoner’s release. gales that caused disruption to possible in some areas. Cheshire. He raped eight vic- An impact statement by one Having been released but then power and transport networks In Ireland, there were warn- tims, including a 71-year-old of his victims was read out in convicted again for burglary and Scottish National Party (SNP) leader and Scotland’s First across the south-west and ings of coastal fl ooding and woman and a boy aged 11. The court. In it, she said she suff ered theft in 2017, McCann should Minister Nicola Sturgeon poses with an LED display showing Wales and led to yellow weather Christmas events across the boy and his sister were attacked fl ashbacks, sleeplessness, night- have been recalled to prison a representation of the door of 10 Downing Street with the alerts being issued overnight, country were cancelled due in front of each other in their mares, chronic pain and fatigue. under the IPP. Instead, he was slogan “lock Boris out” written on it as she campaigns with with Culdrose in Cornwall to the high winds. Thousands own home. Unusually, the jury, who sat mistakenly given a fresh, deter- the local SNP candidate at Clarke Fire Services factory in measuring winds of 70mph at were temporarily without pow- For the remaining four counts, through some of the most har- minate sentence and released on Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, east of Glasgow, yesterday. about 9pm. er on the west coast in Co Gal- McCann was given three sen- rowing evidence heard in a Brit- licence at the midway point. Local power distribution way and West Limerick. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 10, 2019 17 EUROPE Finland picks world’s youngest prime minister

Reuters muni, 32, will get the fi nance middle of labour unrest and a about the reasons for which we positions, bearing even the heav- Marin, who has spoken about Helsinki portfolio when the new cabinet is wave of strikes which will halt were trusted in the elections, the iest responsibilities the society growing up in a disadvantaged offi cially nominated today, party production at some of Finland’s former transport minister told can off er,” she told Reuters. family, is a left-winger within her members said. largest companies. public broadcaster YLE after be- Finland was one of the fi rst party and a strong defender of inland’s new prime minis- Finland’s government resigned The Confederation of Finnish ing picked as the prime minister country in Europe to give women Finland’s generous welfare state. ter – about to become the last week after the Centre Party Industries estimates the strikes candidate by her party. voting rights back in 1906 and A long-time fan of alterna- Fworld’s youngest serving said it had lost confi dence in will cost the companies a com- Political scientist Jenni Kari- the fi rst country in the world tive metal band Rage Against premier – will have a fi nance Social Democrat Prime Minister bined €500mn in lost revenue. maki of Turku University said the to vote women to parliament in The Machine, she has said she minister two years her junior in Antti Rinne over his handling of a Marin has had a swift rise in new government refl ected what 1907. “dreams of free daycare” for all a new women-led coalition cabi- postal strike. Finnish politics since becoming voters had wanted in last April’s Marin will be the third female to add to Finland’s public edu- net, party offi cials said yesterday. The fi ve parties in power – four head of the city council of her in- election, with many new young to head the government. cation, which is already free of Sanna Marin, 34, from the of them led by women – decided dustrial hometown of Tampere at women and men voted into par- “For the world it’s interest- charge from primary school to dominant Social Democrats, was to stay in coalition and continue the age of 27. liament. ing that they are young, and that university. chosen by her party as the sole with the same programmes, but “I myself have never thought “There are more women in the they are all female. For Finland, The new government will con- candidate for prime minister on said that there would be a reshuf- about my age or my gender, parliament’s composition than this is not a sensation,” said po- sist of 12 female and seven male Sunday. fl e. but rather about the issues for ever before ... voters and citizens litical commentator Risto Uimo- ministers, according to media Marin: to be confirmed today. Centre Party chief Katri Kul- Marin will take over in the which I took on politics and wish to see more women in top nen. reports.

Climate change threatens Russia, Ukraine leaders food supplies: meet for the fi rst time scientists AFP/Reuters Russia hands out signed in Minsk in 2015 that Paris passports to 125,000 call for the withdrawal of heavy in east Ukraine weapons, the restoration of AFP Kiev’s control over its borders, Paris ussian leader Vladimir Russia has issued passports to wider autonomy for Donetsk Putin met Ukranian coun- 125,000 residents of rebel- and Luhansk, and the holding of Rterpart Volodymyr Zelen- held eastern Ukraine, Russia’s local elections. limate change threatens skiy for the fi rst time ever yes- interior minister said yesterday, The summit is a hugely deli- food supplies if extreme terday, at a Paris summit aimed deepening Moscow’s ties with cate event for everyone involved, Cweather conditions hit at agreeing measures to help end the separatist region even as it but particularly for Zelenskiy, more than one grain produc- fi ve years of confl ict in the east begins talks with Kyiv aimed at who is under pressure back ing region at a time, scientists of Ukraine. ending the conflict. home not to cede ground to the warned yesterday. No comprehensive peace deal President Vladimir Putin in April Kremlin. Weather is a key variable and is expected from the meeting – simplified the procedure for resi- About 200 demonstrators normally crop losses in one re- mediated by French President dents of pro-Russian, separatist- spent the night in tents outside gion are compensated by anoth- Emmanuel Macron and German held Ukraine to obtain Russians the Ukrainian president’s offi ce, er, helped along by storage and Chancellor Angela Merkel – but passports, prompting Kyiv to call seeking to put pressure on Zel- trading systems resilient to short diplomats hope the summit will on the West to target Moscow enskiy not to “capitulate” to his term disruption. help to bolster trust between the with new international sanctions. Russian counterpart. However, it is now “doubt- two men. More than 160,000 residents of The Ukrainian leader – who ful whether the current system The four-way talks at the rebel-held Ukraine have applied came to power after starring in is resilient to more extreme cli- Elysee Palace were followed by a for Russian passports, of which a comedy show about a school- matic conditions”, a report said hotly-awaited bilateral between 125,000 have received them, Inte- teacher who suddenly becomes in the journal Nature Climate wily former KGB agent Putin – rior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev president – took a realistic tone Change. in power for two decades – and was quoted as saying by Tass ahead of the talks. A team from the International former comedian Zelenskiy, who Media members watch a screen inside the press centre as Zelenskiy, Macron, Putin, and Merkel (not news agency. “I want to come back with Institute for Applied Systems won the presidency this year. seen) attend a working session at the Elysee Palace. concrete results, but we under- Analysis (IIASA) based in Aus- A French presidency source stand that we cannot have eve- tria said climate change not only said the two men would then seizure gave Putin a popularity status – an idea known as the armed groups, local elections the confl ict as “a festering rything. The meeting is already resulted in higher temperatures hold further talks with Macron boost at home but led to inter- Steinmeier Formula. in accordance with our legisla- wound in Europe”. a victory. Since 2016, there has but is also producing more se- and Merkel, and planned to issue national sanctions being im- “If the summit meeting is to tion.” Maas praised Zelenskiy for been no dialogue.” vere climatic events such as a joint statement. posed against Moscow, is not on be meaningful, it should have The Kremlin has sent signals bringing “new momentum” to For Macron, the summit is a drought, heatwaves and fl oods. Thousands have been killed the table at this summit. a result, and the result should that it is ready to work with Ze- the talks, adding that “to make centrepiece of an increasingly “Climatic shocks to agricul- and one million have fl ed their The meeting’s aims include very much be on the Steinmeier lenskiy, whom Putin has de- progress with the next diffi cult bold foreign policy he is driving tural production contribute to homes since pro-Russia militias agreeing to disband illegal mi- Formula,” said Gerhard Man- scribed as “likeable” and “sin- steps, Russia needs to make a despite troubles at home, where food price spikes and famine, in eastern Ukraine launched a litias, the departure of foreign gott, professor of international cere”. move too”. transport workers have been on with the potential to trigger bid for independence in 2014 – fi ghters from Donetsk and Lu- relations at Austria’s Innsbruck But the Russian leader also “There remains the prob- strike for days in a dispute over other systemic risks, including kicking off a confl ict that deep- hansk, and Ukraine taking back University. will not want to return empty- lem of trust between the par- pension reforms. political unrest and migration,” ened Russia’s estrangement control of its border with Russia, Ukrainian Foreign Minister handed and will be pushing for ties,” said the French presiden- The French president, who IIASA lead author Franziska from the West. according to a French presiden- Vadym Prystaiko ahead of the an easing of sanctions. tial source, who asked not to be shocked North Atlantic Treaty Gaupp said. Separatists seized control of tial source. meeting reaffi rmed his coun- German Foreign Minis- identifi ed by name. “This needs Organisation (Nato) allies last The IIASA study said climate the Donetsk and Luhansk re- Also key is agreeing to a calen- try’s key demands of a “total and ter Heiko Maas told the Funke to be created before we can move month by declaring that the al- and crop yield data from 1967- gions shortly after Russia’s an- dar for local municipal elections permanent ceasefi re, our control newspaper group that “we have forward.” liance was “brain dead”, has 2012 showed “a signifi cant in- nexation of the Ukrainian pe- to be held in Donetsk and Lu- over the borders of a unitary and to do everything we can ... to Yesterday’s summit is the made clear his belief that Europe crease in the probability of mul- ninsula of Crimea. hansk under Ukrainian law, with indivisible state, the disarma- make progress in the Ukrainian fi rst of its kind in three years needs a strategic partnership tiple global breadbasket failures The issue of Crimea, whose the two regions enjoying special ment and dismantling of illegal peace process”, and described and seeks to implement accords with Russia. for particularly wheat, maize, and soybeans”. One of the largest losses of soybean production was 7.2mn tonnes in 1988-89, it noted, adding that if all major growing Union strike snarls transport regions were hit, the loss would “be at least 12.55mn tonnes”. A report in the same journal warned that changes in the jet in crucial week for Macron stream sharply increased the risk of heatwaves in regions respon- sible for up to a quarter of glo- Reuters Minister Edouard Philippe due determined to see through the bal food production – Western Paris to present the “architecture” of overhaul of what is one of the North America, Western Europe, the reforms tomorrow. most generous pension systems Western Russia and Ukraine. “We will continue to protest among developed nations. “We found an under-explored rade unions called for and strike,” Catherine Perret, a The government will be mon- vulnerability in the food system: more street protests after senior offi cial from the hardline itoring today’s marches closely when these global scale wind Tnationwide strikes aimed CGT union, told reporters yes- to see if they draw more than the patterns are in place, we see a at forcing President Emmanuel terday after the meeting. “To- 800,000 people who marched twenty-fold increase in the risk Macron to abandon his pen- morrow will be a show of force.” through French cities on Thurs- of simultaneous heatwaves in sion reforms caused chaos on At the Gare du Nord, there day. Commuters wait on a platform at Paris’s Gare de Lyon train station as a strike by French SNCF railway major crop producing regions,” France’s transport networks for were chaotic scenes as passen- Last week’s demonstrations and Paris transport network (RATP) workers continues against French government’s pensions reform said Kai Kornhuber, a guest sci- a fi fth day yesterday. gers pushed and shoved to get were marred by violent clashes plans. entist at the Potsdam Institute The week ahead will test onto packed suburban trains, between police and hooded pro- for Climate Impact Research whether Macron can deliver the videos circulating on social me- testers. online surveys showed broad reporters, “but disagreement the state makes up for shortfalls (PIK). social and economic change he dia showed. Macron wants to replace a public support for protecting about what choices to make in between contributions and pay- “We will see more and more says is necessary for France to On the roads there were mas- convoluted system comprised of how much people receive in re- order to respond to the increase outs. heatwaves striking diff erent ar- compete with powers like China sive traffi c jams as many com- more than 40 separate pension tirement, but little common in life expectancy.” The unions, fi ghting to show eas at the same time and they and the United States. muters resorted to their cars. plans, each with varying ben- ground over how to deal with the “The solution of lowering they remain relevant after Ma- will become even more severe,” A meeting between Ma- Unions are calling on teachers, efi ts, with a single, points-based burden of increasing life expect- pensions even by a little bit is cron loosened the labour code PIK co-author Jonathan Dong- cron’s pension tsar, Jean-Paul doctors, dockers and other pub- system under which for each ancies put on national coff ers. clearly rejected,” he added. and reformed state railways, also es said. “This can impact food Delevoye, and union leaders yes- lic workers to down tools today. euro contributed, every pen- “There is broad agreement Public sector unions fear their say they will lose infl uence over availability not only in the re- terday showed no sign of break- Philippe told the weekly sioner has equal rights. about the need to protect the workers will come out worse be- contributions and benefi ts un- gions directly aff ected. Even re- ing the impasse, with Prime Journal du Dimanche that he is Delevoye said yesterday that level of our pensions,” he told cause under the current system der a centrally managed system. moter regions may see scarcities and price spikes as a result.” Separately, an Economist In- telligence Unit survey of 113 countries for its Global Food Se- curity Index (GFSI) showed food European agency planning mission to clear up space junk prices were rising worldwide. Singapore was ranked fi rst for overall food security, followed by DPA The fi rst-of-its-kind mis- bring it into a low orbit to burn “On the one hand this is Both national military a company can be delegated to Ireland and the United States in Darmstadt, Germany sion is to launch in 2025 under up in the atmosphere. breaking new ground, and on the projects and private companies do the work. a report which “highlights (the) the name ClearSpace 1, with Orbiters will then go on to other it is urgently needed,” ESA like SpaceX are planning large- According to Holger Krag, need for innovation and invest- the consortium led by the Swiss capture larger pieces of junk. director-general Jan Woerner scale launches. head of the ESA’s Space De- ment in food systems to adapt to he European Space Agen- start-up Clear Space. Fears are rising of collisions told DPA in the city of Darm- Woerner takes the view that, bris Offi ce, objects in space climate threats”, the EIU said. cy (ESA) is planning a The project is budgeted at in space, amid predictions of stadt, where ESA has its Mission irrespective of the legal position, can collide at speeds of up to “Smart choices today can Tjoint mission with a com- some €120mn ($132mn). a rapid increase in abandoned Control. those behind launching sat- 40,000kph. protect the food sector from the mercial consortium to start work Preparation for the project is material as space travel becomes Huge constellations of hun- ellites should either show that The ESA brings together 22 most severe consequences of on clearing up junk left over to begin in March. commercialised. dreds or even thousands of they will return to earth and member states, mostly members climate change and minimise the from space missions, the rel- The aim is to send a probe into There are also concerns on satellites are being planned for burn up on re-entry, conclude a of the European Union, but also impact of agriculture on the en- evant ministers for the countries space to grab part of an old ESA large pieces of junk crashing orbits around the earth, Clear contract with a company for re- including Switzerland and Nor- vironment,” it added. involved said yesterday. rocket with four grippers and down onto the Earth’s surface. Space head Luc Piguet said. covery or make a deposit so that way. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, December 10, 2019 INDIA

