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Thursday 27 April 2017 | 1 Sha'baan 1438 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7144 | 2 Riyals

Emir receives message from Sudanese President Fruits and Qatar tops vegetables to be monitored ICAO security Huda N V The Peninsula

CLOSE on the heels of the United Arab Emirates ban- ranking ning import of fruits and vegetables from five Middle East countries due to high Sidi Mohamed pesticide levels, Qatar has The Peninsula imposed stringent measures Smart traveller to ensure safety of imported he Hamad Interna- system at HIA will food products. tional Airport (HIA) allow passengers In a circular addressed to has emerged as one to complete the officials at all ports in the of the most secure all procedures country, the Ministry of Pub- and safest airports in electronically. lic Health has asked all Tthe world thanks to state-of- agricultural produce con- the-art technology and devices signments from Lebanon, introduced in the airport, a sen- Oman, Egypt and Jordan to ior official said yesterday. available for citizens and expa- be released only after pesti- HIA is gearing up to imple- triates free of charge. Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has received a written message from President cide analysis. ment its ambitious smart traveler “There is an increase in the of the Republic of Sudan, Omar Hassan Al Bashir, pertaining to bilateral relations and Samples of fruits and system that will allow passen- number of passengers who ways of enhancing them. Director of the Sudanese President's Office, Lt Gen Taha Osman vegetables will be taken to gers to complete all procedures used e- gates during the first analyse the presence of pes- Al Hussein, handed over the message when the Emir met him at Emiri Diwan yesterday. electronically. International Civil quarter of this year, which reg- ticide residues in them. Aviation Organization (ICAO) istered 850,000 passengers, → Continued on page 6 recently ranked Qatar as one of that was achieved by the great the world's top countries in efforts exerted by all bodies implementing civil aviation secu- working at the airport,” Col. Wholesale shops in Abu Hamour to shut rity standards. Muhammad Rashid Al Mazroui, THURSDAY 27, APRIL 2017

Sanaullah Ataullah nbloom depression and anxiety. In addition Of the six million people who Director of Airport Passports outlets operating in the vicinity, A circular dated April 16, ngton Post your greens, add magnesium-ri pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, chickpe 've ever found bliss in a bite and beans to your meals. hocolate or smiled when Blueberries: With a high conte eone offered you a french of antioxidants known as flavonoid then you know food can blueberries help activate bra e you happy. But while it's pathways associated with bett The Peninsula that your favorite treat may cognition and less cellular agin travelled through the Hamad Department said in a press which were shifted to Umm Salal 2017 issued by Doha Municipal- rief emotional lift, sustained Blueberries and blueberry juice a ting brain power can only associated with having a more positi a consistent supply of mood. ods. Oysters: This seafood delicacy zing the difference between high in zinc, a mineral that's not stor of cookie-fueled joy and the by the body and must be consum ects of long-term nutrition daily. Being deficient in zinc is link International Airport (HIA) in the conference yesterday. Central Market on April 9. Ten- ity to these supermarkets reads, health is important. to depression. Other good sources are taking a closer look at zinc include crab, beef, bean an impact your mood and chickpeas and cashews. tive function, and they are Chocolate: Results from systema what you eat does make a reviews indicate cocoa can shake bad moods, and may be protecti a mountain of evidence to against depression. And sippi first quarter of this year, about “The Department now has he Ministry of Municipal- ants have been asked to move out “since the works for development t the well-researched antioxidant-rich hot cocoa increas an diet can help reduce the feelings of contentment and puts peop art disease, cancer and in a happy mood. But since too mu nd good news! That very Foods to eat for a mood boost sugar is negatively associated w is also associated with brain health, choose dark chocolate a mood and a reduced risk of keep portions to a square or two a da and cognitive decline. While many foods provide positi to the Mediterranean eating brain fuel, there are some edibles th 850,000 passengers used the the latest systems in the process ity and Environment has to make way for development and renovation of Abu Hamour mphasize vegetables, fruits, diet is the brain-healthy MIND Diet one singular food that has the most chemicals that affect mood. Low levels have the opposite effect. In contrast whole grains, olive oil and (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for powerful effect on brain health. of B-12 are linked to depression. the Mediterranean-style plan, typic n, while reducing ultra- Neurodegenerative Delay), which is Translation: There's no specific Probiotics: Whether from unhealthy Western diets that inclu fried and sugary foods. based on the same foods but adds extra superfood that will make you happy or supplements or foods, these good excessive amounts of sugar, sa t the real stuff, and cut back emphasis on eating berries, leafy greens improve cognition. Instead, aim for a bacteria are beneficial for more than snacks, processed and fried foods ha d. and nuts. Researchers have found that healthy eating plan with a variety of digestive health. People who take been associated with worsening e-gate service, which is now of checking the travel docu- Tasked the decades old and renovation works in the area. Central Market is about to start, g a collection of nourishing people following the MIND diet have nutritious foods. Here are some brain- probiotics see improvements in their symptoms of depression, and ments, through sophisticated wholesale supermarkets oper- The business owners have urged we would like to inform you that devices which can identify any ating in Abu Hamour Central the authorities concerned to pro- it was decided that the last work- Included with e-gate users surpass fraud attempts, including tech- Market to close their business vide alternative shops in new ing day for all wholesale 850,000 in first nological devices with high by June 30. central markets or give them supermarkets at Central Market today’s edition is a quarter of this year. capabilities. The move follows the closure more time to shift and thus help will be June 30, 2017.” special supplement → Continued on page 3 of fish market and fresh chicken reduce their financial losses. → Continued on page 5 02 HOME THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017

Emir meets CEO of Royal Dutch Shell Emir greets Cabinet nod for President of Tanzania draft law on QNA mir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani bankruptcy Esent yesterday a cable of congratulations to Presi- dent of the United Republic The Peninsula of Tanzania John Pombe Investment rules Magufuli on the occasion of he State Cabinet The draft law is his country's National Day. approved a draft law aimed at creating Deputy Emir H H Sheikh on corporate bank- Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani regulations to ruptcy and prevention and Prime Minister and Inte- improve the at an ordinary session rior Minister H E Sheikh Tchaired by Prime Minister and investment Abdullah bin Nasser bin Kha- Interior Minister H E Sheikh environment in Qatar. lifa Al Thani also sent Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa congratulations to President Al Thani yesterday. Cabinet welcomes of the United Republic of Tan- The Ministry of Economy release of Qatari Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with CEO of Royal Dutch Shell, Ben van zania John Pombe Magufuli and Commerce prepared the citizens kidnapped in Beurden, and his accompanying delegation in Doha yesterday. The meeting reviewed on the occasion of his coun- draft law aiming at improving Iraq and their safe cooperation and means of enhancing them. try's National Day. the investment environment in return to homeland. the state. The law aims at developing a detailed regulation of the pro- return to homeland. visions of corporate bankruptcy Then, the Cabinet reviewed and prevention, taking into topics on the meeting's agenda. Katara bags Arab Tourism Oscar award account international standards The Cabinet approved to in this regard. accede to the Charter of Con- The Cabinet also approved ference on Interaction and The Peninsula with the institutional frameworks a draft law regulating compe- Confidence-Building Measures that come under Qatar’s National tition and its draft executive in Asia (CICA). he Cultural Village Foun- Vision 2030.” regulation. Meanwhile, the Cabinet dation-Katara has bagged “Our pride in the cultural The draft law was prepared approved a draft MoU for coop- Tthe Arab Tourism Oscar successes that the State of Qatar to replace Law No. (19) of 2006 eration in the field of youth award at the ninth Arab Tour- has achieved so far reflects our on the protection of competition between the Government of the ism Media summit held in Dubai. pride in its heritage, identity and and the prevention of monopo- State of Qatar and the Council Katara General Manager Dr prosperity as well, none of which listic practices, as part of the of Ministers of the Republic of Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti would have been possible with- modernization of legislation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a received the award and was also out the comprehensive vision of keep pace with developments. draft MoU for cooperation in granted the title ‘First Government the Emir of the State of Qatar, H Following the meeting, exchanging financial investiga- leader’ that supports Arab tour- H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Deputy Prime Minister and tion between Qatar Financial ism. Al Sulaiti, said: “The award is Thani who has spared no effort Minister of State for Cabinet Information Unit and the a tribute to the ongoing efforts to support our heritage while Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdul- Financial Intelligence Unit of Sri towards excellence which is at the reaching out and welcoming cul- lah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud stated Lanka. core of all the projects done by the tures and practices from other that the Cabinet expressed its The Cabinet reviewed a let- distinguished national team that countries,” he added. sincere thanks and apprecia- ter of the Minister of Economy work at Katara." The President of the Arab tion to the Emir H H Sheikh and Commerce on the results Since its establishment, each Centre for Tourism Media, Hus- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for of the first session of the Qatari- of Katara’s successes can be sein Al-Mannai, said that Qatar’s Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti his huge efforts and sound Kyrgyz Joint Committee for attributed collectively to the victory, which is represented by receiving the award. guidance which resulted in Economic, Commercial and administrative, management and the success of Katara, is a source releasing the Qatari citizens Technical Cooperation (Doha, intellectual efforts to implement of delight for everyone, given the renowned cultural and touristic region synonymous with kidnapped in Iraq and their safe March 2017). our strategy, that is in alignment fact that Katara has become a destination within the Gulf excellence. THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017 HOME 03

QA sponsors HIA to get smart traveller system Aspire First International Continued from page 1 Turki Al-Subaiei, Airport Secu- Also the database of the rity Department Director Kite Festival devices is constantly updated to Brigadier Essa Arrar Al Rumaihi, keep pace with passports of all and HIA Chief Operating Officer The Peninsula types and forms,” Col. Muham- Engineer Badr Muhammad Al mad Rashid Al Mazroui, Director Meer were also present. atar Airways is proud to of Airport Passports Department The results showed that announce its sponsor- added. Qatar scored 99.1 percent in Qship of the Aspire First Airport Security Department applying the guidelines of annex International Kite Festival, Director Brigadier Essa Arrar Al 17 on Safeguarding International which started yesterday at Rumaihi said that the Airport Civil Aviation against Acts of Aspire Park and hosted by Security Department is working Unlawful Interference. Qatar Aspire Zone Foundation. to complete its new vision by also scored 96.76 percent in Teams of professional kite fly- implementing the smart travel- implementing safety manage- ers from 13 countries will be ler system in cooperation with ment and a 100 percent in annex participating in the event the authority of Hamad Interna- FROM LEFT: Col Muhammad Rashid Al Mazroui, Director of Airport Passports Department; 9 on facilitation. showcasing skilful choreogra- tional Airport and the Airport Abdullah Nasser Turki Al Subaie, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority; Brig Essa Arar Al Al Subaiei commended the phies. Visitors can enter a Passports Department. Rumaihi, Director, Airport Security Department; and Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating great support that the civil avi- photo competition using the Once this system is imple- Officer, Hamad International Airport (HIA), addressing the media at a news conference at HIA ation system in Qatar receives hashtags the #AspireKiteFest mented, the traveller will be able yesterday. from the Prime Minister and #Aspire to capture the dynamic to complete all procedures elec- Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula Interior Minister H E Sheikh beauty of the Aspire First Inter- tronically without the Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khal- national Kite Festival. interference of any human ele- luggage searches and are linked 1,000 security personnel to learn held to announce results of a ifa Al Than and Minister of Qatar Airways Senior ment like passing the inspection to cameras to detect any all the security tasks inside the report released by International Transport and Communica- Vice-President Marketing and devices, completion of travel obstructions with passengers. airport. It has also attracted Civil Aviation Organization tions, H E Jassim bin Saif Al Corporate Communications, procedures , weighing bags, issu- The airport security personnel Qatari citizens holding second- (ICAO), which ranked Qatar as Sulaiti which has made great Salam Al Shawa said: “It is ance of boarding pass, use of were also trained on how to use ary school certificate and one of the World's top countries impact on achieving noticea- with great pleasure and pride e-gates and then boarding the and benefit from them, said Al enrolled them in various courses in implementing civil aviation ble position in the world that that Qatar Airways is sponsor- plane. Passengers’ security Rumaihi. of foundation, specialization and security standards. reflected in the results of the ing the first-ever International checks will be completed with- He added that department advancement. Chairman of Qatar Aviation ICAO Universal Security Audit Kite Festival in Doha. Contrib- out the presence of security has so far trained more than The press conference was Authority Abdullah bin Nasser released in last February. uting to events for the local staffs. community promoting edu- “This system will make eas- cation, creativity and family ier for the traveller to complete time is crucial for Qatar Air- the travel procedures in a ways, and reflects our core healthy atmosphere through brand values of Going Places sophisticated electronic meth- Together. The skies of Doha ods,” said the official. are often filled with the iconic He said Qatar has made a Qatar Airways aircraft jetting significant leap in the field of off to one of our over 150 des- civil aviation security through tinations worldwide, and we the efforts of Airport Security greatly look forward to seeing Department, which has intro- these now filled with amazing duced a number of new kite choreography. We hope inspection devices inside the that this type of event will airport. bring even more people to These devices have contrib- explore the wonders of Qatar.” uted to enhancing the security Kholoud Al Hail, CEO of aspects inside the airport by Aspire Katara Hospitality, said: facilitating the movement of “An event of this magnitude, passengers eliminating queues. scale and significance requires They are being used for the first the backing and support of a time in the world at HIA and wide range of organisations are meant for screening and Passengers pass through security screening at Hamad International Airport. across the country. 04 HOME THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017

Deputy PM meets UK special envoy for Horn of Africa Al Attiyah meets Australian Defence Minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud met with Nicholas Kay, UK Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, met Australian UN Special Representative for Somalia, yesterday. They discussed the London Somalia Minister of Defence, Marise Payne, yesterday. They reviewed bilateral relations between both Conference to be held in London in May. They also reviewed bilateral cooperation relations countries especially in the military cooperation field as well as ways to strengthen and develop between Qatar and the UK as well as ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields. them. The meeting was attended by a number of ranking officials of Qatari Armed Forces. Round-table on new arbitration law held

Mohammed Osman Qatar is heading on the right highlighted that article 11 of the or from the business sector under The Peninsula track and the new law is expected New Arbitration Law imposes, tribunal. to make it a hub of commercial arbitrators have been granted a Asked about what makes round-table discussion arbitration in the region, and to general immunity with exception Qatar hub for arbitration in the focusing on liability of achieve this aim there will be con- in cases where they conduct their region and advantages that Qatar arbitrators and arbi- tinuous updating and amendments functions in bad faith, collusion or enjoy to become hub of arbitra- trary institutions and in the rules and laws regulating negligence has been confirmed. tion in the region Rashid Al Asaad immunity of arbitra- arbitration aspects. Arbitrators under the new law pointed out that Qatar’s geograph- torsA under the new Qatari Qatar Financial Center is are required to observe the prin- ical location, high quality facilities arbitration law took place strong quality addition along the ciples of impartiality and equality and services and easy air trans- yesterday. Qatar International Center for between the parties. Some of the port and easy to access, in addition The aim of organising the one- Conciliation and Arbitration participant considered the immu- to well established legal system. day meeting is to highlight the (QICCA) will diversify and increase nity to practitioners provide some Qatar is currently one of the most positive aspects the new arbitra- the options for arbitrators and cus- comfort to arbitrators and foreign preferred destinations for business tion law and how Qatar could tomers in Qatar more than before, FROM LEFT: Dr Hissam Al Talhuni, Dr Ehab Elsonbaty and Claudine arbitrators and investors while and implementing mega infra- become attractive centre for arbi- Al Saad outlined. some others thought that the structure projects including sport, Helan during the meeting, yesterday. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula tration in the region, said Rashid He added, another round- Qatari law put arbitrator’s works education and other activities, he Al Saad, senior partner of Sharq table in mid of May will discuss the under judiciary monitoring. added. Law Firm. Following issuance of selection of arbitrators in light of in light of the new law. Arab and presented by Dr Ehab Maher Participants also discussed Issues like the effect of misun- the arbitration law (in last Febru- the provision of the new law, as International Arbitrators (AIA) Elsonbaty, senior legal counsel at cases arbitrators exposed to crim- derstanding the scope of the ary) Qatar has emerged as a such gathering afforded partici- gatherings round-table on liabil- Qatar Investment Authority, enti- inal sanctions in certain arbitrator’s liability on the use of potential destination to compete pants a wonderful opportunity to ity of arbitrators and arbitral tled “overview on Arbitration in circumstances, appointing arbi- arbitration and the future of arbi- and has a share in the regional and network and discuss important institutions under the new arbi- Qatar insight from the new arbi- trators whether they have to be tration in the region were also global market, he added. issues in commercial arbitration tration law discussed a paper tration law. In his paper Elsonbaty from law firms and law specialist discussed. Centrepoint pilot ‘Store Of The Future’ opens

The Peninsula “Centrepoint new store design is part of our vision to entrepoint, the Middle bring shoppers in the region East’s largest fashion the best-in-class retail experi- Cretailer, heralds the ence. Our store in Doha future of its retail stores with Festival City is a step towards the opening of its re-designed a format for future success and concept format at Doha Festi- of the cornerstones of the fourth-largest retail offering in is part of a dynamic process val City. The new store opened shopping mall with a retail Doha Festival City. towards increasing customer amid high anticipation from space of 58,092 sqft split on 2 The flagship store houses satisfaction and driving sales,” customers on April 5. It is one levels making it the a Café near future, Kids’ Enter- said Simon Cooper, Head of tainment area, and Centrepoint. “Customers have customer-centric shopping responded enthusiastically to environment, where the the new store format, and we future-focused retailer has anticipate successful sales striven to enhance the digital results and a more satisfying experience at its store for the customer experience from this visually-driven millennials and pilot store.” younger families that it is The new store format has increasingly catering to. Inter- been developed by FITCH, active tablets are placed in the one of the world's leading store prompt customers on star retail and brand consultancy products and on-going deals firms. “We were excited by in-store. There will also be free Centrepoint’s brief and are Wifi in the store for thrilled to see the new format customers. come to life. The Centrepoint Service is a key element of team had a clear mandate to the new store, with attention transform the consumer paid to the inclusion of greet- experience within their stores ers at the store front and an and accelerate business suc- increase in Arab speaking cess. Their forward-thinking assistants, and digital naviga- attitude and evolution as a tion consoles to guide digitally focused brand was customers to various sections strategically aligned to our of the store. Interactive iPads vision for our clients and we are available to allow Shukran are proud to have been cho- card members to easily assess sen to work on Centrepoint’s the status of their points and new store,” says David Blair, fitting rooms are equipped CEO, EMEIA at FITCH. with bells to provide immedi- The new Centrepoint store ate assistance to customers in is on the Ground and First level identifying the right size and of Doha Festival City, near the fit of garments. South West parking. A full- Centrepoint has identified range of the brand’s Spring ease of check out as being a Summer 2017 collection is major factor in the in-store being showcased in-store. The experience and the pilot store move marks the opening of provides mobile POS in key Centrepoint’s 6th store in Qatar areas in-store for customers to and the brand is scheduled to shop instantly without waiting open one more store in the in the queue. country in 2017. THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017 HOME 05 Al Jazeera wins several medals at New York Festivals

