WEDNESDAY JANUARY 30, 2019 JUMADA AL-AWWAL 24, 1440 VOL.12 NO. 4530 QR 2

PARTLY CLOUDY Fajr: 4:57 am Dhuhr: 11:48 am HIGH : 23°C Asr: 2:55 pm Maghrib: 5:17 pm LOW : 17°C Isha: 6:47 pm

Nation 3 Business 12 MoPH seeks to reduce intake of Qatar is 2nd most transparent fats & sugar to curb health risks country in the Arab world

AMIR, JAPANESE PM ABE DISCUSS IN THEIR LAND, IN FRONT OF THEIR FANS WAYS TO PROMOTE COOPERATION QATAR THUMP UAE

The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the - Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on Tuesday.SEE ALSO PAGE 20 4 0 Qatar, Japan agree to launch strategic talks Sign a slew of pacts to boost bilateral ties

QNA TOKYO

QATAR and Japan signed a host of agreements to en- hance the bilateral relations to new heights as the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Ham- ad al Thani held official talks with Japanese Prime Minis- ter Shinzo Abe at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on Tuesday. between the two countries, The two countries also stressing the importance of signed a joint declaration on this visit in enhancing pro- the establishment of a stra- gress and development to tegic dialogue mechanism include areas other than en- between the governments of ergy and cooperation. Qatar and Japan to strength- Regarding the Japanese en the existing relations and premier’s reference to the encouraging cooperation in 2022 World Cup, the Amir all fields. said Japan will also host At the outset of the offi- the 2020 Olympic Games cial talks, the Japanese PM In a very friendly atmos- in Tokyo and expressed his (REUTERS) welcomed the Amir and the phere, I met today with the confidence that it will be a accompanying delegation, Japanese prime minister successful and perfect tour- recalling the Amir’s last and announced together nament. visit to Japan four years He said Qatar would be ago and the subsequent to launch a strategic looking forward to the co- meetings. dialogue to strengthen our operation of the committees AL ANNABI STORM INTO ASIAN CUP FINAL He said Japan attaches exemplary partnership and concerned to benefit from the highest level of impor- celebrate our historic rela- the experience of Japanese TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tance to Qatar as a gas ex- tions, which are soon to be friends in organising such DOHA porting country. The Japa- remembered. Our discus- events. nese PM pointed out that sions have been very The talks also focused on QATAR punished hosts UAE 4-0 in a the 50th anniversary of the fruitful and will put our enhancing the comprehen- clash marred by disgraceful behaviour establishment of diplomatic partnership on a deeper sive strategic partnership be- from shoe-throwing fans on Tuesday to relations between the two and more comprehensive tween the two countries. reach their first Asian Cup final. countries will be marked in The two sides discussed The Qataris now face Japan in Fri- 2021. path of cooperation. the latest regional and in- day’s final after goals from Boualem He said as Qatar will host ternational developments, Khoukhi, Almoez Ali, Hasan al Haydos the 2022 World Cup, Japan JJapanese journalistjlitJi Jumpei especially the situation in and Hamid Ismaeil sealed victory for the is looking forward to further Yasuda, who was arrested in Syria and Yemen, as well 2022 World Cup hosts in Abu Dhabi. strengthen the bilateral rela- Syria. as the Gulf crisis. They also As they celebrated their resound- tions. The Amir expressed stressed on the importance ing win and record sixth clean sheet The Japanese PM his happiness at his second of dialogue for peaceful solu- at a single Asian Cup, plastic bottles thanked the Amir for Qa- visit to Japan and at further tions to various conflicts and rained down from frustrated and an- tar’s efforts to help release development of relations crises. PAGE 20 gry local fans — for each Qatari goal — with midfielder Salem al Hajri even hit on the head after their third goal. As Qatar reached the Asian Cup fi- nal for the first time, congratulations US, Qatar determined to combat Qatar weathered started to pour in for the national team Fans celebrate Qatar’s victory over the UAE in Asian Cup semi-final, at Souq Waqif on the storm of from all quarters. Tuesday. (JALAL PATHIYOOR) terrorism, says Senator Wilson In a tweet, Prime Minister and Min- blockade: FT (PG 3 ) ister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin the cup if God willing.” US Senator Joe Wilson said the US and Qatar are Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani said, “We JOY AND JUBILATION “The heroes did it and they quali- determined to strengthen their partnership in achieving are proud of our national team to qualify fied for the final, with the will to ac- security, combating terrorism and violent extremism and for the final of the Asian Cup 2019. You QATAR exploded in noisy celebration on complish, and with determination Grab your copy of have raised your head high and made Tuesday as jubilant Qataris flooded the they proved that there is nothing eliminating them. Wilson said the strategic dialogue the people of Qatar happy in the final.” streets and roads after their national impossible in the Qatari dictionary. between the US and Qatar has highlighted the strength of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister team’s victory over UAE. Traffic along Congratulations to the Qatari people,” the relations between the two countries. PAGE 4 with today’s Qatar Tribune of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Moham- the Corniche was jammed with exultant HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al Thani med bin Abdulrahman al Thani tweet- fans celebrating the Asian Cup semi- tweeted. ed: “When you meet great performance final victory. and high mathematical ethics. Luck and More on pages 15, 16, 17 & 18 Ô CMC seeks tighter control on energy drinks consumption (PG 2 ) 02 Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Contact US: Qatar Tribune I EDITORIAL I Phone: 40002222 I ADMINISTRATION & MARKETING I Phone: 40002155, 40002122, Fax: 40002235 P.O. Box: 23493, Doha.

NSA conducts ‘Miqdam News PM MEETS HEAD OF TWELVE PLUS GROUP in brief Prime Minister and Minister 2’ tactical exercise of Interior HE Sheikh Abdul- QNA lah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al DOHA Amir congratulates Thani met on Tuesday with Malaysian king Duarte Pacheco, chair of the THE National Service Academy (NSA) of the Armed THE Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani on Twelve Plus Group, European Forces kicked off tactical exercise ‘Miqdam 2’ for its Tuesday sent a cable of congratulations to Sultan countries, Canada, Australia recruits. Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah on the occasion of his and New Zealand at the Inter- The exercise will continue until February 6 in the selection as the king of Malaysia. (QNA) Parliamentary Union, and his southern area, behind Duhailiyat Camp. accompanying delegation. The A total of 800 recruits of the academy, members of Deputy Amir greets meeting discussed aspects course No (11), are taking part in the exercise. The par- king of Malaysia of joint cooperation between ticipants will carry out a number of individual and col- Qatar and the parliamentary lective exercises aimed at providing them with military THE Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al group and the means of devel- skills and achieving the maximum military readiness of Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of congratulations to oping them in various fields. the recruits. Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah on the occasion The meeting was attended by The exercise includes a number of exercises related of his selection as the king of Malaysia. (QNA) Speaker of Shura Council HE to the field and battle, such as night patrols and recon- Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid naissance, preparation of ambushes and night guard, Chief of Staff meets Iranian al Mahmoud. (QNA) shooting using Britta rifles with different calibre and the military attache use of smoke and acoustic bombs and lightings. CHIEF of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces HE Lieuten- ant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al Ghanem on Tuesday met with Iranian Military Attache to Qatar QATAR-TURKEY SECURITY MEET Colonel Habibollah Alizade on the occasion of the CMC calls for tighter curbs on end of his tenure in the country. During the meeting, Ghanem thanked the military attache for his efforts consumption of energy drinks and wished him success in his future assignments. The meeting was attended by Head of International Military Cooperation Authority Brigadier-General (Pilot) HISHAM ALJUNDI The recommendation was also sent to Fahad Hamad al Sulaiti. (QNA) DOHA the Ministry of Public Health to consider carrying out more studies on the harmful Chinese official meets Qatar’s IN a bid to curb unhealthy habits among effects of energy drinks on human health ambassador to Hong Kong consumers, the Central Municipal Coun- and to publish the results of the studies. cil (CMC) has recommended a tighter From the beginning of this year, the COMMISSIONER of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of CONTROL on consumption of energy government has raised the prices of en- China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region drinks. ergy drinks along with cigarettes and Xie Feng, who is responsible for international rela- The Council has submitted its recom- other unhealthy products in a bid to tions, consular affairs and foreign missions in the re- mendation to the Ministry of Commerce prevent people from consuming them in gion, met with Consul-General of Qatar in Hong Kong and Industry, calling to tighten control on large quantities. and Macau HE Mohammed bin Sultan al Kuwari. compliance of manufacturers in the stand- The CMC also revised a response from They discussed the bilateral relations and the means ards applied on energy drinks. the Ministry of Municipality and Environ- of developing them, as well as matters of common The Council has also recommended ment on an earlier recommendation to al- The joint security committee of Qatar and Turkey held its fourth meeting in Ankara on concern. Kuwari was handed over the certificate of boosting awareness campaigns through locate a commercial space in residential Tuesday. The Qatari delegation included representatives of the Ministry of Interior, the accreditation as the Consul-General of Qatar in Hong different media outlets to educate people buildings and decided to transfer it to the Lakhwa Force and the Security Committee of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Kong and Macau regions of China. (QNA) about the health risks of energy drinks, es- Public Facilities and Services Committee Legacy. The meeting is a continuation of the series of previous meetings and implemen- pecially among youngsters. in the CMC for further study. tation of the directives of the security leaders in both countries. (TNN) QNRF, TAMUQ launch STEM hub to promote science, engineering

Minister of Education and Higher Education HE Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed al Hammadi and President of Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) Essa bin Hilal al Kuwari with other guests at the launch of Qatar National Re- search Fund and Texas A&M University at Qatar STEM Hub in Doha on Tuesday.

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK oped to instil and develop STEM fessional development opportu- DOHA skills as a national priority. As one of nities for teachers, who have a the first education programmes of its paramount role in the success of QATAR National Research Fund kind to advance STEM education for this initiative. I am confident that (QNRF), in collaboration with Tex- students of all ages in Qatar, the hub STEM Hub will nurture leaders as A&M University at Qatar (TA- aims to equip the next generation of and scientists that will help Qatar MUQ), on Tuesday launched the researchers, scientists and engineers reach its goals and tackle the press- STEM Hub, a facility that aims to with the tools to address Qatar’s Re- ing issues our world is facing.” promote creative applications of en- search Grand Challenges, which in- Dr César O Malavé, TAMUQ gineering and science. clude water security, energy security, dean, said: “As engineering educa- The opening ceremony, held cyber security and healthcare. tors, we feel privileged to help young at TAMUQ – a QF partner univer- Featuring cutting-edge technol- people understand how they can be sity – was attended by Minister of ogy and specialised learning mod- part of the exciting engineering and Education and Higher Education ules, the laboratory is designed to science advances that impact the HE Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed help students learn STEM skills in a world around us. al Hammadi, President of Qatar creative way and offers unique pro- “Our STEM programmes aim to General Electricity & Water Corpo- fessional development opportuni- light that spark of discovery in Qa- ration (Kahramaa) Essa bin Hilal al ties for teachers. tar’s schoolchildren and the STEM Kuwari, President of Pre-University It is also a platform for K-12 stu- Hub is essential for that goal. We are Education at QF Buthaina Ali al Nu- dents to build and exchange scien- grateful to Qatar National Research aimi, Vice-President for Research, tific ideas and learn about the fund- Fund for its vision and partnership Development and Innovation at QF ing opportunities offered by QNRF in joining us in this effort and for its Dr Richard O’Kennedy and Secre- throughout their education and into support and collaboration in this and tary-General of Qatar Research, De- the early stages of their careers. other important initiatives in Qatar.” velopment and Innovation Council Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Students will receive special Omar Ali al Ansari as well as mem- Abdul Sattar al-Taie, QNRF Execu- mentoring from researchers and fac- bers of the research and academic tive Director, said: “The future suc- ulty members to provide a hands-on- community in Qatar. cess of Qatar lies in the hands of learning experience and strengthen The collaboration is seeing our education system and especially inventive and innovative thinking QNRF, a member of QF, and TAMUQ the students emerging with degrees skills. The STEM Hub’s resources are combine their resources and insights in science, technology, engineering supplemented by central laboratories to advance the development of initia- and math. A strong STEM founda- and workshops at TAMUQ, which tives and academic enrichment pro- tion will create the next generation of house an array of advanced scientific grammes that drive interest in STEM critical thinkers and innovators who research equipment. (science, technology, engineering can sustain our economy. At the opening ceremony, stu- and mathematics) disciplines among “Along with being an excellent dents from schools in Qatar dis- schoolchildren in Qatar. resource for students, the STEM played prototypes of their engineer- The STEM Hub has been devel- Hub will also provide unique pro- ing design projects to guests. Nation Wednesday, January 30, 2019 03

Advisory Council to participate in Awqaf inaugurates three new mosques Kuwait workshop QNA A delegation from the Ad- DOHA visory (Shura) Council left Doha for Kuwait on Tuesday THE Ministry of Awqaf and to participate in a regional Islamic Affairs has opened parliamentary workshop on three new mosques with resi- sustainable development and dences for the imams and the ways to activate the role of muezzins in Aba Al-hiran, Li- parliaments in supporting brethat and Al-Seej areas. national efforts. The mosques can accom- The delegation comprises modate about 1,400 worshi- Shura members Mohammed pers. The completion of the bin Mahdi al Ahbabi and mosques is part of the min- Dr Hind bint Abdulrahman istry’s plan to increase the al Muftah. number of mosques and de- Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has opened three new mosques at Aba Al-hiran, Librethat and Al-Seej. The mosques can accommodate about 1,400 worshipers. The workshop, organised velop them in all areas, and by the Arab Region Parlia- to keep pace with the urban as well. other amenities. rising the Holy Quran is also of the Ministry of Awqaf and tion with the competent au- mentarians Against Corrup- and population growth. Librethat mosque can ac- Al Seej Area mosque has attached to the mosque. Islamic Affairs is concerned thorities, taking into account tion organisation on January Aba Al-hiran mosque has commodate about 268 wor- a main hall for prayers that The three mosques in- with identifying the needs of the requirements of green 30 and 31, aims to highlight a main hall for prayers and shipers with a main hall for can accommodate 500 men clude ablution areas, as well the mosques in all areas in the and sustainable buildings, the goals of sustainable devel- a total area with a capacity prayers for 220 men worshi- worshipers and another hall as public car parking spaces, country, preparing the annu- and preservation of heritage opment, in compliance with of 500 men worshipers and pers and 48 women worshi- for 48 women worshipers, some of which are dedicated al plan for the maintenance aesthetics in the mosque de- the UN Millennium Develop- 75 women worshipers, with pers, with residences for the with two residences for the to people with disabilities. of mosques and the houses signs to reflect Qatari and ment Goals. (QNA) residences for the imams imam and the muezzin, along imams. A centre for memo- The Mosques Department of the imams in coordina- Islamic heritage. MoPH seeks to reduce consumption of HMC warns against extreme diets and fad fats, sugar and salt to curb health risks weight loss programme CATHERINE W GICHUKI in Qatar to develop policies, DOHA programmes and an action TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK plan to reduce consumption DOHA THE Ministry of Public of saturated and hydrogen- Health (MoPH) has started ated fats, sugar and salt to IT’S a must for people to implementing the initiative achieve the objectives of the avoid extreme diets and fad to reduce consumption of initiative. The efforts of the weight loss programmes, fats, sugar and salt in Qatar Ministry of Public Health are Reem al Saadi, Hamad Medi- as part of the ministry’s ongo- based on the implementation cal Corporation’s (HMC) Di- ing efforts to promote aware- of WHO recommendations rector of Dietetics and Nutri- Reem al Saadi ness among various segments to reduce the consumption of tion, has cautioned. of the society of adopting saturated and hydrogenated The beginning of a new cal- thoughtful about food choices. healthy lifestyles. fats, sugar and salt to support endar year, Saadi pointed out, “All macro-nutrients, in- This comes as part of the Speakers and participants at a health workshop in Doha on Tuesday. (HANSON K JOSEPH) healthy lifestyles and prevent often coincides with individuals cluding carbohydrates, protein National Health Strategy the risk factors of chronic making unrealistic New Year and fat, are important for the 2018-22 and the National Nu- of sugar, salt and fat in it. We non-communicable diseases. resolutions related to weight body and must be consumed, trition and Physical Activity want situational analyses of Dr Ayoub al Jawaldeh, loss, with many having negative but it is important to be mind- Action Plan where MoPH is the products to chalk out new WHO regional officer for nu- health consequences. ful of portion size. For those try- developing and implement- strategies regarding this ini- trition, and Dr Karen McCall, “Making a resolution to ing to lose weight, limiting extra ing national policies and tiative,” she said. international advisor nomi- start a weight loss programme calories from refined carbohy- programmes to reduce the According to her, the ex- nated by the WHO, will review is a good idea and a great op- drates, simple sugars and added burden of non-communi- perts will be advising them efforts to reduce the consump- portunity to lead a healthier and fat is important,” Saadi said. cable diseases and to check about products that are pro- tion of saturated and hydro- happier life, but it’s important Saadi urged anyone who risk factors contributing to duced in the international genated fats, sugar and salt in to set realistic goals. Weight loss has an existing health condition chronic non-communicable arena or in the region. “They food and beverage products, can have significant health ben- should seek medical advice be- diseases (NCDs). will inform us about their re- examine the challenges fac- efits for many individuals, but fore making drastic changes to On Tuesday, the MoPH search works on the products ing producers and try to find crash diets are not sustainable their diet or exercise routine. held a workshop with the and advise us accordingly as appropriate solutions. and can have dangerous mental “Low carbohydrate diets World Health Organisation to what is suitable for Qatar WHO recommends re- and physical side effects,” cau- are popular and can provide (WHO) experts in nutrition to and the best practice”, she ducing salt consumption to 5 tioned Saadi. good results. However, restric- forge the way forward. pointed out. grammes per day and sugar According to her, around tive diets are not desirable long A second workshop will tawa said that the initiative Dr Mutawa added that the She said that the work- consumption to a maximum 20 percent of all patients seen term and should only be prac- be held for the private sec- aims to reduce consumption national survey showed that shop would help them study of 35 grams per day for adults at the Dietetics and Nutrition ticed for a limited time, usu- tor companies working in the of fat, sugar and salt through 50 percent of Qatari adults the situation in Qatar, learn and 25 grammes for mothers Department are referred after ally not longer than six months. field of food in Qatar on Janu- both imported and indige- have three or more indication about the best practices and and children. It also recom- they have experienced difficul- Longer term, eating a balanced ary 31, 2019, at the ministry nous foods. “We are targeting of risks for non-communica- to get the recommendations mends reducing intake of ties due to extreme diets. She low-calorie diet is the key to headquarters. all the non-communicable ble chronic diseases. from the experts in order to hydrogenated and saturated notes that the key to sustainable weight loss and maintenance,” Speaking to Qatar Trib- diseases. Our aim is to de- “By collaborating with get consumption of fats, sugar fats by less than 1 percent and weight loss is combining healthy explained Saadi. une, Head of Non-Commu- crease the prevalence of non- WHO, we want to ascertain and salt reduced in Qatar. less than 10 percent of the foods with keeping physically Saadi advised anyone who is nicable Diseases Section at communicable diseases by the state of production of the The two workshops aim to daily energy needs (calorie) active. She recommends eat- considering a crash diet to focus MoPH Dr Kholood al Mu- this initiative.” food as well as the percentage review the current situation respectively. ing a variety of foods and being on long-term, realistic goals. Qatar reasserts itself QEERI launches pilot project to supply on regional stage: FT sustainable energy to farms in Qatar QNA Gulf expert at Chatham DOHA House Neil Quilliam said: “They are starting to be First phase of the programme sees installation of 120 solar panels, which will produce 30 kilowatts of electricity BRITISH newspaper Finan- punchy again”, adding “There cial Times (FT) said on Tues- will still be red lines about TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK produce 30 kilowatts of electric- by QEERI for the pilot phase of day that Qatar has been able where they go, but they have DOHA ity, while ensuring that energy their project, which will change to overcome the impact of weathered the storm of the requirements are met in an ef- how farmers across the country the blockade and feels con- blockade and they are cer- QATAR Environment and ficient and sustainable manner. use electricity on their farms. fident as it seeks to reassert tainly feeling confident.” He Energy Research Institute Dr Marc Vermeersch, ex- Using solar panels, we are able itself on the regional stage by pointed out that “the swirl (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin ecutive director of QEERI, to ensure the supply of suffi- wielding its financial clout of diplomacy” is also signal- Khalifa University (HBKU), said: “Qatar has an abundant cient energy to meet our needs and launching a flurry of dip- ing that Qatar feels that the has launched a pilot project to supply of solar energy and, as and minimise the impact on the lomatic activity 18 months worst of the financial impact provide advanced technologi- a research institute with a na- environment. We look forward after the blockade. of the blockade, which began cal solutions for the supply of tional mandate, QEERI is fo- to assisting QEERI in develop- The newspaper said in an in June 2017, is over. greener and more sustainable cused on enabling the nation to ing optimum energy solutions article published under the The Gulf expert added that solutions to commercial farms harness its sustainable energy for agriculture in Qatar.” title: ‘Qatar Seeks to Muscle during the first year of the in Qatar. resources for various purposes, QEERI is committed to its Way Back on to Diplomatic blockade, Doha focused on As part of the initiative, including industry, agriculture providing tangible solutions Stage’ that Doha welcomed stemming an economic crisis, QEERI has partnered with and households. With this pi- to Qatar’s energy, water and two foreign leaders (Sudanese as it repatriated more than a farm that is located to the lot project, we hope to make environmental challenges. President Omar al-Bashir and $30 billion held overseas by south-west of Doha. The project aims to build an integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) system a positive impact on thisfarm Its scientists will continue to Pakistani Prime Minister Im- the Qatar Investment Author- The project aims to build to supply the required electrical energy to the farm for irrigation, lighting by building an energy system build on the partnership to ran Khan), offered $500 mil- ity to stabilise the financial an integrated solar photovol- and cooling. powered by the sun.” test the technologies for use lion to buy bonds in Lebanon system, sought out new trade taic (PV) system to supply the Salem Fahad Alahababi, on desert farms, which will and hosted talks between the partners and used its force to required electrical energy to and cooling. gramme saw the installation owner of the farm, said: “We are in turn support Qatar’s food Taliban and the US. build relations. the farm for irrigation, lighting The first phase of the pro- of 120 solar panels, which will fortunate to have been selected security goals. Nour, Anna and the Wise Fools concert’s world premiere in Doha AILYN AGONIA Education (WISE). the children in the crowd meet- DOHA The musical is a continua- ing close with the characters. tion of the story of a girl named The Children’s and Fam- THE family concert ‘Nour, Nour who was introduced in the ily Festival 2019 features four Anna and the Wise Fools’ fea- first family concert of the fes- family concerts. The third con- turing the theatre duo ACTory tival titled ‘Nour, A Girl of the cert ‘Peter and the Wolf’ will be and Qatar Philharmonic Or- Desert’. This time, Nour, played staged on February 1 at the Ka- chestra (QPO) had its world by Svetlana Schmitz, was joined tara Drama Theatre. The musi- premiere during the Children’s by her new found friend in the cal, to be narrated by Christoph and Family Festival 2019 big city Anna, played by Tamara Schmitz, will showcase the sev- staged at the Katara Drama Schafer, as they narrate scenes en visuals created by 14 young Theatre on Tuesday. of stories from the books they students between the ages eight The concert featuring the found in an attic. and 12 through the WISE Peter music of Richard Strauss and With QPO’s music setting and the Wolf Workshop. composition by QPO’s MAias the mood, the actors enter- The last event to be staged Alyamani was the second tained the young audience with for the Festival is the concert event featured in the first of their funny narration of the sto- The family concert ‘Nour, Anna and the Wise Fools’ which features the theatre duo ACTory and Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra with the music of featuring Qatar Youth Orches- its kind festival organised by ries about wise fools from old Richard Strauss and composition by MAias Alyamani had its world premiere in Doha on Tuesday. (PHOTOGRAPHS BY JALAL PATHIYOOR) tra with QPO and to be con- QPO in partnership with Qa- times Djuha, Till Eulenspiegel ducted by Giovanni Pasini at tar Music Academy and the and Nasreddin Hodja. toys, clothes and old stuff in the the stories of the wise fools. some children from the crowd delight of the audience. the Katara Opera House on World Innovation Summit for The girls made use of the attic of Anna’s house to act out The actors even invited to be part of the narration to the The concert concluded with February 2. 04 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Nation Duhail Roundabout to be closed for two years from Feb 1 who wish to make a U-turn back change Upgrade project consists Traffic restriction to facilitate works of to Doha, will be required to use of works of 3.3 kilometre valued at exit 5 to reach Izghawa Inter- approximately QR800 million. The Duhail Interchange Upgrade project change and make U-turn on the upgrade consists of a three-level in- main bridge. terchange including two new bridg- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tre road parallel to Al Shamal Road es providing free flow connectiv- DOHA in December 2018 linking Izghawa AL SHAMAL TO WEST BAY: Road users ity. The current Al Shamal Bridge, and Al Gharrafa areas. The new on Al Shamal Road heading towards which consists of 3 lanes in each di- THE Public Works Authority (Ash- road extends from Izghawa Street West Bay will be required to use exit rection, will be replaced by another ghal) will implement a traffic di- to Al Oyoon Street and provides 5 to reach Izghawa Interchange. At bridge consisting of four lanes in version on Duhail Roundabout on exit from and access to Al Shamal this interchange, they should turn each direction. Al Shamal Road from February 1, Road to serve as an alternative left on the main bridge towards In addition to this, a new Friday, for two years to facilitate route to Duhail Roundabout that Arab League Street to reach West four-lane bridge will be con- works of Duhail Interchange Up- will be closed. Bay and Qatar University. structed in each direction be- grade project. tween Al Khafji Street towards Al During the closure period, ve- WEST BAY TO AL GHARRAFA: During AL SHAMAL TO AL GHARRAFA / AL GHAR- Gharrafa Street. hicles heading towards Duhail In- the closure, vehicles travelling RAFA TO AL SHAMAL: Road users on Al Al Duhail Interchange will be terchange from its four directions from West Bay via Al Khafji Street Shamal Road heading towards Al replaced with a new signal-con- can only turn right, while Al Shamal towards Al Gharrafa can take a Gharrafa will be required to use exit trolled junction under Al Shamal Bridge will remain open, allowing right turn at Arab League Street 5 to reach Izghawa Interchange. At Bridge and Sheikh Faisal Rounda- users to continue to south and north to Izghawa Interchange or take a this interchange, they should turn bout will be removed. The project on Al Shamal Road. U-turns before right turn on Duhail Street or Du- right on the main bridge towards also includes the construction of an the closed roundabout for users via hail Roundabout to access Al Sha- Izghawa continuing straight until underpass which will allow road us- Al Khafji Street and Al Gharrafa mal Road and exit at exit 5 to reach they reach the second set of traffic ers to exit Al Shamal Road onto the Street will also be available. Izghawa Interchange, take a left on Street to reach West Bay and Qatar DOHA TO AL GHARRAFA: Road users signals and take a left turn to join service roads to access the nearby the main bridge then another left University. travelling from Doha towards Al the newly-constructed road, they malls. It will also serve as the con- ALTERNATIVES ROUTES: During the turn at the next traffic signal to- Gharrafa via Al Shamal Road should will be able to access Al Gharrafa nection from Al Gharrafa Street to- restriction, Izghawa Interchange at wards Izghawa Interchange to join WEST BAY TO DOHA: Road users trav- take the exit 5 to reach Izghawa In- and malls in the area. Road users wards Al Shamal. exit 5 of Al Shamal road will become the newly-constructed road to ac- elling from West Bay via Al Khafji terchange. At Izghawa Interchange heading to Al Gharrafa towards Al The project consists of a total of the access point for traffic between cess Al Gharrafa and the malls in Street heading towards Doha they should take a left on the main Shamal can use the same route to 5 kilometres of pedestrian and cycle the eastern and western areas and the area. can take a right turn at Al Arab bridge and take another left turn at reach Al Shamal. paths along Duhail and Gharrafa Al Shamal Road. Road users can League Street to reach Izghawa the next traffic signal on Izghawa The Public Works Authority will areas and parts of Al Shamal Road. use Al kharaitiyat Interchange and AL GHARRAFA TO WEST BAY: Vehicles Interchange or take a right at Du- Street to join the newly-constructed install road signs advising motorists of The upgrade of Duhail Inter- Al Kheesa Interchange as well as from Al Gharrafa going towards hail Street or Duhail Roundabout road to access Al Gharrafa and the the changes on the road. Ashghal has change will provide a free flow in Umm Slal Mohammed Interchange West Bay can use the new road to to access Al Shamal Road and use malls in the area. requested all road users to abide by the the area will alleviate traffic conges- to reach Al Shamal Road. reach Izghawa Street, turn right exit 5 to Izghawa Interchange, and 60 kilometre speed limit and follow tion and reduce travel time by up to To ease traffic inconvenience, Ash- onto Izghawa Interchange then make a U-turn on the main bridge MAKING A U-TURN BACK TO DOHA: the road signs to ensure their safety. 90 percent. It is expected to be com- ghal recently opened a 3.5-kilome- continue straight to Arab League to Al Shamal Road towards Doha. Road users coming from Doha NEW PROJECT: The Duhail Inter- plete in Q4 2021. Ooredoo announces new promotion US, Qatar determined to strengthen ties: Senator US and Qatar are determined US and Qatar have completed expand the vital facilities used to strengthen their partnership their second strategic dialogue, by the US in Qatar, including the for Dawli int’l calling card customers in achieving security and elimi- which highlighted the strength Al Udeid Air Base. nating terrorism and violent of promoting ties to deepen co- He reaffirmed that the US extremism, US Senator Joe Wil- operation for the benefit of both support would continue to minutes to international Ooredoo, said, “We know how son has said. countries. maintain the unity of the GCC Extra minutes on offer to selected countries minutes to their favourite important staying connected During his speech to the The senator said the US wel- and create a safe and prosperous country by dialing *120# with loved ones is to our cus- US Congress, Wilson said the comed Qatar’s generous offer to future in the region. (QNA) TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK utes calling time valid for 30 after activation. You can tomers, and we’re delighted DOHA days. choose from any of the be- to be able to offer this exciting With Dawli QR10, extra low countries, and extra promotion so they can chat OOREDOO on Tuesday an- minutes will be added to the minutes will be valid for 14 for longer. Providing value for nounced an exciting new customer’s account instantly days. Dawli QR20: India money is a key focus for Oore- promotion for Dawli interna- upon recharge and will be val- - 250 minutes, Nepal (NTC & doo, and we hope our custom- tional calling card customers, id for 7 days. Ncell) - 135 minutes, Philip- ers enjoy staying in touch with Bell & Ross launches providing them extra calling Dawli QR10: India - 110 pines (Globe & Smart) -200 friends and family back home minutes to a chosen favourite minutes, Nepal (NTC & Ncell) minutes, Bangladesh - 135 for less.” country, so they can keep in - 65 minutes, Philippines minutes, Pakistan - 135 min- Customers simply need to BR 03-92 BI-Compass touch with friends and family (Globe & Smart) - 65 minutes, utes, Indonesia - 110 min- dial *120# once they have ac- back home for longer. Bangladesh - 65 minutes, Pa- utes and Sri Lanka (Dialog) tivated their card, then specify TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK The model is inspired by Standard Dawli QR10 kistan- 65 minutes and Indo- - 50 minutes. their favourite country and DOHA analog instrument panel cards provide 18 minutes call- nesia - 50 minutes. Speaking about the pro- they will then get the extra ing time to a list of countries With Dawli QR 20, cus- motion, Manar Khalifa al calling minutes to the country BELL & Ross has an- of aircraft cockpits, where valid for 7 days, while Dawli tomers can convert their Muraikhi, director PR and of choice. The promotion is nounced the release its new each instruments is a ref- QR20 cards provide 38 min- standard 38 International Corporate Communications at valid until March 5. watch model - the BR 03-92 erence point in terms of BI-Compass – inspired by precision, legibility, relia- aircraft cockpits. bility and performance “We introduce this year a new version inspired by Ooredoo sponsors Al Galayel Championship analog instrument of air- the statement said. craft cockpits, where each Bell & Ross keeps on instruments is a reference demonstrating its creativity TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK of 24 teams through a series and operation centres to control promote and preserve Qatari point in terms of precision, and pioneering mentality, DOHA of contests. It will take place in and manage radio subscribers, culture, and we are delighted legibility, reliability and while underlining its func- the southern nature reserves of groups and alarm centres – and to be sponsoring this valuable performance - the BR 03-93 tional and utilitarian brand OOREDOO will renew its spon- Qatar. the Tetra voice recording solu- event for another year. It’s vi- BI-Compass,” the company values, it added. sorship of the annual Al Gayalel Ooredoo will ensure all 24 tion to log radio system calls, tal we do everything we can to said the press statement. Limited to 999 pieces, Championship for the fifth year, teams stay connected 24/7, even all designed to ensure teams ensure traditional Qatari activi- With this watch, Bell & the new BR 03-92 BI-Com- the telecom provider announced in the most remote parts of the remain safe and connected ties such as hunting remains a Ross recreates the graphic pass will make its owner on Tuesday. Qatari desert. The telecom op- throughout the event. part of our culture. Sponsoring style of these navigation feel as though they own a Scheduled to be held from erator will provide Tetra radio Manar Khalifa al Muraikhi, community events such as this tools as closely as possible, fragment of an aircraft’s February 3 to March 1, the communications, Automatic director of PR and Corporate fits perfectly with our corporate offering an alternative to is a design and colour code cockpit, delighting both championship is a regional Vehicle Location/Automatic Communications at Ooredoo, social responsibility strategy the traditional approach of that allow the time to be aviation fans and watch col- hunting tournament testing People Location – dedicated said: “We place great empha- and commitment to our com- telling the time. The result read quickly and accurately, lectors. the traditional hunting skills map applications for logistics sis on supporting events that munity and country.” MoCI recalls Volkswagen Tiguan 2017 model