RECOGNITION MYSTERY DEMAND CONTROVERSY POLITICS Project on land rights for Teen’s body goes Call to restore ex-judge’s Kerala student leaders’ Pawar, Fadnavis meet tribals wins global prize missing from grave security cover UK trip sparks protest after Maharashtra fiasco

A groundbreaking project that secured land rights The body of a 15-year-old girl has gone missing The Congress-led opposition in Kerala yesterday Even as Kerala finances are precariously Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar met for thousands of indigenous people in India won from the grave. The incident took place in a village demanded immediate restoration of armed placed the state government extravagance is Bharatiya Janata Party’s, Devendra Fadnavis, a top global prize yesterday, highlighting the in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district. The girl had died security cover of former Kerala high court judge continuing unabated, the Congress claimed. for the first time after their 80-hour, two-men diff iculties that lower-caste communities face in due to jaundice and the burial took place on Friday (retd) B Kemal Pasha. Opposition leaders Ramesh The party pointed out that around 70 student government crashed last month. The two were claiming land despite laws in place to benefit them. evening. On Sunday, someone informed the girl’s Chennithala wrote to Kerala Chief Minister leaders from the state were getting ready to invited for the wedding of independent legislator The project, which is run by human rights group father that her grave had been dug out. When he Pinarayi Vijayan highlighting that Pasha was leave on a week-long London trip for a course Sanjay Shinde on Sunday and shared a common ActionAid India, with Indian non-profits Koraga reached there, he found the body missing. It is provided security following threats to his life. at the University of Cardiff . The upcoming trip sofa even as the media furiously clicked away Federation and Samagra Grameena Ashrama, was the second such incident since June 8 when the “He has been one judge who has handed out the is expected to cost the exchequer more than at this unexpected “encounter”. However, in named a gold prize winner at the World Habitat body of another 15-year-old girl, who died due to maximum life sentences to accused in various Rs20mn. K M Abhijith, president of the KSU, a Baramati yesterday, Pawar sought to brush off Awards for its work with the Koraga tribe and tuberculosis, was found missing from the same cases. He has been under threat from the Islamic student organisation attached to the Congress, the meeting with Fadnavis, saying nobody is a nine other indigenous communities in Karnataka. graveyard. According to the police, both girls were State too. Of late, he was critical of the Kerala said the trip has come at a wrong time as the permanent enemy in politics. “He was invited, I It helped secure thousands of hectares of land buried at the graveyard near the village canal and government on certain issues. Nothing should state is reeling under severe financial crisis. The was also invited for the wedding by Shinde. We for the communities, and assisted nearly 20,000 both graves were found dugout with the bodies happen to his safety. Hence, his security should be education department has asked all interested were seated together so we just discussed the people to access state grants to build homes. missing the very next day of their burial. restored,” Chennithala wrote in the letter. elected off ice bearers to apply for the same. weather,” claimed Pawar with a smile. Uproar as Anger at fee hike contentious Citizenship Bill tabled

AFP/IANS The government has defended New Delhi the bill, saying it was only aimed at fl ushing out infi ltrators. “This bill is not even 0.001% against he parliament yester- minorities. It is against infi ltra- day saw raucous scenes tors,” Home Minister Amit Shah Tand protests raged in the said in parliament’s lower house. north-east of the country as MPs Recently he has also proposed debated legislation that stands a “national register of citizens” to give citizenship to religious that would see “each and every minorities from neighbouring infi ltrator identifi ed and ex- countries, but not Muslims. pelled” from India by 2024. To Muslim organisations, The citizenship bill has led to rights groups and others, the protests in northeastern states bill forms part of Prime Minis- where residents are unhappy ter Narendra Modi’s agenda — about an infl ux of Hindus. which he denies — of marginal- Objecting to the introduction ising India’s 200-million-strong of the Bill, leader of the Congress Police off icers try to detain a student of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) during a march to Rashtrapati Bhavan to protest against a proposed fee hike, in New Delhi. Islamic minority. party, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, The Citizenship Amendment said he did not have any qualms Bill provides that Hindus, Sikhs, in describing the Bill as a regres- Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and sive which is against minorities Christians fl eeing persecution of the country. can be granted citizenship. He said the proposed law vio- Modi’s government had tried to lated the preamble of the Consti- bring in the contentious legisla- tution which seeks to establish In- tion during its fi rst term but the dia as a social and secular republic bill could not pass the upper house as envisioned by framers of the Yediyurappa vows cabinet where the Bharatiya Janata Party Constitution and the fi rst prime (BJP) and its allies lack a majority. minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Shashi Tharoor, a member of “It is a very unconstitutional the opposition Congress party, legislation,” he said, adding the told parliament amid angry ex- concept of citizenship cannot changes that the bill “infringes be read in isolation but in align- upon the principle of equal- ment with various provisions posts for by-poll winners ity before law” guaranteed to all that guarantee fundamental persons, including non-citizens. rights without any discrimina- IANS urappa told reporters in Kan- on July 26 for the third time in Amit Shah and meet Prime satisfactory results in the bye- The bill seeks to amend the tion on the basis of religion. Bengaluru nada. over a decade. Minister Narendra Modi for elections despite my sincere ef- Citizenship Act of 1955 which AIMIM’s Asaduddin Ow- The ruling party wrested 10 In the fi rst Cabinet expansion his support to the party’s state forts,” Siddaramaiah wrote in his prohibits illegal migrants from aisi said secularism is the basic seats from the Congress and in August, Yediyurappa induct- unit in the by-elections,” added resignation letter and further said applying for Indian citizenship. structure of the Constitution uoyed by a landslide vic- two from the Janata Dal - Secu- ed 16 ministers, including three Yediyurappa. that it was his moral responsibil- Yesterday 100 scientists and and the Bill was arbitrary in na- tory in 12 of the 15 Assem- lar in the bitterly-fought by- deputy chief ministers and kept Earlier Modi welcomed the ity to step down as the Congress scholars at institutions in the ture and was in violation of fun- Bbly by-elections held on elections. the remaining 17 posts vacant, results and said that those who Legislature Party Leader. country and abroad published a damental rights. December 5, an elated Karnataka The Congress could retain ostensibly to reward the Con- formed the government through Karnataka Congress presi- joint letter expressing their “dis- “The home minister should be Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa only Shivajinagar in Bengaluru gress and JD-S defectors who backdoor ignoring people’s man- dent Dinesh Gundu Rao too may” at the legislation. prevented from carrying out this yesterday declared that all the central but wrested Hunasuru joined the BJP on November 14 date have been taught a lesson. tendered his resignation to the They said that enshrined in enactment.” winning party candidates would in Mysuru district from the and contested to retain their The prime minister was speaking party chief Sonia Gandhi, af- India’s constitution is the notion Meanwhile in a move that may be made ministers in the ensuing JDS-S, which drew blank. seats on the lotus symbol. at a rally in Jharkhand’s Hazarib- ter the party suff ered a mas- of treating all faiths equally. embarrass the NCP-Congress- cabinet expansion soon. “I am thankful to the elec- Independent Sharath Kumar agh yesterday. sive defeat in the by-elections. But Modi’s “proposed bill Shiv Sena alliance in Maharash- “As I have assured them, all torate for reposing their faith Bachegowda won the Hosa- Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah “Taking moral responsibility, I would mark a radical break with tra, the Sena has decided to back the 12 BJP candidates who won in the BJP government and en- kote seat in the Bengaluru Rural yesterday resigned as the leader am resigning as the Karnataka this history and would be incon- the contentious Bill. from their Assembly segments suring its continuation in the district, defeating BJP’s M T B of opposition in state Assembly. Pradesh Congress Committee sistent with the basic structure Shiv Sena’s face in parliament, will be given cabinet posts soon. state for the remaining term of Nagaraj, who defected from the He submitted his resignation to president,” said Rao at the Con- of the constitution”. The letter Sanjay Raut, took to Twitter to I am grateful to the people for the Assembly. We will focus on Congress. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. He gress offi ce. Rao said that the said such a careful exclusion of announce the same. He said: “Il- having elected them as they development of the state with a “I will visit New Delhi soon to said, the people’s verdict must be Congress thought people will Muslims would “greatly strain” legal Intruders should be thrown sacrifi ced their seats to save stable government,” said Yediy- discuss the Cabinet expansion respected. “I express my sincere not favour the defectors, yet the India’s pluralism. out.” democracy in the state,” Yediy- urappa, who returned to power with party’s national president regret for not being able to give BJP won.