The Peninsula Television-Documentary on Social Issues category and a Bronze World Medal in the l Jazeera Media Network has Television-Documentary/ National/Inter- won a total of five Gold World national Affairs category. Medals, 14 Silver World Med- People and Power picked up two Sil- als and seven Bronze Medals at ver World Medals for Syria: Under Russia's the prestigious New York Fes- Fist and Borderless: Undercover with the tivalsA awards. A special award of People Smugglers was also awarded a Broadcaster of the year was also awarded Bronze World Medal. to Al Jazeera English, as the channel bagged Witness were awarded two Silver three Gold, twelve Silver, five Bronze and World Medals for Syria's White Helmets 10 Finalist Certificates for various content and Kisulu: The Climate Diaries. Syria's on news, programmes and online. Al White Helmets along with China's Fake Prof. Shirish Soni (centre), Ambassador of South Africa to Qatar, cutting a cake with South African students Jazeera's Investigative Directorate picked Boyfriends were also awarded Finalist Cer- up two Gold, two Silver, two Bronze and tificates as well. Al Jazeera English also and officials of Lulu Group at the opening of South African Food Festival at Lulu Hypermarket in Al Gharrafa, one Finalist Certificate for a variety of picked up three more Silver World Med- yesterday. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula investigations which were aired across the als were awarded to the The Stream, My Nigeria — Sandra Aguebo: Lady Mechanic and the People's Health: Thailand's Remote Lulu hosts South African Food Festival Lifesavers. The episode of UpFront -Islam and Democracy: What's the Problem? Women Make Change - Going Places: Girls' The Peninsula they had received overwhelming Paarman’s Seasoning & Masalas, Oryx Education in Ghana and Al Jazeera Corre- response for the African Food Festi- Condiments, Ceres juices and Bose Ice spondent - Off the Rails - A Journey ulu Hypermarkets have set the val from the expatriates as well as Tea etc. are on display. Through Japan all picked up Finalist stage to host South African Food from the local community. This year Lulu Hypermarket Group has Certificates. LFestival with a view to discover the festival will continue until May 2. long-lasting trade relations with South A row of trophies won by Al Jazeera Al Jazeera English news was awarded the uniqueness of South African food South African cuisines such as Africa, and they are regularly promot- Media Network. a Silver World Medal and a Finalist Certif- and food habits; and to promote the Chakalaka Salad, Pap, Braai and other ing almost all major South African food icate in the Breaking News Story category South African food products in the popular dishes will be prepared by the products in the Middle East through network. 101 East won one Gold World for the coverage of the Turkey Failed Coup. Middle East. This festival was organ- eminent executive chefs from South their hypermarkets. Medal for Good Morning Pakistan in the Senegal: The Continuous Cycle of FGM ised by the Lulu Hypermarket Group Africa. In general, the South African Lulu has set up buying houses Best Public Affairs Programme category. picked up a Silver World Award Medal and in line with their ongoing Food food rewards an unforgettable gas- many years back at various locations Afghanistan: Medics Under Fire and Too a Finalist Certificate which gave Al Jazeera Fiesta’2017 and was jointly inaugu- tronomic experience to the in the African continent namely Kenya Young to Wed both won Silver World Med- English a total of three Gold World Med- rated yesterday at Lulu Hypermarket, food-lovers due to its range and and Tanzania etc. and they also have als, while Guns, Goons and the Presidency, als, Twelve Silver World Medals, five Al Gharrafa by Prof Shirish Soni, the unique variety of ingredients that goes regular bulk import of vast range of Hong Kong: Aged and Abandoned and Bronze World Medals and ten Finalist Ambassador of South Africa to Qatar, in to the meal. food products from all African India's Miracle Babies all were awarded Certificates. in the presence of Embassy officials, A well-designed array of South countries. Bronze World Medals. South Korean Hang- This year's tally of 27 World Medals various dignitaries and senior execu- African food products ranging from As a major retail chain in the Mid- over and The Orangutan Whisperer both from the New York Festivals awards are tives from the retail industry. South African meat and meat prod- dle East, Egypt, India, Malaysia and picked up Finalist Certificates. significantly higher than the total of 19 Lulu Hypermarket Group has been ucts, white grapes, green/golden apple, Indonesia is currently operating 133 Foundation, an episode in The Caliph which the network won in 2016. organising the Food Fiesta since the pears rosemary, vermonte beauty Hypermarkets and 15 shopping malls series picked up a Gold World Award in Meanwhile, Al Jazeera Media Network’s year 2002 and they are hosting the pears, yam, avocados, satsuma orange, with an annual turnover of $6.9bn glo- Religious Programs category, while the epi- studio 14 was awarded Best TV Studio for African Food Festival for several years. kaka fruit, fine beans, grilled fish peri bally. The Group has a vast sode Division from the Caliph series won 2016 (Set of the year), by NewscastStudio; Like last year, this year as well it has peri, chicken kebab, grilled chicken organisational structure of over a Silver World Medal. ISIL and the Taliban the international trade publication for tel- been organised in a big way. Accord- peri peri, Libbys fruit cocktail, Pep- 41,000 employees comprising of 37 won a Gold World Medal for the Best evision creative professionals. ing to the Lulu management, last year paddew Pickle, Nando’s Sauces, Ina different nationalities. Woqod to open three more vehicle inspection centres

The Peninsula There are eight projects in the design and approval phase in the following areas: Education atar Fuel (Woqod) said yesterday that it will City, Ras Laffan, Al Thumamah, Al Riffaa (Al soon open three Fahes vehicle inspection Froush), Al Wakrah, Al Ghuwairiya and Mesaimeer Qcentres in Al Shahaniya, Al Khor, Al Wukair, South. which are pending final approval. There are 28 sites in the process of allocation There are currently four other centres in allo- for petrol stations. There are four projects completed cation and approval stage in Mazroaa, Al Shamal and 5 other projects underway in the areas of: Man- City, Al Wajba and Mesaimeer areas. asir / Muaither, West Bay, Wadi Al Banat, Al Seiliya Announcing Woqod’s financial results, Chief and Mesaimeer East. These projects are expected to Executive Officer Saad Rashid Al Muhannadi said be completed during the current year 2017. that Woqod is currently working on more than 22 LPG sales (refilling and new) during the period new petrol station projects under construction, grew by 14.4%. The sale of metallic cylinders tendering, designing and approval stages. declined to 750000 whereas Shaffaf cylinders (6 Work is currently going on eight other sta- and 12 Kg) sales increased to more than 1.5 mil- tions Al Khor, Al Oqla, Wadi Basalil, Hamad lion cylinders as a result of the promotional International Airport East, New Slatah, Al Thu- campaign to replace metallic cylinders with Shaf- mama, Lusail City (Jabal Thaileb) and Old Slatah. faf cylinders. Woqod introduced the electronic All these projects are expected to open this year. payment system Woqod in January 2016. The sys- The tender and awarding procedures for six new tem works through an electronic RFID chip tag stations are currently in progress in the following fitted in the vehicle’s fuel tank. The number of tags areas: West Bay 2, Umm Qarn, Al Mawateer City, installed during the first quarter of 2017 exceeded Rawdat Al Hamama 2, Al Khuraitiyat and Azghwa. 11,672, an increase of 8% over the fourth quarter These projects are expected to be completed of 2016, bringing the total number of tags installed within a year . to 47,487 since the introduction of the service. Shopkeepers seek extension of grace period → Continued from page 1 increase the rents exorbitantly, “So you are required to visit say the traders. According to some the revenue department at Cen- shopkeepers MEC promised to tral Market for the settlement of provide shops on rent in the new your financial liabilities by June Central Market. Tenants have also 30, 2017 and vacate all wholesale asked for an extension of grace supermarkets in a bid to hando- period, in case authorities are ver it on July 1, 2017,” said the unable to provide alternative circular. A group of shopkeepers shops. “About 88 wholesale- Wholesale-supermarkets at submitted a request in writing to supermarkets operating at Abu Doha Municipality seeking exten- Abu Hamour Central Market Hamour Central Market were sion of the grace period given to notified to shutdown. given notice last week to vacate vacate the facility. are having commodities worth the facilities,” a shopkeeper told According to the shopkeep- millions, so a quick shift will cause The Peninsula. ers, two months grace period is big financial loss if the given grace “Shifting to a new place will not enough for vacating the shops period is not extended. have a negative impact on our and renting another shop. So they Markets in Doha do not have business. If we are allotted shops will have to coordinate with the enough space to accommodate in new central market, it could be Ministry of Economy and Com- the wholesale shops operating in of some help, but we will lose our merce (MEC) for allotment of Abu Hamour Central Market. The loyal customers who have been shops in the new market. high demand for spaces could visiting to buy large stocks of gro- Many supermarkets encourage property owners to cery," he added. 06 HOME THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017 QCDC opens Career Village

Fazeena Saleem tre in the Education City. for male students yesterday while The Peninsula “This is a very important female students will be wel- Qatar Career event and we want our students comed today. Parents as well as atar Career Develop- Development Center to know about the career oppor- career and academic counsellors ment Center (QCDC)’s opened Career tunities the national organisations from independent schools, inter- Career Village opened Village with an aim to provide. We have invited high national schools and schools yesterday with an aim school students because it’s the under the Qatar Foundation are Qto introduce high introduce high school right time for them to start think- invited to the event. school students to academic spe- students to academic ing and decide their career,” Organisations participating cialities and career opportunities specialities and career Abdulla Al Mansoori, director, in Career Village include Qatar in the offering. opportunities in the QCDC told The Peninsula. Airways, Qatar Rail, Qatar News The event has brought “We can’t take these stu- Agency, National Bank of Qatar, together representatives from offering. dents to all companies and show Hamad Medical Corporation, leading government and private the work environment. So the RasGas, Center for Geographic organisations and institutions career guidance and participat- Career Village is not only to cre- Information Systems at the Min- spanning numerous sectors ing institutions showcase ating interactions between istry of Municipality and General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara, including health, education, simulations of the work environ- students and employers, but the Environment, Qatar Media Cor- Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, with cultural representatives banking energy, media and com- ment for better understanding companies run some sort of sim- poration, Ministry of Interior, and academic delegation from the National Council on munications, environment, of the students in the Career Vil- ulations of the work General Authority of Customs, American-Arab Relations. media and military. lage being held at the Hamad Bin environment,” he added. Ooredoo Telecom Company, Beside the conventional Khalifa University's student cen- The Career Village was open Texas A&M University at Qatar, College of the North Atlantic- US academic team visits Katara Qatar, Qatar Biobank, Career Services Center at Qatar Univer- The Peninsula keenness to take part in the cel- sity, INJAZ Qatar, Permanent ebrations held on the occasion Committee for Drugs and Alco- s part of ongoing efforts of the second edition of Katara’s hol Affairs, Qatar Scientific Club to build strategic part- award for Prophet’s Poets and Total. Anerships with festival. The Career Village is one of international cultural institu- Al Sulaiti, said that the del- several initiatives organised by tions, the General Manager of egation consists of professors QCDC, a member of Qatar Foun- the Cultural Village Founda- and students from various cul- dation, to guide Qatari youth into tion-Katara, Dr Khalid bin tural and academic institutions making informed decisions that Ibrahim Al Sulaiti met with cul- in the United States of America. reflect positively on their aca- tural representatives and The visit seeks to complement demic and professional future. academic delegation from the efforts in building communica- “We have the two week National Council on American- tion bridges between people career camp to find the skills and Arab Relations. from all walks of life, especially competencies of the students The delegation is visiting between Arabs and American then we try to make the match- Qatar to tour prominent herit- citizens. ing between their skills and age sites in the country and to The head of the delegation suitable professions. We keep a observe the major achieve- stressed on the fact that the Cul- tracking of these students for ments completed in all sectors. tural Village is a prominent like two years. But in future will The visit also aims at honour- cultural edifice and a renowned be introducing a platform where ing the Cultural Village while symbol of excellence in the pro- these students will register and identifying the major achieve- motion of fine arts across the we will keep a track on their ments of Katara that consist of Middle East and North Africa, Simulations of the work environment of different organisations are being showcased at the career development through- annual events, workshops, and of late, successfully attract- Career Village. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula out,” said Al Mansoori. exhibitions and festivals. ing artists and talents from The delegates expressed across the globe. LG introduces NeoChef microwave oven with Smart Inverter Technology

The Peninsula help users keep their ovens as between 300 to 1,200 watts to clean as possible. evenly cook or defrost food all ombining a convenience- The elegant LG NeoChef the way through, the Smart enhancing design with a eliminates trim and parting lines Inverter effectively preserves Ctouch of subtle minimal- with its sleek, unified tempered nutrients while locking in fla- ism and the latest Smart Inverter glass front. This minimalist, vour. The Smart Inverter also technology from LG Electronics glossy front combines with a boosts efficiency, as its 1200- (LG), the new NeoChef takes culi- refined matte exterior to allow watt maximum power output nary and microwave ovens to a the NeoChef to seamlessly blend gives the NeoChef the ability to new level. in with the decor of any kitchen. cook dishes more quickly than Now available in Qatar in The exquisite contrast conventional models. nine different models, the micro- between the microwave’s uni- features into input with its sim- that appeals to consumers of all the microwave efficiently and In addition, the NeoChef can wave is both minimalistic and fied tempered glass and metal ple intuitive sliding touch control stripes, LG’s striking new micro- effectively reheats and defrosts be used for melting ingredients accessible, instantly bringing a give it a distinguished, refined which simplifies operation. The wave oven represents the food, decreases cooking times such as chocolate or cheese and touch of class to any kitchen. The look. The ergonomically advanced microwave has company’s dedication to creat- and makes it easier than ever for precisely preparing a variety of ergonomic NeoChef sports fea- designed rounded pocket-style received multiple world- ing appliances that can add both users to prepare delicious, foods with its specialised set- tures a simplified intuitive handle and diamond cut dial renowned design awards functionality and class to any highly-nutritious meals.” tings. LG’s advanced microwave control interface to streamline weds form to function to deliver including the 2015 PIN UP Design kitchen,” said Yong Geun Choi, Equipped with LG’s unique can even be used to make operation and a range of the ultimate in precision and Award and the 2015 Good Design President of LG Electronics Gulf. Smart Inverter, there’s no cook- healthy, lactobacilli-infused hygiene-enhancing features such user-convenience. The NeoChef Award. “Powered by LG’s unique Smart ing job the NeoChef can’t handle. yogurt more quickly than most as Anti-Bacterial EasyClean that extends its usability enhancing “With a minimalist design Inverter technology, Using linear power control home yogurt makers.

Safety of imported vegetables and fruits assured

→ Continued from page 1 The products on the scrutiny list includes all varieties of pepper (chilly) from Egypt; pepper, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, squash (koosa), beans and eggplant from Jordan; apples from Lebanon; and sweet melon, carrots and water- cress (jirjir/ rocket salad)from Oman. Meanwhile, Ministry of Public Health stressed, in a state- ment issued yesterday, that all necessary measures to ensure the safety of imported vegetables and fruits are being taken. This is done in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipal- ity and Environment and all relevant bodies through the Joint Human Food Control Committee. The ministry stated that some 510 samples of vegetables and fruits samples were analysed to verify the presence of pesticide residues, in the first quarter of 2017. Of this, 67 samples from various coun- tries were rejected. The ministry also stated that the methods used in the country for the analysis of pesticide residues on food prod- ucts, are among the best and most sensitive . Hence the system assures high accuracy even in detecting low pres- ence of pesticide residues. Meanwhile, retailers in Qatar are expecting price vari- ation and slight shortage of fruits and vegetables with the stricter controls placed in Qatar and ban placed on them in UAE. “Jordan is the leading supplier of aubergine and let- tuce in Qatari market, so this ruling could have some effect on pricing. Also, most of the fruits to Qatar come through UAE, and so this ban could affect the pricing of the fruits,” said an official at one of the oldest retail chains in Qatar. Some retail chains here stressed that delay in certifica- tion and inspections would affect the quality of the vegetables and fruits. THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017 HOME 07 Vaccination awareness among public to be raised

The Peninsula Deputy Chief Medical Officer at born in Qatar receive scheduled elderly, and those with chronic accessed from 7am to 1pm and Protecting people HMC said immunisation is the immunisation against diseases illnesses, to learn about vaccine- 4pm to 11pm, between Sunday n line with the World World Immunization process whereby a person is to ensure they are adequately preventable diseases and make and Thursday.” Immunization Week, the made immune or resistant to an protected. sure their vaccinations are World Immunization Week Week – recognised Ministry of Public Health infectious disease, typically by According to the World updated according to WHO – recognised during the last during the last week (MoPH), Hamad Medical the administration of a vaccine. Health Organization (WHO), recommendations.” week of April each year – aims Corporation (HMC) and the of April each year – “Vaccines stimulate the body’s there are 19.4 million unvacci- Dr. Samya Al Abdulla, Exec- to promote the use of vaccines IPrimary Health Care Corpora- aims to promote the own immune system to protect nated and under-vaccinated utive Director of the PHCC’s to protect people of all ages tion (PHCC), are raising use of vaccines to the person against subsequent children in the world. Operation Department, said: against disease. awareness among the public of protect people of all infection or disease,” he said. Each year, over 1.4 million “The PHCC aims to deliver the The year 2017 marks the the importance of updating vac- ages against disease. “Immunisation prevents ill- children die from diseases that best healthcare to the popula- halfway point in the Global Vac- cines for diseases that can be ness, disability, and death from could be prevented with read- tion. Part of this is ensuring cine Action Plan (GVAP) vaccinated against. vaccine-preventable diseases ily available vaccines. disease prevention by provid- – endorsed by 194 Member The theme for World Immu- the vaccination process for including cervical cancer, diph- Dr Hamad Eid Al Romaihi, ing scheduled vaccinations for States of the World Health nization Week this year is infectious viruses like pneumo- theria, hepatitis B, measles, Health Protection and Commu- all babies born in Qatar and Assembly in May 2012. The ini- ‘#VaccineWorks’. coccal, seasonal flu and mumps, pertussis (whooping nicable Diseases Manager at the ensuring access (to vaccines) for tiative aims to prevent millions The three organisations are meningococcal now, stating that cough), pneumonia, polio, rota- MoPH, said: “We are urging those who are not born here. of deaths from vaccine-prevent- also advising those planning to they should not wait until ten virus, diarrhea, rubella and those who are vulnerable to Most vaccines are available free able diseases by 2020 through perform the rites of Umrah or days prior to travel. tetanus,” he said. infectious diseases such as chil- of charge across all of our pri- universal access to Haj this year to begin Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, He added that all babies dren, pregnant women and the mary health centres and can be immunisation. AAB Treasure Hunt to promote public parks and road safety