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Volkswagen Tiguan models of dealers follow up on vehicle de- are carried out. DOHA 2017 due to a malfunction in fects and repairs. The ministry has urged all the background lighting of the The ministry said it will customers to report any viola- THE Ministry of Commerce panorama sunroof. coordinate with the dealer to tions to its Consumer Protec- and Industry (MoCI), in coop- The recall comes within the follow up on the maintenance tion and Anti-Commercial eration with Q-Auto Company, framework of the ministry’s and repair works and commu- Fraud Department, which pro- dealer of Volkswagen in Qatar, continuous efforts to protect nicate with customers to en- cesses complaints, inquires and has announces the recall of consumers and ensure that car sure that the necessary repairs suggestions. Turkish Airlines launches attractive fares for Europe, US and Canada from Qatar

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK international flights, connecting DOHA the entire globe, with our hub providing convenient and com- TURKISH Airlines, the national petitively priced connections to flag carrier of Turkey, started the Europe, Canada and the US.” New Year with a unique promo- Turkish Airlines Stop-Over tion, offering exceptional deals program also has special ben- for travellers to Europe, the US efits for passengers connecting and Canada. through Istanbul from Doha The promotion is available with a layover of over 20 hours. for bookings until February 8, Economy-class passengers con- with travel dates running from necting in Istanbul will receive February 8 until May 23, 2019. a complimentary hotel stay at a Being one of the world’s lead- four-star hotel, while Business- ing airlines, flying to more interna- class passengers will receive two tional destinations and countries complimentary nights at a five- than any other, Turkish Airlines The promotion is available for bookings until February 8, with star property in Taksim. Passen- is offering passengers travelling travel dates running from February 8 until May 23, 2019. gers must complete the booking from Qatar special offers to enjoy process in order to receive their their trips to various destinations accommodation vouchers. in Europe, USA and Canada, the with the people in Qatar,” said new horizons by taking advan- To know more about these airline said in a press statement. Mehmed Zingal, general man- tage of our connections to more offers, passengers can visit Turk- “It’s the beginning of the new ager of Turkish Airlines in Qatar. countries than any other airline ish Airlines sales offices in Doha, year and we are pleased to an- “Our ‘Widen your world’ motto in the world. Istanbul has fast their preferred travel agency, or nounce our special promotions invites passengers to explore become a major stopover hub for www.turkishairlines.com Nation Wednesday, January 30, 2019 05 Al Jazeera English to return to Link TV on February 11

find quality journalism and Link TV augments award-winning news program- international news ming that bridges cultures to give them a better understand- lineup with ing of the world. Starting from February 11, Al Jazeera English Al Jazeera News bulletin will join Link TV’s Monday-Thurs- day news block that is listed MURAIKHI RECEIVES CREDENTIALS OF COTE D’IVOIRE’S AMBASSADOR: Minister TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK as follows: 3pm DW NEWS, MURAIKHI MEETS FRENCH AMBASSADOR: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad al Muraikhi on Tuesday received copies DOHA 3:30pm FRANCE 24, 4pm DE- Sultan bin Saad al Muraikhi met with Ambassador of France to Qatar HE Franck Gellet of the credentials of Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire to Qatar HE Dr Sisi Abdul Karim. The MOCRACY NOW!, 5 pm NHK on Tuesday. During the meeting, they discussed the bilateral relations and the means Minister of State for Foreign Affairs wished the ambassador success in his mission, LINK TV, the national in- NEWSLINE. of boosting them as well as enhancing cooperation prospects, in addition to issues of assuring him of all support to promote bilateral ties between the two friendly countries dependent non-commercial “We are delighted that Link mutual concern. The meeting was attended by a number of officials at the Ministry of to closer cooperation in all fields. A number of officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs satellite television network, TV has chosen to add Al Jazeera Foreign Affairs. (QNA) attended the ceremony. (QNA) on Tuesday announced the English content to its global expansion of its global news news lineup,” said Giles Trend- lineup with the addition of the le, Al Jazeera English’s Manag- Al Jazeera News Bulletin and ing Director. “This will provide Al Jazeera Newshour. American viewers an opportu- Link TV will offer both Al nity to view our award-winning Jazeera English programmes journalism and judge for them- Dreama introduces orphan care to American viewers through selves the quality, range and Dish Network (Channel 9410) depth of our coverage of impor- and DirecTV (Channel 375) tant global issues that affect us as part of the basic packages all. In a world seemingly beset services to over 100 NSA students reaching a combined 35 mil- by rising bigotry and extrem- lion US households. ism, Al Jazeera English has an TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK targeted categories. field of education and methods importance of providing care to port villa and the club. Airing from Monday to important mission of providing DOHA The students watched the of providing care and services the orphans and providing fos- At the end of the visit, the Thursday starting from Mon- a wider scope of information, introductory presentation by by securing foster families for tering families with psychologi- National Service Makadeem day February 11 at 5:30pm PT, insight and understanding. We THE Orphan Care Center the Media and Communication the children and ensuring the cal guidance. expressed its appreciation for Al Jazeera News Bulletin will believe this syncs well with the ‘Dreama’ recently hosted team on Dreama’s vision as a children’s stability with these During the visit, the Com- the Dreama Center and its staff present viewers with 30 min- mission of Link TV.” around 100 students of the 11th pioneering centre in providing families through the training of munity Outreach Office team for their important role in pro- utes of live, breaking and in- “It is a critical time to re-es- batch of the National Service care for the orphans and inte- foster families. accompanied the visiting del- viding high quality services for depth news from Asia, Africa, tablish a solid relationship with Academy - Makadeem - (NSA) grating them into the society. The students also learnt egation in a tour across Drea- orphans in Qatar and in em- the Middle East, Europe and Al Jazeera as Link TV looks to to learn about the services be- They also got to know about Dreama’s community ma’s facilities, including the powering and integrate them the Americas. bridge barriers utilising glob- ing offered by the centre for the about the centre’s plans in the awareness programmes on the medical clinic, academic sup- into the community. In addition, beginning from ally recognised and respected Friday February 15 at 5pm PT, voices,” said Kim Spencer, co- Link TV will premiere one hour founder of Link TV. “Our inter- of Al Jazeera Newshour with in- national news programmes of- depth reporting from the world, fer an in-depth analysis of social providing the latest news head- and political issues on a global lines and current events. scale to the American public. After each broadcast, Showcasing multiple and di- viewers will have 14 days to verse perspectives is as impor- stream the programmes at tant now as it was nearly two linktv.org/globalnews. decades ago when the channel The two new Al Jazeera was created since we find the English newscasts join Link media landscape full of polar- TV’s lineup of global news ising narratives shaping public that includes Japan’s NHK opinion and negatively impact- NEWSLINE, FRANCE 24 ing our society.” and DW NEWS from Ger- Three other Al Jazeera man international broadcaster English series will also make Deutsche Welle. their way to Link TV’s prime- The addition raises Link time lineup later this year: TV’s profile as a destination WITNESS, UPFRONT and Students of the 11th batch of the National Service Academy (Makadeem) visit Orphan Care Center ‘Dreama’ to learn about the services being offered by the centre. where American audiences can EARTHRISE. ACS Doha meet stresses need British Council, MoEHE mark success to prevent data protection breach of Youth Sports Leadership programme TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK across Qatar will also have the DOHA opportunity to take part in the DATA protection is an in- Youth Sports Awards training creasingly important issue THE British Council, in part- modules on March 4, 2019. for organisations across the nership with the Ministry of These awards act as a reward region and around the world. Education and Higher Educa- and celebration scheme that In this context, ACS Doha In- tion (MoEHE) of Qatar, recent- helps young people to evidence ternational School on Tues- ly celebrated the completion their learning, progress and day hosted the inaugural Data of the first stage of its Youth achievement in and through Protection and Privacy Con- Sports Leadership programme sport and physical activity. It ference, which was supported with two fun and engaging also supports them to demon- by the Ministry of Education sports festivals attended by strate the impact their involve- and Higher Education. more than 50 students at Ru- ment in sport has had on their At the conference, leading faidah bin Kaab independent personal development includ- Qatar-based and internation- School for Girls and 50 stu- ing leadership skills, health and al experts addressed how or- dents at Ibn Khaldoun inde- wellbeing and wider life skills. ganisations in the education Leading Qatar-based and international experts addressed how organi- pendent school for Boys. Students participate at sports festivals to celebrate the completion of Commenting on the success sector can prevent data pro- sations in the education sector can prevent data protection breaches The festival was the culmi- the first stage of Youth Sports Leadership programme. of the programme, Moza Al- tection breaches and cyber and cyber security threats. nation of international training bader, head of Physical Educa- security threats. delivered by the UK’s Youth teachers’ interventions and sup- al, an independent charity, the tion Curriculum Standards Sec- They tackled the challeng- al data is an asset that each of Sports Trust, designed to assist port being limited to oversight initiative helps build knowledge tion, Ministry of Education and es and opportunities posed us own, so it is equally impor- teachers and coaches to work and ensuring safety. of sports education and inspires Higher Education, said: “We are by the new data landscape, tant from an individual and together with young people so Youth Sports Leadership is the next generation of lead- proud to partner with the Brit- which is particularly impor- organisational perspective.” they can take charge and lead a three-year sports transforma- ers promoting accessible and ish Council on this fantastic ini- tant for schools and universi- Delegates at the con- their own sports festivals in tional education programme, inclusive sports. In the longer tiative which, not only improves ties, who must safeguard the ference enjoyed a range of their schools and communi- which helps practitioners to term, the goals of phase two sports education in Qatar, but personal data of students, workshops throughout the ties. Youth Sports Leadership develop key future skills such and three of the programme are also contributes to the country’s staff and stakeholders. day run by experts from ACS is aligned with Qatar’s Vision as leadership, teamwork, re- to empower young people and vision of building strong and ac- ACS Doha International International Schools, edu- 2030 to increase community silience and communication the wider community to lead a tive communities.” School is a pioneer in data cation technology special- participation in sport. through sports. The training, more active lifestyle. Samantha Ayton, director at protection and manages the ists, 9ine Consulting and In March, 2018, 88 sports which is delivered through a From March 24-28,2019, a British Council Qatar said: “We data of over 900 students leading universities. coaches and teachers and 340 cascade model, supports ongo- selection of coaches and teach- are honoured to collaborate aged three to 18 years. nesses of all sizes. Not only In 2020, ACS Doha will students across 88 schools in ing sustainability of the pro- ers will have the opportunity with Qatar’s Ministry of Edu- Dr Richard Harrold, Data is it an issue of legal compli- expand to a new campus Qatar underwent sports educa- gramme and the development to train for phase 2 of the pro- cation and Training and Edu- Protection Officer at ACS ance, but also of trust and built for 2,400 students. tion training which uses sports of young people involved into gramme, to ‘national trainer’ cational Development Center International Schools, who reputation. The school plans to be at the as a tool to teaching important independent and responsible level, which certifies them to de- to improve sports participation spoke at the conference, said: “Done incorrectly, there forefront of data protection soft skills. This year the young leaders who can become volun- liver the training in Arabic and across the country. Together “The responsible and ethi- can be huge implications for for its existing students and sports leaders put what they teers to #MakeSportHappen in English as independent instruc- we have a shared goal to un- cal management of data is a business. This conference is their families as well as the had learned into action by or- their communities. tors across Qatar, thereby cas- leash the potential of students not just the preserve of large an opportunity to demystify students it will welcome in ganising sports festivals for the Held in partnership with cading the benefits of sports to through physical activity in line organisations; it affects busi- data protection laws. Person- the future. 11-12-year-old students with Youth Sports Trust Internation- the wider community. Schools with Vision 2030.” Swiss chocolatier Läderach opens store at HIA TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK co Bijoux’. tion and freshness. This has DOHA HIA’s Vice President Mar- been our driving force since keting and Corporate Com- our inception and we have at- HAMAD International Air- munications Abdulaziz al Mass tached high value to quality.” port (HIA) has announced the commented: “We are thrilled to HIA fosters a culture of opening of the Swiss chocolat- welcome Läderach to our port- hospitality across all opera- ier ‘Läderach’ in the terminal. folio of retail and F&B offerings tions and brings a new di- The 40 sqm boutique allows at Hamad International Air- mension to travel through chocolate lovers and connois- port. The addition of Läderach unique shopping, dining and seurs travelling through HIA brings another level of sophis- leisure experiences across to indulge in a variety of high- tication and diversity to our of- 40,000 square metres of re- quality chocolate and confec- ferings, allowing passengers to tail, food and beverage, of- tionary specialities all pro- experience a world-class stand- fering more than 90 shops to duced by hand. ard of chocolate celebrated for browse and more than 30 ca- The inauguration of its skilled craftsmanship, crea- fes and restaurants, respond- Läderach took place in the tivity and freshness.” ing to the diverse needs of the presence of HIA’s VP of Mar- The inauguration of Läderach took place in the presence of HIA’s VP of Marketing and Corporate Communications Abdulaziz al Mass; Lader- Swiss Chocolate Trading modern traveller. keting and Corporate Com- ach’s Managing Partner Mohammed Yousuf al Jabir; and Laderach’s General Manager Taymour Mershad. General Manager Taymour Läderach – the chocolate munications Abdulaziz al Mershad said: “The fresher, family, has stood for top-qual- Mass; Laderach’s Managing Manager Taymour Mershad. in 2 stores in Qatar, is offer- counts and offers exclusively cluding 47 flavours of praline the better is our motto. As a ity, hand-crafted Swiss choco- Partner Mohammed Yousuf al The world-renowned ing traditional chocolate boxes for HIA passengers. Travellers chocolates, 25 types of fresh pioneering Swiss chocolate late and confectionery speciali- Jabir; and Laderach’s General chocolatier, already operating along with promotional dis- can choose from offerings in- chocolates and 9 kinds of ‘Cho- brand, we believe in innova- ties since 1962. 06 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Reports by L N Mallick For events and press releases email Pakistan Prism [email protected] or call (974) 4000 2222 Qatar-based Pakistani entrepreneur to invest $100mn in home country