Theatres vandalised Unnao victim ‘had marriage Malabar Gold outlet opens in Trichy in anger at film agreement with accused’ The protest against film Panipat for portraying king Surajmal It has now emerged that the Bareli on Thursday morning. in a bad light escalated when rape victim, who was set ablaze She sustained more than 90 per protesters smashed window in Unnao on Thursday had been cent injuries and was rushed to panes of the Inox cinema hall promised marriage by the same a government hospital and then here yesterday. Screening at man who raped her earlier this shifted to the civil hospital in the Raj Mandir cinema hall, was year. Lucknow. She was later airlifted cancelled. The main accused, Shivam to Delhi’s Safdarjung hospital Bharatpur observed a shutdown Trivedi, had signed a marriage where she succumbed to against the allegedly wrong agreement in January last injuries on Friday night. portrayal of the erstwhile king in year and then solemnised the Meanwhile the Yogi Adityanath the film. Bikaner too witnessed marriage with the victim in government has suspended protests with some people December 2018. seven policemen for alleged forcibly shutting the doors of a “We declare that we have negligence of duty that led to cinema hall. solemnised our marriage on the death of the victim. In the state capital, people January 15, 2018, according to The suspended policemen gathered in large numbers at Hindu traditions on our free included Ajay Kumar Tripathi, the Surajmal Square, which has will. We are living together station house off icer (SHO) become a protest site. as husband and wife. We are of Unnao’s Bihar police State Rajasthan Minister signing this agreement to station, along with six other Vishwendra Singh, a descendant avoid any legal hindrance,” the police personnel, according of Surajmal, joined the protest agreement read. to additional chief secretary and demanded an immediate Sources said the family of the (Home) Avanish Awasthi. ban on the film. Speaking on accused, however, had refused The development came the occasion, he accused film to accept the woman as she hours after the last rites of producers and directors of belonged to a lower caste. the 23-year-old Unnao rape tampering with history to raise This made the woman file a victim were performed at her viewership. Earlier, they produced rape case against her ‘husband’. native village Hindupur on Jodha-Akbar, then Padmavati, Lawyer S N Maurya, who Sunday amid tight security whose name had to be changed represented the victim in the arrangements. She was laid to to Padmavat after violence in rape case, said Shivam had rest in the fields belonging to state, and now they have come been threatening the woman her family, where the graves of up with Panipat without studying to withdraw the case and was her grandparents are present. its context, he said. seeking a settlement. The police yesterday also “The film projects that we The woman was set on fire by deployed round-the-clock demanded the Agra Fort (for four men, including the rape protection and promised a A new Malabar Gold & Diamonds showroom in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, was inaugurated by actress Tamannaah Bhatia in the helping the Marathas). That’s accused, when she was on weapons licence to the family presence of M P Ahammed, Malabar Group chairman, O Asher, managing director — India operations, other management not the reality. Maharaj Surajmal her way to the court in Rae of the victim. team members, guests, well-wishers and the media. expanded his kingdom through his bravery,” Singh said. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 10, 2019 19 LATIN AMERICA

Mexico urges Pelosi to act on North American trade deal Colombia’s Reuters sented by the government on Sunday of the deal spilling into next year’s US In one concession, Mexican For- Mexico City amid an intense back-and-forth be- presidential election race. eign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said tween the countries as they hammer Mexican lawmakers earlier this year on Sunday that the country would out fi nal changes to satisfy US Demo- approved the USMCA, which would accept the US demand on steel, fi shermen dive exican President Andres crats’ demands. replace the North American Free Trade which could affect what steel is de- Manuel Lopez Obrador yes- The president said he “respectfully Agreement, or Nafta. fined as Mexican, if the rule took ef- Mterday urged US House of requests” Pelosi to take action on the But Democratic lawmakers have held fect at least five years after the trade Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi deal, which was struck more than a year up US ratifi cation over concerns about pact’s ratification. in to protect to make a decision about the United ago but must be ratifi ed by legislators in how labour and environmental provi- It was not immediately clear whether States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the three countries before it goes into sions would be enforced. the US would accept those conditions. saying it was time to move forward with eff ect. The US added an additional request Lopez Obrador stressed yesterday the trade deal. “It’s time, it’s the moment,” Lopez at the weekend, relating to how steel that Mexico was waiting on the US to coral reefs Lopez Obrador said Mexican sena- Obrador said during his regular morn- is identifi ed as North American, a key make the next move. “We think we have tors accepted changes to the US-Mex- ing news conference, adding that time part of the deal aimed at keeping more already defi ned the terms in which we ico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) pre- was running short to avoid ratifi cation industry in the region. can ratify the agreement,” he said. Thomson Reuters Foundation Thomson Reuters Foundation. San Andres, Colombia “And corals are particularly vulnerable due to the warming of the oceans, rising sea levels, and or nearly three decades, coral bleaching,” he said. Javier Barker has fi shed In the sea coral farms, it takes Military ceremony Fin the Caribbean Sea sur- about a year for tiny fragments of rounding the Colombian island of coral – less than seven centime- San Andres – but until recently he tres long – to grow to become the knew little about the importance size of a basketball, according to of coral reefs that fi sh depend on Maria Fernanda Maya, a biologist to survive. and the project’s coordinator. “I used to think corals were just So far eight coral nurseries hard stones. I didn’t know that have been created, and the fi rst corals are living creatures,” said pilot batch of 250 fragment cor- 40-year-old Barker, who began als transplanted to a reef near San line fi shing as a teenager with his Andres last month, Maya said. family. Results have so far been prom- “I now know corals are cra- ising, showing a survival rate of dles for fi sh, and healthier corals about 85% among transplanted equals more fi sh so corals are im- corals, Maya said. portant for everyone,” he said. “There’s a direct correlation Worldwide, coral reefs from the between the state and health of Caribbean to the Pacifi c Ocean corals and the conservation of have come under growing stress other ecosystems,” said Maya, as a result of rising ocean temper- who works for enviromental atures caused by climate change group Corales de Paz, which is and other human-induced pres- also providing funding and tech- sures including overfi shing, pol- nical support for the project. lution and tourism. “That’s why protecting cor- Now fi shermen are being en- als is so important.” For Barker listed in the fi ght to protect them. and other fi shermen, their work Barker is one of nearly 40 arti- involves diving into the sea every sanal fi shermen in Colombia’s ar- two weeks to monitor the growth chipelago of San Andres and Provi- of corals and clean away algae. dencia, in the western Caribbean, Fishermen also have to sign a who are being paid $125 a month by contract that commits them to the government to farm coral in an fi shing in a sustainable way. That undersea gardening project. includes a ban on catching certain The project, overseen by Co- types of fi sh during the breeding lombia’s government agency season. Coralina – tasked with promoting “I’m proud to be part of some- sustainable development in the thing that is useful and helps the archipelago – and by environ- island. And having the extra in- mental group Conservation In- come is a real help,” Barker said. ternational Colombia, is billed as Similar reef restoration Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro and his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro arrive to a promotion ceremony for generals of the armed forces, at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, yesterday. the second largest coral conser- projects are underway in Belize vation project in the Caribbean, in the Caribbean and in the Sey- after one in Belize. chelles in the Indian Ocean. As part of the project, that be- Critics, however, say such gan last year, about 10,000 frag- coral restoration projects are la- ments of coral are being reared in bour intensive, expensive, require fl oating underwater nurseries in long-term funding – and may not the emerald green waters around ultimately be successful if global the archipelago, which is home to warming continues. 80% of Colombia’s tropical reefs. Castro said it costs about $50 Project supporters hope corals per square meter to restore dam- Brazil ‘will drill massive grown in the nurseries can re- aged coral. And “even with our plenish and restore existing reef coral restoration eff orts, we will coral colonies in an area covering never be able to recover what has 150 acres. already been lost,” he said. The archipelago was declared a The other reality, he said, is protected marine area – the Sea- that “for us, this is on a big scale oil fi nd despite concerns’ fl ower Biosphere Reserve – by the but with regards to the magnitude United Nations’ cultural agency of the problem this is on a micro Reuters gases that come largely from In fact, Brazil has space to tion blocs, that failed to attract pass through an indigenous Unesco in 2000. scale.” Madrid fossil fuels, or risk a global ca- increase its target, he said. interest in a November auc- reserve is also expected to re- Coral reefs in shallow waters Another concern is that tour- tastrophe. “Because of its diversity of tion, between August and Oc- ceive an environmental licence are among the ecosystems most ism to the palm-fringed white Albuquerque said Brazil as a energy sources, Brazil will sur- tober next year. this month, allowing for con- threatened by climate change sand beaches of San Andres has razil will push to expand developing country “could not pass its targets with a certain Major oil companies stayed struction to begin in January, and are a key barometer of global more than doubled to one million oil drilling in its mas- release its grip on hydrocar- tranquility and will continue to away from the auction of the he said. warming impacts, scientists say. visitors since 2010 – something Bsive “pre-salt” oil and bons,” saying oil would contin- explore its riches responsibly so-called “transfer of rights” The government has fast- Coral bleaching – a whitening that also is taking a toll on the gas area off its coast in spite of ue to be an important energy and sustainably,” the minister, oil area because of steep sign- tracked the project which driven by temperature changes or coral reefs, Castro said. growing global concerns about source for the world for many an active navy admiral, said in ing fees and the dominant po- will link the state of Roraima, other stresses - can kill coral if it is With more scuba-diving tour- climate change, the country’s years to come. an interview in an ornate his- sition of state-owned oil firm which previously relied on severe enough. Coral are also at risk ists, boats and jet skis visiting the energy minister said yesterday. The country — which heav- toric military cultural centre in Petrobras. crisis-wracked Venezuela for as oceans become more acidic as reefs, corals are being damaged Brazil’s Mines and Energy ily uses biofuel and gets a ma- downtown Madrid. In another move to ramp up electricity, to the rest of Bra- they absorb increasing amounts of and polluted, he said. Minister Bento Albuquerque jor chunk of its own power Brazil’s right-wing govern- development, Albuquerque zil’s power grid. carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Protecting them will require spoke on the sidelines of a from hydroelectric and other ment led by President Jair Bol- said the government would Albuquerque predicted that “The archipelago is very vul- fi shermen, diving schools, hotel climate summit underway in renewable sources and — can sonaro has firmly prioritised send a previously promised bill a long-held plan to privatise nerable when it comes to issues chains and islanders to all under- Madrid where UN leaders have do that while still meeting its development since he assumed allowing for commercial min- state-owned utility Eletrobras relating to climate change,” Erick stand that conserving coral reefs is been urging countries to do the goal to cut emissions under the office January 1. Albuquerque ing on indigenous reserves by would receive the congression- Castro, deputy head of Coralina’s crucial for the island’s tourism and opposite and aggressively cut Paris Agreement, Albuquerque said that the government the end of the year. al approval it needs to move sea and coast division, told the its fi shing economy, Castro said. emissions of climate-altering said. would re-auction two explora- A 720km power line that will forward by June.

