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Amir, Father Amir witness grand parade Qatar celebrates National Day

To my brothers and sisters in our beloved homeland... every year, you and everyone who lives in this country be good on the occasion of the National Day. Each year, Qatar be more powerful and prosperous. May Allah bless you with security, prosperity and stability.

The Qatar National Day celebrations were held across the country with full fervour in different venues like Katara Cultural Village, Aspire Zone, MIA Park, Lusail and Asian Town through an array of diverse cultural, heritage and recreational activities.

SIDI MOHAMED THE PENINSULA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the Qatar National Day 2019 parade on the Doha Corniche, yesterday. Thousands of citizens and residents lined up on the Corniche to witness the parade as part of the Qatar National Day 2019 celebrations in a pleasant and cloudy weather, The parade was also attended by Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani; H E Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Khalifa Al Thani; H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Personal Represent- ative of H H the Amir; H H Sheikh Abdullah bin `P2 & 3 Khalifa Al Thani; H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani greeting citizens after attending the National Day parade on the Corniche. Khalifa Al Thani; H E Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani; and a number of Their Excellencies different venues like Katara Cultural Village, Sheikhs and Ministers, QNA reported. Aspire Zone, MIA Park, Lusail, Asian Town The National Day Parade was also attended through an array of diverse cultural, heritage by Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin and recreational activities. At night, the Doha Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, and a number Corniche witnessed fireworks celebrations. of members of the Shura Council, in addition to Also, festivities at Darb Al Saai continued last a number of Their Excellencies guests, including evening with the participation of large number President of the International Federation of of visitors and will continue until tomorrow. Association Football (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, All branches of the Qatari Armed Forces and Commander of US Air Forces Central participated in the parade including the Amiri Command, Lieutenant General Joseph Guastella, Air Force, the Amiri Naval Forces, the Military it added. Police, Coast Guards, Border Guards and Traffic The Qatar National Day celebrations were Police with more focus this year on the human held across the country with full fervour in element and their skills. `P3

Fireworks seen as part of Qatar National Day celebrations on the Doha Corniche. PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA 02 HOME THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 Amir, Father Amir attend National Day parade

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Their Excellencies Sheikhs and Ministers attending the National Day parade on the Corniche.

LEFT: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani greeting citizens after attending the National Day parade on the Corniche. RIGHT: H H the Amir hears children singing patriotic songs. THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 03 Amir, Father Amir attend National Day parade

FROM PAGE 1 The celebration of the Qatar National Day 2019, was organised under the theme ‘Al Maali Kaydah’, meaning that the path of excellence is difficult. Following the National Anthem and the firing of 18-shot gun salute to cele- brate Qatar National Day, the parade started with the entry of horsemen and camel cavalry and aerial displays of various types of warplanes, combat heli- copters, air transports, cargo aircraft, performing We congratulate H H the Amir, Qatari people, aircraft. Several aircraft and everyone who resides on the soil of types including “Rafale” Qatar on the occasion of Qatar National multi-purpose jet fighter; Day, which entrenches the values of loyalty “Apache” attack heli- to the homeland, asking Allah The Almighty to bless our beloved homeland copters; “F-15” warplanes; with security and safety, and the aspirations of our people be fulfilled for more and “Typhoon” multirole fighters participated in the strength, pride and prosperity under our wise leadership. shows. Afterwards, came the parade of the Armed Forces crowd who were seen taking photographs of H with minimum distance and all shows were infantry followed by the air H the Amir and waving Qatar national flag. good. December 18 is an opportunity to renew forces; armoured vehicles, Thousands of citizens and residents throng loyalty to the homeland and strengthen the tanks, various defence Doha Corniche from early morning to get a nice values of citizenship and unity,” he added. systems, police equipment, spot to watch the parade. Being the first QND For her part, Fatma, another Qatari citizen anti-terrorism equipment parade after opening of Doha Metro, reaching said: “It is a day that all people living in Qatar and military the venue was much easier for public due to should celebrate; we were excited to watch the communications. proximity of Red Line stations to the parade parade. I always attend the National Day parade The show concluded venue. and today we were lucky to have such a nice with a parade of children People were also able to watch the Parade weather.” dressed in Amiri Guard through jumbo digital displays installed along “We came today to share the joys with the uniform. The parachute Corniche road. A number of mobile food carts Qatari people on this precious occasion. We jumping was cancelled due and beverage outlets were also available at congratulate all citizen on this occasion,” said to the weather conditions. various spots for people. Haytham Ahmed, a resident. At the end of the parade, Speaking to The Peninsula, Ahmed Al The Qatar National Day 2019 slogan was H H the Amir greeted kids, Mohannadi, a Qatari citizen said: “On the inspired by a poem by the founder describing who were singing the song occasion of Qatar National Day 2019, we con- his son Sheikh Ali bin Jassim (Joaan) and gives “Allah ya omri Qatar”, and gratulate H H the Amir and the Qatari people.” a clear picture of a whole generation of Qatari also greeted the cheering “We came today early to watch the parade youth in the founding period. 04 HOME THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 Qatar, UN sign Amir arrives in Kuala Lumpur to attend Summit four agreements

QNA/DOHA The agreements were The State of Qatar has signed signed in the presence four agreements with the United of Deputy Prime Nations, in the presence of Deputy Minister and Minister Prime Minister and Minister of of Foreign Affairs H E Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Sheikh Mohamed bin Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, on the sidelines of the 19th Abdulrahman Al Thani, Doha Forum, which concluded on the sidelines of the recently in Doha. 19th Doha Forum, which Director of International concluded recently in Organization’s Department at the Doha. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yousef Larm and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Coordination of Humanitarian Children and Armed Conflict Vir- Affairs (OCHA) signed a letter of ginia Gamba signed a to establish intent to establish an OCHA in Doha a center for analysis and office in Doha to coordinate communication affiliated to Special effective and principled human- Representative of the Secretary- itarian work in partnership with General for Children and Armed national and international Conflict office. actors, defending the rights of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived yesterday in the Malaysian capital to participate in the Kuala Lumpur Summit 2019 at The tasks of the center will those in need, strengthening the invitation of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, H E Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Upon his arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, H H the be related to research and regionalism and prevention, and writing, and the organization of facilitating sustainable Amir was received by the Minister of Education H E Maszlee bin Malik, Kuala Lumpur Summit Secretary-General H E Samsudin Osman, a technical workshops on training solutions. number of ranking Malaysian officials, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Malaysia, H E Fahad bin Mohammed Kafoud, and members needs to enhance knowledge Moreover, Qatar and the of the Qatari embassy. H H the Amir will deliver today a speech at the opening session of the Summit, which will be held under the title and skills related to the pro- United Nations Alliance of Civ- “The Role of Development in Achieving National Sovereignty”. Besides Qatar and the hosts Malaysia, Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan and Iran tection of children affected by ilizations (UNAOC) signed a will also be attending the summit. conflict. The State of Qatar and Memorandum of Understanding the United Nations Development (MoU) to open an office for the Program (UNDP) signed a letter Alliance in Doha, to enhance American Council of Young of intent to establish an office cooperation between the State UNRWA: Qatari support contributed for the UNDP in Doha. of Qatar and the UNAOC. HE Political Leaders delegation Director of International Director of International Organ- to reducing financial deficit visits Shura Council Organization’s Department at ization’s Department at the Min- the Ministry of Foreign Affairs istry of Foreign Affairs Yousef QNA/GAZA than 20 countries and greatly to reducing the QNA/DOHA Yousef Larm and Administrator Larm and HE High-Represent- partners. It includes funds financial deficit of the UN of the UNDP Achim Steiner ative for the UNAOC Miguel The United Nations Relief transferred from countries agency this year, praising the A delegation of the American Council of Young signed the letter of intent. Angel Moratinos signed the MoU. and Works Agency for that have frozen their development of the rela- Political Leaders (ACYPL) visited the Shura Also, Qatar signed an The agreements aim to Palestine Refugees in the remaining contributions for tionship with the State of Qatar Council, where it was welcomed by HE Yousif agreement with the UNDP to enhance partnership and coop- Near East (UNRWA) said this year in light of the inves- in order to provide better bin Rashid Al Khater, a member of the Shura support the junior professional eration between the State of Qatar that the financial deficit for tigation supervised by the service to millions of Pales- Council and several officials in the Council. officer program of the UNDP. and the UN. It also demonstrates the year 2019 decreased United Nations Internal tinian refugees in the During the visit, the delegation was briefed Director of International Organ- the important and effective role from $167m to only $90m. Oversight Office, which con- UNRWA’s five fields of opera- on the legislative and oversight role of the ization’s Department at the Min- that the State of Qatar plays in the UNRWA Media Advisor cluded that there is no cor- tions. UNRWA had Shura Council. The delegation praised the istry of Foreign Affairs Yousef UN to achieve the goals of the UN Adnan Abu Hasana said that ruption or financial abuse. announced that it needs at efforts of the State of Qatar in supporting the Larm and Administrator of the Charter and the 2030 Sustainable over the past three weeks, He added, in a statement least $167m to be able to con- Qatari-American relations for peace and sta- UNDP Achim Steiner signed the Development Goals as well as to intensive efforts were made to the Qatar News Agency tinue its services and pay the bility in the region and the world, as well as agreement. The State of Qatar maintain international peace and resulted in the agency (QNA), that the Qatari support salaries of its employees until the development renaissance witnessed by the and United Nations Office for the and security. receiving $ 77m from more for UNRWA contributed the end of this year. State of Qatar in various fields. Azerbaijan envoy hails growing ties with Qatar

QNA/DOHA and glory of the nation, therefore they share the National Day celebrations alongside the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to friendly and brotherly people of Qatar on Qatar, H E Rashad Ismayilov, praised the December 18th. His Excellency also stressed growing relations between Qatar and his country’s pride in its relations with Qatar, Azerbaijan, which witnesses great and which was one of the first countries that rec- continuous leaps in terms of strengthening, ognized the sovereignty of modern documenting and developing them in the Azerbaijan and established diplomatic rela- interest of the two countries and their peoples. tions with it. In a statement to Qatar News Agency His Excellency extended his sincere con- (QNA) on the occasion of National Day, H E gratulations to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim the Ambassador said that Azerbaijan-Qatar bin Hamad Al Thani, Father Amir H H relations have grown significantly and wit- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Deputy nessed an exchange of visits at the leadership Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al level of the two countries in 2016-2017, as Thani and Prime Minister and Interior Min- well as the signing of a number of agree- H E Rashad Ismayilov ister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin ments that would expand bilateral Khalifa Al Thani on this precious occasion cooperation. in Baku, in addition to a Qatari delegation, and continued success in their noble tasks PAF’s JF-17 Thunder aircraft present The Ambassador pointed out that the two including representatives of leading Qatari and to the brotherly Qatari people. countries seek to activate the mechanisms companies in the field of agriculture, which The Ambassador pointed out that the spectacular fly past on National Day of trade exchange further, noting that the visited Azerbaijan in July. Qatari leadership’s sound approach enabled Three Pakistan Air Force (PAF) JF-17 Thunder aircraft presented second meeting of the Qatar-Azerbaijan joint The Ambassador said that the priority it to overcome all local and regional chal- intergovernmental trade-economic and tech- now is to expand cooperation in the fields of lenges, praising the wise policy of Amir H H spectacular fly past on Doha skies on the eve of Qatar National nical committee was held on Feb. 20, 2019. economy, trade and investment, which is Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Day. The spectators fervently cheered to see the pride of Pakistan He added that a joint working group was proceeding successfully with steps. The security, safety and ability of the State of JF 17 aircraft appearing on the horizon, said a statement issued established between the two countries, with Ambassador said the homeland historical Qatar to maintain its economy and the con- by the Embassy of Pakistan. PAF contingent comprising pilots the aim of encouraging investment cooper- days that remain engraved in the memory tinuation of the process of comprehensive and ground crew of Pakistan Air Force had arrived in Doha to ation and preparing investment projects, of history, is remembered by generations development and the qualitative leap in all participate in the Qatar National Day celebrations. which held its first meeting on October 16-17 with pride because they represent the history areas of work. Georgian envoy stresses keenness to develop ties with Qatar National Day celebrated in Msheireb Downtown Doha QNA/DOHA Qatar with three daily flights between Doha and Tbilisi bring hundreds of visitors from THE PENINSULA/DOHA historic Downtown Doha that Ambassador of Georgia to the State of Qatar Qatar to Georgia every day. holds a very special place in the H E Nikoloz Revazishvili stated that the He also stated that Georgia and Qatar are The lights went up and everyone hearts of Qataris. bilateral relations and cooperation between discovering each other more and more as rose to their feet to chant for Folkloric tunes, family his country and the State of Qatar has been economic partners, adding that a couple of Qatar as the National Anthem games and delicious food and steadily developed in the fields of economy, big Qatari investment projects are being reverberated loud and proud in entertainment attracted flocks culture, trade, security cooperation, started in Georgia, and Georgian companies Barahat Msheireb in celebration of people to Msheireb as the fun education, tourism and other fields that are also entering Qatari market. of Qatar National Day. went on for two days. benefit both countries. The Ambassador stressed that there is a This is the first ever public Msheireb Downtown Doha, His Excellency added, in an exclusive huge untapped potential for further event to take place in Barahat by Msheireb Properties, is the statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), that improvement of the relations, and he was Msheireb, the world’s largest latest destination for leisure, the geographical proximity of the two coun- confident that with the determination and open-air covered square in the living and business. It is also the tries naturally contributes to the devel- efforts of the governments of both states Middle East, and the hub of world’s smartest and most sus- opment and deepening of many aspects of mutually beneficial cooperation will be entertainment and social gath- tainable fully built city district the bilateral relationship. H E Nikoloz Revazishvili further enhanced and developed. He hailed erings in Msheireb Downtown and the first fully sustainable He pointed out that the historically close the remarkable achievements made by the Doha. regeneration project worldwide. relations between Georgia and the Arab both sides, adding that more than ten agree- State of Qatar and its fast development and In collaboration with the Recently, the district welcomed world and the cultural ties and friendship ments and MOUs have already been signed overall success in many realms of local and Ministry of Transportation and its first batch of residents and between peoples are favorable precondi- in different areas and more are under con- international arena. Communication and Qatar commercial tenants with many tions for further deepening of mutually ben- sideration or ready to be signed in the nearest He congratulated the wise leadership and Airways, Msheireb Properties shops opening up their doors to eficial relations. future. the people of Qatar on the occasion of the organised the event for all res- the public, and residents moving The Ambassador said that during recent He pointed out that Georgia has become National Day, wishing Qatar peace, well- idents in Qatar to celebrate in Wadi 1, Al Kahraba, and Al years several high level visits took place from one of the favorite tourist destinations in being and prosperity. Qatar National Day in the Khail neighbourhoods. THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 05 17 schools present spectacular Qatar National Day show in Lusail

RAYNALD C RIVERA THE PENINSULA

The Lusail Sports Arena burst in festive celebration yesterday as 7,500 students from 17 schools staged spectacular parades and thematic cultural shows as part of the Qatar National Day Asso- ciated Activities organised by the Ministry of Interior (MoI). Dressed in elaborate cos- tumes, the students shone in their performances inspired by Qatari traditions and focused on developments achieved by Qatar in various fields. “The Associated Activities for the Qatar National Day celebra- tions for schools have become a major event on the occasion of Schoolchildren perform during the Associated Activities of Qatar National Day. I’m very happy to National Day organised by the Ministry of Interior at Lusail Sports Arena. Students from one of the participating schools in the Associated Activities of Qatar National Day, be here today seeing the joy organised by the Ministry of Interior at Lusail Sports Arena, yesterday. PICS: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA among the participating students who are very keen to be with us is clearly evident of their hap- Donning colourful costumes in huge number every year,” piness in joining their Qatari and carrying Qatari flags, the competing schools during the schools included Bangladesh Doha, Rajagiri Public School, Brigadier Abdullah Khalifa Al brothers the in the joy of the competing schools paraded with cultural show and song MHM School and College, Scholars’ International School, Muftah, Director of the Public National Day and its values,” he sculptures of famous landmarks contests. Bhavans Public School, Birla Shantiniketan Indian School, and Relations Department at the MoI, stressed. and symbols associated with the The big crowd also applaud Public School, Doha Modern Stafford Sri Lankan School. said while speaking to reporters. It was a big celebration of country such as the National performing troupes from the Indian School, DPS Modern The programme for schools Brigadier Al Muftah noted Qatar in a brilliant showcase of Museum of Qatar, a Qatar Indonesian community as they Indian School, Ideal Indian has been one of the much antic- that the number of students creativity and skill of the stu- Airways plane, camel, cannon presented cultural numbers School, MES Indian School, Noble ipated events which forms an taking part in the event every dents in their performance as and World Cup trophy, among including Plate Dance, Kipas International School, Olive Inter- important element of the Asso- year has been in an upswing. they competed in different cat- others. Dance and a performance of the national School, Pak Shama ciated Activities for the Qatar “The keenness of the schools egories including parade, the- Thousands in the audience famous Angklung, a native Indo- School, Pakistan International National Day celebrations which to participate in this programme matic song and thematic show cheered for the different students nesian musical instrument made School, Philippine International has gone from strength to with a huge number of students on Qatar. representing the different from bamboo. The participating School Qatar, Philippine School strength every year. Expat communities celebrate National Day with colourful parades SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Day yesterday at Asian Town. the parade and any other activ- the activities of Qatar National country including Wakra Sports showcased a variety of popular THE PENINSULA Participants held Qatar National ities on the occasion of Qatar Day as long as he will be in Qatar. Club, Barwa Al Baraha, Doha shows and demonstrations Flag and placards demonstrating National Day,” Mohamad Abdul The Cricket Stadium at Asian Stadium, Sri Lankan School in The Wakra Football stadium A large number of people from love and loyalty to their host Jabar, a Bangladeshi national told Town hosted yesterday a Doha, Barwa Village - Mukainis, hosted a wide variety of cultural expatriate communities from country, Qatar. The Peninsula. Twenty20 cricket match Al Shahaniya, Lusail Sports fiesta and musical concerts in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Participants said they were “I have been participating in between Qatar local players and Complex and Al Khor Barwa Punjabi, Pushto and Balochi lan- other countries participated in very proud of participating in the these activities for the last three international players. The match Workers Recreation Complex. guages by famous Pakistani Associated Activities of Qatar parade describing it as a golden years to celebrate Qatar National attracted a large number of The Wakra Sports Club artistes and singers. The Sri National Day celebrations opportunity to demonstrate their Day, and I am very happy to do spectators. hosted cultural shows and Lankan School also hosted cul- yesterday. love for Qatar. “I participated so,” said Ahmad Abdussalam, an A wide range of cultural special events by Indian- tural performances and shows A parade by expatriates was with my four friends in the Indian national. Abdussalam said events and musical perform- Malayali communities in Qatar. by artists under Sri Lankan Coor- held to celebrate Qatar National parade. I feel proud to be part of that he will keep participating in ances were presented across the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre dination Committee.

Indian and Bangladeshi communities taking part in parades to mark Qatar National Day in Asian Town. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA 06 HOME THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 07 Prosperity, Pride and Glo ry — A Nation Celebrates 08 VIEWS THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 Repurposing the UNRWA ESTABLISHED IN 1996 in a post-truth world CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