Chairman of Souvenir Group of Companies Haji Said Badshah with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan Haji Said Badshah shakes hands with Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari. in Doha recently.

said Badshah. We assured the prime minister of our The group owns a com- mercial plaza in Rawalpindi’s cooperation to boost our motherland’s posh Bahria Town and a com- economy. Imran Khan’s visit will further mercial market on the 6th road. “Work on a commer- boost the bilateral and brotherly relations cial market located on High Court Road, Rawalpindi, is existing between Qatar and Pakistan. in full swing and will be com- pleted soon,” hoped Badshah, — Badshah who owns a huge warehouse spread over an area of 9 acres N what appears ing Co, Malik Rafique of Had- in the port city of Karachi. to be a praise- ico Trading and Contracting Badshah said that the sub- worthy move to and some other prominent Pa- ject of government subsidy pay his country kistani businessmen were also also came up for discussion back, long-time present on the occasion. during his meeting with the QatarI resident Haji Said Bad- Badshah, who hails from premier and the accompa- shah plans to invest $ 100 village Naryab in Hangu dis- nying delegation. “We need million in Pakistan as part of trict of Pakistan, arrived in government support and re- his business group’s expan- Doha in 1975. Like many other Medical staff at Souvenir Group Hospital in Peshawar. quested the PM for grant of sion plan. Badshah, who is expatriates, he also worked February 23, 2018 at Depal- subsidy. The Pakistani govern- Chairman of Souvenir Group hard to make a fortune in pur (Okara), Pakistan, for the ment charges 1.5 percent tax of Companies, revealed his business here, and is now processing and packaging of on the remittances sent to the expansion plans to Prime counted among successful Pa- potatoes. The division has two country to export products. Minister Imran Khan dur- kistani businessmen in Qatar. washing plants with a stor- Besides the tax, we pay ing his recent official visit to His elder son Umar Farooq is age capacity of 400.000 bags. huge amounts for electricity Qatar. General Manager of the group “We owe a lot to our country for our Cold Storage Division “We had a very fruitful while his other sons actively and now we want to pay back at Depalpur. In case of load meeting with Prime Minister help him in running the busi- to our motherland. Currently, shedding, we produce elec- Imran Khan and other mem- ness. we are employing 2000 work- tricity through diesel gen- bers of his official delegation. The group’s Souvenir ers and have plans to give jobs erators. In 2018, we paid Rs We assured the prime minister Trading Company is well re- to 10.000 more,” said Bad- 38545762 for electricity. We of our cooperation to boost our puted importers, marketers shah. presented expenditure de- motherland’s economy. Imran and distributors of fresh fruits, The group recently inau- tails to the premier who as- Khan’s visit will further boost vegetables and other fresh gurated Souvenir Group Hos- sured us to look into the mat- the bilateral and brotherly re- food products in Qatar and pital in Peshawar. “The 27- ter,” said Badshah. He hoped lations existing between Qatar other Gulf countries. They also Women workers washing pota- room hospital has three wards the new government will look and Pakistan. We are indebted import all kinds of cattle feed. Souvenir Group Hospital located on main Dalazak Road in Peshawar. toes in group’s washing plants at housed in a 4-storey building. into the difficulties faced by to Qatari government for pro- “I want to invest $ 10 crore Depalpur in Okara. All the services in the emer- the entrepreneurs and will viding us excellent working ($ 100 million) in different items worth $15 million from the remaining were for other gency department are free take all necessary measures environment,” said Badshah. projects in Pakistan. In 2018 Pakistan. Around 80 percent Gulf countries,” remarked The group inaugurated while deserving patients are for the promotion of business Israr Malazai of Al Anis Trad- alone, we imported different imports were for Qatar while Badshah. Cold Storage Division on given 50 percent discount,” activities. Pakistani artists’ works set to make a splash at Katara show

GROUP exhibition of art- nipulate and bend paper to shape her art is in my blood and soul. Colours tary/aviation artists,” says Siraj. works by four eminent Paki- magnificent masterpieces. are my inspiration. I started with re- “My paintings have been pre- stani artists is set to splash She is an executive committee alistic art but I always wanted to cre- sented to the national and inter- colour at Katara from Feb- member of International Artists ate something different and unique. national dignitaries including the Aruary 4 to February 12. Ti- Doha (IAD), teaches Paper Art at I love Qatar and so you can see the President and the Prime Minister of tled “4 Visions”, the exhibition will Virginia Commonwealth University reflection of it in my artworks.” Pakistan. My works have been se- showcase heart-stealing creations Qatar and conducts bespoke work- She is a member of MAPS Qatar. lected twice in a juried exhibition at of Shehla Khalid Khan, Adnan Siraj, shops on paper sculpture. She has done live painting shows at the Mall Galleries, London, in 2009 Mala Waseem and Shazia Bhanji. For her, it all began when she Doha Fire Station, Katara and Qa- and 2010 and some of them hang in The event, to be held in collabo- started learning drawing and paint- tar Foundation. She also conducts a the military premises of China, Saudi ration with Katara, will commence ing from Pakistan’s leading artists. master class at Qatar International Arabia, USA, UK, Sweden, Turkey with an opening reception on Febru- Initially, she worked on oil paintings Art Festival. and Qatar,” said Adnan. ary 4 from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. but later moved to mixed media. He is an active member of the Her artworks have been exhibited ADNAN SIRAJ Qatar Fine Arts Society, Katara, and SHAZIA BHANJI by a number of well-known galleries taught artist who says she has been Adnan Siraj is a former Paki- has participated in its events and an- visual arts and achieved high aes- Shazia Bhanji is a narrative pa- across Pakistan. In the quest to do interested in art since her childhood stan Air Force officer, internation- nual exhibitions and won first prize thetical qualities in oil painting. Her per sculpture artist who has a stun- something different and challenging, but has had no formal education ally acclaimed professional military in realistic painting competition in professional and conceptual series ning array of works that can blow she started exploring contemporary in this field. “I remember drawing 2018. of oil paintings have been show- anyone away. Her portfolio spans a art forms around the globe. Her cre- sketches, portraits and drawing on Besides military and aviation cased in Canada, Pakistan and Qa- ativity took a U-turn when she saw walls, paper, wood, logs, floor, etc. I subjects, he likes to paint landscapes, tar. art pieces made of papers. And she was very good at sketching. My pas- seascapes, wildlife and horses. He Mala has participated in Qa- hasn’t looked back since. sion for art and artistic skills grew has worked in all the mediums of tar International Art Festival (2018 “What appeals to me the most with time and I continued sketch- paintings but his most favourite is Doha Fire Station), Katara Dhow about paper as a medium is that it ing at home and participating in art oil. He had been a mentor at the boat festival live painting and Qa- is such a novel idea, has tremendous competitions at college level always summer residency programme at tar foundation 3rd Art Atelier live potential to create a WOW moment, getting first position. I got married Doha Fire Station in 2018. painting exhibition. Currently, she and it arouses curiosity among the in 2009 and came to Qatar. After a is working on upcoming groups and art lovers to know more about it. So break of 4 to 5 years, I started paint- MALA WASEEM solo shows in Qatar. one thing that makes this form of art ing at home and tried many medi- Mala Waseem is a visual artist. Through a series of textured oil distinctive is that it’s an unconven- ums and spent most of my time on She completed her graduate studies paintings to be featured at the up- tional art in a conventional world,” my art,” Shehla said. in visual arts from National College coming exhibition, Mala aims to wide range but is mostly based on remarked Shazia. She added: “I use different medi- / aviation artist. “I am completely of Arts, Pakistan. share her knowledge as well as cre- the narration of human stories and ums like oil acrylic, water colours and self-taught and my work has been Living in Canada, Pakistan and ate a meaningful dialogue among emotions. Over the years, she has SHEHLA KHALID KHAN mix media but I love acrylic the most. recognised internationally by some Qatar by turns, Mala has gained humans, nature and the current evolved various techniques to ma- Shehla Khalid Khan is a self- As an artist I love to do painting as of the world’s most renowned mili- knowledge of a broad spectrum of culture. Pakistan / S Asia / Philippines / SE Asia Wednesday, January 30, 2019 07 Mahathir seeks China’s understanding on scrapped $20-bn deal After 1MDB, Malaysia launches anti-graft plan to clean stables

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Tuesday asked for China’s understand- KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious five-year plan to clamp down on cor- ing over Malaysia’s plan to cancel a $20-billion rail project that spearheads China’s infrastruc- ruption in government, months after a multi-billion-dollar graft scandal brought down the previous News ture push in the Southeast Asian nation, saying Kuala Lumpur could not afford it. administration. in brief Since winning power last May, Mahathir has repeatedly vowed to renegotiate or cancel what The plan, launched by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, would involve sweeping changes to he calls “unfair” Chinese projects authorised by predecessor Najib Razak, whose near-decade the appointment process for key posts, require lawmakers and ministers to publicly declare their long rule ended in electoral defeat amid a massive financial scandal. The cabinet has decided assets, and introduce new laws to regulate political funding and lobbying. Mahathir said Malaysia to cancel the contract with China Communications Construction Co Ltd. (REUTERS) needs “all kinds of strategies, laws and restrictions” to curb corruption. (REUTERS)

Pakistan top court upholds Aasia Bibi’s blasphemy acquittal Nine killed, 21 hurt in attack worldwide attention, shone a gious hardliners calling for her preme Court decision, Sha- on Pakistan police station The decision allows the Christian woman to spotlight on Pakistan’s strict death and demanding that the feeq Ameeni, acting head of QUETTA: At least nine people died and 21 were wounded when blasphemy laws and the often government prevent her from the hardline Tehreek-e Labaik gunmen blasted their way into a police station in southwestern leave Pakistan and seek asylum abroad difficult conditions facing its leaving the country. group, which led the protests Pakistan on Tuesday while candidates were sitting for a police Christian minority who make Under pressure from days last year, issued a new warn- entrance exam, officials said. REUTERS disclosed location under tight up 1.6 percent of the largely of protests in the capital, Is- ing to the court not to rule in The Pakistani military said a group of three gunmen at- ISLAMABAD security, free to leave Pakistan Sunni Muslim country of over lamabad, and other cities, the favour of the “blasphemer”. tacked the entrance of the deputy police inspector’s office in and seek asylum abroad. 200 million. government agreed to stop Ameeni was not immedi- Loralai district in Balochistan, a volatile southern province which PAKISTAN’S Supreme Court “On merit, this petition is Bibi, a farm worker, was Bibi leaving the country until ately available for comment has seen a string of militant attacks. on Tuesday upheld the acquit- dismissed,” Chief Justice Asif convicted in 2010 of making the Supreme Court considered after the ruling but in remarks One gunman blew himself up and the others opened fire tal of Asia Bibi, a Christian Saeed Khosa told the court, derogatory remarks about Is- the petition. in court, Chief Justice Khosa on police and around 800 candidates taking an exam to join woman who spent years on saying the petitioners, led by lam after neighbours working Bibi has been in hiding was severely critical of the pe- the force, killing three police, five civilian employees and one death row after being convict- a village prayer leader, had in the fields with her objected since the Supreme Court freed titioners’ attempt to have the candidate. Twenty one people including 12 police and nine ed of blasphemy, dismissing a failed to point out any mis- to her drinking water from her in October, after eight judgment reversed. candidates were wounded. petition filed by Islamists who take in the original judgement their glass because she was years on death row. She has He said Bibi had been con- “During the clearance operation, the remaining two suicide have called for her execution. which he said had been based not Muslim. Her conviction always denied committing victed on false evidence and bombers have been shot dead and the area has been cleared,” The decision leaves Bibi, on false evidence. was overturned in October, blasphemy. pointed to discrepancies in a statement from the military said. (REUTERS) who has been staying at an un- The case, which drew prompting protests from reli- Hours before the Su- testimony in the original case.

Terror group faces retribution after Church bombings Philippine bishops Suu Kyi’s party clashes seek forgiveness with Myanmar military for long silence on over move to change Philippine army launches Duterte’s drug war REUTERS army-drafted charter MANILA REUTERS sent about 730,000 peo- air strikes on ‘terrorist’ IN a rare move, the largest NAYPYITAW ple fleeing to neighbouring group of Catholic bishops in Bangladesh. the Philippines has sought for- MYANMAR’S ruling party Constitutional reform giveness for its lengthy silence clashed with military law- was a central pillar of the over “disturbing issues”, such makers on Tuesday as it NLD’s platform ahead group’s hideouts in Sulu as the president’s bloody war proposed steps towards of the 2015 general elec- on drugs and his attacks on the changing the constitu- tion, but little progress has church and its doctrines. tion, its biggest challenge been made as leaders have The church is highly influ- in nearly three years to the proved reluctant to con- Reports say strikes hit the towns of Patikul and Indanan in the South ential and an important source army’s power over politics front the military. of moral guidance in the Phil- as enshrined in the charter. With another election ippines, where about 80 per- Military members of looming in 2020, analysts cent of a population of 105 parliament, clad in green see Tuesday’s move as an million are Roman Catholic. uniforms, rose to their feet effort to shore up support Although known for speak- and stood in silence as par- for Suu Kyi’s party and de- ing out in times of crisis and liament voted to approve liver on election pledges. to rebuff doctrinal challenges, the first stage of a proposal “It is the election prom- the bishops’ silence over Presi- to form a committee on ise,” Ye Htut, an NLD mem- dent Rodrigo Duterte’s lam- amending the constitution. ber of parliament told Reu- basting of the church and God, The proposal could fo- ters ahead of the vote. as well as his bloody crack- ment tension between the In recent weeks Suu Kyi down on drugs, have raised army and Aung San Suu has also toured ethnic minor- questions about their unity Kyi’s National League for ity areas, where support for and commitment to values. Democracy (NLD), who her party is weakest, and on “Forgive us for the length have been at loggerheads Monday touted Myanmar’s of time that it took us to find over the charter since the potential to global investors. our collective voice,” the Cath- party’s historic landslide “As the 2020 elections olic Bishops’ Conference of the election win in 2015. are starting to influence Philippines (CBCP) said in a The surprise bid to re- political calculations in pastoral letter, issued late on form the constitution comes Myanmar, it is not surpris- Monday. “We too needed to be as both civilian and military ing that the NLD wants to guided properly in prayer and leaders face growing inter- show progress on one of its discernment before we could national pressure over an key manifesto pledges,” said guide you.” army crackdown on Roh- Yangon-based political ana- In the letter headlined, ingya Muslims in 2017 that lyst Richard Horsey. “Conquering Evil with Good”, the bishops admitted silence over “disturbing issues about which you may have felt you urgently needed our spiritual and pastoral guidance”. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (centre) meets relatives of explosion victims in Jolo, Sulu province, southern Philippines, on Monday. (EPA) It was not immediately clear why the CBCP issued the PHILSTAR/AGENCIES Infantry Division at Barangay letter, which followed a plena- MANILA Church bombing was ‘suicide’ attack: Duterte Bus-bus in Jolo, Sulu. ry assembly. MANILA: A male suicide bomber and his wife carried out a Catho- Presidential spokesperson THE Armed Forces of the Phil- lic cathedral attack that killed 21 people in the country’s restive Salvador Panelo confirmed on ippines on Tuesday launched south, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday. Tuesday that Duterte has de- Military members of parliament leave the Union Parliament in airstrikes targetting two Sulu Duterte told reporters a woman who remains at large left a clared an all-out war against Napyidaw, Myanmar, on Tuesday. (REUTERS) towns where Abu Sayyaf mem- device that exploded during mass at the cathedral in the remote terror groups after he visited bers were sighted following Muslim-majority island of Jolo on Sunday, and her husband later the blast site in Jolo. President Rodrigo Duterte’s blew himself up outside. “He just said all-out war, Bangladesh rejects Pakistani envoy’s order to crush the terror group. The president’s account differed from earlier statements by se- maybe against the perpetra- credentials a year after appointment A report by GMA News curity officials. He said military intelligence told him on Tuesday the tors and for that matter all said that one airstrike was second bomb was strapped on to the body of the male suspect who enemies of state in the region,” ISLAMABAD: In a sign of persistent strain in bilateral relations, unleashed on Patikul and the detonated it as survivors of the first explosion ran for their lives. Panelo said. Bangladesh on Tuesday refused to accept the credentials of other in Indanan. “They (investigators) could not find any part of the body The blast on Sunday killed Saqlain Syedah as Pakistan’s high commissioner in Dhaka, The A ‘24 Oras’ news report, because it exploded, because that was terrorism and that was a at least 21 people who were Express Tribune has learnt. meanwhile, showed footage suicide,” the president said. mostly churchgoers attend- According to diplomatic sources, the government of Prime of the Philippine Army’s Al- If Duterte’s account is confirmed it would be among the few ing mass as well as responding Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid did not cite any reason for refus- pha Battery 8th Field Artillery suspected cases of suicide bombings in the Philippines. troops and a Coast Guard per- ing to accept Syedah’s credentials. Battalion firing a canon at an The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the sonnel. Meanwhile, 100 others The ambassadorial position had fallen vacant after the area where the Abu Sayyaf is cathedral blast, saying two suicide bombers detonated explosive were wounded, latest data from The ‘French Spiderman’ Alain retirement of Rafiuzaman Siddiqui in February last year. Sub- located. belts, according to the SITE Intelligence Group which monitors the Western Mindanao Com- Robert is pictured on the side of sequently, Syedah was named as new high commissioner to “We are utilising all the jihadist activities. (AFP) mand showed on Tuesday. the 47-storey GT Tower in Manila’s Bangladesh. She is a PBS-20 officer in the Foreign Service of military or AFP might against The military said it is financial district of Makati on Pakistan. Abu Sayyaf... the intensity is dered the military to crush the “I order you now, crush looking into a certain alias Tuesday. (AFP) Ties between Islamabad and Dhaka have been deteriorat- intense as before,” Brigadier Abu Sayyaf which is believed the Abu Sayyaf by whatever ‘Kamah’, who it suspects as the ing since Hasina Wajid’s government resumed the trial of 1971 General Divino Rey Pabayo, to be behind the twin bomb- means,” Duterte said during bomber. ‘Kamah’ is an alleged ‘French Spiderman’ ‘war crimes’ that had been suspended after the 1974 accord commander of Joint Task ings that hit the Cathedral of his visit to military and police bombmaker and is the brother arrested after between Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. (TRIBUNE.COM.PK) Force Sulu, said. Our Lady of Mount Carmel in forces at the headquarters of of slain Abu Sayyaf sub-leader scaling Manila On Monday, Duterte or- Jolo, Sulu. the Philippine Army’s 11th Surakah Ingog. skyscraper MANILA: French urban freeclimber Alain Robert was arrested on Tuesday, police said, after he Nearly 5,000 garment workers NATO, Pentagon ‘encouraged’ by Taliban talks progress scaled one of Manila’s tallest tow- sacked over Bangladesh strikes ers in his latest high-risk ascent. DPA The militants will “We will not stay longer The 56-year old adventurer AFP clashes in Ashulia, a key in- WASHINGTON than necessary, but we will dubbed the “French spider- DHAKA dustrial town outside Dhaka not win on the not leave before we have a man” climbed the 47-storey GT where clothes are sewn for NATO and the Pentagon are battlefield, so they have situation which enables us to Tower without safety equipment, NEARLY 5,000 low-paid retail giants H&M, Walmart “encouraged” by the progress to sit down at the leave or reduce the number of leaving watchers on the ground Bangladeshi garment work- and many others. of talks with the Taliban in Af- troops without jeopardizing staring in amazement. ers stitching clothes for glob- Police say thousands of ghanistan, NATO Secretary negotiating table, and the main goal of our presence, “This is my path, this is my al brands have been sacked factory workers accused of General Jens Stoltenberg told therefore we are encour- and that is to prevent Afghani- way of living. It is as important by factory bosses for joining looting and vandalism during reporters at a meeting with stan from becoming a safe ha- to me as eating, sleeping. I strikes over wages this month the protests have been fired, acting US Secretary of De- aged by what we see ven for international terrorists need that. It keeps me alive,” that turned violent, police said but unions have accused the fence Patrick Shanahan late now, the progress and once again,” he added. he told reporters after complet- on Tuesday. industry of intimidation and a on Monday. talks with Taliban The comments came hours ing the climb. Thousands of labourers crackdown. Stoltenberg said US Special after Afghan President Ashraf Police were less enthusi- walked out of factory floors “So far the factories have Representative for Afghani- NATO Secretary-General Ghani, referencing his briefing astic about the stunt and took across the country in days- dismissed 4,899 workers due stan Reconciliation Zalmay Jens Stoltenberg with Khalilzad, called for the him into custody as soon as he long protests that disrupted to the unrest,” a senior police Khalilzad had “briefed all al- Taliban to enter into “serious” reached the ground after the the $30 billion industry -- and officer told AFP on condition lies a few weeks ago” ahead of the battlefield, so they have talks with the government. roughly two-hour climb up and saw police fire rubber bullets of anonymity. the six-day talks he held with to sit down at the negotiating It was too early to specu- The Taliban have yet to down the building. He is be- and tear gas at demonstra- More than 1,200 garment Taliban representatives in the table, and therefore we are en- late about the number of directly sit down and talk ing held on a charge of public tors. workers -- whose wages start Qatari capital Doha last week. couraged by what we see now, NATO troops which would re- with the Afghan government, disturbance but will post bail on One worker was killed at $95 a month -- were dis- The Norwegian added that the progress... and talks with main in Afghanistan, Stolten- which they consider a “puppet Wednesday, his lawyer Howard and more than 50 injured in missed from a single factory. the militants “will not win on Taliban.” berg said. regime.” Calleja said. (AFP) 08 Wednesday, January 30, 2019

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 PRINTED AT ALI BIN ALI PRINTING PRESS Opinion HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Vaccine Exemptions Not An Option After Measles Outbreak Agreeing To Agree: The Afghan