Colombia musicians Mexico recalls envoy join anti-govt protests in shoplifting row

AFP 15-month-old government fi rst DPA to the newspapers Excelsior Bogota erupted less than three weeks ago Bogota and El Economista. — what began as a general strike has Mexican Foreign Minister morphed into a wider display of dis- Marcelo Ebrard said Valero housands of Colombian pro- content over his economic policies, exico’s ambassa- would be recalled and the case testers including dozens of unemployment, political corruption dor to Argentina has would be investigated. Tmusicians marched, sang and and drug-fi nanced violence. M been recalled after Ebrard said in a Twitter post banged pots and pans in a bold new Many feel that eff orts to end the allegedly trying to steal a bi- that he asked the ministry’s show of discontent with President decades-long armed confl ict with ography of the 18th-century ethics committee to analyse Ivan Duque’s administration. the country’s Farc rebels took away Italian ladies’ man Giacomo the accusation against the A sea of protesters quickly took from progress in other areas of so- Casanova, local media report- 76-year-old diplomat and if a over the centre and north of the cap- ciety. ed yesterday. video of the alleged theft that’s ital Bogota, pushing for changes in They want the former left- Ambassador Oscar Ricardo circulating proves to be true, the conservative president’s agenda. ist rebels to fully comply with the Valero, 76, was reportedly he’ll be removed from his job Several times, shouts of “Get out peace deal, and an end to what they caught trying to leave a book- immediately. Duque” were heard. Police presence say are targeted killings of indig- shop in Buenos Aires with the “Zero tolerance for dishon- was heavy. enous people, social leaders and book, which he had not paid esty,” Ebrard said. “The streets will not be silenced!” former guerrillas. for, on October 26. Valero was named by Mexi- read a slogan written in chalk on the Protesters also want Duque to A video published by the can President Andres Manuel sidewalk. dismantle the feared ESMAD riot news website Infobae shows Lopez Obrador and had previ- The march — which included police, widely criticised for its heavy a man who wears a light-col- ously been a researcher at the concert stages along the route where handed response to protesters. oured suit and sunglasses tak- National Autonomous Univer- bands played — wrapped up without Though mostly peaceful, the pro- ing the book, by Guy Chaussi- sity of Mexico. He spent much incident. tests have so far left four dead, about nand-Nogaret, from a shelf of his academic career study- “The government has just been 500 protesters and military injured, and hiding it inside a newspa- ing political science and Mex- indiff erent. It doesn’t want to listen and more than 200 people arrested. per. ico’s role in international rela- to us, it doesn’t want to sit down and Duque has yielded to some of the An alarm rang when he was tions, and was also ambassador talk, it wants to impose,” said Alejan- other demands on tax reform, an- leaving the bookshop. to Chile from 2001 to 2004. dra Obregon, 27, a university student nouncing the return of Value Added He presented a ticket for Adventurer and author pushing for greater access to public Tax to the poorest 20% of the popu- CDs he had bought, but none Casanova (1725-1798) was education. lation and benefi ts for companies People attend a concert organised by Colombian musicians and artistes to support protests against for the book, which was worth known for his numerous love Protests against Duque’s that hire young people. the government of President Ivan Duque in Bogota. 640 pesos ($10.70), according affairs. Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, December 10, 2019 PAKISTAN

Cabinet approves plan to reduce govt departments The federal cabinet has approved a committee’s recommendation that the postal services Provinces forego uplift division be merged with the communications ministry, and the textile division with the commerce ministry. The implementation committee for restructuring government departments has recommended merging 19 sub-bodies of seven plans to help out Centre ministries. It also proposed transferring nine Internews Fiscal data released by the fi - capacity of three provincial On the other hand, the largest mitment in supporting the ordination Committee” that subordinate departments of five Islamabad nance ministry showed that the governments of Punjab, Khyber province in terms of area, and consolidation eff ort of the fed- would be strengthened for legal ministries to other ministries and cumulative revenues available Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Balu- considered the most backward eral government for an eff ective basis to make its decisions bind- abolishing five departments of to the four provinces in the fi rst chistan to execute schemes for among the four federating units, public fi nancial management ing. three ministries. he four provinces jointly quarter amounted to Rs791bn. the development and improve- spent a miserly Rs3.7bn, or 4.3% and improving the quality and In order to rebalance inter- The cabinet has approved provided a whopping cash This included their joint share ment of the quality of life for of its resources, on development effi ciency of public spending. governmental relationships in all of the committee’s Tsurplus of Rs202bn to the of Rs612.5bn out of federal rev- their people. schemes. The federal government has the context of the National Fi- recommendations. Centre during the fi rst quarter enues, and about Rs104.5bn For example, Punjab extended In contrast, Sindh provided given a written undertaking to nance Commission, the Cen- According to documents, the (July-September) of the current worth of provincial taxes. a cash surplus of Rs75.4bn – al- the lowest cash back – Rs35.5bn the IMF that fi scal consolidation tre has also reported to the IMF committee submitted its report fi scal year, to help the federal Against this, the provinces most 21% of its total revenue of – to the Centre, accounting for and revenue expansion by the that it had engaged with the to the cabinet in October. government meet its fi scal tar- spent only Rs589bn and re- about Rs366bn. less than 18% of its total re- provinces will be a key compo- provinces to pass on additional The committee convened six gets committed to the Interna- turned Rs202bn to the Centre. In contrast, its development sources – a typical stance of an nent of its fi scal strategy. spending responsibilities to the meetings in two months, which tional Monetary Fund (IMF). They spent only Rs70.6bn spending at Rs43bn was less opposition party in power in that As a prior action to the IMF provinces, including additional discussed the integration, This means the provinces did on their development schemes than 12% of its available re- province. programme, the government contributions to higher educa- transfer and termination of not utilise more than one-fourth meant for improving the living sources. The Sindh government wrote: “The fi scal adjustment tion, health, social protection, various federal government (25%) of the funds for the wel- standards of their citizens. The KP government could not spent about Rs16bn or 8% of strategy would imply large pro- agricultural subsidies and re- entities. fare of their citizens made avail- The provincial development spend almost Rs54bn – about its resources on development vincial surpluses. gional public infrastructure in- In October, Adviser to Prime able to them under their total spending, therefore, remained 38% (more than one-third) of its schemes. “Therefore, we have signed a vestment. Minister on Institutional revenue share out of the federal less than 9% of their available available resources of Rs141bn. This showed the province was formal written agreement with Under the IMF programme, Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain divisible pool. revenues. In comparison, the province no better than other provinces the provinces on the fi scal strat- the federal government is also informed a Senate committee In doing so, the provinces The data showed that the spent only Rs8.4bn or less than when it came to development egy and the required provincial required to create a joint con- that restructuring of federal over-performed in extending three provinces governed by the 6% of its total resources on im- activities but had some other surpluses, including revenue and tingency fund to deal with eco- government was in progress and the cash surplus to the federal Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provement of living standards of reasons to book higher expendi- fi scal surplus targets by provinc- nomic shocks and natural dis- functional and legal classification government as their cumulative or its allies were more frugal its citizens. tures during the fi rst quarter of es for FY2020 and implications asters and reduce federal and of 441 institutions had been refund to the Centre amounted in development spending and The data showed that Balu- the current fi scal year. in case of missed targets.” provincial structural fi scal im- conducted. to Rs202bn (almost 48%) in a overzealous in co-operating chistan returned about Rs37.3bn The provincial spending be- The Centre has also prom- balances, besides additional tax He told the committee that quarter, against an annual target with the Centre for maximum to the Centre – a staggering haviour is constrained by a ised that “progress toward these collections by the provinces and according to the findings of a of Rs423bn set for the fi nancial fi scal support. 43.4% out of its total revenues of requirement of the IMF pro- goals will be assessed in quar- reducing the scope of divisible survey only 342 institutions year 2019-20. This refl ects poorly on the Rs86bn. gramme to show strong com- terly meetings of the Fiscal Co- pool. would remain with the federal government, while the rest would be merged or shut down. The body was informed that eight institutions of federal Sharif government would be shut down. However, there would be no job cuts, with employees likely to accommodated in other fl y to US departments. Imran inaugurates first science and Internews Lahore technology park Prime Minister Imran Khan has ormer prime minister Na- vowed to transform Pakistan into waz Sharif is likely to fl y a knowledge-based economy Fto US on December 16 by equipping the youth with the for medical treatment, family latest technologies. sources say. He was addressing a ceremony The Pakistan Muslim League yesterday after inaugurating – Nawaz (PML-N) supreme Pakistan’s first National Science leader has been residing at the and Technology Park at the Avenfi eld fl ats, owned by his son National University of Science Hasan Nawaz in London, since and Technology (NUST) in November 20. Islamabad. Serving a seven-year jail term The prime minister said a task in a corruption case, Sharif was force headed by eminent scientist released on medical grounds for Dr Attaur Rehman is advising eight weeks by the Islamabad Fashionable line-up the government to achieve the High Court on October 27. objective of knowledge economy. The Lahore High Court later Models parade with creations from the ‘Madhubala’ collection by Reema Ahsan (above), from the He said that the government directed the government to re- ‘Shaadi Mubarik’ collection by Souchaj (below), and from the ‘Diwan-e-Khas’ collection by Shamsha will give special emphasis to move his name from the Exit Hashwani (right) on Sunday evening during the Pantene Hum Bridal Couture Week in Lahore. the science and technology, Control List (ECL) for four weeks education and future on November 16 so that he could technologies to unleash the fl y abroad for his treatment as potential of the youth. recommended by various medi- cal boards. Sharif was fl own to the UK in Govt given one an air ambulance accompanied by his personal physician Dr Ad- week to decide on nan and PML-N president She- Maryam travel ban hbaz Sharif, the former prime minister’s younger brother. The Lahore High Court (LHC) has Diagnosed with an immune directed the government to make system disorder leading to low a final decision within seven days platelet count, sources said that about removing the name of as treatment of the disease was Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz not available in London, Nawaz (PML-N) vice-president Maryam had to be shifted to the United Nawaz from the Exit Control List States. (ECL). They said that medical tests A two-member bench of the high conducted in London revealed court, headed by Justice Baqar that blood supply to a part of Najafi, presided over the hearing Nawaz’s brain was obstructed, yesterday into a petition filed by leading to low platelet count, Nawaz, the daughter of former and that the surgical procedure prime minister Nawaz Sharif, so facility required to treat it was she can visit her ailing father in available only in Boston, US. London. Climate change leads to lower food grain and fruit yields, says study