CHRISTOPHER GUNNESS ACTING MANAGING EDITOR AL JAZEERA MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] n the post-truth, post-shame world of Donald Trump and Boris DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Johnson in which policies are MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Iflipped with a tweet, history is [email protected] rewritten in a soundbite and “reality” made-over by a headline, the UNRWA’s steadfast support for over five million Palestinian refugees, their A file picture of Palestinian demonstrator holding a UN flag during a rally against a rights and dignity has never been US decision to cut funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). more important. But the agency now marking its EDITORIAL 70th year must lay to rest its recent Moreover, the White House is fill the void left by Washington’s per- mismanagement scandal, restore attempting to redefine three issues fidious defund. Crucially, and no doubt donor confidence and reconnect with central to the search for peace in the temporarily, it has seen off the Israel- the refugee communities. Under its Middle East - Jerusalem, refugees and inspired political attack, which National Day pride new leadership it can achieve this and settlements - all of it cost-free for included an attempt to shut down emerge stronger. Israel, with nothing demanded in UNRWA operations in Jerusalem. sense of utmost pride and patriotism filled the air for The stakes have never been so return. So how does the agency move every citizen and expatriate residing in Qatar. This high. In August 2018, the Trump White Make no mistake who is driving forward after the triple whammy of Ayear even more so because Qatar, under the wise lead- House cut the US annual contribution this. As early as December 2016, the financial crisis, the management ership of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has to the UNRWA - $365m, a quarter of Netanyahu called for the UNRWA to scandal and the political attack on its weathered the unjust siege in a very professional manner. the agency’s budget - jeopardising be “dismantled”. His acolytes in Wash- mandate? To begin with, it must shore Qatar National Day is an occasion for its citizens to remember services to the world’s largest and ington, such as Netanyahu family up the confidence of its main donors the achievements of their predecessors. National Day com- oldest refugee population. friend and Trump son-in-law turned by driving through the management memorates the anniversary of the establishment of Qatar A pattern of destructive unilater- Middle East adviser, Jared Kushner, reforms initiated by Christian by the late Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani. alism soon emerged. In December offered support for Israel’s long-cher- Saunders, aimed at steadying the To promote national cohesion in society, Qatar National 2017, the US announced the decision ished goal: the elimination of the agency in the wake of the departure of Day which falls on December 18 each year, is being held this to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to status of over five million Palestinian the previous commissioner general year under the theme of “Ten years embraced glory and Jerusalem, recognising Israel’s illegal refugees registered with the UNRWA, and his inner circle. arts, obtained all excellence and manliness ... The path of annexation and occupation of the city, along with their right of return. Donors must fully honour their excellence is difficult”. The celebrations highlighted peo- shattering decades of international The Trump White House argued much-vaunted “grand bargain” and ple’s patriotism and solidarity for its leadership. consensus. that descendants of the 1948 refugees respond with multi-year agreements Qatar went on the paths of glory, achieving accomplish- In March this year, Washington’s were not themselves refugees, a across the board, facilitating longer- ments, caring for rights, helping the needy, championing the ambassador notion flagrantly at odds with interna- term planning and financial security, oppressed, observing the right of neighbourliness, adhering to Israel tional norms and refugee best practice recognising UNRWA’s long-standing to values and morals, offering the world a bright example endorsed its espoused by many, including the UN’s contribution to human capital and the of a safe and stable country capable of achieving the highest unlawful other refugee agency, UNHCR, to ongoing necessity of its life-saving levels of development, and providing the finest quality of annexation of which the US is the largest donor. programmes. life for its people and residents. the Golan But there was pushback against Guaranteeing and improving Qatar’s celebration of its A reinvigorated Heights and this attempt to airbrush the rights, the services will assist the UNRWA in National Day comes as the UNRWA must root in November identity, the very existence of millions restoring credibility with the Pales- country is proud of the glories of its humanitarian the US of refugees from history. tinians it serves, which has been the past and proud of the present advocacy in the declared that In December, the UN General damaged by the recent misman- Qatar National accomplishments that is filled Jewish settle- Assembly voted overwhelmingly to agement allegations. But the agency Day is an occasion with hope, optimism and confi- experiences of ments were approve UNRWA’s mandate for three must go further. of renewed dence in a bright tomorrow and the refugees. not incon- years, including the legitimate defi- With increased Arab funding and loyalty and is a future full of giving, building, To achieve this, sistent with nition of refugees. No less than 169 greater diversity in its donor base in renaissance and progress under the agency must international members supported, just two voted the wake of America’s departure, there celebrated by the wise government. law, thus against: the US and Israel. They were is an opportunity for more robust, evi- all citizens and The most prominent progress initiate a broad- condoning isolated, defeated. dence-driven, international-law based residents alike to of the country’s accomplish- based inclusive multiple For the UNRWA this diplomatic advocacy and media work, which has promote loyalty, ments this year is the political, conversation “grave victory had added significance. been glaringly absent this year. economic, military and defence breaches” of In the run up to the UNGA debate, A reinvigorated UNRWA must root unity, and pride in successes achieved by its foreign with refugee the Geneva the agency was consumed by a man- its humanitarian advocacy in the Qatar’s national relations and strategic alliances communities. Conventions agement scandal limited to a small experiences of the refugees. To identity. open to various countries and - potentially group of officials around the executive achieve this, the agency must initiate a peoples with active and calm amounting to war crimes - by Israel, head, the commissioner general, who broad-based inclusive conversation diplomacy based on mutual the occupying power, against a UN- was forced to resign. with refugee communities. Freed from respect and common interests. protected people. An interim leader, Christian the constraints of American-Israeli Qatar has been able to Heartened by the toothless inter- Saunders - a seasoned UN-reformer financial leverage, now is the time to achieve tangible achievements in record time as a result of national response, Israel’s Prime Min- and close confidant of the UN Sec- consult the refugees about their aspi- good planning and following a tight strategy in which all the ister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded retary-General - was sent in to sort out rations and advocate meaningfully for influential sectors in the country are integrated. The State more. He urged US support for his the mismanagement. The over- their rights, including their right to succeeded in overcoming the effects of the unfair blockade annexation plans for the Jordan Valley, whelming UNGA vote was an early self-determination and the full range imposed for the third year in a row and after it became more where over 65,000 Palestinians live sign that the UNRWA was turning the of their civil and political rights. powerful, preventive and coherent, and more self-reliant. alongside some 11,000 Jewish settlers corner. Recently, donors who had sus- The UNRWA must make the Qatar achieved the highest rates of economic growth. on land also seized in contravention of pended aid until the agency resolved argument forcefully to the donor Major projects related to the 2022 World Cup are being com- international law. The legal frame- its internal problems are returning. community that aid is not a dis- pleted. Infrastructure development in the free, economic, works on which the world order has The UNRWA still has a huge placement activity. It can never industrial and logistical areas has taken place, and the been predicated since World War II financial deficit to bridge by the end of replace rights and dignity. Palestinian national economy has witnessed a great recovery with the are under unilateral attack. the year. But it has a plan in place to rights are not for sale. opening of more than 800 Qatari companies in the field of manufacturing food, service and manufacturing industries, as well as the expansion of several industrial cities to provide land for more investment projects and promising opportu- Regulations necessary to ensure IT firms protect data nities in various sectors. Qatar has, over the years, preserved its historical heritage and cultural identity, despite rapid JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI Rakuten Inc. and Yahoo Japan Corp. are no when they suffer such disadvantages advancements on many fronts. Qatar National Day is an also included. as unilateral changes to agreements and occasion of renewed loyalty and is celebrated by all citizens uge information technology There is good reason to tighten regu- burdens incurred through coercive cost- and residents alike to promote loyalty, unity, and pride in (IT) corporations have lations on them, given their increasing sharing. The aim of rectifying such a situ- Qatar’s national identity. gathered massive amounts of influence on society through the pro- ation is understandable. Hcustomer information. There vision of internet services and social The Fair Trade Commission intends are strong concerns about the situation. media. There are two main pillars for to keep a closer watch for “abuse of a The government needs to swiftly create such regulations. One concerns how an dominant bargaining position,” which is and improve rules in a manner suited to environment for fair competition will be prohibited by the Antimonopoly Law. QUOTE OF THE DAY the actual circumstances. realized. However, it takes time to grasp the real- The government’s Conference for The envisaged law would oblige ities involved. Establishing a new law to Digital Market Competition has put platform corporations operating large- complement the Antimonopoly Law can A commitment to together a plan to urge both domestic scale online malls and app stores to dis- be expected to restrain platform corpo- the state of Israel and foreign IT companies to reinforce the close their contract terms while also regu- rations in this respect. ... does not mean protection of personal data and promote larly reporting their operational situations The second pillar is protecting users. the transparency of their business trans- to the national government. If a platform The Personal Information Protection 100% agreement actions. The government will pursue company does not disclose such infor- Law would be revised to ban not only with all of Israel’s such objectives as establishing a new law mation, it would be issued an advisory platform firms, but all other companies, at next year’s ordinary Diet session and with the name of the company revealed from inappropriately using personal political actions. revising relevant legislation. or be ordered to improve its methods. The information. At a session of the conference, Chief idea of expanding the list of regulatory The appropriate handling of personal Angela Merkel Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said, targets to include other types of services information and fair competition will German Chancellor “[The latest move] has shown how new will also be considered in the future. support the sound development of a rules should be laid down regarding the Platform companies stand at an data-based society. It is hoped that an digital market.” Presumed targets are advantage in online malls, as they are the effective system will be facilitated while “platform” corporations, such as US firms operators of such sites. Other businesses taking care not to hinder technological Google, Apple Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. selling goods online find it difficult to say innovation. THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 09 Diplomatic missions in US, LatAm mark National Day The Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States, H E Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani, hosted a reception at the US Library of Congress in Washington. The event also celebrated 47 years of partnership between the State of Qatar and the United States.

QNA between the American and DOHA Qatari peoples. H E Pelosi expressed her Qatar’s embassies and diplo- delight at participating in the matic missions in the United national day celebrations, saying States, Canada and other Latin that she has just returned from American countries marked the Spain where she was attending National Day, which is cele- a conference on climate change, brated on December 18 every and got to know the State of year, in commemoration of the Qatar’s commitment to pro- state’s founder Sheikh Jassim bin tecting the planet. Mohamed bin Thani, under the She stressed on the impor- theme ‘The Path of Excellence is tance of the partnership the two Difficult’. sides have, and added that she Their Excellencies, Heads of had the honour of meeting Amir Diplomatic, Consular and Rep- H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad resentative Missions of the State Al-Thani several times, as well of Qatar abroad, extended as Chairperson of Qatar Foun- Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States, H E Sheikh greetings and congratulations to dation H H Sheikha Moza bin Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani, with US Secretary of Treasury, H E Steven Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Nasser to discuss initiatives Hamad Al Thani, Father Amir related to children’s education. Mnuchin (top left) and Speaker of the US House of Representatives, H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Pelosi said that it was for H E Nancy Pelosi, at a reception to mark Qatar National Day in Al Thani, and the Qatari people these reasons and more that she Washington, DC.

Qatar’s Ambassador to the Republic of Peru, H E Ali bin Hamad Al Sulaiti, with Peru’s Foreign Minister, H E Qatar’s Ambassador to the United Mexican States, H E Mohammed bin Jassim Al Kuwari (left), and Gustavo Meza-Cuadra (first right), and other officials during a ceremony to mark Qatar National Day in Lima. other officials during an event to celebrate Qatar National Day, in Mexico City. on this precious occasion, appreciates and celebrates all the military leaders, heads and and greetings to H H the Amir of In Mexico City, Qatar’s Qatar is looking to be a pioneer wishing the State of Qatar further efforts made by the State of Qatar members of the diplomatic corps Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Ambassador to the United in education, in the region and progress and prosperity. all over the world. She said that accredited to Canada, and a Al Thani and to the Qatari people, Mexican States H E Mohammed the world. The Qatari diplomatic cele- she had a chance to pay a short number of academics, jour- stressing the depth of the bin Jassim Al Kuwari hosted a The reception included an brations in the capitals and cities visit to the State of Qatar and nalists, embassy friends and bilateral relations which com- reception on the occasion of exhibition of traditional tools and of the world have been attended went to Al Udeid airbase, and members of the Arab community pleted 30 years of cooperation. Qatar National Day. models for the 2022 World Cup by a high-level official and public thanked the State of Qatar for in Canada. In his speech, Al Saadi He said that Qatar and Peru The event was attended by stadiums, in addition to pictures representation, reflecting Qatar’s hosting US soldiers there. welcomed the attendees and are linked by friendship and Secretary of Tourism H E Carlos representing the most prominent distinguished relations with the Pelosi concluded by saying that stressed the strong relations cooperation ties, expressing the Mackinlay, deputies and foreign cultural, sports and historical countries of the world. it was an honour to celebrate the between Qatar and Canada. keenness of the Government of diplomats accredited to Mexico. landmarks of the State of Qatar. In Washington, Ambassador State of Qatar’s National Day and In Lima, Qatar’s Ambassador Peru on strengthening and In a speech during the cer- In Quito, Qatar’s Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United thanked everyone working on to the Republic of Peru H E Ali enhancing the bilateral relations emony, HE the Qatari Ambas- to the Republic of Ecuador, H E States H E Sheikh Meshal bin Mohammed Ali Al Malki hosted Hamad Al Thani hosted the a reception on the occasion of reception at the US Library of Qatar’s National Day. Congress. More than a thousand The reception was attended people attended the function. by Minister of Defence H E Attending were a number of Oswaldo Jarrin, Minister of ranking officials at the US Tourism H E Rosi Prado de administration, members of the Holguin, Assistant Foreign Min- Arabic and foreign diplomatic ister H E Cristial Espinosa, rep- corps in Washington, in addition resenting the Department of to Qatari citizens who live in the Foreign Affairs, Speaker of the United States and students National Assembly H E Cesar studying there. Litardo and a large number of The beginning of the event the Arab and Islamic community saw Qatari student Ahmed Al in Quito. Hajri welcome the guests and say In Montevideo, Acting that today is a commemoration Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the state’s founder Sheikh of the State of Qatar to the Ori- Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani ental Republic of Uruguay, Taleb who founded the country in 1878. bin Mohammed Al Menkhas He added that they are also cel- hosted a reception on the ebrating 47 years of partnership occasion of Qatar’s National Day. between the State of Qatar and The reception was attended the United States. by intendant of Durazno For his part, H E the Ambas- Department H E Carmelo Vidalin, sador praised members of US H E intendant of Maldonado Acting Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Taleb bin Mohammed Al Menkhas, administration and Congress, Department, Chief of Protocol at with other dignitaries and officials during an event to celebrate Qatar National Day in Montevideo, Uruguay. particularly Secretary of the Foreign Ministry H E Ambas- Treasury, H E Steven Mnuchin sador Eduardo Pozo, as well as and Secretary of Health and enhancing ties between the State bin Hamad Al Sulaiti hosted a with the State of Qatar. sador noted the distinguished a number of officials and repre- Human Services, H E Alex Azar of Qatar and the United States. reception on the occasion of For his part, H E the Qatari relations between Qatar and sentatives of government insti- saying their attendance reflects In the Canadian capital Qatar National Day. Ambassador welcomed the Mexico, and said that Qatar wel- tutions, senior military leaders the strength of bilateral ties. He Ottawa, Acting Charge d’Affaires The event was attended by guests and praised the strong and comes everyone and its doors are and Uruguayan officials and also thanked members of the of the Embassy of the State of Foreign Minister H E Gustavo developing relations between open to Mexican tourists and heads of Arab and foreign mis- diplomatic corps who represent Qatar to Canada Hamoud Saleh Meza-Cuadra, Mayor of Lima H Qatar and Peru, which are based investors. sions accredited to Uruguay, in friends of Qatar from around the Al Saadi hosted a reception on E Jorge Munoz, Mayor of Mira- on the principles of cooperation H E the Ambassador noted addition to a number of prom- world. the occasion of Qatar’s National flores H E Luis Molina and a and mutual respect. He said that that Qatar Vision 2030 con- inent social and religious person- H E the Ambassador wel- Day. number of heads of diplomatic the National Day of the State of tributed to promoting human alities, civil society leaders, busi- comed Speaker of the House The ceremony was attended missions accredited to Peru, Qatar is a dear national occasion, development in education, nessmen and media. The cer- Nancy Pelosi, saying her by a number of ranking officials, businessmen and dignitaries. noting Qatar’s prominent culture and in many other fields, emony included an exhibition for attendance reflect the clear com- members of the Senate, members H E the Foreign Minister of position on the regional and including investments, eco- traditional products and popular mitment to enhancing the ties of the House of Commons, Peru extended congratulations international scene. nomics and sports, adding that Qatari cuisine. 10 HOME THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 Qatar National Day celebrated in major European capitals QNA Ranking officials from by former Austrian President, DOHA the host nations and H E Heinz Fischer and a number of directors of departments and Qatar’s embassies and diplo- ambassadors from protocols at the Austrian Foreign matic missions in European several Arab and Ministry, as well as ranking offi- countries have celebrated the foreign countries cials at the UN headquarters in National Day, which is cele- attended celebrations Vienna, Arab and foreign brated on December 18 of every ambassadors accredited to year, in commemoration of the in London, Munich, Austria and representatives of state’s founder Sheikh Jassim Rome, Bern, Budapest, various official political, parlia- bin Mohamed bin Thani, under Stockholm, Vienna, mentary, diplomatic and eco- the theme ‘The Path of Excel- nomic institutions. lence is Difficult’. Athens, Zagreb, In a speech during the cer- Their Excellencies, Heads Sarajevo, Nicosia and emony, H E Ambassador Al of Diplomatic, Consular and other cities. Mansouri praised the relations Representative Missions of the between Qatar and Austria and State of Qatar abroad, extended their remarkable development greetings and congratulations in recent years. The Ambas- to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin part for the promotion of the sador stressed his determi- Hamad Al Thani, Father Amir 2022 World Cup and the show- nation to continue work to H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa cased “Qatar the Future” film, promote the bilateral relations Al Thani, and the Qatari people which attracted great interest to broader horizons and on this precious occasion, from the audience. enhance the friendship bonds wishing the State of Qatar In Bern, Acting Charge between the two people. Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom, H E Youssef bin Ali Al Khater, speaks at a further progress and d’Affaires of the Embassy of the H E the Ambassador reception held to celebrate Qatar National Day, in London. Director of Protocol and Vice-Marshal of the prosperity. State of Qatar to the Swiss Con- stressed the importance of In London, Ambassador of federation and the Principality culture in bringing peoples Diplomatic Corps at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Neild Holland (left) also attended the event. the State of Qatar to the United of Liechtenstein Khaled Ali Al together, noting the signifi- Kingdom, H E Youssef bin Ali Maliki Al Juhani, held a cance of Austria’s cultural her- made in its policies, external Qatar National Day. The diplomatic corps accredited to Al Khater held a reception on reception on the occasion of itage, especially in the field of relations and strategic alli- reception was attended by State Greece. the occasion of the State of Qatar’s National Day. The event arts, museums and opera, and ances, and the reliance on the Secretary to the Minister for In his speech, the Ambas- Qatar’s National Day. The was attended by a number of the interest of the State of Qatar national capacity and Business, Industry and Inno- sador welcomed the attendees function was attended by officials and members of the and its people in the arts. competence. vation H E Emil Hogberg (the and said that this year’s cele- Director of Protocol and Vice- diplomatic missions accredited He noted the joint artistic H E the Ambassador noted guest of honour), H E the bration of the national day comes Marshal of the Diplomatic to the Swiss Confederation. activities between the State of that the close high-level Second Deputy Speaker of the under the theme of “The Path of

Qatar’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden, H E Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al Thani (second left); Dignitaries and officials during the Qatar National Day event in Germany. State Secretary to the Minister for Business, Industry and Innovation, H E Emil Hogberg (second right), and other officials cutting a cake to celebrate Qatar National Day during an event in Stockholm. Corps at the Foreign and Com- In Budapest, Qatar’s Qatar and the Republic of monwealth Office Neild Ambassador to Hungary H E Austria, including the Qatari Holland and Her Majesty’s Mohammed bin Hamad Al exhibition “The Majlis” at Welt- friendship relations between Swedish Parliament, H E head Excellence is Difficult.” He Marshal of the Diplomatic Khalifa hosted a reception on museum in the capital Vienna, the State of Qatar and the of the diplomatic security stressed that the only way to Corps Alistair Harrison, along the occasion of Qatar National which witnessed a large turnout Italian Republic developed to service, members of Stockholm succeed will be through morals with a number of ranking offi- Day. The reception was by the Austrian people. strategic levels, and benefited municipality, heads of the Arab and science. His Excellency cials from different ministries, attended by H E Deputy Min- In Rome, Qatar’s Ambas- form the mutual trust between and foreign diplomatic missions added that the State of Qatar will the house of lords, and Arab, ister of State at the Cabinet sador to the Italian Republic the two countries to reflect pos- accredited to Sweden, as well be the first Arab country ever to foreign and former UK ambas- Roland Juhasz, H E Advisor to H E Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al itively on all aspects of the joint as representatives of gov- host the World Cup, saying that sadors accredited by the UK the Hungarian President Malki hosted a reception on the cooperation. ernment institutions, local and the event is a platform for and the State of Qatar. Gabriella Kereszty and senior occasion of Qatar National Day. Meanwhile, H E the Ambas- foreign media, the Swedish peoples of the world to get to The Ambassador said that community and Arab commu- know one another. 2019 coincides with the 10th nities in Stockholm. In Zagreb, Qatar’s Ambas- anniversary of opening the H E the State Secretary to sador to the Republic of Croatia South Hook Gas Company that the Minister for Business, H E Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa distributes gas across the UK. Industry and Innovation under- hosted a reception on the The Ambassador stressed that lined the depth of the Qatari- occasion of Qatar National Day. the State of Qatar intends to Swedish relations and said that The event was attended by H E become a partner to the UK in the Kingdom of Sweden looks Assistant Foreign Minister for the field of energy security. forwards further partnership Economic Affairs Ivana Zivkovic, As for the World Cup 2022, with the State of Qatar at all a number of political officials, H E the Ambassador discussed levels. military leaders and represent- the State of Qatar and the UK’s H E the Qatari Ambassador atives of civil society joint interest in sports. The welcomed the attendees and organizations. Ambassador also discussed the stressed the developing In Sarajevo, Qatar’s Ambas- success of the World Athletics bilateral relations between the sador to the Republic of Bosnia Championships in Doha and the two countries. The reception and Herzegovina H E Sultan bin FIFA Club World Cup hosted by included a film on the Qatari Ali Al Khater held a reception on the State of Qatar from heritage and the economic and the occasion of Qatar National December 11 to December 22. cultural renaissance in the State Day. The reception was attended In Munich, Consul General of Qatar. by H E Prime Minister Denis of the State of Qatar in Munich In Athens, Ambassador of the Zvizdic, HE Minister of Human H E Rashid bin Saeed Al State of Qatar to Greece H E Rights and Refugees Semiha Khayarin held a reception on Abdulaziz Ali Al Naama held a Borovac, Grand Mufti Dr. Husein the occasion of the National reception on the occasion of the Kavazovic and a large number Day of the State. National Day of the State. The of ranking officials. The event was attended by ceremony was attended by In Nicosia, H E Qatar’s German political, economic, Deputy Minister of Foreign Ambassador to the Republic of cultural, intellectual and scien- Dignitaries and officials during a ceremony to mark Qatar National Day in Rome. Affairs for Economic Diplomacy Cyprus hosted a reception on the tific figures, in addition to the and Openness H E Kostas Fra- occasion of Qatar National Day. members of the Arab and gogiannis, Greek Deputy Minister The reception was attended by foreign diplomatic corps officials and directors of In a speech during the sador noted a growing Italian of Culture and Sports H E Lefteris HE Acting President of the accredited to the city of Munich departments of various minis- reception, HE the Ambassador presence in the sectors of Avgenakis, Deputy Minister of Republic of Cyprus and President and a large number of Qatari tries as well as several members said that the pillars and foun- industry, engineering, finance Development and Investments of the Cypriot Parliament Dem- citizens and members of the of the Arab and foreign diplo- dations inherited generation and investment, infrastructure H E Ioannis Tsakiris, Secretary etris Syllouris, H E Minister of Arab and Islamic communities. matic corps accredited to after generation, and the especially the 2022 World Cup General for International Eco- Health Constantinos Ioannou, HE the Consul praised the dis- Hungary. respect for the sovereignty and projects, the metro projects and nomic Affairs at the Ministry of representing the government of tinguished relations between In Vienna, Qatar’s Ambas- civilizations of peoples, have others. Foreign Affairs H E Gregory Dim- Cyprus and H E Minister of the State of Qatar and Germany sador to the Republic of Austria brought the State of Qatar to In Stockholm, Qatar’s itriadis and a large number of Interior Nicos Nouris, in addition and the mutual visits relations H E Sultan bin Salmeen Al Man- become a role model in the Ambassador to the Kingdom of directors of departments of the to a number of officials and that aimed at consolidating souri hosted a reception on the welfare and development in Sweden H E Sheikha Moza bint Greek Foreign Ministry, person- ambassadors of a number of cooperation in all fields. occasion of Qatar National Day. various fields, most notably the Nasser Al Thani hosted a alities from the business and civil Arab and foreign countries The event included a special The reception was attended remarkable achievements reception on the occasion of society community and the accredited to Cyprus. THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 11 Qatar National Day celebrated in Turkey, Kuwait and Asian capitals

RIGHT: Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Turkey, H E Salem bin Mubarak Al Shafi, with Turkish Minister of Interior, H E Suleyman Soylu (left), during a reception to mark Qatar National Day in Ankara. LEFT: Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Turkey, H E Salem bin Mubarak Al Shafi, with other dignitaries and officials at the event to mark Qatar National Day in Turkish capital.

Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Turkey, H E Salem bin Mubarak Al Shafi, with Qatar’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, H E Bandar bin Mohammed Al Attiyah (foreground, right), Turkey’s Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar (right) during a reception to celebrate Qatar National with former Prime Minister, H H Sheikh Nasser Al Mohammed Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah (foreground, Day in Ankara, Turkey. left), during an event to celebrate Qatar National Day in Kuwait.