State lawmakers should eliminate the option which dodges required immunisations based solely on a Peace Process Moves Forward parent’s ‘philosophical or personal objection’ as it puts too many children at risk US’s chief negotiator says we have a draft of the framework that HE ongoing outbreak of measles in Clark Clark County school students received all has to be fleshed out before it becomes an agreement County should prompt state legislators to their required vaccinations last year, ac- Tfinally correct Washington’s loose policy cording to school district data. That is a surrounding mandatory vaccinations. much worse rate than throughout the rest Washington is one of only 18 states that of the state and King County, where more lets parents opt out of having their child vac- than 88 percent of students had all their cinated because of personal, moral or other vaccinations. beliefs, according to the National Confer- Even that rate is too low, given that sci- ence of State Legislatures. The high rate of entific studies have repeatedly shown vac- people taking advantage of this philosophi- cines are safe and effective at combating cal exemption in certain areas is detrimen- infectious disease. Still, anti-vaccination tal to the health of their communities. sentiment pervades plenty of local commu- It is not an option that should exist. nities. The Vashon Island School District, The law already allows children to be for instance, ranks among the school dis- exempted from required vaccinations if tricts with the highest number of families they have a valid medical condition, or if claiming the personal exemption, with 16.3 the vaccinations conflict with their family’s percent using it to decline one or more vac- religious beliefs. But the option to dodge cinations for their children. required immunisations based solely on a State Rep Paul Harris of Vancouver is parent’s “philosophical or personal objec- sponsoring legislation to eliminate the per- tion” is one that puts too many children at sonal exemption for the measles, mumps risk. It also endangers others whose im- and rubella (MMR) vaccine. His bill would mune systems are compromised, including not apply to other required immunisations, people with conditions such as cancer, HIV however, including ones designed to pre- and type 1 diabetes. Though an effort to vent the spread of pertussis, meningitis and change the law failed in 2015, Washington hepatitis B. lawmakers should try again. Harris’ bill is an important start, given Of the 30 confirmed measles cases in how easily measles can spread. But the Clark County, 26 of those infected were not Legislature should eliminate the personal immunised against the highly contagious exemption more broadly, so that it can no disease, the county health department said longer be used to avoid any mandatory on Friday. Those numbers are likely to grow childhood vaccinations. CATHERINE PUTZ the United Arab Emirates, China, Afghan- ernment, casting the leaders in Kabul as — last week, a measles case in King County Lawmakers must decide to be the adults TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE istan, and Pakistan before heading to Qa- American puppets. Meanwhile, fighting was linked to the Clark County outbreak. On in the room. They should no longer let par- tar and then Afghanistan again. continues across Afghanistan with the Friday, Governor Jay Inslee declared the ents avoid vaccinating their children based T’S telling that the biggest news about Reuters quoted a Qatari Foreign Min- Taliban enjoying influence over an esti- outbreak a statewide emergency. on philosophical objections that are wholly the ongoing Afghan peace process is istry official in reporting that the two sides mated half of the country’s districts. Meanwhile, only about three out of four detached from science. that negotiators have “agreed to agree- have “agreed tentatively to reconvene on Back in Kabul for consultations, Khal- ments in principle” on some key is- February 25.” ilzad will continue to serve as a bridge (Tribune News Service) Isues. On Monday, following six days between the Afghan government and the of talks in Qatar with Taliban representa- Khalilzad will continue to serve as a Taliban. For its part, the Afghan gov- tives, US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said in ernment led by President Ashraf Ghani a statement that progress on vital issues bridge between the Afghan government continues to work with Khalilzad while had been made and the two sides had and the Taliban. For its part, the Afghan trying to reassure the Afghan people that Starbucks’ Howard Schultz “agreed to agreements in principle on a government led by President Ashraf they will not be abandoned. As Tolonews couple of very important issues.” Ghani continues to work with Khalilzad reported it, on Monday Ghani gave a na- Khalilzad went on to acknowledge while trying to reassure the Afghan tional address calling on the Taliban to For US President? that more work needs to be done. Accord- enter direct talks, assuring “the people ing to the Associated Press, the statement people that they will not be abandoned that their rights will not be compromised OU likely don’t know much about How- ocratic than Republican but decries a liberal continued: “There is a lot more work to in the name of peace and that the coun- ard Schultz’s politics, but you know his wish-list proposal for free health care; he be done before we can say we have suc- An apparent draft of the deal, refer- try’s sovereignty will be upheld.” Yaccomplishment. He built Starbucks into says it’s unaffordable. He rightly criticises ceeded in our efforts but I believe for the enced by the New York Times and Reu- On Monday in Kabul, Khalilzad told a ubiquitous brand. Can a billionaire barista the nation’s perilous $21 trillion debt level, first time I can say that we have made sig- ters, reportedly contains provisions for a Afghan media that there is a “moment of also build a national political organisation supports broad immigration reform and, nificant progress.” withdrawal of US troops and a pledge by opportunity for peace.” “The key for find- and make a serious run for president as an as a former CEO of a global company, is In an interview with the New York the Taliban to not allow Afghan soil to be ing the solutions for Afghan problems is independent candidate? critical of Trump’s isolationist tendencies. Times, Khalilzad said “We have a draft of used by others, presumably Al Qaeda and at the hands of Afghans now,” he said. Good question. America hasn’t seen “We’re much better as a country being part the framework that has to be fleshed out the Islamic State. It’s important to reiterate that noth- a wealthy outsider candidate from the of the world order,” he said. before it becomes an agreement.” Back in On Twitter, Khalilzad said meetings ing has actually been agreed to, not even business world become president since, One TV interview won’t determine the Kabul as of Sunday, Khalilzad said,“The in Qatar were “more productive than they the principles. The checklist to achiev- um, well, two years ago. President Don- viability of his candidacy, though it seems Taliban have committed, to our satisfac- have been in the past. We made signifi- ing peace is long, with each side having ald Trump’s election was a triumph of to have annoyed plenty of Democratic Par- tion, to do what is necessary that would cant progress on vital issues.” different priorities for what ought to showmanship over governance expertise. ty activists. Schultz’s camp retorts that he prevent Afghanistan from ever becom- “[We] will build on the momentum come first. For the Taliban, a US troop Depending on who’s doing the talking, would take equally from both major parties’ ing a platform for international terrorist and resume talks shortly,” he continued. withdrawal is a top item; for the United Trump’s term in office is either proud proof candidates. As for Schultz, it’s true that in- groups or individuals.” “We have a number of issues left to work States, a ceasefire would be among the that anyone can grow up to be president, or dependent and third-party presidential can- Khalilzad was named Special Repre- out. Nothing is agreed until everything is top priorities but as hinted last month, dire evidence that only seasoned political didates usually fail to get traction. Maybe he sentative for Afghanistan Reconciliation agreed, and ‘everything’ must include an the Trump administration is keen to figures should get the job. disappears quickly from view, or maybe he in September 2018 by US Secretary of intra-Afghan dialogue and comprehen- drawdown troop levels too; and for the Schultz, who told ‘60 Minutes’ on Sun- makes an impact on the campaign trail. As State Mike Pompeo. A former US Ambas- sive ceasefire.” Afghan government, both a ceasefire day he’s considering a run (and sounded a wealthy outsider and something of a busi- sador to Afghanistan and also Iraq, Khal- A Taliban official speaking to the New and direct talks are near the top of the like the answer is yes), certainly would be ness celebrity, he’ll get media attention and ilzad was tasked with finding a peace set- York Times didn’t comment on the issue list, with the troop withdrawal much fur- an off-the-menu option. He calls himself a ceaselessly remind all of us that he isn’t a tlement for the war in Afghanistan. Since, of a ceasefire and direct talks between ther down and contingent on security “centrist independent” frustrated by what career pol. Khalilzad has engaged in significant shut- the Taliban and the Afghan government. improvements that at this stage are far he sees as the ideological drift of both par- So let’s not rule out an astonishing upset tle diplomacy, bouncing around the Mid- These two issues are the most difficult to from realised. ties toward extremes. He aligns more Dem- by the cappuccino kid. Remember 2016. dle East and South Asia. In the last month surmount. The Taliban has steadfastly The next iteration of talks for Khal- alone, Khalilzad led a delegation to India, refused direct talks with the Afghan gov- ilzad are reportedly set for late February.… (Tribune News Service) Why California Is So Fire-Prone Climate change has played a role in recent fires, but so has the state’s combustible mix of high-voltage electricity and highly flammable landscapes

PETER WESTWICK rivers and streams of the Sierra Nevada. by electrical appliances and TVs in the and solar farms require vast open spaces. TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE California thus turned early to hydro- mid-20th century and more recently by The Alta wind farm near Tehachapi Pass power, encouraged by Gold Rush-era in- computers, smartphones, electric cars and covers several thousand acres, as does HE recent fires in California have novations in hydraulic mining that moved server farms. the Topaz solar farm on the Carrizo Plain. been rightly linked to global warm- water across mountainsides. Early in the Maintaining high-voltage lines in the These farms are located far from the peo- ing. But another long-term factor is last century, the whirling turbines of Big natural environment was not as simple ple who use the electricity they produce, playing a key role: California’s power Creek and other hydropower complexes in as in the lab, however. Trees grow, winds which means ever more high-voltage lines Tgrid. the Sierra began sending abundant, cheap blow, and sparks fly to dry tinder. across the land. The California Department of Forestry power to Southern California, and Big California’s long romance with high- Experts and policymakers will con- and Fire Protection estimates that electric Creek today still feeds a billion watts into voltage transmission has meanwhile be- sider ways to reduce the risks posed by power networks have caused about 10 per- the Edison grid. come a liability owing to ageing infrastruc- all these power lines: better insulation, cent of the state’s recent wildfires, includ- There was one problem: These sources ture. The investigation of the Camp fire is brush-clearing, plans for shutting them ing some of the most devastating. Although of hydropower in the rugged Sierra were focusing on a transmission tower along down in hazardous conditions. Running the role of power lines in the Camp and hundreds of miles from the cities where PG&E’s Caribou-Palermo line, which op- the lines underground is another option, Woolsey fires is not confirmed, Southern most Californians lived. So a vast web of tury ago, UC Berkeley, Stanford and what erates at 115 kilovolts. That line was built albeit an expensive one: There are hun- California Edison has admitted its lines electricity transmission lines was draped would become Caltech built world-class in 1919 to carry electricity from a series of dreds of thousands of miles of power lines helped ignite the devastating Thomas fire across the landscape, many of them at high programmes in electrical engineering. hydropower stations on the North Fork in California, and it can cost a million dol- a year ago, and PG&E, whose power lines voltages to minimise power losses. They developed insulators, transformers, of the Feather River, a cascading Sierra lars per mile to bury a line. have been implicated in a number of major By the 1910s, California had more high- switches and lines that could operate at watershed so bountiful in its generating Meanwhile, the lines themselves, and fires, is set to file for bankruptcy protection. tension lines than anywhere in the world. high voltages with few losses. (Those same potential that it was known as the ‘Stair- the volatile landscapes they traverse, will California has a combustible mix of With the construction of Hoover Dam, electrical engineering programmes would way of Power’. Some of those transmission remain, as will our infatuation with elec- high-voltage electricity and highly flam- the electrical infrastructure extended to help nourish high-tech industries, from towers are now a century old. Yet Califor- tricity. When we flick on the lights or plug mable landscapes. This volatile situation is neighbouring states. All those high-voltage aerospace to Silicon Valley.) nia’s demand for electricity continues to in our devices, many of us don’t think the result of a long infatuation with elec- lines crossed a precarious landscape, often Californians have been happy to use grow, currently at an average of about 10 about where the electricity comes from. tricity that began more than a century ago. along chaparral-covered foothills where a the abundant electricity, regardless of percent per decade. That rate is projected Increasingly, fires will remind us that all In its early days, the state lacked easy spark could ignite an inferno. where it came from. By 1930, the state to continue through 2030. that electricity comes with a cost. access to coal, and by the late 19th century, To help build this network, Califor- was consuming electricity at more than As California adapts to climate change, it was running out of cheap timber. What nia’s scientists and engineers mastered the twice the national rate. Consumer demand its embrace of alternative energy will fur- (Peter Westwick is a professor it did have was water, in the swift-flowing art of high-voltage transmission. A cen- continued to grow insatiably, driven first ther disperse electricity generation. Wind of history at USC.)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. India / World Wednesday, January 30, 2019 09 Zimbabwe oppn says crackdown Boko Haram kills 30,000 flee Nigeria town over Boko Haram fears: UN worse than under Robert Mugabe four in Niger NIAMEY: Boko Haram militants AFP and impoverished communi- AFP after Mr. Mugabe exiting the have shot dead at least four KANO, NIGERIA ties in neighbouring countries,” HARARE political stand, but what we are people in a town in Niger near he added. “All the population seeing is actually an escalation, the border with Nigeria, a local MORE than 30,000 people seems to be panicking and they ZIMBABWE’S main opposi- not only of the Mugabe type official said Tuesday. have fled the northeast Nige- are on the run as a preemptive tion said Tuesday a violent of terror, but we are actually Three other people were rian town of Rann and across measure to save their lives.” - crackdown on civilians by the seeing something that makes wounded in the attack on Mon- the border to Cameroon in re- Troop withdrawal -Humanitar- new government was worse Mugabe look like a baby in day night in Bosso, a town near cent days because of fears of ian organisations working in than anything in recent years terms of terrorism,” Chamisa the Lake Chad basin which has renewed Boko Haram attacks, Rann said the attack earlier this under ousted leader Robert told a news conference. suffered repeated assaults by the UN, civilian militia and resi- month forced some 9,000 peo- Mugabe, accusing Harare of He addressed the media in the jihadist group. dents said on Tuesday. ple to flee into Cameroon. escalating “terrorism”. the gutted lobby of his party “The provisional figures for The latest mass move- A convoy of pick-up vehicles carrying migrants mainly from Niger and But they were sent back, Movement for Democratic HQ which was fire-bombed this attack by Boko Haram is four ment comes as the world body Nigeria, on January 14, 2019. (AFP) as Cameroon deployed troops Change (MDC) leader Nelson during the protests. civilians shot dead and three oth- voiced renewed concern about to reinforce the town as part of Chamisa said state repression “At night, people are no ers wounded,” the official said. the effect of the bloody conflict Cameroon, has been repeat- man Babar Baloch told report- the regional military response had reached new levels follow- longer enjoying their free- Several homes and three on civilians and launched a edly attacked by Boko Haram, ers in Geneva that recent fight- against the Islamist militants. ing scenes of “terror” when se- doms, they are dragged out of vehicles loaded with red pep- longer-term plan to help those most recently on January 14, ing in Borno had forced more “It was a bit peaceful but as far curity forces crushed protests their places of joy and enter- pers, a major crop of the local made homeless by the fight- when the militants targeted a than 80,000 people to flee their as we understand now, that over fuel price rises. tainment, restaurants... (and) economy, were also set alight, ing. Rann, in northern Borno military base. homes. “Nigerian refugees con- multinational taskforce has “This is now 14 months being beaten up,” he said. he added. (AFP) state, near the border with UN refugee agency spokes- tinue to arrive in very remote left,” said Baloch

News in brief Refugees in India’s West Modi govt asks top court Bengal get land titles North Korea says it wants peace, good ties with US amid citizenship row GENEVA: North Korea said on to release land outside THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION Tuesday that relations with BANGKOK the United States will develop “wonderfully at a fast pace” AUTHORITIES in India’s West if Washington responds to its Bengal state have given land ti- efforts on denuclearisation disputed Ayodhya area tles to about 30,000 refugees with trustworthy measures who have lived in settlement and practical actions. North colonies for years, and promised Korea’s ambassador to the that thousands more will also United Nations in Geneva, The move comes as the ruling alliance faces a tightening race in elections due by May get property rights, as a row over Han Tae Song, told the UN- their citizenship intensifies. sponsored Conference on Chief Minister Mamata Ba- Disarmament that Pyongyang nerjee handed the title deeds would continue working to on Monday, and said those establish a “permanent and living in more than 200 settle- durable peace mechanism ments will also get land rights, Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on the Korean peninsula”. even though their settlements The landmark summit be- are on private or federal gov- Eleven northeastern tween North Korean leader ernment land. political parties oppose Kim Jong Un and US Presi- “We will try to buy the land citizenship bill dent Donald Trump last June from the owners, and we will produced a promise to work ask the central government to GUWAHATI: Eleven northeastern towards the complete denu- regularise the colonies on plots political parties came together clearisation of the divided owned by central agencies,” here on Tuesday against the peninsula. (REUTERS) Banerjee said at a public meet- Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, ing late on Monday. 2016 and decided to appeal to EU team’s Xinjiang Banerjee’s move is part of a the Central government to scrap tour gave ‘objective’ wider push to give more rights the legislation. The parties from insight: China to certain refugee groups in the seven states excluding Sikkim country. “Land ownership is an participated in a two-day conven- BEIJING: China said Tues- issue for refugees, so having a ti- tion and unanimously decided to day a recent EU delegation tle will make them feel more se- oppose the Bill. visit to the far-west region of cure,” said Achin Chakraborty, Meghalaya Chief Minister Xinjiang could enhance “ob- director of the Institute of De- Conrad Sangma, the convener jective understanding” of its velopment Studies in the West of the convention, said the controversial anti-terrorism Bengal capital Kolkata. parties will send a delegation to campaign as it faces global “But the issue over the meet Prime Minister Narendra criticism over mass deten- cut-off date still remains, Modi and President Ram Nath tions there. Chinese foreign and it is not clear if having a Kovind seeking to scrap the Bill ministry spokesman Geng land title is enough,” he said passed in the Lok Sabha on Shuang told reporters the on Tuesday. January 8. (IANS) visit “would help to enhance Chakraborty is one of their (the EU’s) objective more than 100 academics and Bill as it discriminates on the understanding of Xinjiang’s activists who have appealed grounds of religion and “vio- situation, especially China’s to President Ram Nath Ko- lates the constitutional prin- practices on anti-extremism vind to reject the Citizenship ciple of equality”. and counter-terrorism ac- cording to our own national (File photo) People look at a model of a proposed Ram temple that Hindu groups want to build on the site of a 16th century mosque conditions”. It is alleged demolished by zealots in 1992 at Ayodhya in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. (REUTERS) Up to a million Uighurs and members of other mostly REUTERS Cong questions Centre’s move Govt’s plea to SC will BJP, CPI-M dividing Muslim minority groups are NEW DELHI pave way for building held in extrajudicial detention on ‘undisputed’ Ayodhya land Ram temple: BJP in camps. (AFP) INDIA’S government on Tues- people, says Rahul day asked the Supreme Court NEW Delhi: Seeking to remind the Centre of the Supreme Courts NEW Delhi: The BJP on Tuesday Cong accuses to allow it to hand over land 2003 directive about “observance of status quo”, the Congress on called the government’s deci- IANS vation Bill. “Like we wrote off Modi govt of to a Hindu trust that wants to Tuesday questioned the Modi governments move asking for the top sion to move Supreme Court KOCHI farm loans in the three states shielding CVC build a temple in the northern courts nod for giving a part of the 67 acres of undisputed land to seeking its nod for giving a part that we just won, we will do it town of Ayodhya, long a flash- Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and other original owners. of the 67 acres of undisputed IN what’s seen as the launch of for the entire country. NEW Delhi: The Congress on point for minority Muslims. “After 16 years of stupor, why has the government suddenly land to Ram Janmabhoomi the Congress-led UDF’s election “We will make up for the Tuesday accused PM Naren- The move comes as Prime woken up, that too with just two months remaining for the Lok Nyas “important” and said it campaign in Kerala to the Lok lapses of the Modi government dra Modi of protecting Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s rul- Sabha elections?” asked Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu will pave the way for construc- Sabha polls, Congress Presi- by providing for low cost high Vigilance Commissioner ing alliance faces a tightening Singhvi responding to the Centre moving the apex court. tion of Ram temple at Ayodhya. dent Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday quality education, improving (CVC) KV Chowdary follow- race for an election due by Questioning the government’s intention, Singhvi cited the The party also clarified that the slammed both the BJP and the livelihood by creating a mini- ing the Centres refusal to May, with opinion polls sug- court’s March 2003 directive which stated that until the title dis- government was not touching CPI-M for dividing the people. mum income guarantee scheme act against him for allegedly gesting it could fall short of a pute was finally adjudicated, status quo shall be maintained on all the disputed land in Ayodhya. Gandhi said this to over 50,000 that will be credited directly to closing a probe into a Rs parliamentary majority. land including the undisputed land. (IANS) “Today’s decision is important activists, including 25,000 the bank account of every poor 7,000-crore scam. Congress The government, under and will pave the way for con- women, from booth committees person beside improving the leader Abhishek Manu pressure from its Hindu base triggered Hindu-Muslim riots suage the hardliners, who can struction of Ram temple,” Union of his party. health and education sectors,” Singhvi With the Centre said, to build a temple to the god- across India which killed at begin some form of construction Minister Prakash Javadekar “Prime Minister Narendra added Gandhi. “absence of guidelines” king Rama on a site where least 2,000 people, the Su- ahead of the election. told a press conference here at Modi has wasted five years of He said that Modi had de- for its inability to act on the zealots demolished a 16th cen- preme Court ordered a freeze “We are trying to do it in party headquarters. (IANS) India’s time by telling one lie stroyed not just several institu- complaint by Indian For- tury mosque, said land around on activity at the disputed site the legal way,” said Subrama- after another. He said two crore tions but also even the judiciary est Service officer Sanjiv the disputed site could be giv- and surrounding areas. niam Swamy, one party lead- government’s latest proposal jobs would be created every year and had come up with a funda- Chaturvedi, “Govt is citing en to the trust while the court But it has not moved for- er, adding that if the Supreme on the Ayodhya dispute was but what happened was that 15 mentally flawed GST. flimsy grounds for not acting decided the title suit. ward in resolving the dispute, Court allowed the surplus land aimed at shoring up its base. of his close business friends got “Four Supreme Court judg- against CVC who is not just “A large part of the remain- prompting a renewed cam- to be given to the Ram Jan- “Threatening the judicial a maximum income guarantee es went to the media to say they a collaborator of the govern- ing superfluous land comprises paign by Hindu hardliners for ambhoomi Trust, it could start process like this is another when thousands of youths got are unable to work. The CBI ment in violating the Con- properties of which the title is the construction of the temple construction of the temple. (failed) attempt to save BJP nothing,” said Gandhi. chief was reinstated by the apex stitution but a colossal veil not even in dispute,” the govern- at the site they believe to be But one leader of India’s from their rapidly diminishing He told the gathering that court but within hours Modi to cover corruption. Hand in ment said in asking the judges the birthplace of Rama. tiny Muslim minority, which political fortunes,” said Asa- the first thing a Congress-led transferred him out. We assure glove with his political mas- to allow the land transfer. Leaders of Modi’s Hindu na- makes up 14 percent of a duddin Owaisi, the president government would do after the people that we will restruc- ters,” Singhvi said. (IANS) After the 1992 destruc- tionalist Bharatiya Janata Party, population of 1.3 billion that of the All India Majlis e-Itte- the Lok Sabha polls would be ture the GST which will remove tion of the Babri mosque that hope the handover will help as- is 80 percent Hindu, said the hadul Muslimeen party. to pass the Women’s Reser- all the flaws,” said Gandhi.