The Peninsula practices and corporate culture, The AAB Treasure hence the collaboration with the bdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Ministry on select activities. Co. (AAB), the exclusive Hunt is not a race. The AAB Treasure Hunt is not Adistributor of Toyota and Participants are a race. Participants are reminded Lexus, is holding the first AAB reminded to observe to observe road safety practices Treasure Hunt in collaboration road safety practices while enjoying the scenery and with the Public Parks Department the public parks. of the Ministry of Municipality while enjoying the Winners will be judged and Environment (PPD-MME) on scenery and the public according to the lowest amount Friday, May 5. parks. of time spent in completing the AAB Treasure Hunt is a CSR Park Challenges at the designated initiative aiming to promote the public parks around Qatar. public parks in Qatar and remind for children to go out and play for The participating teams will about road safety practices. a more balanced and healthier be required to visit several parks To date, the Ministry has ren- development. By providing these across Qatar for the Treasure ovated existing parks and has leisure parks for families, the Hunt. It is hoped that the AAB added new locations across Qatar. public parks are also the Minis- Treasure Hunt will be truly a fun Officials at the conference announcing AAB Treasure Hunt. These parks serve as a family hub try’s way of creating a “Green” event for all the participants. providing ample space for fami- Qatar. Contributing towards a Participants for the Treasure public is encouraged to follow Last day for the applications to be developing sustainable commu- lies to enjoy nature as well as for Green environment and encour- Hunt are selected from the appli- AAB Qatar’s social media received and pre-qualified is on nities through its CSR initiatives children to have safe play areas. aging Work Life Balance is part cation entries through AAB Qatar accounts and #mytreasureaab to 12 midnight of Friday, April 28. that promote and support Qatar The Ministry recognises the need of AAB’s internal sustainable on Facebook and Instagram. The get more details about the event. AAB is committed to building and National Vision 2030. 08 HOME THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017

RAF launches QR4m project in Africa to fight blindness

The Peninsula provided 1,600 medical glasses eye patients from the weaker and medicines. sections of the community so heikh Thani bin Abdul- Medical camps are being set that they can come back to work lah Foundation for up in 13 most deserving African and lead a normal life. Humanitarian Services countries for treating eye-related The project also creates (RAF) has begun imple- diseases. They are Nigeria, Mau- awareness about eye diseases menting a massive ritania, Eritrea, Sudan, Congo and covers maximum number Shealth project at a cost of QR4m Zaire, Congo Brazzaville, Kenya, of people in areas lacking basic to fight blindness in 13 poor Afri- Morocco, Gambia, Burundi, Ivory health services. can countries. Coast, Cameroon and Chad. “The project will help poor More than 6,000 poor The project is financed by peo- people suffering from eye-dis- patients are expected to benefit ple from Qatar through donations. eases that spread in many from the project. They are being The medical camps are being run African countries,” said Dr Ziyad provided complete health serv- in collaboration with Al Basar Al Suwaydan, from Al Basar ices including treatments, International Foundation, an NGO International Foundation. surgeries and medicines. working in the field of prevention The project is very important The project will be com- of blindness. because about 90 percent of pleted within two years. RAF is waging a campaign patients with eye problems are Twenty-one medical camps are against blindness and to save from poor countries as per the Patients with eye problems waiting to see doctors at the Sydi Othman medical camp set up being set up to conduct eye tests people from eye-related diseases statistics of World Health Organ- by RAF in Morocco. on 4,000 patients. As per the especially from “white water” ization (WHO). plan, 400 patients will undergo cataract. The project is also Eighty-two percent of those aged 50 years and above. Cata- weakness of eyesight that leads income countries as per WHO eye surgeries. Patients will be meant to provide treatments to suffering from blindness are ract is the main reason for to blindness in low and middle report. Aid sent to more than 6,000 drought-hit people in Ethiopia

The Peninsula villages across the country as areas to register the beneficiary were distributed, which con- need urgent humanitarian aid. RAF has also dispatched part of the Horn of Africa relief families and assess their needs tained enough food like rice, And the need has increased three urgent aid for drought-hit peo- heikh Thani Bin Abdullah campaign. before beginning the distribution flour, pasta and edible oil for a times since 2015 due to drought ple to several areas in Somalia. Foundation for Humanitar- The project was imple- process. Priority was given to family comprising five to six that destroyed crops and killed The campaign launched under Sian Services (RAF) has mented in cooperation with the families with no breadwinners, members for a month, at least. animals. “Kun Sababan Lilhayat” (be a provided humanitarian aid to Irshad Association for Coopera- orphans, and people with disa- The aid was provided within RAF came forward with a plan cause of life) focused on foods, 6,000 drought-affected people tion and Development, the RAF’s bilities, the elderly, the sick and RAF's humanitarian efforts to to provide food baskets to the health and drinking water. in Ethiopia. local partner in Ethiopia. those unable to earn enough for help and rescue Ethiopians in drought-affected people who A group of people from the The aid includes distribution The association conducted a daily life. drought-affected areas, whose were unable to buy foods for them. ambassadors of mercy unit of of food baskets in several remote field survey in the most needy About 1,100 food baskets number exceeds six million. It In mid-March, RAF launched RAF visited to the tents for shel- also came in response to the a relief campaign for the Horn of tering displaced people in humanitarian appeal made by Africa, aimed at raising QR5m in Mogadishu to supervise the the Ethiopian government to funds for the relief of those implementation of the project – humanitarian institutions to res- affected by drought that hit sev- food supply and medical cue those affected by famine. eral African countries, caravan. They also inaugurated According to the report of threatening famine and allocated several water projects to provide International Food Programme, QR2m to provide urgent help to drinking water to thousands more than 10 million people those affected by drought. drought-hit people.

A man receiving food basket at a distribution centre set up by RAF in Ethiopia. Medical aid for flood-hit in Java

The Peninsula

heikh Thani bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitar- Sian Services (RAF) dispatched medical aid to flood- hit areas in Java, an island of Indonesia. The project was financed by a Qatari woman. More than 500 families bene- fitted from the health services provided by a medical team. The beneficiaries were provided free checkups and medicines. The medical team comprised two physicians, four nurses and four volunteers. The project was Patients at a medical camp in Java, Indonesia. implemented in collaboration with Al Sela Charity organization, targeted areas after the flood medical aid helped poor people, the local partner of RAF in Indo- and the medicines needed. created awareness and curbed nesia, and the local authorities. Several lectures were also the spread of fatal diseases A survey was conducted to given to create awareness about caused by the flood,” said Ali Al find out the most affected areas, first aid and deal with the patients, Sadi, Chairman of Al Sela char- the type of diseases in the especially children. “The ity organisation. THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017 HOME / MIDEAST / AFRICA 09 Dutch companies 'big investors' in Qatar: Envoy

Irfan Bukhari international fora, including the The Peninsula Similarities UN, to advance the international Embassy celebrated legal order.” mbassador of the the National Day of Citing an example, the ambas- Kingdom of the the Netherlands on sador said: “The Netherlands is an Netherlands to Qatar the occasion of the active supporter of the initiative Dr Bahia Tahzib-Lie of Qatar (and Liechtenstein) within 50th birthday of King has said that Dutch the UN to establish the new data- Willem Alexander. companiesA are “big investors” in base to collect evidence of the Qatar and fully committed to most serious crimes committed in Qatar National Vision 2030. Qatar and the Syria, with the aim to ensure She was talking to The Netherlands have accountability in the future.” She Peninsula on the eve of National some 'striking said that the Netherlands had also Day of the Netherlands which similarities', says announced a contribution of €1m was marked yesterday. The Ambassador. right after the resolution on this embassy celebrated the National UN database was passed. Day of the Kingdom of the Neth- “In 2018, the Netherlands erlands in Doha, on the occasion economy by creating a balance will have a seat in the UN Secu- of the 50th birthday of King Wil- between an oil-based and a rity Council. We will be lem Alexander. knowledge-based economy. motivated and committed to The function was attended Dutch companies in Qatar have continue working towards peace by Minister of Municipality and a diversified presence in differ- and justice with Qatar and other Environment H E Mohammed ent business sectors such as Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Qatar, Dr Bahia Tahzib-Lie, on King's Day international partners.” bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi. education, healthcare, energy, with kids dressed in traditional Dutch outfits. “In the Netherlands, his engineering & architecture, mar- EDUCATION birthday (27 April) is a national itime, logistics, agriculture, Netherlands is a major player in about 180 nationalities.” global leader in sustainable water Regarding cooperation in edu- holiday called King’s Day. It is a horticulture and several kinds of the global life sciences health “It’s great to see that Qatar and supply solutions. One specific cation sector, she said that several day when everyone goes out on consultancy services.” industry with a strong techno- the Netherlands connect, inspire example is the ‘Mega Reservoir MoUs had been signed between the streets dressed in orange out- Tahzib-Lie said that bilateral logical position in molecular and complement each other Project’ by Dutch company Qatar Universities and Dutch Uni- fits. There are fun festivities for trade relations reached around imaging, medical informatics, across a wide range of sectors like Arcadis. The project intends to versities. “The latest one was children on the streets and many €1bn during 2015. “Dutch exports biopharmaceuticals, human and energy, infrastructure, sports, edu- increase water storage and secu- between The Hague Institute for concerts in public spaces.” amount to €440m which is veterinary vaccines, regenera- cation, and health-care. Dutch rity while providing seven days of Global Justice and the Hamad Bin This year, the King’s Day was increasing gradually and the tive medicine, biomaterials, companies are big investors in strategic water storage to fulfill the Khalifa University. The coopera- marked in Doha with a special Dutch imports are worth €556m medical technology, and health Qatar and fully committed to need and demand for water across tion will be on issues for which The theme “Flowers and Art”. “Flow- which is mostly related to LNG.” infrastructure. The Dutch sector Qatar National Vision 2030.” Qatar due to the country's rapid Hague Institute is known for: rule ers and art form an important part She said that there are a is in a position to collaborate, and continuous growth and devel- of law, global governance and of our cultural identity and herit- number of Qatari companies oper- cooperate and form coalition SUSTAINABILITY opment,” she said. conflict prevention.” age. We Dutch are passionate ating in the Netherlands: Muntajat with Qatari counterparts.” Sustainability, she said, was With a palpable sense of The Dutch ambassador said about sharing our flowers and art BV (marketing and sales of petro- Tahzib-Lie thinks Qatar and an integral part of many Dutch national pride, she said that in that Stenden University, estab- with everyone,” the ambassador chemicals), Qatar Petroleum the Netherlands have some companies. “In Qatar, several Qatar, Dutch artists were active lished in Qatar in partnership said when asked about the reason International BV’s, Lusail BV in “striking similarities”. “Both companies are actively contrib- too. “A Dutch architect has with Faisal Holding, was provid- behind the selection of theme. Valkenswaard at Jan Tops (eques- countries are relatively small in uting to developing sustainable designed the Qatar National ing international business, She said that it was a pride trian), Qatar Holding etc. size but with great ambitions, technologies and more efficient Library building and the head- tourism and hospitality manage- for Netherlands to host one of the open to the sea, outward-look- use of resources – including the quarters of Qatar Foundation. A ment degrees with more than world’s largest flower gardens – MORE COOPERATION ing and share an unstoppable use of water – like Arcadis and Dutch designer designed the 500 Alumni graduates. the Keukenhof – and being the The ambassador sees huge drive for innovation.” Shell.” exquisite interior of the soon to She said that number of world’s leading supplier of flow- scope for cooperation in health- Moreover, she observed, both “Healthy and nutritious food be opened Mondrian hotel in Qatari tourists visiting the Neth- ers, plants and trees. care between the two countries. Qatar and the Netherlands were as well as clean water will be more Doha. And the Sheikh Faisal erlands was on a steady rise with The ambassador said the “Qatar has the fastest growing open to diversity. “In the Neth- important than ever. The Dutch Museum has a Dutch Director.” every passing year. “As many as Dutch government wanted to healthcare market in the region. erlands, we stand for a have a centuries-old reputation Also in the field of peace and 1,967 visas were issued in 2015, promote the interest of Dutch Qatar National Vision 2030 is to multi-colour, multi-cultural, for producing high-quality food international justice, she said, the 2,430 visas were issued in 2016 businesses abroad through eco- ensure comprehensive world- multi-religious society. For and clean drinking water. The Netherlands valued the partner- and in the first quarter of 2017, nomic diplomacy. “Qatar aims class health care systems for the example, our cities Amsterdam Netherlands is the world’s 2nd ship with Qatar. “Our two the number of visas issued has to diversify the country’s whole population. The and Rotterdam are home to largest agri-food exporter and a countries work well together in touched 1,042.”

Turkey's main Over 1,000 detained in anti-Gulen crackdown oppn to appeal at European court Istanbul northern Syria. of being a "terror organisation", ing respect for rule of law. The 'Yes' camp won 51.41 per- AFP A total of 1,120 suspects have although the group insists it is a The Hurriyet newspaper cent of the vote in the April 16 ANKARA: After being turned so far been detained, the official peaceful organisation promot- reported that arrest warrants referendum on creating a presi- back by the Council of State, urkey yesterday Anadolu news agency said. ing moderate Islam. had been issued against a total dential system in Turkey but Turkey’s main opposition detained more than Anadolu said 4,672 suspects The government has repeat- of 7,000 suspects across Turkey, opponents claim the result would party will appeal the results 1,000 people in a huge were sought — of whom 1,448 edly asked the United States to citing unidentified sources. have been reversed in a fair poll. of the April 16 referendum at new crackdown are already in jail — meaning extradite Gulen, who has been The suspects are so-called The main opposition Repub- the European Court of Human against alleged sup- that a total of 3,224 arrest war- living in exile there since 1999. "secret imams" of Gulen sus- lican People's Party (CHP) said Rights (ECHR), the party Tporters of a cleric accused of rants were issued. About 47,000 people have pected of infiltrating themselves Wednesday it would challenge announced in Ankara orchestrating the coup bid About 8,500 police officers already been arrested in Turkey into the police or other state last-minute changes to voting yesterday. against President Recep Tayyip were involved in the nationwide under a nine-month state of institutions, it reported. rules in the referendum at the Speaking to reporters at Erdogan. operation, Anadolu reported, emergency in place since the Erdogan has repeatedly said Strasbourg-based European Republican People’s Party’s The dawn raids across the adding that arrest warrants had coup bid, a crackdown whose he will wipe out the "virus" of Court of Human Rights. (CHP) headquarters in the country — seeking more than been issued for 390 suspects in magnitude has raised alarm in Gulen from state institutions Analysts have said Erdogan, capital Ankara, spokeswoman 3,000 suspects — come just over Istanbul alone. the West. The Turkish parlia- after the failed coup. The vast after his poll win, can choose Selin Sayek Boke said, “We a week after Erdogan narrowly Turkish authorities blame ment just ahead of the operation targeted big cities such between new confrontation or faced illegal referendum won a referendum on ramping US-based Muslim cleric Fethul- referendum extended the state as Istanbul as well as Izmir in reconciliation with the West but results after seeing an unver- up his powers. lah Gulen for masterminding of emergency by another three western Turkey and Konya in the in recent days tensions have ified election. Our priority is They are the latest indication the July 2016 failed military months to July 19. Anatolian heartland. risen further. standing up for the legal Turkey intends no let-up in the coup that aimed to oust After the latest sweep, Ger- Prime Minister Binali Turkish warplanes killed rights of all citizens. Thus, we fight against its perceived ene- Erdogan from power but he man foreign ministry spokesman Yildirim had hinted in a televi- more than two dozen Kurdish would like to announce that mies after the vote, with fighter denies the charges. Sebastian Fischer said Berlin sion interview this month that a fighters Tuesday in strikes in we will soon apply to the jets Tuesday pounding Kurdish Ankara accuses the Hizmet "has taken note of the mass new anti-Gulen crackdown had Syria and Iraq, angering the ECHR” to annul the referen- militant targets in Iraq and (Service) movement Gulen leads detentions with concern", urg- been in the pipeline. United States. dum result.