QNA as well as a number of senior offi- Arab communities and Islamic and the Special Advisor to the Deen. In Beijing, Qatar’s Ambas- DOHA cials, heads of diplomatic mis- societies and the Qatari students Prime Minister addressed the cer- The celebration included a sador to the People’s Republic of sions and international organisa- in Australia. The Qatari Ambas- emony and praised the level the visual presentation of the biggest China H E Mohammed bin Qatar’s embassies and diplomatic tions accredited by the Republic sador commended the strong strong friendship and cooperation achievements of the state, in Abdullah Al Dehaimi hosted a missions in various Asian coun- of Turkey. There were also a host friendship relations and the relations between the two coun- addition to the country’s latest reception on the occasion of tries celebrated the National Day, of media personalities and fruitful joint cooperation between tries. The reception included a preparations for the World Cup Qatar National Day. The reception which is celebrated on December academics Qatar and Australia. pavilion highlighted the Qatari 2022. was attended by H E Assistant 18 of every year, in commemo- H E the Ambassador said in a In Tokyo, Qatar’s Ambassador culture and heritage, and another In Nur-Sultan, Qatar’s Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong ration of the state’s founder speech that thanks to the wise to Japan H E Hassan bin pavilion showcased Japanese Ambassador to the Republic of as the guest of honour, and a Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin and pioneering leadership of the Mohammed Rafea Al Emadi exhibits and arts. Qatari Arda (tra- Kazakhstan H E Abdulaziz bin number of representatives of the Thani, under the theme ‘The Path founder of the State of Qatar, hosted a reception on the ditional dance) was also per- Sultan Al Rumaihi hosted a Chinese government and repre- of Excellence is Difficult’. Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin occasion of Qatar National Day. formed during the ceremony. reception on the occasion of sentatives of the Arab, Islamic and Their Excellencies, Heads of Thani that the country was united The reception was attended In Kuala Lumpur, Ambas- Qatar National Day. The cer- foreign diplomatic missions, as Diplomatic, Consular and Repre- and took serious steps towards by H E Leader of Komeito Party sador of Qatar to Malaysia, H E emony was attended by H E well as ranking officials and sentative Missions of the State of modernity. Natsuo Yamaguchi, HE Special Fahad bin Mohammed Kafoud Deputy Minister of National figures from the political, diplo- Qatar abroad, extended greetings He stressed that the relations Advisor to the Prime Minister for held a reception in the Kingdom Economy Madiyev Zhaslan, rep- matic, economic, commercial, and congratulations to Amir H H between the State of Qatar and National Security Minoru Kihara, of Malaysia on the occasion of the resenting the Kazakh gov- cultural, media, educational and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al the Republic of Turkey during the HE Secretary-General for Public National Day of the State. ernment, and a number of digni- social circles. Thani, Father Amir H H Sheikh past few years have become an Affairs of the Liberal Democratic The ceremony was attended taries, government officials and In a speech during the cer- Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and international model to be fol- Party and Secretary-General of by H E Minister of Economic heads of Arab and foreign diplo- emony, HE the Qatari Ambas- the Qatari people on this precious lowed at various levels. He also Japan-Qatar Parliamentary Affairs Mohamed Azmin Ali, H E matic missions accredited to sador underlined the keenness of occasion, wishing the State of noted that the relations between Friendship Association Tadahiko Minister of Defense of Malaysia Kazakhstan. the State of Qatar on its relations Qatar further progress and the two countries are based on a Ito, H E Special Adviser to the is Mohamad Sabu, H E Speaker In Bandar Seri Begawan, H E with the friends in China, and on prosperity. solid foundation of noble values President of the Liberal Demo- of the Malaysian Parliament Qatar’s Ambassador to the Sul- promoting the strategic part- In Kuwait, Qatar’s Ambas- and principles and the eternal cratic Party on Diplomatic Affairs Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, HE tanate of Brunei Jassim bin Ali Al nership between the two sador to the State of Kuwait H E triumph of humanity, Vis-a-vis Obaidli hosted a reception on the countries. Bandar bin Mohammed Al regional and international occasion of Qatar’s National Day. In Bishkek, Ambassador of Attiyah hosted a reception on the political issues. The ceremony was attended by the State of Qatar to the Kyrgyz occasion of Qatar National Day. H E the Ambassador representative of H M Sultan Has- Republic H E Abdullah bin Ahmed The reception was attended expressed hope that relations can sanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darus- Al Sulaiti held a reception on the by H H former Prime Minister be developed even further under salam, H E Minister of Health occasion of Qatar National Day Sheikh Nasser Al Mohammed Al the wise leadership of Amir H H Dato Paduka Dr. Haji Mohammad in Bishkek. The ceremony was Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, H E Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Isham bin Haji Jaafar, as the guest attended by the Deputy Foreign Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Thani and President of the of honor, along with a number of Affairs Minister of the Kyrgyz Suleiman Al Jarallah, H E repre- Republic of Turkey H E Recep senior officials, dignitaries, heads Republic Azizbek Madmarov, sentative of the Foreign Minister Tayyip Erdogan. of the diplomatic missions H E Minister of Health Kosmosbek Sheikh Dr. Basel Hamoud Al For his part, H E Sentop said accredited to Brunei, busi- Cholponbayev, and a number of Hamad Al Sabah, H E represent- that the strength of bilateral ties nessmen, press and media in government officials and heads ative of Deputy Prime Minister has already been tested on several Brunei. of diplomatic missions and con- and Minister of Interior Anas occasions and passed those tests In Manila, Qatar’s Ambas- sulates accredited to Khaled Nasser Al Saleh, H E every time with flying colors. He sador to the Republic of the Phil- Kyrgyzstan. Assistant Foreign Minister for stressed that the strong ties were ippines H E Ali bin Ibrahim Al In Guangzhou, H E General Protocol Affairs Ambassador a result of the commitment of the Malki hosted a reception on the Consul of the State of Qatar to Dari Ajran Al Ajran, in addition two countries leadership. occasion of Qatar National Day. Guangzhou of the People’s to a large number of Sheikhs of In Canberra, Qatar’s Ambas- The reception was attended by Republic of China Ali bin Ghanem the ruling family, deputies of the sador to Australia H E Saad bin HE Assistant Secretary of Foreign Al Hajri held a ceremony on the National Assembly and ambas- Abdullah Al Mahmoud hosted a Affairs Department for Middle occasion of Qatar National Day. sadors accredited to Kuwait. reception on the occasion of East and African Affairs Leslie In Hong Kong, Consul Qatar’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, H E Mohammed In Ankara, Ambassador of the Qatar National Day. Baja as the guest of honor, H E General of the State of Qatar in bin Abdullah Al Dehaimi, with China’s Assistant Foreign Minister State of Qatar to the Republic of The reception was attended Undersecretary of Presidential Hong Kong H E Mohammed bin Turkey H E Salem bin Mubarak by H E Speaker of the Legislative H E Chen Xiaodong during an event to mark National Day in Beijing. Communications Marvin Gat- Sultan Al Kuwari held a reception Al Shafi held a reception on the Assembly of Queensland Curtis payat representing the Secretary on the occasion of the National National Day of the State. The Pitt, Chief of Protocol at the Aus- and Minister of State at the Deputy President of the Senate of Presidential Communications, Day of the State. The ceremony event saw large participation with tralian Department of Foreign Foreign Ministry Kentaro Abdul Halim bin Abdul Samad, in addition to a large number of was attended by HE Chief Sec- around 2,000 people attending. Affairs Kate Logan and a number Sonoura, H E head of the media HE Advisor of the Malaysian ranking officials, members of the retary for Administration The ceremony was attended of senior representatives of network of the Liberal Demo- Prime Minister for Economic Senate of the Philippines, a Matthew Cheung, and a number by Speaker of the Grand National official political, parliamentary, cratic Party and Minister of State Affairs Dr. Mohammed number of Philippine diplomats, of officials from the government Assembly H E Mustafa Sentop, diplomatic, economic and mil- at the Foreign Ministry Yasuhide Abdulkhalid, Secretary-General ambassadors, and heads and of Hong Kong, in addition to Minister of the Interior H E itary institutions in Australia, as Nakayama, among many other of the Ministry of Women, Family members of diplomatic missions heads of diplomatic missions Suleyman Soylu, Minister of well as the Grand Mufti of Aus- dignitaries. and Community Development of and international organizations accredited by Hong Kong and National Defence H E Hulusi Akar, tralia, leaders of The Leader of Komeito Party Malaysia Janida bint Qamar Al accredited to the Philippines. heads of commerce chambers. 12 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019

Palestinian Iraqi protesters Authority, Fatah evade election: shut main ports Hamas company in Basra ANATOLIA/GAZA CITY Palestinian group Hamas has ANATOLIA/BAGHDAD Iraq’s highest accused rival Fatah movement judicial authority has and the Palestinian Authority Iraqi protesters blocked access ordered the release (PA) of evading elections. to the main ports company in In a statement, Hamas the southern Basra province of 2,700 people held spokesman Fawzi Barhoum yesterday, according to a local in anti-government described the position of PA security source. demonstrations. In President and Fatah leader “Demonstrators shut the Mahmoud Abbas on the polls as gates of the General Company a statement, the “negative” and “disappointing”. for Ports of Iraq in central Supreme Judicial “PA used the vote issue as Basra,” the source said on con- Authority said 107 a maneuver to evade require- dition of anonymity. protesters are ments for healing the [Pales- On Tuesday, angry pro- tinian] rift and cut off the road testers blocked main roads to still held pending to the positive atmosphere oilfields in Basra and pre- investigation. and opportunities for vented employees from going reforming the Palestinian Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Geneva to attend the First Global Refugee Forum in to work. In a statement, the Supreme political system in order to Switzerland. Iraq has been roiled by mass Judicial Authority said 107 pro- gain more time in hopes of protests since early October over testers are still held pending getting out of its current pre- poor living conditions and cor- investigation. dicament,” he said. ruption, forcing Prime Minister The government has pledged He said Hamas has agreed Erdogan says Turkey to boost Adel Abdul-Mahdi to resign. to release all protesters in to hold legislative election Two protesters have suc- custody if they were involved in before the presidential polls. cumbed to their wounds in any crimes. Hamas and Fatah have cooperation with Libya southern Iraq, according to local Meanwhile, Turkish foreign remained at odds since the medical sources yesterday. minister discussed voluntary former seized the Gaza Strip from One demonstrator was return of Syrians with his coun- the latter in mid-2007 after REUTERS/ANKARA Geneva after a forum on been providing military injured in clashes with security terparts from Iraq, Lebanon, and several days of street fighting. In migration, Erdogan said he had equipment to Serraj’s government. forces near the Umm Qasr port Jordan. 2017, the two factions signed a Turkey will improve cooperation met the premier of the Tripoli- Rival forces under Khalifa Haftar in Basra last month and died of Mevlut Cavusoglu met with reconciliation agreement in Cairo with Libya by offering military based government, Fayez Al controlling the east of the North his injuries yesterday, a medical Iraq’s Mohamed Ali Alhakim, in hopes of ending years of ani- support to its internationally Serraj, to discuss potential joint African state have received source said. Jordan’s Ayman Safadi and Leb- mosity and division. Terms of the recognised government and initiatives, adding Ankara was support from Russia, Egypt and Another protester died of his anon’s Gebran Bassil in Geneva, agreement, however, have never backing joint steps in the eastern ready to help. the United Arab Emirates. wounds in the city of Nassiriya Switzerland where he attended been implemented amid deep- Mediterranean, broadcaster NTV “We will speed up the Erdogan also said he and late on Tuesday, another source the three-day Global Refugee seated differences between the cited President Recep Tayyip process between Turkey and Russian President Vladimir Putin said. Forum. two movements. Erdogan as saying yesterday. Libya. We told them that we are have appointed delegations to According to Iraq’s High “Discussed voluntary and Meanwhile, an Israeli air- Last month, Turkey and always ready to help if they need discuss developments in Libya Commission for Human Rights, safe returns of Syrians w/ craft on Tuesday hit what the Libya’s Tripoli-based gov- it. From military and security and that the officials would meet at least 496 Iraqis have been Mohamed Ali Alhakim FM of military said was an armed Pal- ernment signed a deal on mar- cooperation, to steps taken “soon”. For its part, the Kremlin killed and 17,000 have been #Iraq, @AymanHSafadi FM of estinian seen approaching the itime boundaries and another regarding our maritime rights - said Erdogan and Putin would injured since the protests began #Jordan and @Gebran_Bassil FM Israeli border fence in Gaza. pact on military cooperation. we are ready,” he was cited as address Ankara’s offer of mil- October 1. of #Lebanon. Our quadripartite “A short while ago, troops Ankara says it may send troops saying by NTV. itary support to Serraj’s gov- Iraq’s highest judicial cooperation will continue,” spotted an armed terrorist to Libya if the Tripoli gov- Libya has been torn by fac- ernment during talks in Turkey authority has ordered the release Cavusoglu posted on Twitter approaching the security fence ernment requests it, but that no tional conflict since the 2011 next month. Erdogan and Putin of 2,700 people held in anti-gov- along with a photo of four in the southern Gaza Strip,” an such request has been made yet. uprising that deposed dictator then held a phone call to discuss ernment demonstrations. diplomats. army statement said. Speaking to reporters in Muammar Gaddafi. Turkey has Libya.

US envoy to South Sudan Lebanese mob attacks warns of further Sunni cleric’s office sanctions AP/BEIRUT video was widely circulated online. It showed a Sunni res- AFP/JUBA A mob in Lebanon attacked the ident of Tripoli railing against the office of a Sunni Muslim reli- leaders of the country’s two main The US ambassador to South gious leader in the northern city Shia groups, Hezbollah and Amal, Sudan yesterday warned that of Tripoli, smashing in windows and religious Shia figures and Washington would not hesitate early yesterday, Lebanon’s using expletives. Their supporters to slap additional sanctions on official news agency and the descended on a protest camp in “spoilers” holding back peace military said. Beirut as security forces inter- in the war-torn African nation. The violence indicated that vened to push them back, setting Ambassador Thomas tensions that recently gripped the off hours of pitched street battles. Hushek was recalled in Lebanese capital, Beirut, fuelled Angry assailants also November when South Sudan’s by an online video deemed attacked protest camps in the rival leaders failed to meet a offensive to the country’s Shias northern district Hermel and in promised deadline to form a are spreading to Tripoli, the coun- the southern Sidon and Nabatiyeh. unity government, straining ties try’s second-largest city. The city The violence threatened to plunge with Washington. is predominantly Sunni. Lebanon further into chaos and The United States this week The military said a mob of ignite sectarian strife amid two slapped sanctions on two South men on motorcycles gathered months of anti-government pro- Sudan ministers, accusing them outside the home of Sunni Mufti tests and a spiraling financial of obstructing a peace accord Sheik Malek Al Shaar and rioted, crisis. The daily An-Nahar said the signed in 2018 that has paused, “used profanity” and smashed assailants in Tripoli were angered but not resolved, five years of Heavy rains damage desert camps property. The military said it because the Sunni mufti, al-Shaar, conflict. Hushek stood by the arrested four men and confis- had called the powerful Shiite A tent that was flooded following heavy rains in Al Rawdatayn, about 115km north of Kuwait City, decision —which was criticised cated their motorcycles. parliament speaker and head of yesterday. Heavy rains that hit Kuwait in recent days have damaged camps across the country’s by the office of South Sudan On Tuesday, anger boiled Amal, Nabih Berri, to apologize desert where camping is popular during the winter and spring season. President Salva Kiir — and over in Beirut after the offensive for the video. warned of further measures if peace talks failed to advance. “We are looking at all spoilers of the peace process,” Tunisia promises to honour demands of revolution Hushek told reporters in Juba during his first press briefing since returning from Wash- AFP/SIDI BOUZID, TUNISIA crowd in the centre of Sidi ington. “Sanctions... is one of the Bouzid. tools we will continue to have in Tunisia’s president commemo- Saied also announced that our tool box, and we will use rated the start of the uprising that December 17 will henceforth be them.” Kiir and his former toppled autocrat Zine El Abidine a national holiday. Tunisia deputy, Riek Machar, agreed Ben Ali, vowing to honour the already marks January 14, the Tuesday to form a power- demands of the revolution. date Ben Ali was deposed. sharing government before a President Kais Saied, an The former autocrat passed February deadline. The pledge independent academic elected away in Saudi Arabia in Sep- to join forces is the linchpin of in a landslide victory in October, tember. On December 17, 2010, the truce signed by Kiir and has made few statements since protests broke out after a young Machar, whose falling out in 2013 he took office in November. street vendor, Mohamed kicked off fighting that left nearly He made an unscheduled visit Bouazizi, set himself alight to 400,000 South Sudanese dead. to Sidi Bouzid, where the first pro- protest against police But they have missed two tests of Tunisia’s revolt erupted, harassment. deadlines to do so, most recently sparking the Arab Spring move- Since then, the Sidi Bouzid in November, when the pair were ments in the region. region has experienced further given another 100 days to come He promised to realise the bouts of unrest fuelled by unem- together in a coalition. The US, key demands of the revolution ployment and poverty. frustrated at repeat delays, and — freedom, work and dignity — In early December, protests having warned of consequences within the “framework of the broke out in the region after the if the men stalled again, recalled constitution and with death of a 25-year-old who set Hushek in protest, and legitimacy”. himself on fire in the centre of announced it was reevaluating “I will work despite manip- the impoverished town of Jelma The President of Tunisia, Kais Saied, speaking to people in the central Tunisian town of Sidi Bouzid, its relationship with South ulations... and plots... to honour in desperation over his economic yesterday. Sudan. your demands,” he told a dense situation. THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 ASIA 13 Fresh protests across India against citizenship law The demonstrations over the past few Supreme Court refuses to stay days have turned implementation of new law violent, with six people dead in the REUTERS northeastern state of NEW DELHI Assam and with police firing tear gas and India’s Supreme Court turned down a plea yesterday to stop the implementation of a new citizenship law based on religion that arresting hundreds of has set off violent protests in the country, but said it would hold people. hearings next month on the sweeping measure. “We want a stay order in the CAA case,” said Kapil Sibal, a AFP lawyer for petitioners who challenged the law in court, adding it NEW DELHI was in conflict with parts of the Indian constitution guaranteeing equality to all. Fresh protests broke out across Supreme Court Chief Justice SA Bobde refused requests to hold India yesterday as authorities off the implementation of the law, which came into effect last banned large gatherings in parts week. The court will however hear petitions challenging the con- of the capital in an effort to stitutional validity of the law on January 22. contain nationwide rallies and riots against a citizenship law law allowing New Delhi to Nadu, and Telangana. seen as discriminating against grant citizenship to non- There were sporadic Muslims. Muslim nationals from three clashes between police and The demonstrations over neighbouring countries comes demonstrators in some cities the past few days have turned in the wake of other policies as well as small violent, with six people dead in from Prime Minister Narendra counter-protests. the northeastern state of Assam Modi’s government that critics The latest round of protests Young demonstrators shouting slogans during a protest against a new citizenship law, outside the and with police firing tear gas said were designed to margin- came as the Supreme Court Jamia Millia Islamia university, in New Delhi yesterday. and arresting hundreds of alise Muslims in the Hindu- rejected pleas for an immediate people. majority nation. stay on the legislation, but Eight people were arrested In Gujarat state, five people The UN secretary-general’s In the financial capital Demonstrators, mostly deferred the case to January for for rioting and arson, police were arrested for drawing a spokesman Stephane Dujarric Mumbai, hundreds of people young people, again gathered extensive hearings. said yesterday. Nazi symbol beside the Modi’s said on Tuesday the global body under tight security carried outside Delhi’s Jamia Millia Petitioners have said the Another six people were ruling BJP party’s lotus logo on was “concerned about the vio- placards with the words “India is Islamia university as the ban legislation is unconstitutional arrested in West Bengal state the wall of the police head- lence and alleged use of ours” and chanted “we are all on gatherings of more than and goes against India’s cher- for hurling a bomb at policemen quarters in Vadodara city. excessive force by security one”. four people was imposed in ished secular traditions. on on Tuesday that injured Modi has remained defiant forces that we’ve seen that have “We just cannot go along some Muslim-dominated dis- Demonstrations tipped to seven officers. in the face of the protests and been taking place”. with this bill. I can’t believe we tricts of the city. attract huge crowds were In Uttar Pradesh, more than said the law would not affect “We very much call for now have to prove our citi- “We are really very angry planned for Thursday in major 110 people were arrested over Indian nationals but protect restraint and urge full respect zenship after living in India for with the BJP (Bharatiya Janata cities across the vast nation. the protests, or for posting on persecuted Hindu, Sikh and for the rights of freedom of so many years,” Tabeer Rizvi Party) government... They have At least 21 people, including social media, police said. other minorities from Muslim- opinion and expression and said as the Mumbai crowd taken racism to the extreme 12 policemen, were injured in Hostels at the state’s Aligarh majority neighbours. peaceful assembly,” he added. burst into a Hindi version of the point,” Taiba Hadis, 18, said. the Delhi clashes in Seelampur Muslim University, where Opposition parties, led by Authorities have imposed US civil rights movement “They are questioning our district on Tuesday, with police police brutality was alleged by Congress President Sonia internet blackouts and used anthem “We shall overcome”. existence and it is high time for firing tear gas after thousands students on Sunday, were Gandhi, met with President force to shut down rallies and “I am not surprised to see us to speak up.” Rallies were of protesters threw stones and emptied after residents were Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday sit-ins, but protesters have people of all religions come also held in other states, set fire to buses and a police told by the administration to to ask him to advise Modi’s gov- vowed to keep up their fight out to protest this bill.” The including West Bengal, Tamil outpost. start winter vacations early. ernment to withdraw the law. until the law is revoked. Nirbhaya case: Top court rejects Govt approves Akshay’s death penalty review Rs660bn Kerala high speed rail IANS the other convicts. “The grounds project: CM NEW DELHI raised in the present review peti- tion are almost a repetition of IANS The Supreme Court yesterday the arguments raised in the ear- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ruled that Nirbhaya gang-rape lier review petitions which were and murder convict Akshay rejected and in our view, can- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Kumar Singh’s age, socio- not be raised repeatedly,” it said. Vijayan yesterday claimed economic background, unblem- The court told Singh’s law- through a Facebook post that ished antecedents and chances yer that the review petition is not the Centre had given in prin- to reform fade into insignifi- for re-hearing of the appeal on ciple approval to the Rs660bn cance as the offence committed re-appreciation of the evidence Thiruvananthapuram- by him falls under “rarest of over and over again, and a party Kasaragod semi-high speed rail rare” cases, and therefore the is not entitled to seek review of (SHSR) corridor project. death penalty is confirmed. the judgment merely for the pur- The order was issued by the Singh had moved the apex pose of rehearing of the appeal Ministry of Railways and con- court seeking a review on the and a fresh decision. veyed to Kerala Chief Secretary capital punishment handed “It observed that it did not Tom Jose, Vijayan wrote. down to him and other three find any error apparent on the It’s joint venture of the accused in the Nirbhaya gang- face of the record in the appreci- Kerala government and the rape and murder case. The top ation of evidence or the findings Ministry of Railways. SHSR, court upheld the death penalty of the judgment of May 5, 2017. named Silver Line, is envisaged in 2017 and dismissed the review Therefore, none of the grounds to cut travel time between by other accused in 2018. raised in the review petition call Thiruvananthapuram and A bench, headed by Justice for review of this judgment and Kasaragod from 12 hours to 4 R Banumathi comprising Jus- thus, the review petition is dis- hours. tices Ashok Bhushan and AS missed,” it said. Kerala Rail Development Bopanna, said: “In light of the As Singh’s lawyer AP Singh Corporation (KRDCL), imple- aggravating circumstances and argued that the death penalty has menting agency for the 540km considering that the case falls been abolished in many coun- double-line project, had sub- within the category of ‘rarest tries, the court observed that mitted the proposal to the of rare cases’, the death pen- “... the same contentions were Ministry of Railways for alty is confirmed.” The top court raised by AP Singh in the earlier Foggy day in Amritsar building third and fourth lines noted Singh’s review petition was review petitions and the same between Thiruvananthapuram Sikh devotees visit the Golden Temple amid dense fog in Amritsar, yesterday. a mirror image of petitions of were dismissed”. and Kasaragod.