Hundreds march at Kumbh for women’s empowerment Veteran Indian politician George Fernandes dies at 88 PRAYAGRAJ: Hundreds of women marched on Tuesday at the IANS home by a healthcare team a champion of democracy dur- Sangam appealing for women’s empowerment, education, access NEW DELHI from Max Hospital who found ing the Emergency period and to proper menstrual hygiene management and an end to child him dead on Tuesday morning. beyond. Modi said Fernandes marriage. The rallyists were women and girls who came from FORMER Defence Minister “We are saddened to an- resisted the Emergency tooth nearby villages. Most of them were students, scouts, representa- George Fernandes, a commit- nounce the passing away of and nail. His simplicity and tives from many women’s organizations, sanitation workers and ted socialist and trade union- George Fernandes. Fernandes humility were noteworthy. spiritual leaders, including yoga guru Baba Ramdev, Swami Chi- ist who went underground was attended at his home by Gandhi, whose family Fer- danand Saraswati of the Parmarth Niketan, Mahant Divya Giri from against the 1975-77 Emergency a Max healthcare team, which nandes opposed throughout Lucknow and Binny Sareen of the Brahmakumaris. and fought the Congress all his found him unresponsive and his political career, said he was The day also featured a historic signature campaign for the life, died on Tuesday after pro- declared him dead at 6.42 sorry to hear about his death Guinness Book of World Records to generate awareness about end- longed illness. He was 88. a.m.,” a statement from Max and offered his condolences to ing child marriage. The Guinness World Records attempt is for the Fernandes, who was suffer- Hospital said. the family and friends. most signatures on a flag for the message: ing from Alzheimer’s, has been Fernandes leaves behind India’s former defence minister late George Fernandes. Fernandes, a long-time so- ‘Yes to education, no to child marriage’. The summit was out of the public eye and has his wife Leila and a son, who cialist, rose to political promi- organized under the auspices of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance been bed-ridden for more than lives in New York. The son is President Ram Nath Ko- nation in paying homage to nence when he led the Bom- (GIWA) and Parmarth Niketan, with technical support from the Water eight years, family sources said. expected back in a day or two vind, Prime Minister Naren- Fernandes. Kovind said Fer- bay Taxi Unions Association Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) and UNICEF, He had a cold and cough after which the funeral will take dra Modi and Congress Presi- nandes epitomised simple liv- and defeated the “uncrowned to support the efforts of the Department of Women and Child De- and was attended to at his place, the sources said. dent Rahul Gandhi led the ing and high thinking and was king of Bombay” SK Patil. velopment, Government of Uttar Pradesh. (IANS) 10 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Gulf / Middle East Yemen rebels release Palestinian govt submits first prisoner in swap deal under UN accord AFP resignation to president SANAA YEMEN’S Huthi rebels on Tuesday released the first pris- Abbas remains the primary decision maker and interlocutor with the international community oner under an agreement with the government brokered last AFP officials accused Hamas of re- month, the United Nations said. RAMALLAH, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES sponsibility, claims the Islam- “The special envoy wel- ist group denied. comes the unconditional re- THE Palestinian government The new government is lease... of the sick Saudi pris- submitted its resignation expected to be made up only oner,” the office of UN envoy Tuesday, a statement said, a of parties that are members Martin Griffiths tweeted. move seen as a bid by president of the Palestine Liberation “The special envoy hopes to UN envoy Martin Griffiths. Mahmud Abbas to strengthen Organisation, which does not see more similar humanitarian his position as a decade-old include Hamas or its allies Is- gestures from the parties.” The led by Riyadh. The conflict has political split deepens. lamic Jihad. International Committee of the triggered what the UN calls the Analysts view replacing Hamas condemned the Red Cross, overseeing the pris- world’s worst humanitarian prime minister Rami Hamdal- government’s resignation, oner swap, confirmed the Saudi crisis, with millions of people lah after five years as part of saying Abbas was seeking to soldier had been transferred at risk of mass starvation. The Abbas’s efforts to further iso- establish a “separatist govern- from Sanaa to Riyadh. war has killed some 10,000 peo- late his political rivals Hamas, ment” to serve his interests. It posted a video of a man ple since the Saudi-led coalition who run the Gaza Strip. “Our people need a nation- in a stretcher being carried intervened in support of the be- Hamdallah’s government al unity government,” spokes- onto a Red Cross jet. The Hu- leaguered government in March will remain in place while a man Fawzi Barhoum said in a this named the soldier as Musa 2015, according to the World new administration is formed. statement. al-Awaji in a report on their Al- Health Organization. Human “The government of Prime Fatah officials said they Masirah TV. It said the Saudi rights groups say the real death Minister Rami Hamdallah had begun consultations re- was freed “without collateral as toll could be five times as high. submitted on Tuesday its res- garding forming a new govern- a humanitarian gesture”. Meanwhile, he UN en- ignation to President Mahmud ment, though no timeframe Awaji is the first prisoner to voy for Yemen briefly visited Abbas,” official news agency was announced. be released under a deal agreed the flashpoint city of Hodeida Wafa said in English following Abbas has taken a series between the Saudi-backed gov- Tuesday, an official said, the a cabinet meeting. of punitive measures in recent ernment and rebels at UN-bro- diplomat’s first trip there since The government “will years to try, in vain, to force kered peace talks in Sweden last warring parties agreed to a continue to serve our people Hamas to hand over the reins month. The two parties agreed ceasefire last month. wherever they are and shoul- of power in Gaza. to exchange 15,000 detainees Martin Griffiths was in the der all its responsibilities Analysts say such meas- and have submitted lists of pris- Red Sea port city “for a few until a new government is ures increase suffering in the oners’ names to UN mediators. hours” to oversee the truce formed,” it added. strip, which is already under a For nearly four years, Yemen’s deal’s implementation and “fol- It was unclear how the crippling Israeli blockade. Iran-backed Huthi rebels have low up on preparations” for a change of government could Israel maintains a military been locked in a war with a re- new monitoring mission, the impact on policy. Secularist occupation of the West Bank, gional pro-government alliance UN official said. Abbas remains the primary Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah (centre) waves as he attends an opening ceremony of a but Hamdallah’s government decision maker and inter- medical centre in the West Bank village of Beit Ula, near Hebron, on Monday. (EPA-EFE) has self rule in key cities. Bomb blast kills 7 Yemeni civilians in market locutor with the international The change in government community. which is considered a terror- failed. It was during one such comes amid an historic break- DUBAI: A bomb attack in a market killed seven Yemeni civil- Palestinian politics has ist organisation by the United attempt in 2014 that Hamdal- down in relations between Ab- ians including a photographer for a UAE television channel in essentially been paralysed States, the European Union lah formed what was labelled bas and the United States. the government-controlled town of Mokha, medics and military since 2007, when Islamist and others, have since fought a national unity government, US President Donald sources said Tuesday. group Hamas seized control three wars in Gaza. with both Fatah and Hamas Trump has pledged to propose At least 20 people were wounded in the overnight blast in of the Gaza Strip from Ab- The division between the Uncertainty backing a government made a peace agreement but Abbas the Red Sea town, where pro-government forces backed by a bas’s forces in a near civil Palestinian parties is seen as a up nominally of technocrats. has refused to talk with his Saudi-led coalition battling the Huthi rebels are based. war, a year after winning par- key issue preventing progress It was unclear how the change Since then relations have administration since he broke The improvised explosive device was planted on a motorcy- liamentary elections. in solving the Israeli-Palestin- of government could impact again worsened and Hamdal- with decades of international cle parked in the middle of the market, an official in the pro- Since then Abbas’s gov- ian conflict and improving the policy. Palestinian politics has lah survived an assassina- consensus and moved his government forces said. ernments have maintained situation in the impoverished essentially been paralysed tion attempt in 2018 when country’s Israel embassy to Seven people were killed, the official and a hospital source limited self-rule in the occu- enclave. since 2007, when Hamas an explosion hit his convoy Jerusalem in May last year. said. A photographer for Abu Dhabi TV, Ziad al-Sharabi, was pied West Bank, while Hamas Multiple attempts to reach seized control of the Gaza Strip during a rare visit to Hamas- Palestinians see the east- among the dead, the official Saba news agency quoted informa- has led a rival government in a reconciliation agreement be- from Abbas’s forces controlled Gaza. ern part of the disputed city as tion minister Moammer al-Eryani as saying. (AFP) the strip. Israel and Hamas, tween Fatah and Hamas have Palestinian government the capital of their future state.

News Palestinian wounded UN agency eyes $1.2 bn budget for Palestinians despite US cuts in Israeli border fire in brief succumbs: Ministry AFP tion of US President Donald was previously UNRWA’s larg- erous contributions” and allow some of the most difficult and GAZA City: A Palestinian died No intention to GENEVA Trump announced it was with- est contributor, last year cut a the vital core services and life- polarised regions of the Middle Tuesday four days after being hit increase range drawing nearly all support. full $300 million in funding to saving humanitarian aid for East,” Kraehenbuehl said. by an Israeli tear gas canister of missiles: Iran THE UN agency for Palestinian “The campaign last year was UNRWA, and has said it will some 5.4 million Palestinian Around $750 million of the during clashes along the Gaza refugees on Tuesday appealed successful,” agency chief Pierre not repeat the $60 million it did refugees across the Middle East amount requested would go to border, the health ministry in the TEHRAN: Iran has “no inten- to nations to help it maintain a Kraehenbuehl told reporters in provide.In the void, the Europe- to continue. UNRWA’s core services, includ- strip said.Samir al-Nabaheen, tion of increasing the range” $1.2-billion budget in 2019 after Geneva. an Union, followed by Germany He said he had already re- ing running 711 schools catering 47, was hit in the face by a tear of its missiles, a senior de- it was hit last year by the with- “We closed the entirety of were the biggest donors, with a ceived indications from several to 535,000 children between gas canister Friday during pro- fence official said Tuesday, drawal of US funding. the shortfall, which was an al- total of 40 governments provid- countries, including France, the ages of six and 16. tests east of al-Bureij in central amid threats of European The organisation, known as most existential shortfall of ing funds to the UN agency. that they aimed to increase their The remainder, he said, Gaza, the ministry said. Palestin- as well as US sanctions UNRWA, was able to fully fund $446 million,... thanks to the re- Kraehenbuehl told report- donations this year. would go to emergency human- ians have for nearly a year gath- over its ballistic programme. a budget of the same amount in markable and generous mobili- ers he had come to Geneva to “It is essential to preserve itarian aid in Gaza and the West ered at least weekly in various Iran has voluntarily limited 2018, despite a dramatic initial sation of member states” and appeal to governments to re- the key services carried out by Bank, as well as for Palestinian spots along the Gaza border for the range of its missiles to shortfall when the administra- others, he said. The US, which peat last year’s “extremely gen- courageous UNRWA staff in refugees inside war-torn Syria. often-violent protests. (AFP) 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), sufficient to reach Israel and Western bases in the Middle East. But Wash- ington and its allies have Army shelling kills a dozen despite Idlib truce Sudan security chief orders accused Tehran of pursuing enhanced missile capa- REUTERS “White Helmets” rescue ser- IS to lose last bits of bilities that also threaten BEIRUT vice that operates in rebel ter- Syria territory in release of detained protesters Europe. (AFP) ritory, and the UK-based Syr- ‘weeks’, says US REUTERS SYRIAN army shells killed ian Observatory for Human The ministry was confirming to spread across Sudan on This week decisive more than 10 people on Tues- Rights war monitoring group. WASHINGTON: Islamic State is KHARTOUM Dec. 19. for Lebanese govt day in the last rebel pocket in Clashes, including shelling, expected to lose its final bits of reports by activists that The demonstrations, formation: Hariri northwest Syria, where a Rus- have continued around the territory in Syria to US-backed SUDAN’S security chief has Salah Abdallah Mohamed triggered by a worsen- sian-Turkish truce was agreed frontlines for most of the pe- forces within a couple of weeks, ordered the release of people Saleh said arrested protest- ing economic crisis, have BEIRUT: This week will be in September, rescue workers riod since the deal was agreed, acting US Defense Secretary Pat- detained during weeks of an- ers would be freed called for an end to the rule decisive in efforts to form a and a war monitor said. but neither side has attempted rick Shanahan said on Tuesday. ti-government protests, the of President Omar al-Ba- new government in Lebanon, Syrian state news agency to capture new territory. “I’D say 99.5 percent plus of information ministry said on shir who has been in power PM-designate Saad al-Hariri SANA said the army had car- Tuesday’s shells struck the ISIS-controlled territory has Tuesday, as demonstrations ited a prison in the capital since 1989. said on Tuesday, adding he ried out operations respond- the town of Maarat al-Nu- been returned to the Syrians. continued in several cities. Khartoum and said arrested Police used tear gas on was “cautiously optimistic”. ing to “terrorist violations” of man, killing 12 civilians and Within a couple of weeks, it’ll The ministry was con- protesters would be freed. Tuesday to disperse dozens Rival parties have been ne- the truce in the southern part injuring 25, as well as other be 100 percent,” Shanahan told firming reports by activists No further details were of demonstrators in Khar- gotiating to form a coalition of the enclave, targeting insur- towns and villages in the reporters at the Pentagon, using that Salah Abdallah Moham- available. Hundreds of pro- toum’s Burri neighbourhood government since a national gent fortifications. southern part of the enclave, an acronym for Islamic State. ed Saleh, the head of Sudan’s testers, activists and oppo- and hundreds who gathered election in May, fuelling con- Tuesday’s death toll is the White Helmets said. Two But critics say a US withdrawal National Intelligence and sition figures have been ar- in its twin city of Omdur- cerns that a crisis is loom- the highest in the northwest children were among 11 dead, could allow Islamic State to Security Service (NISS), vis- rested since protests began man, witnesses said. ing for the country’s heavily for months, according to the the Observatory said. regroup. (REUTERS) indebted, stagnant economy. “Matters are positive and will become clear within two days... This week is decisive, positively or negatively,” Hariri said. (REUTERS) UN’s Khashoggi investigator meets Istanbul chief prosecutor

Bahrain Shiite oppn DPA Monday when she met For- leader loses appeal ISTANBUL Khashoggi report before June eign Minister Mevlut Cavuso- against life term glu and Justice Minister Ab- A UN human rights expert, ISTANBUL: A UN judicial expert tasked with investigating the murder dulhamit Gul in Ankara. DUBAI: A Bahraini court on who is in Turkey to lead an of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi said Tuesday she would pre- The UN visit comes nearly Monday upheld a life sen- international inquiry into the sent her report by the end of May. four months after Khashoggi, a tence for opposition leader killing of Saudi journalist Ja- Speaking to journalists outside the Saudi mission, Callamard Saudi national and vocal critic of Sheikh Ali Salman for spying mal Khashoggi, met Istanbul’s said her report would be made public in time for the June session Crown Prince Mohammed bin for a foreign country, a rul- chief prosecutor on Tuesday. of the UN human rights council. Salman, was murdered inside ing his party slammed as Agnes Callamard, the UN’s “The report will be made public a few weeks before I present it to Riyadh’s consulate in Istanbul. “political revenge”. Salman, special rapporteur on extraju- the human rights council in Geneva, so end of May possibly,” she said. Private broadcaster CNN who headed Al-Wefaq, a now- dicial, summary or arbitrary Callamard, an independent expert appointed by the United Nations, on Turk reported on Tuesday that banned Shiite movement, executions, met Irfan Fidan at Monday met Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Justice Minister Callamard also planned to was convicted by an appeals the Caglayan courthouse, the Abdulhamit Gul in Ankara before travelling to Istanbul. Riyadh, after de- meet Khashoggi’s fiancee Hat- court in Nov in a decision. prosecutor’s office said. nying the killing for two weeks, finally described it as a “rogue” opera- ice Cengiz. The UN’s human The SC confirmed the verdict Earlier Callamard exam- tion and arrested a number of senior Saudi officials.(AFP) rights branch was not imme- against Salman and two of ined the neighbourhood where diately available for comment. his aides for “spying for a the Saudi consulate is located. On Tuesday, President Re- foreign state in order to... Footage by state news agency by British lawyer Helena Ken- thorities to allow acces to the cep Tayyip Erdogan’s commu- overthrow the govt”, accord- Anadolu showed Callamard nedy and forensic professor consulate, Callamard told re- nications chief Fahrettin Altun ing to a statement released arriving in front of the con- Duarte Nuno Vieira, according porters, according to Anadolu. said Ankara welcomes Cal- UN special rapporteur on executions Agnes Callamard (right), stands by public prosecutor. (AFP) sulate in Istanbul’s Besiktas to Anadolu. The UN team is Callamard started her lamard’s visit. “Justice must behind the barriers in front of the Saudi Consulate she tried to enter district. She was accompanied still waiting for the Saudi au- week-long visit to Turkey on be served,” Altun tweeted. but was not allowed in, in Istanbul, on Tuesday. (EPA-EFE) Europe / Americas Wednesday, January 30, 2019 11

US warns citizens against travelling Venezuela govt strikes back; seeks Guaido probe, accounts freeze to Venezuela WASHINGTON: The United States REUTERS before Guaido named himself Hundreds of thousands of on Tuesday urged its citizens to CARACAS Protests left more than 40 dead: UN president. He also accused people protested on Jan. 23 avoid all travel to crisis-torn Ven- GENEVA: More than 40 people were killed and record numbers Guaido of helping foreign against Maduro, triggering ezuela, citing risks of crime and VENEZUELA’S chief pros- were arrested during a week of protests against Venezuelan countries to interfere in inter- a police crackdown. At least arrest and the US embassy’s lim- ecutor said on Tuesday he had President Nicolas Maduro, the United Nations said Tuesday. nal matters. 40 people are believed to ited ability to assist.“Do not travel asked the Supreme Court to UN human rights office spokesman Rupert Colville told As a lawmaker, who also have been killed in political to Venezuela due to crime, civil open a preliminary investiga- reporters that “just over 40 people (were) believed to have been heads the National Assembly, violence last week, including unrest, poor health infrastructure tion into self-proclaimed in- killed in different manners.” Guaido has immunity from 26 shot by pro-government and arbitrary arrest and detention terim president Juan Guaido, On Monday, local NGO Venezuelan Program for Education- criminal investigation that can forces, the United Nations of US citizens,” the State Depart- as well to freeze the opposition Action had put the toll at 35. Among those killed, according to be removed only by a high court. said on Tuesday. ment said in an updated travel leader’s accounts and impose Colville, were at least 26 people who died “after allegedly being Minutes after the an- Stepping up the pressure advisory. “There are shortages of a travel ban on him. shot by security forces or members of pro-government armed nouncement, Guaido said he on Maduro, the administra- food, electricity, water, medicine The United States, along President Nicolas Maduro. groups during the demonstrations.” (AFP) did not underestimate a threat tion of US President Donald and medical supplies throughout with several countries around of imprisonment but did not Trump imposed sanctions much of Venezuela,” it said. Ven- the world, have recognized Maduro, sworn in earlier this believe it was “anything new.” on Venezuelan state-oil firm ezuela becomes the only country Guaido as Venezuela’s le- month for a second term after him. Attorney General Tarek tigation into Mr Juan Guaido “We are here, we will keep act- PDVSA on Monday, trigger- in the Western Hemisphere to be gitimate head of state and disputed elections last year, Saab said on state television as a result of diverse violent ing and working to confront ing higher global oil prices slapped with the State Depart- denounced leftist President accuses Guaido of staging a said he had asked the court occurrences provoked in this the humanitarian crisis,” he and angry responses from ment’s “Level 4” warning. (AFP) Nicolas Maduro as a usurper. U.S.-directed coup against “to open a preliminary inves- country since Jan. 22,” the day told a news conference. China and Russia. Sea-Watch Trump ally Roger Stone migrants must go to Germany UK lawmakers vote to pleads not guilty to or Netherlands, Russia probe charges says Salvini prevent a disorderly REUTERS DPA WASHINGTON ROME PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s THE 47 migrants stranded on longtime political ally Roger a charity rescue boat off the no-deal EU withdrawal Stone pleaded not guilty on coast of Sicily will be allowed Tuesday to making false state- to land in Italy only if they are ments to Congress and other immediately transferred to Lawmakers voted 321 to 298 against amendment B, put forward by Labour lawmaker charges brought in the investi- Germany or the Netherlands, gation into Russia’s role in the Interior Minister Matteo Sal- 2016 presidential election. vini said Tuesday. Stone, a self-proclaimed The Sea-Watch 3, a Dutch- “dirty trickster” and Republican registered vessel run by the political operative for decades, German non-governmental or- also pleaded not guilty in a fed- Roger Stone. ganization (NGO) Sea-Watch, eral court in Washington, DC, to rescued the migrants north of obstructing an official proceeding Committee. Stone, 66, could the Libyan port of Zuwarah on and witness tampering. face about 50 years in prison if January 19. It entered Italian He is the latest member of found guilty on all the charges waters on Friday to seek shel- Trump’s inner circle charged in but he is unlikely to receive ter from rough seas. Special Counsel Robert Muel- such a harsh sentence, sentenc- “Disembarking the mi- ler’s Russia investigation and ing experts say. grants? Only if they will go on was arrested on Friday in an Stone, a Republican opera- to the Netherlands, which gave early-morning raid on his home tive since the days of the Wa- a flag to the Sea-Watch, or Ger- in Florida. tergate scandal that forced his many, the NGO’s state. In Italy Prosecutors say Stone told former boss President Richard we have already welcomed, members of Trump’s 2016 pres- Nixon to resign in 1974, smiled and spent too much [on mi- idential campaign that he had as he passed through a gaunt- grants],” Salvini tweeted. advance knowledge of plans by let of reporters upon arrival the WikiLeaks website to re- at the courthouse on Tues- German NGO sues Italy lease damaging emails about day. A small group of protest- at EU rights court over Trump’s Democratic opponent, ers waved Russian flags and a Hillary Clinton, that U.S. intelli- placard that said “Dirty Trai- stranded migrants gence agencies have concluded tor” while other people showed BERLIN: German aid group Sea were stolen by Russia. their support for him. Watch said Tuesday it has filed The indictment did not in- Stone had held an im- a case at the European Human dicate whether Stone knew that promptu news conference after Rights Court against Italy for Russians had stolen the emails being released from custody refusing to allow its ship carrying by hacking into computers and gave interviews during the 47 rescued migrants to dock. used by Clinton’s senior cam- weekend but he did not speak The German NGO’s spokesman paign adviser John Podesta to the media after the brief ar- Ruben Neugebauer said the and the Democratic National raignment in Washington. group had taken the drastic step on Friday because of Rome’s hardline attitude against the mainly sub-Saharan migrants that its ship Sea Watch 3 US spy chiefs break with Trump pulled out of the Mediterranean on January 19. Italy’s Interior on many threats to America Minster Matteo Salvini is “taking the people on board as political REUTERS hostages”, said Neugebauer. WASHINGTON “They are trying to push it to the Netherlands,” he added. (AFP) CHINA and Russia pose the big- UK Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to members of the House of Commons in London, on Tuesday, as lawmakers prepare to debate amend- gest risks to the United States ments to Brexit withdrawal bill. (AFP) and are more aligned than they have been in decades, US intel- REUTERS legislate a delay in Britain’s lock since May’s Brexit plan, ligence leaders told senators on News LONDON departure if the government agreed after months of talks Tuesday, in testimony that re- in brief failed to secure a deal in Brus- with the EU, was rejected by peatedly contradicted President BRITISH lawmakers voted on sels that parliament could ap- We have the chance to show an overwhelming majority of Donald Trump’s statements on Tuesday against a bid to pre- prove. Sterling, which recently the European Union what it lawmakers. May promised that global threats. US to return first Central vent a potentially disorderly hit a 2-1/2-month high of will take to get a deal through if this passed, she would seek While Beijing and Moscow US President Donald Trump. American asylum no-deal Brexit by wresting con- $1.3218 on hopes that a no- this House of Commons. a “significant and legally bind- seek to expand their global seekers to Mexico trol of the negotiations from deal Brexit would be avoided, What it will take to move ing change to the withdrawal reach, Director of National tee’s annual hearing on world- Prime Minister Theresa May if slid about half a percent on agreement” with the EU be- Intelligence Dan Coats said, wide threats. TIJUANA: - The United States she fails to secure concessions the rejection of the Cooper beyond the confusion, fore Britain leaves the bloc as some American allies are pull- “Moscow’s relationship will send the first group of from Brussels. amendment, to $1.309. division and uncertainty that planned on March 29. ing away from Washington in with Beijing is closer than it’s Central American asylum With exactly two months There is a chance lawmak- now hangs over us Speaking after a phone reaction to changing U.S. poli- been in many decades,” Coats seekers back to Mexico on left until Britain is due by law ers may back another amend- call with European Commis- cies on security and trade. told the panel. Tuesday, a US official said, as to leave the EU, parliament ment, supported by Graham Theresa May sion President Jean-Claude “China, Russia, Iran, and The intelligence chiefs’ as- part of a hardened immigra- was trying to find a way for- Brady, chairman of the in- Juncker, she acknowledged North Korea increasingly use sessments broke with some tion policy to keep migrants ward by voting on different fluential 1922 Committee of the opposition in Brussels to cyber operations to threaten past assertions by their boss, south of the border while amendments, though none of Conservative lawmakers, that May’s Brexit deal if this change reopening the deal and said it both minds and machines including on the threat posed their cases are processed in the first four that were voted on instructs May to return to Brus- were made. Before the votes, “will not be easy”. in an expanding number of by Russia to U.S. elections and US courts. Tuesday’s return were approved. sels to reopen negotiations over May asked the divided British “We have the chance to ways - to steal information, democratic institutions and of migrants was to be carried Three more amendments the so-called Irish backstop. parliament to send a message show the European Union to influence our citizens, or North Korea’s determination out under a policy dubbed were to be voted on. That amendment calls for to Brussels that lawmakers what it will take to get a deal to disrupt critical infrastruc- to denuclearize. the Migrant Protection Lawmakers voted 321 to the backstop to be replaced would support a negotiated through this House of Com- ture,” Coats said. Coats said North Korea Protocols, Dept. of Homeland 298 against amendment B, put with unspecified “alternative European Union withdrawal mons. What it will take to He testified with the direc- is unlikely to give up its nu- Security spokeswoman Katie forward by Labour lawmaker arrangements” to avoid a hard deal if a plan to avoid a hard move beyond the confusion, tors of the CIA, FBI and other clear weapons. Trump has Waldman said. (REUTERS) Yvette Cooper. It sought to border in Ireland, and says border in Ireland was replaced. division and uncertainty that top intelligence officials at the said the country no longer give parliament the power to parliament would support Parliament has been in dead- now hangs over us,” she said. Senate Intelligence Commit- poses a threat.