Internews The study on Forecasting im- exception of Upper Dir and and southern whereas it is con- season rain from April to mid- “Deforestation, unplanned Agriculture, anticipated that in- Peshawar pact of climate change of key Shangla, wheat was aff ected by tinuously dropping elsewhere in May. urbanisation, conversion of ag- crease in rainfall would continue crops of 10 selected districts, KP the climate change, whereas in the province,” it said. This analysis shows an overall riculture lands and suspension of till 2030 but there would be no or was jointly conducted by Profes- the rain-fed areas, including cen- The report recommended the 10% increase in day and night dust particles in the air of big cit- less rains when crops needed. hanges in the pattern of sor Mohamed Jamal Khan, Pro- tral valley and southern districts, development of new “germ- temperature of Peshawar. ies and towns are contributing to He termed the trend of heat rainfall and cold stress fessor Dr Hamayoon Khan, and wheat hadn’t been even grown in plasms” of crops, fruits and veg- According to the analysis, global warming,” he said. and cold stress very dangerous Cphenomenon have re- Dr Inamullah. the last two and three years due etables to stand the extremes of the annual rainfall in Peshawar, The director said temperature for crops in the region. sulted in the loss of normal yields The report revealed that to the shortage of moisture and climates. Kakul (Abbottabad), Dera Ismail in some areas was increasing at “Abrupt slump in temperature of food grains, including wheat changes in the rainfall distribu- delay in rainfall. Dr Hamayoon Khan, who Khan and Saidu Sharif (Swat) the rate of approximately 0.5° during summer aff ects both hu- and maize, and fruits in diff erent tion and pattern along with rise It said that maize crop was headed the centre, said severe has increased during the last two Celsius per decade. man beings and crops,” Zulfi qar districts of Pakistan’s northwest in temperature had been per- aff ected due to the shortage of change in the pattern of rainfall decades while rainfall in Chitral He said the annual mean rain- said. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) prov- ceived by farmers. water and rise in temperature had resulted in the loss of normal has decreased. fall in 1999-2008 in Chitral was The expert said deforestation ince in recent years. “Unfortunately, it has not been in Lakki Marwat, Nowshera and yield of diff erent crops in the dis- The minimum temperature recorded 450.9mm, which had and reforestation were going side A report by the Climate realised by the planners and re- Lower Dir. tricts. of Saidu Sharif has recorded decreased to 434.9mm in 2009- by side in the country while har- Change Centre of the Peshawar searchers, whereas the livelihood Similarly, rice cultivation is af- “Major reason of the changing 10-15% increase in the summer 2018. vesting of trees in rural areas had University of Agriculture reveals of the farmers particularly small fected throughout the province pattern in rainfall is deforestation season, while the maximum tem- Pakistan has been declared the decreased because of supply of that the climate change had seri- farmers is at risk and will further except in Upper Dir and Shangla, and as a result, the ratio of carbon perature in Kakul also shows 10% seventh most vulnerable country natural gas. ous repercussions for the farming aggravate in future,” said the re- while the production of citrus, in the air has also increased,” he increase. to climate changes in the world. He said that forestation could sector of the food-defi cit prov- port. apples and peer is gradually de- said, adding that the issue could Director of the Regional Me- The climate experts say that increase rainfall and control air ince. The study was conducted in creasing due to climate change. be handled through massive for- teorological Centre in Peshawar, the risks related to climate and land pollution but the issue It added that the changing northern, central and southern Another emerging issue is that estation. Syed Mushtaq Ali Shah, while change could not be handled only of global warming could not be weather pattern was also taking regions of the province. sources of surface water, espe- The climate analysis of the last commenting on the changes, said by increasing forest covered area addressed only through foresta- a toll on livestock due to wide- Abbottabad, Buner, Bannu, cially springs, have either dried 20 years of KP conducted by the the daytime temperature had of the country. tion. spread diseases associated with Nowshera, Mansehra, Lower Dir, or are drying and water table is Peshawar Meteorological Sta- increased in winter, while tem- They stressed for adopting ho- “We need land zoning, wa- abrupt changes in climate, while Upper Dir, Mardan, Shangla and decreasing throughout the prov- tion also showed 25% decrease perature in summer had slightly listic approach to cope with the ter management, construction production had decreased due to Lakki Marwat districts were se- ince. in rainfall in winter in Peshawar decreased aff ecting the yield of issue of global warming. of small dams and promotion of the unavailability of fodder and lected for fi eld study. “The water table has been low- and 40% increase in the summer fruits in Peshawar and its sur- Dr Zulfi qar, a climate expert, green building concept to cope balanced diet. The report revealed that with ered to more than 200’ in central rainfall along with increase in off rounding areas. who teaches at the University of with the climate change,” he said. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 10, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES ICC cannot order arrest Duterte rules of president: Panelo

By Divina NJD Cruz Manila Times out deal with he International Criminal Court (ICC) cannot order the arrest of TPresident Rodrigo Duterte be- cause it has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, Palace spokesman Salva- dor Panelo has said. Panelo was reacting to former Bayan Muna party-list representative Neri water service Colmenares’ statement that the ICC might request for a warrant of arrest against Duterte once the preliminary examination on allegations of crimes Salvador Panelo: dismissing claim against humanity in relation to his war against drugs campaign was con- It would take long, assuming there is cotics trade campaign. The Philip- cluded. Panelo dismissed the claim as jurisdiction, but there is none as far pines became a party to the Rome a “fervent wish.” as we’re concerned,” Panelo said. Statute, which created the ICC, on providers “That will never happen,” Panelo On Saturday, the Palace official Nov 1, 2011. said in a radio interview. He stressed said the ICC’s insistence to investi- Duterte, however, submitted a By Divine DL Cruz that the ICC could not enforce a war- gate the government’s drug was an formal notice of revocation of its Manila Times rant of arrest since it has no jurisdic- “utter disrespect” to the Philippines, membership from the ICC on March tion in the country. an “independent country” that has a 17, 2019. “Issuing a warrant is ineffective. working justice system. The ICC’s preliminary examina- resident Rodrigo Duterte has How can that be enforced?” Panelo The ICC, in its 2019 preliminary tion of Duterte’s drug war, which was refused to enter into any agree- added. examination activities report, said launched by prosecutor Fatou Ben- Pment with the Manila Water He explained that the ICC must it intended to conclude its initial re- souda, pushed through in February Co and Maynilad Water Services Inc, first determine if it can have juris- view of Duterte’s drug war by 2020 2018, noting that it has jurisdiction maintaining that the water fi rms com- diction after the preliminary exami- to determine the possible necessity over the possible crimes perpetrated mitted “economic plunder.” nation. to conduct a full-blown investiga- during the period the Philippines was “They said they wanted to talk, “After that, there would be a trial. tion into the Philippines’ anti-nar- a state party to the Rome Statute. there’s a folder there. No, I will not talk. I want to talk to all the people, all the lawyers,” Duterte said. “There will be no negotiations un- til I talk to the concessionaires and all those lawyers behind these contracts,” Retired drug agency offi cer shot dead he added. The president slammed the “on- erous” provisions in the concession By Dexter A See but residing at Cuanso Road, Santo abandoned helmet and a motorcycle agreements that would hold the gov- Manila Times Nono, Bakakeng Central, Baguio City. along Suell Village. ernment liable for the billions of pesos Initial police report said the shoot- Police believe the suspect is still incurred by the companies. ing happened at 7.20 am in front of hiding somewhere in the city. Baguio “It’s like this. They fi x the rate for olice have launched a hot pursuit Hercules Bar on Marcos Highway. The City is turning to be a killing fi eld of the people of the Philippines. We sur- operation against a gunman who victim, who was on board his Toyo- hired killers. render that sovereignty to them. They Rodrigo Duterte: critical of agreements Pshot and killed a retired agent ta Hilux pick-up, sustained several In December 2018, Imam Bedejim will be the one to raise rates. When of the Philippine Drug Enforcement gunshot wounds. The suspect fl ed on Abdullah, 55, a theology teacher at the they raised the rates we didn’t concur der,” he added. The chief executive also present administration because al- Agency (PDEA) yesterday morning board a motorcycle. Philippine Military Academy, was also immediately, so they incurred losses. slammed the renewal of the contract though signed, it is not yet being im- along Marcos Highway. A boy who witnessed the incident shot dead by a still unidentifi ed killer. We paid P3bn. During my time, I don’t even before the contract expired. plemented,” he said. City Police Director Col. Allen Rae was in shock as he was near the gun- In April this year, an unknown gun- know what losses, now it’s P7bn,” Du- “The contract is supposed to expire “It is not yet implementable be- Co identifi ed the victim as Samuel man when the shooting started. Pur- man killed Joan Lee Japson Arca, 34, a terte said. 2037,” Duterte said. cause we are still in 2019 within the Lopez Mora, 58, a native of Zambales, suing police operatives recovered an nurse. He said that “trillions” have been Sen. Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel lifetime of the original contract. Is “stolen” from the people through un- 3rd said the government should disre- there anyone who extends the valid- fi nished water treatment facilities and gard the deal forged between the Ar- ity of a contract in the middle of the the corporate income taxes that have royo administration and the two water original lifetime of the contract?” he been passed on to the consumers. fi rms. The supply contract with May- stressed. “The fact alone that all these years nilad and Manila Water is valid until “The government should make it we were paying a fee for water treat- 2022. But the Arroyo government ex- clear that they’re now disregarding, ment but it never came into being all tended the agreement to 2037. revoking the extension, but hon- these years. Then corporate income tax The senator however, said “the ouring the existing agreement up to was passed on to the Filipino people,” (Arroyo) administration could not tie 2022. Then start the process by 2020, Duterte said. the hands of the Duterte administra- 2021 of looking for new concession- “How are we going to settle that? tion.” aires, announcing before the search How will I compromise? That’s plun- “All I am trying to say is that the the new terms of the concession der. That is the classic economic plun- extension can be disregarded by the agreement,” he said. Agency seeks regular reshuffl e of offi cials