SA court declares nuclear US Navy fires warning Safe return plan with Russia unlawful flare at Iran vessel DUBAI: A US Navy guided-missile Cape Town sealed a cooperation pact destroyer fired a warning flare toward Reuters between state-owned nuclear an Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessel group Rosatom and state- coming near it in the Arabian Gulf, an South African pact with owned utility Eskom. Judge Lee American official said yesterday, the lat- Russia’s Rosatom to Bozalek said any request for est tense naval encounter between the Abuild nuclear reactors information to kickstart the pro- two countries. The incident happened was deemed unlawful by a High curement process was set aside Monday as the vessel attempted to draw Court, casting fresh doubt over as was the cooperation pact. The closer to the USS Mahan despite the the country’s energy plans. deal had included a favourable destroyer trying to turn away from it, Operator of Africa’s only tax regime for Russia and placed said Lt Ian McConnaughey, a spokesman nuclear power station, Eskom heavy financial obligations on for the Bahrain-based 5th Fleet. wants to add 9,600 megawatts South Africa, Bozalek said. The "Mahan made several attempts (MW) of nuclear capacity - equiv- “The IGA stands well outside to contact the Iranian vessel by bridge- alent to up to 10 nuclear reactors the category of a broad nuclear to-bridge radio, issuing warning - to help wean the economy off cooperation agreement, and at messages and twice sounding the inter- of polluting coal in what could the very least, sets the parties nationally recognised danger signal of one of the world’s biggest nuclear well on their way to a binding, five short blasts with the ship's whistle, A soldier, with a rocket propelled grenade (RPG), patrols on the outskirt of the contracts in decades. exclusive agreement in relation as well as deploying a flare to determine town of Damasak in North East Nigeria yesterday, as thousands of Nigerians, South Africa and Russia to the procurement of new reac- the Iranian vessel's intentions," McCon- who were freed in 2016 by the army from Boko Haram insurgents, are returning The signed an Intergovernmental tor plants from that particular naughey said in a statement to to their homes. Agreement (IGA) in 2014 that country,” Bozalek said. Associated Press. 10 VIEWS THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL More proof yrian President Bashar Al Assad’s assertions that his forces didn’t use chemical agents in the attacks on the town of Khan Sheikhun this month didn’t stand the test of reason from the beginning. But Sscientific proof has emerged now that he did use poisonous gas. French intelligence has identified the chemical ‘signature’ of the Syrian government at the Islamophobia can make site of the attack. According to reports, samples from the site showed chemical components that were the hallmark of Assad’s sarin manufacturing process UKIP relevant again and matched samples collected from an earlier attack sites. “Based on this overall evaluation and on reliable and consistent intelligence collected by our women’s rights, too — the right of Muslim ‘The integration agenda’ services, France assesses that the Syrian armed Alastair Sloan women to use their own divorce courts, a Yet still, the party’s new leader denies forces and security services perpetrated a chemical Al Jazeera right that UKIP wants to strip. they have an anti-Muslim policy. A paper attack using sarin against civilians,” the report says. UKIP was asked over the weekend copy of his manifesto, handed out to polit- More than 80 people were killed in the attack on whether it wants to ban Jewish courts as ical journalists with UKIP’s still dated April 4 and hundreds injured, triggering an well. The party’s leader, Paul Nuttall, “pound-sign” branding, came with an international outcry which led to the missile attacks replied that “The Orthodox Jewish popu- Orwellian title. They called their anti-Mus- on Syria by the US. But Assad has persistently lation is falling, it’s about a quarter of a lim manifesto “The Integration Agenda”. maintained that he didn’t use the chemical agents he United Kingdom Independence million now. The issue surrounding sharia What is happening here is clear. UKIP, though the international community didn’t believe Party, whose activism and election- is that the Muslim population is doubling the ultimate Brexit party of post-Brexit him except his allies. eering just led Britain out of the decade on decade.” He then said that “this Britain, has lost its raison d’etre. Nobody The French intelligence report adds to an existing European Union, is now lost without isn’t an attack specifically on Muslims,” knows what UKIP is for any more. body of evidence showing that Assad’s forces had a cause. Close to four million Britons claiming instead, “it’s all about Now, UKIP does. Again, it is about pop- Tvoted for UKIP at the last general election, for integration.” ulism — the potent mixture of popular but used sarin. Tests conducted in Turkey on victims of which the party returned only one Member of Nuttall also wants a “moratorium on sometimes illogical policies. the attack found Parliament. new Islamic faith schools until substantial Make no mistake — by a margin of two isopropyl UKIP had two enormous boons for their progress has been demonstrated in inte- to one, the populace of Britain back a ban methylphosphonic acid, a cause: a hugely charismatic leader, probably grating Muslims into mainstream British of the niqab, even if banning veils runs coun- chemical that sarin the most capable and cynical politician of his society.” UKIP ignores the fact that nearly ter to the elected right-wing governments French transforms into, in the generation, Nigel Farage; and a singular enemy, 20 percent of the top performing 50 policy of “mutual respect and tolerance of blood and urine samples. intelligence the European Union. schools in the UK are Islamic faith schools. those with different faiths and beliefs”. The US government had The party was therefore able to pull off the Only in January, two Likewise, nearly half of Britons sup- has unearthed reached the same political coup of the century. UKIP brought the Islamic faith schools port a Donald-Trump-style Muslim ban, more evidence conclusion based on its EU, an issue which was barely a priority to most came first and third for another policy a UKIP patron expressed to prove that own intelligence data. UK households, to the fore. Then they up-ended the best examination support for over the weekend. The question that the Assad’s forces the European status quo in place since the World results in the country. Perhaps the public fear it because, the world, especially the War II, by leading Britain out of the Union. Curiously, UKIP had no latest available official statistics suggest, used chemical West, has to be asking Now, with their guru Farage busy photo- more than half of those charged with ter- weapons in the now is how to stop Assad graphing himself beside the crass Donald Trump, rorist offences in Britain are self-identified April 4 attack. from using chemical stubbornly low polling, and the EU already in Muslims, and because the British media weapons against his the rear view mirror, UKIP is floating on the What is happening is seem obsessed with Muslim above far-right people again. In the last seas of political oblivion. It faces one question or Northern Irish killings. four years, numerous from the electorate — what is UKIP now for? clear. UKIP, the ultimate The question is whether UKIP-style cases of use of chlorine UKIP members were infamously derided by Brexit party of post-Brexit policies — telling Muslim women what to gas use by the former Prime Minister David Cameron as “fruit- Britain, has lost its raison wear, shutting down high-performing government have been reported, though casualties cakes”, yet it was these fruitcakes that forced d’etre. Nobody knows what schools, or focusing party strategy on “the have been small. The Khan Sheikhun attack was the No 10 into holding a referendum on Europe. other” — will really help. largest mass casualty incident involving chemical UKIP’s logo was and still is an outdated yellow UKIP is for any more. The party’s manifesto is not one that weapons since the Ghouta massacre of 2013 by pound sign against a purple backdrop — as if will ride UKIP into power and government, Assad’s forces, which killed more than 1,400 people the battle for whether Britain should join the or perhaps even return them a single MP. in the opposition territory near Damascus. eurozone, which was launched in the late 1990s, The pressure that UKIP is about to place The Trump administration has sent a powerful was still being fought today. on British Muslims from the sidelines— in message to Assad with the missile attacks in As many a bored political reporter can attest problem with the 48 Jewish faith school- much the way they crowed from the side- response to the Khan Sheikhun incident. Assad might to, UKIP party conferences are famously sin Britain, nearly twice as many as lines to force through Brexit — is still worth think twice before launching another gas attack, but attended almost exclusively by old-age pen- Muslim faith schools, nor the 11 Sikh taking very seriously indeed. the Syrian crisis should not be reduced to action sioners. It was always easy to laugh at UKIP. schools nor the five Hindu schools. It was The writer covers international affairs, politics against Assad for the use of chemical attacks. Assad Nevertheless, the party is clearly the most just the Muslim schools UKIP cared about and human rights for a variety of British news- must be made to quit to pave the way for a impactful in Britain since the World War II. What — even if those schools appear rather good papers and magazines. permanent solution to the crisis. Peace talks initiated other party can claim to have pulled off such a at what they do. significant national change, with such profound at various levels are moving at a snail’s pace and are international ramifications, as Brexit? getting bogged down in details before even A week ago, Prime Minister Theresa May approaching the core issues. called a snap general election for June. In response, UKIP delivered a weekend policy salvo of blistering religious prejudice.

‘Burqas and sharia’ QUOTE OF THE DAY It has now become clear that UKIP is sim- ply a party of rebels against any cause — so long as they regard it as foreign. They are now putting their heads together to vilify not just distant There is no doubt about Eurocrats and a generalised conception of immi- the responsibility of the gration, but a specific religious minority. In the Syrian regime given the 1930s, those kind of people would have targeted way that the sarin used was Jews. Now, they target Muslims. produced. This production UKIP wants to “pass a law against the wear- method bears the regime‘s ing of face veils,” ignoring that only a tiny minority of British Muslim women wear these hallmarks and allows us to and that, albeit anecdotally, as no official sta- determine its responsibility tistics are collected, this number appears to be for this attack low. UKIP members also wants to “explicitly ban” Jean-Marc Ayrault what they call “sharia”, which they have failed to define. Nevertheless the party claims sharia French Foreign Minister People rally in London to protest against Islamophobia and racism. “undermines women’s rights”. UKIP undermines THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017 OPINION 11 Future of European Union integration process is at risk

Germany, let alone France acting as Tarik Oguzlu a global power, Germany will be in Anatolia a much better position to German- ize Europe in future. The conditions that have long ensured the Europeanization of he European Union seems to be going Germany are steadily eroding. At through its worst years over the last dec- stake here is the rise of German ade. The EU integration process, which Europe, rather than the persistence began as the most promising peace project of European Germany, which will the world had ever seen, has of late been in likely arouse geopolitical fears, not Tcomatose. The security producing dynamics of the only in Europe but also across the integration process seem to have come to a standstill. globe. The moment European The majorities across the continent have been nations begin to feel the fever of seriously questioning the post-modern, multicul- traditional geopolitical security tural, global, federalist, secular and liberal anxieties in their relations with characteristics of the deepening process of EU’s inte- each other, and non-European gration whereas the external factors, most notably powers begin to worry about the the revisionist Russia and the emerging anarchic specter of the European continent environment in the wider Middle East, have already coming under the hegemonic rule posed existential challenges to the post-war era’s of one particular country, then it European security order. would not be wrong to say that the Anti-integrationist, anti-immigrant, anti-federal- innovative solutions that would ensure the continua- in recent years. EU integration process as defined as ist and anti-globalist populist movements, both from tion of the integration process, uninterruptedly, and While Russia is the number one existential threat a peace project has come to an end. the right and left, have gained prominence in domes- guarantee Europe’s security against external threats in the eyes of EU’s Baltic and eastern European Whether or not the EU integra- tic politics across the continent. Let alone further of various kind. members, it would not be wrong to argue that the tion process unfolds in a enlarge to new members, the British withdrawal The EU’s future now depends on the election of end of the sanctions put on Russia in the wake of its multi-speed fashion and whether from the membership, the so-called Brexit, has pro-European and pro-integrationist leaders to gov- belligerence in Crimea and eastern Ukraine would the principled differentiated mem- already eaten away at EU’s power of attraction the erning positions in their countries, particularly in make many Europeans living in the western and bership is enshrined in official world over. France and Germany, and their success in bridging southern shores of the continent feel relaxed and European documents, the future of It is becoming more difficult with each passing the democracy deficit at the European level while happy. the EU hinges on the peaceful day the outsiders view of the EU as the most legiti- providing long-term security to their people on a The Russian leadership seems to be quite aware cohabitation of France and Ger- mate role model to follow in domestic and foreign daily basis. of such schism inside the union and spends huge many. In the presence of Brexit and policies. The way of doing things inside the EU no The good news is that there are some positive sums of money to help manufacture pro-Russian weakening American security com- longer attracts penchant followers around the globe. developments to note of late. The marginal increases constituencies all around Europe through various mitment, the continuation of the As of today, the continuation of neither the deep- in the defense budgets of the EU members following strategies, of which cyber disinformation campaigns EU seems to be closely related to ening nor the widening processes of EU’s integration the stern warnings of the Americans that the Euro- stand out. France and Germany’s ability to can be taken for granted. The foundations of the pean allies should no longer take the security Likewise, the threats emanating from the grow- provide a joint leadership through European peace project have come under serious commitment provided by the United States for ing anarchy in the wider Middle East are not felt to which France takes the lead in challenges by the confluence of internal and external granted; the verbal commitment of the high-level the same degree across member states. The EU security and defense integration factors. It is now the case that both the hard and soft American decision makers, particularly nested in members where sizable Muslim communities live while Germany shining as the power capabilities of the European Union are at risk. Pentagon and National Security Council, to NATO’s have had to deal with the negative consequences of major source of EU’s civilian-eco- At a time when the US under Donald Trump’s persistence in the face of Russian revisionism and ongoing immigration in their midst as well as having nomic and normative power presidency has been deeply questioning the rele- rising great power tension across the globe; the to come up with long-term solutions to the failure of identity. vance of the transatlantic security relations, and defeat of populist figures in the latest elections held multiculturalism. when the most pro-Atlanticist EU member state has in Austria and the Netherlands; and the strong possi- The difficulty of adopting a common European been in the process of departing the EU once and for bility of centrist political figures being elected to position on the problem of immigration has been all, the number one challenge facing the union, par- governing positions in French presidential and Ger- made quite evident by the strong reactions to Ger- ticularly the two engines of the integration process, man parliamentary elections seem to augur well for many’s “welcoming culture” approach of western namely Germany and France, is to come up with the future. and eastern European members. The elites at the European and national levels Secondly, given the British withdrawal from the D-RING ROAD appear to be aware of the challenges confronting the membership and eroding American commitment to POST BOX: 3488 EU integration process. The latest white paper issued transatlantic security community, it remains a big It is becoming more difficult by the European Commission should be considered unknown whether Germany would take up a hegem- DOHA - QATAR with each passing day the as a serious attempt at salvaging the future of the EU onic position in European politics and were this to [email protected] outsiders view of the EU integration process in a sustainable manner. occur how other EU members, notably France, would as the most legitimate role Despite such promising developments as men- respond to this. tioned above, it is the humble opinion of this writer It is the case that German leaders and people EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE model to follow in domestic that some structural factors will likely stymie the alike still see the continuation of EU integration TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 and foreign policies. The way pro-integrationist efforts in the short to medium process in Germany’s national interests. However, FAX: +974 4455 7758 of doing things inside the EU terms. what is new is that tying of Germany to European no longer attracts penchant Firstly, it is difficult to speak about the existence institutions will likely be redefined more on German MANAGING EDITOR of common threat and security perceptions in the EU than European terms in the years to come. Given TEL: 4462 7505 followers around the globe. of 27 members. This is quite evident in the positions France’s structural economic and political weak- that different EU members adopted vis-a-vis Russia nesses in sharing the podium of leadership with DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769

LOCAL NEWS SECTION The art of surviving a Venezuela on the brink TEL: 4455 7743 BUSINESS NEWS SECTION of going out into the streets. Old and young fear and exhausted by the realities of daily life in Venezuela. TEL: 4462 7535 Marcos Gomez stepping out of their homes, participating in peace- I watched as tear gas canisters were thrown from heli- Al Jazeera ful demonstrations, complaining about what it is copters while President Maduro, speaking from Cuba, tried to SPORT NEWS SECTION like to try and survive here. reassure the population, saying that “Venezuela is at peace, TEL: 4455 7745 If you do go out and exercise your human right except for a few pockets of violence that are being dealt to speak your mind, you might be tear gassed with.” This contrasted starkly with the reality on the ground - ONLINE SECTION he seemingly endless crisis in (including from helicopters), beaten, locked up in in just over a fortnight, at least seven people died during the TEL: 4462 7501 Venezuela appears to have jail for years without due process or even shot by protests and hundreds were injured. [email protected] entered a new, dark and alarm- one of the paramilitary groups that, although unac- A few days after the initial wave of protests, the Venezue- ing chapter. As if coming off the knowledged by the authorities, are now running lan Public Ministry announced an investigation to find those PUBLIC RELATIONS pages of a terrifying thriller, a amok across Venezuela. responsible for the killings. But this effort towards justice and Tcrisis that seemed to have reached its Violence by some protesters has been cleverly accountability must not be just for show. Instead, it must be a TEL: 4455 7613 worst point in recent months, has actually used by the authorities to justify widespread repres- genuine commitment to the full respect and protection of [email protected] escalated further after weeks of pro- sion and perpetuate the “us vs them” discourse that human rights, one where those who think differently from testssparked by growing anger and has done so much harm to our country. You only the government are not portrayed as enemies and where ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT frustration around what looks like a need to step outside to breathe this climate of fear. those who violate human rights are brought to justice. TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 never-ending catalogue of problems. Repression and violence during protests are not The tragic contrast between the Venezuela portrayed by FAX: 4455 7870 President Nicolas Maduroordered the new to Venezuela — in 2014, more than 40 people, the authorities and the one we live in is so deep it’s hard to [email protected] military onto the streets, two days before including at least six members of the security forces, explain. The country President Maduro speaks about is at planned peaceful protests across the coun- were killed. More than 650 people were injured and peace. People are handed food donations from government- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT try on 19 April. He said the military would more than 2,000 detained. Impunity has been rife. sponsored trucks. Children happily study in school, none of TEL: 4455 7857 be “marching in defence of morality” and Many, perhaps naively, thought these events them fainting in class because they have nothing to eat at [email protected] “against those who betray the homeland”. were a one-off. We thought the country would learn home. Hospitals are fully stocked, providing their patients Amid one of the largest demonstrations in from its recent history. But over the past few weeks, with the best care available. SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION recent months, this “call to arms” by the a cloud of uncertainty and violence has cast a new But this is mere fiction - following in the celebrated Latin TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 government was disastrous: at least two dark shadow over Venezuela. Day after day, we American tradition of magical realism. FAX: 44557819 people died in suspicious circumstances, wake up with news of fresh protests followed by the In contrast, the Venezuela I - and millions of others - hundreds more were injured and detained frightening images of violent confrontations wake up to every day is a real-life labyrinth where buying the [email protected] — adding to the more than sixteen deaths between protesters and security forces. most essential items has become a nearly impossible strug- reported during protests over recent weeks. Since this new wave of demonstrations began gle. “How do people in Venezuela survive?” many ask me. I Evidence grew that groups of armed vigi- on April 4, tensions have escalated daily. People still have not been able to find an answer. All thoughts and views lantes are taking the law into their own looked like they had nothing to lose. Many of them But one thing is certain. The Venezuelan authorities’ “see expressed in these columns hands. Further demonstrations have been don’t. What began as ordinary protests against the no evil, hear no evil” attitude to the crisis does not cut it any- called for the coming days. political and humanitarian situation in the country more. Hiding behind a veil of propaganda and playing victim are those of the writers, not I thought that living (or surviving) in and against the - since-overturned - supreme to some shadowy international plan to destabilise the country of the newspaper. Venezuela had prepared the population court’s ruling to “ban” the National Assembly, is not helping anyone in Venezuela to eat and stay healthy. here for anything. The endless strategies to quickly turned into something else, something The time has come for all state institutions to fulfil their duties All correspondence find two kilos of rice, get hold of anticon- much more worrying. and work on behalf of all the people in the country. regarding Views and vulsants or high blood pressure medicine By the third day, we found ourselves giving How much longer we can go on like this is anybody’s Opinion pages should be has made us all experts in the art of mak- shelter to injured demonstrators in the hall of the guess, but the fact remains that something can, and must, be ing do. building where I live, my family and I giving first aid done to prevent our country from falling into an abyss with mailed to the Now, people also face the utter terror to bruised and battered men and women, frustrated no return. [email protected] 12 ASIA THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017 Rajiv Rai BJP sweeps Bhatnagar appointed Delhi civic CRPF chief

New Delhi elections IANS he government yester- New Delhi Wins all 3 bodies day appointed senior IANS TIPS officer Rajiv Rai BJP won 181 of the Bhatnagar as new chief of the iding on a Modi wave 270 wards that Central Reserve Police Force and defeating anti- polled on Sunday, (CRPF), two days after the incumbency, the BJP way above the force lost 25 troopers in a yesterday retained halfway mark to deadly Maoist attack in with a sweeping secure control of all Sukma district of Rmajority its 10-year hold on the Chhattisgarh. the three Municipal Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe capital's three civic bodies, rout- Bhatnagar, a 1983 batch Corporations of Delhi in New Delhi, yesterday. ing the city's ruling AAP which officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, blamed rigged EVMs for its poor - North, South and was appointed to the post show in the municipal polls. East. The BJP won 64 nearly two months after the The BJP won 181 of the 270 of 103 wards in Modi & Sri Lankan PM hold talks retirement of previous incum- wards that polled on Sunday, North, 70 of 104 in bent K. Durga Prasad on way above the halfway mark South and 47 of 63 in February 28. Additional Direc- to secure control of all the three East. New Delhi the progress in implementation (MoU) on cooperation in eco- tor General Sudeep Lakhtakia, Municipal Corporations of IANS of the decisions taken during nomic projects that was signed a 1984 batch Telangana cadre Delhi - North, South and East. various high-level exchanges in after the meeting between Modi Indian Police Service (IPS) The BJP won 64 of 103 wards Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, rime Minister Narendra the past two years or so, includ- and Wickremesinghe. officer, was handling addi- in North, 70 of 104 in South and Goa and Manipur, have taken Modi yesterday discussed ing the visit of the Prime The MoU outlines the tional charge as CRPF Director 47 of 63 in East. forward the "Modi and BJP Pa range of bilateral issues Minister to Sri Lanka in March agenda for bilateral economic General since March 1. The Aam Aadmi Party juggernaut". and matters of mutual concern 2015 and the visits of the Pres- cooperation with both sides Prasad, a 1981 batch IPS (AAP) led by Chief Minister Delhi BJP chief Manoj with visiting Sri Lankan Prime ident and the Prime Minister of expressing their commitment to officer, headed the force as Arvind Kejriwal could manage Tiwari, the brain behind the Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Sri Lanka to India since Febru- ensuring that this mutually ben- its chief for one year from wins in just 48 wards and the party's "AAP se na ho ga" (AAP here. Following the talks, an ary 2015," the External Affairs eficial agenda is expeditiously March 1, 2016 to February 28, Congress was way behind with can't do it) campaign, also cred- agreement on cooperation in Ministry said in a statement. implemented. 2017. Bhatnagar is currently 30 seats. The Bahujan Samaj ited the victory to Modi and his economic projects between "The two sides expressed The ministry statement said serving as Director General Party won three wards, Indian developmental policies. India and Sri Lanka was signed. their satisfaction at the progress that both sides also expressed of the Narcotics Control National Lok Dal and Sama- Tiwari called for Kejriwal's "Held comprehensive talks in implementation of the out- the hope for early conclusion of Bureau - an ADG rank post jwadi Party one each and resignation, saying "the people with PM Ranil Wickremesinghe comes of these exchanges, the ongoing negotiations on the which has temporarily been independents won six wards. of Delhi have exercised their on ways to strengthen India-Sri which further strengthened the economic and technology coop- upgraded to a Special Direc- A jubilant BJP credited its right to recall" by voting against Lanka ties for the benefit of our historically close and friendly eration agreement. tor General rank. He has continued electoral success to the AAP, which rode to power citizens," Modi tweeted after the relations between the two coun- "Pointing out that India had earlier served as Additional Prime Minister Narendra Modi, more than two years ago, win- meeting held at Hyderabad tries," it said. welcomed Sri Lanka co-spon- Director General of the CISF. who tweeted his thanks to the ning 67 of the 70 legislative seats House. The ministry said that the soring the Resolution 'Promoting Sources said the Appoint- people of Delhi for retaining in the Delhi Assembly polls. External Affairs Minister Indian side reiterated India's Reconciliation, Accountability ments Committee of the their faith in the party. "I laud The poor showing is seen Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister commitment to promoting pros- and Human Rights in Sri Lanka' Cabinet headed by Prime Min- the hardwork of (Delhi BJP) as a setback for Kejriwal, as the Rajnath Singh, and Road, Trans- perity in the neighbourhood and at the United Nations Human ister Narendra Modi selected team which made the resound- civic elections were largely port, Highways and Shipping affirmed the continued support Rights Council (UNHRC) last Bhatnagar considering his ing MCD win possible." viewed as a referendum on his Minister Nitin Gadkari also of India for realising the vision month, the Indian leadership seniority. The Home Ministry BJP President Amit Shah, two-year-old rule. Kejriwal called on the visiting dignitary. of the Sri Lankan leadership for expressed the earnest hope that had earlier recommended the who is in West Bengal, said the congratulated the BJP, and said "The discussions of the a stable, peaceful and prosper- recommendations on the rec- name of another IPS of 1983 election results, coming close he is looking "forward to work- Indian leadership with the vis- ous Sri Lanka. onciliation would be completed batch R K Pachnanda but it on the heels of the party's suc- ing with MCDs for the iting dignitary provided both The leaders welcomed the within the stipulated timeframe was apparently turned down cesses in the assembly polls in betterment of Delhi". sides an opportunity to review memorandum of understanding of two years," it said. by the PM's Office.

Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother NEWS BYTES appeals for son's release Kerala CPI-M to publicly censure Mani THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as Kerala Chief Minister New Delhi the Pakistan government and Pinarayi Vijayan continues to publicly defend his party and IANS also an appeal by her to the Cabinet colleague Power Minister M M Mani, the state secre- Court of Appeal, on behalf of tariat of CPI-M yesterday decided to publicly censure Mani for he mother of alleged Indian Jadhav, "who continues to be in his "curt remarks" on women plantation workers. In a party spy Kulbhushan Jadhav detention in Pakistan on con- press release issued here, it said the party had decided to pub- Thas filed an appeal with cocted charges", said an official licly censure Mani for his curt remarks which had caused a dent Pakistan seeking Islamabad's statement. to the image of the party. While addressing a public meeting in intervention for the release of "She requested the interven- Idukki district on April 22, Mani had said that the women plan- her son who has been sentenced tion of the Federal Government tation workers were into "drinks and much else". Mani has been to death and expressed a desire of Pakistan for his release and Mumbai students protesting against the death sentence given facing flak from various quarters for his controversial remarks. to meet him. has expressed the desire to meet to Kulbhushan Jadhav by a Pakistani military court. The appeal was handed over him," the statement said. by Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan was also requested Indian Foreign Secretary S. India has sought consular Airline suspends pilot over racism Pakistan, Gautam Bambawale, to facilitate the visas for the Jaishankar had also met the High access 15 times but Pakistan has NEW DELHI: Indian carrier Jet Airways said yesterday it during his meeting with Paki- mother and father of Jadhav, Commissioner of Pakistan to denied this every time. had suspended a foreign pilot from flying duty over allega- stan Foreign Secretary Tehmina who have expressed a wish to India on Tuesday and made sim- Indian authorities say they tions that he assaulted a woman and hurled racist abuse at Janjua, during which India travel to Pakistan to meet him ilar points, the statement said. have not been informed about another passenger on a domestic flight. The Mumbai-based sought consular access to Jad- and to personally file the peti- Jadhav was arrested in Balo- the whereabouts of Jadhav or the airline confirmed the incident took place on April 3 on a Chan- hav, a former Indian navy tion and the appeal. They have chistan in March 2016. Pakistan condition he is in. India has said digarh-Mumbai flight, adding the pilot in question had been official, for the 16th time. applied for visas with the Paki- has accused him of being a spy. if the death sentence is carried taken off the flying roster soon after and an apology had been Bambawale handed over a stan High Commission in New A military court sentenced him out, it would be considered a extended to the victim. "As regards the said incident, Jet Air- petition by Jadhav's mother to Delhi. to death on April 10. case of pre-meditated murder. ways has noted guest feedback with concern and regrets the incident," Jet Airways said in a statement yesterday. Kashmir blocks social media after clashes Child marriage annulled after 18 years AJMER: A family court in Ajmer, Rajasthan, yesterday annulled a child marriage that was held about 18 years ago when the girl Srinagar since April 9, when eight people being used increasingly fre- erupted across the territory. was only two and a half years old. Kavita Gujar, originally from AFP including seven students were quently to rally crowds which Roughly 500,000 Indian Alwar and presently studying in Ajmer, was married off to Sub- killed by police and paramili- then attack government forces, soldiers are deployed in the ash, son of Hardaan Singh Gujar, of Kotputli town around 18 uthorities in Kashmir yes- taries during by-election often by throwing rocks at them. region, which has been divided years ago. Kavita filed a petition in the family court to annul terday ordered internet violence. Social media are also being between India and Pakistan her child marriage with the assistance of Kriti Bharti, rehabil- Aservice providers to block Anti-India sentiment runs used by both sides in the conflict since the end of British rule in itation psychologist and Managing Trustee of Saarthi Trust of popular social media services deep in the Kashmir valley, one to spread images and video foot- 1947. Both claim the territory in Jodhpur, an NGO. "Kavita did not want to remain in the knots including Facebook, Twitter and of the world's most heavily mil- age in a growing war of its entirety. of child marriage," Kriti Bharti said. WhatsApp after an upsurge in itarised spots where most people information. A video released on Yesterday student protest- violence in the region. favour independence or a merger social media sites earlier this ers took to the streets, clashing The local government said with mainly Muslim Pakistan. month showed a man tied to a with government forces who 2 dead as trainer aircraft crashes the services were "being misused Clashes between rebels and gov- jeep being used as a human used shotguns to disperse them. MUMBAI : A trainer aircraft crashed on the Maharashtra- by anti-national and anti-social ernment forces have become shield against stone-throwers by Students have staged almost Madhya Pradesh border yesterday, killing the pilot and a elements" and should be blocked more frequent since the killing soldiers in Kashmir. daily protests in recent weeks, trainee, after the craft got entangled in wires, officials said. for one month or until further of a popular rebel leader, Burhan The 11-second clip went viral chanting slogans demanding Pilot Ranjan Gunta and student pilot Himani died when the notice "in the interest of main- Wani, by security forces last July and has sparked outrage and freedom from India and throw- National Flying Training Institute (NFTI) aircraft crashed around tenance of public order". sparked widespread unrest. heated debate about the role of ing rocks at police. 9.30 a.m into the Vainganga river. Balaghat district Khairlanji It is the first time the govern- Authorities responded by the military. They were angered by a raid police station in-charge Amit Jadhav, who reached the site ment has taken such a step, imposing a curfew, suspending Rights activists say Indian earlier this month on a college of the accident, told IANS that the four-seater craft left Birsi although it regularly blocks the mobile networks in large parts forces in Kashmir have been in the southern district of Pul- airport in Gondia, Maharashtra, in the morning. The trainer mobile internet signal in the vol- of the territory and seizing using human shields since the wama in which police tried to aircraft, while flying over the river, got entangled in wires atile Kashmir valley. newspapers to try to quell pro- late 1980s, when an armed detain the alleged ringleaders of spread across it to measure the water level, the official said. Kashmir has been tense tests. They say social media are insurgency against Indian rule earlier protests. THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017 ASIA 13

Saudi to fund THAAD installation begins in South Korea 560 mosques in Bangladesh Seoul Getting ready Reuters Dhaka The battery was AFP he US military started expected to be moving parts of an anti- operational by the BANGLADESH has approved missile defence system end of the year: a project to build hundreds of to a deployment site in Ministry. mosques with almost $1bn South Korea yesterday, from Saudi Arabia, an offi- Ttriggering protests from villagers China strongly urges cial said yesterday. and criticism from China, amid the US and South The government plans to tension over North Korea's weap- Korea to stop actions construct 560 mosques -- one ons development. that worsen regional in every town in Bangladesh The earlier-than-expected -- as the secular administra- tensions and harm steps to deploy the Terminal tion woos Islamist groups China's strategic High Altitude Area Defence before elections. (THAAD) system was also security interests and "Prime Minister Sheikh denounced by the frontrunner cancel the Hasina sought the funds from in South Korea's presidential deployment of the Saudi Arabia, which will pro- election on May 9. THAAD system and vide the lion's share of the South Korea's defence min- withdraw the $1.07bn cost, during a visit to istry said elements of THAAD equipment: Official the oil-rich state last year," were moved to deployment site, said planning minister Mus- on what had been a golf course, tofa Kamal. about 250km south of Seoul. United States and South Korea A US military vehicle which is a part of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system The centres of worship -- "South Korea and the US to stop actions that worsen arrives in Seongju, South Korea, yesterday. equipped with research have been working to secure an regional tensions and harm Chi- facilities, libraries and cultural early operational capability of na's strategic security interests China is North Korea's sole South Korea has accused saying the new administration centres -- would be a "model" the THAAD system in response and cancel the deployment of the major ally and is seen as crucial China of discriminating against should make a decision after for worshippers in Muslim- to North Korea's advancing THAAD system and withdraw the to US-led efforts to rein in its bel- some South Korean companies gathering public opinion and majority country," said nuclear and missile threat," the equipment," Chinese foreign licose, isolated neighbour. operating in China because of the more talks with Washington. Shamim Afzal, head of the ministry said in a statement. ministry spokesman Geng The United States began deployment. A spokesman for Moon said state-run Islamic "The battery was expected Shuang told a briefing recently. moving the first elements of the The liberal politician moving the parts to the site Foundation. to be operational by the end of "China will resolutely take system to South Korea in March expected to win South Korea's "ignored public opinion and due "It is a perfect idea of the year". necessary steps to defend its after the North tested four bal- election, Moon Jae-in, has called process" and demanded it be spreading the true knowledge "China strongly urges the interests," Geng said. listic missiles. for a delay in the deployment, suspended. of Islam." Sri Lanka reverses ban on adopting elephants Colombo "Wildlife conservation is ples would get them for free. "We are very surprised by the AFP good but we also need to con- But Asian elephant expert decision to give back these ele- serve our cultural pageants," said Jayantha Jayewardene said the phants," Jayewardene said. "It is ri LANKA said yesterday it government spokesman Rajitha decision was "ill thought out and a sad day for conservation." was overturning a ban on Senaratne after the cabinet over- totally irresponsible" and There has also been contro- Sadopting baby elephants, turned the ban on adoptions. accused the government of sell- versy over the separation of drawing sharp criticism from the Senaratne said the govern- ing animals to raise revenue. elephant calves whose parents animal protection lobby. ment decision had been He said the move could jeop- are still alive. Elephants are revered as holy motivated partly by overcrowd- ardise baby elephants that were Earlier this month a group in the mainly Buddhist nation, ing at Pinnawala, a 27 hectare taken to Pinnawala after they of wildlife enthusiasts went to where the high-maintenance coconut grove that was originally were seized from wealthy Sri court to stop an elephant calf, beasts have become a status sym- set up as an elephant orphanage Lankans accused of keeping which was given to New Zealand bol for wealthy elite. and now also runs a successful them illegally. during a visit by the then-prime The animals are also kept by breeding programme. Capturing wild elephants is minister John Key, from being temples for use in religious cer- He said strict conditions illegal in Sri Lanka but there taken away from its mother. emonies, and the ban had led to would be put in place to ensure have been cases of young ani- Last year, Sri Lanka unveiled worries there would not be the animals' welfare. Individu- mals being taken from their tougher laws, including a ban on Disqualified lawmakers Baggio Leung (left) and Yau Wai- enough tame elephants for Bud- als would have to pay $66,000 parents to be sold on the black using young elephants for log- ching outside a police station in Hong Kong, yesterday. dhist pageants. for an elephant, although tem- market. ging and other physical work. Hong Kong arrests two Boy dead after disqualified lawmakers Missing hiker rescued after 47 days alleged abuse at Hong Kong Hong Kong's Beijing-backed Kathmandu found them," one of the res- said that he had lost 30 kilos AP government when they used AFP cuers Madhav Basnyat said. and maggots had infested his religious school their swearing-in ceremony in "He woke up after he right leg. ong Kong police yester- October to stage an apparent escuers yesterday found heard us. We were very sur- "When he was brought in Kuala Lumpur day arrested two protest by inserting anti-China two Taiwanese trekkers prised to find him alive. He he had maggots and was AFP Hpro-independence law- insults into their oaths. Rwho went missing in a said that the girl died three starved because he hadn't makers who were disqualified Their attempts to enter the remote mountainous part of days earlier." eaten," Sanjay Karki, his doc- A Malaysian boy who was in a dispute over their oaths, in legislature during subsequent Nepal seven weeks ago, but Basnyat said that the two tor said. allegedly beaten so severely the latest round of legal action sessions to take their oaths only one survived the ordeal. had followed a river downhill The couple survived on with a hosepipe at an Islamic against activists involved in the properly descended into chaos Liu Chen-chun, 19, died in the hope of finding a village potatoes and noodles until school that his legs were ampu- Chinese territory's pro-democ- when they were barred from just three days before the res- but became stuck when they they ran out of food and had tated has died in hospital, a racy movement. the chamber while awaiting a cue team located the couple reached the edge of a water- to keep going on water alone. family member said yesterday. Sixtus Leung and Yau Wai- court ruling, which later dis- in northwest Nepal, but her fall and were unable to climb Liang's father had trav- Mohamad Thaqif, 10, had ching of the Youngspiration qualified them from office. boyfriend managed to survive back up. elled to Nepal after the couple attended the private Maahad party were arrested and ques- Leung and Yau were part of despite running out of food. "They had been trapped went missing and chartered Eahfiz al-Jauhar school in the tioned at a police station for a new wave of lawmakers Liang Sheng-yueh, 21, is there for 47 days when we a helicopter to search for southern state of Johor. several hours before being advocating greater separation being treated in hospital in reached," he said. them. His aunt said he had com- released on bail. from the mainland who were Kathmandu where he was air- Speaking haltingly and in Spring is peak season in plained to his mother about They said they were newly elected to office last year lifted after being rescued from broken English as he sipped Nepal's snow-capped peaks, the beatings, which were charged with unlawful assem- amid a rising tide of anti-China the steep slope where the cou- hot soup, Liang said it had a popular hiking destination allegedly inflicted by the bly and attempted forcible sentiment in Hong Kong, where ple had been trapped for over been "very cold" on the moun- with around 150,000 trekkers school's assistant warden. entry and must report to court fears are rising that Beijing is a month. tain, and difficult to sleep. visiting the Annapurna and The cause of his death is tomorrow. tightening its grip on the sem- "He was sleeping when we Doctors treating Liang Everest regions every year. not yet known and a post- The two activists angered iautonomous city. mortem is due to be carried out later yesterday. Local police chief Rahmat Othman said a 29-year-old suspect was in custody in rela- Thai media slammed over baby murder footage tion to the alleged beatings. "A water hose was seized. Bangkok removed on Tuesday, prompt- "Those reports were inap- The man had previously been AFP ing cries for Facebook to move propriate," it added, warning jailed for 30 months in 2014 more swiftly to take down clips channels and newspapers for theft," he said. hai media came under fire of grisly crimes and killings. against giving graphic coverage Local media said the boy yesterday for publishing A Thai media body also to similar crimes because they had recorded the alleged Timages of a man killing his slammed news outlets that "may lead to copycats". abuse in a notebook. infant daughter in a Facebook showed graphic images of the Thai newspaper front pages "Dear Allah, please open Live video, a case that sparked crime. are often splashed with bloody my parents' heart to allow me outrage and raised fears of cop- At least one major daily and lurid imagery. But netizens to transfer to another school ycat killings. printed an image of the murder- expressed horror over the kill- because I cannot stand it any The video, filmed Monday suicide on its front page ing and said this time the more. Please Allah, make my on the southern resort island of Tuesday, while several TV chan- coverage had gone too far. wish come true," the Malay Phuket, showed Wuttisan Won- nels aired segments of the video. "It was a news story, not a Mail newspaper quoted one gtalay hang his 11-month "The News Broadcasting horror movie. Was it really nec- notebook entry as saying. daughter Natalie from an aban- Council of Thailand received essary to release the soundbite?" The school's head, doned building before taking his complaints about reporting on one commentator wrote in the Mohammad Afdhaluddin, said own life, according to police. a man who killed his child and online forum Pantip, referring he could not comment on the The footage was online for himself via Facebook Live," the to audio played by some media Jiranuch Trirat (left) looking at her 11-month-old daughter after alleged beatings since the case around 24 hours before it was organisation said in statement. from the Facebook Live stream. picking her body at the morgue in Phuket, yesterday. was being investigated. 14 ASIA THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017 Asean Summit meetings begin in Manila

Zamboanga City Tight security that could disrupt the summit. Anatolia However, he added the mil- The summit started itary is not leaving anything to he 30th Association of with preparatory chance and that “everything is Southeast Asian meetings at Philippine covered” security-wise. Nations (Asean) Sum- International The military said the secu- mit began yesterday Convention Center rity issues in the tourist island in the capital, Manila (PICC) that will of Bohol, which was attacked by Tamid tight security. Daesh-linked Abu Sayyaf mili- continue till The summit started with tants, have already been tomorrow. preparatory meetings at Philip- addressed.Since 1991, Abu pine International Convention Sayyaf carried out bombings, Center (PICC) that will continue As many as 41,000 kidnappings, assassinations and till tomorrow. security forces were extortion in a self-determined Philippine President Rodrigo deployed in the fight for an independent prov- Duterte would chair the sum- capital to secure ince in the Philippines. mit on Saturday. 1,800 delegates from “We value the time that you The leaders of 10 member 10 member nations. wish to rest so please do not nations would discuss issues cancel your reservations in these including regional security, tourist areas and go out enjoy piracy, cross-border kidnap- security alarm. yourself. Have the sabbatical pings and the South China Sea As many as 41,000 security you most urgently need and we dispute. forces were deployed in the cap- will ensure that you will be able The host country battles mil- ital to secure 1,800 delegates to do that unhampered and well itants who have invaded a from 10 member nations. secured,” Padilla said. tourist island province in the Philippine army’s Chief of The Philippine Navy has Marines adjust the position of their anti-aircraft gun placed near the venue of the Asean Summit, archipelago’s central region last Staff General Eduardo Ano said deployed 20 ships to secure week, raising a nationwide there is no specific terror threat Manila Bay. in Manila, yesterday.