France debates riot bill after ‘yellow vest’ Travels hit, schools shut as Arctic chill grips swathes of US

AFP as well as people who cover vantage of these demonstra- REUTERS the National Weather Service PARIS their faces during violent pro- tions to cross the line, break WASHINGTON reported. “This storm poses a tests. things and set things on fire.” serious threat to the well-be- FRENCH MPs on Tuesday be- But the bill has drawn fire The protests began in Novem- A blast of arctic-chilled air ing of people around the state, gan debating a controversial –even within President Em- ber against fuel taxes, but spi- from the polar vortex brought and we will use every tool at anti-rioting bill which aims manuel Macron’s own centrist ralled into a wider revolt over dangerous, record-setting cold our disposal to keep our resi- to crack down on the sort of party–from critics who say the accusations that Macron, a to a wide swath of the eastern dents safe,” said Illinois Gov- street violence that has marred proposals represent a threat to former banker, is out of touch United States on Tuesday, ernor J.B. Pritzker in a state- “yellow vest” anti-government civil liberties. with ordinary people in small- stretching from the Dakotas ment on Tuesday. protests since November. Announcing the draft law town and rural France. through Maine, with snow ex- As much as two feet (60 The bill notably aims to ban earlier this month, Prime Min- Across France tens of pected as far south as Alabama cm) of snow was forecast in individuals identified as habit- ister Edouard Philippe said thousands have joined pro- and Georgia. Wisconsin, and six inches (15 ual hooligans from taking part some of the anti-Macron “yel- tests and road blocks, al- Cities in the Midwest (File photo) Vehicles got caught in water-logged Boston, as the city cm) in Illinois. in demonstrations, and force low vest” protests had led to though the numbers have opened warming shelters as experienced its worst coastal flooding in 40 years. “Listen to the people in protesters involved in acts of unacceptable violence. eased in recent weeks after temperatures plummeted well your area... We’re taking violence to pay for the damage. “In many towns in France, Macron announced a series below zero degrees Fahrenheit flights, including many to At- threatening wind chill bring- about what could be a very Some MPs also want more se- demonstrations have been of policy climbdowns and a (minus 17.8 degrees Celsius). lanta days before the National ing temperatures down as low dangerous situation, espe- vere penalties for organisers of peaceful -- but we cannot ac- public consultation so people Regional governments closed Football League’s Super Bowl. as minus 50F (minus 46C) in cially for those traveling,” unauthorised demonstrations cept some people taking ad- could vent their anger. hundreds of schools and air- The Midwest will be the the Chicago area and northern NWS forecaster Jim Hayes lines canceled more than 1,000 hardest-hit area, with a life- Illinois by Tuesday evening, warned on Tuesday. Toyota Hilux steals show claiming victory at 2019 Dakar Rally PAGE 14 www.facebook.com/QatarTribune

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

DOW24,583.81 QE 10,722.49 SENSEX 35,592.50 GOLD 1,316.20 US consumer confidence hits +55.59 PTS +17.76 PTS -64.20 PTS +0.53% 1-1/2 year-low in Jan PAGE 14 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 15.85 BRENT 61.09 +1.94% WTI 53.15 +2.15% SILVER +0.54%

Gold hits Qatar-China Business Forum in Beijing to enhance trade ties 8-month high, TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK statement on Tuesday. nation for foreign investment food industries as well as the contribute to the development on infrastructure projects as- DOHA The forum brings together given the country’s significant industrial, tourism, education of innovative investment ar- sociated with Qatar’s prepa- stocks mixed; a large number of Qatari and assets, open economy, strate- and sports sectors. eas, MoCI said. rations to host the 2022 FIFA QATAR-CHINA Business Fo- Chinese officials and business- gic location and advanced in- The forum will feature four World Cup, successful joint oil rises rum, to be organised by the men, decision-makers, inves- frastructure. sessions that will touch on a ventures and the success sto- Ministry of Commerce and In- tors and executives from ma- The forum will also high- Currently, China ranks as number of key topics, includ- ries of Chinese companies in REUTERS dustry (MoCI) will kick off in jor companies. light Qatar’s attractive legis- Qatar’s third largest trade ing the evolving legislative Qatar, the statement said. NEW YORK Beijing on Thursday. The forum provides an im- lative environment, as well as partner, accounting for framework in Qatar in addi- Qatar and China enjoy Building on existing Qa- portant networking platform amended laws and new legis- 11.7% of the country’s tion to business and invest- close trade and economic rela- GOLD hit an eight-month high tari-Chinese partnerships, the that brings together Qatari lations adopted by the state to total foreign trade ment opportunities available tions, which reflected positive- while world stock markets were forum is aimed at strength- and Chinese businessmen and attract and encourage foreign to Chinese companies. ly on the volume of bilateral mixed ahead of further US-Si- ening joint cooperation, pro- representatives of the private direct investments. The sessions will also shed trade that amounted to nearly no trade talks, a raft of technol- moting bilateral trade, invest- sector in both countries. It will The forum will outline in- It will also pave the way for light on opportunities and $13.5 billion in 2018. Current- ogy company results starting ment and industrial relations familiarise attendees with the vestment opportunities in pri- the ratification of new agree- challenges relating to Qatari- ly, China ranks as Qatar’s third with Apple later on Tuesday and paving the way for new characteristics of the business ority sectors to pave the way ments and memoranda of un- Chinese cooperation and joint largest trade partner, account- and an impending Federal Re- partnerships between the two environment in Qatar, which for foreign investments in Qa- derstanding that will strength- ventures. ing for 11.7% of the country’s serve decision on interest rates. countries, the MoCI said in a represents an attractive desti- tar, particularly the country’s en bilateral cooperation and Discussions will also focus total foreign trade. The US dollar was little changed and oil prices rose after Washington slapped Corruption Perceptions Index sanctions on Venezuela’ state- owned oil firm in a bid to curb its crude exports as traders prepared for major events such Qatar is second as a key Brexit vote later in the day. Investors expect the US most transparent central bank to show a more cautious stance when policy- makers release a statement on Wednesday after a two-day country in the meeting. US economic data in December that was softer than expected and a sharp down- Arab world turn in financial markets are likely to keep the Fed from rais- SATYENDRA PATHAK Syria and South Sudan are ing rates. DOHA at the bottom of the list, with Equity markets in Europe scores of 10, 13 and 13 respec- rose as investors bid up stocks QATAR has maintained its tively. considered safer during times position as the second most Overall, more than two- of economic uncertainty, such transparent country in the thirds of countries score be- as utilities. However, a gauge Arab World on a global cor- low 50 in the 2018 CPI, with of global stock performance ruption index 2018 released an average score of only 43. edged lower as stocks on Wall on Tuesday. With a score of 71, the Street fell amid a ream of mixed Qatar retained 33rd US has dropped four points earnings reports and caution position in the world with 62 since last year. This marks the due to the US-China trade spat. points, the Transparency In- first time since 2011 that the MSCI’s gauge of stocks ternational said in its Corrup- US falls outside of the top 20 across the globe rose 0.06 per- tion Perceptions Index (CPI) countries on the CPI, it said. cent, while the FTSEurofirst for 2018. 300 index of leading regional Oman and Saudi Arabia shares closed 0.8 percent came in third and fourth higher. respectively among Arab The Dow Jones Industrial nations and 52nd and 58th Qatar Chamber’s First Vice Chairman Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar al Kuwari speaks at a seminar in Doha on Tuesday. Average rose 50.47 points, or globally, the report showed 0.21 percent, to 24,578.69. while the United Arab Emir- The S&P 500 lost 4.28 points, ates (UAE) ranked 23rd with or 0.16 percent, to 2,639.57 70 points. and the Nasdaq Composite Morocco ranked 73rd Qatar to implement dropped 51.83 points, or 0.73 globally, while Kuwait and percent, to 7,033.85. Bahrain came in at the 78th For Asia, the blow was and 99th spots, respectively cushioned by promises of more in terms of transparency and Chinese stimulus but Beijing combating corruption. all PPP plans: Twar had berated Washington for Several Arab countries Qatar retained 33rd posi- blocking tactics in its World also made the index for most Trade Organization appeal corrupt, owing to the high tion in the world with 62 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK students. ordinating with all concerned the recently-issued law that against US tariffs. levels of violence in these na- points, the Transparency DOHA Delivering a presentation bodies to help create an invest- regulates the investment of the Amid the uncertainty, tions. These included South International said in its during the seminar, Twar said ment climate appropriate for non-Qatari capital in economic safe-haven gold broke through Sudan at 178, Yemen at 176, Corruption Perceptions THE Qatar Chamber’s First the economic diversification re- these industries, he said. activity would not only attract $1,310 an ounce in spot prices and Libya and Iraq at 170 and Index (CPI) for 2018 Vice Chairman Mohamed bin quires the focus on developing This climate, he noted, will more investments but also help to reach its highest since last 168, respectively. Ahmed bin Twar al Kuwari be made through establishing in adapting modern technology. May. The average score of Arab said Qatar is committed to im- industrial zones, providing nec- He pointed to the private US gold futures settled up states was 34 out of 100, the “A four-point drop in the plementing all plans of public- essary infrastructure as well as sector’s role in achieving the 0.4 percent at $1,308.90 per report said. CPI score is a red flag and private partnership, noting that adopting legislatives that stim- self-sufficiency in dairy prod- ounce. The 2018 CPI reveals that comes at a time when the US the private sector is playing a Qatar Chamber is ulate investor to do business in ucts and other products with Oil price gains were capped the continued failure of most is experiencing threats to its vital role in accomplishing goals committed to coordinating this sector. higher percentage. by abundant supply and signs countries to significantly system of checks and bal- of Qatar National Vision 2030. with all concerned bodies to Twar also praised the Twar highlighted mecha- of a slowing Chinese economy. control corruption is contrib- ances, as well as an erosion This came during a semi- Amir’s unwavering support for nisms of increasing the pri- Brent crude oil futures rose uting to a crisis of democracy of ethical norms at the high- nar entitled “Importance of help create an investment the private sector and the di- vate sector’s contribution to $1.39 to settle at $61.32 a bar- around the world. est levels of power,” said Zoe Maximising the Private Sec- climate appropriate for rectives aiming to provide all the GDP including giving local rel while US West Texas Inter- “Corruption is much more Reiter, Acting Representative tor’s Role in Achieving Qatar’s these industries incentives for the private sector products a special priority in all mediate (WTI) crude futures likely to flourish where demo- to the US at Transparency Sustainable Economic Devel- and local industries, affirming the state bodies, increasing the gained $1.32 to settle at $53.31. cratic foundations are weak International. opment”, hosted by Center QC’s First Vice Chairman that these measures contrib- Qatari companies’ contribu- Market participants will and, as we have seen in many To make real progress for Entrepreneurship (CFE) at Mohamed bin Ahmed bin uted to increasing investments tion in the mega projects being have catalysts for trading all countries, where undemo- against corruption and College of Business and Eco- Twar al Kuwari in industry sector. implemented in the country as week, with more than one-fifth cratic and populist politicians strengthen democracy around nomics at Qatar University on He said the private sector well as streamlining finance of companies on the bench- can use it to their advantage,” the world, Transparency Monday. would continue its role in pro- procedures. mark S&P 500 index reporting Transparency International International has called on all The event was attended by industry as a strategic choice, jects related to the 2022 World Last year, Qatar Chamber results, including Amazon, Mi- Chair Delia Ferreira Rubio governments to strengthen Director of Development and noting that industry sector con- Cup, assuring that the pace of hosted 100 foreign trade del- crosoft and Facebook. said. the institutions responsible Strategy at Ministry of Trade stitutes a competitive advan- projects would continue be- egations to help strengthen Apple, which issued a prof- The top countries on the for maintaining checks and and Industry Ali al Khulaifi and tage to Qatar economy, espe- yond the tournament as more cooperation relations between it warning this month due to list are Denmark and New balances over political power, Dean of College of Business cially energy-related industries. than 150 major projects would the Qatari private sector and weak demand from China, is Zealand, with scores of 88 and ensure their ability to and Economic Adam Fadlallah In this context, Qatar be set for delivery. its counterparts from all world due to report after the market and 87 respectively. Somalia, operate without intimidation. and a number of the university Chamber is committed to co- Twar also pointed out that countries. closes.

Industrial Sector PPI jumps 10% year-on-year in December: PSA

when compared with PPI of percent,”beverages” by 0.6 percent. ucts” by 10.2 percent, “juices” Mining sector PPI in December 2018 November 2018, primarily The PPI of the electricity percent, and grain mill and The major groups which by 5.5 percent, and “basic jumped 15.9 percent year-on-year due to the decrease of “crude and water group showed other products” by 0.3 per- explain this price fall are “ba- chemicals” by 5.4 percent. petroleum and natural gas” an increase of 6.6 percent cent. sic metals” by 3.2 percent, The PPI of the electricity prices by 4.4 percent. However, the increasing “refined petroleum products” and water group showed an TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK sis, PPI of December 2018, PPI of December 2018, compared to November prices were noticed in: “ce- by 2.9 percent, “cement and increase of 6.6 percent com- DOHA, showed a rise of 9.9 percent when compared with its 2018, resulting from the ment and other non-metallic Other non-metallic products” pared to November 2018, when compared to the PPI of counterpart in previous year increasing price in “elec- products” by 0.5 percent, and 2.8 percent, “beverages” by resulting from the increasing THE Producer price index December 2017. (December 2017), shows a tricity” by 10.6 percent, “dairy products” by 0.3 per- 1.8 percent, “rubber and plas- price in “electricity” by 10.6 (PPI) for Decembe 2018 re- PPI covers goods relat- considerable increase of 15.9 and “water” by 1.7 percent cent. No change was noticed tics products” by 1.4 percent, percent, and “water” by 1.7 corded 68.6 points, show- ing to “mining” (weight: 72.7 percent. in, “juices”, “paper and paper and “grain mill and other percent. ing a decrease of 5.1 percent, percent), “manufacturing” A decrease of 7.2 percent products “, and “other chemi- products” by 0.3 percent. When compared to the when compared to November (weight: 26.8 percent), and has been recorded in Decem- were seen in: “refined pe- cal products and fibers”. However, rise in prices PPI of December 2018, to the 2018, according to monthly “electricity & water” (weight: ber 2018, when compared troleum products” by 9.5 Comparing with the index was also noticed in “other PPI of December 2017, an data released by Planning and 0.5 percent). with the previous month’s percent, “basic chemicals” of counterpart in the previous chemical products and fibres” increase of 2.5 percent was Statistics Authority (PSA), on The PPI of mining sector manufacturing index (No- by 3.5 percent, “basic met- year (December 2017), “man- by 12.8 percent, followed by seen, affected by rise in prices Tuesday. for December 2018 showed vember,2018). als” by 2.3 percent, “rubber ufacturing” PPI of December, “dairy products” by 10.3 per- in both “electricity” and “wa- On year-on-year ba- a decrease of 4.2 percent The decrease in prices and plastics products” by 1.1 2018 showed a decrease of 1.3 cent, “paper and paper prod- ter” by 2.5 percent each. www.guide.com.qa  Wednesday January 30, 2019

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XH[HYOPYPUN'NTHPSJVT CONTACT: 7034 3404 14 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Economy & Business Huawei launches 5G US consumer confidence multi-mode chipset and 5G CPE Pro hits 1-1/2 year-low in Jan TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Balong 5000, the Huawei DOHA 5G CPE Pro enables con- sumers to access networks The consumer confidence index dropped 6.4 points to 120.2 this month, the lowest reading since July 2017 HUAWEI officially more freely and enjoy an launched its 5G multi-mode incredibly fast connected REUTERS chipset Balong 5000 on experience. WASHINGTON Tuesday along with the first Balong 5000 officially commercial 5G device pow- unlocks the 5G era. This US consumer confidence fell ered by it, the Huawei 5G chipset supports a broad to a 1-1/2 year-low in Janu- CPE Pro. range of 5G products in ary as a partial shutdown of “Together, these two addition to smartphones, the government and financial new products will provide including home broadband markets turmoil left house- the world’s fastest wireless devices, vehicle-mounted holds a bit nervous about the connections for your smart- devices, and 5G modules. It economy’s prospects. phone, your home, the of- will provide consumers with The drop in confidence fice, and on the go,” Huawei a brand new 5G experience reported by the Conference said in statement. across multiple scenarios. Board on Tuesday mirrors an- “The Balong 5000 will Powered by Balong other survey earlier this month open up a whole new world 5000, the Huawei 5G CPE showing sentiment tumbling to consumers,” said CEO of Pro supports both 4G to its lowest level since Presi- Huawei’s Consumer Busi- and 5G wireless connec- dent Donald Trump was elect- ness Group, Richard Yu. tions. On a 5G network, a ed more than two years ago, “It will enable every- 1-GB HD video clip can be strengthening analysts expec- thing to sense, and will pro- downloaded within three tations that the economy was vide the high-speed connec- seconds, and 8K video losing momentum. tions needed for pervasive can be streamed smoothly “There’s no way the Trump intelligence. Powered by the without lag. economics team forecast of 3 percent growth is going to be accurate this year if consum- ers’ spirits don’t brighten up a little,” said Chris Rupkey, chief economist at MUFG in New York. The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index dropped 6.4 points to 120.2 this month, the lowest reading A worker places packaged food onto a counter in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, recently. (REUTERS) since July 2017. It blamed the third straight monthly decline months ahead. July-September period’s brisk politan areas rose 4.7 percent in confidence to “financial Others are not convinced, 3.4 percent annualized rate. in November on a year-on- Huawei’s Consumer Business Group CEO Richard Yu unveils the market volatility and the gov- pointing out that the Confer- The advance fourth- year basis, the smallest gain new Huawei 5G CPE Pro in Beijing on Tuesday. ernment shutdown.” ence Board’s confidence index quarter GDP report, which since January 2015, after ad- The survey’s expectations has shed 17.7 points over the was scheduled for release on vancing 5.0 percent in Octo- measure tumbled to levels past three months, the most Wednesday, has been delayed ber. last seen in October 2016. The since 2011. Shutdown as the government shutdown House price inflation is cutoff date for the Conference The survey’s so-called prevented the collection of slowing as demand cools and Board’s survey was January 17, labor market differential, The longest shutdown in US source data, including De- housing inventory rises. The SBI set to own 15% of in the midst of the shutdown derived from data about re- history ended on Friday when cember retail sales, housing moderation in house prices, which shuttered about one- spondents who think jobs are Trump and Congress agreed starts durable goods and trade together with an easing in quarter of federal agencies as hard to get and those who to temporary government figures. mortgage rates should help Jet Airways, Etihad 40% of Dec. 22, impacting 800,000 think jobs are plentiful, rose funding - without money for his November construction support demand and lift the government employees. to 33.7 in January from to US-Mexico border wall. spending, trade, business in- housing market this year after REUTERS vendors and lessors, some of The longest shutdown in 33.3 in December but was be- According to the nonpartisan ventories, factory orders as struggling for much of 2018. NEW DELHI whom are considering taking US history ended on Friday low its peak of 34.2 in Novem- Congressional Budget Office, well as new home sales re- “With the weakness across back aircraft, sources have when Trump and Congress ber. That measure closely cor- ports were also impacted by much of the housing data in JET Airways creditor State told Reuters. agreed to temporary gov- relates to the unemployment the economy lost about $11 the government’s closure. 2018, we have seen the pace Bank of India is likely to own Its lenders, including SBI, ernment funding - without rate in the Labor Depart- billion during the five-week US Treasury prices rose of house price appreciation 15 percent of the airline if the could end up owning as much money for his US-Mexico ment’s employment report. shutdown on the confidence data, while moderate across a range of cash-strapped carrier’s plan as 30 percent, while share- border wall. According to the Consumers’ views of the the dollar was little changed different measures,” said for a debt-for-equity swap is holder Etihad Airways could nonpartisan Congressional labor market over the next six against a basket of currencies. Daniel Silver, an economist at approved, Indian TV channels see its stake rise to more than Budget Office, the economy months were less upbeat. to recent data showing home Stocks on Wall Street were JPMorgan in New York. reported on Tuesday. 40 percent from 24 percent if lost about $11 billion during “There appears more to resales plummeting in De- mostly lower amid concerns “The house price data tend With debts of about $1.14 it injects more equity in the In- the five-week shutdown. this than just the shutdown,” cember. Some regional Fed- about the upcoming US-China to lag many other housing billion, Jet has been hit by dian carrier. With the government said Jennifer Lee, a senior eral Reserve manufacturing trade talks. indicators, and some of the fierce competition from other The airline’s founder and shutdown over for now and economist at BMO Capital surveys have weakened in Other data on Tuesday more timely indicators have low-cost carriers, a weaker chairman Naresh Goyal is like- financial markets stabilising, Markets in Toronto. “Things January. Economists believe showed the S&P CoreLogic perked up a bit now that mort- rupee and high oil prices. It ly to see his stake cut to below some economists expect a are looking a little chilly.” economic growth slowed in Case-Shiller composite index gage rates have declined over owes money to banks, pilots, 20 percent from 51 percent. rebound in confidence in the The confidence survey adds the fourth quarter from the of home prices in 20 metro- the past couple of months.” ICAI’s Doha Chapter organises seminar on new excise tax TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK a world where ‘change is the requirements of IFRS - 16 in a the human health or the en- DOHA only constant’, the begin- lucid manner by giving an il- vironment such as carbon- ning of the new year 2019 is lustration of “vehicle & deliv- ated drinks (tax rate 50%) THE Doha Chapter (The marked by two key develop- ery service agreement”, that and tobacco products, energy “Chapter”) of the Institute ments which directly impact was relevant to a large num- drinks and alcohol (100%). of Chartered Accountants businesses, book keeping and ber of attendees. All the businesses that of India (ICAI) organised a the finance professionals. He also discussed the core include local producers, im- seminar on “International These are IFRS 16 and the principles such as identifying porters, stockpilers, or per- Financial Reporting Stand- new Excise regime.” a lease, lease term, determin- sons who hold the inventory ards (IFRS)-16 and New Ex- “At Deloitte & Touche, ing discount rate and account- of excisable goods as on De- cise Tax in Qatar”, in Doha on Qatar, we assembled a team ing by lessee and lessors. cember 31, 2018, are re- Tuesday. of subject matter experts to Robert Tsang, Partner, quired to file the transitional The seminar was attended discuss these important top- Indirect Tax; Zoltan Farkas, return by the end of January. by around 130 people, com- ics for the benefit of the Chap- Director, Indirect Tax and CA All the speakers dealt with prising of chapter members, ter members,” she added. Sunita Taijwani, Senior Man- this topic in a highly engaging eminent finance profession- IFRS 16 specifies how an ager, Indirect Tax dealt with and interesting manner. als from leading organisa- IFRS reporter will identify, the various provisions and in- The chapter chairper- tions and students. The event recognise, measure, present tricacies of new “excise tax in son CA Rupalakshmi Setty was sponsored by Deloitte & and disclose leases. Officials and members of The Doha Chapter. Qatar” which has been imple- in her opening remarks gave Touche, Qatar. IFRS is effective for an- mented from January 1, 2019. an update to the members CA Saumya Krishna, Di- nual periods beginning on or tions, industries and finance Renowned professional surance, analysed the provi- From January 1, excise on the chapter activities and rector, Financial Advisory, after January 1, 2019 and is professionals across all the from Deloitte, Syed Samar sions of IFRS 16 and enlight- tax will be imposed on the thanked the members for the Deloitte & Touche said, “In quite relevant for organisa- business segments. Abbas - Principal, Audit & As- ened the audience on various items which are harmful to immense support.