Gujarat CM Proposed rules for Everest will not curb deaths, say climbers opens first Janta REUTERS “Every year since 2013, some- when everyone else goes.” Nepal Among the changes pro- Department of Tourism, told Clinic in Jaipur KATHMANDU thing goes wrong and they (the has traditionally issued climbing posed by the Nepalese gov- Reuters last week. The gov- Nepal government) announce all permits to anyone prepared to ernment is a requirement for ernment has not given a time Veteran climbers of Mount these new rules and never pay the $11,000 fee, handing out climbers to submit a medical frame for the introduction of new IANS Everest are sceptical that implement them.” Eleven a record 381 passes this year. report by a certified doctor dis- laws. JAIPUR proposed new regulations by the climbers died on Mount Everest With essential Sherpas and closing their history and state of Viesturs, who has an Nepalese government to tighten this year - nine on the Nepali side guides added, more than 800 health. Another suggested extensive history on Everest, said Gujarat Chief Minister Ashok the permit process for adven- and two on the Tibetan side. people were trying to reach the requirement was the climbers the proposed changes did not do Gehlot inaugurated yesterday the turers will address the root Many perished when a rush to summit during the short weather submit proof they had scaled enough to tackle the “group first Janta Clinic “to provide good causes of this year’s heavy death climb the mountain during a window. another 6,500-metre peak in think” pack mentality that led to medical facilities to poor near toll on the world’s tallest peak. short window of suitable The overcrowding - which Nepal. the traffic jam in late May, a their homes” at Valmiki Nagar. American mountaineers Ed weather in late May led to a caught worldwide attention Arnette said the first change problem he said also needed to “Patients at these clinics will Viesturs and Alan Arnette said “traffic jam” near the summit. when a photograph of a queue was unlikely to be enough, given be addressed by climb leaders at get free medicines along with planned new laws - if they are “Most teams opt to go for the of climbers stepping over bodies the potential to forge medical base camp. free facility of necessary diag- introduced at all - are unlikely summit when the first weather to reach the summit went viral - documents, while the second “I know several climbers nostics,” the Chief Minister said. to tackle the growing trend of window is predicted,” Viesturs caused fatal delays in the thin air made little sense as many who waited until later and had Gehlot said most poor didn’t inexperienced climbers rushing told Reuters in one of a series of in what is known as the “death climbers have scaled higher the mountain almost to them- avail medical facilities due to its in packs to scale the 29,035-foot interviews by phone and email. zone” above 8,000 metres. That peaks elsewhere. selves,” Viesturs said of this high cost that they could not (8,850-metre) Himalayan peak. “Everyone is afraid of raised concerns that inexperi- The recommendations have year’s climbing season. “We afford. “Our government’s top “I’ve seen this movie so many missing what might be the one enced mountaineers were being been submitted to the cabinet for really need to answer why so priority is to make available times it’s totally predictable,” and only perfect day. There are encouraged to attempt the climb approval, Mira Acharya, who many people are on the summit quality health services to each Arnette told Reuters in a tele- typically several good summit by unscrupulous guide oversees climbing activities for ridge on the same day? How can person and make a healthy phone interview on Tuesday. days, but there’s pressure to go companies. the Nepal government’s you control it?” Rajasthan.” 14 ASIA THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 A-G: Pakistan govt to defend Musharraf during appeal INTERNEWS Attorney-General says “Once the verdict is announced ISLAMABAD the former military it becomes a public document and everyone can comment on Terming the high treason trial ruler was not given it.” At the same time, he added, against former military ruler the right to fair trial in he had tried his best to get a copy Pervez Musharraf “unfair”, the the high treason case. of the judgement but he was Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) asked by the court that it would government has decided to be issued after 48 hours. defend the self-exiled, ailing person who had committed The PM’s aide on infor- former president during the treason must be punished but in mation, however, criticised the hearing of an appeal to be filed this case the right of fair trial opposition for what she said on his behalf. guaranteed under the Consti- “maligning the army” and “I will defend the law in the tution was not ensured. A trial “harming the interest of the case but not any individual,” said should not just be fair but also state” by commenting on the Attorney-General (AG) Anwar seen to be fair,” he insisted. decision. Mansoor in the late-night joint The AG argued before the In a TV talk show, press conference that he media that one of the major spokesman for Prime Minister addressed along with Special flaws in the case was that those Imran Khan, Nadeem Afzal Chan Assistant to the Prime Minister who might have assisted General said that institutions should not on Information, Dr Firdous Ashiq retired Musharraf in enforcing get themselves involved in any Awan. emergency in the country “had controversy on the judgement, He said former president not been made party” in the case. as it was a verdict against an Musharraf had not been given He said if Musharraf had individual. He also urged the Supporters of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), the party of former military ruler Pervez the right to fair trial during the been given a chance to record nation and institutions to move Musharraf, carry placards during a rally in support of Musharraf, in Islamabad , yesterday. case tried in a special court and his statement and present his forward and not to get them- the judgement was announced witnesses, he might have come selves involved in any in absentia without recording up with “logical” reasons in controversy. PM convenes emergency meeting of party statement of the accused. support of the emergency he “Here [in the country] we The attorney-general said proclaimed in 2007. have faced hanging of prime INTERNEWS its verdict awarding him the party will also discuss matters the verdict raised questions Mansoor further argued that minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, ISLAMABAD death penalty for imposing a related to legislation regarding about “urgency in pronouncing the complaint against the former assassination of former prime state of emergency in 2007 and the extension of services of the the judgement when Musharraf president had been filed by a minister Benazir Bhutto and hor- Prime Minister Imran Khan suspending the Constitution. army chief and the appointment was in critical condition in ICU” former interior secretary, rible tragedy of Army Public yesterday summoned an emer- The verdict, announced by a of a chief election commissioner in Dubai. whereas under the 18th School, but [we] moved gency meeting of his Pakistan three-member bench of a and other members of the elec- “Musharraf was not given a Amendment to the Constitution, forward,” he added. Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s special tribunal, was received toral body. chance to record his statement only a prime minister and The PM spokesman was of core committee to discuss the with ‘lot of pain and anguish’ by The PTI’s legal team will under Article 342 (of the Consti- members of his cabinet have the opinion that all stakeholders conviction of former military Pakistani military. brief the members about the tution), to present his testimony powers to authorise any person should exercise patience on the dictator Pervez Musharraf in a The government, too, had extension issue after the detailed and witnesses and his request to for filing such petitions or judgement. Chan demanded that high treason case. expressed its reservations to the verdict of the Supreme Court in record his statement through complaints. action be taken against the The prime minister was in verdict, saying that the require- this regard. video link or before a com- Asked if he committed a con- accomplices of Musharraf who Geneva on Tuesday to attend the ments for a fair trial under The prime minister will also mission was turned down by the tempt of court by declaring the had assisted him or endorsed his “Global Refugee Forum” when Article 10-A were not fulfilled in take senior leaders of his party judge,” he added. trial “unfair” during his media act of enforcing emergency in the special court formed to try the case. into confidence over the cancel- “There is no question that a talk, the attorney-general said: the country in 2007. the former president announced In the meeting, the ruling lation of his visit to Malaysia. Myanmar’s Suu Kyi thanks supporters during genocide hearing PM Imran vows to facilitate REUTERS given generously and unques- happened in recent years, but Suu Kyi, the daughter of Myan- before they return. YANGON/DHAKA tioningly... was a great source of also missed opportunities to mar’s founding father Aung San, Hundreds of thousands of small farmers strength to us when we pre- handle fairly and constructively is still revered by many. Rohingya who remain inside Myanmar leader Aung San Suu sented our case at the ICJ,” Nobel social issues, politics, and the The proceedings in The Myanmar are mostly denied cit- INTERNEWS Kyi yesterday thanked laureate Suu Kyi said in a tele- economy, over many decades.” Hague galvanised supporters, izenship and live in conditions ISLAMABAD supporters who staged large vised address screened by the Suu Kyi was long feted in the who staged rallies across the Amnesty International has rallies on her behalf as she state broadcaster. West as a champion of human country chanting “Stand with likened to apartheid, confined to Prime Minister Imran Khan has defended the country against Suu Kyi led a team to the rights and democracy and was Suu Kyi” and waving flags. camps and villages and unable reiterated his commitment to genocide charges at The Hague, Netherlands for three days of a high-profile political prisoner A delegation of Myanmar off- to travel freely. facilitating small farmers in speaking to the nation for the hearings last week, during which during 15 years of house arrest icals visited the sprawling Bang- Myanmar does not consider increasing their yields, getting first time since she returned on she denied genocide and argued for her opposition to Myanmar’s ladeshi refugee camps yesterday, the Rohingya a native ethnic fair prices for their crops and Sunday. the UN court should not have then ruling military junta. where they spoke to several group. Many in the Buddhist- improving market access. Gambia accused Myanmar jurisdiction. She came to power after a dozen Rohingya in an effort to majority country call the In a tweet on ‘Kisan Day’ of violating the 1948 Genocide “Every country passes landslide election victory in 2015 kickstart a process to repatriate Rohingya “Bengalis”, suggesting yesterday, he said we are also Convention over a military cam- through difficult times and that ended half a century of army them. Myanmar says it has been they belong in Bangladesh. ensuring small farmers’ access paign that drove more than Myanmar is no exception. Such rule. But her stance on the ready to accept back the refugees Rohingya leader Abdur to Sehat Insaf Cards and to edu- 730,000 Rohingya Muslims from trials provide us with an oppor- Rohingya issue has seen her since January last year and has Rahim, who joined the talks yes- cational scholarships through Myanmar to Bangladesh. It has tunity to assess our strengths and stripped of many awards, calls built camps near the border to terday, said no progress had Ehsaas programme. asked the International Court of weaknesses, to reinforce one and for the Nobel committee to receive them. been made. “We are very upset. Chief Minister Punjab Justice to order “provisional rectify the other,” she said. revoke her peace prize and Rohingya leaders say they It’s going to be another failed Usman Buzdar said farmers are measures” to prevent more “The challenge we faced at strong criticism from former want Myanmar to recognise negotiation. They are saying the being given full price of their harm. the court actually emerged due celebrity supporters and other them as an ethnic group with the same old thing. There is nothing agriculture products under PTI “The support of our people, not only to the crisis that organisations. At home however, right to Myanmar citizenship new,” he said. government. Kazakh President Two policemen dead in attack reshuffles on polio team in Pakistan senior officials INTERNEWS under the age of five, polio — REUTERS ISLAMABAD which has no cure and can only ALMATY be prevented by giving a child At least two policemen were multiple vaccine doses — can Kazakh President Kassym- martyred yesterday after lead to irreversible paralysis. Jomart Tokayev yesterday unidentified assailants attacked In the hope of making named Kanat Bozumbayev, a polio vaccination team in Paki- Pakistan a polio-free country, a previously energy minister, a stani province of Khyber- countrywide door-to-door vac- presidential aide, and Pakhtunkhwa’s Lower Dir cination campaign is underway reshuffled a number of other district, Geo News reported. in all districts of the country senior officials. According to the police, the from December 16 to December Tokayev did not immedi- incident took place at the Rehnai 20 during which 39.6 million ately name a new energy min- pull area. The martyred children will be targeted. ister, a key position in the oil- policemen were deployed for The campaign has been syn- and-gas exporting Central the security in the ongoing polio chronised with Afghanistan to Asian nation. vaccination campaign. ensure vaccination of all Tokayev appointed Madina Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a children on the move as well, as Abylkasymova, until now a crippling childhood disease 75 of the 104 cases were deputy central bank governor, Afghan balloon seller caused by the polio virus and reported in KP province that the head of a newly established preventable through immuni- shares a long border with the A balloon seller sets fire to his final balloons at a cemetery before going home in Kabul on December 17, 2019. financial supervision agency. sation. Affecting mostly children landlocked country. He also removed political heavyweight Imangali Tasmag- ambetov from the position of Kazakhstan’s ambassador to US special envoy in Kabul amid renewed push for peace deal Russia, saying he was reaching retirement age. AFP Afghanistan Reconciliation of Afghanistan want a sus- Afghan president has been cut killed an American soldier. The Kazakh president also KABUL Zalmay Khalilzad and Ghani dis- tainable peace.” out of negotiations because the Talks resumed December 7 sacked his deputy chief of staff, cussed several topics including Khalilzad has spent more Taliban refuse to recognise his amid a reduction in violence in Darkhan Kaletayev, without The US special envoy leading the need for a ceasefire, Ghani’s than a year leading a push for a authority. Kabul but were paused following providing any reason, and negotiations with the Taliban spokesman Sediq Seddiqi said. deal with the Taliban that would A US-Taliban deal had been another Taliban attack, this time replaced him with Maulen Ash- met with Afghan President “The president also see the US reduce its military all but signed in early September, at Bagram air base north of imbayev, previously an aide. Ashraf Ghani in Kabul yesterday, expressed his concerns about the footprint in Afghanistan in return but President Donald Trump Kabul. Nursultan Nazarbayev, 79, an official said, amid a renewed continued violence by the for security guarantees from the scuttled the agreement at the last The US embassy in Kabul handed over the presidency to push to reach an accord with the Taliban,” Sediqqi said. insurgents. minute, citing concerns about declined to comment immedi- Tokayev in March after nearly insurgents. “The president reiterated While the US has kept Ghani ongoing Taliban violence ately, but talks appear to have three decades in power. US Special Representative for that the government and people apprised of developments, the including a Kabul bombing that resumed again this week. THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 ASIA 15 Xi lands in Macau for China handover anniversary party

AFP “The Chinese people become Chief Executive — a MACAU and the central position that is chosen by a 400- government are proud member committee stacked with Chinese President Xi Jinping of the achievements Beijing loyalists. Bunting and landed in Macau yesterday as the banners hailing the anniversary city prepares to mark 20 years and progress Macau were erected across the city, since the former Portuguese has made in the including on some of the clubs colony was returned. past 20 years since that serve as the territory’s Security has been ramped up its return to the lifeblood. ahead of Xi’s three-day visit Security has been dramat- which culminates on Friday’s motherland,” Xi said ically tightened ahead of Xi’s anniversary. China’s leadership on arrival at the city’s visit. Police set up checkpoints China’s President Xi Jinping shakes hands with a girl as she and other children welcome Xi upon his is keen to showcase Macau as a and extra screenings for pas- airport, a troupe of arrival at Macau’s international airport yesterday, ahead of celebrations for the 20th anniversary of successful example of its “one senger arrivals while author- country, two systems” model, schoolchildren waving ities said some major roads the handover from Portugal to China. with party leaders heaping praise Chinese and Macau would see closures. on a pliant city of 700,000. flags behind him. The city’s first light rail line Macau and Zhuhai, the first time who regularly travels to Hong clubs the backbone of the city’s “The Chinese people and the announced it would shut down they have done so. Kong said, adding that protesting dramatic rise. Macau’s GDP has central government are proud of for the duration, just a week Multiple journalists with Hong in Macau was “pointless and soared from $6.4bn in 1999 to the achievements and progress under Beijing’s rule. after it was first opened to the Kong passports working for local dangerous”. more than $55bn. Macau has made in the past 20 Like Hong Kong it maintains public while the airport said and international media have been “The reason it looks like it’s Per capita GDP is the third years since its return to the its own currency, judiciary and some flights would be denied entry to Macau in the run working well is because Macau highest in the world behind Lux- motherland,” Xi said on arrival free market. Limited details have rescheduled. up to the anniversary while a people don’t protest.” But he said embourg and Switzerland, at the city’s airport, a troupe of been released by authorities on Security checks were also group of pro-democracy law- there was local anger about the according to the International schoolchildren waving Chinese Xi’s schedule. He will meet local ramped up in Hong Kong’s ferry makers were denied permission wealth of the city’s elites, the Monetary Fund, while its casinos and Macau flags behind him. leaders and attend a dinner and terminals and on a huge bridge to board a ferry yesterday. limited transport infrastructure now rake in each week the same Since the 1999 handover by a cultural performance today. and tunnel system linking the Earlier this month the pres- and severe overcrowding, even as Las Vegas makes in a month. Lisbon, Macau has witnessed The following day Xi will preside two cities. Since last week police ident and chairman of Hong though the population have “The difference in the economy little of the dissent that has over the inauguration of the from mainland China have been Kong’s American Chamber of become wealthier. is like the sky and the earth,” exploded in Hong Kong during city’s new leader Ho Iat-seng. manning a newly created check- Commerce were also denied Macau’s skyline and economy Chang Sio Kun, a 60-year-old six months of often violent pro- A former member of China’s point on an artificial island that entry to Macau without expla- have changed beyond recognition local who recently retired, said. democracy protests as large top lawmaking body, Ho won a links the bridge and tunnel nation. “It’s totally one country, since four centuries of Portuguese “It’s easy to find a job with a high chunks of the population seethes one-horse race this summer to system between Hong Kong, one system,” a 34-year-old local rule ended in 1999, with glittering salary,” he added. Indonesian Australia has its hottest day on record volcano debris AFP the country’s biggest city. Smoke litters seabed SYDNEY from the fires has engulfed Sydney, raising air pollution to after tsunami, Australia this week experienced levels so hazardous that leading its hottest day on record and the doctors have labelled the event says research heatwave is expected to worsen, a “public health emergency”. exacerbating an already unprec- At least three million hec- AFP edented bushfire season, author- tares of land has been torched JAKARTA ities said yesterday. across Australia, with six people The average nationwide killed and about 700 homes Huge chunks of an Indonesian temperatures of 40.9 degrees destroyed. Scientists say the volcano litter the seabed after Celsius (105.6 degrees Fahr- blazes have come earlier and its eruption and subsequent enheit) on Tuesday beat the pre- with more intensity than usual collapse last year sparked a vious record of 40.3 degrees due to global warming and a pro- deadly tsunami, according to Celsius in January 2013, the longed drought that has left the new research. Bureau of Meteorology said. land tinder dry and many towns The marine survey imagery “This heat will only running out of water. shows parts of the strait intensify further today,” mete- The fires have sparked climate between Java and Sumatra orologist Diana Eadie Said. The protests targeting the conservative islands covered with triangular- heatwave is another alarm bell government, which has resisted shaped boulders from the Anak about global warming in Aus- pressure to address the root causes Krakatau volcano, some as high tralia, where this year’s early of global warming in order to as 90 metres (295 feet). and intense start to regular protect the country’s lucrative coal The crater partly collapsed summer bushfires has heaped export industry. A view of the landscape with burnt trees after a bushfire in Mount Weison in Blue Mountains, some after its December 22 eruption pressure on the Australian gov- Record spot temperatures 120km northwest of Sydney, yesterday. with parts of it sliding into the ernment to do more to tackle were recorded this week in ocean and triggering deadly waves climate change. Western Australia, where fire- drifting across the country’s arid New South Wales, of which 46 degrees celsius. Turbulent that killed more than 400 people Hundreds of bushfires have fighters have also been battling centre toward the hevaily pop- Sydney is the capital, were winds of up to 100km an hour and injured thousands. The Anak been raging across Australia for blazes raging across thousands ulated eastern states, where the forecast to reach the mid-40s are forecast to also hit the east Krakatau volcano emerged at the months, including a “mega- of hectares of land. most of the bushfires have raged. celsius today. On Saturday, parts coast at the same time and site of the legendary Krakatoa blaze” burning north of Sydney, The hot weather then began Parts of the eastern state of of Sydney are forecast to tip over worsen the blazes. volcano, which was destroyed after a massive 1883 eruption that killed at least 36,000 people. Report: Tourists trampling on The 2018 disaster struck Journalist in Japan wins without warning, washing over popular beaches and inundating New Zealand’s tranquility tourist hotels and coastal commu- nities, leaving a trail of death and high-profile #MeToo case AFP international visitors annually and destruction in its wake. Debris from WELLINGTON the number could treble by 2050. the volcano is spread as far as AFP a job opportunity in 2015. statute to impose tougher pen- He said infrastructure was already 2,000 metres from where it col- TOKYO Yamaguchi continues to deny alties on sex attackers and make Ever-increasing numbers of strained, the environment was lapsed, according to new research any wrongdoing and had filed a prosecutions easier, as they look tourists are harming New Zea- under pressure and many of the presented at the American Geo- A Tokyo court yesterday counter-suit against Ito, seeking to boost Japan’s low number of land’s environment and qualities associated with New physical Union’s meeting in San awarded 3.3m yen ($30,000) in 130 million yen in compensation. convictions. The latest World destroying the very qualities that Zealand were disappearing. Francisco last week. damages to journalist Shiori Ito, “We won. The counter-suit was Economic Forum report on the make the country an attractive “The sheer numbers of people Using what’s known as who accused a former TV turned down,” said Ito outside the gender gap published on the eve destination, a parliamentary are eroding the sense of isolation, multibeam echosounder reporter of rape in one of the court, holding up a banner that of the case ranked Japan 121st report warned yesterday. tranquility and access to nature bathymetry, an international most high-profile cases of the read “victory” as supporters out of 153 countries, slipping The South Pacific nation has that many overseas tourists seek team including members of the #MeToo movement in Japan. cheered and clapped. “Honestly even further down the list from long marketed itself as “100 when visiting New Zealand,” he British Geological Survey, The civil case made head- I still don’t know how I feel,” she 110th the previous year. percent Pure” and “clean and said. “We need to ask: ‘Are we in National Oceanography Centre lines in Japan and abroad, as it told reporters, struggling to hold Yamaguchi announced he green”, but has seen a huge danger of killing the goose that and several US and British uni- is rare for rape victims to report back the tears. would appeal “immediately” growth in visitors in recent laid the golden egg’?” Upton said versities mapped the seabed with the crime to the police — “However, winning this case against the ruling, saying: “I have years, from millenials snapping New Zealanders were also part of sonar technology. according to a 2017 government doesn’t mean this (sexual assault) not done anything that goes selfies at “Lord of the Rings” the problem, pointing out that “Tsunamis generated by very survey, only four percent of didn’t happen... This is not the against the law.” He claimed the filming locations, to climbers, Kiwis on domestic holidays out- small volume landslides from women come forward. end,” she added. She said she court had failed to acknowledge hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. numbered overseas tourists at active volcanoes such as Anak Ito, 30, has become an out- hoped the case would change inconsistencies and “falsehoods” The report from parlia- major holiday spots. Krakatau have the potential to spoken symbol for #MeToo in what she called the “under- in Ito’s argument while ignoring mentary commissioner for the He said New Zealanders had devastate local coastlines and their Japan, where the movement developed” legal and social envi- his own arguments. environment Simon Upton comes become accustomed to the sight communities”, David Tappin from against sexual harassment and ronment surrounding rape in He said the significant inter- as New Zealand’s adventure of renowned attractions such as the British Geological Survey said. abuse has struggled to take hold. Japan. Japan hiked minimum jail national media attention around tourism industry is already under the Tongariro Crossing being In the team’s earlier study, She had sought 11 million yen terms for rapists from three to the case might have clouded the intense scrutiny over last week’s “besieged with visitors” and the which included work by Stephan ($100,000) in compensation five years and widened the def- judgement of the court and vowed White Island volcanic eruption, problem would only intensify. Grilli at the University of Rhode from Noriyuki Yamaguchi, a inition of sexual assault victims to be more vocal in future. Ito which killed 16 international trav- Upton said for too long the Island, it said the disaster offered former TV reporter with close to include men for the first time spoke out in 2017, shortly before ellers and two tour guides. tourism industry had escaped a rare look at tsunamis sparked links to Prime Minister Shinzo in 2017. the #MeToo movement, and this Upton said New Zealand — the environmental scrutiny by volcanic eruptions, rather Abe, alleging he raped her after Lawmakers decided unani- was “viewed as odd, especially in with a population of 4.9 million imposed on other sectors such than more common undersea inviting her to dinner to discuss mously to update the 1907 Japan”, she said. — attracted almost four million agriculture and mining. earthquakes. 16 EUROPE THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 Russia dismisses report of French Alpine spy base

AFP “We consider Sergei Skripal in Britain. more names to those already Alexander Petrov and Ruslan — coming on the eve of a MOSCOW the article as “We are compelled with published by online investigative Boshirov — the cover names of December 9 summit in Paris disinformation aimed regret to note that the total lack outlets such as Bellingcat and the two GRU agents accused of between President Vladimir Russia dismissed a French news- at supporting the of any proof did not serve as an The Insider. carrying out the attack on Putin and Ukrainian counterpart paper report claiming its spies obstacle for publishing openly It said Western intelligence Skripal, Le Monde reported. Volodymyr Zelenskiy — was “not had operated from a base in the myth of the Russian Russo-phobic material,” the services began an investigation Western intelligence services accidental”. French Alps, saying it was a threat in the minds of Russian foreign ministry said in retrospectively after the have not so far found any “It had the clear aim of dam- conspiracy theory aimed at the European public,” a statement. attempted poisoning of Skripal material left behind by the agents aging the reputation of Russia smearing Moscow. the foreign ministry “We consider the article as in the English town of Salisbury during their stays in France, Le and discrediting the policy taken Le Monde reported this disinformation aimed at sup- in March 2018. Monde said. by French President Emmanuel month that 15 Russian spies had said in a statement. porting the myth of the Russian Britain and its allies accuse But their presence has been Macron to normalise relations passed through Haute-Savoie threat in the minds of the the Kremlin of seeking to assas- confirmed by where they ate, with Moscow,” it added. region, close to the Swiss and Russia’s GRU military spy agency European public.” sinate Skripal, a charge vehe- stayed and also shopped in The ministry said: “Russia Italian borders. — the unit accused of carrying Le Monde had published a mently denied by Russia. Haute-Savoie, it said. does not have, and never had, any The paper said they were out operations including the list of 15 Russian members of the Those who stayed in the But the Russian foreign min- intention of carrying out desta- members of the 29155 unit of attempted poisoning of defector unit, which it said added five Haute-Savoie included istry said the timing of the report bilising operations in Europe.” O’Reilly re-elected as EU ombudsman