Afghanistan Militant reveals Kabul supporting Taliban group arrests 35 Karachi Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan -- a forging a nexus against Islam- to destabilise Pakistan.” "The world knows we have soldiers after Anatolia consortium of several militant abad, and coordinating their Recent terrorist attacks in never harbored terrorists, never groups in the country -- who attacks on Pakistan. both countries have put a fur- differentiated between the good attack on base evelations made by an can be seen confessing to not In remarks made to broad- ther strain on already icy and the bad terrorists, and never under detention Pakistani only his role in terrorism in the caster Dunya TV yesterday, relations between Kabul and used terrorism as a tool for Kabul RTaliban member that country, but also alleged that Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Islamabad, which accuse each political gains; all these are AFP Kabul provided support to the Kabul provided bases and logis- Aziz said: “His [Ehsan] confes- other of harboring militants. associated with Pakistan," group for launching terror tics to militants for carrying out sional statement is crucial. Meanwhile, Afghanistan Menapal said. AUTHORITIES have arrested attacks on Pakistan will be terrorist attacks inside Pakistan will raise [revelation rejected all allegations. He added that Afghanistan 35 soldiers who served on an taken up with Afghanistan, a Pakistan. made in] his confessions with Dawa Khan Menapal, Afghan for decades had been the vic- army base in northern Afghan- senior Pakistani official said Ehsan, who had reportedly the Afghan government.” deputy presidential spokesman, tim of terrorism and it was istan where the Taliban staged yesterday. surrendered to Pakistani secu- Army spokesman Maj-Gen said the allegations leveled by Pakistan that needed to “cor- a deadly attack last week, offi- Pakistan army yesterday rity forces earlier this month, Asif Ghafoor tweeted: “Ehsan- the TTP spokesman in Pakistani rect its path”, and work cials said yesterday, as fears released a video of Ehsanullah also accused the Afghan and ullah Ehsan exposes hostile army’s custody were baseless positively to eliminate the men- grew they had inside help. Ehsan, a former spokesman for Indian intelligence agencies of foreign agenda and their designs and mere propaganda. ace of terrorism from the region. The defence ministry released its official toll of 135 recruits killed in the assault on the sprawling base, home to the 209th Army Corps, out- China assures side the city of Mazar-i-Sharif China launches first home-built aircraft carrier in Balkh province on Friday. Gunmen in military detained activist Beijing trucks and wearing suicide AP vests stormed the base, kill- in good health ing unarmed young recruits hina has launched its first as they ate lunch in the din- Beijing aircraft carrier built ing hall and prayed in the Reuters Centirely on its own, in a mosque. demonstration of the growing The gunmen were THE Chinese government said technical sophistication of its dressed in army uniforms, yesterday that a Taiwan rights defence industries and determi- multiple sources have said, activist detained on suspicion nation to safeguard its maritime fuelling suspicions of com- of endangering national secu- territorial claims and crucial plicity on the 30,000-strong rity was in good health, and trade routes. base, where Western instruc- had reassured his family in "The 50,000-tonne carrier tors are sometimes called on a letter. was towed from its dockyard just as part of Nato's training, The detention has put a after 9am yesterday following a assistance and advisory strain on ties between Taiwan ceremony in the northern port mission. and China, which have cooled city of Dalian, where its prede- They also carried valid since Taiwan President Tsai cessor, the Soviet-built Liaoning, passes to the base, a senior Ing-wen took power last year, also underwent extensive refur- security source has said. because she refuses to con- bishing before being "So far 35 people have cede that the self-ruled island commissioned in 2012," the Min- been detained and are being is part of China. istry of National Defence said. China's first domestically built aircraft carrier during its launching ceremony in Dalian, Liaoning questioned in connection The activist, Li Ming-che, Development of the new province, yesterday. with the attack," said 209th is a community college carrier began in 2013 and con- Corps spokesman Abdul worker known for support- struction in late 2015. 2020, after sea trials and the Liaoning, the new carrier is jump-style deck for taking off Qahar Aram, adding that they ing human rights. He went It's expected to be formally arrival of its full air complement. based on the Soviet Kuznetsov and a conventional oil-fueled ranked from foot soldiers to missing in China, which views commissioned sometime before Like the 60,000-tonnes class design, with a ski steam turbine power plant. colonel. neighbouring Taiwan as a renegade province, on March 19, and China later confirmed his detention. "At present, Li Ming-che's Pakistan roadside bomb toll rises health is good, and there are US appeals Singapore no concerns about medical Peshawar IS have both laid claim to sev- care. He has clearly explained AFP Joint claims eral attacks, notably a suicide the relevant situation to his The incident, which bombing at a hospital in the blogger's asylum case family in a letter," Ma said. he death toll from a road- occurred in the Godar southwestern city of Quetta last Chicago Li's family and the Taiwan side bomb targeting a area of Kurram tribal year that killed 73 people. landed him in a Singapore jail. AP government have been frus- Tpassenger vehicle in Paki- district early Tuesday, The joint claims have raised He was first detained by trated at not being told where stan's northwest rose to 13 the possibility they are collud- US immigration authorities in has been claimed by Li is being held, and Ma did yesterday after three critically ing -- or that JuA, which has foot S government attor- December at O'Hare Interna- both the Jamaat-ul- not answer when asked his injured people died overnight soldiers on the ground, is allow- neys are appealing a tional Airport. location or give further details in hospital, officials said. Ahrar (JuA) faction of ing IS also to take credit to UChicago immigration Yee's attorney Chris of the charges Li could face. The incident, which the Pakistani Taliban achieve propaganda goals. judge's decision to grant asy- Keeler said that the case is Li's wife was barred from occurred in the Godar area of and the IS group. Yesterday, the army lum to a teenage blogger from now before the Board of travelling to China this month Kurram tribal district early released a video showing a con- Singapore. Immigration Appeals. after saying she received the Tuesday, has been claimed by fessional statement by JuA's That means 18-year-old A final decision could take letter through unofficial both the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) The Kurram tribal district is former spokesman Ehsanullah Amos Yee remains in US. months. channels and that she could faction of the Pakistani Taliban known for sectarian clashes Ehsan, in which he called on the custody. The Department of not verify the letter was from and the Islamic State group (IS). between Sunnis and Shias, who Taliban to lay down their arms The judge concluded in Homeland Security declined her husband. "Three women, a six-year- make up roughly 20 percent of and urged young people to steer March that Yee had a "well- comment on Tuesday. A potential diplomatic old girl and a boy aged nine Pakistan's population of 200 clear of extremism. founded fear" of being Immigration and Customs confrontation between China were among the dead," Baseer million. JuA pledged allegiance The army announced last persecuted upon return to Enforcement didn't immedi- and Taiwan was averted last Khan, a top government official to IS in 2014, but a year later said week that Ehsan, who was Singapore. ately have comment. week, after a Chinese activ- in Kurram tribal district, said, it had rejoined the Pakistani Tal- spokesman for the main Paki- Yee's online posts mock- An ICE online database ist who had reportedly adding that the passengers were iban -- which in turn is allied to stani Taliban group before JuA ing and criticising the shows Yee is detained at a intended to seek asylum in targeted because they belonged Al Qaeda, a foe of IS. broke away, had given himself city-state's government twice Wisconsin jail. Taiwan flew back home. to the Shia religious minority. However since 2016 JuA and up to the military. THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017 EUROPE 15 Workers boo Macron in Le Pen territory

cuddling up to bosses rather Campaign heats up than workers. “Emmanuel Setting a public Macron is with the oligarchs, relations trap for with the Medef (the employers’ association) ... I am with the centrist Macron in a French workers,” Le Pen said region that staunchly in comments broadcast by supports her French news channels. National Front, Le When he finally made it Pen unexpectedly there later in the day, Macron showed up at the was met by angry heckling and tumble-drier jostling from crowds of work- LEFT: Emmanuel Macron, candidate for the French election, uses a megaphone Whirlpool factory in ers, a rare scene for a French Amiens while he was presidential candidate, which to talk to Whirlpool employees in front of the company plant in Amiens, France, meeting union was broadcast live on news yesterday. ABOVE: Front National (FN) party leader Marine Le Pen at the same representatives on channels and drew much com- factory, yesterday. the other side of ment on social media. town. A Reuters photographer at the scene reported that some Sarkozy party eyes power-sharing National Front activists mingled Amiens in the crowd. Tyres were set Reuters ablaze in protest. Paris as a finance minister for former still strongly felt among many Macron stood his ground for Reuters president Nicolas Sarkozy, yes- of the Sarkozy-faction on the triking workers jeered more than an hour putting his terday publicly stated he was right-wing of The Republicans France’s front-running case to the workers and things rance’s centre-right party, ready to work as prime minis- though others, loosely repre- presidential candidate gradually calmed during an seeking to rebound after ter in a “cohabitation” sented by more moderate Emmanuel Macron encounter that was broadcast Fthe defeat of its presiden- arrangement with Macron. ex-prime minister Alain Juppe, yesterday when he live. He shook hands cordially tial candidate, said yesterday it Baroin, 51 and a rising star have suggested they may Sshowed up at a northern French with several of them when he left. could share power with within The Republicans, said in choose to join in a majority of factory after being publicly The 39-year-old Macron, Emmanuel Macron if he is an interview on CNews televi- support for Macron. trumped by far-right rival who is widely expected to beat elected, as pollsters predict, on sion: “I will be available to ... Baroin told CNews he would Marine Le Pen. Le Pen by a comfortable mar- May 7. head the government according vote for Macron on May 7 with- Setting a public relations gin in the May 7 vote, had over Macron, a 39-year-old cen- to the will of the French out hesitation but that he would trap for centrist Macron in a the past days been accused by trist, is tipped to comfortably win people.” not join in helping his campaign. region that staunchly supports potential allies and some media a runoff vote against far-right Any power-sharing deal He said he would throw his her National Front, Le Pen of complacency and acting as leader Marine Le Pen, but the between Macron and a right- energy into campaigning for The unexpectedly showed up at the if victory was in the bag since political movement he created wing prime minister, like that Republicans in the June parlia- tumble-drier Whirlpool factory he came first in an initial round a year ago faces a huge challenge suggested by Baroin, would mentary election. in Amiens while he was meet- of voting on April 23. in the follow-up legislative elec- likely impose big constraints on The last time France had a ing union representatives on Le Pen, arriving at Whirl- tion in June. him in pursuing economic pol- cohabitation arrangement the other side of town. pool’s strike site, said: “When I With Macron and his “En icies that seek to balance state between the Elysee and the gov- Le Pen whipped up pas- heard that Emmanuel Macron Marche!” movement at risk of protection and pro-business ernment was from 1997 and sions among workers who have was coming here and did not being in a minority in parlia- reforms. 2002 when right-wing presi- been striking against plans to plan to meet the workers, did ment, the centre-right party, The Before his exit, Fillon derided dent Jacques Chirac had to work close the US factory in favour not plan to come to the picket Republicans, hopes to secure Macron’s stated aim of being nei- with a Socialist government of increased production in line but would shelter himself enough National Assembly seats ther left- nor right-wing, under Prime Minister Lionel Poland, saying they were vic- who knows where in the cham- to demand a government role pointing to the ex-banker’s time Jospin. tims of globalisation. She ber of commerce ... I considered despite the defeat of its presi- as economy minister in the The arrangement curbed accused Macron of showing it was such a sign of contempt dential contender Francois Socialist government of outgo- Chirac’s day-to-day control over Former French President “contempt” towards them by for the Whirlpool workers that Fillon, eliminated in a first- ing President Francois the direction of the economy, not coming to see them. I decided to ... come here and round vote on April 23. Hollande. reducing him largely to looking Nicolas Sarkozy at an event She portrayed him as see you.” Francois Baroin, who served This judgment of Macron is after foreign policy and defence. in Paris recently.

Over half of Russians want World leaders call for 'banishing' chemical weapons The Hague to mark its 20th anniversary. "In the Middle East, belliger- Victoria, as well as ambassadors In an unprecedented step in PM Medvedev AFP So far some 95 percent of the ents are breaking the norm from OPCW-member nations. November, the OPCW's execu- world's declared stockpiles of against chemical weapons. The Despite the celebrations, "we tive council condemned Syria's to quit: Poll orld leaders yesterday such arms have been destroyed recent attack in Syria was a hor- cannot ignore the black cloud use of toxic weapons — its first urged all nations to by the OPCW. rific reminder of this threat. hanging over us", said Dutch public condemnation of any of Moscow Whelp "banish forever And its dangerous, painstak- There can be no impunity for Foreign Minister Bert Koenders, the 192 members of the Reuters the evil of chemical weapons," ing work to implement the April these crimes," he said in a video referring especially to the April convention. as the global watchdog warned 1997 Chemical Weapons Con- message to the ceremony. 4 suspected sarin gas attack in Syria joined the OPCW in early half of Russians decades of progress towards vention won it the Nobel Peace "For 20 years we have been the Syrian rebel-held town of 2013 after denying for years that want Prime Minister eliminating them was under Prize in 2013. allies in this cause. Now let us Khan Sheikhun, the latest in sev- it had toxic arms. And while 100 NDmitry Medvedev to threat. But amid reports of sarin, resolve to consign these diabolic eral attacks. percent of its declared stockpile quit, an opinion poll showed UN chief Antonio Guterres mustard and chlorine gas attacks weapons to the pages of The continued use of such has been destroyed in an opera- yesterday, suggesting corrup- led praise at a solemn ceremony unleashed during the bitter civil history." weapons underscored that the tion involving some 30 countries, tion allegations levelled in The Hague for the work of the war in Syria, Guterres warned The ceremony was also OPCW as an independent, neu- there are growing fears that the against him by political oppo- Organisation for the Prohibition that despite "two decades of suc- attended by Dutch King Willem- tral body was needed "more than Syrian regime did not reveal the nents have taken a toll. of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) cess... progress is under threat." Alexander and Sweden's Princess ever before," Koenders added. true extent of its armoury. Opposition politician Alexei Navalny released a video last month accusing Medvedev of owning a sprawling portfolio of luxury Statesman's gaze homes and of amassing a for- Airbus CEO to be tune that outstripped his salary. It has been watched more than 20 million times probed for fraud on YouTube and helped spark recent protests across Vienna agency and confirmed by Russia. Reuters Vienna prosecutors. Medvedev, a close ally of For the second time in two President Vladimir Putin, has irbus was plunged months, Airbus seemed taken dismissed the allegations as deeper into legal wran- aback by the latest develop- politically motivated “non- Agling over past business ments in a longstanding row sense”, suggesting they were dealings yesterday when over the Eurofighter deal, designed to stir up trouble Vienna prosecutors which has spawned numer- ahead of a presidential elec- announced a fraud investiga- ous investigations that now tion next year which Putin is tion into its chief executive in coincide with separate probes expected to contest. connection with a $2bn fighter in other countries of its pas- Yesterday, the Levada order over a decade ago. senger jet sales. Center, a pollster which casts Airbus called the accusa- In February, Vienna pros- itself as independent, released tions against CEO Tom Enders ecutors opened a criminal the results of a survey show- “completely unsubstantiated” investigation into Airbus and ing that 52 percent of after Reuters exclusively the Eurofighter consortium Russians did not trust Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen at the captain's bridge onboard the Twin revealed the investigation, after the defence ministry said Medvedev, up from 42 per- City Liner river ship on the river Danube near Bratislava, Slovakia, yesterday. Van der which came to light in corre- it believed they had misled cent in March 2014 after Bellen was on a day's visit to Slovakia. spondence seen by the news Austria about the price. Russia annexed Crimea. 16 EUROPE THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017