TRUSTED PERFORMER Toyota Hilux steals show claiming victory at 2019 Dakar Rally

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK fined Hilux for decades. variety of roads and terrains across you for letting us drive this car.” DOHA Our customers who use the Hi- the world. Thank you for your con- Team Principal Glyn Hall said, lux for their day-to-day business tinued support.” “This victory was long overdue. FROM the Arabian Desert, to the will enjoy a versatile pick-up with The challenges faced by the Winning the Dakar is never easy, frozen polar wastes, Toyota’s vehi- built-in ruggedness that combines Gazoo Racing South Africa Hilux there are a lot of people trying. This cles proved themselves as trusted the essence of Toyota’s learnings on the Dakar were exceptional, year’s race was no exception and it top performers, whatever the envi- from tough motorsports events but Nasser al Attiyah and co-driv- brought a rollercoaster of emotions ronment. with high levels of safety and com- er Mathieu Baumel successfully and results for the team.” Now it has gone further in its fort, making it a robust all-rounder, negotiated the ten stages to seal a Since 2012, the team had post- world-conquering achievements Toyota President Akio Toyoda said. historic first victory for Toyota in ed five podium places and seven by claiming Toyota’s first victory Toyoda said, “I would like to one of the world’s toughest motor- top-five finishes, whereas Attiyah’s in the 41st edition of the gruelling sincerely thank all teams that chose sports events. win comes after a second-place re- Dakar Rally. Toyota for this year’s Dakar Rally. Their triumph adds to the re- sult in 2018. Gazoo Racing South Africa’s Thank you for your hard work! cent impressive successes Toyota The Hilux was also the first pet- modified Hilux led throughout ten Nasser and I drove the winning has clinched in international com- rol vehicle in its class to take vic- days and more than 3,000 miles Hilux in Spain in late 2017. At that petitions, such as the Le Mans tory since the start of the Dakar’s (4,828 kilometers) of harsh desert time, the team presented me with 24 Hours and the manufactur- South American era, being pow- driving in Peru to claim the win in the second-place trophy from a ers’ title in the FIA World Rally ered by a mid-mounted, normally the car category. past event, promising me that next Championship. aspirated V8. Even though the pick-up was time they would secure the first- Attiyah, who has won Dakar There was further success for specially adapted to deal with place trophy. I am thrilled that they Toyota Hilux at Dakar Rally. Rally twice previously, said, “We Toyota in the event with the Team the challenge – including a mid- were able to fulfill that promise!” are so happy to win, not only for Land Cruiser Auto Body (TLC)’s mounted V8 engine – its success Toyoda added, “There are no a raison d’être. Cars must be able “This year and going forward, ourselves, but also for Toyota and #350, driven by Christian Lavieille is another demonstration of the proper roads in the desert! How- to run wherever drivers want to go. the Toyota Group as a whole will the entire Gazoo Racing SA team. and Jean-Pierre Garcin, winning reliable and hard-wearing qual- ever, if cars cannot run in such I believe passionately that, ‘roads strive to continue making ‘ever- Everyone has worked so hard for so the Dakar Production Division cat- ity of the engineering that has de- harsh conditions, they are without make cars.’ better’ cars by traversing a wide long and really deserve this. Thank egory for the sixth consecutive year. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

It wasn’t an easy situation. The players managed their emotions PREMIER LEAGUE quite well. I’m very proud of them – Qatar coach Felix Sanchez LIVERPOOL VS LEICESTER CITY

NATION QATAR’S GREAT SHOW OF APPLAUDS “WITH a co- ordinated and manly play, Qatar entered the AFC Cup finals at the STRENGTH & CHARACTER expense of the hosts UAE team in front of their fans. Qatar imposed the same superior- ity and style in this match as they did in all the five previ- ous games, winning with clean slate. God willing, the Asian Cup 2019 will come to Qatar.” – Qatar Olympic Committee President His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani

“CONGRATU- LATIONS to our national team - Qatar 4 - UAE 0 <<<< #Asian- Cup2019 #

– Triple Dakar Rally cham- pion Nasser bin Saleh al Attiyah

“OH God thousand of thanks to you (for the win) and thousand of thanks to the Qatari team. You have written new history in the capital of the Emirates and qualified for the final.” – World high jump champion Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar in his tweet

“THOUSANDS of con- gratulation to the Qatar team....God is with you (in the final of the Asian Cup against Japan).” – World 400m hurdles sensation Abderrahman Samba on his Twitter account

“CONGRATU- LATIONS to our young team for the superb job. They played a cool game. As I had said be- fore that they have already made history. And the slick performances Scoreline they are producing, my gut feeling says Qatar is going Qatar 4 (Khouki 22, to win the Asian Cup and Ali 37, Haydos 80, we’ll all go to the airport to Ismaeil 90+3) UAE 0 welcome our young heroes.” – Qatar’s former basketball captain Yaseen Musa

Qatar players celebrate their captain Hassan al Haydos’ goal against the UAE during their AFC Asian Cup 2019 semi-final in Abu habiD on Tuesday. “THANKS... For rational AFP leadership ABU DHABI on limitless Qatar’s qualification to Asian Cup final, a heroic victory: Minister of Culture & Sports support. QATAR punished unwelcom- THANKS... For ing hosts United Arab Emir- QNA determination of the Qatari team. It the national team. professional ates 4-0 in a politically charged DOHA has honoured Qatar’s football lovers HE the Minister praised the ef- and adminis- clash marred by disgraceful and demonstrated a lesson in dedi- forts of the players who exerted ex- trative staff behaviour from shoe-throwing HE Salah bin Ghanem al Ali – Min- cation and teamwork. traordinary effort, as well as the tech- on professional work. fans Tuesday to reach their ister of Culture and Sports termed On the occasion, the Minister con- nical and administrative staff. THANKS... To players for their first Asian Cup final. Qatar’s qualification to the Asian Cup gratulated the wise leadership of the He wished Al Annabi all success performance and fighting The Qataris, whose na- 2019 final on Tuesday a natural re- country, the Qatari people and resi- against Japan in the final to be played qualities. tional anthem was drowned sult of their performances and firm dents of Qatar. on Friday, noting that the match A thousand congratulations by boos before the game, face He noted that the Qatari football will be difficult, but the confidence to the people of Qatar on this Japan in Friday’s final after has begun to reap fruits of the efforts that the Qatari team has shown is achievement and Inshallah, goals from Boualem Khoukhi, Minister of Culture and Sports of Aspire Academy for sports excel- great and would help them achieve the Cup will come to Qatar.” Almoez Ali, Hasan al Haydos HE Salah bin Ghanem al Ali lence and the potential it offers to greater results. – QOC Secretary-General and Hamid Ismaeil sealed vic- Jassim Rashid al Buenain tory for the 2022 World Cup hosts amid ugly scenes in Abu there was going to be a lot of der UAE goalkeeper Khalid goals in a single Asian Cup. a goal back after the interval was then shown a red card in “FANTASTIC victory for Dhabi. As they celebrated a pressure but they managed Eisa, to the horror of a hostile As Almoez celebrated, when Ali Mabkhout forced stoppage time for an elbow on Qatar. Congratulations to famous win and record sixth their emotions quite well – I’m crowd of 38,000. more bottles and even shoes Saad al Sheeb into a fingertip Hajri, before Ismaeil added the players, the coach and clean sheet at a single Asian very proud of them.” Afif was then targeted by were flung at the players. save before Ahmed Khalil also a breakaway fourth to com- the support staff. It was a Cup, plastic bottles rained A match bristling with sim- bottle-throwing Emirati fans as A half-time entertainer tested Al Sheeb’s reflexes. pound UAE’s misery. very composed and clini- down from angry local fans mering regional tension over he tried to take a corner, appeal- sang “Let’s bring Asia togeth- But Qatar never looked se- “I apologise to the leader- cal performance. Inshallah, – as they had for each Qatari the long-standing Gulf blockade ing desperately to the referee as er” but there was little har- riously troubled and captain ship of the country,” said Al- Qatar will have the positive goal, with midfielder Salem al of Qatar quickly burst into life he stepped away from the kick. mony in evidence as the crowd Haydos coolly chipped in a berto Zaccheroni after his last result against Japan in the Hajri even hit on the head af- as a meaty tackle from Bandar Qatar exacted swift retribu- – boosted by mass give-aways third to spark further chaos as game as Emirates coach. final too. Not only in football, ter their third. al Ahbabi on Akram Afif put the tion eight minutes before the exclusively to locals – contin- the atmosphere began to turn “I don’t think the sensitiv- Qatar will be No. 1 in every “It wasn’t an easy situa- Qatari midfielder up in the air. break, however, Ali smashing ued to hurl abuse. sinister, Al Hajri knocked to ity of the fixture had any impact sport. tion,” admitted Qatar coach But Qatar drew first home a right-footed shot from Runners-up the last time the ground as more missiles on the result. We simply failed – Adel Hussain, the former Felix Sanchez. blood after 21 minutes when the edge of the box to equal they hosted the Asian Cup streamed onto the pitch. in our objective and I assume T2 world champion “The players were aware Khoukhi’s shot squirted un- Ali Daei’s 1996 record of eight in 1996, UAE almost pulled Defender Ismail Ahmed full responsibility.” 16 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Sports

ASIAN CUP 2019: QATAR 4 UAE 0 AWESOME ALMOEZ ON PAR WITH IRAN GREAT ALI DAEI

IKOLI VICTOR the Qatari’s right-footed shot from the edge DOHA of the box gave goalkeeper Khalid Eisa no chance, collecting a pass 35-yard from the AL Duhail superstar Almoez Ali scored a opponents’ box before racing to the vital stunning goal in Qatar’s 4-0 semi-final area to curl the ball into the far right of the Telling strike VICTORY against the United Arab Emirates Emirati’s post. at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on “I would like to congratulate the Qa- Almoez Ali’s Tuesday and equalled a 22-year-old Asian tari people back home who supported Cup record jointly held by Iranian legend Ali us since the start of the tournament. 37th-minute strike Daei along the way. Also, thanks to my teammates who was his eighth in six Much has been talked and written about gave their all. They proved their the 22-year-old who has been suffering a worth on the pitch. We achieved matches in the UAE mini dip in form, not scoring in two knock- a dream of all Qataris and hope- and meant that the out stage matches. fully, we’ll do better in the future,” After scoring seven goals, having seven Almoez said. Aspire Academy shots on target and 10 shots in total in the “I wasn’t really thinking of equal- product became only Asian Cup group stages, Almoez had re- ing Ali Daei’s record. I just left it to corded just three shots with one on target in fate and thankfully I managed to score a the second man to the Round of 16 and quarter-final ties. How- goal and bring joy to my parents, the Qatari score eight goals in a ever, Almoez once again silenced his critics people and my teammates,” the 22-year-old and proved he can rise to the big occasion by added. single AFC Asian Cup scoring a peach of a goal. It was also a crucial moment in the semi- and and equal a Almoez’s 37th-minute strike was his final, giving Felix Sanchez’s side a 2-0 lead eighth in six matches in the UAE and meant on the verge of half-time, a lead they never 22-year-old record that the Aspire Academy product became looked likely to relinquish on the way to their jointly held by Iranian only the second man to score eight goals in first ever AFC Asian Cup final. a single AFC Asian Cup. While the record is shared between stars legend Ali Daei Coincidentally, Daei’s record was also set of two generations, for now, Ali will have in the 1996 Asian Cup in the UAE. The Ira- the chance to claim the honour for himself nian is the tournament’s all-leading scorer should he find the net once more in Friday’s with 14 goals, followed by Lee Dong-Gook decider, to be played against Japan at Abu of South Korea with 13 goals. The goal also Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City Stadium.

Almoez Ali celebrates scoring his record-equal- ing goal (top), Boualem Khoukhi (left), Hassan al Haydos and Ismaeel Hamid strike for Al An- nabi against the UAE on Tuesday.

The talking points as impressive Qatar demolish hosts UAE

Sanchez and Qatar once Khoukhi, who was seen in the bling and the former let go public in the last 16 tie before again show their tactical midfield in the early stages of a shot from the wide which reaching the semifinal with an flexibility the tournament, deputised ex- slipped through the gloves of upset of the Socceroos. How- cellently for suspended Rawi Eisa and into the goal. ever, the fact is that the Emi- ITH key personnel Bas- as a centre, Akram Afif was ratis may have overachieved sam al Rawi and Ab- comfortable both dropping UAE might have under Italian coach Zacchero- Wdulaziz Hatem sus- down to midfield and on the overachieved in ni by reaching the semifinals. pended, all eyes were on Felix wings. And the former Barce- Sanchez on how he will deal lona coach once again proved reaching the semis Qatar deserved hosts of with the crisis. But, when that the whole can be greater UESDAY was the night 2022 FIFA World Cup you have a group of players than the sum of its parts. UAE were finally found which allows for tactical and Tout. They could count Y putting four past a hap- positional flexibility as much Goalkeeper Eisa’s themselves lucky to have pro- less UAE, the young Qatar as Qatar do, the job of the howler and the gressed so far in the tourna- Bside once again proved coach becomes much, much ment and setting aside their they can cope with the pres- easier. That was already on breakthrough display against Australia in sure that comes with the big display during the Maroon’s HE hosts were on the de- the quarterfinal, the host na- stage. For a team that was quarterfinals against Korea fensive from the kick-off tion failed to impress. UAE only tipped with an outside as well when defensive mid- Tand it was Qatar who went began the tournament with a chance of making the quar- DISGRACEFUL: Ismail Ahmed of United Arab Emirates clears the pitch of object thrown by fans after fielder Assim Madibo and ahead deservedly in the 22nd team goalless draw. They were terfinals, let alone final, Qa- Qatar’s Hasan al Haydos scored their third goal in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. (REUTERS) full-back Abdelkarim Hassan minute. But the manner in then carved open on many oc- tar, unlike UAE, have overa- suspended. While they lined which the hosts conceded the casions by India in the second chieved. However, with the boys with a squad that has ing into the biggest sporting you wouldn’t put it past them up with three-man central goal would not have pleased match, but managed to escape 2022 FIFA World Cup visit- still plenty of room for im- event on the planet with the to upset four-time champions defence against the Taegeuk Zaccheroni and UAE goal- with a 2-0 win before drawing ing their nation in four years’ provement. But before that, tag of the Asian champions. Japan at the Zayed Sports Warriors, they reverted to a keeper Khalid Eisa. Khoukhi 1-1 with Thailand in the final time, it is only good reading their Spanish coach Sanchez And if they can produce the City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on four-man backline on Tuesday and Almoez broke with pace group match. They then con- for Qatar as they prove they will be very much aware kind of display they pulled February 1. against UAE. While Boualem with UAE defenders scram- ceded two against Kyrgyz Re- can compete among the big that they are capable of go- off against UAE on the night, (Fox Sports Asia) Sports Wednesday, January 30, 2019 17 Euphoria as fans and families of players cheer Al Annabi in Qatar

AYENI OLUSEGUN famous ‘Yalla Qatar!!!’ rang Every Al Annabi attacking DOHA out from the Souq Waqif to play brought different emo- Katara Cultural Village to As- tions from the crowd just as THE image of Boualem pire Park, Hotel Park and the the Emiratis runs in Qatar’s Khoukhi kissing the Qatari Pearl-Qatar. defence sent anxious groans badge on his shirt is probably However, for those close from fans with their eyes glued We have won the ‘final’ and the most iconic image of the to the players like friends and to the screen. now everyone can be more 2019 AFC Asian Cup for Al An- family, the win over UAE is Qatar’s first shot at goal proud to be a Qatari. This was nabi so far. probably bigger than the tro- came from Salem al Hajris Despite a blatant disregard boots, a decent effort which more than the football as for sportsmanship by the host was held by Khalid Essa in everyone knows, we beat nation especially when the goal for the UAE but for the Lebanon, Korea, Saudi Arabia Qatari national anthem was home fans, a different out- being sung, Felix Sanchez and come would have been ecstasy. – all power houses but the his players put on their best The much awaited goal players have honoured us. performance to claim a 4-0 Yalla Qatar! came from a swift counter at- victory against the UAE. tack. Qatar won possession Mohammed Abdalla, Goals from Boualem Fans thronged various venues back in their half and a quick cousin of Qatar midfielder Khoukhi, Almoez Ali, Hassan to show their support. pass found Khoukhi down the Abdulaziz Hatem al Haydos and Ismaeel Ham- Everyone who calls Qatar right. The Al Sadd man who adi secured Qatar’s first Asian home, locals and expatriates has been instrumental for Al Cup final berth. alike sang, celebrated with Annabi caught Essa napping Emirati fans booed Qatari chants of “We Love Qatar!” as his shot drifted into the players from all corners of the and the famous ‘Yalla net, sending the home crowd stadium, threw water bottles Qatar!!!’ rang out from the across the nation into frenzy. on the pitch and hurled shoes Qatar! Qatar!! Qatar!!! but Al Annabi maintained a Souq Waqif to Katara Cultural Screams erupted again as Al- cool head in hostile territory Village to Aspire Park, Hotel moez Ali equalled Iran’s Ali and Sanchez displayed that on Park and the Pearl-Qatar. Daei’s 1996 Asian Cup record the touchline. The players saw of 8 goals in a single tourna- a calm coach and it showed in ment. their performance for 90 min- phy itself. A ship can only sail as far utes. The cousin of midfielder as the captain directs and As Al Annabi celebrated Abdulaziz Hatem, Moham- Haydos has been every bit a victory and a record sixth med Abdalla who scored the captain for Qatar. A man who clean sheet at a single Asian winner against South Korea in bleeds the Maroon sealed the Cup, shoes were thrown the quarter-finals, was simply game with a befitting finish at them and plastic bottles delighted. “This is the biggest with one of the finest goals rained down from angry local football moment we have wit- of the tournament. His finish fans — as they had for every nessed,” he exclaimed. caused euphoric scenes, prob- Qatar goal. Young midfielder Hassan Alaen Alazead and ably a taste of more to come in Salem al Hajri was hit on the Mohammed Abdalla, said, 2022. head after the third goal. “We have won the ‘final’ and Hamadi’s late strike struck Meanwhile, here in Qatar, now everyone can be more another blow to an already fans thronged various venues proud to be a Qatari. This was deflated UAE team but Qatar to show their support. Eve- more than the football as eve- matches on with four-time ryone who calls Qatar home, ryone knows, we beat Leba- winners Japan waiting in the locals and expatriates alike, non, Korea, Saudi Arabia – all final. The 2019 Asian Cup tro- sang, celebrated with chants power houses but the players phy however, may have found of “We Love Qatar!” and the have honoured us.” a new home at Al Bidda Tower.

Mourinho, Dignity and depression abound Zidane, Klinsmann as Qatar cruise Gulf Derby mentioned around Qatar eased into WORLD VIEW Iran job the Asian Cup DPA final as hosts TEHRAN UAE discovered all JOSE Mourinho, Zinedine Zidane and Juergen Klins- the support in the mann were on Tuesday world cannot named as possible candi- dates for the Iran national make up for a team coaching job, the Isna news agency said, citing the big difference communications depart- ment of the nation’s sports in ability ministry. The three famous coach- DPA es were named the day af- ABU DHABI ter Iran lost the Asian Cup semi-final 3-0 against Japan “LET’S welcome the Qatar in the United Arab Emirates. team!” boomed the announc- However, Isna also said er at the Mohammed Bin the debate was premature Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi because neither current on Tuesday. coach Carlos Queiroz nor “Booooooooooooo!” replied the sports ministry have said the crowd. Let’s not. they will part ways. In an Asian Cup played out Queiroz suggested after largely in front of half-empty, Monday’s match “the end is sterile stadiums, the hosting near.” United Arab Emirates meeting Iran’s football federation Qatar in the semi-finals was a reportedly wants him to stay reminder of exactly what these on but is said to be not able events are supposed to be like. to pay him any more because Nearly 40,000 squeezed into of the financial crisis in the Al Jazira’s ground, a stadium country in the wake of new which - in contrast to many oth- United States sanctions. ers in the tournament - was truly However, it is also un- built for football. The lower-tier clear how the federation stands are incredible close to the would pay the former Chel- pitch and the upper level banks sea, Real Madrid, Inter Mi- steeply so even though high up lan and Manchester City are not too far away. manager Mourinho, ex-Real And even when the Qatar helmsman Zidane, or the players jogged onto the pitch former Germany and US some 50 minutes before kick- coach Klinsmann. off they were given a hostile reception. The announcer opti- mistically suggested they would throw some mini-footballs to the crowd as souvenirs but per- haps they had forgotten to pick them up on the way out tunnel. While Qatar, World Cup from Doha, instead having to go host nation it’s quite normal the change and another soon after pions Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Next up for Qatar is Japan hosts in 2022, had dazzled in a much longer route. people come to support their and the crowd were soon be- South Korea have all been dis- in Friday’s final in what will the tournament and the UAE If this bothered Qatar coach team.” hind their charges again – they missed. be their toughest test to date. gradually picked up momen- Felix Sanchez before, he didn’t Two goals down by half- recognised it was not the will to “Qatar is very nice in terms A first Asian title, before they tum, no one in the stands was let it show and a 4-0 humilia- time, their enthusiasm was win that was missing but ability. of sport, we have the Aspire guest at the Copa America in a pretending football was the only tion of the hosts allowed him to somewhat muted. As it was “I thank the players, they Academy which was one of the few months as another World thing being contested over the leave with the grace of a winner. not an official UAE home game had the team spirit all along keys in developing the team,” Cup tune-up, would be remark- 90 minutes. While his players had been but rather a ‘neutral’ venue, the the game and all the players did said Sanchez. able achievement. The UAE prevented Qatari showered by shoes and bottles DJ could have been advised to their best,” Zaccheroni admit- “The Aspire Academy, the For the UAE, they gave fans coming to the tournament in celebrating their many goals alter his script. ted. football association, the clubs, everything but fell short. Is- while media and officials - usu- he assessed: “in general it was “I absolutely love the energy Qatar, looked at with doubts all work together with the same mail Ahmed being cheered ally exempt from harassment at fair play, only a few people ... tonight,” he commented as wor- in football terms when awarded target. The result in this tour- wildly for elbowing Salem sporting events – reported diffi- behaved in a not proper way.” ried Emiratis nervously consid- the World Cup, have built and nament gives us the proof with Al Hajri to receive a red card culties getting into the country. Sanchez added his players ered the odds of a comeback. built. They have reached the hard work and good orgniazai- summed up their night – plenty Even the Qatar squad were “were aware there’d be a lot of UAE coach Alberto Zac- final without conceding a goal ton we can achieve the right re- of fight directed in the wrong Iran coach Carlos Queiroz quit unable to get a short direct flight pressure from the fans, as the cheroni made a half-time while scoring 16 - former cham- sults.” place. after his team’s Asian Cup exit. 18 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Sports For Qatar fans, a beautiful game indeed