AFP president Jean-Claude Juncker, help ensure the EU maintains the STRASBOURG was slipped into the powerful highest standards in adminis- post of secretary-general in Feb- tration, transparency and The European Union’s ruary 2018. ethics,” she said. ombudsman was re-elected O’Reilly found that proper “One priority will remain yesterday after six years in procedures had not been followed tackling the lack of the trans- which she has tangled with some in the snap appointment, and that parency of EU law making by of Brussels’ most senior officials Juncker’s commission had been national governments in in the name of transparency. guilty of maladministration. Brussels,” she said. Emily O’Reilly, an Irish Following her report, the EU laws are proposed by the former journalist turned gov- European Parliament demanded European Commission, but ernment watchdog, received 320 Selmayr’s resignation. before a text is approved it must out of 600 votes cast in the Juncker stood by his close be passed by both parliament European Parliament, giving her colleague, who remained in post, and the member states. a new five-year mandate. but this year Selmayr stepped Member state ministers and She has issued reports on aside and he has been appointed ambassadors meet in closed several complaints, most to be EU representative in Vienna. door councils, as well as with famously when she said the O’Reilly, who was the Irish MEPs and commissioners, to European Commission had government’s ombudsman and finalise the drafts. broken its own rules in pro- information commissioner “We need to stop the ‘blame moting senior official Martin before coming to Brussels, Brussels’ culture, when often it Selmayr. thanked parliament for its is citizens’ own national min- Selmayr, who was chief of support. isters taking the key decisions in staff to then commission “For the next five years, I will the EU,” O’Reilly said. French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe (second left); French Health and Solidarity Minister Agnes Buzyn (left), and CGT union general-secretary Philippe Martinez (right) attending a meeting over a pensions overhaul at the French Prime Minister’s residence, Hotel de Matignon in Paris, yesterday. Slovakia court suspends bill for Garbage truck Macron’s government renews talks Europe’s pre-election poll blackout delay saves REUTERS limited political competition. newborn boy PRAGUE Opposition critics said the to end pension reform gridlock measure was aimed at disadvan- AFP Slovakia’s Constitutional Court on taging challengers from new ATHENS BLOOMBERG While President Emmanuel Jean-Paul Delevoye, who suspended a law putting in place parties that could benefit from late PARIS Macron’s government has bar- resigned on Monday for failing one of the world’s longest bans on shifts in support. It did not ban A newborn boy left in a waste reled through reforms of tax and to declare multiple paid and publishing opinion polls before procuring polls but barred publi- chute in the western Greek city The French government began labor laws, the current stalemate unpaid positions he held in elections, preventing the bill from cation of any results. of Kalamata was saved by a new round of talks with unions shows how deeply the French organizations including think- taking effect before a parlia- The court ruling returns the chance yesterday when the to try and end the gridlock over are wedded to their pension tanks and trade groups. mentary vote in February. black-out period to 14 days, garbage truck was late in its planned pension reform system. Reforming it is the France’s third round of dem- Opposition and critics have pending further court delibera- making its daily rounds, the ahead of the holidays. crown jewel of Macron’s effort onstrations and protest marches viewed the ruling party-backed tions that will take place at an local mayor said. About two weeks of strikes to modernise the country by on Tuesday drew 615,000 bill, approved last month, as an unspecified future date. “The baby was fortunate in and three nationwide marches merging 42 separate pension people across the country, attempt to sideline political new- The law had won backing its misfortune...there was a have gummed up the country’s regimes into one universal according to Interior Ministry comers before European Union from the ruling leftist Smer party, delay in the day’s collection,” public transportation system, points-based system and figures, while the far-left CGT country’s February 29 election. junior coalition partner Slovak Kalamata mayor Thanassis leaving millions to work out offering incentives to push back union which has led the anti- The change would have National Party (SNS) and the Vassilopoulos told Alpha TV. alternative ways of getting the age when workers retire to reform movement counted 1.8 extended the blackout on pub- opposition far-right People’s “The garbage trucks do not just around. Prime Minister Edouard 64 from 62 in 2027. million, a report sid. lishing polls on voting intentions Party-Our Slovakia. load waste, they compress it”. Philippe has reiterated that his The prime minister has “This doesn’t call into to 50 days, from the already Its authors said the bill aimed The days-old newborn had government has no intention of invited unions and employer question the government’s lengthy 14 days, which would to protect voters from disinfor- been left in a garbage chute backing down. organizations for talks yesterday, determination to do this reform, have been the third-longest ban mation so they could base their several metres deep in the “The objective is very simple: followed by a joint meeting which is a reform for all of the of its kind in the world, according decisions on the parties’ pro- centre of town, the television to guarantee that accounts will today. They will be joined by the French,” Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, to the Slovak Academy of grammes and actions. station said. be balanced in 2027,” Philippe new pension reform chief, junior minister for transpor- Sciences. Caputova, an activist lawyer Found by a woman feeding said. “If our social partners come Laurent Pietraszewski, a former tation, said in an interview. President Zuzana Caputova and political newcomer herself, strays, the baby was taken to a up with a better proposition that lawmaker from Macron’s party. “There were fewer people in the had filed the motion against the defeated Smer’s candidate in a local hospital with breathing guarantees equilibrium by then, Pietraszewski was appointed on streets yesterday than on law in which she argued it violated presidential run-off in March after difficulty, and is expected to we’ll take it.” Tuesday night, replacing December 5.” the right to information and that it a late surge in support. make a full recovery, the station said.

Finland offers crash course Albanian media in artificial intelligence to EU protest rules for

AP science, described the nearly online sites HELSINKI $2m project as “a civics course AP in AI” to help EU citizens cope TIRANA Finland is offering a techy gift to with society’s ever-increasing all European Union citizens — a digitalisation and the possibil- Dozens of journalists protested free-of-charge online course in ities AI offers in the jobs market. outside the Albanian Parliament artificial intelligence in their The course covers ele- yesterday as lawmakers own language, officials said. mentary AI concepts in a prac- debated an “anti-defamation The tech-savvy Nordic tical way and doesn’t go into package” that would authorise nation, led by the 34-year-old deeper concepts like coding, he heavy fines on online media Prime Minister Sanna Marin, is said. and give extra powers to marking the end of its rotating “We have enormous government media regulators. presidency of the EU at the end potential in Europe but what we Fifteen journalists’ and civil of the year with a highly ambi- lack is investments into AI,” society organisations have tious goal. Roos said, adding that the con- urged the legislature to reject Instead of handing out the tinent faces fierce AI compe- the government-backed legis- usual ties and scarves to EU offi- tition from digital giants like lation, saying it would “threaten cials and journalists, the Finnish China and the United States. freedom of expression and government has opted to give The initiative is paid for by the freedom of the media in the practical understanding of AI to Finnish ministry for economic country, and fall contrary to the 1% of EU citizens, or about 5 affairs and employment, and offi- international principles.” million people, through a basic cials said the course is meant for The protesting journalists online course by the end of 2021. all EU citizens whatever their age, said they would challenge the It is teaming up with the education or profession. measures at the Constitutional University of Helsinki, Finland’s Consisting of several modules, Court if they pass. largest and oldest academic the online course is meant to be Holiday event The proposed package institution, and the Finland- completed in about six weeks full The daughter of Princess Stephanie of Monaco Camille Gottlieb (third left), Prince Albert II of Monaco; also drew criticism from based tech consultancy Reaktor. time — or up to six months on a Princess Charlene of Monaco and the son of Princess Stephanie of Monaco Louis Ducruet attending organisations outside Albania Teemu Roos, a University of lighter schedule - and is currently the children’s holiday event at the Monaco Palace, yesterday. that said it did not meet inter- Helsinki associate professor in available in Finnish, English, national standards for media the department of computer Swedish and Estonian. rights. THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 EUROPE / AMERICAS 17 Italy faces lawsuit over Libya asylum returnee

AFP The complaint evidence in a report published GENEVA maintains that Italy by Forensic Oceanography, a and other states research team based at the Uni- Campaigners filed a complaint have turned private versity of London. with the UN yesterday against That report found that pri- Italy over a teenage migrant who merchant vessels vatised push-backs have risen was sent back to Libya in 2018 into instruments of sharply since June 2018, and that along with other migrants, refoulement which seafarers are increasingly being where he was shot, beaten and is illegal under “used by states seeking to cir- subjected to forced labour. cumvent their obligations The Global Legal Action international law. towards refugees”, according to Network (GLAN) lodged the case the statement. with the UN Human Rights Com- He was rescued in the Med- “Our legal complaint is tar- mittee aiming to challenge the iterranean with dozens of other geting Italy’s attempt to abdicate practice of EU coastal states like migrants on November 7, 2018, its responsibilities by privatising Italy engaging commercial ships but was returned to Libya, where the push-back of migrants to a to return vulnerable people to he was subjected to horrific nightmare environment in A Soyuz rocket lifts off Europe’s CHEOPS planet-hunting satellite on board, from launchpad in Kourou, unsafe locations. treatment. Libya,” O Cuinn said. French Guiana, yesterday. The NGO says it is the first The Italian Maritime Rescue Italy renewed a widely crit- case of its kind to target so- Coordination Centre oversaw the icised 2017 agreement in called privatised push-backs. rescue, carried out by Panama- October with the Libyan coast- The complaint maintains flagged merchant vessel Nivin, guard to block migrants trying Exoplanet hunter reaches orbit around Earth that Italy and other states have but then asked the ship to coor- to leave for Europe. AFP “Cheops is 710km away, company Arianespace. turned private merchant vessels dinate with the Libyan Coast Rights groups say Libya rou- PARIS exactly where we wanted it to It was the third launch this into instruments of so-called Guard (LYCG). tinely picks up migrants in the be, it’s absolutely perfect,” Didier year for the Russian-built Soyuz refoulement — returning asylum The LYCG told the Nivin to Mediterranean and brings them Europe’s CHEOPS planet- Queloz, 2019 Nobel Physics Prize rocket. seekers to places where they risk bring the migrants back to Libya, back to overcrowded detention hunting space telescope left winner, said in French Guiana, On Tuesday, the launcher’s persecution and torture — which where the roughly 80 passengers centres, where many have been Earth yesterday and moved into where the launch took place. automated sequence was inter- is illegal under international law. were violently removed from the victims of abuse and forced orbit, a day after its lift-off was “This is really an exceptional rupted during the final “What we are witnessing is vessel by Libya security forces, labour. delayed by a technical rocket moment in European space countdown at 1 hour 25 minutes, a worrying trend where the who used tear gas, rubber bullets Libya, wracked by conflict glitch during the final history and in the history of the because of what was described rescue of desperate people at sea and live ammunition after a since the 2011 uprising against countdown. exoplanets.” as “an anomaly” in the launch is being out-sourced to ill- 10-day standoff. Moamer Kadhafi, has become a The telescope will measure Roughly 4,000 such exo- set-up. equipped and untrained mer- The claimant, who was 19 major transit route for migrants the density, composition and size planets have been discovered Scientists today estimate that chant ships,” GLAN chief Gearoid years old at the time, was shot from sub-Saharan Africa and else- of planets beyond our Solar since Queloz and his colleague there are at least as many gal- O Cuinn said in a statement, in the leg, arbitrarily detained, where hoping to reach Europe. System — known as exoplanets. Michel Mayor identified the first axies as there are stars -- warning that “this is a recipe for interrogated, beaten, subjected Some 40,000 refugees and According to the European one, called “51 Pegasi b”, 24 approximately 100 billion. certain abuse.” to forced labour and denied asylum seekers also live outside Space Agency (ESA), CHEOPS years ago. “We want to go beyond sta- The case was filed on behalf medical treatment for months, detention centres in urban areas will observe bright stars that are The satellite took off at tistics and study them in detail,” of a South-Sudanese migrant according to the complaint. in Libya, according to the UN already known to be orbited by 0854 GMT, according to the live mission chief David Ehrenreich who now lives in Malta. The accusation relied on refugee agency (UNHCR). planets. footage broadcast by launch said ahead of yesterday’s launch. Suspect found Danish PM rules out link between liable for 1982 Greenland independence, Trump IRA nail bombing BLOOMBERG offer to buy the island was COPENHAGEN rebuffed in Copenhagen. The AFP ensuring row eventually LONDON Denmark and the US have not prompted the US president to discussed the issue of Greenland cancel a planned visit to the Britain’s High Court found a independence in the aftermath Danish capital. suspect liable for an IRA nail of President Donald Trump’s Frederiksen and Trump held bombing in 1982 that killed four offer to buy the world’s largest their first sit-down meeting UK soldiers in London’s High island, Prime Minister Mette since the spat at this month’s Park. Frederiksen said. Nato summit in London. The The ruling clears the way “The question of Green- Danish premier used that for John Downey to face a landic independence has not occasion to tell allies it is redi- damages claim, five years after been discussed,” Frederiksen recting a sizable portion of its his criminal trial collapsed. told parliament. defence budget to the Arctic. “This was a deliberate, She was responding to ques- Greenland is home to a carefully planned attack on tions from members of the strong independence movement members of the military,” nationalist Danish People’s Party and plays a strategic role in Justice Amanda Yip ruled at the who had suggested that Green- geopolitics. end of the first phase of the new land’s vibrant independence “The US is increasingly pre- civil case. movement may have stoked occupied with the behaviour of Damages will be awarded Trump’s interest. Russia and China in the region,” An injured inmate is carried on a stretcher into a hospital by police paramedics after a shootout during the second phase, but no Greenland, which is part of Frederiksen said. “I want to among inmates at La Joyita prison, in Panama City, yesterday. date has yet been set. the Kingdom of Denmark, has make it clear: The US is our “I have found that the returned to the local political primary ally when it comes to defendant was an active par- limelight ever since Trump’s defence and security policies.” ticipant in the concerted plan Gangs battle in Panama prison, 14 dead to detonate the bomb, with the intent to kill or at least to cause AFP prisoners have died,” the interior Police seized eight firearms, Denmark approves new US serious harm to members of the PANAMA CITY ministry said on Twitter, including three AK-47 rifles, Household Cavalry,” the judge updating an earlier toll of 12 after the incident, according to consulate in Greenland: FM added. Rival gang members opened fire dead. Hernandez. REUTERS/COPENHAGEN Greenland and the Arctic. The cavalry troops were in a crowded Panamanian prison The country’s prisons Panama’s President Lau- “We continue, together with killed along with seven horses killing 14 inmates and wounding director Walter Hernandez said rentino Cortizo said that a search Denmark has approved the Greenland, the dialogue with the when a nail bomb exploded in around a dozen others, the 14 prisoners were wounded, one of the same prison weeks ago establishment of a US consulate United States about devel- a car as they made their way government announced seriously. had discovered several weapons. in Greenland, an autonomous opment in the Arctic and the from barracks to the iconic yesterday. The shooting broke out “That means weapons are part of Denmark, four months close cooperation on US changing of the guard cer- The gunbattle, involving among young inmates in a being allowed into the prison,” after rebuffing US President engagement in Greenland,” emony at Buckingham Palace. AK-47 automatic rifles and other section of the prison known as the president said. Donald Trump’s idea of buying Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod The amnesty appeared in firearms, erupted late Tuesday Hall 14, which houses around The government said the ring- the island which stunned said in a statement. one of 228 “comfort letters” in La Joyita penitentiary, one of 500 prisoners, authorities said. leaders will be relocated and iso- Copenhagen and caused a diplo- The row in August caused sent out to militants as part of the country’s largest prisons, east Deputy Director of National lated to avoid further violence. matic spat. Trump to cancel a planned state negotiations to preserve the of Panama City. Police Alexis Munoz said the Panama has a prison popu- A new consulate is part of a visit to Denmark. peace brokered in Northern “After the fight yesterday in shooting arose from “disputes” lation of some 17,000, held in 20 broader move by Washington The United States last had a Ireland’s 1998 Good Friday Hall 14 of the La Joyita peniten- between inmates — mostly prisons, according to official to expand its diplomatic and consulate in Greenland between Agreement. tiary we can report that 14 members of criminal gangs. figures released in June. commercial presence in 1940 and 1953. Canada police probe alleged child Former aide to Malta PM denies leaking details of murder probe abuse by video gaming mom REUTERS bombing in October 2017. said he had attended briefings He said he had spoken to AFP streaming service Twitch, which VALLETTA Fenech, a multi-millionaire which the police and security Fenech by phone for 20 minutes OTTAWA is a subsidiary of Amazon and entrepreneur, was arrested last service gave Prime Minister shortly before the businessman popular with gamers. The former chief-of-staff to month as he tried to leave Malta Joseph Muscat about the murder. tried to leave Malta, but denied Police in Canada said yesterday Now circulating on social Malta’s prime minister denied on his yacht. He has been He said he and Fenech were he had tried to help him escape. they’re investigating a Calgary media, the 90-second clip leaking information about an accused of complicity in the friends, but denied leaking infor- Schembri had been held mother for allegedly hitting an depicts the young mother sitting investigation into the killing of killing, which shone a spotlight mation about the briefings to busi- under arrest by police for ques- infant seen in a video distracting on a bed, hitting and pushing an anti-corruption reporter to on corruption in the country. nessman and said he had not told tioning but was released late last her from playing the massively away her infant child as it grabs the man accused of master- Fenech denies the charge. He him his phone calls were being month. He quit as Muscat’s chief popular online video game at her game controller. minding her murder. has also implicated Schembri in monitored by security service. of staff after Fenech’s accusa- Fortnite. “No” and “let go,” she yells The ex-aide, Keith Schembri, the murder and asked for lead “We only discussed what was tions against him. A spokeswoman for the at the child, who is heard also denied writing a letter to the investigator Keith Arnaud to be reported in the media,” Schembri said he had twice Calgary police confirmed the crying while she plays the suspected mastermind, Yorgen taken off the case, saying Arnaud Schembri, who denies Fenech’s met self-confessed middleman child abuse probe. video game. Fenech, which instructed him and Schembri are close. accusations that he has links to Melvin Theuma in the gov- The official said authorities Global News said the what to tell police following Appearing as a witness at a corruption and the self-con- ernment headquarters but that were tipped off about footage of woman’s Twitch account has Fenech’s arrest over Daphne court hearing into Fenech’s com- fessed middleman in the murder, the meetings were not related to the woman on video live been suspended. Caruana Galizia’s death in a car plaint against Arnaud, Schembri told the judge. the Caruana Galizia murder. 18 AMERICAS THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 Impeachment: Pelosi calls Trump threat to US

REUTERS If we do not act now, WASHINGTON we would be derelict Trump asks in our duty. It is tragic supporters to US House of Representatives that the president’s Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Donald Trump an ongoing threat reckless actions ‘say a prayer’ to American democracy as the make impeachment ANATOLIA/WASHINGTON bitterly divided chamber necessary: Nancy engaged in an impeachment Pelosi debate before historic votes on US President Donald Trump two charges accusing the Repub- asked supporters to pray for lican president of abusing his licans opposed. him as the House of Represent- power and obstructing Congress. “If we do not act now, we atives is set to vote on two The Democratic-controlled would be derelict in our duty. It articles of impeachment House launched a planned six is tragic that the president’s against the president for his hours of debate on the two reckless actions make dealings with Ukraine. articles of impeachment — impeachment necessary,” Pelosi “Can you believe that I will formal charges — arising from added. be impeached today by the the president’s actions toward “He gave us no choice. What Radical Left, Do Nothing Dem- Ukraine, with time equally we are discussing today is the ocrats, AND I DID NOTHING divided between the parties and established fact that the pres- WRONG! A terrible Thing. Read People rally in support of the impeachment of US President Donald Trump in front of the US Capitol, no amendments. ident violated the Constitution. the Transcripts,” said Trump in Washington, DC, yesterday. Trump would become only It is a matter of fact that the pres- on Twitter. “This should never the third US president to be ident is an ongoing threat to our happen to another President The vote would set the stage Trump of abusing his power by our forebears over 200 years ago impeached. national security and the again. Say a PRAYER!” for a trial expected next month asking Ukraine to investigate Joe — or whether we allow it to be “Today we are here to defend integrity of our elections — the in the US Senate on whether to Biden, a former US vice-pres- changed forever,” Democratic democracy for the people,” basis of our democracy,” Pelosi Trump’s conduct during his convict Trump and remove him ident and a leading contender for Representative Jim McGovern, Pelosi, the top Democrat in Con- said. tumultuous presidency and the from office. While the House the Democratic nomination to chairman of the House Rules gress, said in a speech on the Following Pelosi, Represent- larger political schism within the twice previously has voted to face Trump in the November Committee, said on the House House floor, drawing applause ative Doug Collins, top Repub- United States. impeach presidents — Bill 2020 election. floor. from lawmakers in her party. lican on the House Judiciary Impeachment is an extraor- Clinton in 1998 and Andrew Trump is also accused of Representative Tom Cole, In a series of speeches on the Committee, said, “This an dinary check on presidential Johnson in 1868 — no president obstructing the House investi- that committee’s top Republican, House floor, Republicans impeachment based on pre- power spelled out in the US Con- has ever been removed from gation by directing adminis- countered, “Today after a trun- defended the president and sumption. This is basically also stitution enabling Congress to office via impeachment. tration officials and agencies not cated investigation that denied accused Democrats of seeking a poll-tested impeachment on remove presidents who commit The Senate is controlled by to comply with subpoenas for the president due process, to topple him from power using what actually sells to the “high crimes and Trump’s fellow Republicans, who testimony and documents cherry-picked evidence and an unfair and rigged process. American people. Today’s going misdemeanors.” have shown little interest in related to impeachment. witness testimony to fit their nar- Separate votes on the two to be a lot of things. What it is “The founders’ great fear of ousting him. During the trial, “This is a democracy- rative, and trampled on Repub- charges are expected. The votes not, is fair. What it is not, is about a rogue or corrupt president is House members would act as defining moment. History will licans’ minority rights, Demo- are expected to fall almost the truth.” the very reason why they prosecutors as the senators as judge us by whether we keep crats in the House are pressing entirely along party lines, with The debate underscored the enshrined impeachment in the jurors. intact that fragile republic forward with a partisan Democrats in favor and Repub- deep divide in Congress over Constitution,” Pelosi added. House Democrats accuse handed down to us by impeachment vote.” Watchdog pledges ‘deep dive’ into FBI’s possible wiretap abuses 24 tornadoes hit southeast BLOOMBERG Horowitz, who said he’ll start right places.” revamping the FISA process, oversees wiretaps ordered the WASHINGTON with a sampling of cases, opened President Donald Trump and especially when it comes to sur- FBI on Tuesday to explain what US in two days an inquiry into wiretap orders Republicans seized on Horow- veillance that affects a political it’s doing to ensure applications The Justice Department’s internal issued under the Foreign Intel- itz’s findings as vindication for campaign. are legally sound and accurate, AP watchdog pledged the first-ever ligence Surveillance Act after he their claims that anti-Trump Senator Rand Paul, a Ken- setting a January 10 deadline. BIRMINGHAM “deep dive” to determine the found multiple failures in the forces in the FBI and Justice tucky Republican, suggested “The frequency with which extent of abuses of the secret FBI’s applications to wiretap Department wiretapped Page in during yesterday’s hearing that representations made by FBI At least two dozen tornadoes court that approves wiretaps of former Trump’s campaign order to spy on Trump’s cam- the secretive FISA process personnel turned out to be hit the Southeast this week in a suspected terrorists and national official Carter Page. paign and early presidency. shouldn’t be used when the unsupported or contradicted by deadly outbreak of severe security threats. “What we’re going to do in Horowitz said he found no target of an operation is a information in their possession, weather, assessments by the “We don’t know what we the first instance is have our political bias in the FBI’s deci- political candidate or and with which they withheld National Weather Service show. don’t know,” Michael Horowitz, auditors do some selections of sions but that his office was given campaign. information detrimental to their Survey teams from regional the Justice Department’s counterintelligence and coun- unsatisfactory answers by FBI “We should not subject our case, calls into question whether weather service offices found inspector general told the Senate terterrorism” applications, officials on the failures in the political campaigns to secret information contained in other evidence that twisters struck Homeland Security and Govern- Horowitz said. “We have limited Page warrant applications. courts and to secret warrants and FBI applications is reliable,” US from western Louisiana to mental Affairs Committee during resources, and we want to make Lawmakers from both secret surveillance,” Paul said. District Judge Rosemary Collyer southern Georgia on Monday a hearing yesterday. sure we’re targeting them in the parties now are talking about The court that approves and wrote in the order. and Tuesday, with 10 tornadoes in Mississippi alone, according to reports issued online. Another nine touched down in Paul Manafort’s fraud Alabama, survey teams found. Louisiana was hit by three twisters, and two struck case in NY dismissed Georgia. The strongest storm was an REUTERS alleged in the indictment,” EF-3 tornado with winds of as NEW YORK Vance’s spokesman Danny Frost much as 258 kph . It left a path said in a statement. 100km long and as wide as 400 Paul Manafort, US President Vance, a Democrat, yards (366) in Louisiana Donald Trump’s former campaign announced the indictment of between the cities of DeRidder chairman, yesterday won the Manafort on 16 felony counts and Alexandria. dismissal of New York state fraud including residential mortgage Storm surveys were con- charges, in a defeat for the fraud on March 13, less than an tinuing, the weather service Manhattan district attorney’s hour after Manafort was ordered said. efforts to hold him accountable to spend 7-1/2 years in prison on A husband and wife died even if pardoned by Trump. various federal charges. when a tornado struck their Justice Maxwell Wiley of the Those charges stemmed home in north Alabama, and a state Supreme Court in Man- from former US Special Counsel woman was killed in a twister hattan said at a hearing that Robert Mueller’s probe into in Louisiana. Another person letting the district attorney, Russian interference in the 2016 died in flash flooding in Cyrus Vance, prosecute Man- US presidential election, and Kentucky. afort would violate Manafort’s resulted in Manafort’s August On Tuesday, Col Bryan protection against double 2018 conviction on tax evasion Olier, chief-of-staff at the Mis- jeopardy, or being prosecuted and bank fraud. Trump has sissippi Emergency Man- twice for the same conduct. denied colluding with Moscow. agement Agency, told a news “We will appeal today’s Manafort, 70, has been conference that at least 25 decision and will continue serving his sentence at a federal Istanbul Photo Awards 2019 exhibition opens at UN counties were affected, 150 working to ensure that Mr Man- prison in Pennsylvania, but was homes were reported damaged The Permanent Representative of Turkey to the United Nations, Feridun Sinirlioglu viewing photos afort is held accountable for the hospitalised last week for what or destroyed and about a dozen criminal conduct against the his lawyer called a cardiac at the opening of the Istanbul Photo Awards 2019 exhibition at the United Nations Headquarters, were injured. The numbers are People of New York that is incident. in New York, yesterday. likely to grow. 4.7 million people have left Venezuela: UN rights chief ANATOLIA human rights situation” in Ven- office has carried out nine visits interview more than 70 people reasons, including military staff,” GENEVA ezuela prior to a Human Rights to detention centres managed by deprived of their liberty in Bachelet added. Council session in Geneva, the Ministry for Penitentiary detention centers run by civilian Venezuela has been The UN estimates that 4.7 million Michelle Bachelet (pictured) said Services and the Ministry of and military intelligence services. embroiled in political unrest as Venezuelans have abandoned her office welcomed an Defense,” said Bachelet, with the “I would like to mention the President Nicolas Maduro and the country, with the total agreement with the Venezuelan high commissioner’s office release in September and opposition leader Juan Guaido projected to reach 6.5. million by authorities to allow the collection obtaining information on torture October of 28 persons deprived have engaged in a power battle, the end of 2020, the UN high of information from the justice, investigations, extrajudicial of their liberty for political while the country’s economy has commissioner for human rights security and the prison bodies killings and preventive detention. reasons. I encourage the author- been in precipitous decline fol- announced yesterday. on people detained without trial. She added that her team ities to free unconditionally all lowing a global downturn in the Giving an “oral update on the “In the last three months, my managed to confidentially persons detained for political price of crude oil. THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 19 HIA hosts terminal-wide activities in celebration of Qatar National Day 2019