Straddling the Rhine Bulgaria to buy Call to halt Turkey's eight Gripen fighter jets EU membership talks from Sweden Sofia Brussels is enacted, which would hap- Reuters Reuters Charter change pen after Turkey holds the next The EU official said election, now due in late 2019. ulgaria has decided to he European Union any suspension She said Erdogan could start talks with Sweden should formally sus- should only come if bring them forward to swiftly Bto acquire eight new pend Turkey’s assume more powers, though Gripen combat jets made by and when the long-stalled talks on the Turkish leader said that was SAAB, interim deputy prime “authoritarian membership if it not on the agenda now. minister Stefan Yanev said Tadopts constitutional changes constitution” is Piri stressed, however, the yesterday, as the Balkan coun- backed at a referendum last enacted, which process should be suspended try seeks to replace its ageing week, a leading member of the would happen after rather than ended altogether: “I Soviet-designed MiG-29s. EU parliament responsible for Turkey holds the don’t want to take that perspec- The Balkan country has dealings with Ankara said next election, now tive away from the Turkish picked the Swedish offer in yesterday. due in late 2019. population.” preference to an offer from Kati Piri said ahead of a ple- “Turkey should remain a Portugal of secondhand US nary debate on the matter that candidate country but we’re F-16s equipped with US if President Recep Tayyip Ankara to keep a lid on the flow negotiating with the govern- weaponry and an offer from Erdogan implemented his new of refugees from the Middle East. ment. It’s become clear over the Italy of secondhand charter, giving him even more Erdogan’s accusations last two years that this govern- Eurofighter Typhoon fighters. powers, Turkey would close the around this month’s constitu- ment doesn’t want to meet A deal is estimated to be door on membership. tional vote that Germany and criteria.” worth about ¤1.5bn levs. Erdogan said on Tuesday the Netherlands act like Nazis She said she expected the A special commission for that Turkey would not wait for- have taken the relationship to EU’s foreign ministers this Fri- the negotiations is expected ever to join the bloc, just a day new lows. Piri, a Dutch centre- day would ask the bloc’s to be set up within a week, after the EU executive’s top offi- left European lawmaker, said, executive for a formal assess- Yanev said. The talks with cial for membership talks asked “As Turkey with such a consti- ment of where Turkey stands on Sweden will be held by Bul- Europe’s foreign ministers to tution cannot become a member fulfilling these. Based on that, EU garia’s next government, consider other types of ties with of the EU, it also doesn’t make leaders could make further deci- which is expected to take Turkey when they meet sense to continue the discussion sions when they next meet in office next week. tomorrow. on integration with the current June. “Sweden’s offer is ranked Ties between EU states and government,” One tangible effect of sus- first, followed by Portugal and their Nato ally Turkey soured in “The EU should officially pending the process would be Italy,” interim Defence Minis- the aftermath of a failed coup suspend the accession talks if freezing the annual payments ter Yanev said. “It is normal last July as the bloc was taken the constitutional changes are of some 600 million euros ($650 that talks start with the first- aback by Erdogan’s sweeping implemented unchanged,” she million) of EU pre-accession ranked country.” Last year security crackdown that told reporters, after the legisla- funds to Turkey. Bulgaria’s parliament followed. ture last year passed a Like Hahn, Piri said Brussels approved a plan to acquire An aerial view from Strasbourg in eastern France shows Austria has long called for non-binding resolution calling could instead step up talks on eight new or secondhand aborting Turkey’s EU bid alto- for such a move. enhancing the customs union the new bridge across the Rhine River connecting the fighter jets between 2018 and gether but other EU states have Piri said any suspension which Turkey already has with city with Kehl in Germany. The structure with a tramway 2020 to improve the country’s been more cautious, highlight- should only come if and when the EU, a process she said could on it, will be officially inaugurated tomorrow. compliance with Nato stand- ing that the bloc depends on the “authoritarian constitution” take the next two to three years. ards and replace its MiG-29s. Germany Merkel tries to paper over Ivanka's odd moment finds Israel's Berlin Merkel said in a video excerpt That contrasted with the Gabriel snub Bloomberg posted on Twitter by her chief frosty moment at a conference spokesman, Steffen Seibert. “I on women’s empowerment ear- regrettable erman Chancellor Angela hope we were a good audience lier Tuesday, where the Merkel made amends for for you and that you’ll take some president’s daughter drew Berlin Ga Berlin audience that new ideas home with you.” groans for calling her father “a AFP gave Ivanka Trump a rough The German leader thanked tremendous champion of sup- reception, telling the US presi- Trump’s daughter for proposing porting families.” Noting the erman Chancellor dent’s daughter she was grateful a global fund to promote women audience reaction, the modera- Angela Merkel said for her visit. entrepreneurs in poorer coun- tor followed up with a question Gyesterday it was Merkel’s comment at a gala tries and said she’ll “spare no about the president’s attitude "regrettable" that Israeli dinner in the German capital effort” to persuade fellow lead- toward women. Prime Minister Benjamin sought to end Ivanka Trump’s ers of Group of 20 countries to Ivanka Trump complimented Netanyahu denied her for- first day overseas as a presiden- back it. Merkel will be hosting Merkel in an interview with Ger- eign minister a meeting tial adviser with an upbeat the US president as part of a man public broadcaster ZDF after the diplomat held gesture. The chancellor, who G-20 summit in Hamburg in July. aired yesterday, saying “every- talks with rights groups. presides over Europe’s biggest While a small group of pro- one can learn something from the Merkel's spokesman economy, is among foreign lead- testers held up anti-Ivanka chancellor.” Trump and Merkel said that talks with non- ers reaching out to President Trump signs outside the venue, “got along incredibly well — governmental Donald Trump’s oldest daugh- news photos from the dinner at despite differences” when they organisations were com- ter to try to moderate his views Deutsche Bank AG’s Berlin met in Washington in March, the mon during foreign travel on matters such as global trade offices on Tuesday showed Mer- president’s daughter said, adding and should not set off a rift and defence spending. kel and the president’s daughter that she hopes it’ll be the start of between allies. “I’m very glad that you sitting next to each other a “warm” relationship that “hope- Ivanka Trump "The chancellor finds braved this trip to Germany,” engrossed in conversation. fully will continue to grow.” Angela Merkel it regrettable that a meet- ing between Foreign Minister (Sigmar) Gabriel and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Netan- 31st anniversary of yahu did not take place," he told reporters at a reg- ular government briefing. Chernobyl marked "It should not be problem- atic for foreign visitors to meet with critical repre- Kiev authorities kept most of the sentatives of civil AFP information about the disaster society." hidden. Netanyahu called off he presidents of Ukraine Hundreds of thousands of the planned meeting Tues- and Belarus toured yester- people were evacuated from the day with Gabriel after the Tday the site of the area around the disaster site and German diplomat decided Chernobyl plant to mark 31 an exclusion zone was set up to go ahead with talks with years since the "unhealing that has now become a ghostly Israeli rights groups wound" of the world's worst civil uninhabited region. Breaking The Silence and nuclear accident spewed radi- Ukraine placed a mammoth B'Tselem. ation across Europe. ¤2.1bn metal dome over the Netanyahu's rare The station's fourth reactor remnants of the Chernobyl plant move marked an affront in the north of former Soviet last year in a bid to stop future against one of Israel's clos- Ukraine exploded in 1986 after leaks and ensure the safety of est international a safety test went horribly wrong Europeans for generations. partners. at 1:23am on April 26. More than 200 tonnes of Due to its historical Around 30 people were uranium remain buried inside responsibility as the per- killed on site and several thou- the crippled reactor that leaked petrator of the Holocaust sand more are feared to have radiation across three quarters that killed six million died in the years that followed of Europe. Jews, Germany has not from radiation poisoning across "Perhaps more than anyone only been a staunch ally Ukraine as well as its northern else, the Chernobyl tragedy of Israel but has also been neighbour Belarus and Russia affected our Belarussian broth- cautious about openly to the east. ers," Poroshenko said at a joint Director of ChNPP, Ihor Gramotkin, (left) speaks to Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko criticising the Jewish The exact number of victims appearance with his Belarussian (second left) and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in front of the New Safe Confinement state. remains a subject of intense counterpart Alexander over the fourth block of the Chernobyl nuclear plant, yesterday. debate because the Soviet Lukashenko. THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017 EUROPE 17 EU seeks improved social benefits as populism rises

Brussels than two weeks before the sec- and strongest economy. The their own laws on this, there are parental leave rights beyond Reuters ond round of presidential Among its concrete Commission hopes its proposals no such pan-EU standards at the existing laws was too expensive, elections in socially-minded will be endorsed by EU leaders moment. especially at a time when the he European Commission France, whose vote is seen as proposals, the by December. All EU workers would also Commission was also urging proposed yesterday to decisive for the future of the EU Commission wants Anti-EU movements have have the right to five days of car- member states to ensure their Tstrengthen social protec- after Britain decided to fathers in all EU taken root across the bloc as ers’ leave per year to take care public finances were tion across the bloc as the leave the 28-nation bloc last countries to be able to groups of voters feel left out by of seriously ill or dependent rel- sustainable. European Union struggles with year. Brussels. Even if they do not win atives, paid as sick leave. “Many Member States sim- a wave of populism triggered by Marianne Thyssen, the com- take 10 days of leave a majority, as the Brexit camp did Again, no such minimum ply cannot afford to grant globalisation and a migration missioner for employment and when their child is in Britain last year, their resent- standards exist in the whole EU sickness pay levels to people tak- crisis. social affairs, said she was born, paid at the level ment has become a political now. ing parental leave,” Its most concrete proposals pleased the proposals were made of sick benefits. factor to be reckoned with. Finally, in an extension of BusinessEurope President Emma focused on creating a better now. existing laws, all working par- Marcegaglia said. work-life balance with new EU- “I hope that this is taken up CONCRETE PROPOSALS ents of children up to 12 and The Commission also pro- wide standards for more in the campaigns because it Among its concrete propos- carers with dependent relatives posed a review of workers’ generous parental and paternity shows that social is at the heart italisation and globalisation.” als, the Commission wants would have the right to request contracts with employers’ organ- leave rules, guaranteed carers’ of the European policy,” she told Debate on these ideas will fathers in all EU countries to be reduced or flexible working isations and trade unions “to leave to tend to ailing family a news conference. also take place during the cam- able to take 10 days of leave hours, and possibly choose ensure that people in all forms members and flexible working “We realise that many peo- paign for the September 24 when their child is born, paid at where they work. of employment have adequate arrangements. ple are afraid of being the losers parliamentary election in Ger- the level of sick benefits. BusinessEurope, an employ- access to social protection and The proposals came less of the changes we see due to dig- many, the EU’s largest member While various countries have ers organisation, said extending employment services.” EU starts legal action against Hungary

Brussels governments to demand legal AFP explanations over certain issues. It can then refer them to the he EU launched legal European Court of Justice, which action against Hungary can impose stiff financial pen- Tyesterday setting up a alties if member states fail to major confrontation with Prime comply. Minister Viktor Orban (pictured) who accused Brussels of back- 'People worried' ing US billionaire investor The announcement marks George Soros instead of his a new low in the tense relations country. between Brussels and Budapest Orban has sparked deep over the government's rights unease over legislation that record. could force the closure of the Soros was to meet European The EU expressed deep con- highly regarded Central Euro- Commission chief Jean-Claude cern over Hungarian plans to pean University in Budapest, Juncker in Brussels. tighten government control over Britain's opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn listens through a stethoscope with founded by Soros. The commission chose to academic freedoms, migrants Haroon, 2, while meeting with nurses and other medical staff in London, yesterday. The tough step by the Euro- make its announcement on legal and nongovernmental pean Commission came the action just hours ahead of organisations. same day that the rightwing pre- Orban's address to parliament. The key issue in recent mier addressed the European "We have decided to take weeks has been the Central May has Thatcher-like lead: Poll parliament to defend his law legal action on the higher edu- European University, often seen and his country's rights record cation law by sending a letter of as a beacon of the liberal EU val- overall. formal notice to the Hungarian ues so often derided by Orban. London the 650-seat Lower House of Thatcher, riding a wave of "We are not as big and pow- government," European Com- "Recent developments in Reuters parliament. popularity after the Falklands erful as you are, and not as big mission Vice-President Valdis Hungary have got many people An Ipsos MORI telephone War against Argentina, won a as powerful as George Soros, the Dombrovskis said at a news worried in the EU but also in the ritish Prime Minister poll of 1,004 adults conducted 144-seat majority in that elec- American financial speculator conference. outside world. We share those Theresa May’s Conserva- on April 21-25 put the Conserv- tion against Labour’s Michael attacking Hungary," Orban told The decision was based on worries and concerns," said Btives have almost twice as ative lead at 23 percentage Foot, whose left-wing socialist MEPs in Brussels. an "in-depth legal assessment" European Commission's Vice- much voter support as the oppo- points, while a Panelbase online manifesto was branded by a Soros, the Hungarian born and involved alleged breaches President Frans Timmermans, sition Labour Party ahead of a poll of 1,026 people on April party colleague as “the longest financier, "has destroyed the of fundamental EU laws govern- who also addressed the parlia- June 8 election, a lead equal to 20-24 put their lead on 22 per- suicide note in history”. lives of millions of Europeans ing the freedom to set up ment session. Timmermans that commanded by Margaret centage points. May’s predecessor, David with his financial speculations". businesses and services as part described the university as the Thatcher before her 1983 land- “The Conservatives are Cameron, won a majority of 12 Yet he "is still warmly regarded of the internal market, Dom- "pearl in the crown" of post- slide victory, Ipsos MORI said. starting the campaign matching seats in a 2015 election, the first here and warmly received at the brovskis said. Hungary has a communist Europe. Orban's Since May surprised rivals the biggest lead we have ever overall Conservative victory highest level", he said. month to respond, the commis- government has also handed out and financial markets by call- recorded for them during an since Thatcher’s successor, John sion said. a questionnaire entitled "Let's ing a snap election, opinion polls election campaign - which was Major, won in 1992. 'Legal action' The announcement began stop Brussels!" asking house- have shown May has far greater back in 1983 ahead of Thatch- May is betting that the The firebrand PM, and ally the EU's so-called "infringement holds how to deal with EU support than Labour leader Jer- er’s victory,” Gideon Skinner, weakness of Labour leader Cor- of Russia's Vladimir Putin, made proceeding" that starts with policies that it says threaten emy Corbyn and that she is head of political research at byn will bolster her majority in his accusation one day before Brussels writing to national Hungary's independence. likely to win a big majority in Ipsos MORI, said. parliament.

Two die as mishap closes May huddles with major EU Brexit officials London EU citizens into Britain, but says railway line AFP she wants to form a new part- nership with the bloc. Rome ritish Prime Minister "We will have difficult issues AFP Theresa May yesterday to confront. Compromises will Bwas holding her first talks be necessary on both sides. We wo railway mainte- with key EU Brexit negotiators, know all this," Brexit minister nance workers died and as the bloc hardens its position David Davis said in a speech in Tthree others were ahead of a summit to lay down London yesterday . injured in an overnight acci- its "red lines". But he added: "The UK has a dent that temporarily closed May hosted European Com- very good reason to feel a 10-kilometre section of Ita- mission President Jean-Claude optimistic." ly's main rail line to Austria. Juncker and chief negotiator After starting the Article 50 The accident happened Michel Barnier at Downing Street process of leaving the EU last near Bressanone, close to the for the first face-to-face talks month, May is seeking to shore Brenner pass that links the since she triggered the two-year up her mandate for the Brexit two countries in the Alps. process of withdrawing from the talks in a snap election on June A giant tamping machine European Union. 8, with polls suggesting her Con- slipped off its breaks and col- The encounter over dinner servatives will return with an lided with another piece of comes as the EU has toughened increased majority. heavy equipment, causing a its strategy, making new British Prime Minister Theresa May attending the final Prime Ministers Questions session of In recent weeks, she has held powerful explosion. demands over financial services, the Parliament before the June 8 general election, yesterday. talks with senior EU figures, The line was shut immigration and the bills Brit- including European Parliament between Bressanone and ain must settle before ending its better deal outside the bloc than Britain will also be required finance industry will not neces- President Antonio Tajani and Fortezza to the north to allow 44-year-old membership in the inside. to give EU citizens permanent sarily be tied to any future trade European Council chief Donald inspectors to assess what bloc. According to the document, residency after living there for deal with the EU and that it must Tusk, who visited Downing happened. Passengers were The latest draft negotiating seen by AFP, the other 27 EU five years, in a challenge for also stick to the bloc's rules if it Street on April 6. being transferred to buses for guidelines, agreed on Monday countries will seek to hold Brit- May's Conservative government, wants easy access to EU The leaders of the other 27 that part of their journeys. by Barnier and European diplo- ain liable for the bloc's costs for which has vowed to limit markets. EU nations will meet on April 29 It took hours for normal mats, point to months of difficult at least a year after it leaves in immigration. May has committed to pull- to set down the bloc's red lines, traffic to be restored, Italian talks ahead as the EU seeks to 2019 — longer than was previ- And the guidelines recom- ing Britain out of Europe's single though the talks will not begin railways said. ensure Britain does not get a ously proposed. mend that Britain's dominant market to end free movement of until June. 18 AMERICAS THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017

Firefighters Venezuela threatens to exit OAS rescue woman Caracas and nearly 1,300 detained since from crane AP Tough talk the protests began in response to Foreign Minister Delcy a Supreme Court ruling last month 12 dead and 11 injured in Toronto enezuela is threat- Rodriguez said she had that stripped opposition-control- ening to pull out of been instructed by led congress of much of its the Organisation of President Nicolas powers. in prison violence Toronto American States as Maduro to initiate In an unusual move, Ortega AP Caracas the socialist govern- country’s withdrawal Diaz broke with the government The prison had been ment’sV response to political in the immediate days after the AFP undergoing reforms aimed in A WOMAN who was stuck on from the Washington- unrest that has been blamed for decision to denounce it as a part at disarming inmates but the top part of a construction based organisation if 26 deaths in recent weeks draws “rupture” of constitutional order. n outbreak of violence “there are still arms there and crane in downtown Toronto rebuke from the hemisphere’s the region’s foreign The ruling was later partially between rival gangs at a there are prisoners who for hours was rescued yester- major powers. ministers hold a reversed amid a storm of inter- Aprison in eastern Vene- rebelled,” the ministry spokes- day after being strapped to a Foreign Minister Delcy Rod- meeting on country’s national criticism. Ever since, the zuela has left 12 dead and 11 man said. rappelling firefighter and riguez said on state TV early crisis without his prosecutor once criticized by the injured, the government said “At this moment, an inves- lowered to the ground. yesterday that she had been administration’s opposition has become an yesterday. tigation is underway, and those The woman had been instructed by President Nicolas backing. unlikely bulwark against further A spokesman for the min- responsible will be brought perched on a gently swaying Maduro to initiate country’s government repression, show- istry of penitentiary affairs, before the courts.” large pulley device for at least withdrawal from the Washing- ing little sympathy for abuses who gave the toll of dead and Estimates of country’s four hours and was clinging ton-based OAS if the region’s violent confrontations with secu- committed by security forces and wounded, said nine of those prison population range from to a steel cable when a res- foreign ministers hold a meet- rity forces. protesters alike. killed died of gunshot wounds. nearly 55,000 to 88,000, many cuer reached her. ing on country’s crisis without The unrest shows no sign of “I want to express my firm- The deadly clashes erupted of them in overcrowded jails Toronto Fire Chief Mat- his administration’s backing. slowing down. Another demon- est rejection to violence as an in the eastern city of Barcelona awaiting prosecution. The gov- thew Pegg said his crew had “We’re not going to continue stration was called in which arm of political action. Politics at Jose Antonio Anzoategui ernment provides no official never seen an incident like allowing legal and institutional Maduro’s opponents planned to should not lead us to war,” she prison, considered one of coun- figures on inmate this before. “It’s an outstand- violations that are arbitrary and try again to march downtown to said yesterday in calling for both try’s most violent. populations. ing success,” Pegg said of the surpass any moral, ethical and deliver a message to nation’s sides to constrain their confron- operation. “We train for this, licit boundary that nations in this ombudsman, whose job is to tational tactics. although we’ve never seen regional organisation should stand up for citizens’ rights but In the majority of cases Opposition leaders have foment unrest. one like this before.” respect,” Rodriguez said. who the opposition has tagged involving detentions tied to the blamed armed pro-government “Right-wing terrorists have He added, “She was Hundreds of thousands of the “defender of the dictator.” unrest, police have not pro- militias known as “colectivos” once again left Venezuelan fam- brought down safely, she Venezuelans have flooded Venezuela’s chief prosecutor, vided sufficient information to for a number of the deaths, while ilies grieving in their continuous didn’t appear to be in any dis- streets to demand an end to Luisa Ortega Diaz, put a spotlight prosecute, so those arrested government officials have spiral of violence,” Interior Min- tress. This was a very Maduro’s presidency. The pro- on extent of violence, saying more would have to be freed, Ortega accused the opposition of work- ister Nestor Reverol said in a technical, very complex tests have frequently ended in than 400 people had been injured Diaz said. ing with criminal gangs to nationwide broadcast. rescue.” Pegg said crew members were called to the scene at a construction site at about 4 Iceberg Alley am. A rescue worker began US Air Force tests climbing up the crane around 6 am and rappelled down to the woman on the pulley device around 8 am, Pegg unarmed missile said. The firefighter then care- fully strapped himself to the California to demonstrate the national woman and the pair were AP nuclear capabilities. slowly lowered to the ground In a Minuteman test, a so- about half an hour later. n unarmed Minuteman called re-entry vehicle travels Streets in the area were 3 intercontinental ballis- more than 4,000 miles down- blocked off and bystanders Atic missile has been range to a target at Kwajalein packed nearby sidewalks to launched from a US Air Force Atoll near Kwajalein Atoll in the watch the dramatic operation Base in California on a flight to Marshall Islands. unfold. Cheers erupted from a target in the Pacific Ocean. “Team V is once again ready the crowd as the firefighter The missile lifted off at to work with Air Force Global successfully landed on the 12:03am yesterday from Strike Command to successfully ground with the woman. Vandenberg Air Force Base, 130 launch another Minuteman III The woman, believed to miles of Los Angeles. missile,” Moss said. “These be in her 20s, was then hand- An Air Force statement said Minuteman launches are essen- cuffed by police and handed the mission was part of a pro- tial to verify status of our national over to paramedics. gramme to test effectiveness, nuclear force and to demonstrate Toronto police said the readiness, and accuracy of the our national nuclear capabilities. woman faces a mischief weapon system. The 30th Space We are proud of our long history charge. Fire crew said there An iceberg floats in Flatrock Cove in Flatrock, Newfoundland, Canada. Icebergs break off Wing commander, Colonel John in partnering with the men and was no immediate indication from Baffin Island and Greenland every Spring and drift down the stretch of water along Moss, said Minuteman launches women of the 576th Flight Test of why the woman climbed the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador known as Iceberg Alley. are essential to verify the sta- Squadron to execute these mis- onto the crane in the middle tus of the US nuclear force and sions for the nation.” of the night. Court removes obstacle to release wolves in New Mexico

Denver temporary order issued by a Despite the ruling, it wasn’t Protected status under the about the way the programme is Mexico failed to show that the AP lower court that stopped US Fish immediately known whether act usually brings restrictions on managed, and in 2015 it refused state would suffer irreparable and Wildlife Service from releas- wolf releases would resume. ranching, mining and other to issue a permit to Fish and Wild- harm if more wolves were federal court yesterday ing more Mexican gray wolves President Donald Trump has activities. life to release more of predators. released — a requirement for removed an obstacle to after New Mexico refused to slowed or reversed other envi- Only about 110 Mexican gray The agency decided to such an order. Athe US government’s plan agree to the plan. The state Game ronmental initiatives since taking wolves live in the wild. They release them anyway, citing an “Irreparable harm comes to to release more endangered and Fish Department is disap- office in January, when appeals nearly disappeared in the 1970s, urgent need to expand the wild ranchers and people of New Mex- wolves in New Mexico over pointed, but it will keep pursuing court was considering wolf case. and the government added them population to prevent inbreed- ico,” said Caren Cowan, executive state’s objections, but it was not the case in a court in New Mex- And many Republicans in con- to the endangered species list in ing. New Mexico officials went director of New Mexico Cattle clear whether additional animals ico, where it was originally filed, trol of Congress have long objected 1976. The Fish and Wildlife Serv- to court, and a judge temporar- Growers Association. “It saddens would be reintroduced under the spokesman Lance Cherry said. to parts of Endangered Species Act, ice began reintroducing them to ily blocked further releases last me to think the court doesn’t Trump administration. Fish and Wildlife spokesman which is legal authority for re- parts of their original range in year while dispute is resolved. understand how much harm is Denver-based 10th US Cir- Jeff Humphrey said the agency establishing the Mexican gray wolf New Mexico and Arizona in 1998. The government appealed. coming to our ranching families cuit Court of Appeals lifted a was reviewing the decision. and other animals. New Mexico has complaints The 10th Circuit says New and their livelihood,” she said.

Seattle breaks rainfall record Literary bonanza

Seattle “This has been a terrible making it second-wettest winter AP winter. It was just wet. There’s in the city in more than 75 years no way around that,” he said of record-keeping. oggy Seattle has broken yesterday. While many Seat- The city has also had most another rainfall record, and tleites have grumbled about the days of rain ever, with 145 days SPortland is inching closer relentless rain, longtime resident of the wet stuff since October 1, to smashing its own record. Meghan Shepard revels in it. said Colby Neuman, a meteor- Seattle measured 44.7 “It’s soothing. I like the col- ologist for the agency in inches (114 cms) of rain between our of the sky when it rains. It’s Portland. This year’s February October and April, making it this beautiful green. I like being was also wettest on record with wettest such period since out there,” said the retired 10.356 inches (26 cms) of rain. records began in 1895, National 77-year-old. She has lived all Those are numbers Olga Weather Service in Seattle said. over the US, but prefers the Vargas can vouch for. The It marks second year in the rainy Northwest. native of Puerto Rico moved to row the city has topped historic Portland residents are Portland four years ago and rainfall record for that period. weathering a winter that’s sim- said typically rainy winters With several days left to go ilarly bleak. didn’t bother her much — until this month, this year’s record will The National Weather Serv- this year. Mudslides earlier in Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (left) and French Ambassador to Colombia Jean- likely be padded some more, said ice has measured 45.5 inches (116 the winter cut off roads that she Marc Laforet attend the opening of 30th International Book Fair of Bogota, in Bogota, Mike McFarland, a meteorologist cms) of rain at Portland Interna- uses for her morning commute, yesterday. with service in Seattle. tional Airport since October 1, she said. THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017 AMERICAS 19

Trump slams Trump order court ruling on ‘sanctuary cities’

allows resizing Washington Reuters

US President Donald Trump yes- of monuments terday attacked a federal judge’s ruling that blocked his executive order seeking to withhold funds Washington Economic growth from “sanctuary cities” for illegal Reuters immigrants, vowing to appeal it The move comes as to the US Supreme Court. S President Donald part of Trump’s effort The ruling by US District Judge Trump signed an to reverse a slew of William Orrick in San Francisco executive order environmental was latest blow to Trump’s efforts yesterday to iden- protections ushered in to toughen immigration enforce- tify national by former President ment. Federal courts have also Umonuments that can be blocked his two travel bans on cit- Barack Obama that he rescinded or resized - part of a izens of mostly Muslim nations. said were hobbling broader push to open up more “First the Ninth Circuit rules federal lands to drilling, min- economic growth. against the ban & now it hits again ing and other development. on sanctuary cities-both ridicu- The move comes as part of lous rulings. See you in the Trump’s effort to reverse a slew The monuments covered by Supreme Court!” Trump said in a of environmental protections the review will range from the tweet, referring to the San Fran- US President Donald Trump signs an executive order to review the Antiquities Act at the US ushered in by former President Grand Staircase created by cisco-based federal appeals court Barack Obama that he said President Bill Clinton in 1996 to Department of Interior in Washington, DC, yesterday. and its judicial district. were hobbling economic the Bears Ears created by Pres- Trump administration has growth - an agenda that is ident Barack Obama in designation could be tricky. “It is the president in 45 days. and Senators Mike Lee and Orin targeted sanctuary cities, which cheering industry but enraging December 2016, both in Utah. untested, as you know, whether Obama’s administration cre- Hatch stood beside Trump as he generally offer safe harbour to conservationists. Interior Secretary Ryan the president can do that,” Zinke ated the Bears Ears monument in signed the order. illegal immigrants and often do Trump signed the order at Zinke told reporters that Trump’s said. the final days of his administra- The Bears Ears area lies near not use municipal funds or Interior Department in Wash- order would require him to con- President Woodrow Wilson tion, arguing that it would protect where EOG Resources — a Texas- resources to advance the enforce- ington, saying his predecessors’ duct review of around 30 reduced the size of Washington the cultural legacy of Native based company — had been ment of federal immigration laws. use of 1906 Antiquities Act to national monuments created state’s Mount Olympus National American tribes and preserve approved to drill. Critics say authorities endan- create monuments marked an over past two decades, and rec- Monument in 1915, arguing there “scenic and historic Conservation and tribal ger public safety when they decline “egregious abuse of federal ommend which designations was an urgent need for timber at landscapes.” groups slammed the order. to hand over for deportation ille- power.” He said the order should be lifted or altered. the time, one of the few examples But Utah’s governor and the “With this review, the Trump gal immigrants arrested for crimes, would give “power back to the Zinke said he would seek of the size of national monuments state’s congressional delegation Administration is walking into a while supporters argue that enlist- states” to decide what areas of local feedback before making being changed. opposed the designation, saying legal, political and moral mine- ing police cooperation to round up land should be protected and his recommendations, and Zinke will review the Bears it went against the wishes of cit- field,” said Kate Kelly, public immigrants for removal under- which should remain open for added any move by Trump to Ears monument first, he said, and izens eager for development. lands director for the Center for mines trust in local police, development. ultimately reverse a monument will make a recommendation to Utah Governor Gary Herbert, American Progress. particularly among Latinos. US President vows to slash corporate tax to 15%

Washington biggest tax cut and the largest tax He said the administration to do and the details of tax “It’s basically along exactly Analysts have said cutting AFP reform in the history of our hopes to push the reform through reform are still to be worked the same lines that we want to top marginal corporate tax rate country,” Treasury Secretary Ste- the Republican-controlled Con- out.” go,” he told reporters. The over- by 20 percentage points could he Trump administration ven Mnuchin said at a discussion gress as quickly as possible, but The tax plan’s impact on the haul is likely to face stiff add a whopping $2trillion or pledged yesterday to slash about the proposal. declined to set a deadline. deficit and debt will be key to opposition from Democrats. more to deficit over a decade. Tcorporate rates to 15 per- Slashing taxes on income and Trump had initially hoped to winning backing on Capitol Hill. “I can tell you this: If the pres- The administration has said its cent as it prepared to unveil a business was a key part of Donald drive through tax reform before House Speaker Paul Ryan ident’s plan is to give a massive tax tax cuts will spur growth — its goal long-awaited reform it touts as Trump’s election platform, and the the summer, but that ambition hailed the reform, even though break to very wealthy in this coun- is three percent — thus bringing the “biggest tax cut” in US Republican billionaire is seeking evaporated amid a failed push Mnuchin signalled it would not try, a plan that will mostly benefit in tax revenues to make up differ- history. to deliver on that pledge as his to repeal Barack Obama’s signa- include a tax on imports, some- people and businesses like Presi- ence, a calculation known as But the plan could face stiff presidency nears the symbolic ture health care law. thing Ryan had lobbied for dent Trump’s, that won’t pass “dynamic scoring” which the opposition in Congress, includ- 100-day mark this weekend. “We’re working hard to get among fellow Republicans. muster with we Democrats,” Trump administration supports. ing from some Republicans, with Mnuchin will outline details it done quickly,” Mnuchin said. The party had been drafting Minority Leader Chuck Schumer “The difference between 1.6 lawmakers sharply divided over of the plan at the White House, “This is part of his big impact for plans for the so-called border said on the Senate floor. percent, 1.8 percent GDP and three the prospect of fueling already- but confirmed press reports that the first 100 days.” adjustment tax for months. He also warned that a plan percent is staggering,” Mnuchin rising deficits. “the business tax is going to be “We have fundamental Nevertheless Ryan praised that shrinks tax revenues would said. “It’s trillions of dollars of rev- “This is going to be the 15 percent.” agreement on what we’re trying the new plan as “progress.” “explode the deficit.” enues. It’s tons of jobs.”

Protecting originals Protest over Canadian cops probe land rights turns violent Facebook beating in Brazil video in murder case Brasilia Winnipeg, Manitoba defending herself, according to Reuters Reuters Winnipeg Free Press, and was shared through Facebook, INDIGENOUS people and anadian police said yes- according to several media police clashed in Brazil’s cap- terday they are reports. ital city yesterday, as officers Cinvestigating whether a Royal Canadian Mounted fired rubber bullets and tear beating captured on video, Police (RCMP) Sergeant. Paul gas while tribe members shot reported to have been distrib- Manaigre said it may have been arrows in return during a pro- uted through social networking shared directly between peo- test against farmers’ site Facebook Inc, may be con- ple on Facebook, not posted for encroachment on nected to a young woman’s public viewing. reservations. murder. RCMP are reviewing the The demonstration was Facebook did not immedi- video to determine whether it peaceful until police blocked ately respond to a request for is linked to a weekend murder some of the indigenous peo- comment. The video is the lat- at Sagkeeng First Nation in Employees destroy replica toys, seized in various illegal markets for their similarities to ple, their bodies painted and est example of Facebook being Manitoba, Manaigre told real firearms which did not comply with the Official Mexican Standard, in Mexico City, wearing colourful head- used to document violent reporters. Mexico, yesterday. dresses, from climbing a ramp crimes, a pattern that has led “To me, the video is shock- that led into congressional the company to re-evaluate ing, that someone can stand building. The clashes ended some of its policies. there and watch it and not around dusk. Some indige- Thailand police yesterday assist,” Manaigre said. nous people suffered light said they would consider how Those who film crimes injuries. to quickly remove inappropri- without aiding a victim could Former president Bush still in hospital Dozens of indigenous ate online content after a man be charged in Canada with people are killed each year in broadcast himself killing his being an accessory, but the act Washington Houston Methodist Hospital on ten statement. Brazil in fights with farmers 11-month-old daughter on of posting such videos is not Reuters April 14 for a cough that was The hospital said staff there and ranchers over land, often Facebook. illegal, he said. later diagnosed as a mild case would continue to monitor Bush in the relatively lawless Ama- Last week, the company Police have charged two ormer US President George of pneumonia. The hospital said and expected to discharge him zon region, where hired said it was reviewing how it girls, ages 16 and 17, with the H.W. Bush has recovered earlier this week he would by the end of the week. gunmen have been used to monitored violent footage after second-degree murder of a Ffrom pneumonia but will remain there another few days. Bush, who served in the push the indigenous off a posting of a fatal shooting in 19-year-old woman in Sag- remain in a Houston-area med- “While President Bush has White House from 1989 to 1993, resource-rich reserves. Cleveland, Ohio was visible for keeng, an aboriginal ical center until the end of the recovered from pneumonia, he spent more than two weeks at Sonia Guajajara, a coor- two hours. community 100 km northeast week while he is treated for continues to deal with effects of Houston Methodist in January, dinator for the march, said The Canadian video showed of Winnipeg. chronic bronchitis, the hospital chronic bronchitis, which is a much of it in the intensive care some 4,000 indigenous peo- someone kicking a woman in Sagkeeng Chief Derrick said yesterday. condition more prevalent with unit, during a bout of ple and supporters took part the face while a second person Henderson could not be imme- Bush, 92, was admitted to age,” the hospital said in a writ- pneumonia. in the protest. held back her arm from diately reached for comment. 20 HOME THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017

PRAYER TIMINGS QA Cargo to commence FAJR 03.40 am All-women exhibition SHOROOK 05.01 am fourth Pharma Express ZUHR 11.32 am MAGHRIB 06.04 pm ASR 03.01 pm ISHA 07.34 pm showcases 32 artworks flight from Basel Raynald C Rivera WEATHER TODAY The Peninsula The Peninsula

o o omen are atar Airways Cargo will commence its fourth Pharma 28 C 38 C currently at Express freighter service operating from Basel, effec- the forefront Qtive May 8. The additional freighter brings total Minimum Maximum of the bur- Pharma Express flights to 10 each week, providing dedi- geoning cated uplift for pharmaceuticals and healthcare products. WMiddle Eastern arts and cul- The award-winning cargo carrier recently increased its ture landscape, said organisers Pharma Express flights from both Basel and Brussels in of “Currents”, an all-female February this year. exhibition which opened on Ulrich Ogiermann, Chief Officer Cargo said, “There is Tuesday at W Doha’s Art 29. a growing demand worldwide for safe and reliable trans- In its Doha debut, Emer- portation of pharmaceuticals. By increasing capacity from geast-a pioneering online art Visitors looking at the art works at the Currents exhibition. Basel, the hub of Swiss pharmaceutical industry, we are gallery exclusively for Middle able to provide increased uplift to our customers as well Eastern artists and art collec- collectors art at an affordable and mixed media on paper. as a seamless cool-chain for pharmaceutical exports out tors-presents 32 artworks by price, Emergeast serves as an The highlight of the show of Basel through our GDP-compliant hub in Doha. Our glo- eight female artists. important platform to make is a new series by Bouthayna bal customers benefit from additional capacity to import “We have 75 artists, but we the artists accessible interna- Al Muftah-one of the fast ris- medicines and healthcare products from major pharma- are exhibiting in Doha eight tionally which is otherwise ing Qatari artists. ceutical hub to markets where they are required swiftly, female artists for the first time. challenging in a traditional art Titled “Yeebhom” (Bring via Qatar Airways scheduled or charter services.” We brought them together to market paradigm. them back), the eight-piece Qatar Airways Cargo pioneered innovative and indus- highlight the status quo of our “There are many emerging never-before-seen collection try-leading Pharma Express flights in 2015, which currently art landscape right now - how artists in the region, that’s why derives inspiration from tra- operate from Brussels, Basel, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and women are at the forefront of there can never be enough enti- ditional Qatari song Toub Toub Hyderabad. The routes are served by Airbus A330 freighter the development of arts and ties or foundations to support Ya Bahar! sung by women aircraft, offering 65 to 68 tonnes of capacity each way. A ded- culture scene,” Dima Abdul them all. For this reason, we along the shore waiting for icated hub operations team monitors climate-control on all Kader, Emergeast co-founder, decided to launch an online gal- safe return of their loved ones temperature-sensitive shipments to ensure temperature- told The Peninsula at the open- lery to be able to bring on artists from pearl diving. controlled process is seamless. Qatar Airways also engages ing night attended by dozens of and not be limited to the four “The series is about women in regular external audits by shippers and forwarders to main- Doha’s art enthusiasts. walls of the gallery,” said co- and how they sing these songs tain highest standards of compliance and service quality. From Dubai and Abu founder Nikki Meftah. as their husbands, sons and Qatar Airways Cargo has invested continuously in prod- Dhabi to Sharjah and Doha, The exhibition features brothers used to go out for pearl uct development since introduction of QR Pharma solution. Hot daytime with slight dust at women have carved their own works by Ghada Al Muham- diving, not knowing who will QR Pharma, specialised air freight solution for time and tem- places and some clouds. niche in the region’s art and medi, Lulu M, PegahLari, be coming back. They sing pas- perature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, culture scene, playing crucial Rabee Baghshani, Roxana sionately to sea demanding it to is airline’s fastest growing product. The product offers active HIGH TIDE 05:00 - 18:00 LOW TIDE 11:15 role in its development and the Manoucheri, Shadi Talaei, Per- keep its waters calm, to bring and passive transportation for customers. Both solutions have Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department exhibition is a gesture of sup- ryhan El Ashmawi and them home safely,” said a high loading and handling priority, including late cut-off port for them, added Dima. Bouthayna Al Muftah in vary- Bouthayna. The exhibition is times and prioritised destination delivery for QR Pharma ONLINE CHART BUST Established in 2014 as the ing forms and mediums from open to the public from 9am shipments. As required by product specifications, pharma- first online gallery to support traditional forms to new to 7pm every day until May 20 ceutical shipments are stored, transported and handled under www.thepeninsulaqatar.com emerging Middle Eastern art- media, including silk screen, at the at Art 29 at W Doha strict monitored conditions in a climate-controlled environ- ists and provide aspiring resin on canvas, digital collage Hotel and Residences. ment, during every stage of transportation.