The crowd that came to watch the Qatar-UAE AFC Asian Cup semi-final on a giant public screen at the promenade near the amphitheatre at the Katara Cultural Village on Tuesday. (PHOTOS: JALAL PATHIYOOR)

Al Annabi treated fans Jubilant Qataris to a scintilating match. Their demolition of take to the streets rivals UAE on the football pitch to celebrate victory made people in Qatar joyous

RAHUL PREETH DOHA

THE usually quiet promenade beside the amphitheatre at Ka- tara had an unusually large and boisterous crowd near a giant screen on Tuesday evening. As the clocks struck five in Doha, the second AFC Asian Cup semi-final began in Abu Dhabi and the promenade in from their seats. There was of euphoria around the giant Replays only intensified Doha fell silent. none in the first few minutes. screen. the cheer, which turned into The Qatar-UAE clash — Then, in the 22nd minute, “Careful,” somebody boos as the camera zoomed in dubbed as the blockade derby Boualem Khoukhi found the shouted in Malayalam as on an Emirati fan with his face due to the economic and dip- back of the net after the UAE Akram Afif bungled a goal- planted on his palms at the lomatic siege of Qatar by the goalkeeper made one hell of scoring opportunity. A sizea- Mohammed bin Zayed Stadi- UAE and its immediate neigh- a mistake. ble number of fans assembled um in Abu Dhabi. AFP bours — had so much at stake. “As simple as that,” let out at Katara were expatriates “Look at them. They and DOHA Naturally, passions ran high an expatriate as the crowd and a large number of them their blockade,” said another among the crowd. broke into a thunderous rap- cheered in Malayalam. Qatar fan with a haughty dis- DOHA exploded in noisy “Come on, Qatar,” shouted ture — pouring out all kinds “We have to be careful. We dain as he launched an “Emi- celebration on Tuesday as a man hoarsely from the back, of bottled up emotions that have to retain the edge,” he rati down, down” chorus. jubilant Qataris flooded the triggering a lexicon of com- manifested themselves in the said, partly to the Qatari play- With the third goal, from streets and roads after their ments from the crowd as the form of hugs, cheers, whistles, ers and partly to himself. skipper Hasan al Haydos 10 national team’s victory over ball neared the UAE net a few dance moves and incessant Then came the second minutes from time, the cheers bitter sporting and political minutes into the game. selfie clicks. goal, off the boots of Qatar’s and the chorus rose to a rivals, United Arab Emirates. The ball didn’t go in, but While the first goal broke star striker Almoez Ali. If the crescendo. Traffic along one of the cheer refused to die down. several hearts and possibly the crowd near the amphitheatre Hamid Khaleefa’s fourth the city’s main highways, The crowd looked for fur- careers of many in Abu Dhabi, was euphoric after the first, — the last kick of the match — the Corniche, was jammed ther opportunities to jump it brought a palpable sense now they went berserk. was just the icing on the cake. bumper-to-bumper with ex- ultant fans celebrating the thumping 4-0 Asian Cup semi-final victory, many honking horns or waving Qatari flags from car roofs, and others showing four fin- gers to emphasise the em- phatic victory. minster and one of the lead- “I am so happy, of course, ing figures during the crisis, because now we will play in pointedly called the victory the final,” Abdul, 24, smok- But for us this match is a “wonderful performance... ing a cigarette on the side of better than the final, it’s with high sports ethics”, af- the road and watching the revenge for everything bad ter the partisan UAE crowd celebrations. they (the Emiratis) have pelted Qatar with shoes and “But for us this match said. They say we are not booed the national anthem is better than the final, during the match. it’s revenge for everything good people, we are The semi-final was bad they (the Emiratis) terrorists. All Qataris are watched by big crowds have said. very happy. throughout Doha, includ- “They say we are ing at a packed and noisy not good people, we are Abdul, a fan Souq Waqif, in central Doha, terrorists. All Qataris are where a giant screen showed very happy.” the match live. His Syrian friend Hattim There, Qataris, alongside agreed. hundreds of fans from other “This is history. Qatar This is history. Qatar has countries including Egypt, has God with it. Qatar always God with it. Qatar always France, Jordan and Algeria, acts the right way,” he said. acts the right way. watched the match intently. Another Qatari celebrat- At first the crowd were ing on the roof of a nearby Hatim nervously quiet but as Qa- car said the result was much tar’s dominance became ap- “sweeter” because of the op- the continuing, Gulf Crisis, parent, fans become much position. which has pitched Qatar noisier. Eager sellers were quick against a group of neigh- Qataris danced through to cash in on the celebra- bouring former allies, includ- the half-time break with their tions, charging 100 Qatari ing UAE. team 2-0 in front, and in the Riyals ($28, 24 Euros) on the That group of countries second half cheered every Corniche for giant flags. has boycotted Qatar for the block and tackle as “Al-An- Nearby, those who ac- past 19 months, accusing it of nabi (The Maroons)” fought cidentally got caught up in supporting terrorism, among to hold onto their lead. the noisy celebrations held other allegations, a charge There were special cheers their hands over their ears which the 2022 World Cup every time cameras showed as so many drivers blew host denies. despondent Emirati fans and their horns. Immediately after the especially when UAE’s Ismail The political overtones of victory, Qatar’s prime minis- Ahmed was sent off. the last four match were im- ter and foreign minister took The final whistle saw the possible to ignore. to Twitter to celebrate. start of wild celebrations in The game took place Mohammed bin Abdul- the Souq, with more music against the backdrop of rahman al-Thani, the foreign and dance. Sports Wednesday, January 30, 2019 19

News PSG extend in brief Pakistan, India to Paredes’ Murray undergoes hip surgery contract

LONDON: Andy Murray has undergone hip resurfacing surgery until 2023 in London, the British tennis great told his Instagram followers on Tuesday. launch T20 World AFP The two-time Wimbledon champion had been weighing up PARIS the pros and cons of the operation, which involves putting a metal plate into the joint, in one last bid to prolong a career ARGENTINE midfielder Le- plagued by injury. andro Paredes on Tuesday The 31-year-old double Olympic gold medallist had previ- signed a contract with Paris ously said ahead of this month’s Australian Open earlier that Cup in Australia Saint-Germain (PSG) for the he intended to retire following the 2019 edition of Wimbledon. next four-and-half seasons, “I underwent a hip resurfacing surgery in London yesterday the French football club an- (Monday) morning... feeling a bit battered and bruised just now The big sub-continental rivals not to clash at the group stage nounced. but hopefully that will be the end of my hip pain,” Murray said Paredes arrives at the Parc on Instagram. AFP des Princes from Zenit St. Monday’s operation was the second time Murray had un- SYDNEY Petersburg player, where he dergone surgery in the past 12 months after a first operation bagged 10 goals and 15 assists failed to ease the pain in his hip. (AFP) HOSTS Australia will take on in 61 appearances with the Pakistan’s men and India’s current leader of the Russian women for the opening fix- Premier League, reports Efe Sharapova’s first win in 13 years tures of the Twenty20 World news. Cups in 2020, organisers said “After my previous expe- MOSCOW: Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova claimed her on Tuesday as the draw for the riences in Italy and Russia, I first WTA victory in her country in 13 years in the first round of tournaments was announced. now have this fantastic oppor- the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy in Moscow. The T20 World Cups are tunity, not only to discover a Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam winner, beat Daria being held in the same year new league, but above all one Gavrilova of Australia 6-0, 6-4 to make the second round on and in the same country for to wear one the most prestig- Monday. She will next face her compatriot Daria Kasatkina. the first time, with the men’s ious club jerseys in the world,” Sharapova had only met Kasatkina once when she won in and women’s finals to be Paredes said in a statement. straight sets in Montreal in August, reports Xinhua news played at one of the world’s “We all know the extraor- agency. biggest stadiums, the Mel- dinary sporting dimension of Sharapova has rarely played the Russian tour events during bourne Cricket Ground. Paris Saint-Germain, its play- her career, and when she has, she’s never got past the quarter- For the first time since ers and staff. I share the same finals.(AFP) the 2011 World Cup, India high ambitions and I will do will not meet Pakistan in the everything I can to give my group stage of an ICC event. club what it expects of me as a The two teams have faced midfielder,” he added. Villarreal fire Luis Garcia after 50 days each other in five ICC tourna- Bhuvneshwar Kumar of India and Imam-ul-Haq of Pakistan react in the field. The 25-year-old is to play and reappoint Calleja ments since 2011 - and will alongside his compatriot and meet again in the 2019 World GROUPINGS fending champions the Wind- fellow midfielder Angel di Ma- MADRID: Struggling Villarreal on Tuesday fired coach Luis Cup in England and Wales ies starting their title defence ria. Garcia after just 50 days in charge and turned to Javi Calleja, - but cricket’s traditional ri- Women’s group stages Men’s qualifiers (October 18 - 23) against the Black Caps on Oc- Di Maria, 30, made a spe- the man they axed in December. valry will not be on show in (February 21 - March 3) Group stages tober 25. cial welcome of his country- “The decision I have made is to rehire the coach we had the group stages of 2020 T20 (October 24 - November 8) India, England, South Af- man by posting a video on at the beginning, called Javier Calleja, who will take over the World Cup in Australia. Group A: Australia, New Zealand, India, Sri rica and Afghanistan and two PSG’s official Twitter account squad from tomorrow for the rest of the season,” Villarreal This is a result of the pre- Lanka, Qualifier 1 Group 1: Pakistan, Australia, West Indies, New qualifiers make up the other wishing him luck, saying: “You president Fernando Roig told a press conference on Tuesday Zealand, two qualifiers sent T20I rankings, where Group B: England, West Indies, South Africa, Group 2: India, England, South Africa, side of the draw. are very young and you will afternoon. Pakistan and India occupy the Pakistan, Qualifier 2 Afghanistan, two qualifiers For the women’s fixtures, surely have a lot to give to this Under Calleja, the club finished fifth last season and No. 1 and No. 2 spots respec- four-time winners Australia club.” reached the knockout rounds of the Europa League. He was tively, necessitating the two Semi-finals: March 5 Semi-finals: November 11 and 12 are in Group A with New Paredes, who played nine sacked with Villarreal 17th in La Liga with just three victories in teams to be placed in different Zealand, India, Sri Lanka matches with Argentina na- their first 15 league matches this season. groups for the tournament. Final: March 8 Final: November 15 and one qualifier, while West tional team and scored one Luis Garcia took over on December 10 and won his first England and Australia Indies and 2009 champions goal, is to wear No. 8 shirt match three days later as Villarreal beat Spartak Moscow 2-0 aren’t guaranteed to meet each reigning champions Austral- 12 group stages on October England join South Africa, after completing his medical at home to clinch first place in their Europa League group. But other either. While England ia to clash with India in the 24 against top-ranked Paki- Pakistan and a second quali- tests at Aspetar Hospital in he followed that with a run of eight matches without a victory. are placed in Group B along- opening game in Sydney. stan at the Sydney Cricket fying team. Qatar’s capital, Doha. The Yellow Submarine have sunk to second-bottom of La side India, Australia are in The men’s competition, Ground. The women’s final will be Paredes defended the Liga, drawing four and losing two of their league games under Group A alongside Pakistan. from October 18 to Novem- Australia, Pakistan, the played on March 8 to coin- shirts of several Serie A teams Luis Garcia. They were also eliminated by Espanyol over two Ten women’s teams will ber 15, will feature several West Indies, New Zealand cide with International Wom- including Empoli, Chievo Ve- legs in the Copa del Rey. (AFP) play in 23 matches from Feb- qualifying matches before and two qualifiers make up en’s Day, and the men’s final rona and AS Roma, where he ruary 21 to March 8, with Australia kicks off the Super one side of the draw, with de- will be held on November 15. spent two seasons. Young, Hawks fly past LA Clippers Windies add pacer Thomas for 2nd AGENCIES The Clippers managed to tie the LOS ANGELES game at five different points in the third quarter, but the Hawks went on a 17-6 Test vs England ROOKIE Trae Young scored 26 points run to close out the period and take con- and John Collins added 22 as the vis- trol of the game. AFP iting Atlanta Hawks earned a 123-118 The Clippers produced an 8-0 run ST. JOHN’S “We were all extremely victory on Monday over the Los An- late in the game to pull within 116-108 happy with the great geles Clippers to improve to 2-1 at the before Young made a shot in the lane FAST bowler Oshane Thomas result in the first Test. We start of a season-high, seven-game with 3:10 remaining to halt the Los An- was on Tuesday added as the want to see them put in NBA road trip. geles comeback attempt. Young added 14th player in the West Indies another solid performance Alex Len added 19 points for the Test squad while retaining in the second match in Hawks, who defeated a Pacific Division the rest of the squad for the Antigua, where we won team for the first time in six tries this Young scored at least 50 points second Test against England, season. in back-to-back games for the starting here Thursday. last year,” Browne added. Tobias Harris scored 30 points for the second time this month and the Thomas, who has played Clippers, who have lost five of their past third time this season four ODIs and six T20Is so far, WINDIES SQUAD six home games. High-scoring Los Ange- was picked as a cover for fel- les reserve guard Lou Williams opened a 3-pointer in the final minute, and he low pacer Alzarri Joseph for the West Indies squad for 2nd Test: the game 0-for-11 from the field, a day went 10 of 18 from the field two days af- first Test in Barbados, which the Jason Holder (Captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston after a 2-for-16 shooting performance, ter he made 11 of his 15 shots at Portland. Windies won by a mammoth Chase, Shane Dowrich (WK), Shannon Gabriel, and finished with 21 points. He hit 4 of 17 Montrezl Harrell scored 18 points margin of 381 runs at the Kens- Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar field-goal attempts on the night. off the bench, and Avery Bradley added ington Oval. Roach, Oshane Thomas, Jomel Warrican. Young, who scored 30 points in a 12 as the Clippers saw their three-game “Oshane Thomas was with Saturday defeat at Portland, scored at winning streak end. us in Barbados as cover and he least 50 points in back-to-back games for Patrick Beverley had 10 points and has been added to the squad as them put in another solid per- the second time this month and the third 10 rebounds for Los Angeles, which the 14th player and will remain formance in the second match time this season. entered with four victories in its past with the team as an additional in Antigua, where we won last The Clippers never led again after five games. fast bowler,” Courtney Browne, year,” he added. taking a 21-20 advantage with three Jeremy Lin had 13 points and De- the Chairman of Selectors, said Already 1-0 up in the three- minutes remaining in the opening quar- wayne Dedmon added 13 points with in a statement. Test rubber, the Windies will ter. The Hawks opened the second quar- 10 rebounds for the Hawks, whose long “We were all extremely take on England at the Sir Viv- ter with a 32-25 advantage and had a 63- Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) drives past Los Angeles Clippers forward Tobias road trip coincides with the Super Bowl happy with the great result in ian Richards Cricket Ground 61 edge at halftime. Harris (34) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Monday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) festivities in Atlanta this week. the first Test. We want to see here from Thursday. East Coast dynasty up against eager West Coast rivals

As part of the media the crowd, ticking off all the who was then 24, the same While QB Brady & Patriots’ coach madness leading up to the Rams achieved to make it age as Rams quarterback game, the Patriots enjoyed a into the game. The team has Jared Goff. Belichick are looking to extend send-off Sunday attended by been “checking things off” in Now Brady is pressing the 35,000 fans from their sta- the post-season he said. other end of a quarterback’s their legacy in Super Bowl, Rams dium outside Boston. “Make no mistake about age expectancy and would set “It’s going to take a lot,” it, we’ve got a lot of respect a record as the oldest quar- coach McVay may start his own Brady told the roaring crowd. for the Patriots, but we are terback to prevail in the Su- “Offensively, defensively going there to get this last per Bowl if the Patriots are DPA Los Angeles Rams, a team and special teams, this has box checked,” the 33-year-old victorious. WASHINGTON that sparked excitement on got to be the best game of coach said. As for the coaches, McVay the field all season. the year. We’ve got to bring A win for the Rams would would become the youngest THE teams have arrived from The teams earned a it, you’ve got to bring it and be their second. The team ever to take home the trophy, their respective cities on op- spot in the National Foot- hopefully we can bring a tro- was Super Bowl champions in while Belichick would be the posite US coasts and the me- ball League championship phy home.” 2000 when the Rams played oldest if the Patriots win. dia hype has reached fever game by snatching thrilling The Rams grabbed the in St Louis. They made two The spectacle is supple- pitch as the countdown to overtime wins in their con- imagination of football fans other Super Bowl appearanc- mented by some of the most the American football specta- ference championships on across the country when they es, both losing efforts in 1980 extravagant, creative and ex- cle known as the Super Bowl January 20. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during opening rocketed to a 13-3 record this and 2002. pensive commercials and an is underway. New England comes into night for Super Bowl LIII at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Mon- year after winning only four A lot has been made of over-the-top half-time show. The championship game, the 53rd edition of the Super day. (USA TODAY SPORTS) games in the previous season. the ages of both the quar- This year the band Maroon 5 which will be played at Mer- Bowl as the favourite but only They departed for Atlanta in a terbacks and the coaches headlines the entertainment. cedes-Benz Stadium in Atlan- by a few points in what is ex- back Tom Brady, 41. Togeth- The team is 5-3 in the big more sparsely attended send- going into Sunday’s contest Americans also go all out ta, will be a contest between pected to be a high-scoring er they have driven the team game, watched last year by off from the teams’ new sta- and the fact that this year’s for Super Bowl parties and the New England Patriots, affair. to eight Super Bowls since more than 100 million tel- dium in southern California. matchup is a repeat of the pub viewings, and it’s not un- winners of two of the last four The Patriots are led by the 2002, the first of Brady’s sto- evision viewers, according to “It’s unbelievable to see 2002 game when the Patriots usual for fans who attend the Super Bowls and five overall, combined force of coach Bill ried career and the first for CBS, the network that broad- the support that this team beat the Rams 20-17. Those game to pay several thousand and the youthful and talented Belichick, 66, and quarter- the Patriots. cast that game and this year’s. has,” coach Sean McVay told Patriots were led by Brady, dollars for a ticket. 20 Wednesday, January 30, 2019 The Last Word Amir, Japan PM discuss ties, witness MoUs’ signing Joint declaration on strategic dialogue mechanism signed QNA TOKYO

THE Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani held a session of offi- cial talks with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe at the Prime Minister’s Office in To- kyo on Tuesday evening. HH the Amir and the Jap- anese premier also witnessed the signing of the joint decla- ration on the establishment of a strategic dialogue mech- anism between the govern- ments of the two countries, in addition to memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in different fields. the two countries. the two countries would ex- ister and the Japanese people by a number of senior officials, reviewed bilateral relations vantage of this learning and HH the Amir attended Abe added that he was pand areas of cooperation to on the victory of the Japanese politicians, economists, cul- and developments on the vocational training to serve a dinner banquet hosted by pleased with Japan’s victory include, besides energy, areas team and their outstand- tural figures, businessmen and regional and international their community and home- Shinzo Abe in honour of His in their match against Iran such as tourism and health ing performance, while also heads of the boards of major arenas. land. Highness and the accompa- in the Asian Cup, hoping that for the benefit of both coun- praising the Qatari team who Japanese companies and in- The meeting was attended HH the Amir affirmed his nying delegation. the Qatar national team would tries and peoples. showed a very good level of stitutions, as well as a number by Their Excellencies mem- personal support and keen- In his welcome speech, win Tuesday’s match to meet His Highness pointed out performance. of businessmen and heads of bers of the official delegation ness in the relevant creative the Japanese PM praised Japan in the final of the tour- that the two sides also agreed HH said that it was grati- companies from Qatar. accompanying HH the Amir. ideas, wishing them success the efforts of HH the Amir nament. to cooperate in the field of fying that the majority of the On the sidelines of the HH the Amir also met in their future lives. in supporting and enhanc- For his part, HH the Amir sports and in organising in- players are Aspire Academy meeting, HH the Amir met Qatari students and train- The students and trainees ing relations between the two thanked the Japanese pre- ternational sporting events for Sports Excellence’s gradu- Japan’s Foreign Minister ees in Japan and exchanged expressed thanks to HH the countries, wishing him health mier for his kind words and such as the Tokyo 2020 and ates, and wished them success Taro Kono and the accompa- views with them about their Amir for the opportunity to and happiness and wishing feelings, adding that the talks the 2022 World Cup Qatar. in their match, to meet the nying delegation at HH’s resi- fields of study, scientific dis- meet His Highness, saying it further development and were constructive and posi- In this regard, His Highness Japanese team in the final. dence in Tokyo. ciplines, fields of work and reflects HH’s keenness to en- progress in relations between tive. His Highness hoped that congratulated the prime min- The banquet was attended During the meeting, they the importance of taking ad- courage them.

Qatar Museums ushers in ‘Qatar India 2019 Year of Culture’ with event in India

the innovative Raqs Media Col- Performance of the iconic Monsoon lective, both in Qatar. India will Wedding Musical marks official opening also be the Guest of Honor at the annual Doha International Book Fair. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK well as a Golden Globe Award Other events include a DOHA nomination. health and education initia- The film was directed by tive in collaboration with Qatar QATAR Museums kick-started Mira Nair and written by Sab- Foundation, and more. this year’s exciting array of rina Dhawan, who played key The Qatar India 2019 Year events organised as part of the roles in bringing the musical to of Culture, whose Official Air- Qatar India 2019 Year of Cul- life in 2016. The performance line Partner is Qatar Airways, ture with a show of the success- was organised by QM and spon- was also planned in collabora- ful Monsoon Wedding Musical sored by the Official Airline tion with leading institutions in in New Delhi. Partner of the Year of Culture Qatar and India. These include Representing the official programme, Qatar Airways. the Embassy of Qatar in New launch of the Year of Culture Aisha Ghanem al Attiya, Delhi, the Embassy of India in festivities, the event was attend- head of Years of Culture Sec- Doha, Qatar’s Ministry of Cul- ed by Qatar’s ambassador to In- tion at QM, said: “We are proud The event was attended by Qatar’s ambassador to India ture and Sport, Qatar Founda- dia HE Mohammed bin Khater to be the exclusive supporter HE Mohammed bin Khater al Khater and Acting Chief tion, The National Tourism al Khater and Qatar Museums of the new stage musical ver- Executive Officer of QM Ahmad al Namla. Council, Doha film institute and (QM) Acting Chief Executive sion of Mira Nair’s Monsoon many more. Officer Ahmad al Namla and Wedding. The Mansoon Wed- joyed a close partnership. Culture will be a feast of theatre, specially designed to promote as well as celebrate their differ- A VIP ceremony will take among other VIPs. ding Musical is a beautiful and “Our aspiration is that the literature, music, dance, cinema mutual understanding, recogni- ences. place at Katara on February 4 The Monsoon Wedding resonant expression of India’s Year of Culture programme will and the visual arts, as India and tion and appreciation between Upcoming initiatives in- to mark the official launch of Musical, popularly viewed as vibrant diaspora, a community further strengthen these ties Qatar share cultural experi- India and Qatar. The expansive clude a special exhibition of this year’s edition in Qatar. The the anthem of modern India, that has long been part of Qa- and spur creativity and curiosity ences.” programme will encourage au- contemporary art from Qatar in stunning show titled Ticket to originally premiered as a film in tar’s diverse makeup and our about our cultures, peoples and Events, festivals, workshops diences in Qatar and India to ex- India, a multi-disciplinary Festi- Bollywood will also be open to 2001 winning a Golden Lion, as two countries have long en- traditions. In 2019, the Year of and presentations have been plore their cultural similarities, val of India and an exhibition by the public on February 5 at 7pm.