By William B Depasupil should also be a Commission on Audit for civil work projects,” Luna said. Manila Times representative, and a PACC-accredit- “This may not be happening only ed private sector partner sitting in the in district engineering offi ces of the BAC. Politicians and their representa- DPWH but also in other line agencies he Presidential Anti-Corrup- tives should also stay clear of biddings, implementing infrastructure projects,” tion Commission (PACC) has he said. Luna earlier disclosed that the he said. Tasked Public Works and High- blacklisted contractors use the license The PACC, he added, will discuss ways Secretary Mark Villar to regularly of contractors on good standing with the anomaly with Villar or conduct ONE SMOKER. rotate public works offi cials at the pro- DPWH in exchange for a fee or a cut in joint operations to nab the scheming vincial and district levels and reorgan- the contract. contractors and their co-conspirators. ise bids and awards committees to pre- Luna said he has documents to prove In its 2018 report, the PACC named vent familiarisation with contractors that unscrupulous contractors con- the DPWH as the most corrupt agency and stop rampant corruption. nived with corrupt DPWH offi cials. of the government. TWO PATIENTS. PACC Commissioner Manuelito Such unholy alliances were preva- Villar admitted that some fl y-by- Luna made the proposal yesterday, lent in DPWH district engineering of- night contractors use the licenses of following his expose that suspended, fi ces and regional offi ces, he said. big contractor fi rms through the help banned and blacklisted contractors “As of late, my offi ce, not the en banc of infl uential personalities to bag big still do business with the DPWH and of the PACC, has received reports, contracts which they were not capable even bag contracts. backed up by documents and expert of doing. “All (DPWH) regional directors and opinion, about a scheme wherein some “We will be strict on accreditation. district engineers (DEs) should be reg- fl agged and even blacklisted contrac- We won’t allow those using the license ularly rotated and all bids and awards tors borrow or use the licences of good of other contractors. We will be strict committees (BACs) reorganised,” Luna performing contractors for a fee or on equipment and we will also check told Manila Times, adding that there royalty to be able to take in the biddings their fi nancial capability,” Villar said. TOBACCO KILLS

Flooding causes damages worth millions

By Leander C Domingo Manila Times/Santiago City

armers of Isabela province have lost more than P259.8mn worth Fof crops, livestock and infra- structure during widespread fl ooding in the province, according to the Pro- vincial Disaster Risk Reduction Man- agement Offi ce (PDRRMO). PDRRMO chief Basilio Dumlao over the weekend said the initial estimated losses would possibly increase after consolidation of reports being gath- ered by diff erent government agencies. “There is still a possibility that dam- age will shoot up after the level of wa- Residents collect wood for home use from a flooded rice field caused by ter has receded,” Dumlao added. Typhoon Kammuri in Ilagan. Data from the PDRRMO showed that the damage on palay (unmilled rice) “We are now conducting an aerial Four municipalities and two cities in and corn has already reached P240mn survey on heavily fl ooded areas to be Isabela province were mostly aff ected and livestock, P1.8mn. able to properly respond to the needs by the fl ooding – Cabagan, Delfi n Al- Dumlao said the estimated damage of those who have been severely af- bano, Tumauini and Sta. Maria and Issued in Public Interest by GULF TIMES to infrastructure is at P18mn. fected,” he added. Cauayan City and Ilagan City. Gulf Times 22 Tuesday, December 10, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Professionalising local law enforcement in the United States

US Attorney-General William Barr showed a bad grasp of history and modern thinking with his veiled warning to communities not to criticise the police. His comments on Tuesday at an event in Washington, DC, show a tin ear to the committed eff orts by law enforcement agencies across the nation to improve relations with the communities they serve. They also ignore the Justice Department’s own commendable history – especially in the South – of professionalising local police agencies and bringing them into the modern age. Barr made his remarks – of all places – at an awards Global heating plus inequality ceremony honouring offi cers – in part for their success in community policing. He noted that some Vietnam War veterans, upon returning home, bore the brunt of Americans’ opposition to the war, and that it took decades for the nation to realise “the respect and gratitude owed is a recipe for chaos them was not given.” Barr likened the criticisms of police to the treatment of By Maisa Rojas index (the most widely used measure the impacts of the climate crisis become to back down. These, along with events those veterans. And he said communities must be more London of inequality). The latest survey by the more intense, we can expect more in Santiago, demonstrate that we need Chilean government shows that the displacement and more unrest. Not just to pay attention to social and cultural supportive of police or risk losing protection. “They have richest 10% of the Chilean population in Chile but around the world. impacts, too. to start showing, more than they do, the respect and t’s a grey winter day as I walk has 39 times more income than the But it’s not just the direct eff ects of Addressing those problems might feel support that law enforcement deserves,” Barr said. “And if through the UN climate conference poorest 10% – worse than it was in 2015. climate change that have the potential like adding even more complexity to an communities don’t give that support and respect, they may (known as COP25) in Madrid. The The same survey shows that more to cause social instability. The way already uphill struggle. In the long run, fi nd themselves without the police protection they need.” Ipavilions and rooms all have the than a million people live in poverty, we respond to those eff ects – if done however, only if social demands are met names of cities, regions and rivers in almost 400,000 in extreme poverty. without care and consent – can threaten will ambitious and rapid climate action There is no parallel Chile. They’re especially familiar to me: Not only that, more than half of workers even more social turbulence. be feasible. “If communities between America’s as well as being scientifi c co-ordinator earn less than 400,000 pesos (£390) In order to achieve the Paris The good news is that addressing division over Vietnam and for COP25, I’m director of Chile’s Cen- a month. To put that in context, the Agreement goal – limiting warming social issues alongside the climate crisis don’t give that protests in some cities tre for Climate and Resilience Research. average monthly rent in Santiago is to 1.5C – the global community has the potential to generate powerful, today over allegations It’s all a stark reminder that we should 300,000 pesos. needs transformations that are long-lasting solutions. In Chile, one support and be in Santiago. At first glance, other than unprecedented in scale and scope. of the measures to achieve carbon of police misconduct. But on 18 October 2019, the president disrupting a climate summit, this kind Only recently we heard from the UN neutrality is phasing out coal power respect, they The returning veterans of Chile declared a state of emergency of social unrest doesn’t seem to have that, to reach this target, the world plants. The closures come with a host were wrongly pilloried and instituted a curfew to quell three much to do with the climate crisis. But needs to reduce the emissions of of benefi ts, from better air quality to may fi nd for carrying out offi cial days of public unrest that started look again. greenhouse gases every year by about – eventually – cheaper energy. Those government policy. because of an increase in metro fares. We know that climate change acts 7%. Part of the work that needs to be who work in the industry, however, themselves The outbreak of anger was summed up as an amplifi er of social inequality, accomplished by this climate meeting are naturally concerned about their Yet the protests today by the message, “This is not about 30 disproportionately aff ecting the most and the next one, which will be held employment rights. If the government without the are directed at specifi c pesos, it is about 30 years”, referring to vulnerable. Think for example about in Glasgow in 2020, is that countries can support the community through incidents of outlier discontent lasting three decades, which heatwaves, of which we saw several must become much more ambitious the transition, they will emerge into police protection behaviour by individual appeared on walls across the city and on this year. The impacts of such extreme about their commitments. a better, cleaner and safer future. In offi cers in distinct cities. social media. The protests ultimately events are experienced very diff erently Can we implement these other words, making sure “no one is left they need” To equate the two and to led to COP25’s move to Madrid. depending on whether you have access transformations without addressing behind” is key. The movement they spawned to air conditioning or whether you all the other social challenges that our It is crucial that the connection confl ate concern over police misconduct with contempt for continues to this day. Its demands have a park or green space close by. The countries face? Clearly not. The Chilean between social and climate upheaval is law enforcement paints a false picture of what’s going on. are wide-ranging: better pensions, ability to recover from the impact of crisis illustrates this very vividly, made clear in Madrid – otherwise we Take a recent example in Tampa. The city drew fire education, health, a minimum wage; a tropical storm also depends on your highlighting the great social, economic will have lost the opportunity to learn after a 2015 investigation by the Tampa Bay Times found but also water rights and action on access to insurance or fi nance, and to and environmental obstacles ahead of that every crisis should bring. As the that Tampa police were disproportionately stopping and environmental degradation. What natural resources such as water. us. Climate emergency plus growing delegates walk to their negotiations, I they have in common is their roots in In Chile, just a month before the inequality is a recipe for chaos. hope the names they pass – of rivers, citing black bicyclists. The Times analysed more than a profoundly unequal society that can social crisis exploded, we saw the We can see what happens when regions and cities of Chile – serve as a 10,000 bicycle tickets Tampa police issued in the past be traced back to Augusto Pinochet’s fi rst internal displacement as a result those whose social demands have reminder. - Guardian News and Media dozen years and found that even though blacks make up dictatorship. The economic framework of the climate crisis. A 10-year-long been ignored are asked to contribute about a quarter of the city’s population, they received he instituted has hardly changed since drought has resulted in many small- to the climate eff ort: the gilets jaunes  Maisa Rojas is the scientifi c co- 79% of the bike tickets. The uproar prompted the city the return of democracy in the 90s. scale and subsistence animal farmers (yellow vests) movement in France grew ordinator for the COP25 climate summit, But why did this violence and rage losing their livelihoods. In the same up in response to rising fuel prices. director of Chile’s Centre for Climate to change course. The police chief at the time, Jane explode so suddenly? Chile ranks as one areas, competition for water is fi erce Protests in Ecuador, over an end to fuel and Resilience Research, and a visiting Castor, later admitted it was a mistake. In April, she was of the most unequal countries among between local people and agriculture, subsidies, brought the capital Quito to professor at the Environmental Change overwhelmingly elected mayor. the OECD nations according to the Gini particularly avocado producers. So as a standstill and forced the government Institute, University of Oxford. Police agencies throughout the region and the country have worked for years to build stronger relationships in their communities. They recognise the actions of a single offi cer can taint an entire force. Rather than turn their backs on complaints, local agencies have largely been out front. And their leaders have set high disciplinary standards that foster confi dence in the community. Barr’s comments also diminish his department’s legacy of rooting out corruption and abuse by local law enforcement for decades. The federal government’s steady hand has been instrumental in professionalising local law enforcement, especially during the segregationist period in the South. Even in 2016, the Justice Department helped Tampa recover from its biking-while-black scandal, issuing a series of recommendations that it shared with 17,000 law enforcement agencies across the nation. That’s the sense of duty by those in uniform the attorney general apparently missed. - Tribune News Service