DOHA THE PENINSULA

Hamad International Airport (HIA) celebrated Qatar National Day 2019 by marking a wide range of remarkable festivities across the terminal for passengers and employees. The airport collaborated with Qatar Duty Free (QDF) to design and decorate the airport with Qatari flags and manifestations of Qatar National Day. HIA and QDF also introduced authentic traditional cuisines across various food and beverage outlets in the airport for pas- sengers to get a taste of Qatari cuisine. This includes a special menu of Qatari inspired dishes at the recently opened Harrods Tea Room in celebration of the much-anticipated Qatar National Day across the month of December. HIA has partnered with Al-Reyada Girls Center, to provide travellers a feel of the country and its geography by installing an interactive model showcasing the iconic sites around Qatar. Al-Reyada Girls Center is an entity under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture and Sports, which aims to empower girls and enhance their skills in sports, culture and social fields. Through this partnership, HIA has provided concourse C throughout the month of December, a Qatar National Day 2019 staff engagement Al-Reyada Girls Center an opportunity to which sheds light on the beauty of Qatar, its event on 17 December 2019. HIA and QAS man- showcase their work to millions of passengers heritage and hospitable people. agement and staff engaged in live traditional passing through Qatar’s terminal. Travellers HIA also partnered with Qatar Olympic Qatari performances and activities, while have been given the opportunity to engage with Committee (QOC) to bring the third edition of enjoying traditional and local cuisine stations the model present at the activity node in ‘Qatar’s Flag Relay’ to the airport on 13 and food trucks. December 2019. The 5,000 The airport also featured a series of cele- participant event wit- brations reflecting Qatari culture and tradition nessed participation from to share Qatari pride and joy to nationals, res- HIA subsidiaries and idents, and all passengers. The five-star airport partners. The flag relay provided traditional activities and entertainment which took place around across the terminal including calligraphy prominent locations in writing, henna tattoos and a photo corner where Qatar culminated at the travellers captured their memorable experi- airport, where the flag was ences before boarding their flights. finally handed to a Qatar Commenting on the festive spirits, Engr. Badr Airways pilot who flew it Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at to Japan where the Qatari HIA stated, “This is a significant day for the people team will be represented of Qatar, and we are proud to celebrate it with for the Tokyo 2020 our passengers. As the gateway to the State of Olympics. Qatar, its art and culture, it is our responsibility Bolstering employee to share our deeply rooted traditions with those engagement and culture, travelling through HIA to get a taste of what Qatar HIA has also partnered has to offer. We are happy to share the joyous with Qatar Aviation celebrations and wish our residents and global Services (QAS) to organise passengers wonderful celebrations.”

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA Frozen II (2D/Animation) 2:15 & 4:15pm Go Fish (2D/Animation) 2:00pm Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 2:00, 6:00, 8:30 & 11;15pm Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 2:15, 5:15 & 8:15pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 2:30 & 4:15pm Mamangam (2D/Malayalam) 2:30pm Mamangam (2D/Malayalam) 3:15pm Legend Of The Christmas Witch (2D/Comedy) 5:30pm Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 5:00 & 7:15pm; Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 6:00 & 8:30pm The Body (2D/Hindi) 5:00pm Bombshell (2D/Biography) 7:15pm Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 6:00 & 9:00pm; Into The Ashes (Crime) 9:30pm Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 9:15pm Thambi (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm Thambi (2D/Tamil) 11:00pm Hero (2D/Tamil) 11:15pm I See You (2D/Horror) 11:30pm Hero (2D/Tamil) 11:15pm LANDMARK FLIK Mirqab Mall Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 2:00, 5:00 & 8:00pm Mamangam (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 11:15pm Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 5:40, 7:25, 8:50, 10:35pm & 12:00 midnight Frozen II (2D/Animation) 2:30 & 4:45pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 10:30am, 12:40 & 2:50pm The Body (2D/Hindi) 4:00pm Bonnie Bears: Blast Into The Past (2D/Animation) Go Fish (2D/Animation) 10:35pm 4:15pm; Jumanji: The Next Level (3D/Action) 10:10, 12:40, 3:10, 5:00pm & Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 6:00pm Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 6:30 & 0:4am 11:30pm; Hero (2D/Tamil) 8:15 & 11:00pm Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 10:30, 11:00am, Thambi (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm 11:50, 12:10, 1:20, 1:50, 2:40, 3:00, 4:40, 5:30, 5:50, 7:00, 7:30, 8:20, AL KHOR 8:40, 9:30, 9:50, 10:50, 11:10, 11:30pm Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (3D/Action) 10:00am, 11:30am, Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 10:30am, 1:45, 5:00, 8:15 & 11:30pm 12:50, 2:20, 3:40, 5:10, 6:30, 8:00, 9:20, 10:50pm & 0:10am, Hero (2D/Tamil) 11:45am, 5:45 & 11:45pm Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 11:45am, 11:30pm; ASIAN TOWN Thambi (2D/Tamil) 3:00 & 9:00pm; Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 2:30pm; Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30, 2:30am & 12:15am Mamangam (2D/Malayalam) 5:30pm Thambi (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 3:15, 6:15pm & 12:00 midnight ROXY Hero (2D/Tamil) 3:15, 9:00pm & 2:45am Mamangam (2D/Malayalam) 5:45 & 11:15pm Bonnie Bears: Blast Into The Past 10:30 & 3:45pm; Kettyolanu Ente Maalakha (2D/Malayalam) 8:45pm Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 10:30, 1:00, 2:50, 4:00, 4:50, 7:00, 8:00, 10:00, 11:10pm Prati Roju Pandaage (2D/Telugu) 12:30pm Frozen II (3D/Animation) 12:30, 2:45, 5:00 & 5:45pm Hero (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 6:40 & 10:10pm Jumanji: The Next Level (3D/Action) 11:00, 12:30, 1:20, 2:40, 3:30, 4:20, 5:10, 7:40, 8:00 & 9:00pm Ruler (2D/Telugu) 10:30pm Stand Up (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 12:30, 1:20, 4:00, 6:00, 7;00, 8:10, 10:00 & 11:30am Thambi (2D/Tamil) 3:40, 7:30, 10:00 & 10;30pm

THAMBI

Thambi ( transl. Younger Brother) is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Jeethu Joseph, starring Karthi, Jyothika and Sathyaraj. 20 MORNING BREAK THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 52 AM QND: Cultural events light up Katara SHOROOK 06. 14 AM RAYNALD C RIVERA ZUHR 11. 31 AM MAGHRIB 04. 50 PM THE PENINSULA ASR 02.28 PM ISHA 06. 20 PM The rain did not dampen Katara Cultural Village’s grand National Day WEATHER TODAY celebration yesterday as thousands of people thronged the different outdoor shows presented in partnership with various public and private entities. Bedecked in maroon and white, cars carrying families and children were seen waving Qatari flags as they entered Katara in large numbers, arousing patriotic fervor and festive atmosphere in the place. Various colourful activities kept Qataris and all other nationalities engaged in the celebrations displaying their loyalty to the nation while enjoying with a great sense of pride and unity. The country’s rich culture and tra- ditions were majestically resplendent and reflected in a big way through the diverse activities. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara extended his greetings on the country’s National Day and welcomed everyone in Qatar to join in the celebrations. “Qatar National Day is when o o Qataris renew their love and loyalty to 17 C 22 C their beloved country Qatar, and a day Minimum Maximum for renewing the spirit of loyalty to the wise leadership; their belief in the joy of giving; and tireless work to elevate Scattered clouds and relatively cold by night. their homeland,” said Al Sulaiti. “It is also an opportunity for us to CLOCKWISE: The cultural shows attracted a large number of visitors to Katara’s National Day celebrations yesterday.

express with happiness and in various

HIGH TIDE 09:45 – 00:00 LOW TIDE 03:32 – 17:52 The rain failed to dampen the National Day events at Katara as thousands of visitors flocked to the venue to watch the civilized manifestations the love for Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department the country and the joy in its accom- shows and take part in different activities. Patriotic fervour was palpable all over Katara yesterday as cars bedecked plishments year after year. This feeling with National Day symbols and colours carrying children donning white and maroon costumes waving flags as they touches the heart of everyone who entered Katara’s premises to join in the celebrations. lives on the land of Qatar, a feeling that reflects the renewal of the intention over the sea to the beachfront. shows but yesterday proved the most including Fahad Al Kubaisi, Aseem al towards building this great nation,” he The spirit of nationalism was pal- exciting celebration. Hamami and Ibrahim Al Dashti, the added. pable all over the venue as children in People watched the proceedings show comprises traditional and con- Katara and its surroundings were military outfits holding flags brought on large screens around the venue as temporary songs and dances which radiant amid the gloomy weather with cheer to visitors. television channels broadcast the live delve into themes and symbols which the beautiful lights, traditional music Since December 11, the Katara from Katara. bear great significance to Qatari her- and the vibrant beat of the drums as esplanade and Amphitheatre are The National Day shows and events itage such as the pearl, the dhow and Qatari performers danced the ‘Arda’ among the major areas in the Cultural continue at Katara Amphitheatre the desert rose. to the delight of the crowd. Village which have been witnessing today, one of which is ‘This is Qatar’ — ‘This is Qatar’ will be staged twice The drones show was a sight to various events including performances, an operetta which celebrates Qatari tonight. The first performance will be behold as small drones came in spec- workshops and fine arts exhibitions, heritage and treasures. at 7pm and the final performance at tacular formations like lanterns from and other cultural and recreational Featuring famous performers 9pm. BUSINESS PAGE | 02 PAGE | 03

US housing market Fiat Chrysler, regaining steam; Peugeot manufacturing agree $47bn stabilising merger

Thursday 19 December 2019

Your Global Remittance Partner Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate Currency TT Rate QAR/INR : 19.33 QAR/PHP : 13.80 QAR/LKR : 49.53 QAR/BDT : 23.50 EUR/QAR : 4.20 GBP/QAR : 4.94 CAD/QAR : 2.89 AUD/QAR : 2.65 CHF/QAR : 3.89 SGD/QAR : 2.80 KWD/QAR : 12.18 OMR/QAR : 9.55 MAIN BRANCH LULU HYPER MARKET SANAYYA (STREET 17) AL KHOR PH: 44441448 PH: 44650768 PH: 44510088 PH: 44213444 MATAR QADEEM MANSOURA - AL MEERA ABU HAMOUR BIN OMRAN - ALMEERA PH: 44655559 PH: 44357552 PH: 44621271 PH: 44162002 alzamanexchange www.alzamanexchange.com 44441448 Opec+ cuts not enough to lift prices

THE PENINSULA Growth in global DOHA demand for oil continues to Global oil demand growth is be dominated expected to decelerate from 1.4m b/d in 2018 to 1.0m b/d in by emerging 2019 and 2020. Growth in global and developing demand for oil continues to be economies, with China dominated by emerging and accounting for half developing economies, with Dr Tejinder Singh (third right), Chapter Director of Startup Grind Doha and Founder and Chairman of 360 Nautica; Haris Aghadi (fourth China accounting for half of the of the incremental left), Founder of Meddy; and Agata Braja (fourth right), Innovation Consultant, and other participants during Startup Grind’s session incremental increase and India increase and India in Doha recently. one-fourth, Institute of Inter- one-fourth, Institute national Finance (IIF) noted yesterday. of International Slower global growth, even Finance (IIF) noted Google-supported Startup Grind Doha with an agreement on de-esca- yesterday. lation of the trade war between the US and China, could mean to showcase local successful firms slower oil demand in 2020. US-China trade and Brexit, is The recent increase in inven- likely to be short-lived. LANI ROSE R DIZON startup brands including Q He added: “This will be the whole stuff has changed in the tories in the US and other major According to IIF, the oil THE PENINSULA Tickets and BPO Plus, and is first of its kind where we would last 12 years, particularly when OECD countries raises concerns market will continue to see robust sponsored by Qatar Sports Tech. be looking at the startups as a the Qatar Business Incubation that the weakening of growth in crude oil production from the Startup Grind Doha which offi- “We’re planning to do 12 private sector incubator in Qatar. Centre, Digital Incubation the OECD and China will dampen USA, Canada, and Brazil, which cially launched its Qatar chapter events a year and bring local We’ll incubate, accelerate them, Centre, and Qatar Science and the demand for oil, the IIF noted could lead to a supply glut in recently, is set to be a platform startup success stories to let and expose them to Startup Technology Park initiatives in its updated Oil Market report. 2020. At the same time, growth for showcasing the success people know how the success Grind’s global platforms where started. They started supporting IIF analysts believe that in oil demand is likely to remain stories of local startups in the stories have converted them- it has a huge community of the young generation to do the December 6 decision by Opec+ subdued given the continued country, with an aim to mentor selves from ideation to being venture capitals and fundings.” startups. It was overwhelm- on additional production cuts of slowdown in the global economy. the younger generation of commercial, negotiating with Singh added that the group ingly supported. We’re just 0.5m b/d is still not enough to The EIA expects US crude oil startup entrepreneurs in Qatar, investors, manoeuvering in the also plans to create a fund in the extending that. We’re just balance the market in 2020. production to average 13.2m b/d said Dr Tejinder Singh, Chapter ecosystem, and validating the future. “First, we’re trying to adding our contribution to the They see global liquid fuels in 2020, an increase of 0.9m b/d Director of Startup Grind Doha, product among other topics,” said create an ecosystem, and 360 whole initiative that the Qatar inventories rising by about 1m from the 2019 level. The rate at who is also the Founder and Singh in an interview with The Nautica will also create a fund government has done”. b/d in 2020 after our estimated which new rigs are brought into Chairman of venture and growth Peninsula on the sidelines of the which will actually invite Haris Aghadi, Founder of rise of 0.2m b/d in 2019. Conse- production continues to slow capital platform 360 Nautica. Startup Grind’s ‘Journey to Series investors not just across Qatar Meddy, shared his experiences quently, IIF expect a decline in because of lower investment by Known to be the world’s A’ talk which was held at the but from other parts of the world. in building the largest doctor average Brent oil prices to $60/ major oil companies. largest independent startup Alfardan Centre on Sunday. We will adopt various ways of booking platform in Qatar, which bbl in 2020, compared with $64/ Downside risks to oil prices community, Startup Grind nur- Singh said his team at 360 angel funding, crowd funding, now has over 150,000 monthly bbl in 2019. include one or more of the tures startup ecosystems in over Nautica will also work on men- and we will even scale it to VC users. Meddy, which is a 500 Oil futures contracts point to factors like significant increase 125 countries. The global toring and coaching the new in times to come,” he added. Startups portfolio company, also a decline of prices to an average in Opec supply beyond the platform, which is sponsored by startups, and will support the Describing Qatar’s startup plans to expand to the rest of the of $62/bbl in 2020, while current Opec+ agreement; Google for Startups, educates, young entrepreneurs in every ecosystem, Singh added: “When GCC in the near future. Bloomberg consensus forecasts gradual recovery in crude oil pro- inspires, and connects more than way, such as providing them I first came to Qatar in 2006, The company, which ranked suggest a further decline in oil duction in Venezuela; and accel- 2 million entrepreneurs in over with the investment funds there were virtually no startups 10th in the Forbes Middle East’s prices to $61/bbl in 2020. The eration of growth in US oil pro- 600 chapters. needed, extending co-working here. It was just the entrepre- 2017 ’50 Startups to Watch in the recent modest increase in Brent duction beyond our baseline due In Qatar, Startup Grind is spaces and the back office neurs bootstrapping their own Arab World’, recently raised a oil prices, driven largely by dimin- to further technological improve- partnered with 360 Nautica, support system for the startups initiatives predominantly. There $2.5 Series A round to expand ishing uncertainty around ments and efficiency gains. which owns a number of popular to grow. was no airwaves of startups. The further into GCC.

Qatar Islamic Bank celebrates National Day

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) cele- brated Qatar National Day (QND) by hosting an internal event on Tuesday . To mark the occasion, QIB invited all employees to come together and celebrate at QIB’s headquarters in Grand Hamad Street. The event was attended by the executive man- agement of the bank. In the run up to this year’s QND event, QIB held a bank- wide photography to celebrate the occasion. Employees were QIB employees during the event. encouraged to explore the country and take a photo of one of Qatar’s national monuments. Chairman, said: “Qatar’s National Qatar and have built our strategy the nation’s leading Islamic Bank. well wishes to the Amir His Amir, and the Deputy Amir H H The winners were announced Day is a special occasion for us all to best complement Qatar’s “As we celebrate Qatar Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al and rewarded during the event. and therefore we are proud to see National Vision 2030 and the gov- National Day, on behalf of QIB, Hamad Al Thani, and His Thani. We wish Qatar continued Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin QIB employees take part in cele- ernment’s commitments, as this I would like to extend our Highness Sheikh Hamad bin success and progress in the Jassim bin Jaber AI Thani, the brations. We are committed to an integral part of our mission as heartfelt congratulations and Khalifa Al-Thani, the Father future,” he added. 02 BUSINESS THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019

Bedaya takes part in QND celebrations at Darb Al MARKETWATCH Saai through the ‘Young Entrepreneur’ Program THE PENINSULA QSE FTSE100 DOW CRUDE DOHA 10,340.37 7,540.75 28,279.84 $61.15 As a part of Qatar National Day +118.19PTS +15.47PTS +12.68 PTS +0.21 celebrations, Bedaya Center for 1.16% 0.21% 0.045% Dow & Brent before going to press Entrepreneurship and Career Development, a joint initiative by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Silatech, for the second consecutive year is par- Qatargas celebrates ticipating through four entrepre- neurial projects that are part of the “Young Entrepreneur – Al Qatar National Day Tajer Al Saghir” program at the specially designed Souq Waqif THE PENINSULA Qatargas liaison offices area in Darb Al Saai. DOHA around the world celebrated “Young Entrepreneur – Al Qatar National Day with cere- Tajer Al Saghir” program has Qatargas Operating Company monies, held in cooperation with been curated by the Center for Limited (Qatargas) celebrated embassies of the State of Qatar in entrepreneurs in the age group Qatar National Day with the respective countries, and of 10 to16 years old. employees at multiple locations media advertisements wishing the The Center worked relent- throughout Qatar, and at the government and people of Qatar lessly to provide this platform to Company’s liaison offices in South continued peace and prosperity. all young entrepreneurs who were Korea, Japan, Thailand and China. A unique global energy willing to be part of this initiative In support of Qatar National Day operator in terms of size, service by promoting this excellent oppor- Participants at the program. (QND), a giant glass wrap was and reliability, Qatargas tunity on all of its social media mounted on the Qatargas’ head- operates 14 LNG trains with a channels and its website. All the opportunity to promote their located in the Souq Waqif area. them skills and experience and quarters building in Doha. production capacity of 77 million applicants were interviewed and products, interact with the public Our aim is to promote those help them to continue their The glass sticker features an tonnes per annum (Mtpa), two screened and subsequently, four closely, and gain many skills that entrepreneurial projects that are business and motivate to innovate. image of the Amir H H Sheikh helium plants that make Qatar “Young Entrepreneurs” whose will help them to develop and either owned or managed by indi- “The main objective of our Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the the world’s largest exporter of projects met all the requirements progress as well as facilitate in viduals who are in the age group “Young Entrepreneur – Al Tajer QND emblem and one of the helium and the second largest were selected. The selected can- growth and continuity of their of 10 to 16 years and provide them Al Saghir” program is to support most prominent architectural producer, two of the world’s didates were chosen on the basis businesses. with the right platform to practice these children, introduce them monuments in Doha — the largest condensate refineries, of owning their own business or Reema Al Khater, Marketing their commercial activities and the proper way to deal with cus- arches of Interchange 5/6. and the world’s largest chartered managing family businesses Manager at Bedaya Center, said: work to enhance their strengths tomers, and teach them how to The iconic arches symbolise fleet of LNG vessels. owned by their parents. “We ae delighted to take part in and search for weaknesses to track their inventory and cal- the country’s resilience and Qatargas is currently exe- The four selected projects the Qatar National Day celebra- improve it. culate daily incomes, which ability to overcome challenges. cuting the North Field Expansion that have been chosen this year tions at Darb Al Saai for the “By participating at the enhances the skill of self- Inscribed with the National Day (NFE) project on behalf of Qatar are divided between food and second consecutive year. This National Day celebrations, the reliance and love of entrepre- slogan in Arabic, the sticker also Petroleum that will take the products sectors. Through this year we are participating with entrepreneurs will undoubtedly neurship, under the supervision includes a quotation from the State of Qatar’s current LNG participation, the “Young Entre- “Young Entrepreneur – Al Tajer benefit from direct interaction of a specialized team from the country’s founder Sheikh Jassim production capacity to 110 Mtpa preneurs” will have a promising Al Saghir” program that will be with the public which will give Bedaya Center.” bin Mohammed bin Thani. by 2024 Britain poised to tackle Nigeria’s Buhari signs off on Google, Facebook record budget online ads dominance AFP ABUJA REUTERS businesses who used their LONDON services every day. Nigerian President Muhammadu It was also concerned that Buhari on Tuesday signed off on Britain’s competition regulator people did not feel in control of a record budget, ratcheting up said there was a strong their data when they were on ambitious spending goals as the argument for tougher regulation the platforms. “Most of us visit country struggles to bolster its of Google and Facebook to curb social media sites and search on stuttering economy. any negative consequences the internet every day, but how The budget for 2020 was stemming from their domination these firms work can be a well up from last year at 10.6 of online advertising. mystery,” CMA Chief Executive trillion naira — $34.6bn at the The Competition and Andrea Coscelli (pictured) said. central bank’s official exchange Markets Authority (CMA) said “Digital advertising fuels big rate. It was based on a pro- Google accounted for more than businesses like Google and jected price for crude oil of $57 90 percent of all revenue earned Facebook and we have been per barrel and output of 2.18 for search advertising in the UK building a picture of how this million barrels a day in Africa’s in 2018, with revenue of about complex new market works.” The leading producer. £6bn, and Facebook accounted CMA launched its investigation The government predicted for almost half of all display into digital advertising, including growth would reach 2.93 advertising in the same year. the ownership of data, in July. Portugal Budget percent as Nigeria tries to shake It said ‘big’ was not neces- It said yesterday it had looked off the hangover after emerging Portuguese Finance Minister Mario Centeno arrives for a press conference to present the 2020 sarily ‘bad’ and the platforms at how the firms collected and from its deepest recession in Portugal State Budget at the Finance Ministry in Lisbon. had brought innovative and val- used people’s data, how they decades in 2017. uable products and services to monetised it and what this meant Buhari was elected for a the market, but it was concerned for rival companies, as well as the final four-year term in Feb- their position may have negative people and businesses using these ruary on pledges to boost the consequences for the people and services every day. Oil slips from three-month high economy and create jobs for It said it was now inviting Nigeria’s young and rapidly comments on what it had BLOOMBERG the past four trading days as the on the New York Mercantile expanding population. found, and would most likely LONDON US and China struck a prelim- Exchange as of 10:56am in But the government has make recommendations to inary trade pact. London. The contract finished consistently failed to fulfil its Britain’s new government Oil retreated from a three- The American Petroleum up 1.2% on Tuesday at $60.94. ambitious spending targets in about how it regulates the month high after an industry Institute reported crude inven- Brent for February set- previous years. “With today’s sector. The CMA added that it report showed a large build in tories swelled by 4.7 million tlement declined 31 cents to global oil market outlook and our stood ready to act directly US crude and gasoline stockpiles, barrels last week and perol $65.79 a barrel on the London- strategic approach to revenue through its own powers if, ulti- reviving concerns over renewed stockpiles by 5.6 million barrels. based ICE Futures Europe growth, we are optimistic that we mately, these issues were not oversupply. West Texas Intermediate Exchange after climbing 1.2% will be able to finance the 2020 addressed in other ways, Futures in New York fell as crude for January delivery, Tuesday. The global benchmark budget,” Buhari said as he signed whether domestically or much as 1%, yet held above $60 which expires today, fell 48 crude traded at a $5.40 premium it into law. internationally. a barrel after rising 3.7% over cents, or 0.8%, to $60.46 a barrel to WTI for the same month. The authorities are trying to increase revenues as they look to wean Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest economies, off US housing market regaining steam; manufacturing stabilising oil. They plan to increase value- added tax from 5 to 7.5 percent. REUTERS on a moderate growth path in the ultimately crimp economic accounts for the bulk of home- Parliament increased the WASHINGTON fourth quarter despite slowing growth. “The economy never building activity, surged to the budget from the 10.33 trillion consumer spending. seems to be fully out of the highest level since March 2007. naira spending plan that Buhari US homebuilding increased more But the economy’s improving woods,” said Chris Rupkey But homebuilding in the Midwest presented to it in October. than expected in November and fortunes could prove temporary. (pictured), chief economist at tumbled, likely pulled down by Lawmakers said the permits for future home con- Boeing said on Monday it would MUFG in New York. unseasonably cold temperatures increase was aimed at struction surged to a 12-1/2-year suspend production of its best- Housing starts rose 3.2% to a and snowstorms. increasing funds for national high as lower mortgage rates selling 737 MAX jetliner in seasonally adjusted annual rate Overall housing starts security, road infrastructure, continue to boost the housing January as fallout from two fatal of 1.365 million units last month, jumped 13.6 percent on a year- mines and steel development, market and support the broader crashes of the now-grounded with single-family construction on-year basis in November. health and other social needs. economy. aircraft drags into 2020. racing to a 10-month high and Building permits increased 1.4 For the first time in years, The economy’s near-term Boeing’s biggest assembly- activity in the volatile multi- percent to a rate of 1.482 million the budget was passed and prospects were also bolstered by line halt in more than 20 years family sector increasing for a units in November, the highest approved on schedule as other data on Tuesday showing could wreak havoc on supply second straight month. level since May 2007. Buhari’s ruling party now holds a strong rebound in manufac- chains, and offset some of the Data for October was revised The housing market is sway in parliament. turing production in November lift to business confidence from higher to show homebuilding Economists polled by Reuters regaining momentum after the Debt servicing is expected as the return of formerly striking easing trade tensions. rising to a pace of 1.323 million had forecast housing starts Federal Reserve cut interest rates to gobble up some 2.3 trillion General Motors’ workers boosted The production stoppage is units, instead of advancing to a increasing to a pace of 1.345 three times this year, pushing naira of expenditures in 2020, automobile output. The data sug- expected to undercut manufac- rate of 1.314 million units as pre- million units in November. down mortgage rates from last while the deficit will be 1.52 gested the economy remained turing and exports, and viously reported. Starts in the South, which year’s multi-year highs. percent of GDP. THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 BUSINESS 03 Fiat Chrysler, Peugeot agree $47bn merger

BLOOMBERG The new company, sum after underestimating MILAN / PARIS with global sales of Chrysler’s value following its 8.7 million vehicles, purchase several years ago. PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler will be run by PSA Manley reiterated that the case Automobiles NV agreed to would have no material impact, combine to create the world’s Chief Executive Officer and said both issues were fourth-biggest carmaker, as the Carlos Tavares with reviewed during due diligence manufacturers prepare to Fiat Chairman John with PSA. shoulder the costly investments Elkann holding the Before the closing, Fiat will in new technologies trans- distribute to its shareholders a forming the industry. same role. special dividend of €5.5bn while In the biggest automotive PSA will distribute its 46 percent deal since Daimler acquired heavyweight, with a stable of stake in car-parts maker Fau- Chrysler two decades ago, the popular brands and annual recia SE to its own investors. French and Italo-American car- vehicle sales surpassing General The spinoff or sale of Fiat’s makers will each own half of the Motors Co. The combination will robotics arm Comau slated for the enlarged business. give Peugeot-maker PSA a long- benefit of the Italian company’s The new company, with sought presence in North shareholders has been modified global sales of 8.7 million America and should help Fiat since October. Now, the planned vehicles, will be run by PSA Chief gain ground in developing low- PSA Chief Executive Officer Carlos Tavares (left) and Fiat Chairman John Elkann separation will occur after the Executive Officer Carlos Tavares emission technology, where it’s closing, and shareholders of the with Fiat Chairman John Elkann lagged rivals. significant resources, strengths, US, where the carmakers have US regulatory approval. combined company will benefit. holding the same role. Yet the new company will skills and expertise.” deep national roots. The com- US economic adviser Larry Goldman Sachs acted as lead The combination would still be heavily reliant on The companies are aiming to bination with Fiat Chrysler Kudlow said last month the financial adviser to Fiat Chrysler, forge a regional powerhouse to Europe’s sluggish and saturated extract €3.7bn in annual syn- marks a reversal of fortune for Trump administration would while Bank of America, Barclays, rival Germany’s Volkswagen AG auto market, and poorly posi- ergies from the deal, without the 61-year-old executive, who review the proposed merger Citigroup, d’Angelin & Co, and have a stock-market value tioned in China, the world’s closing any plants, unchanged was forced into a bystander role because the deal would give the JPMorgan and UBS also provided of about $47bn, surpassing Ford largest country for car sales. from the target they announced earlier this year when Elkann Chinese carmaker a stake in the financial advice to the company. Motor Co. The tie-up also brings Like executives across the when they disclosed their merger approached Renault SA, PSA’s combined company. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, De together two carmaking industry, Tavares and Elkann are discussions. French rival. That deal fell apart Tavares, on the call, said the Brauw Blackstone Westbroek dynasties — the billionaire responding to growing pressure The challenges will be man- in early June after Renault’s Jap- companies don’t expect any sig- and Darrois Villey Maillot Bro- Agnelli clan of Italy, led by to pool resources for product ifold, from improving Fiat’s anese partner, Nissan Motor Co., nificant issues from the antitrust chier acted as legal counsel to the Elkann, and the Peugeots of development, manufacturing struggling European operations declined to back it. regulators. Fiat CEO Mike Manley Italo-American carmaker. France. The deal will take as long and purchasing in the face of to meeting tough rules on emis- China’s Dongfeng Motor dismissed concerns over legal Mediobanca’s Messier Maris as 15 months to complete, trade wars and an expensive shift sions that kick in next year in the Corp, which owns 12 percent of and tax issues that arose in & Associés acted as lead pending approvals by share- toward electric and self-driving region as well as an unprece- PSA, will see its stake in the com- recent weeks. GM in November financial adviser to PSA, while holders of both companies and technology. dented policy known as the bined company decline to 4.5 accused Fiat Chrysler of bribing Morgan Stanley also provided by regulators, the carmakers “The challenges of our green deal demanding an even percent as a result of the deal and a union in the US for more favo- financial advice. Bredin Prat estimated. industry are really, really signif- tougher clamp down on carbon. the sale of a portion of its holding rable terms. Manley called the served as legal counsel to the In an era when size is icant,” Tavares told reporters on Tavares, known as a hard- to the French carmaker. allegation meritless. French manufacturer. Exor, the becoming ever more important, a call yesterday. “The green deal, nosed cost-cutter, will also have Dongfeng’s stake in PSA has Separately, Italian tax Agnelli family holding company the deal will turn the two mid- autonomous vehicles, connec- to navigate the political cross- attracted attention because of the authorities have claimed that which controls Fiat, was sized carmakers into a global tivity and all those topics need currents in France, Italy and the possibility it could interfere with Fiat owes the government a hefty advised by Lazard.

Fed’s Brainard: Facebook’s Libra Boeing’s 737 production faces ‘core set’ halt could dent US of regulatory hurdles first-quarter GDP REUTERS REUTERS NEW YORK WASHINGTON

US Federal Reserve Governor Boeing Co’s decision to stop pro- Lael Brainard launched a duction of its best-selling 737 broadside against Facebook’s MAX aircraft involved in two Libra digital currency project fatal crashes will impact US eco- yesterday, saying it faces a “core nomic growth and employment, set of legal and regulatory chal- but the pain may be brief and lenges” including clarity about concentrated in areas where how it would be tied to some suppliers are located, analysts basket of underlying assets. and executives say. Facebook’s concept of Libra The biggest assembly-line as a “stablecoin” - a digital cur- halt in more than two decades rency linked to government- at Boeing could cut first quarter backed money or other sound 2020 gross domestic product inventory offset the drag on GDP assets to avoid the wild fluctu- growth by at least half a per- growth from reduced exports ations of pure cryptocurrencies centage point, economists esti- and business spending on like bitcoin - remains unproven, Dutch farmers’ woes mated on Tuesday. The hit to equipment. Brainard said, with an unclear GDP growth would come from “With deliveries of the plane Farmers gather in front of the Provincial Government Office of Gelderland in Arnhem, The Netherlands, set of rights for consumers. a smaller inventory build. already halted, exports and yesterday, as they protest a clampdown on nitrogen emissions that they claim could wreak havoc “What would set Face- Boeing holds unique sway investment in aircraft are book’s Libra apart, if it were to on their businesses. in the US economy as the largest unlikely to fall much further,” proceed, is the combination of US goods exporter and also as said Michael Pearce (pictured), an active-user network repre- the largest weight in the Dow a senior US economist at Capital senting more than a third of the Jones Industrial Average, the Economics in New York. global population with the German business confidence brightens blue chip stock index tracked “But the decision to stop issuance of a private digital cur- worldwide as a bellwether of producing means that the surge rency opaquely tied to a basket AFP analysts surveyed by Factset. more optimistic for the future. wealth creation. in inventories will end, resulting of sovereign currencies,” FRANKFURT “The mood ahead of Christmas Germany’s powerful indus- The suspension of production in a big drag on economic Brainard said in remarks pre- has got noticeably better among trial sector has suffered from comes as the manufacturing growth in the first quarter.” pared for delivery at a con- Confidence among German German executives,” Ifo chief uncertainty over trade con- sector is starting to regain its Economists do not anticipate ference in Frankfurt. business leaders rose in Clemens Fuest said. “German flicts, notably between the US footing after being pressured by an impact on growth for the full “Without requisite safe- December, a closely-watched business is heading into the new and China, and Brexit. But such a 17-month trade war between year as production of the plane guards, stablecoin networks at survey showed yesterday, in line year with more confidence.” uncertainty has receded in the United States and China, is likely to resume sometime in global scale may put consumers with other recent positive eco- Looking to different ele- recent days. which has eroded business sen- 2020. They expected the Federal at risk.” Her remarks suggest that nomic indicators, as the geopo- ments of the survey, companies’ Elsewhere in the economy, timent and helped to undercut Reserve, which last week sig- Facebook’s Libra project has yet litical risks to Europe’s biggest assessment of both their present services firms showed more capital expenditure. naled interest rates could remain to gain traction among key reg- economy appear to ease. economic situation and the optimism, while retailers were Since a global grounding of unchanged at least through ulators. Intended as a consortium The Ifo institute’s monthly outlook for the coming months concerned about the future. the Boeing 737 MAX in March 2020, would view any weakness of companies that would back business climate index climbed brightened. LBBW bank economist Uwe that froze deliveries, the aircraft in first-quarter growth as tem- the digital currency with hard 1.2 points to 96.3 this month, its In individual sectors, man- Burkert saw the improved Ifo manufacturer continued pro- porary, provided the production assets, Libra has suffered other strongest reading since June and ufacturers were gloomier about reading as a “conciliatory closure duction of the aircraft. The pause did not extend beyond the setbacks with the withdrawal of higher than forecasts from their present performance, but to a messed-up year”. resulting surge in aircraft first half of next year. major payments companies like Paypal, Mastercard and Visa. Central banks globally are debating how to manage the Australia’s biggest banks reel from string of scandals advance of digital finance tech- nology, particularly the dis- REUTERS The inquiry also found reg- Banking Group and National sued by Australian regulators over they had been underpaid. tributed ledger systems used by SYDNEY ulators had been too lenient in Australia Bank — have set aside 23 million breaches of anti-money The bank’s life insurance arm bitcoin. Some analysts feel it is their oversight of banks, with over A$8bn ($5.4bn) to refund laundering laws, the country’s also was convicted in November inevitable that central banks Australia’s banking industry reported misconduct often met customers for overcharged fees, biggest ever such scandal. Westpac of 87 counts of breaking a law will ultimately issue digital cur- is reeling from a series of regu- with light penalties or left com- miss-sold products and non- accepted most of the regulator’s banning unsolicited sales calls. rencies of their own. latory scandals. Australian banks pletely unpunished. The gov- compliant financial advice assertions, which included the The bank also agreed to pay With the potential to lower are still feeling the fallout from ernment recommended over- stemming from the probe. facilitation of payments to child A$700m ($529.27m) in 2018 - the cost and up the speed of a year long government-led hauling how the nation’s banks In October, the Australian exploiters. Its CEO and compliance Australia’s biggest-ever cor- transmitting money, Brainard inquiry into the sector, which are regulated and executives are Competition and Consumer head have quit, while the porate fine - to settle charges of said the technology does have wrapped up in February. That paid, and referred two dozen Commission (ACCC) announced chairman brought forward his money laundering control lapses. advantages. But she said there revealed rampant wrongdoing cases for possible legal action. it was considering a probe into retirement to early 2020. Meanwhile, ANZ plans to are also “advantages associated across the industry, including The nation’s four largest competition issues in the retail At CBA, bank executives have refund owners of 3.4 million with current arrangements” fees charged to the accounts of banks — Commonwealth Bank banking sector, which is domi- agreed to pay 41,000 current and customer accounts after the based on the issuance of dead people and bribes paid to of Australia, Westpac Banking nated by those four banks. former employees nearly A$25m inquiry revealed it wrongly physical cash. win mortgage business. Corp, Australia and New Zealand In November, Westpac was ($16.97m) after a review found charged fees. 04 BUSINESS THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 05 I understand that our tennis era is changing Stefanos Tsitsipas in a way, the top-three are getting older is eyeing a top-three finish CRICKET GOLF obviously, we are the ones who come from next season as he hopes Pakistan vs Sri Lanka EPGA behind. So for me, I do have as a goal to win to break the rankings a Grand Slam title next year, that’s for sure, stranglehold of Nadal, 2nd Test in Karachi Australian PGA Championship but it’s not a matter of life or death for me. Day 1 Gold Coast Djokovic and Federer. ACTION TODAY’S Pakistan’s Azhar seeks memorable home victory after 10-year drought AFP said the team is looking to con- KARACHI tinue their winning ways as part of the World Test Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali said championship. Wednesday he wants the return “We look forward to giving of Test cricket to the country to good competition to Pakistan, but be a memorable one as his team know that it will be tough to beat seeks victory over Sri Lanka in them,” he said.The visitors will be Karachi starting today. without their pace spearhead Their series is the first in Kasun Rajitha, who pulled a ham- Pakistan since a militant attack string during the Rawalpindi Test on the Sri Lankan team bus killed and is likely to be replaced by eight people in March 2009, uncapped fast bowler Asitha leading to the suspension of inter- Fernando. national cricket in the country as The Sri Lankans are in third foreign sides refused to visit over place on the Test championship security fears. The return of Test table with 80 points. cricket to Pakistan last week was World number one India sit Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne speaks to the media at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi yesterday. RIGHT: Pakistan captain something of a washout, with atop the nine-team table with 360 Azhar Ali meets with the media at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi yesterday. their first encounter badly hit by points while Australia are second the weather in Rawalpindi before with 216. stuttering to a tame draw. “We want to win this series to Sri Lanka’s 308-6 declared. leg-spinner Yasir Shah replacing Sri Lanka are aiming to spoil Pakistan -- currently sixth -- After 10 years playing away, and make the occasion It was extra special for Abid, fast bowler Usman Shinwari, who Pakistan’s homecoming following lost 2-0 to Australia recently, but Azhar said Pakistan desperately memorable.” who became the first batsman to has been ruled out with typhoid. a string of strong performances. got 20 points from last week’s wanted to make the most of Despite the Rawalpindi follow a one-day debut century Azhar will also hope to regain his Earlier this year, they became draw in Rawalpindi. playing at home. washout, Pakistan gained a psy- -- against Australia in Dubai in own batting form, having managed the first Asian team to win a Test Launched in August, the “We are playing a home series chological edge against the Sri March this year -- with a hundred just 36 at Rawalpindi following his series in South Africa (2-0) before championship involves the top and need to capitalise on that Lankans with Abid Ali and Babar in his first Test. miserable 62 in four innings in Aus- drawing 1-1 at home against New nine Test teams in the world. home advantage,” he told Azam notching hundreds to Pakistan will likely make one tralia and 59 in six innings in South Zealand. The top two will contest the reporters. steer their team to 252-2 in reply change from the first Test, with Africa earlier this year. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne final at Lord’s in June 2021. Sharma’s 159 helps India Qatar win National Day T20 blockbuster draw level with Windies AFP VISAKHAPATNAM, SCOREBOARD INDIA Opener Rohit Sharma smashed R. Sharma c Hope b Cottrell ...... 159 159 in a power packed batting KL Rahul c Chase b Joseph ...... 102 show to set up India’s 107-run V. Kohli c Chase b Pollard ...... 0 S. Iyer c Hope b Cottrell ...... 53 series-levelling win over West R. Pant c Pooran b Paul ...... 39 Indies in the second one-day K. Jadhav not out ...... 16 international yesterday. R. Jadeja not out ...... 0 Sharma put on 227 runs Extras (b1, lb3, nb1, w13) ...... 18 with opening partner KL Total (5 wickets, 50 overs) ...... 387 Rahul, who made 102, as India Did not bat: D. Chahar, M. Shami, S. Thakur, K. Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-227, 2-232, 3-292, 4-365, 5-373 amassed 387 for five while Bowling: Cottrell 9-0-83-2 (w2), Holder 9-0-45-0 batting first and went on to (w1), Pierre 9-0-62-0 (w2), Paul 7-0-57-1 (w1), make the three-match series Joseph 9-1-68-1 (w3), Chase 5-0-48-0 (w3, nb1), 1-1 in Visakhapatnam. Pollard 2-0-20-1 (w1) Spinner Kuldeep Yadav WEST INDIES E. Lewis c Iyer b Thakur ...... 30 claimed a hat-trick as the hosts S. Hope c Kohli b Yadav ...... 78 Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) President Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari (left) bowled out the West Indies for S. Hetmyer run out (Iyer/Jadeja) ...... 4 presenting the winners’ trophy to Qatar skipper Iqbal Chaudhary following 280 in 43.3 overs. Wicket- R. Chase b Jadeja ...... 4 the Twenty20 clash which took place at the Asian Town Cricket Stadium. keeper-batsman Shai Hope N. Pooran c Yadav b Shami ...... 75 The annual blockbuster encounter was organised by the QCA was played K. Pollard c Pant b Shami ...... 0 top-scored with 78 while between an International XI and Qatar’s national side as part of the Qatar Nicholas Pooran made 75. J. Holder st Pant b Yadav ...... 11 K. Paul b Shami ...... 46 National Day celebrations with the support of Ministry of Interior. QCA Yadav returned figures of India’s Rohit Sharma A. Joseph c Jadhav b Yadav ...... 0 Operations Manager, Manzoor Ahmad and PR Director Issa Al Yacoub 3-52 with his left-arm wrist celebrates his century K. Pierre c Kohli b Jadeja ...... 21 are also seen. BOTTOM: The victorious Qatari team players posing for a spin after becoming India’s S. Cottrell not out ...... 0 during the second photograph. PICTURES: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA Extras (b1, lb2, w8) ...... 11 first bowler to claim two hat- one day international tricks in international matches. Total (all out, 43.3 overs) ...... 280 (ODI) match against Fall of wickets: 1-61, 2-73, 3-86, 4-192, 5-192, Paceman Mohammed Shami West Indies in 6-210, 7-210, 8-210, 9-260, 10-280 also took three wickets. Visakhapatnam, Bowling: Chahar 7-1-44-0 (w2), Thakur 8-0-55-1 Sharma though remained yesterday. (w2), Shami 7.3-0-39-3 (w1), Jadeja 10-0-74-2 (w1), the hero with his seventh Yadav 10-0-52-3, Iyer 1-0-13-0 (w2) century of the year, taking him past skipper Virat Kohli as the top run-getter in 2019 with Chase for 31 runs -- including on 70 when Shimron Hetmyer his 28th ODI hundred amid 1427 runs off 27 matches. four sixes and one four -- in spilled a Chase shot, was slow loud cheers from a capacity Kohli, who had a rare flop the 47th over. out of the blocks but got into crowd. as he fell for a first-ball duck, His partnerships including his stride after reaching 50 off Rahul recorded his third has scored 1292 runs in 25 ODI a 73-run fourth-wicket stand 67 deliveries. ODI hundred with a boundary matches. with wicketkeeper-batsman The attacking batsman off Alzarri Joseph, but lost his Shreyas Iyer also tore into Rishabh Pant, who hit 39 off 16 soon overtook his partner, wicket to the paceman four the West Indies attack with a deliveries. who had raised his fifty in 46 balls later when mistiming a 32-ball 53 as he hit Roston Sharma, who was dropped balls, and went on to complete shot to third man. Ireland Test plans suffer blow as Sri Lanka match postponed AFP executive Warren Deutrom “We understand that ICC to its 2020 schedule, scrapping number of financial headwinds the red-ball game in 2020 DUBLIN referring to challenging (International Cricket Council) a Twenty20 series against that we have faced as we tran- because of the upcoming T20 “financial headwinds”. regulations require all Tests to Afghanistan and converting a sition from an Associate Member World Cup and the start of the Ireland’s Test plans suffered a Sri Lanka Cricket said in a be broadcast, and it became clear home Test against Bangladesh to the operations required of a Cricket World Cup Super League, fresh blow yesterday with the statement that the Ireland tour only recently that this one-off into a T20 match. Full Member,” he said. which is the qualification process announcement that Sri Lanka of Sri Lanka was not part of its match was no exception,” said Deutrom said Ireland, He said costs had not been for the 50-over World Cup. have postponed their one-off original broadcast agreement Deutrom. awarded Test status in 2017, had matched by expected revenues Since gaining Test status, Test scheduled to take place in and it would be rescheduled. “We were far progressed in been confronted with “significant and there had been a number of Ireland have played just three February 2020. Cricket Ireland said it had our planning for this short tour, financial challenges”. unforeseen financial blows, Tests. In May 2018 in their inau- It comes just days after agreed to SLC’s request to so we and the travelling squad “We have additionally been including the postponement of gural Test in Malahide, they were Ireland announced major reschedule the tour to ensure the are obviously disappointed.” very open about the financial and the Euro T20 Slam. beaten by Pakistan. This year changes to its schedule for next Test would come under the next Cricket Ireland on Monday resource constraints that we Deutrom said white-ball they lost one-off Tests away to year, with Cricket Ireland chief broadcast agreement. announced a number of changes operate within, and especially a cricket had been prioritised over Afghanistan and England. 06 SPORT THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019