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© 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Demonstrators are hit by water cannon during a protest in Santiago. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 10, 2019 23 COMMENT Why do so many people believe Trump will win?

By Stuart Rothenberg to 270 electoral votes. We now have Arizona and Florida, two interesting Washington, DC plenty of data to help us examine the states that off er Democrats serious president’s re-election prospects. But opportunities next year.) do the Democrats have anyone who There are relatively few highly often hear people predicting can take advantage of Trump’s political regarded polls in these and other swing President Donald Trump’s re- problems? states, and that undoubtedly has added election. Some are conservatives As everyone knows, the Democratic to Democratic anxiety. Iand Trump supporters who echo fi eld is a mess. All the hopefuls have So has a series of New York Times/ the president’s unfailing optimism. serious blemishes or huge question Siena College polls showing close But others are Democrats who can’t marks about their appeal. races for various challengers to resist embracing a gloom-and-doom Senators Bernie Sanders and Trump. scenario. Elizabeth Warren seem dug in too But again, we are talking about a I usually ask those people why they far on the left, while former Vice- handful of polls in states that are not think Trump will win a second term. President Joe Biden doesn’t show the early in the nominating process. They sometimes mention Russia or sharpness and agility that Democrats In other words, states where swing the makeup of the Democratic fi eld or are looking for. voters have not really focused on the the economy. Often, they point out South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete candidates. that Trump’s base remains solid and Buttigieg is a terrifi c speaker, but he’s The state polls show mixed results, that angry white men will carry him to young, and nobody is sure whether some showing Trump ahead and others a second term. minority voters will ever get excited suggesting that Biden, at least, has I understand those views, but I was about his candidacy. a narrow but clear general election trained as a political scientist to look at Senator Cory Booker hasn’t gotten advantage. the empirical evidence, not my hopes traction so far, and while Senator Amy For now, there is simply no empirical or fears. Klobuchar is well-positioned for a reason to believe that Trump will win The problem, of course, is knowing general election, it’s hard to see her next year. exactly which empirical evidence breaking out from the pack. In fact, the evidence is not is predictive and which could be There are others, of course, compelling in either direction. A misleading. including Michael Bloomberg, but all strong Democratic turnout, including In 2016, many of us looked at the have a very long way to go to win the votes from people who voted third wrong evidence – national public Democratic nomination. party the last time or skipped the opinion polls that accurately found But Democrats who whine about presidential race entirely, would put Hillary Clinton winning by at least the fi eld and its uncertain fate against the president in a substantial electoral a couple of points (she won by 2.1 Trump ought to remember that most hole. percentage points) – but we ignored fi elds seeking to challenge a sitting On the other hand, poor minority the states, fi guring that a 2-point president look unimpressive. turnout would create a challenging victory would automatically translate The contenders invariably look too US President Donald Trump hosts an event honouring those working for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and environment for the eventual into an Electoral College win as well. old or too young. They’re mediocre Customs Border Protection at the White House in Washington, US, August 20, 2018. Democratic nominee. It wasn’t an unreasonable speakers or political lightweights For the moment, all we can safely assumption, considering that Al Gore without the necessary experience. problems, polling doesn’t off er many president by 5 to 8 points. Of course, we all have discounted say is that polls continue to confi rm won the popular vote by just over They lack charisma or carry personal reasons to believe that Trump will win Those same polls show Biden national polls because of what that Trump is in deep trouble, with a 500,000 votes in 2000 but lost the or political baggage. Or they have a second term – or that his electoral leading Trump by 10 to 12 points. happened three years ago. But if the job approval rating that no incumbent Electoral College by a few hundred bragged about grabbing women in their fate is sealed. Even Sanders, who is outside the Democratic nominee wins not by president seeking re-election would Florida chads. private places. Virtually all the reputable national political mainstream, leads Trump by 2 points but by 6 or 8, it would be want. Clinton won the popular vote by None of these hopefuls could win – polls show the president is in serious 6 to 9 points in most surveys (again diffi cult for Trump to win at least 270 So regardless of whether you just under 3mn votes, a far more but, of course, some did. trouble, and I’m not just referring to excluding Emerson, which always electoral votes. support the president or oppose substantial popular vote victory than The party’s eventual nominee will his job approval numbers in the low- seems to be an outlier). Democratic nervousness seems him, put aside your hopes, dreams Gore had, yet she lost more crucial answer some questions simply by to-mid 40s. There are a few polls showing trial to stem primarily from a handful of and phobias for at least another few states than Gore did. winning the nomination. And the Apart from Emerson College polls heats of Trump-Buttigieg, but the few polls in a few crucial states, including months, when we may have a better Lesson learned. The focus this general election campaign will likely showing a virtual dead heat between reputable surveys suggest anything the three key Great Lakes states that handle on the Democratic race and cycle is much more on the Electoral answer the rest. Trump and Warren, most national from an even race to Buttigieg up by a Clinton lost: Michigan, Pennsylvania the general election. – Tribune News College and the key states that add up But even with the Democrats’ surveys show Warren leading the half-dozen points. and Wisconsin. (They seem to ignore Service

Celebrating International Human Rights Day Three-day forecast

TODAY other cruel, inhumane, or degrad- reforms, marking a momentous step and standing up for human rights. Maximum Temperature : 270c ing treatment or punishment. forward in upholding the rights of How can we do this? We can all Minimum Temperature : 210c They also enshrined rights like the migrant workers. We look forward to educate ourselves about human WEDNESDAY freedoms of religion or belief, ex- watching the full implementation of rights, learning about the rights Maximum Temperature : 250c pression, association, and peaceful such reforms including the removal guaranteed under the UDHR Minimum Temperature : 190c assembly. Under the UDHR, every of exit permits for all workers, and about current human rights THURSDAY human being in the world can claim the establishment of a mandatory challenges around the world. We Maximum Temperature : 240c these rights as their own birthright, minimum wage, fuller and more can all stand against abuse and join Minimum Temperature : 180c regardless of their citizenship or timely access to the judicial system, the call for accountability, drawing allegiance. and use of existing anti-trafficking attention to states that abuse human Fisherman's forecast We note some positive steps Qatar legislation in court cases. rights and urging them to uphold WARNING has taken over the last year, such as The Doha International Centre their commitments to respect human Inshore : Expected thundery rain associated with strong signing both the UN’s International for Interfaith Dialogue will host an rights. We can urge our governments wind Covenant on Civil and Political Interfaith Conference March 2020 to speak up when abuses take place Offshore : Expected thunder rain Rights (ICCPR) and International and the US embassy will attend to elsewhere in the world. We can associated with stong learn more about enhancing religious demand that nations uphold the wind and high sea Covenant on Economic, Social, and WEATHER By William Grant Cultural Rights (ICESCR) as well as freedom in Qatar. tenets of the UDHR. Inshore : Partly cloudy to cloudy passing a law on the regulation of The UDHR’s diverse group of I can assure you that the with a chance of rain may be thundery at political asylum. In May of this year, drafters found a common purpose in United States and its people places and blowing s we celebrate the Inter- in Geneva, Qatar participated in its the universal rights they outlined. remain committed to human dust at times national Human Rights Universal Periodic Review where the They understood that the nations of rights protections, and we call Offshore : Partly cloudy to cloudy Day on December 10, we Qatar delegation highlighted the US- the world had a duty to one another: on our Qatari friends to join us in with scattered rain, thunder at times are reminded that on this Qatari partnership to combat human to stand up for human dignity and advocating for every person around WIND A Inshore : Northeasterly-South- day in 1948 the UN General Assem- trafficking and improve workers’ protect the human rights to which the globe to enjoy the universal bly adopted the Universal Declara- rights. every person is entitled. It is not human rights enshrined in the easterly 05-15/30 KT Offshore : Northeasterly-South- tion of Human Rights (UDHR). The The International Labour only governments that have this UDHR. easterly 08-18/35 KT courage of our forebears deter- Organisation opened its Doha-based duty. Governments are, after all, Visibility : 4-8/2 KM mined that all individuals should office in 2018 and this October composed of individuals. Every  William Grant is US Embassy Offshore : 3-5/12 FT enjoy protections from torture and Qatar announced sweeping labour person has a role to play in protecting Charge d’Affaires in Doha, Qatar. Around the region Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Baghdad Cloudy 18/11 P Cloudy 18/08 Kuwait City S Showers 20/14 M Sunny 21/12 Manama Rain 23/21 S Showers 24/19 Muscat Sunny 27/22 P Cloudy 27/22 Air of menace as Britain’s election gets nasty Tehran Sunny 11/03 P Cloudy 09/01