Arteta has Liverpool field side with 16 first-team great future but no top job appearances and average age of 19.4! experience, says Wenger REUTERS LONDON Aston Villa manager Dean Smith during the League Cup REUTERS quarter-final match agianst Liverpool at the Villa Park, in DOHA Aston Villa manager Dean Smith Birmingham, Britain on Tuesday. said his side’s 5-0 League Cup It was a bit of a weird Spaniard Mikel Arteta, in talks victory over Liverpool’s youngest game, probably the to be the next Arsenal coach, ever side had been one of the weirdest one I’ve has “no experience” as a weirdest matches he had ever manager and will need help, been involved in. been involved in for former Gunners boss Arsene With Premier League leaders a quarter-final of a Wenger said yesterday. Liverpool playing in FIFA’s Club major competition: Former Arsenal captain World Cup 24 in Doha, Villa Dean Smith Arteta, assistant to Pep Guar- faced an unrecognisable line-up diola at Manchester City, is the featuring no senior players. leading candidate to succeed Liverpool’s starting side had Liverpool’s under-23 Unai Emery at the London club only 16 first-team appearances manager Neil Critchley, who after their chief executive Vinai between them and had an stood in for Juergen Klopp, who Venkatesham was pictured average age of 19.4, a club phoned him at halftime from the outside the 37-year-old’s house record. team’s Doha hotel, said he was early on Monday. Villa themselves made 10 proud of his players. Another of Wenger’s former changes from the side that lost “It was an incredible night players, Swede Freddie to Sheffield United in the and no-one wanted it to end. The Ljungberg, is currently interim Premier League on Saturday, support we had was unbe- head coach, but looks set to be but were still put in a “no-win” lievable,” he said. overlooked for the top job. situation against the Anfield “The conduct of the Villa “I am an Arsenal supporter kids on a strange night at rainy players was first class. For and at the moment I support the Villa Park. Dean Smith and (assistant manager in charge and the “We had to be very profes- manager) John Terry to come manager in charge is Ljungberg. sional,” Smith, who has taken in to our dressing room after When Arteta will be in charge Villa to their first League Cup the game and say the things I will support Arteta,” said semi-final since 2012-13, said. players, were tactically switched start by the hosts, said it had “It was lose-lose but we did they said... They said ‘keep Wenger. “It was a bit of a weird game, on and they made it very difficult been a tricky test against players a professional job and we are going, good luck’ and wished But the Frenchman, who probably the weirdest one I’ve for us at times.” with nothing to lose. delighted to get over the line. us the best. won three Premier League titles been involved in for a quarter- Villa’s Conor Hourihane, “We weathered the storm at Nice to get through to the semi- “A moment I will remember and seven FA Cups during final of a major competition. whose cross opened the scoring the start but quality came finals. That is what we had to do and the players will remember nearly 22 years in charge of the “They had technically gifted in the 14th minute after a nervy through in the end,” he said. tonight.” for the rest of their lives.” club, said he saw many posi- tives in both men. “He (Arteta) is intelligent, he Spurs have the has passion, he has knowledge, but Ljungberg (does) as well,” momentum Guardiola expects quick decision Wenger added. “I believe that Arteta has heading into certainly a great future, he has on Arteta over Arsenal move certainly learned a lot in his first Chelsea clash, position as an assistant coach and after that as well he will says Kane REUTERS have to deal with the fact that LONDON he has no experience at that REUTERS level and he will have to get LONDON Manchester City boss Pep Guar- surrounded well.” diola said he expected a “quick However, Wenger, 70, who Tottenham Hotspur have built decision” on assistant Mikel left Arsenal in 2018, said the up a head of steam since Jose Arteta’s future, confirming his club needed to be smarter in Mourinho took over but they fellow Spaniard was in talks to their recruitment and that it face a massive challenge on take the vacant Arsenal job. was not necessarily the case Sunday as they take on Guardiola said Arteta will be that they needed a lengthy Chelsea with a place in the top at Oxford United on Wednesday period to get back to their best. four at stake, says striker for City’s League Cup quarter- “When I left the club was in Harry Kane. final but appears resigned to the a very strong financial position Mourinho took over from prospect of losing his right-hand and they bought many players Mauricio Pochettino last month man. in-between, they have not all with Tottenham struggling in “I think it (the decision) is worked out,” he said. 14th place, but four wins in five going to happen quick,” Guar- Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (left) “I believe that it’s not a league matches under the Por- diola was quoted as saying by the and assistant coach Mikel Arteta before the question of time. The change tuguese have lifted them to BBC. “Why not? It’s a good Champions League match against Shakhtar can be very efficient very fifth, three points behind argument.” Donetsk at the Etihad Stadium, in Manchester, quickly, it’s just about the right Chelsea. Former Arsenal captain Britain in this November 26, 2019 file picture. decision-making and that’s all “We have the momentum Arteta is the leading candidate that it’s about in football, it’s at the moment. But next to succeed Unai Emery as about good players. weekend is the big one,” Kane Arsenal manager after the incredible person, good manager. Spaniard Arteta made 149 opportunity and would not stand “We speak about the told British media. London club’s chief executive Work ethic. That’s why he is what appearances for Arsenal in his way. success of Liverpool, of course “If we can win and push Vinai Venkatesham was pictured he is. before joining City’s coaching “I am a guy who lets people they have a great manager, but into the top four, we have fix- outside the 37-year-old’s house “He’s talking with Arsenal so staff in 2016 where he has live with freedom and do what you have to say as well that in tures over the Christmas in the early hours of Monday I don’t know. Now he is part of enjoyed a successful spell as they want because that is what the last three-four years, they period we feel we can defi- morning. our group and staff and he is assistant to Guardiola, helping they want in the moment, for bought the right players.” Last nitely win.” “Mikel is travelling to Oxford here. When we have new news, the club to consecutive their lives, family, professionally month, Wenger was appointed After Chelsea, Spurs host with us tomorrow,” Guardiola I will know and you will know. Premier League titles over the and individually,” he said. FIFA’s new chief of global 13th-placed Brighton & Hove earlier told reporters. We were Now he is here, tomorrow trav- last two seasons. “Mikel knows exactly what football development and is in Albion on Boxing Day before a so smart to pick him up and the elling. He trained today and that’s Guardiola said he had spoken we think about him. After that, Doha observing the Club World December 28 trip to Norwich other clubs missed it. He’s an all.” to Arteta about the Arsenal we cannot do more.” Cup. City (19th) and a New Year’s Day meeting with Southampton (18th). Kane hailed Mourinho’s Chinese U-14 boys kick off Qatar Foundation tour impact but said the team cannot take their foot off the pedal THE PENINSULA having just edged past Wolver- DOHA hampton Wanderers 2-1 on Sunday with a winner in added time. Qatar’s footballing stars of “We’ve been feeling good... tomorrow have tested their skills we’ve scored goals in every against China’s hottest prospects, game we’ve played with the with Dalian Professional FC’s new manager in charge so if Under 14 side visiting Doha as we can get it right, grind out part of a week long football tour. results like at Wolves The Under 14’s from the throughout the season we’ll be Wanda Group owned football OK,” the England captain club in the South of China, kicked added. off their Qatar Foundation tour Dalian Professional FC’s Under 14 side training in Doha as part of a week long football tour of Qatar. RIGHT: Dalian Professional FC pose Having worked only with with a match against Aspire for a group picture. Pochettino for the majority of Academy. his senior club career, Kane The game, which took place Awsaj Recreation in Education training and matches with the Amy Johnson, Director, various players during the said he was eager to learn at Qatar Foundation (QF), saw City. The games are open to the opportunity to visit iconic land- Community Engagement, Qatar matches, as we know sport from former Porto, Chelsea, the two teams go head to head public to watch. marks and learn all about Foundation, added: “We are truly has an innate ability to Inter Milan, Real Madrid and at Education City in what is the The Academy Technical Qatari culture and heritage.Our delighted to welcome the cross borders and bring Manchester United boss first of three games against local Director, Pere Garcia, from young players will go b ck to Dalian FC U14 team to Qatar for people together. Mourinho. opposition for the young Chinese Dalian Professional FC who China with new cultural the first time, as part of an “It also serves as a unique “He’s got his own style, stars. accompanied the squad of 22 learnings, which are important ongoing partnership between opportunity to showcase Edu- own way of doing things. For The Chinese team will train in Qatar, said: “The team are for their future development. the Wanda Group and Qatar cation City as an education and me, it’s about learning that daily at the facilities in QF in having a fantastic time here in We’re very grateful to be able Foundation. sporting destination to the youth way... it’s good to experience preparation for their remaining Doha. The Qatar Foundation to benefit from the great rela- “This tour serves as a and wider Chinese community, new things, see how different games, which are set to take have provided an action- tionship between Wanda Group unique opportunity for cul- as QF’s and its Chinese managers work,” he added. place on December 19 and 20 at packed schedule, combining and Qatar Foundation.” tural exchange between the engagement grows.” THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 07

Five months on, Xavi happy with Al Sadd coaching role FAWAD HUSSAIN the new role so far was the Sheikh The heavy defeat was followed THE PENINSULA Jassim Cup, which the ‘Wolves’ by questions over his possible res- won after edging Al Duhail 1-0 in ignation as Al Sadd coach. Five months ago, Xavi Hernandez August. “No, absolutely I am not started his coaching career with The Doha giants reached the thinking about resigning. I am We must be realistic Qatar’s Al Sadd supervising their semi-final of the AFC Champions happy about my project in Al and our real game was preseason training camp in League, which they lost to Sadd,” he said. first two matches of this Fans gather in a 2019 FIFA Club World Cup Fan Zone ahead Girona, 100km away from eventual winners Al Hilal. In the “We must be realistic and our of the semi-final match between Mexico’s Monterrey and Barcelona – a city of his birth and ongoing QSL season, Al Sadd are real game was first two matches tournament. We have a a place which made him the currently fourth behind leaders of this tournament. We have a QSL match after six days England’s Liverpool in Doha, yesterday. legendary footballer. Al Duhail, Al Rayyan and Al QSL match after six days against against Al Gharafa and In his illustrious career as a Gharafa – though they have Al Gharafa and we must go back player with the Spanish giants, played two games less than the and compete strongly,” he said. we must go back and Xavi - also a World Cup wiwinnernner - ttopop ththreeree ssidesides iinn ththee popointsints “I feelfeel confidentconfident despitedespite whatwh compete strongly: Xavi won eight La Liga titles andand four sstandings.tandings. happenedhappened and we have to workwo UEFA Champions League trophies Perhaps, Xavi’sXavi’s biggestbiggest disapdisap-- positively.positivevely. WeW hhaveave a good teamtea for Barcelona before comingomingng to ppointmentointment as a ccoachoach and goodgoo players,plap yers, thisthis isis partpart of of returning Barcelona as the coach. Qatar. cameamea on TuesTTuesdaysday footballffootballall and I mmustust wowork “One of my dreams is to coach The Spaniard’s 31 trophiesphies fforor nighnightight whwhenen h hisiis and raiseraiseeth thethe coconfidencenfidden Barcelona, off course. I said that Barcelona and Spain combined,mbineded, teamt sufsuffereduffffered of thetheh pplayerslayeayeyers to to hehelp many times, in many interviews,” makes him one of the mostmost dec-dec- 2-6-6 drubdrubbingbingb themem makemakakake a strostrongn said Xavi. orated Spanish player in history.historyryy. byb AAfricanfricf an return.”retuturn.”n”. “I don’t think I will be joining But, the beginningng ofof a cchamchampionsampionons “Off“O course,course, I hhavea Barcelona anytime soon. I am coaching career for Xavi iss nothnothingingng EspeEsperanceperancnce to improve,impromproove, I hahavevev to focusing on the present and I am short of a roller coaster ride.ride. SporSportivetiveive in a gainga mormomoree exexperienceperiper enen very happy to coach Al Sadd, After giving up the captain’scaptain’s playplay-off-off for butbtb I aam haphappypy wwithith mmy which have very good players. arm band last July to rereplaceplace fiftfifthh popositionsition aatt commitment,”comc mmitmei ent,” sasaid This is present and you cannot veteran Jesualdo Ferreiraira ass Al the FIFAFIF CluClubub Xavi.Xaviavivii. control the future,” he said. Sadd head coach, the Barcelonaarceloelona WorlWWorldd CuCupup in TheTh SpanSpaniard,iar With the year coming to a legend’s first and only trophyrophy in in DDohaDoha.a. earlier,earllier, reireiteratede teraated his aiaaim close, Xavi’s aim in 2020 will be to help Al Sadd sweep all four tro- phies in Qatar besides guiding the side to AFC Champions League title and a possible participation at the FIFA Club World Cup. I feel confident “We have young players, who despite what are very good. I am very happy with their performance and I see happened and there is not much gap between we have to work top clubs and Al Sadd,” said Xavi. positively. We havee Meanwhile, Liverpool a good team and manager Jurgen Klopp was impressed with Xavi’s Al Sadd. good players, this “What I saw from Al Sadd was is part of football really good. They are playing for and I must work andnd Xavi, one of the best football raise the confidencece players in the world with a big career and now as a coach,” Klopp of the players to helpellp said on Tuesday. them make a strongng “You could see that in the return. Off course,I Ihavha avhaveve game as well, it was really good football. I think they were ready to improve, I have too and it was a tight game and it was gain more experiencence really close and Al Sadd could but I am happy withthhm mmyy have gone through,” he said while commitment: Xavi speaking on Al Sadd’s quarter- final loss to Monterrey. Flamengo show their ‘resilience’ at Club World Cup

FIFA “We showed that we’re a DOHA mentally strong team in the way that we went looking for the win,” The dictionary defines ‘resilience’ said Giorgian de Arrascaeta, one We showed that we’re as “the capacity to recover from of the key men involved in the Rio or adjust easily to misfortune or de Janeiro club’s fightback versus a mentally strong team change”, and this sums up Saudi outfit Al Hilal. A few in the way that we went perfectly what it means to support minutes prior to speaking to FIFA. looking for the win. People Flamengo at this moment in time. com, the Uruguay international said we were favourites, Because while it is true that the had been celebrating his team’s but we knew we were Brazilian side are enjoying a win in raucous fashion with the going to face a really tough Flamengo’s historic season, their matches large number of Flamengo fans team. Keeping our focus midfielder Giorgian have certainly put their fans congregated in Khalifa Interna- de Arrascaeta through the mill. tional Stadium. for the entire 90 minutes (left) celebrates Indeed, they had barely even “People said we were was very important in after scoring a had time to digest the thrilling favourites, but we knew we were terms of scoring the goals goal against Al comeback victory in the final of going to face a really tough team,” we required: Flamengo Hilal during the the Copa Libertadores when their he said. “Keeping our focus for midfielder Giorgian de 2019 FIFA Club heroes put them through another the entire 90 minutes was very Arrascaeta World Cup semi- emotional rollercoaster in the important in terms of scoring the final match played semi-finals of the FIFA Club goals we required.” at the Khalifa World Cup Qatar 2019. Al Hilal’s goal came just 18 minutes after kick-off, and Fla- International mengo’s inability to find their feet Stadium in Doha on and get into their usual rhythm in Tuesday. the first half was plain for all to see. De Arrascaeta continued with a wry smile: “We all felt a bit frus- would have to suffer for a little what a quality player he is and will take on in Saturday’s high- trated at half-time – we hadn’t longer. Despite having conceded the great season he’s had with us,” profile final. “We’ve achieved our got what we wanted. The coach a leveller, Al Hilal remained res- said the Rio Negro-born play- objective,” said De Arrascaeta. made some solid tactical changes olute in defence and the South maker. “We’re all very happy for “We don’t know which team so that we could put in a better Americans had trouble finding a him, because he’s really contrib- we’re going to play yet, but showing in the second half.” way through. Just when their fans uting to the team’s results.” whoever it ends up being, we’re In the 49th minute, De Arras- were beginning to contemplate A glance at De Arrascaeta’s going to face very difficult, caeta equalised for O Rubro- the possibility of extra time, Bruno own statistics makes it clear that physical, and tactically sound Negro when he received a pass Henrique made it 2-1 in the 78th he has also been one of Fla- opponents, and we’re going to from the influential Bruno Hen- minute. Four minutes later, the mengo’s top performers over the have to fight to win,” he said on rique and, finding himself com- forward capped off an inspired past year: Tuesday. pletely unmarked, tapped the ball performance by sending in a Following this exciting semi- There will, of course, likely be into the empty net. tempting cross that led to an final, the Brazilians are now some more suffering along the Flamengo’s players in action during a practice session in But it was still not an easy task unfortunate own goal. where they want to be and await way, but the team’s resilience may Doha yesterday as they gear up for the final. – Flamengo’s fans and players “Bruno Henrique showed with interest to find out who they just see them through in the end. SPORT

PAGE | 05 PAGE | 07 Pakistan’s Azhar Five months on, seeks memorable Xavi happy home victory after with Al Sadd 10-year drought coaching role

Thursday 19 December 2019

The President of Qatar Olympic Committee, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani watching the action during yesterday’s FIFA Club orldW Cup semi-final match between Mexico’s Monterrey and England’s Liverpool at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha with Paris Saint Germain and Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) President, Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi; retired English football star David Beckham; Liverpool CEO Peter Moore; FA Chairman Greg Clarke and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Firmino strikes late as Liverpool pip Monterrey to reach CWC final

FAWAD HUSSAIN Liverpool, seeking THE PENINSULA their maiden FIFA Club World Cup title, Roberto Firmino came off the bench late to score a stoppage will take on Copa time winner for Liverpool who Libertadores winners sealed a 2-1 victory over gutsy Flamengo in the final Monterrey in the thrilling second on Saturday. semi-final of FIFA Club World Cup yesterday. The runaway Premier League leaders were expected to win the With not more than 22 clash – watched by 45,416 spec- minutes left in the match, Klopp tators at the Khalifa International decided to send forward Sadio Stadium - comfortably but the Mane in place of Shaqiri, who CONCACAF Champions League looked off colour last night. winners gave them a run for Monterrey, on the other hand, money before going down fighting. continued to check Liverpool Liverpool, seeking their defence with Funes Mori taking maiden FIFA Club World Cup another shot, saved by Alisson. title, will take on Copa Liberta- The Reds also created an dores winners Flamengo in the opportunity in 73rd minute with final on Saturday at the same Milner’s cross finding Origi, who venue. just missed the target before Naby Keita fired first goal for Klopp brought in Alexander- Liverpool in 11th minute, with Arnold in place of Milner. Rogelio Funes Mori pulling the With both teams desperate goal back for Monterrey just three for a goal, referee booked both minutes later, before Firmino’s Klopp and Monterrey manager winner of a fine assist by another Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino Antonio Mohamed following an substitute Trent Alexander- (left) scores their second goal argument between them over a Arnold, sealed the victory for Liv- against Monterrey yesterday. second yellow card for Joe erpool in first minute of stoppage Gomez. time. Monterrey made their first “Wonderful goal, great game, Five minutes after the start, 35-plus yards. Reds goalkeeper the 37th minute, but a brilliant Gomez became the second player change with Miguel Layun super atmosphere,” Liverpool striker Xherdan Shaqiri led the Alisson Becker saved the attempt from a tight angle by to get the caution after 11 minutes. replacing Cesar Montes before boss Jurgen Klopp said after the first attack for Liverpool by overhead-kick well but the ball captain Dorlan Pabon was Monterrey’s Jesus Gallardo was Firmino coming in with just five match. clearing Monterrey defenders found Mori who slotted home punched away by Alisson. the other player to be booked, minutes left to replace Origi as “We have brought in a few but his attempt went wide. It just their first goal. Liverpool pushed for a lead yesterday. Liverpool continued to look for kids and see what we can do took six more minutes for the In another brilliance, with repeated attacks but both Meanwhile, Liverpool could a late winner, which the Brazilian line-up wise. We want to play the European giants to score first Egyptian superstar Salah set mid- the teams went in the halftime, have regained the lead but Keita’s eventually found. final and see what we can do.” goal through Keita, who finished fielder James Milner whose push with score locked at 1-1. hit after beating two defenders It was Salah again, who set Klopp made five changes the ball clinically after a fine was blocked by goalkeeper Monterrey emerged as the was well blocked by keeper up the goal with a pass to Alex- from the Reds side that defeated assist by feared striker Mohamed Marcelo Barovero. better side at the start of second Barovera as stalemate remained ander-Arnold whose cross was Watford 2-0 in Saturday’s Salah. By the end of well-disciplined session as Alisson had to make after an hour. brilliant, with Firmino making no Premier League clash, with The goal charged up the first 30 minutes, Liverpool was double saves in as many minutes The European champions, mistake to score the all- centre-back Virgil van Dijk Mexican side as Liverpool’s lead clearly on top with 75 percent of after their defender Leonel Van- backed by their cheering fans, important goal. missing the game due to illness. did not last for over more than ball possession over the Mexican gioni was handed a yellow card became more aggressive in Liverpool’s final with Fla- The Reds took early grip of the three minutes, with Funes Mori side. – the first of the night – by search of their second goal, and mengo will kick off at 8:30pm match against Monterrey, who - who also scored one goal in win While Liverpool continued to Chilean referee Roberto Tobar in Divock Origi cleared the target while Al Hilal and Monterrey are showed a fearless approach against against Al Sadd – levelled the test Monterrey defenders, the 47th minute. but the linesman had his flag up scheduled to play the third-place the European champions. score in a free-kick drama from Mexicans attacked their goal in Liverpool defender Joseph immediately for offside. play-off at 5:30pm the same day.