AFP Dems in Bath, southwest England, unfavourable territory as the Greenwich, a “Remain”-backing Braintree, UK has received a stream of anonymous Braintree constituency voted heavily area of southeast London. letters. in favour of Britain’s departure from Nonetheless, she does not go out She informs the police of her the European Union. alone, and never accepts invitations to andidates hoping to be campaign movements and always Conservative Party co-chairman step indoors despite the wintry cold. elected to parliament in carries an alarm button in her James Cleverly is the favourite to “It’s definitely more aggressive” Britain have faced all man- pocket. retain his seat, winning last time than before, she said. Cner of threats and abuse in In recent days, her election with 63% of the vote. Frustrated “Brexiteers” see her as a particularly hostile campaign, with placards have regularly been The fear for candidates’ safety is a someone “trying to block what they some worried for their safety when destroyed by unknown assailants, reminder of the terrifying scenes in see is the biggest democratic project out canvassing. “with such force that I ask myself 2016 when pro-EU Labour MP Jo Cox for decades”, she said. When one man on Facebook what would happen if we crossed was murdered by a gun-and knife- On the doorstep, people are “polite Around the world threatened a violent attack on paths”, she said. wielding neo-Nazi sympathiser. to you” but once indoors they could Weather Weather Dominic Graham, the would-be MP The number of alleged crimes In November, a man was jailed for 12 be on Twitter “calling you all kinds today Max/min tomorrow Max/min immediately called the police, who reported by MPs more than doubled months for sending a letter to Change of names”, she said, adding that Athens Rain 17/12 Showers 17/10 made an arrest. from 151 in 2017 to 342 last year, UK MP Anna Soubry reading: “Cox social media had become “a lot more Beirut Showers 18/14 P Cloudy 21/17 It was far from an isolated case in senior police chief Neil Basu told a was fi rst, you are next”. toxic in this environment”. Bangkok Sunny 30/18 Sunny 31/18 the run-up to Thursday’s snap polls, parliamentary committee in May. Several MPs, including two who Graham said his campaign Berlin Sunny 05/01 S Showers 04/02 called on the increasingly divisive The first four months of 2019 served in Prime Minister Boris manager runs his Facebook page. Cairo P Cloudy 24/14 Cloudy 22/14 issue of Brexit. saw a 90% year-on-year increase Johnson’s cabinet, Amber Rudd and “She gets the full brunt of the Cape Town Cloudy 25/17 P Cloudy 24/17 Graham is standing for the third to 152 -- a trend on course to lead to Nicky Morgan, are not standing abuse and threats,” he said, adding: Colombo T Storm 29/24 S T Storms 29/24 time for the centrist, pro-EU Liberal “certainly over 450 crimes this year”, again, citing threats and harassment. “Abusive messages and comments Dhaka Sunny 28/17 Sunny 28/17 Democrats, who want to cancel he said. As for the source of the threats, coming at such a rate that she can’t Hong Kong Sunny 19/14 Sunny 21/16 Brexit altogether. Women and ethnic minorities “many of them are from the more delete them fast enough.” Istanbul Sunny 13/05 S Showers 14/08 “We didn’t see anything close to are disproportionately targeted in right-wing, very Brexit side who see Official security guidance to Jakarta T Storm 31/24 S T Storms 32/25 the threats we’ve been getting in this particular, said Britain’s top police some politicians as being traitors to candidates includes taking active Karachi Sunny 27/19 P Cloudy 28/18 campaign,” he told AFP, comparing officer Cressida Dick. that”, said analyst Alexandra Kellert, steps on personal safety, keeping London Showers 12/04 S Showers 09/02 2019 with his previous election bids. The toxic atmosphere is from the global risk consultancy records of abuse, limiting online Manila P Cloudy 30/24 P Cloudy 30/24 When he went knocking on doors “unprecedented”, she said, citing Control Risks. personal information and reporting Moscow S Showers 03/02 Rain&Snow 03/-7 in a residential part of Braintree, a “polarised opinions” changing the “You might start by writing why intimidation or abuse to internet New Delhi Sunny 23/10 P Cloudy 22/14 town in Essex, northeast of London, nature of protest activity following you disagree with them on Twitter service providers. New York Rain 16/01 Snow 05/-3 he made sure he was accompanied the 2016 Brexit referendum. or Facebook. And then that might However, the hostile atmosphere Paris M Cloudy 08/06 Showers 08/03 by a fellow Lib Dem activist, in “The abuse that we’ve had has develop into stronger feelings,” she is not enough to discourage all those Sao Paulo S T Storms 25/19 S T Storms 25/20 line with police and party security been Brexit-related – all of it,” added. candidates standing for Britain’s 650 Seoul P Cloudy 13/06 P Cloudy 09/-4 instructions. said Graham, sheltering under an Lib Dem candidate Rhian seats in parliament. Singapore T Storm 29/25 T Storm 28/25 Ever since entering parliament umbrella in his party’s yellow and O’Connor does not feel “Democracy doesn’t work if Sydney Cloudy 30/18 P Cloudy 22/17 in 2017, the German-born Wera black colours. particularly concerned when she everyone stays at home,” said Tokyo Cloudy 13/06 Cloudy 15/07 Hobhouse, standing for the Lib He is campaigning on goes doorknocking after dark in Hobhouse. Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, December 10, 2019 QATAR

Amir holds talks with Rwandan president, attends agreement signing ceremony

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, accompanied by Rwandan President Kagame, is greeted by Rwandan off icials.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani presenting an award to a winner yesterday.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Rwandan President Paul Kagame His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Rwandan President Paul Kagame exchanging documents at the Kigali attended the signing of three agreements between the governments of the two countries on the Convention Centre Garden yesterday. sidelines of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award ceremony held at Kigali Convention Centre yesterday. His Highness the Amir and the Rwandan president attended the signing of an acquisition agreement of 60% of Bugesera Airport shares, a shareholders’ agreement and a guarantee agreement between Qatar Airways and the Rwandan air transport company. The signing ceremonies were attended by members of the off icial delegation accompanying His Highness the Amir and a number of Rwandan ministers and high-ranking off icials.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani being accorded a ceremonial send-off by Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and other yesterday. off icials at the award ceremony in Kigali yesterday.

‘Anti-Corruption Award refl ects emphasis on sustainable development goals’

QNA ruption and establishing the rule ber 2015. The award is presented of Europe which were all estab- Kigali of law. annually on the International lished on the basis of justice and He stressed that Sheikh Tamim Anti-Corruption Day, which falls the rule of law, noting that those Bin Hamad Al Thani Internation- on December 9, in honour and civilisations ended only when E the United Nations al Anti-Corruption Excellence appreciation of those who con- they were unable to implement Special Advocate for the Award has attracted internation- tributed to the global campaign justice and respect the rule of HPrevention of Corrup- al media attention from all coun- against corruption. law. tion and Chairman of the Board tries and international organisa- The award stems from the be- HE Dr al-Marri highlighted of Trustees of the Rule of Law tions who saw the impact of this lief of the State of Qatar in the the prominent role carried out by and Anti-Corruption Center award in past editions and its ef- need to work hard to combat Rwandan President Paul Kagame (ROLACC) Dr Ali bin Fetais al- fectiveness in promoting a global the scourge of corruption in the in transferring his country, with- Marri praised His Highness the culture of fi ghting corruption. world because of its grave danger in 15 years, from a country suff er- Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad He noted that choosing the to the future of nations and their ing from civil wars and famine to al-Thani for attending the cer- Rwandan capital Kigali to dis- progress and the welfare of peo- the eighth developing economy emony of Sheikh Tamim Bin Ha- tribute the awards refl ects the ples. in the world. mad Al Thani International Anti- appreciation of the State of Qa- HE Dr al-Marri hailed the con- Addressing the Rwandan pres- Corruption Excellence Award, tar and the United Nations to the tinued support of His Highness ident, Dr al-Marri added, “You which was held in the Rwandan role played by Rwandan Presi- the Amir to the United Nations to have fought corruption and so capital, Kigali, yesterday. dent Paul Kagame in combating achieve the Sustainable Develop- you have made a strong economy In a statement to Qatar News corruption and building the state ment Goals. in which growth continues ... Agency (QNA), HE Dr al-Marri of law and justice, after his suc- This support stems from His You have fought corruption and said that His Highness the Amir’s cess in leading Rwanda towards HE the United Nations Special Advocate for the Prevention of Corruption and Chairman of the Board Highness the Amir’s belief in the so you have been able to bring attendance and honouring of the reconciliation, construction, of Trustees of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Center (ROLACC) Dr Ali bin Fetais al-Marri (centre) importance of the justice and in a foreign investor looking for winners of this annual award af- progress and prosperity. speaking at the awards event in Kigali, Rwanda, yesterday. the rule of law in building civi- a state of law that preserves his fi rm the keenness of the wise HE Dr al-Marri said that the lisations, HE Dr al-Marri said, in rights from infl uential people leadership on combating cor- specialised committees for se- Mohamed al-Sayyid said in a State of Qatar on strengthening and the UN Special Advocate for his speech at the ceremony hon- .. You have made the Rwandan ruption and give a greater value lecting the award winners are statement to Qatar News Agency the co-operation with the Re- the Prevention of Corruption. ouring the winners of the fourth miracle.” to the award which was an initia- fair, specialised and include elit- that the award with its fourth public of Rwanda and develop- The award was announced edition of Sheikh Tamim Bin HE Dr al-Marri reviewed the tive by His Highness the Amir in es, noting an agreement sched- categories represents a contri- ing the bilateral relations. Sheikh by HE Dr Ali bin Fetais al-Marri Hamad Al Thani International history of Sheikh Tamim Bin Ha- agreement with the former UN uled to be signed soon with the bution by Qatar to the eff orts of Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani In- under the patronage of His High- Anti-Corruption Excellence mad Al Thani International Anti- secretary-general Ban Ki-moon United Nations Institute for combating corruption, promot- ternational Anti-Corruption Ex- ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Award, held at Kigali Convention Corruption Excellence Award, in 2015. Training and Research (UNITAR) ing justice and the rule of law cellence Award was founded by bin Hamad al-Thani during the Centre. noting the organisation of its fi rst HE Dr al-Marri underlined to establish a UN training centre and establishing transparency the Doha-based Rule of Law and Eighth Annual Conference of Dr al-Marri referred to the past edition at the UN headquarters that the award has started to cre- in Rwanda to train UN staff in and good governance, in co-op- Anti-Corruption Center (ROL- the International Association civilisations, starting from the in Vienna, the second at the UN ate a global concept that the sus- Africa. eration with international bodies ACC) which Board of Trustees is of Anti-Corruption Authorities Greek civilisation, to the Roman headquarters in Geneva and the tainable development will not be For his part, ambassador of and organisations. chaired by HE Dr Ali bin Fetais (IAACA), which was held in St civilisation, the Islamic civilisa- third in the Malaysian capital, achieved without fi ghting cor- Qatar to Rwanda Abdullah bin He stressed the keenness of the al-Marri, the Attoreny-General Petersburg, Russia, in Novem- tion and then the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur.