Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 QATAR

Ministry of Top scientists honoured Statistics signs pact with QF

QNA Doha at research conference he Ministry of Develop- ment Planning and Sta- By Joseph Varghese oped and deployed by QMIC in Ttistics (MDPS) and Qatar Staff Reporter partnership with the Ministry Foundation for Education, Sci- of Municipality and Planning. ence and Community Develop- QMIC, the fi rst independent in- ment (QF) yesterday signed a wo top researchers from novations centre in the region, memorandum of understanding Qatar were recognised is located at Qatar Science and that aims to develop co-opera- Tyesterday for their out- Technology Park. tion in the implementation of a standing research projects and Dr Ahmed described the fi eld survey on research and de- innovation at the opening cer- award as a ‘great recognition for velopment. emony of the Qatar Foundation the hard work of the team’ and The MoU was signed by HE Annual Research Conference said he is keen on translating the the Minister of Development 2016 (ARC’16) organised by Qa- research to results. “So I have Planning and Statistics Dr Saleh tar Foundation Research & De- started my company at the Qatar Mohamed Salem al-Nabit, and velopment (QF R&D). Science and Technology Park. President of Research and De- We have been able to get some velopment at Qatar Foundation “So I have started my fi eld tests done.” Faisal Mohamed al-Suwaidi, on company at the Qatar Dr Abu-Dayya pointed out the sidelines of the Qatar Foun- Science and Technology that QMIC team had developed dation Annual Research Confer- Park. We have been able to the only intelligent platform in ence 2016 (ARC’16) held at the get some fi eld tests done” the country and the region. “We Qatar National Convention Cen- are focusing on intelligent mo- tre yesterday. Dr Shehab Ahmed, associate bility, traffi c navigation and road The MoU stipulates the devel- professor in Electrical and Com- safety. This platform has been opment of a national statistical puter Engineering at Texas A&M available commercially. Since system for research and devel- University at Qatar, won the Best 2013, this has been adopted in- opment to meet the needs and Research Project Award for his creasingly by government enti- in response to requirements of work on power electronics while ties, private enterprises, and we HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani along with the award winners Dr Adnan Abu-Dayya and Dr Shehab building an international data- the Best Innovation Award was have also delivered it to com- Ahmed yesterday. PICTURE: AR Al-Baker / HHOPL. Below: A view of the delegates at the conference. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam base in the Unesco Institute for presented to Dr Adnan Abu- muters through our mobile ap- Statistics with a view to making Dayya, executive director and plications. So our iTraffi c appli- international comparisons on CEO of Qatar Mobility Innova- cations serve as the guide on the the measurement of spending tions Centre (QMIC) for Masa- road.” on research and development rak- iTraffi c platform. ARC’16, which concludes to- and the assessment of the size of The awards were presented by day, will feature a series of newly workforce in this fi eld. HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad incorporated events. The an- This is to be implemented al-Thani, chief executive offi cer nouncement of the QNRF Fund- through conducting a statistical and vice-chairperson of Qatar ing Programme outcomes and the fi eld survey to measure the re- Foundation. Path Towards Personalised Med- search and development indica- Funded by Qatar Nation- icine, the ARC’16 Awards rec- tors in order to obtain informa- al Research Fund (QNRF), Dr ognising the Best Student Poster tion and statistical data on R&D Ahmed’s project focuses on the Presentations, Regular Poster sector in the State of Qatar. development of power electron- Presentations and Best Research MDPS and QF will conduct ics and systems for the integra- Presentation in the fi elds of En- the joint survey in order to have tion of renewable energy into the ergy and Environment, Comput- an idea on the statistical reality power grid. ing and Information Technology, of research and development in Masarak- iTraffi c is an intel- Health and Social Sciences and Qatar as accurately and objec- ligent traffi c monitoring and Arts and Humanities are to be tively as possible, by using the navigation application devel- made today. latest technological means. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 23, 2016 3 QATAR FM calls for comprehensive

political settlement in Syria HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, and Burkina Faso’s Minister of Transportation, QNA through peaceful means and Urban Mobility & Road Security Souleymane Soulama signing the Doha based on Article 7 of its Perma- air services agreement in Doha yesterday. nent Constitution, the State of Qatar has laid the foundations E the Foreign Minister of peaceful mediation and suc- Sheikh Mohamed bin cessfully engaged in intensive HAbdulrahman al-Tha- diplomacy to contain numerous Qatar, Burkina Faso sign ni said the majority of Middle tensions and disputes both re- Eastern countries have been suf- gionally and internationally in fering for decades from instabil- order to achieve peace and se- air services agreement ity; lack of popular participation curity, the Foreign Minister said. in decision-making; absence of HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Ab- social justice, basic freedoms, dulrahman al-Thani said based QNA leymane Soulama in Doha. and respect of human rights; and on Qatar’s fi rm belief that the Doha The two ministers wit- failure of the international secu- achievement of development is nessed signing of a memoran- rity system. the only way to realise security dum of understanding (MoU) Speaking during the 10th edi- and stability, provide a decent he State of Qatar and allowing the national carriers tion of Al Jazeera Forum, the life for peoples and keep young Burkina Faso yester- of both countries to operate Foreign Minister said the main people safe from drifting into Tday signed an air serv- fi fth-freedom cargo fl ights to reason for instability in the Mid- crime or extremism, the State ices agreement to operate any intermediate points or any dle East is the continuing Israeli of Qatar has spared no eff ort any number of passenger and points beyond the two coun- occupation of Arab territories in fulfi lling its international cargo fl ights with full traffi c tries to other countries. for more than six decades while obligations with regard to the rights. The MoU was signed by the international society didn’t provision of humanitarian and The agreement was signed Chairman of the Civil Aviation do enough to end it despite Is- development aid and by con- yesterday by HE the Minister Authority Abdullah Nasser rael’s violation of international tributing fund and expertise of Transport and Communica- Turki al-Subaie and Director resolutions, laws, systems and available to the development tions Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Su- General of the National Agen- norms. and reconstruction in the re- laiti, and Burkina Faso’s Min- cy for Civil Aviation of the Sheikh Mohamed bin Ab- HE the Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani addressing the 10th edition of Al gion and outside it. This, he ister of Transportation, Urban Republic of Burkina Faso Abel dulrahman al-Thani said the Jazeera Forum in Doha on Monday. said, includes providing fi nan- Mobility & Road Security Sou- Sawadogo. international society adopted cial and technical assistance the two-state solution in a con- HE Sheikh Mohamed bin that it is imperative for the in- their potential and get them available in cases of natural text that ensures the settling of Abdulrahman al-Thani also ternational community to reach away from the incubator envi- disasters. the issues of Jerusalem, refu- spoke of the tragedy of the Syr- a comprehensive political set- ronment for terrorism and ex- He added that tyranny, cor- gees, security, borders and wa- ian people, attributing it to the tlement and a complete change tremism. ruption and absence of rule of ter in line with international failure of the international com- in Syria in order to save it from HE Sheikh Mohammed bin law as well as lack of real po- references and the Arab Peace munity to deal fi rmly and seri- the risk of fragmentation. Abdulrahman al-Thani stressed litical and economic reforms Initiative as a referential frame- ously with it, which, he said, He added that the whole that eradicating terrorism any- are the main reasons behind the work for bringing about a just shows the defi ciency and failure world, and particularly the Mid- where can only be achieved uprisings in several countries in and comprehensive peace in the of the international collective dle East, is facing terrorism and through the successful treat- the region, noting that the State region, adding that ending the security system and the paradox extremism as the biggest chal- ment of its incubator environ- of Qatar was among the fi rst occupation and achieving peace between the international com- lenge to the achievement of in- ment and the deep-rooted rea- countries to call on international in the Middle East requires the mitment acknowledged by the ternational safety and peace, sons that drive an individual community to support these international community to ex- Security Council member-states highlighting poverty, unem- to embark on acts of terrorism, people in achieving their legiti- ercise various forms of pressure to maintain international peace ployment and ignorance as main noting that this can be achieved mate demands for freedom and on Israel to compel it to comply and security, and the develop- reasons that make youths more through the political settlement dignity, and achieve their aspira- HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif with the resolutions of interna- ment of standards and political vulnerable to voluntary and in- of disputes, the establishment tions for a better life dominated Ahmed al-Sulaiti and Burkina Faso’s Minister of Transportation, tional legitimacy and the estab- considerations that serve the voluntary enlistment by terror- of justice, security and stabil- by justice, equality and the val- Urban Mobility & Road Security Souleymane Soulama witness the lishment of an independent and interests of some countries in ist groups. So, he added, young ity and not marginaliding or ex- ues of dialogue, tolerance and signing of an MoU by Chairman of the Civil Aviation sovereign Palestinian state based the implementation of these re- people must be empowered and cluding anyone. respect for human rights, and Authority Abdullah Nasser Turki al-Subaie and Director on the 1967 borders with Jerusa- sponsibilities. their abilities must be enhanced In line with Qatar’s strong not dominated by sectarian or General of the National Agency for Civil Aviation of the Republic lem as capital. The Foreign Minister stressed in order to take advantage of conviction in resolving disputes political exclusion. of Burkina Faso Abel Sawadogo in Doha yesterday.

Al-Sulaiti meets Indian envoy Emir sends condolences to Belgium king

QNA Doha

H the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- HThani has sent a cable to King Philippe of Belgium condoling the victims of the bombings which occurred in the capital Brussels yesterday. The Emir expressed strong condemnation of such despi- cable acts of terrorism, which Indian ambassador Sanjiv Arora held a meeting with Minister of Transport and represent a violation of all Communications HE Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti at his off ice yesterday. They religions, moral values and discussed many issues of mutual interest for the two countries and the ambassador human principles. The Emir handed over an invitation letter from Minister of Transport, Highways and Shipping reiterated Qatar’s rejection of of India Nitin Gadkari. They also discussed the possibilities of improving further the violence and terrorism in all co-operation between Qatar and India. Indian embassy first secretary Dinesh Udenia their forms and manifesta- was also present at the meeting. tions, whatever their motives and causes. The Emir also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the king of Belgium and to the Qatar-China ties reviewed families of the victims and the Belgian people, and wished a speedy recovery for the in- jured. HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani has also sent a cable of con- dolences to King Philippe of Belgium. The Deputy Emir expressed his heartfelt con- dolences to the Belgium king and to the families of the vic- tims and the Belgian people , and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Separately, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of in- terior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani has sent a cable to Prime Minister of Belgium Charles Michel condoling the victims of the bombings. The Premier expressed his heartfelt con- HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti met dolences to the prime minister China’s ambassador to Qatar Li Chen in Doha yesterday. They reviewed bilateral of Belgium and to the families relations in the fields of transport and communications between Qatar and China of the victims and the Belgian and ways of enhancing them. people, and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Meanwhile, in a statement issued yesterday, the Foreign Ministry said Qatar strongly France hails Qatar’s role in release of Djiboutian PoWs condemns the bombing, which contradicts all human France has praised the role Foreign Ministry said in a resolve their dispute values and principles, and of Qatar in the release of the statement, adding that it through negotiations, aims to terrorise the unsus- Djiboutian prisoners of war applauds “the role played particularly with regard to pecting innocents and desta- who were held in Eritrea. by Qatar on this occasion, the demarcation of their bilise international peace and “France takes note of which made these releases common border, which security. Eritrea’s release of four possible.” will help ease the situation The statement stressed Qa- Djiboutian prisoners of The statement added in the Horn of Africa – a tar’s full solidarity with Bel- war, who were able to that France “calls on vulnerable area that is prey gium in the face of violence return home,” the French Eritrea and Djibouti to to terrorism.” and terrorism. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 QATAR Seminar discusses steps to preserve national identity Aspetar and QU representatives pose for a photo after signing the agreement. atar’s Second National “I would thank HE the Prime tures, translating foreign books Social Sciences, Dr Mohamed Identity Seminar, held Minister and Interior Minis- into Arabic so that children read Akif Kershaje from Turkey, Mo- Qunder the patronage ter Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser nothing but Arabic, strength- hamed Hammam, Dr Maysara Aspetar, pharmacy of HE the Prime Minister and bin Khalifa al-Thani for gener- ening the role of language as an Taher - manager of Beit Al Ma- Interior Minister Sheikh Ab- ously extending his patronage essential component in Arab shoora Psychological Consul- dullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa to this seminar for the second characters, values, customs and tancy in Saudi Arabia, Dr Fatima al-Thani, concluded yesterday time. I would also like to thank traditions, and parents taking al-Suwaidi - vice-president of in Doha. Vodafone Qatar for its exclusive responsibility for maintaining the Qatar University Depart- college sign accord Vodafone Qatar was the ex- sponsorship and supporting national identity in their chil- ment of Arabic Language, Saleh clusive sponsor of the seminar, our will to preserve our national dren, among others. Gharib, Dr Aisha al-Hashimi, which explored “The role of identity. Dr al-Mulla concluded the Dr Khalid al-Jaber, Dr Yunis educational institutions in pro- “We were able to come up with second day by honouring the Luledy from Morocco and Ha- moting national identity” and a number of recommendations seminar’s participants, who mad al-Hammadi - government on clinical training was organised by the Qatar Her- on the importance of preserving shared their experiences and relations manager at Vodafone itage and Identity Centre. national identity through pro- studies on preserving the Arabic Qatar. The seminar was attended by moting the role of educational identity and Qatari heritage. “We are very proud of our spetar, the leading spe- important dimension in the side of Canada that is accred- local and international experts institutions, just as we planned The participants were Dr Kha- partnership with Qatar Herit- cialised orthopaedic and development of education in ited by the Canadian Council to discuss factors aff ecting na- for from the beginning.” lid bin Salem al-Ghassani - GCC age and Identity Centre for the Asports medicine hospi- the fi eld of sports medicine, for Accreditation of Pharmacy. tional identity. It also covered a These include emphasising assistant secretary-general for second consecutive year and the tal, and Qatar University’s Col- providing an opportunity for The College of Pharmacy is ac- number of topics on the necessi- the infl uential role of curricula cultural and media aff airs, Mo- seminar’s success,” said al-Yami. lege of Pharmacy (QU-CPH) students to develop their skills credited for both its bachelor ty of preserving a state’s national in forming national identity, in- hamed al-Yami - director of As part of the seminar’s sec- recently inked a clinical train- in clinical pharmacy in the and doctorate programmes and identity by promoting the role of tellectually and culturally open- external aff airs at Vodafone Qa- ond day, a number of experts ing agreement to off er the use fi eld of sports medical care and Aspetar will be affi liated as a educational institutions. ing up and interacting with oth- tar, Dr Mohamed Abdul-Rahim discussed topics on how to pre- of the required training facili- preparation for medical cover- partner in the practical training Dr Khalid Youssef al-Mulla, ers without compromising the Kafoud, Dr Rabia al-Kuwari, Dr serve the Arabic identity in the ties for QU-CPH’s female stu- age,” said Dr al-Kuwari. of both in Qatar, according to a executive director of Qatar Her- fundamentals of one’s identity, Kaltham al-Ghanim - director of light of developments taking dents to fulfi l their academic “The QU College of Phar- statement. itage and Identity Centre, said: balancing foreign and local cul- the Centre for Humanities and place in the region and in Qatar. requirements. macy is proud to partner with Starting in June, Aspetar will Dr Mohamed Ghaith al-Ku- Aspetar in this important function as a training location wari, acting director-general clinical training agreement. for QU-CPH students - ena- of Aspetar, and Dr Ayman El- The new partnership builds bling them to put their theo- Kadi, dean of CPH, signed the on the commitment of QU- retical learning to practice. As agreement that would provide CPH to prepare our students part of the training programme experiential activities and in the use of pharmaceuticals within the Bachelor degree at practical learning opportuni- in sports-related cases,” said QU-CPH, pharmacy students ties for the female students. Dr El-Kadi. will now be able to complete “This partnership between QU-CPH is the fi rst and only one of the six required four- Aspetar and Qatar University’s pharmacy programme in Qatar week clinical rotations at Asp- College of Pharmacy forms an and the only institution out- etar hospital.

The Second National Identity Seminar ended yesterday with a number of recommendations on the importance of preserving national identity.

Sheikh Turki bin Faisal al-Thani and Arnaldo Usai shake hands at the MoU signing ceremony as HE Outlook bright: aviation chief Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani and other dignitaries look on.

atar’s ambitious plans the raft of air service agreements this is up from 28m passengers in for its aviation industry it has signed worldwide, which its fi rst year of operations. Qare expected to remain now total 156. “Landmark” deals Turning to plans for the HIA’s Joint venture to make uniforms on track, despite the impact of include agreements with all EU expansion, the CAA chairman lower oil prices on other areas member countries, while others said these were “progressing,” of the economy, the chairman with Latin America and the Car- with the fi nal phase set for com- l Sawari for Indus- Present on the occasion were construction, manufacturing, of the Civil Aviation Authority ibbean were being pursued. Qa- pletion ahead of the 2022 FIFA tries (ASI) has signed HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim airline crew, and similar in- (CAA) has said. tar also has an open skies agree- World Cup. Aa memorandum of un- al-Thani, chairman of Al Faisal dustries and public sector un- Abdulla Nasser Turki al-Sub- ment with the US. “The Airport City project is derstanding with Uniform Holding; Sheikh Mohamed bin dertakings such as schools and aey, who was appointed CAA “Up to eight countries are ex- also moving forward, with the Italia srl, to establish a joint Faisal al-Thani, president of healthcare. chairman last year, told Oxford pected to sign air service agree- contract for its development venture that will manufacture the Italian Chamber of Com- “Both sides are evaluating Business Group (OBG) that the ments with Qatar in 2016,” he now at the end stage,” he added. uniforms for a wide variety of merce in Qatar; Qatar’s am- potential industrial sites and outlook for air transport, and said. “The aim is to enhance Al-Subaey was speaking to sectors. bassador to Italy Abdulaziz bin are screening the existing lo- the Hamad International Airport Abdulla Nasser Turki al-Subaey. connectivity and support the OBG as part of the Group’s re- The joint venture company Ahmed al-Maliki al-Jehani; cal supply chain,” Sheikh Turki (HIA) in particular, “was bright.” growth of Qatar Airways, which search for The Report: Qatar will set up a factory later this Federica Guidi, Minister of said in statement. “The budget for the airport’s Qatar has sharpened its focus is one of the world’s fastest- 2016. The publication will con- year at an estimated invest- Economic Development, Italy; As part of the agreement, the expansion and the aviation in- on hospitality and tourism in growing airlines, particularly in tain a detailed, sector-by-sector ment of $35mn. It will operate Italian ambassador in Qatar joint venture will sell and dis- dustry remains unchanged and recent years, setting itself a tar- developing long-haul routes.” guide for investors, alongside in the manufacturing, trade Guido De Sanctis, and Gian- tribute clothing, uniform and unaff ected by reduced govern- get of 7mn visitors annually by Al-Subaey also shared his contributions from leading per- and servicing of clothing, uni- carlo Innocenzi Botti, chair- accessories in the Middle East, ment revenue,” he said. “I don’t 2030. Tourism receipts are ex- thoughts on the HIA’s perform- sonalities. form and accessories in Qatar. man of Invitalia SPA (the Ital- North Africa, Europe and other expect anything to alter in our pected to reach $17.8bn by 2030, ance since the airport opened for The Report: Qatar 2016 will The statement of intent was ian Agency for Investment’s regions. fi eld, given the important role supported by investment of up business in May 2014, pointing be a vital guide to the many fac- recently signed by Sheikh Turki Development). Uniform Italia srl, involved for aviation when it comes to di- to $45bn under the 2030 Na- out that both passenger numbers ets of the country, including its bin Faisal al-Thani, chairman The company will also pro- in the military clothing sector versifying Qatar’s economy and tional Tourism Sector Strategy. and cargo have been increasing macroeconomics, infrastruc- of Al Sawari Holding, and Ar- duce work uniforms including since 1945, is considered one of developing the tourism indus- Al-Subaey also highlighted steadily. More than 30m passen- ture, banking and other sectorial naldo Usai, CEO of Uniform those used for the State’s se- the leading Italian companies try.” the CAA’s drive to capitalise on gers passed through HIA in 2015, developments. Italia srl. curity and military personnel, in its fi eld. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 23, 2016 5 QATAR Bachchan for Kalyan Jewellers’ 7-outlet inauguration on Friday

By Joseph Varghese Focus on long-term Staff Reporter potential in Qatar Kalyan Jewellers is focusing on the arking a new era in jewellery long term potential of the Qatari shopping in Qatar, Kalyan market and develop the busi- MJewellers, a renowned Indian ness accordingly, an off icial said jewellery group and one of the leading yesterday. brands in the GCC, will open seven out- “We are embarking on a long lets in Qatar this Friday, investing over term plan, fully understanding the QR200mn. potential of the market. We do not “Kalyan Jewellers’ global brand am- aim for one time customers but life bassador of and international fi lm icon time customers,” Ramesh Kalyanar- Amitabh Bachchan will make his maid- aman, executive director, Kalyan en visit to Qatar as part of the launch, Jewellers, told Gulf Times. accompanied by brand ambassadors “This is not the first time we are and popular Indian fi lm stars Nagar- opening multiple showrooms in juna, Prabhu Ganesan, and Manju War- one city or one country. We always rier,” T S Kalyanaraman, chairman and wanted to enter into Qatar in a big managing director, Kalyan Jewellers, way and we would have done so by announced yesterday. opening seven showrooms on any “Opening seven showrooms on a day. We are fully confident about single day is a record in jewellery in- the market and the potential of the dustry,” said Kalyanaraman, who was country,” he explained. accompanied by Rajesh Kalyanaraman Ramesh said that trust is the and Ramesh Kalyanaraman, executive ethos on which the group has been directors, Kalyan Jewellers. founded. “Trust is the philosophy, “We assure the best possible jewel- we work on. Trust is everything in lery shopping experience for the people life and Kalyan is known for trust in of Qatar,” he said while explaining that our products as well as in our serv- Qatar is the third GCC country where ices. It is the legacy of the brand. the group has started operations after We have developed this trust over the UAE and Kuwait. a long period of about 110 years of “We believe that such an emphatic business in the industry. presence will help us gain signifi cant “We stand for quality of the volume of market share and accelerate products as well as their purity and our growth plans. Kalyan’s relentless finish. We take all the measures to focus on quality, transparency and in- ensure these by using highly skilled novation will make shopping a delight- artisans,” he added. ful experience for the customers. The TS Kalyanaraman, flanked by Rajesh Kalyanaraman and Ramesh Kalyanaraman, addresses the media yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed With manufacturing units in foray into Qatar takes the number of India and the UAE, Kalyan Jewellers Kalyan Jewellers outlets into the 90s est investment by an expatriate group.’ commitment of the group to the market he stated. The showrooms will have Hera – daily wear diamonds and Rang – is all set to bring the latest trendy and we will soon hit a century of show- “Qatar has always been a country and the customers. The spread of the dedicated sections featuring Kalyan’s precious stones jewellery. designs to the Qatar market and rooms,” added Kalyanaraman. where we wanted to launch our opera- outlets at all the areas of the country most popular house brands such as Bespoke collections such as Turkish, also provide an extensive range of “The outlets are located at Al Khor, tions. We have pioneered several ini- makes it convenient for the customers Ameera- exclusive Arabic wedding jew- Antique and Omega will also be avail- designs across multiple price points Abu Hamour, Barwa Village, Gharaff a, tiatives focusing the interest of the cus- to make jewellery shopping a pleasant ellery, Mudhra - handcrafted antique able in the showrooms. “The designs in keeping with the needs of the Al Rayyan, Asian Town, and HBK Sig- tomers. We have 11 showrooms in the experience. jewellery, Nimah - authentic heritage provide a sparkling range of contempo- customer. Currently the brand has nal,” said Rajesh, who described the UAE and three in Kuwait.” “The showrooms will be off ering jewellery, Anokhi – uncut diamonds, rary and traditional designs to suit every over 200,000 designs on off er and investment of QR200mn for the seven Ramesh said that opening seven an exquisite and extensive collection Apoorva – diamonds for special oc- celebration apart from elevating every- a customer base of over 2.8mn. showrooms in Qatar as the ‘single larg- showrooms on the same day shows the of jewellery, with stunning designs,” casions, Antara – wedding diamonds, day wear,” Ramesh added. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 QATAR

The GCC delegations with HMC senior leaders. Trauma Centre hosts GCC Traffi c Week delegations Members of the delegation with Ali al-Janahi (right), chief, business services at HMC. The Hamad Trauma annual event organised by the road and improving road safety sons we have learned as we Centre (HTC) at Hamad Traffi c Department, Minis- in the region. build our national trauma HTC has hosted the delegations youngest road users are safer as transport children, under the TGeneral Hospital has try of Interior (MoI), under the According to Dr Hassan al- system and stronger partner- participating in the GCC Traffic they grow up to become respon- age of 10 years, in the back row hosted visiting delegations, National Committee on Traffi c Thani, head of trauma centre ships with governmental and Week.” sible adult drivers and passen- of a vehicle and restrain them comprising directors and of- Safety (NCTS). at Hamad Medical Corpora- non-governmental agencies, In line with the theme of this gers, he made the following rec- using the appropriate car seats ficers from different depart- The event is designed to build tion (HMC), some of the most are important steps as we con- year’s GCC Traffi c Week, “Your ommendations: serve as a role or restraint systems; refrain ments of the Ministries of In- a bridge of co-operation be- important work for road safety tinue to align our efforts to im- Decision Determines your Fate”, model by always using a seatbelt from driving when impaired terior from GCC countries, in tween diff erent traffi c authori- must be done outside of the prove road safety in Qatar with he further emphasised that road on every trip one takes in a car/ by fatigue or medications; and Qatar for the 32nd GCC Traffic ties and civic organisations in emergency and operating rooms those of the NCTS and other safety was both a personal and a vehicle; observe the school zone avoid using any form of mobile Week. the GCC to work together to- of the HTC. partners in the GCC,” he said. family commitment. speed limit of 30km per hour phone, electronic devices or se- The GCC Traffi c Week is an wards reducing deaths on the “Therefore, sharing the les- “This is the fifth year that the To ensure that even the when driving around schools; rious distractions while driving.

Suzuki Motorcycle models recalled Al Khaliji joins Nojoom The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC), in collaboration with Teyseer Motors, has rewards programme announced the recall of Suzuki Motorcycles oredoo has an- GSR600, GSX1300R, nounced a new GSX-R600, GSX-R750, Opartnership with Al and SFV650 models of Khalij Commercial Bank (al 2008-2012. khaliji) for its Nojoom re- The recall is over the wards programme. regulator/ rectifier With this partnership, power module circuit the Nojoom programme board having possibly adds another bank to its list absorbed moisture. of activities in the fi nancial The MEC said the service sector, as Al Khaliji recall campaign comes plans to launch “Darbi”, its within the framework biggest campaign yet tar- of its ongoing eff orts to geting Qatari youth who are protect consumers and newly employed. ensure that car dealers Through its partner- follow up on vehicles’ ship with the programme, defects and repair them. Al Khalij aims to encourage The MEC will co-ordinate and attract Qatari youth with the dealer to follow to transfer their salaries to up on the maintenance the bank and “enjoy world- and repair works and class premium banking communicate with benefi ts and privileges right customers to ensure that from the very beginning of the necessary repairs are their careers”, according to carried out. a statement. The MEC has urged all Qatari youth who open customers to report a salary account with the any violations to its bank will receive 50,000 Consumer Protection Nojoom points and the fi rst and Anti-Commercial 50 such customers will be Fatima Sultan al-Kuwari, and Rana al-Asaad at an event to announce the partnership. Fraud Department additionally rewarded with through the following another 50,000 bonus No- world and more. off ers for our Nojoom mem- keep providing world-class channels: Hotline: joom points, in addition to To celebrate the new bers across diff erent cus- banking benefi ts and privi- 16001, e-mail: info@ a reducing interest rate of partnership, Ooredoo will tomer segments, we believe leges to the local community mec.gov.qa, Twitter: @ 3.99% (2.14% fl at rate) on off er an “easy-to-remem- that our new off ering with they serve. This partnership MEC_Qatar, Instagram: personal and auto loans. ber” mobile number, valued Al Khaliji is ideal for the with Ooredoo’s Nojoom MEC_Qatar, MEC mobile Also, Qatari youth will at QR1,000, and two 3GB young Qataris who have just rewards programme is an- app for Android and IOS: benefi t from a car loan of mobile data cards, in addi- been employed, as it ful- other step in that direction.” MEC_Qatar up to QR250,000 without tion to an Ooredoo Passport fi ls both their fi nancial and Every Ooredoo customer a guarantor and without card. non-fi nancial needs.” with a Qatar ID can enrol the need for any down- Fatima Sultan al-Kuwari, Rana al-Asaad, head, into Nojoom for free and payment. Besides this, they director, community and personal banking at Al Kha- start earning points every will have free and unlimited public relations at Ooredoo liji, noted: “This exclusive time they buy products and access to more than 500 VIP Qatar, said: “As we continu- promotion for Qataris is services from Ooredoo or airport lounges around the ously work to provide best part of Al Khaliji’s vision to any of the Nojoom partners.

An employee donating blood. MEC holds blood donation camp

The Ministry of Economy Lusail, in co-operation and Commerce (MEC) with Hamad Medical yesterday organised a Corporation. Scores of MEC blood donation campaign employees took part in the at its headquarters at campaign. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 23, 2016 7 QATAR Conservation to become part of curriculum atar General Electricity and Water Corporation Q(Kahramaa) has signed Rainwater being removed from a road in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam a memorandum of under- standing (MoU) with the Min- istry of Education and Higher Education to work together on imparting lessons of conserva- tion and energy effi ciency as Strong winds forecast part of the school curriculum. The MoU was signed as part of the National Programme for trong winds are expect- Conservation and Energy Ef- ed in some parts of the fi ciency (Tarsheed) to extend Scountry today, the Met it to the school education sys- department has said. tem. Tarsheed is being pursued Off shore areas, too, are likely under the patronage of HH the to experience windy conditions Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad along with high seas, according al-Thani. to the weather report. The MoU was signed by “Northwesterly fresh to Kahramaa’s Conservation and strong winds are expected on Energy Effi ciency Department Wednesday and Thursday with manager and senior engineer sea warnings for strong winds Abdul Aziz Ahmad al-Hamma- and high waves until Friday,” the di, and Ministry of Education Met department said in a post and Higher Education’s offi ce on social media yesterday. of the Independent Schools Meanwhile, data provided by director Khalifa al-Dirham. the weather offi ce on rainfall Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Aziz Ahmad al-Hammadi (right) and Khalifa al-Dirham shake hands while exchanging the in diff erent parts of the coun- al-Hammadi said the mission agreement papers. try, including Doha, between of Tarsheed is to promote the Sunday evening and yesterday Overcast conditions in Doha, as seen from Souq Waqif yesterday. culture of conservation and cation sector to infl uence the conservation, contributing to the Ministry of Education and morning showed that 10.6mm PICTURE: Thajudheen ensure rational consumption of behaviour of the younger gen- the environment. Higher Education and Kahramaa of rain was recorded in Al Kara- electricity and water in Qatar eration at an early stage of life The MoU covers six major ar- for Tarsheed programme is be- nah, 10mm in Al Batna, 8.5mm those in the north, yesterday. may go up to 30 knots in some by creating an ideal environ- will certainly add value to the eas pertaining to conservation ing continued since the launch- in Dukhan, 8.2mm in Umm Bab The forecast for inshore areas places at times, with the sea level ment and achieving successful programme,” he added. and energy effi ciency for school ing of the programme in 2012 in and 7.2mm at Hamad Inter- today says slight to blowing dust rising to 10ft. social partnerships. Ministry of Education and curriculum, involving students’ various ways including aware- national Airport, among other is likely in some places along The minimum and maximum “The eff orts of all sectors Higher Education’s Education activities, raising and training ness programme for students in places. with scattered clouds, while off - temperatures in the country today are required to achieve Tar- Institute director Fawziya al- the capabilities of the faculties schools, organising activities on Besides, dusty condi- shore areas will remain partly are expected to be 18C and 29C, sheed’s objectives, especially Khater said the partnership will in the arena. conservation and Tarsheed’s T22 tions led to a drop in visibil- cloudy. respectively, with the forecast the key role played by the edu- help in promoting the culture of The co-operation between project among others. ity in some areas, particularly The wind speed in both areas for Doha being 19C and 28C.

Oral health awareness programme

Hamad Dental Centre at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is organising a number of activities until March 27 to mark World Oral Health Day and GCC Oral Health Week. Several programmes and competitions are held at Souq Waqif to raise awareness on oral hygiene. Visitors can avail of free dental check-up and counselling, workshops and educational materials being provided by Hamad Dental Centre staff. PICTURE: Thajudheen

Ashghal honours contractor for 2mn man-hours without LTI

shghal has hon- oured the contractor Aworking on the Doha West Sewage Treatment Works project (Extension 5) for achieving 2mn man- hours without loss time injuries (LTI). Khaled Saif al-Khaya- rein, manager and senior engineer, drainage net- works projects depart- ment at the Public Works Authority, presented the certifi cate of honour to the representatives of the project contractor Suez- Marubeni joint venture. Doha West Sewage Treat- ment Works in Al Sailiya is one of the most important treatment works projects in Off icials of Ashghal and Suez-Marubeni joint venture at a ceremony. the country. The plant start- ed with a capacity of about A station to receive sewage working on the exten- three-stage fi ltration proc- 20,000 cubic metres a day. tankers was built with a ca- sion project in the second ess. It also includes the de- However given the growth pacity of about 50,000 cubic quarter of 2015 and it is velopment of an advanced in the country’s population metres per day to replace Al expected to be completed system to disinfect treated it was expanded to 175,500 Karaana Lagoon, which re- in the penultimate quarter water in a way that does cubic metres per day after quired a fi fth extension to of 2017. not harm the surrounding the fourth extension. The increase the plant’s capac- The fi fth extension in- nature. plant currently receives ap- ity to 280,000 cubic metres cludes secondary treatment The project will also in- proximately 200,000 cubic per day. works, system for treat- clude building a pumping metres per day. The contractor started ing and drying sludge and station for treated water. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 QATAR US associations explore business events off ering in Qatar WISE and he Qatar Tourism Author- “Qatar is now home to a variety of network in the Middle East, but they ity (QTA), in conjunction with fi rst-class meetings facilities, provid- will assist in the development of the lo- Tthe US-based Global Industry ing international associations with an cal industry,” he added. Development Network (GIDN), has excellent choice of meeting facilities, Qatar is fast developing itself as a QU host hosted representatives of international with the opportunity to participate in hub for international meetings in the associations in a familiarisation trip to truly unique local experiences,” GIDN Middle East. Qatar. executive director Scott Campbell said. It recently hosted the 32nd Confer- The trip showcased Qatar’s world- He said that the trip will develop new ence of the International Society for class business events off ering. It also working relationships between US- Quality in Health Care, as well as the workshop introduced the group to potential lo- based international associations and World Conference of the International cal host partners for their international organisations in Qatar. Traffi c Medicine Association and the QTA off icials welcoming representatives of international meetings during a series of networking “These relationships will not only General Meeting of the International he World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), associations in a familiarisation trip to Qatar. events hosted by the QTA. help US-based associations grow their Air Transport Association. an initiative of the Qatar Foundation for Education, TScience and Community Development, recently partnered with Qatar University (QU) to present a work- shop entitled “Global Entrepreneurship Education”. Hosted by the Centre for Entrepreneurship at QU, the event featured a panel discussion followed by an interactive “World Café”-style workshop, which presented partici- pants with the opportunity to interact with others, share unique experiences, and explore ways to support entrepre- neurial thinking and action. The event reinforced the publication of a 2015 WISE re- search report, titled Entrepreneurship Education: A Global Consideration from Practice to Policy Around the World, produced by a team from Babson College in the United States. The report also included contributions from Qatar Uni- versity, the Finnish Lifelong Learning Foundation, and Ts- inghua University in China. WISE director of research Dr Asmaa al-Fadala said that the workshop evolved from a strategy at WISE to focus “more on policy research that is both globally signifi cant and locally relevant”. She also noted that the WISE research on entrepreneur- ship education emphasised “the importance of bringing the entrepreneurial mindset to young people, as well as creating life skills that can be useful in a wide variety of cir- cumstances and contexts”. QU president Dr Hassan al- Derham and WISE chief ex- ecutive Stavros N Yiannouka also attended the event and luncheon, along with over one hundred participants from the private sector and academia. Dr Nader Kabbani, chief programme offi cer at Silatech, a Doha-based human resource development agency, moder- ated the panel discussion on the WISE research report dis- cussing entrepreneurship education. Fellow panellists included Babson College dean for Exec- utive Education Dr Elaine Eisenman, Babson College vice- provost of Global Entrepreneurial Leadership Dr Candida Brush, Babson College professor of Entrepreneurial Stud- ies Dr Heidi Neck, QU Centre for Entrepreneurship director Dr Mahmoud Abdellatif, and Mervi Jansson, the director of Education Partnerships, Omnia, Finland.

Participants at the ‘Global Entrepreneurship Education’ workshop organised by WISE and Qatar University.

Court reviews QR10mn fraud case

A Doha Criminal Court has been reviewing the case of a brokerage company employee accused of misappropriating the shares of his wife and her mother along with their profits worth more than QR10mn. Local Arabic daily Arrayah reported yesterday that the victim and her mother filed the case. She also told the court that she had never given her husband off icial authorisation to handle her shares at the bourse, or to withdraw bank cheques or perform any financial transactions on her behalf. She suspected something when she and her mother did not receive the profits due on their shares. When she inquired at the company concerned, she was told that her account had zero credit, as her husband sold all the shares along with the profits. The woman told the court that her husband had managed to take her money with the help of his friends at the brokerage company and a local bank. She accused him of selling the shares without her knowledge and approval, and counterfeiting her signature and her mother’s signature on bank cheques and other documents to take the money. Her mother gave the same testimony. The forensic evidence has confirmed that the signatures were forged. Also, the husband admitted to taking the money during investigation at Public Prosecution and pledged to return it. However, he never did. The case is being reviewed by the court.

Three jailed for drugs off ences

A Doha Criminal Court has sentenced, in absentia, three men to 15 years in prison and imposed a fine of QR400,000 on each of them for drug consumption and trading. The Drug Prevention Department had received information that one of the convicts, who was involved in another case and had been on the run, was with the other two at an unlicenced tent in a remote area, where they would consume and circulate diff erent types of narcotics, the local Arabic daily Arrayah reported. A police patrol raided the place and found the contraband hidden inside the tent. They also found a sum of QR69,000, which the first defendant had made through drug peddling.

Two jailed for stealing diesel fuel

A Doha Criminal Court has sentenced two Sri Lankans to one year in jail and subsequent deportation for stealing diesel fuel. Local Arabic daily Arrayah reported yesterday that the two defendants drove a vehicle owned by one of them to a site of the company concerned during the night and stole diesel from some heavy equipment. The duo were spotted by security guards when they tried to repeat the deed another night. Police was called in and the men arrested. During interrogation, they confessed their guilt and were convicted by court. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 23, 2016 9

REGION Yemen peace talks in Kuwait next month : offi cial

Reuters/AFP Minister Adel al-Jubeir have in their systematic targeting of Cairo/Aden recent days said that any peace journalists.” talks can only take place be- Last month, a rebel sniper shot tween Hadi and the Houthis, and dead Ahmed al-Shaibani, a camer- eace talks aimed at ending through the UN special envoy Is- aman working for the government- Yemen’s war will convene mail Ould Cheikh Ahmed. run Yemen TV channel, while he Pin Kuwait next month and Iran-backed rebels have shot was covering clashes in Taiz. be accompanied by a temporary dead a cameraman who was cov- His killing drew condemnation ceasefi re, a senior offi cial in the ering clashes in Yemen’s third- from international media watch- Yemeni government said yester- biggest city, the war-torn coun- dogs. day. try’s union of journalists said Yemen has been hit by unrest A Saudi-led coalition began yesterday. since the Shia Houthi rebels and a military campaign a year ago allied loyalists of former presi- with the aim of preventing Iran- The talks will be on April 17 dent Ali Abdullah Saleh overran allied Houthi rebels and forces in Kuwait, accompanied by the capital Sanaa in September loyal to Yemen’s ex-president Ali a temporary ceasefi re,” the 2014 and forced the government Abdullah Saleh from taking con- offi cial said to fl ee south. trol of the country. The violence signifi cantly in- “The talks will be on April 17 Mohamed al-Yemeni, a free- creased after a Saudi-led coali- in Kuwait, accompanied by a lancer for several media outlets in tion launched a military cam- temporary ceasefi re,” the offi cial Yemen, was killed by rebel sniper paign against the rebels one year said. fi re on Monday in Taiz, the union ago. More than 6,000 people have said in a statement carried by the Taiz, which was besieged by been killed since the coalition offi cial sabanew.net website. the rebels for months, has been campaign began a year ago to Three other cameramen were the scene of deadly battles with fi ght Houthis and forces loyal to wounded in the gunfi re, the some 200,000 civilians caught Saleh and to restore the president statement added, identifying up in the fi ghting. they ousted, Abd-Rabbu Man- them as Naef Wafi , Haikal al- Pro-government forces backed sour Hadi. Uraiki and Abdulqawi al-Azzani. by a Saudi-led coalition managed The spokesman for the Saudi- The union urged all warring to break the rebel siege of the Yemeni tribesmen from the Popular Resistance Committees, supporting forces loyal to Yemen’s Saudi-backed President Abd-Rabbu Mansour led coalition and Saudi Foreign parties in the country to “stop southwestern city this month. Hadi, hold a position during clashes with Shia Houthi rebels west of the city of Taiz.

Dozens dead Saudi arrests or wounded in raids on Shia preacher Qaeda camp AFP Aden

audi-led coalition air strikes hit an Al for ‘glorifying’ Qaeda training camp in the network’s Ssoutheastern Yemen stronghold yes- terday, killing and wounding dozens, govern- ment offi cials in the region said. “An Arab coalition air force targeted an Al Qaeda training camp, killing and wounding dozens” in Hajr, west of Hadramawt’s pro- Hezbollah vincial capital Mukalla which has been held by the militants since April. AFP sulted the kingdom in a video clip source as saying authorities had Tribal sources in the area told AFP that Riyadh that has been shared” online, the shown “patience” over a number a series of air strikes hit the camp and that report said. of violations Radi allegedly wounded militants were taken to a hospital in Radi “also broke previous made. Mukalla. audi security forces have pledges he had made after de- “But he continued to incite the Witnesses there reported seeing around arrested a Shia preacher fending the terrorist Nimr al- public, taking advantage of the nine vehicles carrying casualties from the Saccused of glorifying Leba- Nimr following his execution,” it mosque platform to breach regu- area. Dozens of Al Qaeda militants were non’s Iran-backed militant group added. lations.” meanwhile seen rushing to the hospital to do- Hezbollah, a newspaper reported Nimr, another Shia cleric from A video posted on Sunday nate blood, according to residents. yesterday. Eastern Province, was a driving on YouTube showed the be- The coalition, which launched an air cam- Hussein al-Radi was detained force behind protests that began spectacled Radi, with a bushy paign against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen a after Gulf Arab states declared in 2011 among the Shia minority white beard, speaking at a po- year ago, began targeting militants for the fi rst Hezbollah a “terrorist” group in Saudi Arabia. dium where he hails Hezbollah time last week in Yemen’s second city Aden. earlier this month and brought Nimr and three other Shias leader Hassan Nasrallah as a Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group have in tough new measures against were among 47 people executed “hero.” taken advantage of the confl ict between the anyone supporting it. on January 2 for “terrorism.” Radi also praises Iran as a re- rebels and coalition-backed loyalist forces to The Al-Watan daily reported Iranian demonstrators gional and international power. reinforce their presence in the south and east that security forces arrested stormed the Saudi embassy in An interior ministry spokes- of the country. Radi, from the Al-Ahsa oasis re- Tehran and a consulate follow- man could not confi rm Radi’s The Yemen-based Al Qaeda in the Arabian gion in Eastern Province. ing Nimr’s execution, prompting arrest to AFP but said: “I would Peninsula, or AQAP, is classifi ed by the US “This is after he glorifi ed the Riyadh to cut diplomatic ties. assure you that ... laws in the as the network’s deadliest franchise and had terrorist group Hezbollah and in- Al-Watan quoted a security kingdom are enforced.” claimed attacks on the West in the past.

US charges three with Iran sanctions-busting

AFP The Iranians - Camelia Washington Jamshidy, 29, and Hossein Najafzadeh, 65 - remain at large. “As alleged, these de- man with dual Iranian- fendants conspired for years Turkish citizenship to violate and evade US sanc- Aand two Iranians have tions against Iran and Iranian been charged with engaging in entities,” said US Attorney hundreds of millions of dol- Preet Bharara. lars in transactions on behalf “By allegedly launder- of Iran and Iranian entities in ing money through institu- violation of US sanctions, the tions around the world, Reza US Justice Department said. Zarrab, Camelia Jamshidy, Reza Zarrab, 33, a resident and Hossein Najafzadeh of Turkey who holds dual undermined the US sanc- citizenship, was arrested on tions regime imposed against March 19 and presented in Iran, and committed federal federal court in Miami. crimes,” Bharara added. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 ARAB WORLD UN envoy turns to US, Russia to

Members of the Syrian Women Advisory Board attend a press briefing next to UN Syria envoy Staff an de Mistura yesterday following a meeting give impetus during Syria peace talks at the UN in Geneva. to Syria talks Israeli police arrest 1,200 Discussions stall over issue that has killed over 250,000 and ing point where the opposition will of political transition; caused the world’s worst refugee feel what is the use?” a Western diplomat told Reuters in Geneva. Palestinian workers opposition wants Assad gone, crisis, Washington and Moscow government won’t discuss his engineered a deal three weeks For the fi rst time during the future ago for a cessation of hostilities latest round of talks, the opposi- AFP/QNA ian workers, as part of measures Others were shot dead by Is- identifi ed number of Palestinian and crucial humanitarian aid to tion accused the Syrian govern- Jerusalem aimed at tackling a surge in at- raeli forces during clashes or youths and minors. Reuters besieged regions. ment of strengthening existing tacks against Israelis. demonstrations, while some Meanwhile in the southern Geneva But the deal, not signed by any sieges, initiating new ones and The legislation means that were killed in air strikes on Gaza. West Bank district of Bethle- of the warring parties, remains stepping up a campaign of bar- sraeli police said yesterday the Israeli employer of a Pales- Meanwhile, Israeli forces yes- hem, forces detained a Pales- fragile and diplomats are con- rel-bombing across the country. that they had arrested 1,200 tinian who has entered the Jew- terday overnight detained 16 tinian after breaking into and he UN special envoy on cerned that, after more than a “The government continues to IPalestinian workers with- ish state without the hard-to- Palestinians from Jerusalem and ransacking his house in Duhei- Syria said he hoped a meet- week of talks, it is at risk of col- fl out international resolutions,” out permits, under a crackdown obtain permit could face several Bethlehem districts, said secu- sha refugee camp, south of the Ting between the US and lapsing unless headway on the Zoubi said. “Instead of lifting the aimed at helping to quell a fi ve- years in prison. rity sources. city, triggering clashes with Russian foreign ministers today matter of political transition is sieges, the regime is tightening month wave of violence. Since October 1, a wave of Forces leading track dogs locals. would give impetus to peace talks made soon. sieges on cities and ... the regime The unauthorised workers violence has killed 198 Palestin- launched a large-scale deten- Troops leading tracking dogs where the divisive issue of a polit- “We always needed some help is renewing again its barrel- were detained along with 150 ians, 28 Israelis, two Americans, tion raids across Jerusalem, stormed Palestinian houses af- ical transition is stalling progress. from Mr Kerry and Mr Lavrov bombing of Syrian towns.” employers over the past two an Eritrean and a Sudanese, ac- particularly in the Old City’s ter closing Hebron-Jerusalem Syria’s government delega- because they proved in the past A diplomatic source close to weeks, a police statement said. cording to an AFP count. neighbourhoods, detaining 15 Street for both directions. tion has rejected any discussion and I hope they will prove in the the talks said there were reports On March 14 the Israeli par- Most of the Palestinians were Palestinian former detainees During clashes, troops fi red of the future of President Bashar future that when they do have a of barrel bomb attacks in the liament approved a tough killed while carrying out knife, and minors. tear gas canisters and stun gre- al-Assad, who opposition leaders common understanding, it helps rebel-held eastern Damascus new law to keep out Palestin- gun or car-ramming attacks. Forces also summoned an un- nades. No injuries were reported. say must go as part of any transi- enormously the process,” De suburb of Ghouta. tion. Damascus has repeated its Mistura said. Rami Abdulrahman, direc- long-held view that “counter- Russia, along with Iran, have tor of the Syrian Observatory terrorism” - its reference to rebel been Assad’s major allies in the for Human Rights which moni- foes of Assad - should be the confl ict, while the US and Gulf tors the war through a network Jordan King meets film director main focus of the process. Arab powers have backed rebel of contacts on the ground, said “We are looking with great forces to varying degrees. fi ghting had resurged in the interest, expectation, hope that On Monday, the head of Syria’s Ghouta area in recent days. the talks in Moscow will be pro- government delegation rejected Russia’s Defence Ministry said ductive,” UN envoy Staff an de any talk on the fate of Assad, reit- yesterday it had registered six Mistura said after meeting the erated that the Geneva talks must ceasefi re violations over the past opposition High Negotiations concentrate on counter-terrorism. 24 hours in other areas of Syria. Committee (HNC) in Geneva. Bashar Ja’afari accused De The fragile cessation of hos- “Honestly not everything Mistura, a veteran Swedish-Ital- tilities agreement has, however, will be solved in one day - but (it ian diplomat, of “fi libustering” reduced violence in western would be) productive ... to resume and “wasting time” after Da- Syria, allowing more aid to be the talks with a much more in- mascus received no responses to delivered. A group of Syrian vil- depth address on the issue of po- proposals made a week ago. lages north of Homs under siege litical transition,” he said ahead of Arguments over Assad’s fate by government forces since 2012 the planned meeting in Moscow were a major factor in the failure received yesterday the fi rst de- between US Secretary of State of UN eff orts in 2012 and 2014 to livery since October last year, John Kerry and Russian counter- end the civil war. according to the Swiss-based part Sergei Lavrov. Asaad al-Zoubi, head of the International Committee of the De Mistura, who tried to keep main opposition council’s delega- Red Cross (ICRC). an air of optimism before the talks tion, said yesterday it was “obvious A convoy of 27 trucks contain- adjourn tomorrow, describes that are no points of convergence” ing medical, food, water treat- Syria’s political transition as “the with the Syrian government. ment and other aid was sent to Al- mother of all issues.” Emboldened “There is a risk - and I don’t Houla, a rural district containing by the Russian and US muscle know where the breaking point is fi ve villages and over 70,000 peo- that pushed the warring parties to - that if these talks go on without ple, an ICRC spokesman said. A handout picture released by the Jordanian Royal Palace yesterday shows Jordan’s King Abdullah II and his wife Queen Rania the negotiating table, he has re- leading anywhere without coming In coming weeks, the ICRC meeting with Jordanian director Naji Abu Nowar (right) and his team in the capital Amman. Nowar directed Theeb that was fused to drop the subject. close to the essential issue of tran- plans to enter other areas in premiered in Venice and selected for the Best foreign language category for the 88th US Academy Awards. After fi ve years of confl ict sition, that surely there is a break- northern rural Homs.

Netanyahu hopes for continued US support at UN

AFP completely since US me- Jerusalem diation eff orts failed in April 2014, and rela- tions between Netanyahu sraeli Prime Minister and US President Barack Benjamin Netanyahu Obama are notoriously Iexpressed hope yes- rocky. terday that the US will Since then, Israel has continue to support Israel worried that Washington, at the UN by opposing all frustrated by the lack of resolutions on the creation progress since 2009, would of a Palestinian state. abandon its historic sup- Addressing the an- port for Israel in the fi nal nual conference of the months of the Obama ad- American Israel Public Af- ministration in interna- fairs Committee (AIPAC), tional bodies such as the Washington’s most infl u- UN’s Security Council. ential pro-Israel lobbying The White House group, Netanyahu also said warned last year that it he was ready to “immedi- would reassess its poli- ately” resume direct nego- cies and might withdraw tiations with the Palestin- its diplomatic cover at the ians. world body. “A Security Council As Vice President Joe Bi- resolution to pressure Is- den headed to Israel earlier rael would further harden this month, the Wall Street Palestinian positions and Journal quoted senior thereby could actually US offi cials as saying the kill the chances of peace White House was work- for many, many years,” ing on plans for reviving Netanyahu said via satel- peace talks and for a possi- lite video link from Jeru- ble resolution, which could salem. be outlined at Obama’s fi - “And that is why I hope nal appearance at the UN the US will maintain its General Assembly in the long-standing position to autumn. reject such a UN resolu- The US has traditionally tion.” vetoed resolutions at the The Israeli-Palestinian UN Security Council op- peace process has stalled posed by Israel. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 23, 2016 11 ARAB WORLD Lebanon health ministry says Russian wheat contaminated

Reuters February 12 showed four of seven Beirut samples breached acceptable ochratoxin limits at 15 micro- grams per kilogram. The origin ebanon’s public health of this wheat was not mentioned ministry referred a case in the statement published by the Lof contaminated Rus- ministry on March 16. sian wheat imports to a branch But the Ministry of Economy of the public prosecutor’s offi ce and Trade said on Friday its own Tunisian Foreign Aff airs Minister Khemais Jinnaoui speaks during the 8th ministerial meeting of Libya’s neighbouring countries yesterday in Tunis. Foreign ministers of yesterday, the state news agency tests on 13 samples of wheat neighbouring countries of conflict-wracked Libya are expected to meet together with Arab League chief and UN and EU off icials. said, following a dispute with the stored in Beirut port found noth- economy ministry over test re- ing wrong with them, adding it sults showing unacceptable lev- regularly tested on foodstuff s. els of a toxin. Yesterday it submitted its own Public Health Minister Wael fi ling to the public prosecutor, Abu Faour has said tests carried requesting new samples be taken out by his ministry in February from Port Beirut, overseen by the showed unacceptable levels of a public prosecutor’s offi ce, to be Tunisia extends emergency carcinogenic substance, ochra- tested at Lebanon’s Industrial toxin, in wheat imports from Research Institute. Russia. In a statement last week, the This led Abu Faour last Ministry of Public Health said: Wednesday to call for a ban on “We regret that some of the wheat imports, Lebanese Na- batches of wheat which we did state, hosts talks on Libya tional News Agency NNA re- tests on may have gone into the ported, although no ban has been Lebanese market. We hope that AFP for the third time yesterday. announced. the Ministry of Economy, rather Tunis Essebsi “has decided after Abu Faour has now referred than denying the issue, looks for consultations... to extend the the case to a branch of the public ways to track the wheat in the state of emergency for a period prosecutor, the NNA said. market, if possible, and work to unisia yesterday extended of three months from March 23,” No information was given on prevent new shipments of wheat by three months a state two months more than the pre- the size of the problematic wheat entering without being tested.” Tof emergency imposed vious extension, his offi ce said in shipment or the suppliers in- Ochratoxins can be carcino- following militant attacks and a statement. volved. genic if they build up in the body, hosted talks with Libya’s neigh- The measure comes just two The ministry of public health Abu Faour said in a statement. bours on the growing threat weeks after seven civilians and said it tested a wheat batch from Following the row, in a joint posed by the Islamic State group. 13 security personnel were killed Russia and one from the US on press conference on Monday the Authorities also decided to in coordinated militant attacks February 24. Five of 12 samples ministers of agriculture, public reopen the border with Libya, in Ben Guerdane. from the Russian wheat showed health and economy agreed to which had been closed two Forty-nine militants were 26 micrograms of ochratox- work together to improve wheat weeks ago after a deadly raid on killed by security forces in ins per kilogram, breaching the import and storage conditions. the frontier town of Ben Guer- clashes and raids after the at- Lebanese safety level of 5 mi- The Russian agriculture min- dane which they blamed on the tacks. crograms per kilogram. The US istry and Russia’s veterinary and militant group. On Monday night the interior wheat was found to be safe. phytosanitary Service were not Analysts and offi cials have ministry said authorities had ar- Tests on one batch of wheat on able to comment on the matter. said the raid was an attempt by rested 12 members of a cell sus- the extremist organisation to pected of having helped “terror- spread its infl uence from Libya ists” travel to Libya. UN shuts W Sahara military liaison off ice across the border into Tunisia. Ben Guerdane, home to Tunisian security forces check vehicles near the Tunisian customs post at the Ras Jedir border cross- The North African nation, the 60,000 people, has been un- ing with Libya, south of the town of Ben Guerdane, yesterday after it was reopened after a two-week The UN has closed its military off ice. It was Rabat’s latest birthplace of the Arab Spring, der nighttime curfew since the closure in response to a deadly militant attack on a town near the frontier. liaison off ice in the disputed retaliatory step. has suff ered from a wave of March 7 attacks, but two cross- territory of Western Sahara as “This was completed militant violence since the 2011 ings with Libya were reopened when the recognised govern- IS has taken advantage of the for Libya’s people.. and for the demanded by Morocco amid an yesterday,” Haq said. “The three revolution that ousted longtime yesterday. ment was forced from Tripoli to political vacuum to expand its stability of its neighbours,” he escalating dispute over remarks military observers based there dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The reopening is seen as cru- the far east after a militia alli- infl uence in Libya and spread it said. by the UN chief, a UN spokesman were relocated to the Asward IS claimed brazen attacks cial for cross-border trade, a ance including Islamists overran further beyond. Libya’s UN envoy Martin said yesterday. team site, on the western part last year on the National Bardo mainstay of the economy of the capital. Tunisian Foreign Minister Kobler told the meeting that the Dozens of UN international of the territory, controlled by Museum in Tunis and a beach Tunisia’s largely impoverished The UN is pushing Libya’s ri- Khemaies Jhinaou opened yes- “terrorists are taking advan- staff ers pulled out of the Morocco. Morocco’s request resort, and a November suicide southern provinces. val politicians to accept a unity terday’s meeting with a plea to tage of political divisions”, urg- Western Sahara mission, known to close the liaison office in bombing in the capital, that It came as Tunisia hosted talks government, created under a delegates from Algeria, Egypt, ing support for the UN-backed as MINURSO, after Morocco Dakhla is the first request killed in total 59 tourists and 12 with other countries that share power-sharing deal sealed by Sudan, Niger and Chad for unity government. demanded they leave because directly targeting the military presidential guards. borders with Libya on the threat the rival parties in December. greater co-operation to end Lib- Libya’s neighbours said in a Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon component.” After the November attack posed by the growing infl u- The deal has not been formal- ya’s chaos. statement at the end of the Tu- used the term “occupation” He said the liaison off ice was the targeting the presidential guards ence of IS in the lawless oil-rich ly endorsed by lawmakers from “The proliferation of terrorist nis talks that a unity govern- during a recent visit. UN’s “face-to-face counterpart to authorities declared a state of North African nation. either side, eff ectively blocking groups and their control of cer- ment must be installed quickly UN spokesman Farhan Haq said the Royal Moroccan Army” and emergency which President Beji Libya has had two rival ad- the unity government from op- tain regions in Libya is a source in Tripoli to counter the threat Morocco demanded the closure handled all discussions on the Caid Essebsi decided to extend ministrations since mid-2014 erating. of extreme concern... a danger of militants. of the UN Dakhla military liaison ceasefire. Alexandria yearns for the elegant past

By Asmaa Waguih/Reuters Alexandria, Egypt

long Fouad Street, a Cos- ta coff ee shop near old Abuildings with Italian and French architecture reminds Egyptians that commercial ven- tures threaten to erase traces of Alexandria’s aristocratic past. Named after King Fouad I, who died in 1936, the street is a throwback to a time when the arts fl ourished in a cosmopolitan city that is now overcrowded and dilapidated like many of Egypt’s urban centres. Some, like architect and urban planning teacher Ahmed Hassan, are pushing to preserve some rel- ics of the bygone era while keep- A statue of Alexander the Great, founder of Alexandria, stands in a square in one end of the Fouad Street ing pace with growing businesses in Alexandria, Egypt. The statue was a present from the Greek government on the occasion of the opening - the goal of his “Save Alex” ini- of Bibliotheca Alexandria library and cultural centre. Young people sit at a public coff ee shop by an old building near Fouad Street in Alexandria, Egypt. tiative, launched in 2012. “We aim to try to fi nd a balance Sigma, a company with a house and the arts centre have tural communities that helped between civil society and profi t- branch that has been investing in kept its beauty for years.” turn Alexandria into a modern driven private sector to protect heritage building, hopes to keep Fouad is one of the oldest city began fl eeing, and the aris- the heritage buildings from get- some of the magic of the past streets in Alexandria, featuring tocracy had no place in the city ting demolished,” Hassan said. turning a profi t at the same time. landmarks such as a centre that among widespread nationalisa- “We want a system where all CEO Laithy Mekawy was infl u- used to house the Mohamed Ali tions. stake holders agree on a system to enced by the three years he spent club - named for a past king - Some long for the old days. keep the heritage.” as an architect in Istanbul, where built near the British forces base Zahraa Awad, who gives spe- In the past, the city founded by he observed the restoration of in Alexandria during late 19th cial tours of Fouad Street, recalls Alexander the Great and once con- historic buildings. century. listening to her grandmother’s sidered the jewel of the Mediterra- He turned a television compa- On the other end of the long stories about the Greek, Italian, nean, featured a fusion of commu- ny on the ground fl oor of the old street is a statue of Alexander the French, Armenian, Jewish fami- nities - Greek, Italians, Armenians, Société Immobiliére building, an Great, a present from the Greek lies who owned the Belle époque Muslims, Christians and Jews. 1928 Neo-Renaissance structure, government on the occasion of villas along Fouad Street. Fouad Street is the most potent into “L Passage”, a food and cafes the opening of Bibliotheca Alex- “I remember all the names, symbol of Alexandria’s grand his- court with well known brands. andria library and cultural centre. they represented the cosmopoli- tory, with its elegant villas and “I’ve always loved walking on a British novelist and travel writ- tan atmospheres of Alexandria,” antique shops. Friday morning on Fouad Street,” er Laurence Durrell, author of she said. At a car repair shop once used Laithy said, describing the week- The Alexandria Quartet, lived on “And in the evening when to service the monarch’s vehicles, end day in predominantly Muslim the street, as did Greek poet Con- there’s not much cars, you can for example, mechanics work Egypt. stantine Cavafy. always hear the piano coming out over cars from the 1930s and “The beauty of the old ar- After the Free Offi cers toppled of the music school of the Con- 1960s. chitectural buildings, the opera the monarchy in 1952, multicul- servatoire.” A woman gets into a yellow and black cab in front of L-Passage food hall on Fouad Street in Alexandria. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 AFRICA

TERROR ATTACK LOCKDOWN CRACKDOWN CHALLENGED POWER PLAY Gunman shot dead at Mali Liberia shuts down border Hunt on for ‘ghost workers’ Fatal Lagos building crash Landslide win for Niger hotel hosting EU mission with Ebola-hit Guinea on Tanzania public payroll trial postponed yet again president in run-off vote

Gunmen stormed a hotel hosting an EU military Liberia yesterday closed its border with Guinea Tanzanian authorities have launched a national A judge yesterday again adjourned the criminal Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou secured training mission in Mali’s capital on Monday, before as a precaution against Ebola following at least audit to find “ghost workers” and remove them from negligence trial of popular Nigerian preacher TB 92% of the vote in a controversial run-off ballot one was killed by security guards, the government four deaths from the virus in Guinea, Information civil service payrolls under a corruption crackdown Joshua over a fatal building collapse at his Lagos boycotted by the opposition, according to and a mission source said yesterday. Four Minister Lenn Eugene Nangbe said. The deaths ordered by the president. The public sector wage megachurch. Joshua, church trustees and two off icial results released yesterday. Sunday’s attackers stormed the hotel owned by Mali’s Azalai occurred since February 29, while Liberia was bill has escalated sharply over the past few years, engineers are accused of criminal negligence and election in the impoverished but uranium-rich chain at around 1830 GMT on Monday, the EU declared free of new transmissions of the virus analysts say, partly because of the numbers of involuntary manslaughter after the 2014 collapse country was marred by low turnout and an mission source said, before they escaped under in January. “We have ordered the border with people registering fake names to collect extra of a guesthouse at the Synagogue Church of All opposition boycott. Issoufou’s sole challenger return fire from security guards. “Four people tried Guinea closed with immediate eff ect. The border wages. A 2015 audit found the government had paid Nations (SCOAN) that left 116 people dead, most Hama Amadou, imprisoned since November on to force their way through the barricade firing will remain closed until the situation in Guinea 141.4bn shillings ($64.80mn) to fake workers over of them South Africans. Lagos High Court Judge shadowy baby traff icking charges, was flown shots,” the European Union Training Mission-Mali improves,” Nangbe told Reuters. “We are not that year. “We are conducting an audit of employees Lateef Lawal-Akapo said the case would resume to France for medical treatment days before (EUTM) source told AFP. “One was neutralised.” A taking any chance at all,” he said. New cases across the entire civil service to establish the scale “on April 8 for arguments” after a fresh challenge the second round. The electoral commission Malian security source said troops were hunting have dwindled virtually to zero but the UN of the problem and cut ghost workers from the was brought by the defendants to halt the trial. TB said Amadou won 7% of the ballots cast. Voter a possible suicide bomber thought to be “in the World Health Organization warns of flare-ups, or payroll,” Angellah Kairuki, Tanzania’s minister for Joshua’s trial has had several adjournments since participation was a crucial issue following the vicinity of the EUTM headquarters”. emerging clusters, of new cases. public service management told Reuters. last year due to numerous legal challenges. opposition’s boycott call.

Ivory haul Congo ruler secures huge lead in latest vote count

AFP vailable, according to AFP journalists in Brazzaville Brazzaville. A government source said they would remain cut off until after the offi cial results are announced. ongo’s veteran leader Denis Sassou France expressed concern yesterday Nguesso has secured 67% of votes over the cut in communication lines, urg- Kenyan police display some of the 40 pieces of ivory tusks seized yesterday from a private residence in Nairobi. Cin his bid to extend his 32-year-old ing “transparency” in the counting of rule, partial results showed yesterday, af- votes. ter a tense weekend poll. “This vote took place in a worrying The results covered 69% of the total context, particularly due to the cut in electorate, the chief of the electoral com- communications. France is being vigilant mission Henri Bouka said, adding that and recalls its commitment to transpar- they did not cover Pointe-Noire, the eco- ency and fairness in the electoral proc- Chad gang-rape victim wants justice for all women nomic capital and opposition stronghold. ess,” said foreign ministry spokesman Oil- and timber-rich Congo has been Romain Nadal. on edge since an October constitutional The European Union called on all sides By Marie Wolfrom, AFP Zouhoura has since returned to supporting me, I told myself, why not An activist was arrested on Mon- referendum that ended a two-term limit to use legal routes to settle their diff er- Paris France, where she already lived with speak out, (and) fi ght this?” day for distributing leafl ets calling on presidential mandates, allowing the ences and urged the authorities to open relatives from 2009 to 2015. She de- When Zouhoura turned to the for peaceful demonstrations against 72-year-old former paratrooper colonel communication lines again. cided to speak out publicly in Paris police in Chad, “at fi rst they didn’t Itno, a police source said yesterday. to run for offi ce again. The EU had earlier refused to send hadian teenager Zouhoura, to fi ght impunity for sex criminals in react.” Detectives considered that a To see Chadians from the diaspo- The long-serving leader is accused by election observers, saying conditions had whose gang-rape by young her homeland. rape claim against the sons of senior ra joining the protest as far afi eld as critics of rampant corruption and nepo- not been met for a transparent and demo- Cmen from well-to-do families “There has never been justice be- offi cials in the regime was taboo. “I London and Washington, “that en- tism and of stifl ing democracy. cratic vote. sparked unprecedented mass pro- fore over the rape of a Chadian wom- talked, I talked. They threatened me.” couraged me,” Zouhoura said. Washington and the European Union On Friday, the UN called for calm, tests in her country, says she wants an,” said Zouhoura, her gaze fi rm Furious to discover that Zouhoura When Chadian authorities “saw meanwhile called for calm as communi- while Washington also urged the authori- justice for herself and for “all wom- from beneath a grey headscarf. was seeking action against them, the that the people were demonstrating cations lines were cut for a third day to ties to restore communications and “to en” who have long suff ered in silence. “I’m not the only victim. There are alleged rapists posted images of the and that my picture was circulating prevent the opposition from publishing complete the electoral process with ac- On February 8, the fragile-looking other women and girls who have been assault on social networks. everywhere on social networks, they “illegal results” before the offi cial an- curacy, credibility, fairness, and trans- 16-year-old was assaulted in a brutal raped - I know them - and they have But their action backfi red: pho- were quick to arrest the criminals,” nouncement, according to authorities. parency”. attack that shocked many in the poor remained anonymous, they have said tos of the naked girl in tears sent a she added. The streets of the capital Brazzaville Congo recorded growth of 5% over central African nation, triggering nothing,” she added in an interview shockwave of disgust across Chad. The fi ve alleged rapists, who in- were quieter than usual yesterday, as they the fi ve years to 2014 but remains in dire weeks of demonstrations by thou- Friday. Despite the regime’s tight security, clude the sons of three generals, were were on Monday. straits with the vast majority of the pop- sands of young people in the streets. Encouraged by her father, who lives which leaves opponents little room taken into custody together with four Five opposition candidates have urged ulation living in abject poverty. Zouhoura was on her way to school in the eastern French town of Nancy for manoeuvre, hundreds of school- suspected accomplices, including a people to “exercise their sovereignty” if Unemployment hit 34% in 2013, the in the capital N’Djamena with a friend and is an opponent of the hardline children demonstrated in the capital son of Foreign Minister Moussa Faki Sassou Nguesso wins the election on the last data available, and stood at 60% for when a car with tinted windows pulled regime of President Idriss Deby Itno, on February 15. They were dispersed Mahamat. fi rst round, as his supporters have said he 15 to 24-year-olds. The IMF fears “do- up alongside them. Five boys were in the Zouhoura agreed to address a meet- by riot police and one youth, 17-year- But Zouhoura doubts that they will will. mestic instability” without progress in vehicle, whom Zouhoura later learned ing and give an interview. old Abbachou Hassan Ousmane, was ever be brought to trial. “In Chad, They created their own parallel “tech- the battle to eliminate poverty. were rich sons of the ruling class. “I expected him to say ‘Wait, we shot dead. there is no justice... I am not even nical commission” to monitor the vote Sassou Nguesso served as president “They grabbed me by the neck and need to settle this in the family,’ but The protest movement spread to sure that they are in prison.” and compile information from polling from 1979 to 1992 and returned to power threw me into the car,” Zouhoura told no, he didn’t hesitate. He told me to other Chadian towns in the days that Although she is sceptical, she is stations to compare it to the offi cial re- in 1997 following a civil war. He won two AFP, stammering with emotion, her ‘go and fi le a lawsuit’,” the youngster followed. More young demonstrators determined to at least try to have sults. successive mandates in 2002 and 2009, voice still almost child-like. “They said of her father. were wounded and at least 17 were them held to account. “I want justice By mid-day yesterday, mobile phone, but both tallies were contested by oppo- took me outside the city by force... “To start with, I said nothing, but arrested, but the wave of solidarity to be done, so that this doesn’t hap- Internet and text services were still una- sition parties. You know the rest.” later, when I saw that everybody was spread abroad. pen again,” she said.

We can’t pay: Zimbabwe farmers resist compensating evicted white landowners

By MacDonald Dzirutwe, Zimbabwe, Domenico Fanizza, Reuters that the farmers’ situ- ans’ group. “The prevailing eco- business studies at the Univer- Reuters said this month that improving ation should improve once the nomic conditions do not allow.” sity of Zimbabwe, said the gov- Harare fi scal discipline and re-engaging government grants them 99- The land seizures have led to a ernment was “going through the the international community year leases on their land, which steep fall in commercial agricul- motions to keep the IMF happy”. should be priorities for Harare. he said would make it easier for ture output; yields for the staple “They probably want the in- imbabwe’s plan to win back He said this would “reduce the them to secure fi nancing from maize have fallen to an average ternational community to see international funding by perceived country risk premium banks and to pay rent towards the 0.5 tonnes per cent per hectare that they are doing something,” Zpaying compensation to and unlock aff ordable fi nancing compensation fund. from eight tonnes in 2000 when he said. “I doubt they will press white farmers forced off their for the government and private All agricultural land in Zimba- white farmers worked the land. with this ahead of the elections,” land faces a major snag: the black sector”. bwe is owned by the government Mugabe acknowledged the he added, referring to the 2018 farmers expected to stump up the In an attempt to woo back in- and, at present, farmers have no skills of evicted white farmers general election. Farmers are an cash say they don’t have it. ternational donors and lenders, legal claim on their farms - which last week, saying they had helped important voting block for Mu- The new occupants working Finance Minister Patrick Chi- they say has made banks reluc- neighbouring Zambia to produce gabe’s ruling ZANU-PF party. the land, many of who had few namasa announced a package of tant to extend loans to buy ferti- excess maize, which Zimbabwe Hundreds of evicted white farming skills when they were re- major reforms on March 9, in- lisers, seed and chemicals so they was now importing. Zimbabwean farmers are now settled, say they can barely make cluding the farm measure and a can raise output. But the gov- A treasury ministry circular farming in Zambia, Mozambique, ends meet, let alone pay an extra big reduction in public-sector ernment says it will imminently said that compensation would Malawi and Nigeria, while others levy. wages. He said it had the full grant the leases. be paid out of rent from black migrated to Europe, New Zealand Their agricultural output is a backing of Mugabe. “We are saying that the land farmers who benefi ted from the and Australia. fraction of the level seen before The farm plan involves should produce, but we also seizures. Chinamasa has not said Hendrik Olivier, director at 2000, when President Robert 300,000 families resettled on know what the constraints are to when farmers would be expected the formerly white-dominated Mugabe - saying he sought to An April 8, 2000, file photo of Zimbabwean commercial farmer seized land paying an annual rent increase production,” said Man- to start paying the rents, or at Commercial Farmers Union correct colonial injustices - in- Tommy Bayley riding an old bicycle followed by war veterans and - based on the size of their farms gudya. “That is why we need to what level they would be set. (CFU), said the government had troduced land reforms which villagers, who invaded his farm at Danbury Park outside Harare. - towards a compensation fund fi nalise on the 99-year land lease When announcing the meas- not yet approached evicted farm- led to thousands of experienced for those evicted. agreements to make them bank- ures, he said production on ers to discuss compensation, and white farmers being evicted. He told Reuters that many his supporters and war veterans If they are unable to pay, how- able so that farmers have security black-owned farms was “scan- also cast doubt on the plan’s vi- They are also being hammered farmers could not even meet wa- over the past 16 years, often vio- ever, it could be a major setback of tenure. With that there is no dalously low” and that the econ- ability. by Zimbabwe’s worst drought in ter and electricity bills and that it lently. More than a dozen farmers for the government’s plans to reason why farmers should not omy was under siege from the The CFU, which once boasted a quarter of a century and toiling was the government’s obligation have been killed. shore up an economy that is be able to pay (rent).” drought. 4,500 farmers who produced under a stagnating economy that - not theirs - to pay the compen- The land seizures, along with stagnating after a deep reces- Mugabe’s land reform pro- The white Zimbabweans who 90% of Zimbabwe’s export has seen banks reluctant to lend sation. allegations of vote-rigging and sion in the decade to 2008, which gramme is a highly emotive is- accounted for the majority of crops, including tobacco and and cheaper food imports from Zimbabwe Commercial Farm- rights abuses - all denied by Mu- slashed its output by nearly half, sue, which has divided public those evicted will be compensated horticulture produce until 2000, the likes of South Africa under- ers Union President Abdul Ny- gabe - led to Zimbabwe being drove hundreds of thousands opinion. Supporters say it has only for the improvements they now only has 300 members. mining their businesses. athi also said his members would targeted by sanctions from West- abroad in search of better paying empowered blacks while oppo- made to the farms, while the for- “It’s a huge step forward, lets “Are farmers able to pay? I will not be able to pay compensation. ern donors. This compounded jobs and has left the jobless rate nents see it as a partisan process eign owners forced out will be paid acknowledge that. In the past the say no. Is the land being produc- “Most of the farmers face viabil- the economic plight of the coun- at around 85%. that left Zimbabwe struggling to full compensation for land and im- government has said that it won’t tive? I will say no again,” said ity issues, the government will try, which saw fi nancing from the The fi nance ministry did not feed itself. provements, under the plan. pay compensation,” Olivier told Victor Matemadanda, secretary have to look at other ways of rais- International Monetary Fund, respond to repeated requests for “The land revolution was a ne- Chinamasa said Harare broke Reuters. general of a group representing ing money,” he added. World Bank and African Devel- comment about the ability of cessity and if the economy was bilateral investment agreements “But if you are talking about war veterans who led the land Mugabe’s land reforms have opment Bank frozen in 1999 after farmers to pay the levy. running very well farmers would with other countries when it new farmers paying a levy, that’s seizure drive in 2000 and are now led to about 5,000 white farmers it defaulted on debts. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe be able to pay the rent,” said seized farms owned by foreigners. not gonna work, that’s not gonna farmers. being evicted from their land by The IMF’s head of mission to governor John Mangudya told Matemadanda of the war veter- Tony Hawkins, professor of pay our compensation.” Gulf Times Wednesday, March 23, 2016 13 AMERICAS American cities on high alert Reuters “precaution,” adding that there before two explosions ripped can and we will defeat those who New York was no known, specifi c or cred- through a departure lounge. threaten the safety and security ible threat to Washington D C. European and US airports have of people all around the world.” Armed police were also seen extensive security in place to pre- The attacks drew immediate ajor US cities yesterday out in force at Dulles Airport in vent weapons from being smug- response from the leading can- deployed police in large Washington. gled onto aircraft, but the attack didates in the race for the White Mnumbers, some with Offi cials in cities from Miami took place in a waiting lounge House, with Republican front- heavy weapons patrolling transit to Boston to Portland, Oregon, before screening. runner Donald Trump repeating hubs, after at least 30 people were also said they had stepped up se- Some travellers said yesterday his call for tighter US border se- killed in attacks on a Brussels air- curity although they were aware they hoped airports would fur- curity. port and subway, though offi cials of no specifi c threats. ther tighten security following Former US Secretary of State said there was no evidence of Many of the wounded at the the Brussels attack. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic specifi c threats to the US. Brussels airport had severe leg “Perhaps it should take place front-runner, vowed the attack New York, Los Angeles and injuries, according to offi cials, a sooner, before you get through would strengthen her drive to Chicago stepped up their secu- pattern that suggests an explo- security. I fi nd it reassuring,” “defeat terrorism and radical ji- rity and major airlines scrambled sion emanating from ground- said Mary Ray, 71, a retired gov- hadism.” resources to cope with closings at level, such as from a bag. ernment trainer fl ying home to One Muslim traveller waiting the airport in Belgium’s capital. “We have to keep an eye out for Manchester, England, from New for a fl ight at Kennedy airport New York Mayor Bill de Blasio bags,” one National Guardsman York after a Caribbean cruise said he worried he would face said that although there was no dressed in military fatigues and with her husband Malcolm. even more hostility as a result of specifi c threat against the city, carrying a rifl e said to a colleague Ray, who walks with a cane, the attacks. he had beefed up police pres- as they passed through a security said she is happy to remove her “Fingers are going to be point- ence and deployed a 500-offi cer checkpoint at New York’s John F shoes or have her hands swabbed ed. There will be more check- special anti-terrorism unit. He Kennedy International Airport. as she passes through airport se- points, more searches, more urged New Yorkers to go about Three US Mormon mission- curity: “I think it’s a deterrent.” background scans,” said Shahied their business as normal. aries were injured in the airport US President Barack Obama D, 48, a Muslim from South Af- “What the terrorists want is blasts, the Church of Jesus Christ addressed the attacks briefl y in a rica who asked that his last name for us to change our ways,” he of Latter-Day Saints said. speech in Havana on his historic be withheld for fear of harass- told a news conference. “We Islamic State was blamed for fi rst visit to Cuba, vowing to sup- ment on the Internet. refuse to change who we are. We Armed New York police off icers stand guard in Times Square yesterday. killing 130 people in Paris last port Belgium as it seeks out those “Now I will hear, ‘Your people, are going to respond to their ef- November. In December, a mar- responsible. your people.’ The Qur’an says you forts to create chaos by showing Governor Andrew Cuomo acti- personnel were on duty in the minal and the George Washing- ried couple inspired by Islamic “This is yet another reminder should love irrespective of reli- them order, by showing them vated National Guard troops to area, Cuomo’s offi ce said. ton Bridge, which connects Man- State shot dead 14 people in San that the world must unite. We gion: Hebrew, Christian.” our society functioning, our city provide extra security at New State police were also assigned hattan to New Jersey. Bernardino, California. must be together regardless of Delta, United and American functioning.” York City’s two airports and at to New York’s Penn and Grand In the US capital, metro tran- A witness to yesterday’s at- nationality or race or faith in Airlines reported that they had In addition to the increased major railroad stations. Central Stations, the World sit police said they were ordering tack at the Brussels airport said fi ghting against the scourge of cancelled or rerouted fl ights as a police presence, New York State Around 400 National Guard Trade Center, the city’s bus ter- extra K9 sweeps and patrols as a he heard shouts in Arabic shortly terrorism,” Obama said. “We result of the attack.

‘Apple privacy fi ght does not win extra points for security’ Liberals stage rallies to back

Reuters The development could bring an important factor by about a third of Consumers were, however, less Obama Supreme Court pick Boston abrupt end to the high-stakes le- those polled. “Security is one of these trusting of two of the six companies gal showdown which has become a things that gets people in trouble covered in the poll: online social me- lightning rod for a broader debate when it lapses, but it’s not something dia service Facebook Inc and inter- By Kay Henderson, Reuters so I need to fi nd another way to do this,” ost Americans trust Apple on data privacy in the US, which was consumers are going to be shopping net company Yahoo Inc. Des Moines, Iowa said Des Moines demonstrator Tracey Au- Inc to protect their person- infl amed by revelations in 2013 from for,” said Ipsos pollster Chris Jackson. Asked if they trust Facebook to brecht, a 44-year-old homemaker from Mal information from hack- former National Security Agency The results suggest that Apple’s protect personal information from North Liberty, Iowa. ers, according to a national Reuters/ contractor Edward Snowden about refusal to comply with a US gov- hackers, 39% said they agreed. For iberal groups allied with the White State Senator Rob Hogg, one of the Ipsos poll, but not any better than ri- the US government’s massive sur- ernment demand that it unlock an Yahoo, 44% agreed. House staged rallies around the four Democrats running in a primary for vals Google, Amazon and Microsoft. veillance programmes. iPhone has not given it extra credit Jackson said people may feel dif- Lcountry on Monday to pressure Re- a chance to challenge Grassley in the No- The results of the poll were re- When asked if they trust Apple to with consumers, Jackson said. ferently about Facebook’s security publican senators including the Judici- vember 8 election, attended the rally. leased late on Monday, in the mid- protect data from hackers, 60% of re- “This (poll) was about getting a because it exposes more user data ary Committee’s chairman not to block The nomination requires confi rmation dle of a legal battle between Apple spondents said they strongly agreed feel to see whether Apple is seen as than the other fi rms surveyed. President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court by the Republican-led Senate. Republicans and the US Justice Department over or somewhat agreed, according to the some kind of exemplary company,” The online survey of roughly 1,703 nominee Merrick Garland. have said they want the next president to a judge’s order that Apple write new poll, conducted March 11-16. Jackson said. “It’s not.” adults has a credibility interval of At the same time, a conservative make the selection, hoping their party software to disable passcode protec- That is in line with responses to Apple certainly sees itself as a plus or minus 2.7 percentage points. group, the Judicial Crisis Network, said it wins the presidential election. tion on the iPhone used by one of the the same questions about Alphabet guardian of customers’ privacy. The Representatives for Apple, Alpha- launched a $2mn, three-week television, Garland, a centrist appellate judge and San Bernardino, California shooters. Inc’s Google, Amazon.com Inc and company “will not shrink from that bet, Amazon.com, Microsoft and radio and digital advertising campaign in former prosecutor, was picked last week The two sides were set to face off in Microsoft Corporation. responsibility,” declared chief ex- Yahoo did not immediately respond Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, to replace Justice Antonin Scalia, who died court yesterday, but late on Monday a The poll found only one in 10 peo- ecutive Tim Cook on stage at the to requests for comment. North Dakota and West Virginia opposing February 13. His appointment could tip the federal judge in Riverside, California, ple consider security options such launch of a new iPhone on Monday. A statement from Facebook said, Garland’s confi rmation. court leftward for the fi rst time in decades. agreed to the government’s request as encryption and passcode protec- “Apple has the same halo as many in part, that “Protecting your per- The group is backing the stance of Sen- The White House said Vice President to postpone the hearing after US tion to be the most important con- tech companies: A majority of peo- sonal information is more important ate Republicans including Majority Leader Joe Biden will deliver remarks tomorrow prosecutors said that a “third party” siderations when shopping for a new ple, but not a huge majority, agree than ever, and that’s why security is Mitch McConnell not to hold confi rmation on Garland’s nomination at Georgetown had presented a possible method for phone. Performance and price were that they trust them to protect their built into every Facebook product hearings or a vote on Garland’s nomina- Law School. opening an encrypted iPhone. far ahead, each ranked as the most information,” Jackson said. and design.” tion. It said Garland also will continue meet- In Iowa’s capital, demonstrators target- ing senators individually, speaking yes- ed Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck terday with Democrats Charles Schumer Grassley, whose panel handles confi rma- of New York and Bob Casey of Pennsyl- tion hearings for Supreme Court nomi- vania and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota nees. today. Ex-Toronto mayor Ford succumbs to cancer More than 50 protesters gathered on the Both sides have promised intensive sidewalk outside a federal building where campaigns on the ground and over the air- Grassley has an offi ce, chanting “do your waves that will eclipse other battles over AFP worldwide notoriety in 2013 when he 46,” said a statement from the fam- was elected in October that year to job” as a plane pulling a banner carrying Supreme Court nominees in recent dec- Toronto refused to resign after acknowledg- ily, requesting privacy to mourn. succeed Ford, bringing an end to a tur- the same message fl ew overhead. ades. ing that he had smoked crack during Ford, an anti-tax populist, put bulent 18 months at Toronto city hall. Liberal groups including MoveOn.org Garland remains relatively unknown his chaotic tenure and admitted to Canada’s usually staid politics on “On behalf of the people of the city organized rallies targeting Republicans among Americans. ormer Toronto mayor Rob struggling with a drinking problem. the global map when an alleged drug of Toronto, I off er my sincere condo- in their home states during the Senate’s Roughly one out of every fi ve people say Ford, who made international Ford’s family called him a “dedi- dealer tried to sell a video of the lences to his loved ones at this time,” two-week spring recess in states including they are “somewhat” or “very” familiar Fheadlines when he was caught cated man of the people.” mayor apparently smoking crack. said his successor Tory, adding that Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. with him, a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted using crack cocaine while in offi ce in “With heavy hearts and profound At fi rst, the rotund Ford denied Toronto had been left “reeling” from The rallies generally drew crowds in the from Thursday to Monday found. Canada’s largest city, died yesterday sadness, the Ford family announces using the drug, but he later acknowl- the sudden news of Ford’s death. dozens, organisers said. Among those who have heard of Gar- at age 46 after a battle with cancer. the passing of their beloved son, edged smoking crack cocaine in a Ford was “a profoundly human “I have called Grassley’s offi ce every land, half expressed a favourable opinion, The colourful and controver- brother, husband, and father, Coun- “drunken stupor”. guy whose presence in our city will week for the last two or three weeks and it including 60% of Democrats and 43% of sial Ford - elected in 2010 - earned cillor Rob Ford, earlier at the age of John Tory, a moderate conservative, be missed,” Tory added. doesn’t seem like he’s getting the message, Republicans. In Florida, calls to keep ‘saving the manatees’

By Kerry Sheridan, AFP But times may be changing for vulnerable. So the level of pro- natural warm water springs near site. The public comment period Crystal River, Florida these slow-moving seagrass eat- tection does not change.” Crystal River, where boat cap- ends April 7. ers. A controversial proposal by Opponents say a host of threats tain and Mike Dunn, co-owner Fish and Wildlife spokesman the US Fish and Wildlife Service remain, including disease, loss of of Manatees in Paradise, says Chuck Underwood said if a change hen Brandy Pounds calls for downgrading them from habitat, cold stress and collisions manatees have shaped the local is announced, “the public would swam in central Flor- “endangered” to “threatened,” with watercraft. way of life. see no diff erences in our conserva- Wida’s Crystal River based on their ballooning popu- “We really think it is prema- Dunn leads small tours of six tion and protection eff orts.” earlier this month, she came so lation size. ture,” said the Save the Manatee tourists at a time into Three Sisters More protection could even be close to an endangered manatee In Florida alone, the agency Club’s director of science and Springs and the surrounding ca- added if needed, he said. that she could feel the sea cow’s said the manatee population has conservation, Katie Tripp. nals. Snorkelers must watch a vid- “I understand this will beg the breath tickling her toes. grown to a record 6,350 as of Feb- She said the change could eo fi rst that explains how to avoid obvious question - why do this? “And then I turned around and ruary. amount to less money for mana- harassing manatees - no chasing, “Simple. Based on the best data we were face-to-face,” said the Early estimates of their popu- tee protection, and doesn’t take no poking, no hugging allowed. and information at the time of our 41-year-old therapist from Tex- lation are hard to come by, but account of future risks the mana- Killing a manatee is also for- review, our biologists determined as. “We made eye contact. It was the fi rst aerial surveys fl own over tees will face. bidden. Violators of federal pro- A Florida manatee swims in the river near the town of Crystal River. the species no longer meets the pretty cool.” Florida in 1991 counted 1,267 Among them, the expected loss tections may face fi nes of up to defi nition of endangered - in im- Languid, whiskered and manatees. of winter refuge they get from $100,000 and a year in prison. hotels. Manatees are the main David Ray of the Marine In- minent threat of extinction.” weighing as much as 545kg, the A fi nal decision, expected clustering around power plants Dunn drives his boat slowly, source of income here.” dustry Association of Central For tourists like Pounds, the bulbous Florida manatees - a sometime in 2017, would apply that discharge warm water. moving at idle speed according But boating groups have led Florida insisted that cautious idea of letting go of the manatees’ subspecies of the West Indian to all West Indian manatees in As those plants are gradu- to local regulations to reduce the the charge - along with a group boating practices will not change endangered status is hard to fath- manatees - were among the fi rst the region, from Florida to the ally made more environmen- risk of striking a manatee. called Save Crystal River which if the manatee is downgraded. om, especially after she witnessed creatures to be named by the US Caribbean and northern South tally friendly, as many as 4,000 He waves his arms and chas- petitioned the government in “The rules that have been put the apparent eff ect of an old boat as a federally endangered species America. manatees - which are creatures tises other boaters whenever he 2012 - to reclassify the manatee in place to protect the manatee strike on one of the creatures. in 1967, alongside the iconic bald “I believe this is just a fi rst step of habit - could die from the cold, sees them going faster than they as “threatened,” based on Fish and have done an extremely good “One of the ones that I came eagle and American alligator. of celebrating a success story,” she said. should. Wildlife’s own fi ndings in 2007. job,” Ray told AFP. contact with today had some For decades, manatees have Ivan Vicente, visitor services For Tripp, it doesn’t matter “It’s all about respect,” ac- The push to downlist mana- “If you have slow speed limits scars and scratches on its back, been celebrated and protected by specialist at the Fish and Wildlife that fi ve times more manatees cording to Dunn, who said he tees began in 1999 with Wade in some areas where manatees and pretty deep ones, so that’s environmentalists and celebri- Service Crystal River National exist today than 25 years ago. views as “absurd” any eff ort to Hopping, a powerful boating in- are very prolifi c, then those speed just a sign of someone being ir- ties alike, earning the title of the Wildlife Refuge Complex, told “We are not at all focused on downgrade the manatees’ status. dustry lobbyist who argued that limits will remain in place and the responsible,” she said. offi cial state marine mammal of AFP. a number and we don’t want the “I cannot believe anybody manatee protection would limit manatees will be protected.” “I think you’ve got to use the Florida and the admiration of “It’s only a very minor diff er- agency focused on a number ei- that’s actually making money the number of docks, marina and More than 1,100 comments word ‘endangered,’” she added. celebrities like singer Jimmy Buf- ence,” he said of the change in ther. It is just about the habitat,” on manatees wants to downlist boats, according to the Tampa - many in favour of keeping the “You call them ‘threatened’ fett, who co-founded the popu- terminology. “It just means that she said. them,” he said. “Without the Bay Times’ environment reporter manatees listed as endangered - and people are going to get out lar non-profi t Save the Manatee the species is not as vulnerable to In the winter, hundreds of manatees, we don’t need the Craig Pittman, who authored the have already been posted on the there with their boats and cut Club in 1981. extinction as it once was, but still Florida manatees converge in the restaurants, we don’t need the book, “Manatee Insanity.” Fish and Wildlife Service’s web- them up.” Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 ASEAN Malaysia tribes say controversial Borneo dam is scrapped

AFP leading to the proposed dam site on the Rivers. “The struggle to resist the pro- to spur economic growth in one of the will provide far more power than the friends, and disrespecting tribal rights. Kuala Lumpur Baram river. posed Baram dam has fi nally paid off , country’s poorest regions. state needs, and have destroyed fragile He has denied the allegations. They say decades of government- because now the dam is scrapped.” Much of Sarawak is a jungle wilder- ecosystems and uprooted tribes that Adenan, however, has softened the orchestrated logging and dam-build- That could not be immediately veri- ness slashed by untamed rivers. had made their homes in the rainforest pro-dam rhetoric amid the activist alaysian tribal activists who ing have led to social and environmen- fi ed, however. Authorities had previously declared for thousands of years. campaigns and dwindling national have fought for years against tal disaster. Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan plans for around a dozen dams, saying The dam-building spree was support for Malaysia’s ruling coalition, Ma planned hydroelectric dam With elections in Sarawak expected Satem was quoted by Malaysian media Sarawak must tap its massive hydro- launched by Sarawak’s former chief of which his Sarawak party is an im- declared victory yesterday, saying the within weeks, activists said the state a year ago as saying the dam would go electric potential to provide power for minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, who portant member. state government has scrapped a project government had sent them a letter ahead. No government statement was hoped-for investment in a nascent in- stepped aside under a cloud in 2014 af- The Swiss-based Bruno Manser that would have fl ooded rainforests and stating that plans to forcibly acquire immediately seen. dustrial sector. ter 33 years in power. Fund, an activist group focused on displaced 20,000 tribespeople. necessary land had been revoked. The dam would have fl ooded an area Three dams have already been Critics accused Taib of running Sarawak, said it hoped “that the can- Since 2013 activists and local tribes “That means the dam project has half the size of Singapore and was part completed, at Batang Ai, Murum and Sarawak like a family business, dol- cellation of the Baram dam plans in Malaysia’s Sarawak state on Borneo been called off ,” said Peter Kallang, of a controversial state government Bakun, and have become lightning ing out government contracts and will trigger a review of all mega-dam island have blockaded jungle roads chairman of the NGO Save Sarawak’s drive to use hydroelectric development rods for criticism. Activists say they timber concessions to relatives and projects in Sarawak”. Blocked from presidency, Suu Kyi to be foreign minister

AFP tion in recent years, blossom- Naypyidaw ing from isolation under the junta to become an increas- ingly vibrant nation. Its grow- ung San Suu Kyi will ing political openness was be foreign minister in crowned by a historic Novem- AMyanmar’s fi rst civilian ber election that saw the NLD government for decades, her storm to victory. party said yesterday, giving the But the country still faces democracy champion a formal huge challenges, including the post despite being blocked continued might of an army from the presidency. that for years viewed Suu Kyi The Nobel laureate has al- and her party with deep sus- ready vowed to rule above picion. the man picked as president, The NLD has operated under Htin Kyaw, in the government a veil of secrecy since the polls, which comes to power next only revealing its choice of week in the former army-ruled president days before his elec- nation. tion by parliament last week. Suu Kyi was the sole woman Suu Kyi has held several Taxis drivers take part in a protest rally to demand the government prohibit ride-hailing apps in Jakarta yesterday. and one of only six members rounds of talks with army chief of her National League for Min Aung Hlaing since the Democracy party in a cabi- elections, but was unable to net list read out to lawmakers remove the constitutional bar- early yesterday by the parlia- rier to her presidency. ment speaker Mann Win Kha- The foreign ministry role ing Than, who did not specify gives her international clout which position she or others and a seat at the infl uential Violence erupts as cabbies would hold. military-dominated Security But NLD spokesman Zaw Council. Myint Maung later confi rmed “She wants to be at the heart she would lead the foreign of government. She wants to ministry and hinted that she do it properly and formally and would also hold other roles, - this is important to her - le- without specifying which gally,” said Trevor Wilson, an protest ride-hailing apps ones. academic at the Australian Na- “She will be the foreign tional University and former Violence erupts in parts of nasius Jonan said companies rejected the off er on social me- minister, mainly. If she wants ambassador to Myanmar. Jakarta, dozens arrested; like Uber were illegal unless they dia using the hashtag #NoTh- to share the duties she has in Under Myanmar’s complex Ministers call for calm were registered as public trans- anksBluebird. David Santoso, a other ministries with qualifi ed political rules, the cabinet role port providers and subject to the director of Express, also said in people, she can assign them,” means she will have to forgo Reuters same rules as regular taxi opera- a statement the company had he told reporters. her seat in parliament, al- Jakarta tors. urged its drivers not to join the The NLD only named 15 though her party insisted she “The point is, it has to be fair,” protest. ministers for 18 posts chosen would maintain her chairman- Jonan told reporters. Indonesia’s president has by the civilian government, ship of the NLD. ndonesian cabbies clashed Government ministers called welcomed the competition pro- sparking speculation that Suu Htin Kyaw is Suu Kyi’s long- with motorbike drivers for calm and said the tech fi rms vided by the new companies, but Kyi would take on four portfo- term confi dante and ally and Iworking for online apps yes- should be subject to the same le- the status of their operations in lios - widely believed to be for- seen as utterly loyal. terday, pulling them off their gal and tax requirements as con- the country was unclear. eign aff airs, education, energy Last week he said his rise to bikes and assaulting them as ventional public transportation Companies like Grab and Go- and the president’s offi ce. the leadership was “Suu Kyi’s thousands of drivers took to the companies. jek were running as usual yester- Oxford-educated Suu Kyi, victory”. streets of Jakarta calling for a ban “Give us time to fi nd the best day despite the protests. 70, is the daughter of Myan- But his novice administra- on ride-hailing apps like Grab solution, it can’t be done over- “We’ve advised our drivers mar’s independence hero and tion faces a raft of challenges and Uber. A taxi is stopped for not taking part in protests by taxi drivers against night,” chief security minister and passengers to be careful in towered over the country’s de- - including confl ict in ethnic Police were overwhelmed as the government for a ban on ride-hailing apps in Jakarta. Luhut Pandjaitan told a news the areas where the demonstra- mocracy movement as it waged minority border areas, en- convoys of blue and white taxis conference. tions are happening,” said Ekhel a spirited and non-violent trenched poverty and the need operated by PT Blue Bird and Go-jek, Grab and Uber in grid- “Right now there are legal tax- A Blue bird offi cial said the Chandra Wijaya, of Grab Indo- struggle against almost half a to rapidly improve decrepit PT Express Transindo Utama locked Jakarta has made the is and illegal taxis,” said Mat Ali, company would off er free taxi nesia. century of military rule. infrastructure and long-ne- blocked thoroughfares. Police traditional pick-up and drop- 54, an Express taxi driver who rides for 24 hours to make up for One Go-jek driver said he But she is blocked from the glected education and health said 83 people were detained af- off taxi services unprofi table, marched in front of parliament the disruption in services. wasn’t afraid of the protesters. presidency by the junta-draft- services. ter skirmishes that saw drivers threatening the business models as others burned tyres. “We don’t agree with or “We in the online business ed constitution because her Another key challenge will smash taxi windshields, attack of the country’s top taxi fi rms. “We are not allergic to compe- support the anarchic demon- are looking for money, we’re not two sons are British, as was her be smoothing relations with other drivers and burn tyres in The online apps currently of- tition with Uber and Grab ... but stration,” Blue bird commis- looking for trouble,” said Abdul late husband. the army that locked up Suu parts of the city. fer heavily subsidised rates for we just want them to meet the sioner Noni Purnomo told re- Rohman, who wore the com- Myanmar has undergone a Kyi and other NLD politicians The proliferation of cheap their rides in an attempt to gain government’s requirements.” porters. pany’s easily recognisable green stunning political transforma- for years during junta rule. taxis using ride-hailing apps market share. Transportation Minister Ig- But some Jakarta residents jacket.

Two dead after Singapore train hits Lee Kuan Yew’s personality cult lives on a year after his death metro workers Two Singaporean metro main- DPA many young people among the of Tanjong Pagar, a specimen transform Singapore from a tenance workers were killed Singapore 415,000 who queued in the rain of Aranda Lee Kuan Yew — an third world country to the fi rst,” yesterday after being hit by a to pay their last respects to his orchid species named after the he told Channel NewsAsia.A train during on-the-job training, late brother at his week-long late leader — was displayed public memorial is also in the the rail operator said. he veneration of Singa- public wake, Dr Lee told Yahoo Saturday next to a Vanda Kwa works, but the location is still The incident comes after the poreans for their coun- Singapore. Geok Choo, another orchid under debate by a committee. country installed a range of safe- Ttry’s founding premier In a remembrance event species named after his late The project will take input from ty measures following incidents Lee Kuan Yew has if anything Sunday hosted by nine organi- wife. public consultation “from the in which passengers fell onto the increased since his passing a sations from diff erent racial People have been holding up design to the construction,” the tracks. Nasrulhudin Najumudin, year ago, with a wide range of communities, student Shanice pictures of the late leader as Culture Ministry said. 26 and Mohamed Asyraf Ahmad projects by offi cials and spon- Vanessa Hedger, 20, recounted they visit the blooms, member Whether the memorial ends Buhari, 24, were part of a techni- taneous citizen initiatives seeing her mother cry while of parliament Indranee Rajah up in the city’s Fort Canning cal team sent to investigate an springing up to honour his watching Lee’s memorial serv- told Channel NewsAsia. “It just Park or at the Gardens by the alarm from signalling equipment, legacy. ice on television. goes to show that that bond Bay, Lee remains an inspiration operator SMRT Corp said in a On Sunday, a portrait was “You see so many people cry- runs very deep.” for Singapore’s future genera- statement. The men, who had unveiled made out of more than ing over a public fi gure - I’ve Citizen’s initiatives included tions. just joined SMRT in January, were 4,800 erasers bearing the Sin- never even met him before. He a silent candlelight rally, a guid- “We need to continue to part of a team of five walking gapore fl ag. gave his life to build Singapore. ed tour of his favourite haunts in work hard to ensure that Sin- in single file beside an above- The installation will be dis- What are we going to do without Singapore and a bound collec- gapore stays competitive on ground track when the accident played for a week at The Red him around?” she said. tion of oil paintings depicting the world stage,” Nicole Peta happened, the spokesman said. Box, a building that formerly But she was optimistic about Lee. Leong, 32, said at a remem- They were declared dead on the housed the government’s youth the state’s future. The book is the brainchild of brance event this week by the spot by emergency paramedics. council, now renamed after the “The youth nowadays are art collector Vincent Chua, 72, ruling People’s Action Party Train services were disrupted for briefcase that Lee carried to A woman walks past a tribute board erected next to parliament house learning to appreciate every who since 2007 has collected (PAP), which Lee formed 62 two hours on a section of the parliament. for Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew on the eve of his first root that we have in Singapore. photos of Lee from bazaars or years ago. major East-West line. The portrait was assembled death anniversary in Singapore yesterday. That is something we can look the national archives and com- “This will be our way of say- Police are investigating the inci- by around 110 Singapore youths. forward to — breaking out of missioned paintings of them ing thank you to for all that he dent. The state-linked SMRT Corp Gluing the fi nal eraser, Lee’s “As he said, we must build Singapore,” Dr Lee was quoted the old Singapore and into the from artists in China. has done for us - for uniting us has in recent years come under younger brother Dr Lee Suan up Singapore and the youths as saying by Channel NewsA- new, to carry on his legacy,” she The collection is “to show- as one united people, even in fire for frequent breakdowns and Yew said his brother “wants us must also be the next genera- sia. added. case our history, how leader- death,” said Leong, a PAP youth disruptions. to move on.” tion to take over the raising of He was impressed to see so In Lee’s former constituency ship of one man was able to member. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 23, 2016 15 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA Australia arrests two for sending cash to IS Sydney’s international airport. Australia continues to Australia’s anti-money laun- ity of its funding from oil, kid- monitor its youth for IS links dering agency said in November napping and other illicit activi- reports of suspected militant fi - ties in far greater amounts than Reuters nancing had tripled in the past what is sent by individuals, said Strikes threatening to Sydney year, with more than A$50mn Greg Barton, a terrorism expert ($38mn) that could be used to at Deakin University. support militants being investi- Arrests like those made this ustralian police said yes- gated. week were more valuable in iden- terday they had arrested The amounts being sent in this tifying and arresting Australians choke Easter traffi c Atwo people, including a particular case were small and who may be at risk of further rad- 16-year-old girl, on suspicion of most likely used to help facilitate icalisation than they in putting a raising funds to support opera- the travel of foreign fi ghters into dent in militant fi nances. Reuters international and domestic travellers as the Centrelink, the Tax Offi ce, Bureau of Mete- tions of the Islamic State militant Syria, an Australian Federal Po- “It’s more this gives us the ba- Sydney nation heads into a four-day weekend for orology, the Department of Prime Minister group. lice source told Reuters on con- sis for fi guring out the connection the Easter holiday, one of the busiest times and Cabinet and the Australian Bureau of The arrests in a Sydney sub- dition of anonymity. and it also gives us the basis for of year for air travel. Statistics, walked off the job. urb on Monday of the schoolgirl “They are doing it usually by laying charges,” he told Reuters. ustralia’s department of immigra- “Our goal is to put pressure on the agency Government employees represented by and a man, aged 20, were part credit cards or ATM cards - pret- Australian Federal Police dep- tion and border protection yesterday and on the government to actually talk with the CPSU say that the government has of counter-terrorism operations ty easy. It’s not that much money. uty commissioner Michael Phe- Ajoined other public sector workers in us. That’s entirely the reason why this is be- refused to negotiate with them in good aimed at thwarting attacks by Some of it is a very small amount lan said the latest arrests were a growing strike that threatens to paralyse ing held, and the timing is because that’s the faith. domestic radicals at home and of money ... sometimes less than not connected to any threat of an air travel at the nation’s biggest internation- timing that will apply the most pressure,” a A spokeswoman for employment minis- disrupting the fl ow of funds to $1,000,” he said. imminent attack. al airports ahead of a holiday weekend. CPSU spokesman told Reuters. ter senator Michaela Cash called the union’s foreign fi ghters overseas. Authorities believe dozens In 2014, police shot dead a Any signifi cant disruptions could play Strikes at major airports, which are aimed actions “disappointing” and said that they “We anticipate that both these of Australians have travelled to Melbourne teenager after he into the hands of Prime Minister Malcolm at ending a two-year contract dispute be- were placing the needs of their workers over people will be charged later today Syria and Iraq to fi ght alongside stabbed two counter-terrorism Turnbull as he heads into an early election tween public sector workers and the federal those of disadvantaged citizens who rely on and attend court and the charge Islamic State militants. offi cers. Three months later, two announced yesterday that will be fought government, will continue after the holiday government services. that we anticipate they will have Australia, a staunch US ally, hostages were killed when police largely on industrial relations and reigning weekend. “It is disappointing that the CPSU has is one of fi nancing terrorism,” has been on heightened alert for stormed a Sydney cafe to end a in powerful unions. “There’s rolling strikes planned from resorted to industrial action, particularly in New South Wales state police attacks by home-grown radicals siege by a lone gunman, who was Their workers were to strike for several Tuesday next week for several weeks so circumstances where regional DHS offi ces Deputy Commissioner Catherine since 2014 and authorities say also killed. hours at fi ve regional airports, a spokesman it’s not just about a one week thing in the are most impacted,” she said, referring to the Burn told reporters. they have thwarted a number A 15-year-old boy fi red on for the Community and Public Sector Union lead-up to the long weekend, it’s actually Department of Human Services. “We will be alleging that they of potential attacks, while there an accountant at police head- (CPSU) said, before expanding to state capi- a longer term strategy,” the spokesman “It is also greatly concerning that the were involved in obtaining money have been several “lone wolf” as- quarters in a Sydney suburb last tals such as Sydney and Melbourne tomor- added. CPSU’s conduct will mean that some of the to send off shore to assist Islamic saults. October and was then killed in a row. On Monday staff at a wide range of gov- most vulnerable in society may (have) their State in its activities,” she said. Islamic State raises the major- gunfi ght with police. The strike could severely inconvenience ernment offi ces including welfare agency services impacted over Easter.” Timor protest Japanese textbooks draw China censure

AFP Tokyo of not atoning suffi ciently for Japan’s war- Beijing time atrocities. The disputes have seen relations between Asia’s largest economies plummet in recent years, before eijing has protested to Tokyo over its approval recovering to some extent more recently. of new high-school textbooks that describe The high school textbooks will include 60% more Bdisputed islands as Japanese territory, Chi- content on the islands following more stringent na’s foreign ministry said yesterday. government guidelines on curriculum, Japanese “We are seriously concerned about this trend in media reported. Japan and we have lodged solemn representations Beijing also objected to reports that the books with Japan,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua will alter descriptions of the Nanjing Massacre, Chunying told reporters. a period of mass murder and rape committed by China is embroiled in a territorial row with Japan Japanese troops after the fall of the Chinese city of over the disputed islands, known as the Senkakus in Nanjing in 1937. Japan, which controls them, and claimed by Beijing “The Nanjing massacre is an atrocity committed as the Diaoyus. by Japanese militarism,” Hua said. “Japan’s attempt “I want to reiterate that Diaoyu and its affi liated to whitewash and censor the textbooks once again islands have belonged to China since ancient times. shows Japan’s unwillingness to face historical errors No matter what measures Japan may take to pro- — a very dangerous trend,” she added. mote or push its stance, it will not change the basic Several of the updated textbooks reportedly car- fact that Diaoyu belongs to China,” she said. ried content relating to wartime sex slaves, or so- The Chinese Communist Party uses nationalism called “comfort women”, an issue that has soured as part of its claim to a right to rule, and regularly relations between Japan and its neighbours for dec- East Timorese students chant slogans during a rally over the maritime boundary between East Timor and Australia, in Dili yesterday. accuses the democratically-elected government in ades. Protesters rallied outside the Australian embassy in the East Timor capital Dili, demanding Canberra come to the table ”in good faith” to end a long-running dispute over major oil and gasfields in the Timor Sea. UN lifts North Korea sanctions Glitch strands on four ships Tokyo sends weapons 16,000 travellers The UN Security Council agreed A computer system malfunction Premier Turnbull hits out at yesterday to a request from China grade plutonium to US forced Japan’s All Nippon to lift sanctions imposed on four Airways to cancel more than ships that had been blacklisted 100 domestic flights yesterday, putdown by his predecessor over North Korea’s weapons Reuters for the nuclear material, has not aff ecting some 16,000 travellers, programme, diplomats said. Tokyo commented on the Greenpeace the carrier said. ANA ground They were aff ected when the statement. An agency spokes- staff at Tokyo’s Haneda airport AFP “no wrecking, no undermining, no sniping”. UN Security Council on March 2 man cited security reasons. apologised to stranded Canberra However, he has continued to intervene, to imposed tough sanctions on North ship loaded with weap- The US embassy in Tokyo also passengers, some who could be the delight of a hard core of right-wing lawmak- Korea in response to its fourth ons-grade plutonium declined to comment. seen making mobile phone calls ers who reputedly still entertain the thought of nuclear test and rocket launch, Aleft Japan for the United Shipments of plutonium are and sending text messages while ustralian Prime Minister Malcolm Turn- returning him to the top job. widely seen as a disguised ballistic States yesterday in what is the highly sensitive because it can children sat on the floor of the bull yesterday slapped down his pred- Turnbull, who has lambasted Abbott’s eco- missile test. Yesterday’s move largest such shipment of the be used in nuclear weapons or to crowded terminal hall playing Aecessor Tony Abbott who dramatically nomic management, hit back Friday against aff ects four of 31 ships linked to highly dangerous material since make a so-called dirty bomb. In video games. Passengers lined up intervened to claim credit for policies the gov- the putdown which could spell trouble ahead of North Korean shipping firm Ocean 1992, the environmental group Japan, public sensitivity is also patiently at counters to arrange ernment is taking to upcoming elections. general elections which he has said could come Maritime Management, blacklisted Greenpeace said. high because it is the only coun- new reservations for later flights Abbott, who was ousted last September in as soon as July. for ties to Pyongyang’s nuclear The 331kg of plutonium, try that has been attacked with as the airline’s reservation and a party coup, announced the government was “He’s not right,” the prime minister said of and weapons programmes. enough to make about 50 nuclear nuclear bombs. check-in hall overflowed with running on his record, in extraordinary com- his predecessor. “The bottom line is there is “The council has agreed to the weapons, was taken from a nu- The shipment is a tiny portion inconvenienced travellers. ANA ments reminiscent of the political anarchy that continuity and there is change.” request,” a council diplomat told clear research centre in the port of the nearly 50 tonnes of plu- said it spotted something wrong has produced fi ve leaders in fi ve years. Employment minister Michaelia Cash issued AFP. China gave assurances that town of Tokai Mura, and left on tonium Japan holds. Most of it at about 8.20am yesterday “It’s very easy for me to campaign... because what national broadcaster ABC described as a the four vessels would not use a British ship, the Pacifi c Egret, comes from reprocessing spent and though the problem was the Turnbull government is running on the Ab- “veiled threat” to right-wingers considering North Korean crews. The March for transport to the US depart- nuclear fuel burned in its reac- largely resolved about three bott government’s record,” he told Sky News agitating for Abbott’s return. 2 resolution was drafted by the ment of energy’s Savannah River tors at power stations. hours later at least 127 domestic late Monday. “I know what my goal is and I would hope that United States but backed by Site in South Carolina, Green- All but two of Japan’s reactors flights were cancelled by “It’s a very strong record,” he said, citing the would be the goal of all members of the Liberal China, North Korea’s sole ally and peace said. have been shut since a meltdown afternoon. The trouble stopped hardline immigration policy that deterred the Party and that is to ensure the re-election of the main trading partner. It required The website www.vesselfi nd- at a nuclear plant in Fukushima, reservations, ticket sales and fl ow of asylum seeker boats, and a string of free Turnbull government,” Cash said. countries to inspect all cargo to er.com said the ship is a nuclear north of Tokyo, after a powerful boarding procedures, aff ecting trade agreements. Turnbull is expected to win elections which and from North Korea, impose fuel carrier. earthquake and tsunami in 2011. the travel plans of at least 16,100 Abbott remains in parliament but had could be held on July 2 — well ahead of a dead- trade restrictions and bar vessels The Japan Atomic Energy The plutonium being shipped passengers at 49 airports across pledged not to interfere after Turnbull’s takeo- line — if parliament fails to end a deadlock over suspected of carrying illegal Agency (JAEA), which is the was supplied by the US, UK and Japan as of 3pm (0600 GMT). ver, promising on his departure there would be union reform legislation. goods for North Korea from ports. government agency responsible France. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 BRITAIN Labour must not ‘sit out’ EU referendum debate: Miliband

Agencies back him in 2015 to vote “remain” to send a very clear message to the “So my argument for Europe is this one out. In fact, quite the choice is so fundamental to help- da”, Miliband stressed. London on June 23. 9mn people who voted Labour at an argument rooted deep in La- opposite. The last few days have ing build the kind of country we He added: “Even if we leave Jeremy Corbyn, who has in the the last election: I believe the change bour values of solidarity and co- shown the Conservative Party want. And we cannot sit it out aside the motivations of those past expressed doubts about the val- you voted for, and still want to see in operation.” is divided, disunited and at each when the decision of Labour vot- who want us to leave, think of abour cannot achieve its ues of EU membership, has been ac- Britain, can only be achieved by us It was “simply a fantasy” that other’s throats. But that makes ers will be so crucial to the out- the implications of who it would aims outside the European cused by critics of playing too low- remaining in the European Union. Britain could confront auster- it all the more important that we come of this referendum. help. Tax avoiders want to divide LUnion, Ed Miliband said as key a role in the remain campaign. “And I believe that leaving ity, climate change, corporate set out our case on Europe. “My speech will be followed by country from country to drive he warned the party must not “sit But Miliband says his successor would irreparably set back the tax dodging, the refugee crisis or “The civil war in the Conservative one from our leader, Jeremy Cor- down tax rates. Polluters want to out” the referendum debate. will enter the fray with a speech cause of Labour politics. other injustices “on our own”. Party cannot and must not obscure byn, on Europe after Easter. We turn country against country in a In what is being billed as his after the Easter break, with fellow “At heart our principle as a He said the debate must not the central question in this referen- are united, we can speak with one race to the bottom on standards. fi rst major intervention since ex-leader Gordon Brown also be- party is one of collectivism: the be obscured by Conservative in- dum: are we more likely to secure voice and we will.” Russia and those who disagree leading the party to defeat at the ing lined up to play a central part. idea that we achieve more to- fi ghting on the issue. social justice and progressive change Leaving the EU would serve with us want to divide Europe. general election, Miliband ap- Speaking at a Labour In for Brit- gether than we can alone. It says “I want to say to all members inside the EU or outside. only those politicians with a “Outside the EU, that is what pealed to the 9mn voters who did ain event, Miliband said: “I want it on our party card. of our party that we cannot sit “We cannot sit it out when this “reactionary, pessimistic agen- we would be exposed to.”

Sturgeon rules out Osborne increasing top rate of income tax fights back

Reuters Glasgow in bitter cotland’s nationalist lead- er said she would stop a Splanned UK-wide tax cut from being introduced in Scot- land, drawing a contrast with Fi- nance Minister George Osborne whose latest budget plans have budget row raised a storm of protest. The Scottish government will Agencies chamber, Osborne confi rmed working people, not numbers on use its new powers to stop the London that “we don’t have further plans a Treasury spreadsheet but people planned increase in the level at to make welfare savings” in the whose lives would be impover- which households in Scotland current parliament. ished, whose hopes and aspira- start paying the top rate of in- ritain’s fi nance minister But in a robust defence of his tions would be crushed if we had come tax, First Minister Nicola came out fi ghting yester- position, he added: “It is a classic gone on spending more and more Sturgeon said. Bday after welfare cuts in socialist illusion to think you can than the country earned,” he said. Osborne last week said he last week’s budget prompted the solve all of society’s problems His address drew a furious wanted to raise the higher tax resignation of a top minister and with taxes on the very richest. response from John McDonnell, rate threshold while also an- unleashed vicious fi ghting in the “There is not some inher- fi nance spokesman for the left- nouncing cuts in disability wel- Conservative Party before June’s ent confl ict between delivering wing Labour party, who called it fare spending, prompting the EU referendum. social justice and the savings the “grubby, incompetent ma- pensions minister to resign and A combative George Osborne required to deliver sound pub- nipulation of a political chancer” forcing the government into a U- refused to apologise as he ad- lic fi nances. They are one and and urged Osborne to resign. turn on the welfare cuts. dressed the House of Commons the same thing. Without sound The resignation of Duncan “We do not believe it is right for the fi rst time since Iain Dun- public fi nances there is no social Smith, who is campaigning that those on low incomes are can Smith, the former work and justice.” against Cameron for Britain to asked to pay for austerity,” Stur- pensions secretary, quit on Fri- Osborne rejected claims that leave the EU, led to public ar- geon, who leads the devolved day, leading to the ruling party’s he does not care about poor Brit- guments between ministers in Scottish government, told re- worst bout of feuding for years. ons, saying that their “hopes and Cameron’s government on Sat- porters at Glasgow’s Royal Hos- While Duncan Smith resigned aspirations would be crushed” urday and Sunday. pital for Children. in protest at cuts to welfare pay- without his economic reforms. Some charged that he had quit “The chaos at the heart of the ments to disabled people, the Osborne was cheered by MPs as because he wanted to undermine chancellor’s budget means we subsequent rows have high- he said that he his “fi ghting” for the prime minister over Europe. don’t know what further cuts will lighted the bitter atmosphere in “real decent hard-working peo- Others leapt to his defence, be coming down the road ... we Prime Minister David Cameron’s ple, not numbers on a Treasury accusing Cameron and Osborne have to strike the right balance.” party which was already strug- spreadsheet”, in a rejection of re- of a high-handed approach to Sturgeon said she would raise gling for unity ahead of the June cent attacks by Iain Duncan Smith. government and not consulting the rate on which no income tax is 23 referendum. “These are the people that I ministers and eurosceptics in paid in Scotland to £12,750 by 2021 Osborne is Cameron’s closest am fi ghting for, real decent hard- their party on policy decisions. from £11,000 now, if her Scottish ally and his hopes of succeeding National Party (SNP) wins elec- him as leader have been badly tions in May — barely diff erent to damaged by Duncan Smith’s res- Abandoned welfare cuts a mistake: Johnson a planned rise to £12,500 by 2020 ignation. London mayor Boris John- The resignation of eurosceptic as pledged by Osborne. He was forced to drop a son, the leading figure in the Iain Duncan Smith has piled Scotland won new devolved planned £4.4bn in cuts to a disa- campaign for Britain to leave the pressure on Cameron and Os- powers after a last-minute bility allowance as Duncan Smith European Union, said embat- borne who are at the forefront pledge by the British govern- quit two days after his budget. tled Finance Minister George of the campaign for Britain to ment just before an independ- Welfare cuts have been a key Osborne’s now abandoned wel- remain in the EU. “I think I have ence referendum in 2014, when plank of Osborne’s eff orts to re- fare cuts were a mistake. Prime already said very clearly that it looked like the secessionists duce Britain’s defi cit through Minister David Cameron’s ruling the government has decided might win. austerity measures over the last Conservative Party, already collectively and quite rightly Under the SNP’s new tax plans, six years and it was not imme- divided over EU membership, to take the PIP aspect of it (the the threshold at which the higher- diately clear how the gap in the was plunged into chaos over the budget) and try to sort it out,” rate 40% tax band kicks in will be fi gures would be plugged. weekend after a senior minister Johnson told ITV’s “The Agenda” increased in Scotland only in line Facing roars of criticism from quit over the cuts to disability show. “It’s obvious from what’s with infl ation in 2017-18 and by no opposition MPs and support benefits known as Personal happened that it’s admitted that more than infl ation until 2021-22, from his own side as he ad- Independence Payments (PIP). it was a mistake.” Sturgeon said. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visits the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow, Scotland, yesterday. dressed a crowded parliamentary City drivers ‘sit in traffi c Mayor has a duty to jams for 149 hours a year’ tackle toxic air: voters London Evening Standard generations. Fifty-six percent London think air pollution has become London Evening Standard analysts INRIX, which declared London routes worst-hit by ris- more of a problem since 2008. London London was the worst city in the ing congestion in 2015, compared This may refl ect the public world for traffi c jams. to 2014. ondoners today told the now knowing more about fi lthy TomTom reveals that traffi c They are: the Victoria Em- mayor he has a moral duty air. elays on London’s roads congestion in the UK’s biggest bankment between Westminster Lto tackle “toxic” air to stop However, ClientEarth chief mean commuters are cities is 14% worse than it was and Blackfriars, the A4 between it blighting future generations. executive James Thornton said: Denduring 39 minutes of fi ve years ago. Across the rest of Holborn and Hammersmith, the More than half of adults in the “Boris Johnson’s record on air extra travel time each day — or Europe, average congestion is 3% A501 between Islington and Pad- capital also believe air pollution pollution has been dismal.” 149 hours a year, a study has re- down over the same period. dington, Thames Street (A1203) has worsened since Boris John- Richmond Park MP Gold- vealed.| The annual Traffi c Index from between Limehouse and Black- son took over as mayor in 2008, smith, who previously edited The analysis highlights the TomTom shows that last year friars, the A4200 between Wa- according to a YouGov poll. The Ecologist magazine, said he growing challenges facing the average UK journeys took 29% terloo Bridge and Euston and the Zac Goldsmith, Tory contend- is a “lifelong environmentalist”. capital’s road users, with traffi c longer than they would in free- A201 leading into Elephant and er to succeed him, is jointly most He added: “We can clean up our moving 38% more slowly than if fl owing conditions — up from a Castle. trusted — with Green candidate buses and cabs, we can take HGVs the roads were fl owing freely. 25% delay in 2010. At the latter the landmark Sian Berry — by 21% of London- off the roads, we can electrify our On major routes travellers are The worst day of the week for roundabout has been subject to ers to improve the city’s air. cars, and we can invest in public taking 19% longer to reach their morning congestion in London a major redesign, triggering con- Labour’s Sadiq Khan is third transport, walking and cycling. destinations than they should is Tuesday, when growing tail- gestion over a wide area. on 17%, while 34% said “don’t But we need a mayor who can be, analysis by mapping and backs mean journeys take more Nick Cohn, senior traffi c ex- know”. work with government to fi nish navigation experts TomTom re- than 60% longer than they pert at TomTom, said: “Travel The fi ndings come 24 hours the job. What we don’t need is veals. should. times got worse on all these after the Standard revealed seven a mayor who never showed any On smaller roads the situation The worst day of the week for routes apart from the A201 east- out of 10 mothers in London, and interest at all in these issues be- is even worse, with journeys tak- evening rush hour congestion is bound leading away from El- almost as many fathers, worry fore standing for mayor, and who ing 45% longer. Thursday, followed by Friday and ephant and Castle. about their children breathing in campaigned furiously for a third London is the second most Wednesday. “This might be explained by dirty air. runway at Heathrow.” congested city in the UK, after According to TomTom, traffi c the fact that if roads approaching Yesterday’s survey, commis- But Tooting MP Khan hit back, Belfast, where traffi c moves 40% congestion is steadily worsening Elephant and Castle are choked sioned by environmental lawyers saying: “Rather than acting, the more slowly than if there were no in London. The “added delay” up, roads fl owing out of it will, ClientEarth, found 76% of Lon- Tories have buried their heads in congestion. fi gure for the city’s traffi c was understandably, be relatively free don adults believe the mayor has the sand and even tried to trick The TomTom fi ndings fol- 37% in 2014 and 34% in 2013. of traffi c. If you can’t get in, you a “moral obligation” to ensure air quality monitoring stations low a separate survey by traffi c TomTom also identifi ed the six can’t get out.” Boris Johnson: dismal record on air pollution the city has clean air for future to hide the scale of the problem.” Gulf Times Wednesday, March 23, 2016 17 BRITAIN

LAW AND ORDER DECISION TRAGEDY ACCIDENT DIET Policeman sacked Ex-Tory MP not to face Clydebank body confirmed One dead after bus Call for more action on over porn charges action over abuse claims as missing teenager crash in North Ayrshire cutting salt consumption

A Met police off icer who downloaded the Former Tory MP Harvey Proctor has been told A body found in Clydebank has been confirmed One person has been killed and two others are Adults in England are being encouraged to highest category of child abuse images has been he will face no further action over Scotland as that of a missing teenage girl and police in a critical condition after a crash between check food labels for salt content after new sacked by the force, it emerged yesterday. Police Yard’s investigation into allegations of VIP are treating her death as murder. Friends and a bus and a 4x4 vehicle in North Ayrshire. A research revealed that people are still eating constable Rupert Watkins, 45, downloaded over child abuse and murder. The 69-year-old was family of 15-year-old Paige Doherty, from the major incident was declared following the far too much. Despite decreases in sodium 100 images on his phone. The force yesterday twice interviewed under caution as part of West Dunbartonshire town, launched an appeal incident involving a double-decker on the A78 intake, adults are still eating a third more salt announced it sacked the Bromley-based off icer Operation Midland, the force’s investigation after she failed to arrive at her part-time job on near Ardrossan. One person was pronounced than the recommended daily amount. New “without notice” following a formal misconduct into VIP abuse allegations. Proctor had Saturday morning. The body of a female was dead, two were taken to hospital in Glasgow figures from Public Health England (PHE) hearing. It found he breached standards so consistently denied any wrongdoing, and discovered in a wooded area behind a path and nine others were either treated at the show that in 2014 adults in England were severely it amounted to gross misconduct. yesterday called on Met chiefs who presided off Great Western Road at around 12.45pm scene or taken to Crosshouse Hospital in consuming an average of eight grams of salt Watkins was suspended last July after he was over the probe to resign. The investigation, on Monday. Detectives confirmed the body Kilmarnock for observation. A Police Scotland every day - experts say that adults should eat arrested. He pleaded guilty at Westminster looking at claims that boys were sexually was that of the teenager and said a murder spokeswoman said: «Police and emergency no more than six grams each day. However, magistrates’ court in December to three counts of abused by a number of public figures more investigation was under way. Police said they services responded to reports of a serious road overall salt intake has fallen by 11% since making indecent photos of a child, but continued than 30 years ago, also saw raids on the were trying to piece together her movements traff ic collision between a service bus and a 4x4 2005/06, the figures show. PHE urged people to receive full pay – around £40,000 – until his homes of 92-year-old D-Day veteran Lord between Saturday morning and the discovery vehicle on the A78, north of Ardrossan, close to to check food labels and use lower salt sacking. Bramall and the late Lord Brittan. of the body. the Rowan Tree restaurant.” options.

Security boosted Red tape ‘delaying’ airshow crash probe

Agencies ages or video from more than London 200 members of the public as part of the investigation. Penelope Schofield, senior he police investigation coroner for West Sussex, pro- into the plane crash at posed for the full inquest to Tthe Shoreham Airshow be held in March 2017 to last - which killed 11 people - is be- an estimated eight weeks. ing delayed as detectives are She said the inquest might being forced to seek permis- have to be adjourned in the sion from the courts to gain case of a prosecution but she access to key information from would be “reluctant” to do so if An armed police off icer holds his automatic weapon as he stands on duty whilst a member of The Life Guards sits on his horse during the Changing the Guard ceremony the Air Accidents Investigation the charge was a “minor” one. on Horseguards Parade in central London yesterday. Britain boosted security at its international transport hubs following the deadly attacks in Brussels yesterday, as Prime Branch (AAIB), a pre-inquest Schofield said: “If it’s a Minister David Cameron urged Europe to stand together against the terror threat. A string of explosions rocked Brussels airport and a city metro station yesterday, killing at review has heard. particular type of offence I least 34 people, according to firefighters, as Belgium raised its terror threat to the maximum level. Detective chief inspector will be required by the CPS Paul Rymarz, of Sussex Po- to adjourn the inquest pend- lice, told the hearing that of- ing the criminal prosecution. ficers had applied to the high If it’s a lesser offence, then court for access to “protected clearly that’s a consideration material” held by the AAIB for a further review. including cockpit record- “I am aware that a crimi- ers and footage, witness ac- nal case could take some time counts, expert reports and and that would add a further documentation. delay to the families having He said: “There has been a some closure.” Newcastle froze me out significant delay in obtain- More than 100 people, in- ing some material in this case cluding family members and because of the legislation that legal representatives for the governs the investigation of next-of-kin, show organis- such incidents.” ers, insurance companies and Rymarz said “very good li- investigators, attended the aison” existed with the AAIB hearing at Horsham which over cancer: footballer which had “sought to co-op- was held for administrative erate to the maximum extent reasons to organise the in- Guardian News and Media with Newcastle United’s lawyers would have triggered a new one- castle’s fi rst team lineup to this the signs of the serious illness de- possible under the regula- quest, which will be the larg- London at the employment tribunal. year deal. He was subsequently re- point. spite consulting him on several oc- tions”. est ever held in West Sussex. Gutierrez gave evidence via a leased by Newcastle last summer “I think they feared that my casions. He added: “However, po- The pilot of the Hawker Spanish interpreter at the hear- when his contract expired. illness would mean that I could The player said he fi rst started lice have had to work without Hunter, Andrew Hill, 51, ormer Newcastle United ing in Birmingham, during which Just two months after his sur- no longer play at the highest level noticing pain in his left testicle in the specialist knowledge and from Hertfordshire, was not footballer Jonas Gutierrez he said he was undergoing weekly gery in December 2013, Gutierrez and they considered me to be a li- May 2013. “He (Catterson) simply assistance of AAIB and in- present at the hearing. Fhas launched a £2mn disa- counselling sessions. alleged he was told by the former ability rather than an asset to the told me not to worry and dismissed stead used the AAIB reports His plane crashed into bility discrimination claim against The midfi elder, who currently Newcastle manager, Alan Pardew, club. the symptoms as nothing serious,” released thus far to inform the spectators watching from the the club claiming he was “frozen plays for the Spanish La Liga club that he would no longer feature in “I got the impression that they he said. investigation. A27 at the perimeter of the out” after being diagnosed with Deportivo La Coruna, was fi rst “Newcastle’s future plans”. thought I couldn’t be the same Six months later, Catterson “Until the relevant court site in one of Britain’s worst testicular cancer. diagnosed with cancer in October Previously considered as one of player again after such an illness eventually began to take his con- makes a ruling with regards airshow disasters. He was Gutierrez is suing the Premier 2013 and claimed he was forced to the most valuable players in the or that I would be bound to have cerns seriously and booked him in to this material, the police thrown clear from the 1955 League club for disability dis- pay for his treatment. fi rst team squad, Gutierrez said lingering eff ects other episodes of for a scan, during which doctors investigation cannot progress fighter-bomber and suffered crimination after he said managers He was given the all-clear after a he was shocked at the “sudden illness off the back of it. discovered a tumour in his left tes- effectively, as without it, key life-threatening injuries but “shockingly” asked him to leave year and returned to action to help change of heart” towards him and “This caused me a lot of distress ticle, he said. evidence is missing and ex- was discharged from hospital and fi nd another club just two Newcastle ensure Premier League he was told to fi nd another club. given my hard work and commit- Worried at the length of time it perts are not in a position to in September. months after having surgery. survival last season. He said: “I believe that the rea- ment for the club in the preceding had taken for his tumour to be di- provide interpretations.” Hill was voluntarily inter- Describing himself as a loyal But Gutierrez alleges Newcastle son for this was due to my cancer fi ve and half years.” agnosed in the UK and the alleged Rymarz said police had viewed under caution by po- servant to Newcastle, the 32-year- United deliberately managed his diagnosis and very recent opera- Gutierrez also levelled criticism failings by the club doctor, Gutier- taken 330 statements, 3,500 lice in connection with the old Argentinian broke down in selection so he did not reach a cer- tion to remove the tumour, as I had at the club’s doctor, Paul Catter- rez decided to have his treatment documents and obtained im- accident. tears during heated exchanges tain number of appearances that clearly been a crucial part of New- son, who he claimed failed to spot in his home country.

Windsor made a Dame Working mums face Husband jailed for discrimination: study

Agencies scale of the hidden discrimina- pianist’s murder London tion that working mothers face. This is unacceptable in mod- ern Britain, and urgent action Agencies his did not, and said he had felt like of her face using “severe force”. hree out of four working is needed to ensure women are London her “servant” because of her lack Her central and left-sided fa- mothers have been aff ect- able to challenge discrimina- of household chores and fi nancial cial bones were left free fl oat- Ted by pregnancy and ma- tion and unfairness. This is why contributions. ing from the rest of her skull and ternity discrimination, a “wor- we are calling on government “controlling” classical When police arrived at their her jawbone was snapped in half. rying” new study has revealed. to look at the barriers working musician has been jailed home in Culcheth Lane on Au- Parts of her skull were left se- Research among 3,000 moth- pregnant women and mothers Afor at least 17 years and gust 30 last year following the verely fractured. Strelchenko, ers showed that many were not face in accessing justice. “We 164 days after he was convicted frenzied attack, Martin repeatedly who at the “peak of her powers” told about promotion opportu- want to make workplaces fairer of murdering his world-re- said, “kill me, kill me please, I have had performed in concerts with nities, were denied training or for everyone and get rid of out- nowned concert pianist wife. nothing to live for, I do not deserve a full orchestra and had attended even threatened with dismissal. dated practices like asking wom- Norwegian national John Mar- to live” which was caught on an the prestigious St Petersburg State Only one in four women af- en during job interviews whether tin, 48, beat and strangled Natalia offi cer’s bodycam. A friend, who Conservatory in her homeland, fected by discrimination raised they intend to have children. For Strelchenko, 38, on their two year had been staying at the couple’s died a short time later in hospital. it with their employer and fewer businesses to thrive, they need wedding anniversary at their home home, described how Martin fl ew Justice Cox said that Martin had than 1% took a case to an em- to harness the talents, skills and in Newton Heath, Manchester. at 4ft 11in Strelchenko “like an intended to kill the pianist in what ployment tribunal, the survey by experience of all employees. Jailing him at Manchester animal”, throwing himself and his she described as a “prolonged and the Equalities and Human Rights “We are calling on employers, Crown Court for life, Justice Laura wife down the stairs before repeat- ferocious attack”: Commission found. regulatory bodies and the volun- Cox told the defendant that it had edly punching her body. “On all the evidence I have The £1,200 cost of taking a tary sector to make vital changes been a “brutal, sustained and un- When the female guest pleaded heard I am satisfi ed that this attack case to a tribunal was blamed, as needed to improve the work- provoked attack”. with him to stop, Martin, a com- occurred against a background of well as a lack of information and places so they are the best they Martin who has served a prison puter science and maths graduate controlling and sometimes ag- the stress of pursuing a claim. can be for everyone.” term in Norway for assaulting who had worked for computer gi- gressive behaviour by you. But the The government was pressed MP Maria Miller, who chairs Strelchenko on two previous occa- ant IBM, turned his head and said: evidence shows that you came to to take urgent action to tackle the Women and Equalities Com- sions, must serve a minimum term “I want to kill her.” resent her success and her friend- the problem, including prevent- mittee said: “This report pro- of 17 years and 164 days before be- The pianist who was also ships with those she met. I am ing employers asking during job vides hard evidence that there ing released on licence. known by the surname of Strelle satisfi ed on the evidence that you Actress Barbara Windsor poses with her insignia after being interviews about a women’s in- is widespread and worrying dis- The prosecution had claimed was found with some 71 injuries, were jealous of her being the focus appointed a Dame Commander of the order of the British tention to have children. crimination against women dur- that double-bass player Martin including 45 separate marks to of attention and praise and of her Empire (DBE) at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Caroline Waters, deputy ing pregnancy and when they had been jealous of his Russian- her head and neck, having suf- meeting other people when she Palace in London yesterday. chairwoman of the EHRC: “We return to work from maternity born wife’s career taking off while fered repeated blows to the front was working away from home.” simply cannot ignore the true leave”. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 EUROPE

French court Russia sends Ukrainian refuses to recognise pilot to 22 years in jail third AFP/Reuters to parliament in absentia – re- gender Moscow acted to the verdict by shout- ing in Ukrainian and singing the Ukrainian national anthem. AFP Russian court has sen- Her defence said that she did Orleans tenced Ukrainian military not plan to appeal the “illegal” Apilot Nadiya Savchenko verdict. to 22 years in prison over the The helicopter pilot – who French appeals court has killing of two journalists in a rul- was fi ghting in a pro-Kiev mi- overturned a landmark ing set to exacerbate Moscow’s litia group against rebels in east Adecision to recognise a feud with Kiev and the West. Ukraine – insists that she was third gender for a person born Judge Leonid Stepanenko kidnapped by separatist fi ghters with both male and female geni- found the 34-year-old guilty of before the journalists were killed talia, court documents showed involvement in the fatal 2014 in June 2014 and then illegally yesterday. shelling of the Russian state tel- smuggled to Russia. A lower court ruled in August evision reporters in east Ukraine, Kiev and its Western allies see last year that a hermaphrodite a widely-expected verdict. Savchenko as the latest pawn in plaintiff who was designated At the hearing in south- Moscow’s broader aggression male at birth, could use the term ern Russia, Stepanenko, be- against Ukraine, and both Brus- “neutral gender” on personal of- tween shouted interruptions by sels and Washington have called fi cial documents. Savchenko, dismissed her law- for her immediate release. Supporters of a guilty verdict for Savchenko are seen near the However, magistrates at the yers’ arguments that she could The guilty verdict over the courthouse in the southern border town of Donetsk in Rostov Orleans appeals court southwest not have been involved in killing deaths of journalists Igor Kor- region, Russia. The placard reads, ‘Anton Voloshin, Igor Kornelyuk. of Paris ruled that to accept the the journalists. nelyuk and Anton Voloshin had The just retribution for the killer of Russian journalists’. plaintiff ’s request “would re- “The evidence provided by long been considered a foregone quire recognising, in the guise of the prosecution side is trust- conclusion and Kiev has been were not on active duty and the after the sentencing as she bids a simple rectifi cation of his per- worthy and completely dis- pushing for a prisoner swap to Kremlin played coy in response to force her release in the latest sonal records, the existence of proves the theory of the defence free Savchenko. to Poroshenko’s off er. of a series of hunger strikes she another sexual category”. about Savchenko’s innocence,” “Putin has said that after Russian offi cials have previ- has staged since her arrest. Mila Petkova, a lawyer for the judge said. the so-called sentence, he will ously signalled they would be Throughout her detention, the plaintiff , said her client was He said the court had decided return Nadiya Savchenko to willing to consider a prisoner she has struck a defi ant pose and “very disappointed” with the “to select as the fi nal punish- Ukraine,” Poroshenko said in a exchange. was sent to a psychiatric hos- court’s decision. ment for Savchenko 22 years of statement. “Only the president can take pital near Moscow before being “This is an additional violence confi nement of liberty with a “The time to keep promises that decision. What that is – I transferred to the Russian town Savchenko is seen inside a defendant’s cage during her sentencing infl icted on my client,” she said, fi ne of 30,000 roubles ($442).” has come. I, in turn, am ready cannot yet say,” Putin’s spokes- of Donetsk near the Ukraine hearing at a court in the southern Russian town of Donetsk. adding she would take the case The sentence was one year to hand over to Russia two Rus- man Dmitry Peskov told Russian border for her trial. to France’s court of last resort less than the term prosecutors sian servicemen detained on our news agencies. She has ridiculed the court should be justice for the deaths Kerry and German Foreign Min- and if necessary to the European had sought. territory for their involvement Savchenko’s lawyer Nikolai from the defendant’s glass cage of Kornelyuk and Voloshin, but ister Frank-Walter Steinmeier Court of Human Rights in Stras- Ukraine’s pro-Western Presi- in the armed aggression against Polozov told journalists after and fl ashed her middle fi nger at justice won’t be served by an are to fl y in to Moscow today bourg. dent Petro Poroshenko pledged Ukraine,” he said. the sentencing that she would judges earlier this month as her unfair trial that was highly po- and, while the focus for Kerry According to his doctor the to “never recognise either this Kiev says that the two men “not appeal this illegal verdict” trial ended. liticised from the start.” at least is likely to be the Syrian plaintiff , 64, was born with a show trial or the so-called sen- – Captain Yevgeny Yerofeyev in which the pilot was also found Rights groups have also The verdict looks likely to re- confl ict, Savchenko’s fate looks “rudimentary vagina” and a tence”, and off ered to swap and Sergeant Aleksander Ale- guilty of illegally crossing the slammed the case. focus some Western attention set to be raised. “micropenis” but no testicles. Savchenko for two suspected ksandrov – were members of border into Russia and the at- “Savchenko did not get a fair on Ukraine after Moscow broke More than 9,200 people have He approached the courts as Russian soldiers currently on an elite Russian military intelli- tempted murder of civilians. trial, and so her conviction is out of international isolation been killed since the Moscow- he did not want such an “un- trial in Kiev. gence unit helping rebels in east “She is an iron person – she unsound and should not stand,” over its role in the confl ict there backed insurgency erupted in equivocal” designation as male Crop-haired Savchenko – Ukraine. has an iron will,” Polozov said. said Hugh Williamson, the Eu- with its military intervention in eastern Ukraine in April 2014, a or female. who has become a national hero Russia insists the two serv- Savchenko has threatened to rope and Central Asia director Syria. month after Russia annexed the The prosecutor who appealed in her homeland and elected icemen were “volunteers” who start refusing all fl uids 10 days at Human Rights Watch. “There US Secretary of State John Crimean peninsula. the initial decision said he did so not because he opposed it but because he felt a higher ruling was necessary in a case that has “collided with current laws”. The appeals court said it was Bomb attacks kill fi ve in Turkey necessary to fi nd “a fair balance between the protection of the state of persons, which is a pub- Reuters the state collapsed in July. A third roadside explosive lic issue, and respect for the pri- Diyarbakir One soldier was killed and device planted by the militants vate lives of people with a varia- six more wounded in a bomb below up an armoured vehi- tion of sexual development”. attack early yesterday in cle in the Mazidagi district of “This fair balance would allow urdish militants killed Nusaybin near the Syrian bor- Mardin province, also near either for personal records which fi ve members of Turk- der, the army said. Syria, killing one offi cer and mention no sexual category, or Kish security forces in The area has been under a wounding three others. the modifi cation of the gender three separate bomb attacks curfew since March 14 when Separately, the military said which has been assigned to them yesterday near the Syrian and security forces launched oper- 23 Kurdish militants were when it is not in line with their Iranian borders, the army and ations against militants there. killed in clashes in Nusay- physical appearance and social security sources said, in an Two police offi cers and one bin, Yuksekova and Sirnak on behaviour.” intensifi cation of confl ict in soldier were killed and nine Monday. The magistrates said that as southeast Turkey. security force members were The PKK, designated a ter- the plaintiff was married and he Hundreds of security forces wounded in a PKK bomb at- rorist organisation by Turkey, and his wife had adopted a child, personnel, militants and civil- tack on a military vehicle in the US and EU, is carrying a request to change his civil sta- ians have been killed since a the town of Yuksekova, near out a violent struggle for au- tus “contradicted his physical ceasefi re between the Kurdis- the Iranian border, security tonomy in the mainly Kurdish appearance and social behav- An Afghan migrant holds his son as they wait to be transferred to the Moria registration centre after tan Workers Party (PKK) and sources said. southeast. iour”. arriving at the port of Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesbos, following a rescue operation by the Greek Coast Guard at open sea. UN refugee agency criticises Sarkozy suff ers setback in comeback bid AFP According to Spinosi the de- gling in the opinion polls against Paris cision showed it was “possible other conservative rivals to win ‘detention facilities’ in Greece to listen to a person even though the presidential nomination for he is having a conversation with his party, the Republicans. rance’s highest court has his lawyer, with the sole motive In February, Sarkozy was also AFP thorities to develop an adequate lead us back toward the Turkish ruled that wiretapped that the phone line was opened charged with illegal funding of Geneva reception capacity”. coast but we had seen them so we Fconversations could be under an assumed name”. his failed presidential campaign It pointed out that Greece cur- picked up speed so we could be used in a corruption case against Sarkozy’s legal team has ar- in 2012, when he lost to the cur- rently “does not have suffi cient on the good side, the Greek side,” Nicolas Sarkozy, in a blow to the gued the recordings were a rent French leader Francois Hol- he UN refugee agency has capacity on the islands for as- said Amrad, a 25-year-old Syrian former president’s plans to run breach of lawyer-client privacy lande. harshly criticised an EU- sessing asylum claims, nor the who was driving the boat. in elections next year. rules. Sarkozy was deeply unpopu- TTurkey deal on curbing proper conditions to accommo- “Once in Greek waters, we The court ruling opens the Spinosi said that the case lar at the time of his election the infl ux of migrants to Greece, date people decently and safely were fi nally detained by the way for investigating judges to against Sarkozy was “fragile” defeat to Hollande, and left the saying that reception centres had pending an examination of their Greek coastguard,” he said. decide whether to take the case and could see France dragged in political arena vowing: “You become “detention facilities”, cases”. Starting on Saturday, Greek against Sarkozy to trial. front of the European Court of won’t hear about me anymore.” and suspended some activities in The UN agency said that 934 authorities had begun accelerat- “This is potentially the most Human Rights. However, as Hollande’s rat- the country. refugees and migrants had land- ing the transfer to the mainland devastating case for him,” The former president has ings plummeted and he became “Under the new provisions, ed on Lesbos alone since the ac- of some 8,000 refugees and mi- a high-ranking member of been dogged by legal woes, sev- the least popular French leader these sites have now become de- cord took eff ect. grants who had arrived on the Sarkozy’s Republicans party eral related to alleged irregular in modern history, Sarkozy tention facilities”, the UNHCR “They are being held at a islands before March 20, to sepa- said on condition of anonymity funding of election campaigns. Sarkozy: struggling in the staged a comeback in 2014. said in a statement. “According- closed registration and tempo- rate them from those subject to after the ruling, in a reference to Investigators took the un- opinion polls against other He won the leadership of his ly, and in line with our policy on rary accommodation site in Mo- return to Turkey. the many legal woes dogging the precedented step of tapping conservative rivals to win the UMP party, and renamed it the opposing mandatory detention, ria on the east of the island,” it The UNHCR said it had until former president. Sarkozy’s phones from April presidential nomination for his Republicans, re-branding it in we have suspended some of our said, adding that the 880 others now been supporting the so- Sarkozy, 61, whose presi- 2013 as part of a probe into al- party, the Republicans. order to make a fresh tilt at the activities at all closed centres on who arrived before Sunday were called “hotspots” where mi- dency was from 2007 to 2012, legations that former Libyan presidency. the islands.” being hosted separately at the grants were received and regis- became the fi rst former head of strongman Muammar Gaddafi ’s That charge was dropped in Yet he trails party rivals ahead The EU and Ankara struck a Kara Tepe centre, which is run by tered on the Greek islands. state to be taken into custody regime helped fi nance his 2007 October 2013 due to lack of evi- of a primary in November. deal on Friday aiming to cut off the local municipality and “re- But it said it would not partici- for questioning when he was campaign. dence. Only 23% of voters backed the sea crossing from Turkey to mains an open facility”. pate in closed centres. charged with corruption, infl u- In the recordings Sarkozy is While the judge Azibert did him in a March poll by the the Greek islands that enabled And just yesterday, 127 mi- “This includes provision of ence peddling and violation of heard discussing the possibility not get the posting he was al- Odoxa institute, compared with 850,000 people to pour into Eu- grants were intercepted off the transport to and from these legal secrecy in July two years of giving a magistrate from a top legedly promised, he has been 41% for Alain Juppe, a one-time rope last year, many of them fl ee- island of Lesbos, Greek offi cials sites,” the agency said. ago. appeals court, Gilbert Azibert, charged in the case along with prime minister who served as ing the brutal war in Syria. there said. It stressed though that it He is accused of conspiring a juicy job in Monaco in return Sarkozy’s lawyer Thierry Her- defence and foreign minister The agreement, under which “127 people, mostly Pakista- would “maintain a presence to with his lawyer to give a magis- for information on a separate zog. under Sarkozy. all migrants landing on the Greek nis but also around 10 Afghans, carry out protection monitoring trate a lucrative job in exchange charge against him known as the Sarkozy has argued the fact Juppe was himself convicted islands face being sent back to some Syrians and Congolese, to ensure that refugee and hu- for inside information on a dif- Bettencourt case. the job never came through of corruption for mishandling Turkey, went into eff ect early on were spotted by port police on man rights standards are upheld, ferent corruption probe against Sarkozy was accused of ac- shows he is not guilty of any- public funds in 2004 and barred Sunday. board a boat off Lesbos and and to provide information on him, in conversations on a se- cepting envelopes stuff ed with thing, but investigators believe from holding public offi ce, and “The UNHCR is not a party towed to the port of Mytilene” on the rights and procedures to seek cret phone registered under an cash from a L’Oreal heiress and the deal fell through because the left the country for a while. to the EU-Turkey deal, nor will the island, a port police offi cial asylum”. assumed name. France’s richest woman, Liliane former president and his lawyer Despite this, Juppe has be- we be involved in returns or de- on Lesbos said. “UNHCR staff will also con- “An insane procedure is going Bettencourt, when she was too learned their phones were being come one of the country’s most tention,” the agency said yester- One of the migrants recounted tinue to be present at the shore- to follow now,” Sarkozy’s lawyer frail to know what she was do- tapped. popular politicians since re- day, adding though that it would how they were fi rst spotted by the line and sea port to provide life- Patrice Spinosi predicted after ing, also for his 2007 election A trial would strike a fresh turning to France and to politics “continue to assist the Greek au- Turkish coastguard who “tried to saving assistance,” it said. the ruling. campaign. blow to Sarkozy, who is strug- in 2006. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 23, 2016 19 EUROPE Blood and panic as EU capital comes under attack

AFP counters and many of the large One man had lost both legs and Michel Mpoy, 65, who was at Charlotte McDonald-Gibson, other passengers felt a shock faces who were being treated by Brussels plate-glass windows blown out. there was a police offi cer with a the airport to pick up a friend ar- a British journalist living in Brus- wave from the explosion a hun- medical staff . “A man shouted a few words totally mangled leg.” riving from Kinshasa, said that it sels, told AFP there had been dred or so metres down the line The Thon Hotel opposite the in Arabic and then I heard a huge Brussels-based Briton Julian was “a total mess – it was terri- “total confusion” at the airport, at Maalbeek. station was turned into a make- ictims lay in pools of blast,” airport baggage security Firkins, 44, was in the departure ble”. where she was having breakfast Train staff said there had been shift hospital with medics treat- blood, their limbs blown offi cer Alphonse Lyoura told AFP, terminal with his partner close to Another person waiting at the before a fl ight. an explosion ahead and evacu- ing about 40 wounded people, Voff , as the smoke cleared with blood still on his hands. where the fi rst bomb went off . airport was Jean-Pierre Herman “Suddenly staff rushed in and ated the train as it began fi lling general manager Hans Van der to reveal scenes of horror after There was another explosion “We had been waiting in line who had just met his wife off a said we have to leave,” she said. up with smoke, with passengers Biesen told AFP. twin explosions ripped through about two minutes later. when I decided to get a tea. Lit- fl ight from Thailand. “Nobody knew what was going getting out onto the tracks whose “I saw one person with his leg the main terminal at Brussels air- “It was total panic every- erally fi ve seconds after I left, the “I said ‘hello,’ we took the ele- on. It was total confusion, people power lines had been switched completely ripped apart. Then port, witnesses told AFP. where ... I saw people lying on fi rst bomb went off right next to vator and in the elevator we heard were just standing around won- off . there was another person whose The normally-bustling check- the ground covered in blood us,” Firkins said. the fi rst bomb,” he said. “The dering what was happening.” Another AFP journalist, Cedric head was completely bloody,” in hall at Zaventem airport was who were not moving,” Lyoura He ran back to his girlfriend second exploded just when we In the city, AFP journalist Simon, said saw clouds of smoke said Maya Halaoui, a Belgian wrecked by the morning rush- said, adding: “At least six or just as the second blast hit, got off . We ran away to an emer- Lachlan Carmichael was on the and dust coming out of Maalbeek woman of Lebanese origin who hour explosions, with part of the seven people’s legs were totally wreaking further carnage which gency exit. I think we are very metro when his train was halted station and about 15 people lying had been in a business meeting at ceiling collapsing near the airline crushed. Many people lost limbs. they miraculously escaped. lucky.” in the tunnel after he and the by the road, many with bloodied the hotel. Belgians turn to Twitter to off er rooms and rides Brussels residents turned to Twitter to off er people stranded in the Belgian capital rooms and IS claims Brussels blasts transport after twin attacks on the airport and a rush-hour metro AFP/Reuters the Brussels fi re brigade, told train killed at least 35 people Brussels AFP that at least 14 people had yesterday. been killed at the airport, while A new Twitter account called Brussels mayor Yvan Mayeur said “Brussels Lift” was created to series of explosions “around 20” died in the under- off er practical help by connecting claimed by the Islamic ground blast. “people who need to travel with AState (IS) group ripped Witnesses described horrifi c drivers who have empty seats”. through Brussels airport and a scenes at the airport, with vic- People were using the hashtag metro train yesterday, killing tims lying in pools of blood, their #BrusselsLift to ask for rides and around 35 people in the latest at- limbs blown off . off er car spaces. tacks to bring bloody carnage to There were chaotic scenes “I’m driving from Brussels to the heart of Europe. as passengers fl ed in panic, and Meise (or anywhere else needed) Two huge blasts, at least one plumes of dark smoke could be later today, let me know if I can of which prosecutors said was seen rising from holes punched assist,” Twitter user Virginia De likely caused by a suicide bomb- through the roof of the building Klippel said. er, rocked the check-in hall at by the blasts. Other off ers included Zaventem Airport, strewing the “A man shouted a few words #ikwillhelpen (I want to help) scene with blood and mangled in Arabic and then I heard a huge and tags such as #PorteOuverte bodies and sending hundreds of blast,” airport baggage security and #OpenHouse, first used to terrifi ed travellers fl eeing in ter- offi cer Alphonse Lyoura told AFP, show solidarity with Paris after ror. his hands bloodied. “A lot of peo- November’s attacks in which 130 The fact that extremists were ple lost limbs. One man had lost died. able to hit high-profi le targets both legs and there was a police- The Brussels blasts, close to in Brussels, Europe’s symbolic man with a totally mangled leg.” European Union institutions, capital, just months after Islamic An army team later blew up a triggered security alerts across State group militants killed 130 suspect package at the shuttered Europe and halted some cross- people in Paris, will raise fresh airport, with media reporting border transport. questions about the continent’s police had found an unexploded Police cordoned off a wide ability to cope with the terror suicide vest. area around the glass and steel threat. Authorities later said a third EU buildings, putting soldiers More than 200 people were bomb had failed to explode at the on streets that lead down the wounded in yesterday’s blood- airport. main avenue through the area shed, which came just four days British Sky News television’s where the metro explosion took after the dramatic arrest in Brus- Alex Rossi, at the airport, said he place and blocking access from sels of Salah Abdeslam – the heard two “very, very loud explo- Brussels’ main park. prime suspect in the Paris attacks sions”. A road tunnel running through – after four months on the run. “I could feel the building move. the area was also closed. No Belgian authorities had been There was also dust and smoke as A woman reads messages trams or buses were running on alert after Abdeslam, Europe’s well ... I went towards where the written on the ground at Place and some people walked long most wanted man, told investi- explosion came from and there de la Bourse (Beursplein) distances across the city get gators he had been planning an were people coming out looking following attacks in Brussels. home. attack on Brussels. very dazed and shocked.” Flights in and out of Brussels An online news agency affi li- At Maalbeek station, para- Right: A picture taken in Paris were cancelled and the city ated with IS said the group was medics tended to commuters shows a view of a laptop went into lockdown with the behind the attacks. with bloodied faces as the city’s screening an Instagram page government urging people to “Islamic State fi ghters car- normally peaceful streets fi lled with the hashtag stay put. ried out a series of bombings with the wailing of sirens. #JESUISBRUSSELS Facebook activated its “safety with explosive belts and devices Airports across Europe swiftly (#IAMBRUSSELS) and two check” feature after the attacks, on Tuesday, targeting an airport announced they were boosting tributes images picturing the enabling users to reassure friends and a central metro station in security, while across the Atlan- colour of the Belgian flag, a and relatives. the centre of the Belgian capital tic, New York and Washington drawing by French cartoonist Brussels, a country participat- ordered security personnel to Plantu and the famous Belgian ing in the international coalition crowded areas and train stations. comic character Tintin, in tribute Starbucks shuts against the Islamic State,” the While most European airports to victims of triple bomb attacks Aamaq news agency said. are known for stringent screen- in the Belgian capital. all Belgium stores Hundreds of fl ights and trains ing procedures of passengers after bombings were cancelled as security across and their baggage, that typically opened at 4pm (1500 GMT) to let Europe was tightened after the takes place only once passengers commuters head home. Starbucks shut all of its coff ee bombings, which Belgian Prime have checked in and are heading Leaders across Europe reacted shops in Belgium yesterday, after Minister Charles Michel branded to the departure gates. with outrage to the attack on the a Brussels airport outlet was “blind, violent and cowardly”. Although there may be discreet EU’s institutional capital, urging apparently the location of one of “This is a day of tragedy, a surveillance, there is nothing to closer counter-terror co-opera- the bombs that killed about 35 black day,” Michel said. prevent members of the public tion on a continent that has been people. His spokesman announced walking in to the departure hall on high alert for months. “Amidst reports of attacks three days of national mourning. at Zaventem airport with heavy “The whole of Europe has been targeting Brussels Airport and a Shortly after the airport blasts baggage. hit,” said French President Fran- metro station, initial indications hit around 8am (0700 GMT), a Following an attempted ram- cois Hollande, whose country ally Belgium in bringing to justice and bloodshed in Brussels. Shiraz Maher, a radicalisation are that an explosion took place third explosion rocked Maalbeek raid attack at Glasgow Airport in is still reeling from November’s those who are responsible, and Last Tuesday saw a shoot- expert at Kings College Lon- outside our store within the metro station, in the heart of the 2007, several airports stepped up Paris attacks. this is yet another reminder that out in the city’s south that saw a don, said that it was “very likely airport,” the US coff ee chain said city’s EU quarter, as rush-hour security at entrances by altering “We are at war and we have the world must unite,” Obama Kalashnikov-wielding man killed that this attack will have been in a statement. “This store and all commuters were making their the pick-up and drop-off zones been subjected to acts of war in said. and four police offi cers wounded. planned and prepared well in other Starbucks stores in Belgium way to work. to prevent private cars getting too Europe for the last few months,” Security was also beefed up at Investigators believe key Paris advance of last week’s arrest of will remain closed until further There are fears more suspects close to terminal buildings. French Prime Minister Manuel Belgium’s nuclear plants and at suspect Abdeslam slipped out of Salah Abdeslam”. notice.” could still be at large in Brussels, All public transport in Brussels Valls said. EU buildings in the French city the apartment as the gun battle The bombings came at a time Starbucks said one of its airport home to the headquarters of both was shut down, as it was in Lon- British Prime Minister David of Strasbourg, home to the Euro- broke out. when the brutal Islamic State workers had minor injuries from Nato and the European Union, don during 2005 Islamist mili- Cameron warned of the “very pean Parliament. He was arrested three days lat- group is under pressure and los- the explosion early yesterday, Belgian Foreign Minister Didier tant attacks there that killed 52. real” terrorist threat faced by Interior Minister Jan Jambon er in Brussels’ gritty Molenbeek ing territory in its strongholds in and that all employees are safe. Reynders warned. Authorities appealed to citi- countries across Europe, declar- announced that Belgium’s terror district – just around the corner Iraq and Syria. The Islamic State group Belgian authorities published zens not to use overloaded tel- ing: “We will never left these ter- threat had been raised to its high- from his family home. European stocks fell after the claimed credit for the blasts in surveillance camera images ephone networks, extra troops rorists win.” est level. Foreign Minister Reynders said explosions, particularly travel the Zaventem Airport outside showing three male suspects were sent into the city and the US President Barack Obama Messages of solidarity poured at the weekend that Abdeslam sector stocks including airlines Brussels and in a subway train pushing trollies with suitcases Belgian Crisis Centre, clearly said Washington stood with Bel- out on social media, with thou- – believed to have played a key and hotels, pulling the broader downtown. past the check-in area. Two have wary of a further incident, ap- gium in the face of the “outra- sands of people sharing images logistical role in the Paris car- indices down from multi-week The Starbucks Belgium Facebook dark hair and one is wearing a pealed to the population: “Stay geous” attacks. of beloved Belgian cartoon char- nage – had told investigators he highs. page lists two outlets in Brussels, hat. where you are”. “We will do whatever is nec- acter Tintin in tears. was planning some sort of new Safe-haven assets, gold and three at the airport, two in Ghent Pierre Meys, spokesman for Later, mainline rail stations essary to support our friend and It has been a week of drama attack. government bonds rose in price. and one in Antwerp. Tintin weeps as world puts an arm around Belgium

AFP faced with these crazies. 130 people died at the hands of noyance but we won’t give you Another artist played on the trending across Europe and the sponsible for Brussels,” MailOn- Paris “We are all Belgians,” said a Islamic militant gunmen and the pleasure. Vive la frite!” (Long statue’s offi cial name of the United States as thousands of- line columnist Hopkins wrote on user called Ulysse, as Paris and bombers in Paris. live the fry!) Manneken Pis to demand “Pis fered their sympathy and sup- Twitter. Berlin announced they would As speculation turned to The Belgian cartoonist Marec and love”. port, while in France another Daily Telegraph writer Pearson, intin wept. light up the Eiff el Tower and the whether the same Islamic State continued the theme, with the The French fi lm-maker and hashtag appealing for Muslims who has urged Britons to vote to Within hours of the at- Brandenburg Gate in the colours cell had planned the attacks on Statue of Liberty holding a pack- graphic novelist Joann Sfar had not to be blamed made the top leave in June’s referendum, said: Ttacks on Brussels yester- of the Belgian fl ag. both cities, several other wide- et of fries as Brussels’ landmark the boy crying on his pedes- three. “Brussels, de facto capital of the day, tens of thousands of people But the most shared image ly-shared cartoons took a more “Peeing Boy” statue relieves tal saying: “Is a bit of peace too But reaction to the attacks took EU, is also the jihadist capital of were sharing images on social of all was one showing a fi gure defi ant and typically irreverent himself onto the head of an Is- much to ask?” an uglier turn in Britain where Europe. And the Remainers dare media of the country’s most fa- dressed in French colours putting Belgian tone. lamist extremist. In another cartoon he posted two newspaper columnists Ka- to say we’re safer in the EU!” mous creation in tears. an arm around a crying Belgian One showed a packet of fries, The analogy proved too tempt- on Instagram he had a tearful tie Hopkins and Alison Pearson A pro-government Turkish With many invoking Herge’s fl ag. the country’s most famous street ing for a dozen other artists who Tintin consoling his sidekick sparked outrage by linking the newspaper, the Star, labelled cub reporter – who always got The drawing by the acclaimed food, with one of them seemingly had the cheeky little chap created Captain Haddock: “Sometimes I attacks to the migrant crisis and the country “Terrorist Belgium” the better of the baddies in the cartoonist Plantu of France’s giving the terrorists the fi nger. by Hieronymus Bosch the Elder want to leave for the Moon, Cap- Britain’s possible exit from the on its front page on the morning end – one Twitter user put words Le Monde daily newspaper was “There are still 11mn of us,” liberally watering the word “ter- tain.” EU. of the attacks for allowing pro- into the boy hero’s mouth: “Let’s captioned with the dates March a Brussels lawyer tweeted soon rorism”, AK 47 rifl es and sticks of The Twitter hashtags #Bel- “Every one of you who said Kurdish protests to take place in be strong, together and humane 22 and November 13, the day after the attacks. “You are an an- dynamite. gium and #PrayForBelgium were refugees are welcome ... are re- Brussels. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 INDIA

DIPLOMACY CONTROVERSY EDUCATION JUDICIARY TELECOM Modi to make two-day More money spent on Institution announces HC stays order on Final views on Net visit to Saudi Arabia cattle than orphans: MLA Islamic banking course legislator’s suspension neutrality soon: TRAI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a More money is spent on the upkeep of cattle in Malappuram-based Ma’din Academy will off er The Hyderabad High Court yesterday stayed The Indian telecom regulator is hopeful that it two-day off icial visit to Saudi Arabia, it was Maharashtra than orphans in state-run shelter bachelors and masters programme in Islamic a single judge order suspending the sentence will be able to finalise views on Net neutrality announced yesterday. Modi, invited by King homes, a ruling Bharatiya Janata Party legislator banking and finance, starting September this year, imposed by the Andhra Pradesh assembly on YSR in a couple of months. “The DoT (Department Salman, will be the first Indian prime minister has said. Anil Bonde, the legislator from Morshi both in Kerala and in the Middle East. Top off icials Congress legislator R K Roja. A division bench of Telecom) has sought a comprehensive view visiting the kingdom after Manmohan Singh, (Amravati), said the state spends Rs70 per day of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) comprising Acting Chief Justice B Bhosale and from us on Net neutrality. It should be done who visited Riyadh in 2010. During April 2-3 per animal in a fodder camp, while orphans in and Ma’din Academy signed an agreement to this Justice P Naveen Rao pronounced the order in a couple of months,” Telecom Regulatory visit, Modi will hold discussions with King state-run children’s homes get only Rs30 per eff ect in Kuala Lumpur, Ma’din Academy off icials on an appeal filed by the legislature secretary, Authority of India (TRAI) chairman R S Sharma Salman on bilateral, regional and multilateral child per day as food expenses. Meanwhile, said in a press release yesterday. The curriculum challenging the March 17 orders of the single said yesterday. A month ago, the TRAI ruled issues of mutual interest, an off icial statement off icials said non-governmental organisations and course structure of the programme has been judge. Roja was suspended from the assembly against Facebook’s Free Basics programme, issued in New Delhi said. “India and Saudi running orphanages in Maharashtra have not designed by IIUM. Ma’din Academy, through this for one year in December last on the charge of upholding Net neutrality and leaving a level Arabia share friendly relations based on close received dues totalling Rs1.56bn for three years, new course, expects to assist economic growth using unparliamentary and abusive language playing field for all companies. “No service people-to-people contacts,” it said. Saudi pending sanction from the authorities. More in the country by introducing Islamic banking to against members of the ruling Telugu Desam Party, provider shall off er or charge discriminatory Arabia is also India’s largest crude oil supplier than 250 fodder camps for cattle have been set the Indian financial system. To start with about including Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. tariff s for data services on the basis of accounting for about one-fifth of India’s up in water-scarcity hit districts of Marathwada 100 students will be taking the undergraduate The actress-turned-politician had approached the content,” the TRAI said in a much-awaited total imports. There are over 2.96mn Indian like Latur, Beed and Osmanabad since August and postgraduate courses in Islamic banking and high court, challenging the action of the assembly regulatory order on discriminatory pricing of nationals working in Saudi Arabia. 2015. finance. speaker. data content.

Sreesanth to enter poll battle as BJP Election panel candidate

By Ashraf Padanna Gulf Times Correspondent satisfi ed with Thiruvanathapuram

ainted crick- Teter S Sreesanth is Assam poll beginning his second innings as a politician. He will be contesting in the May 16 Kerala state assembly elections from his home constit- preparations uency of Tripunithura in Ernaku- lam district as a Bharatiya Janata Northeastern state to hold “When the EC visited the state tion in 2014 when Tasa defeated Party (BJP) candidate. election on April 4 and 11 in December 2015, there were Congress veteran and former He will be pitted against Con- 44,000 non-bailable warrants Lok Sabha MP from Jorhat Bijoy gress Party leader and Ports IANS pending execution. I am happy to Krishna Handique, who died in Minister K Babu and former Ko- Guwahati know that now only 4,500 NBWs July 2015. chi mayor C M Dinesh Mani of are pending execution and in- Gogoi, who has been winning the Communist Party of India struction has been given to liqui- the Titabar seat since 1997, has an (Marxist). he Election Commission date the same,” he said. experience of over 50 years in pol- The Board of Control for yesterday expressed satis- Appreciating the election itics and is credited with bringing Cricket in India (BCCI) had Tfaction over the poll pre- machinery, the CEC said over the Congress to power in 2001, banned Sreesanth for life, along paredness in Assam, but asked 500,000 of country liquor as well 2006 and 2011. with two other cricketers, after the administration to ensure that as cash amounting to Rs70mn Tasa led the Assam Tea Tribe the sensational spot-fi xing con- licensed arms are deposited and crore have been seized till Mon- Students Association (ATTSA) troversy during the 2013 Indian illegal weapons are seized. It also day evening from diff erent areas for several years before joining the Premier League. asked the authorities to look into of the state. BJP in 2004. A Delhi court last year acquit- the movement of black money “The seizure of money this The over 45,000-strong tea ted them last year as the police and eff ective deployment of cen- time is many times higher than on tribe voters in the constituency could not establish their charges tral forces to ensure free and fair previous occasions,” he said. are expected to play a decisive role that they had nexus with organ- polls. “Deputy commissioners and in the electoral battle. ised crime syndicate. But the Led by Chief Election Commis- superintendents of police have “I am going to the people over BCCI is yet to revoke the ban. sioner Nasim Zaidi, the full bench been directed to keep a strict vigil issues of lack of development and “They approached me, and I of the commission was in the state on the movement of illegal arms, corruption in the last 15 years. I gave my consent. You wait for a for two days. ammunition, fake currency and think the people are in a position day for (an offi cial) confi rmation. Polls for the 126-seat assembly unaccounted money,” said Zaidi. to understand the development Till then it’s 50:50,” the 33-year- will be held in two phases – on zExuberance will take on expe- agenda,” Tasa said. old speedster said in Bengaluru. April 4 and 11. rience in Titabar in Assam where “I hail from Jorhat and I know “Though my parents are sup- “Central paramilitary forces Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kama- what is happening here. People porters of the Communists, my have started arriving in the state khya Prasad Tasa is pitted against are frustrated by corruption. I am in-laws have strong ties with the from March 15. More will be Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in the confi dent that people will vote for BJP.” His wife Bhuvaneshwari sent depending on the neces- assembly elections. me for the sake of development Kumari belongs to Jaipur’s Shek- sity ahead of the polls. All central While the three-time chief and progress.” hawat family. forces are being deployed in vul- minister is seeking a mandate According to Titabar school Sreesanth said he received the nerable areas to boost the confi - from his home constituency for a teacher Rathin Hazarika, devel- request from BJP president Amit dence of the electorate ahead of fi fth consecutive term, his oppo- opment has taken place in the Shah, who is arriving in the state the polls,” Zaidi said in Guwahati nent - a Lok Sabha member and constituency but the pace is slow capital today. The two will meet, yesterday. a former student leader from the compared to people’s expecta- and a formal announcement is He said that on election day, tea tribes - is contesting from Ti- tions as it is Gogoi’s constituency. expected after that. all polling locations in rural areas tabar for the fi rst time. “The development has impact- The BJP is expected to release and several in urban areas will be Titabar is in Jorhat district ed only some people. The farmers its fi nal list of candidates in New manned by central forces to be in Upper Assam and has been a are still not getting proper irriga- Delhi this week or early next deployed by EC observers. Congress stronghold since India’s tion facilities. Interior areas lack week. The party’s state election Over 23,000 of the total 32,000 independence. basic amenities,” Hazarika added. committee is meeting here today Two employees arrange flags of various political parties in a shop ahead of West Bengal assembly licensed arms have been depos- But the BJP succeeded in mak- Gogoi says people know the to fi nalise its list of candidates. elections, in Kolkata yesterday. ited in the state so far. ing a dent in the Lok Sabha elec- ground reality. Political adventurism knows no limits in today’s India xcept when it infringes on The SYL was conceived imme- farmers, even if that meant INLD leader of the opposition in add the SYL imbroglio to that list. their VIP status or such diately after Haryana was carved thumping one’s nose at the Su- Haryana is leading state’s agita- Jaitley has said the two states Eother perks, politicians of out of Punjab to be a separate state preme Court, was one way of tion against Punjab. must either sort out the issue diff erent parties rarely agree with in 1966. But it took another 15 Delhi Diary doing it. No party serious about The man caught in the most between them or leave it to the each other. Approaching elec- years before a formal agreement, fi ghting assembly elections awkward situation is Kaptan apex court to give a fi nal verdict. tions usually trigger a hardening that also included Rajasthan, was By A K B Krishnan would dare to oppose it because Singh Solanki who is the Gover- That’s a somewhat noncommit- of their respective ideologies and signed. The agreement was for water is a highly emotive is- nor of both states. The hapless tal statement when obviously it attitudes to almost every issue sharing of the waters of Ravi, Beas Gulf Times Correspondent sue. The Congress, perhaps best Solanki spoke in support of the is Haryana that is the aggrieved that can grab a headline. And if and Sutlej rivers among these placed to win next year, could ill Punjab government while open- party but Punjab is the one going there was no major issue - a very three states as well as Jammu and was then with the Congress, uni- years of SAD-BJP rule has re- aff ord to do anything to upset the ing the state assembly session to polls soon. unlikely condition in the Indian Kashmir and Delhi. Then prime laterally scrapped the water shar- duced Punjab into a near-beggar local voter. So it marched into only to say something totally op- Like everyone else the BJP too context - then the parties manu- minister Indira Gandhi shovelled ing agreement and refused to give state. The crisis in the farm sector the Haryana assembly -both as- posite while doing similar hon- must be keen to please the Pun- facture one to keep things on the the fi rst piece of earth on April 6, any water to Haryana. The case is only one aspect of the massive semblies are housed in the same ours for Haryana. Solanki’s is a jab voters at the expense of their boil. 1982 for the construction of the continued to lay dormant in court erosion of confi dence in a gov- building in Chandigarh - shout- tough job indeed. counterparts in Haryana where Hence it is quite a surprise that 214km canal that was to link the till March 14, 2106 when the Pun- ernment which has presided over ing slogans in support of Pun- AAP supremo and Delhi Chief polls are not due for three years the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Sutlej with the Yamuna that fl ows jab assembly, now with the SAD- the worst fi nancial mess the state jab. Haryana’s opposition Indian Minister Arvind Kejriwal obvi- or more. But unlike other fi nan- the Congress, the Shiromani Akali through Haryana. BJP in saddle, passed the Punjab has seen. Per capita income which National Lok Dal (INLD), in turn, ously has no such qualms about cial legacies or even unlike other Dal (SAD) and even that fl edg- Close to 5,000 acres in the two Termination of Agreements Act was second only to Maharash- marched into the Punjab assem- double-speak. He played the assembly elections, the issue ling nonconformist Aam Aadmi states had been acquired for the 2004 to give legislative sanction tra in 1997-98 dropped to eighth bly to counter the Congress dem- quintessential politician when he thrown up by Punjab cannot be Party (AAP) fi nd themselves on purpose of building the canal and to the previous Congress govern- overall in 2013-14 and is still onstration. told a political rally in Punjab that trifl ed with for narrow political the same side of the fence on an Haryana had already completed ment’s decision. heading south. The state also wit- How times have changed! The the state’s farmers deserved all the ends. Many states with simi- issue that is as emotive as it is of its share of construction on 92km Haryana once again ap- nessed severe social and religious INLD is headed by four-time waters in the rivers and, therefore, lar arrangements - Kerala and economics - the sharing of waters spending hundreds of millions of proached the Supreme Court tensions aided by a frightening chief minister Om Prakash Chau- no water need be given to Harya- Tamil Nadu, for instance, with of the rivers in Punjab. rupees. But Sikh separatism in- which ordered status quo after increase in cases of drug addiction tala who, along with his elder son na. He probably forgot that Delhi Mullaperiyar waters and Tamil But this singular unity among tervened in Punjab and work on it complained that Punjab was among the youth. Ajay, is currently cooling his heels depends on Haryana for much of Nadu and Karnataka with Cau- political rivals is strictly governed the canal was delayed endlessly. trying to alter the course of the The father-son duo of Parkash in a Delhi prison after being con- its water needs, including drink- very watersc - could throw up by the geographical boundaries of By the time the separatists were canal and was de-notifying land and Sukhbir Singh Badal has vir- victed of corruption. The Badals ing water. The very next day equally sensitive issues. ‘Com- states. For, what is food for these neutralised, Punjab had begun to already acquired for the purpose. tually ruled the state unchal- and the Chautalas had been great Haryana Agriculture Minister Om petitive federalism’, Prime Min- parties in Punjab is defi nitely get other ideas about water shar- But the very next day the state lenged this past decade amidst a friends all along. Evening party Prakash Dhankar said his state, ister Narendra Modi’s pet phrase, poison for the very same parties ing. In January 2002, the Supreme assembly unanimously passed a never-ending saga of corruption circuits in Delhi and Chandigarh in turn, would turn the tap off on could acquire a whole new and across the border in Haryana. The Court, which eventually settled resolution to return the land to and nepotism charges. Curiously, were never complete without Delhi. Kejriwal got the message unpalatable connotation. Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal is the issue (or so it seemed then), farmers. The challenge is not just the BJP had been a mute specta- someone mentioning the latest and on return to Delhi quite seam- If Modi does not address the the case in point. Although it has ruled that Punjab should com- to Haryana but to the Supreme tor all along thereby losing what “deal” between the two in each lessly changed his stance! SYL problem even-handedly it been 60 years in the making and plete the canal work within a year. Court of India! It even fl ies in little credibility it had in the state. other’s state. The Badals had Finance Minister Arun Jaitley can blow up in his face more seri- has not seen a drop of water pass Even a review petition by Punjab the face of international ripar- It is almost a done deal that the even off ered to provide a jail cell has described, and rightly so, the ously than any other issue he has through it till date, the SYL is the was dismissed and in June 2004 ian rules. Political adventurism Badals, with or without the BJP in for the senior Chautala in Punjab notorious retrospective tax re- handled ever since he was elected latest point of friction because the court, noticing the delaying knows no limits in 21st century tow, are not going to repeat their if the Delhi government had no gime and the public sector banks’ to the highest job. How he solves elections to the Punjab state as- tactics by the state, ordered the India. 2012 showing in 2017. So some- objection. No marks for guessing stressed assets as legacy issues the SYL issue could ultimately sembly are only months away and federal government to take over It is a no-brainer why SAD thing had to be done to stir up the what sort of cell that would have that he inherited from the previous prove how good or otherwise In- there is much at stake for every- construction. should pick this issue now for proverbial Punjabi pride. been had Delhi accepted the pro- Congress government of Manmo- dia’s prime minister is as a states- one concerned. The state government, which special treatment. The nearly 10 Standing up for the state’s posal. Now Abhay Chautala, the han Singh. Jaitley can now easily man-administrator. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 23, 2016 21 INDIA Rescued child workers still face risks: researchers

Reuters turn children to the same circum- culture, and at least a quarter are The study was conducted in ers aged 14 or below dropping ment,” he told the Thomson Re- holidays, and those in entertain- Mumbai stances that led to their traffi cking in manufacturing, embroidering eastern Bihar state, where many to 4.5mn in 2011 from 12.6mn a uters Foundation. ment or sports, provided the work in the fi rst place, the researchers clothes, weaving carpets, making child workers come from, the decade before. The current law bans children does not aff ect their education. said in a report released this week. matchsticks or rolling beedis. transit city of New Delhi, and the “We have a comprehensive under 14 from working in only 18 Also, children aged 15 to 18 ndia’s strategy for rescuing “Their families need struc- Many help their parents in brick destination state of Rajasthan in rescue and rehabilitation strate- hazardous occupations and 65 would be barred from working and reintegrating child vic- tured and ongoing support to kilns or mines, work in shops, the northwest. gy, with suffi cient co-ordination processes, such as mining, gem in only three industries - mines, Itims of labour traffi cking is mitigate the risk that a child will restaurants and hotels, and toil as Rescue raids are poorly planned with NGOs and with local police, cutting and cement manufac- infl ammable substances and marred by poor co-ordination, a be re-traffi cked for economic help in middle-class homes. and executed, and beset by inad- and it is clearly an eff ective and turing. If passed by parliament, hazardous processes. lack of accountability and inad- reasons,” said the report from In rescuing child workers, equate resources and communi- successful strategy,” said Onkar the changes would outlaw child Nobel Laureate Kailash Sat- equate resources that can leave Harvard University’s FXB Centre there is an over-reliance on cation, while criminal prosecu- Sharma, from the offi ce of the labour below 14 in all sectors and yarthi, whose charity Bachpan children at risk of further harm, for Health and Human Rights. charities and activists to pro- tion against off ending employers chief labour commissioner in include a new category for those Bachao Andolan is credited with Harvard researchers say. The International Labour Or- vide intelligence and conduct is rarely pursued, it said. New Delhi. aged between 15 and 18. rescuing more than 80,000 en- There must be a comprehen- ganisation estimates there are the raids, with local police and India says it is committed “We are also strengthening But activists have voiced con- slaved children, said the exemp- sive, sustained eff ort to address 5.7mn child workers in India government offi cials are rarely to ending child labour and has the law to protect children fur- cern over two exceptions: children tions are “regressive” and wants these issues, rather than the cur- aged fi ve to 17. involved in the planning, the made signifi cant progress, with ther, and we are hopeful that it who help in family businesses a total ban on all forms of child rent short-term approach to re- More than half work in agri- Harvard study said. the number of child labour- will be passed soon by parlia- outside school hours and during labour. RSS unhappy with BJP’s ‘extravagant’ praise of Modi

IANS ship not encourage “individual New Delhi worship” as “organisation” is supreme in the RSS. Naidu, while presenting the he Rashtriya Swayamse- political resolution on the last vak Sangh has expressed day of the national executive Tdispleasure at Bharatiya meeting on Sunday, dubbed Janata Party leaders describing Modi “god’s gift to India” and a Prime Minister Narendra Modi “messiah of the poor” and said as “god’s gift to India” in the re- India is recognised and respect- cent national executive meeting. ed everywhere because of him. The BJP’s ideological men- The RSS also supported BJP’s tor however suggested the party move to go ahead with the issue PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi yesterday. must go ahead with the issue of of nationalism but also suggested “nationalism” but add develop- the issue of development be in- ment to it, sources said yesterday. corporated to it, the sources said, After the recent meeting of its adding it was of the view that na- Pratinidhi Sabha at Rajasthan’s tionalism and development are Nagaur, the RSS leaders yester- complementary to each other and day held discussions with top the party should go ahead focus- BJP leaders at Deendayal Shodh ing both issues in upcoming as- Sansthan. The meeting was con- sembly polls in fi ve states. Mehbooba meets PM, vened to convey the outcomes of The BJP and the RSS leaders the meeting to the BJP, said the also discussed issues related to sources. the states of West Bengal, Kera- From the RSS, Suresh Bhai- la, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Pu- yyaji Joshi, Krishna Gopal and ducherry where polls will begin Dattatreya Hosabale attended next month. while the BJP was represented They also took up the issue of new govt likely soon by president Amit Shah, general forming a new government in secretary Ramlal and vice presi- Jammu and Kashmir with coali- The meeting puts PDP’s elected government after the mands and conditions from the She said she had called for a assembly elections gave a frac- dent Vinay Sahasrabuddhe. tion partner the Peoples’ Demo- alliance with the BJP firmly death of chief minister Mufti PDP after Mehbooba’s meeting PDP legislature party meeting tured mandate. The sources said that the RSS cratic Party - which was hanging back on track Mohamed Sayeed on January with party president Amit Shah tomorrow and will take fur- Mehbooba dragged her feet leaders expressed displeasure fi re after its leader Mehbooba 7. The state was put under the failed to break the deadlock. ther decision there. “There is over government formation af- over the remarks made by minis- Mufti sought certain assurances IANS governor’s rule on January 9. But yesterday, she appeared a particular forum to make an- ter her father’s death, and re- ter M Venkaiah Naidu describing but now seems more possible New Delhi/Jammu The new government will end upbeat, dropping hints that a nouncements. Everything can’t fused to take oath as the new Modi as god’s gift to the nation, following her “positive” meeting the political stalemate prevail- new government in Kashmir be announced here.” chief minister till several PDP and suggested the BJP leader- with Modi here yesterday. ing in the state ever since. may be formed soon. Asked if Modi gave any as- demands were met by the BJP- new government in Jam- The almost half-hour meet- “It has been a positive meet- surance on her party’s demands led central government. mu and Kashmir is likely ing put the PDP’s alliance with ing with the prime minister. I over the new government’s for- It was not immediately Uber sues Ola over ‘bogus’ bookings Ato be in place as early as the BJP fi rmly back on track as will go back to Srinagar and take mation, Mehbooba said: “When known what led to Mehboo- the next week, after Peoples Modi praised Sayeed as “a vi- the next step,” Mehbooba told you meet the prime minister of ba’s change of heart. However, Uber yesterday filed a lawsuit rides with Uber across several Democratic Party chief Meh- sionary” and said, “We must reporters as she emerged from the nation and discussions held there were reports that a group against Indian rival Ola, accusing cities. “They used thousands of booba Mufti’s “positive” meet- follow the positivity of Mufti Modi’s residence. are positive, then naturally we of defectors from the PDP was it of making nearly half a million fake accounts to book 450,000 ing with Prime Minister Naren- Sayeed,” sources said. “I am content after meeting fi nd more ways to get solutions readying to support the BJP if bogus bookings with Uber rides and then cancel them,” dra Modi here yesterday. The meeting came days after the prime minister. I feel posi- to the problems faced by the Mehbooba did not relent from drivers in the past six months, as the lawyer representing Uber “Hopefully, the (new) gov- Mehbooba fl ew back to Srina- tive after this meeting.” people of Jammu and Kashmir.” her apparently non-negotiable competition intensifies in the cut- said. For each cancellation Uber ernment should be in place by gar rather upset after the BJP Asked if she would be sworn Mehbooba arrived in New stand. throat taxi-hailing market. The had to pay compensation to March 29,” senior PDP leader snubbed her over the PDP’s in soon as the chief minister, Delhi on Monday in an indica- The defection threat reports company is seeking Rs490mn the driver, resulting in huge and former minister Nayeem fresh conditions for the con- Mehbooba replied: “I have been tion that the channels of com- came even as Kashmir has the ($7.3mn) in damages from Ola losses, the lawyer said, adding Akhtar said in Jammu as Meh- tinuation of their alliance in the authorised to take the fi nal call munication with the BJP have toughest anti-defection law in for unfair practices, a lawyer that the Delhi High Court has booba met the prime minister at state. on the government formation been restored. the country. No number of law- representing Uber said. It alleges asked Ola to refrain from making his offi cial 7 Race Course resi- BJP general secretary Ram and hold discussions regarding The PDP-BJP coalition gov- makers can defect from a politi- Ola employees and agents false bookings. Ola denies any dence here. Madhav said last week that the the issue by the party’s legisla- ernment in Kashmir came to cal party to claim a split, as per booked and then cancelled wrongdoing. Kashmir has been without an BJP will not accept any fresh de- ture party.” power in March 2015 after the the law. Crop insurance schemes I will resort to politics will reduce distress: Jaitley of murder: legislator IANS yesterday said he would now IANS very low premium, Jaitley said. ices, Anjuly Chibb Duggal and Patna resort to the politics of murder. Mumbai While the farmers’ premium National Bank for Agriculture He said he would re-start killing would be 2% for kharif food and Rural Development (NAB- just as he used to do in the past. grains and oilseeds, it would be ARD) chairman Harsh Kumar ihar’s ruling Janata Dal- “Main ab hatya ki rajniti hi inance Minister Arun Jait- 1.5% for rabi crops, and in the Bhanwala were also present on United yesterday sus- karunga aur hatya karwaunga “I ley yesterday termed ag- event of a crop failure, the farm- the occasion. Bpended two legislators will now do politics of murder Friculture as “absolutely ers would be paid more. Prime Minister Narendra from the party for six years - one and order murders),” the legis- critical to the country’s econ- The government plans to Modi is slated to meet senior for saying he will again begin lator from Gopalpur in Bihar’s omy,” and launched the “Prad- cover 50% of the farmers in the offi cials of all banks and insur- committing murders and the Bhagalpur district said at a func- han Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana” country, mostly those depend- ance companies at NABARD to other for describing the national tion. and “Unifi ed Package Insurance ent on rain-fed agriculture, and discuss the implementation of anthem as a symbol of slavery. He also said: “Pahle bhi hatya Scheme” here. would be a signifi cant step to the government’s crop insurance Gopal Mandal and Rana Gan- karta tha, ab bhi karoonga (I used He said that the revamped making India an “insured and scheme. geshwar Singh have been sus- to commit murders in the past insurance schemes that were pensioned society,” Jaitley said. The meeting will discuss ways pended by the party for mak- and will do it again).” launched had the potential to The minister said agriculture to bring more farmers under the ing objectionable statements Ruing the “false” allegations reduce distress in the farm sec- will have to grow faster for the ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema in public, JD-U state president levelled by his rivals in the op- tor and would be rolled out in a country to get rid of poverty and Yojana’ (PMFBY) so as to realise Vashisht Narain Singh told re- position, Mandal said he would “mission mode” from April 1 to push the overall GDP. the target of 50% insurance cov- porters here. again wield a gun to kill. cover kharif crops. With two successive defi cient erage. “It was decided at the core Mandal told the people at the Though the country had crop monsoons, another poor rainfall Of the farm credit target of meeting of the JD-U, attended function that he would provide insurance schemes in the past, this year could put the systems Rs8.5 lakh crore set for this fi s- by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar security to all including those they were only partially success- to test, he said. cal, only Rs75,000 crore is under and other senior party leaders. who had not voted for him. “I ful as they were mainly linked to In such an eventuality, the crop insurance. The JD-U national president have plenty of arms and ammu- crop loans, Jaitley said. successful implementation of Currently, only around 25% of Sharad Yadav was also informed nition.” “This is a crop insurance the new crop insurance schemes the country’s total crop area is about it,” he said. Also, questioning the chief scheme with a diff erence, and could prove to be a game-chang- covered by insurance. The two legislators had been minister’s decision to ban liquor the diff erence is absolutely criti- er and the entire Indian banking, Drought and unseasonal rains issued show cause notices to in the state from April 1, he said: cal to the Indian farmer,” he said. insurance and fi nancial system last year forced the state gov- explain themselves, Vashisht “It is a wrong decision.” Since it is dependent on large would be mobilised to ensure its ernments to seek over Rs10,100 Finance Minister Arun Jaitley speaks at a function where he Narain Singh said. If liquor is banned, he said, volumes, the new scheme could success, he said. crore from the National Disaster launched the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Gopal Mandal, who is involved there was “ganja” and “bhang” cover much larger risks at a Secretary, Financial Serv- Response Fund. Unified Package Insurance Scheme, in Mumbai yesterday. in a number of criminal cases, for the people to enjoy. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 LATIN AMERICA

DATA DECISION PROPOSAL CO-OPERATION INITIATIVE LatAm slowdown tips 7mn Panama canal sets Brazil seeks to Argentina, US to share Chile harvests largest more into poverty: UN depth limit on ships limit spending financial intelligence legal marijuana crop

Seven million more people plunged into poverty in The Panama Canal will next month impose new The administration of Brazilian President Dilma Argentina and the US will resume sharing Authorities have started harvesting the largest Latin America last year as an economic slowdown draft restrictions on ships due to falling water levels Rousseff has presented plans to limit government intelligence on money flows to bolster the legal marijuana field in Latin America in a rural struck one of the world’s poorest regions, a UN at nearby lakes that form part of the waterway, spending and stave off a debt crisis among fight against drug gangs and organised crime, area in southern Chile, the media reported body said yesterday. The Economic Commission the authority that administers the canal said in a states and cities hit by the worst recession in an Argentine off icial said. Information sharing yesterday. The initiative, which has been for America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), based statement. Ships seeking to cross the waterway decades. Under the first proposal, which Finance between the Argentine and US financial authorised by the Chilean government, will in Chile, said in an annual report that the number must comply with a maximum depth limit of 39 Minister Nelson Barbosa announced at a news intelligence units was suspended last year, transform the buds of 6,000 marijuana plants people living under the poverty line surged from feet beginning on April 18, but the Panama Canal conference in Brasilia, the federal government during the final months of President Cristina growing near the city of Colbun into diff erent 168mn to 175mn. The poverty rate in the region Authority (APC) said the impact on operations would limit increases in recurring expenses and Fernandez’s leadership, after the US Treasury’s phytopharmaceuticals for 4,000 patients free overall rose to 29.2%. Economists largely blame would be minimal. The “temporary and preventive slow constitutionally mandated spending during Financial Crimes Enforcement Network said its of charge. “It is an important day. We want it the slowdown on the fall of world prices for oil, measures” are connected to local climate impacts times of hardship. The plan has to be sent to Argentine counterpart leaked confidential data. to be the first harvest of many more to come minerals and other commodities on which poor of El Niño, the seasonal weather phenomenon that Congress for approval. Barbosa also announced “Not collaborating only benefits organised in Latin American countries,” said Ana Maria countries in the region rely. During a boom in the has caused a drought in the canal’s watershed, and a programme to help debt-laden states and crime, the corrupt and potentially even Gazmuri, president of the Daya Foundation, an 10 years to 2012, the region reduced its poverty will be implemented in 6-inch decrements that will municipalities that could cost taxpayers about terrorists,” said Mariano Federici, who heads organisation for the promotion and research of level by more than 15%. be announced at least four weeks in advance. 45.5bn reais ($12.6bn) for the next three years. Argentina’s Financial Information Unit. alternative therapies, which fosters the initiative. Dozens held as Petrobras graft scandal escalates

AFP thing” about the corruption and Brasilia directly benefi ted from it. Rousseff ’s allies fi red back that her opponents were trying razilian police arrested to change the rules mid-game. dozens of corruption sus- The committee ultimately Bpects yesterday as the agreed to set aside the new alle- scandal around state oil com- gations to keep the process from pany Petrobras continued to es- stalling. Rousseff ’s presidency calate, and with it the threat to appears to be in peril as she President Dilma Rousseff ’s gov- fi ghts impeachment, protests, ernment. recession and scandal. Federal police said they had And her decision to call her uncovered a “professional and predecessor and mentor, Luiz institutionalised” bribe-paying Inacio Lula da Silva, to the res- system at construction giant cue backfi red last week when a US President Barack Obama takes part in a Civil Society Roundtable discussion at the US embassy in Havana yesterday. Odebrecht, one of the compa- judge blocked his appointment nies implicated in a multi-bil- as her chief of staff over pend- lion-dollar corruption scandal ing money-laundering charges that has rocked the government. linked to the Petrobras scandal. Police staged raids in nine Lula, who presided over a states across the country to ex- booming Brazil from 2003 to ecute 43 arrest warrants or tem- 2011, is fi ghting a Supreme Court porary detention orders target- injunction blocking his political ing what they said was a parallel comeback - and the ministerial Obama appeals for accounting network to handle immunity that comes with it. bribery payments. Ministers can only be tried be- Rousseff , meanwhile, attended fore the Supreme Court in Brazil. what was described as an event A Supreme Court judge blocked “in defence of democracy and le- the former president’s cabinet gality” at the presidential palace, appointment after the anti-cor- where legal scholars gave speech- ruption judge leading the Petro- political liberties in Cuba es accusing the leftist president’s bras probe, Sergio Moro, released opponents of violating the con- a damning wire-tapped phone Reuters the Cold War in the Americas. nounced in December 2014, Congress has so far rejected Standing at a lectern fl anked stitution by seeking to oust her. call between Rousseff and Lula. Havana But he also pressed for eco- ending decades of estrange- the Democratic president’s call by US and Cuban fl ags, Obama “No coup!” chanted audience In the call, the president tells nomic and political reforms, ment between Washington and for a lifting of the embargo, laid out a hopeful vision of fu- members, the rallying cry of the her mentor she is sending him his speaking in a one-party state Havana that began soon after although Obama has used his ture US-Cuban relations and pro-government camp in the face offi cial ministerial papers, to be S President Barack where little dissent is tolerated. Cuba’s 1959 revolution. executive powers to ease some told Cubans “it’s up to you” to of massive protests demanding used only “if necessary” - widely Obama delivered an im- “Voters should be able to Obama drew strong applause trade and travel restrictions on take steps to change the coun- the president’s impeachment. interpreted as an attempt to help Upassioned appeal for po- choose their governments in from the audience when he re- the island. try. A congressional impeach- him dodge potential arrest. litical liberties in Cuba, includ- free and democratic elections,” iterated his call for an end to the The president’s critics at On Monday he sparred with ment committee weighing the Lula fl ew to Brasilia on Mon- ing freedom of expression and he said. longstanding US economic em- home have called his visit a Castro at a news conference allegations against Rousseff de- day, where he has been meeting religion, as he spoke directly “Not everybody agrees with bargo against Cuba, which only premature reward to the Castro where both leaders aired some cided not to examine explosive with Rousseff and trying to rally to the Cuban people yesterday me on this, not everybody the US Congress can lift. government. US House of Rep- of the old grievances between accusations that she used some backers to oppose her impeach- in a historic speech broadcast agrees with the American peo- Obama, who abandoned a resentatives Speaker Paul Ryan, their countries, even as they of the proceeds from the Petro- ment. Newspaper O Globo re- throughout the Communist- ple on this but I believe those longtime US policy of trying to a Republican, said yesterday the sought to advance the diplo- bras bribery scheme to fund her ported that “no one wants to ruled island. human rights are universal. I isolate Cuba, wants to make his trip legitimises what he called matic thaw. presidential campaigns. speak with Lula on the phone Speaking at Havana’s Grand believe they’re the rights of the shift irreversible by the time he Castro’s “tyrannical dictator- Castro, an army general who The case against Rousseff so anymore” since the damaging Theater with Cuban President American people, the Cuban leaves offi ce in January and se- ship.” took over as president from his far deals only with alleged ir- wire-tap was revealed. Raul Castro in attendance in people and people around the cure it as a piece of his foreign With his words carried live by ailing brother, Fidel Castro, in regularities in government ac- Investigators accuse Ode- what White House officials world,” Obama said. policy legacy. Cuba’s state-run media, Obama 2008, was at the theatre to greet counting procedures. brecht of colluding with com- touted as a crowning mo- His address marked the fi nal But major obstacles remain to sought to persuade ordinary Obama on arrival and sat in the But her opponents sought to petitors to divvy up Petrobras ment of Obama’s visit, the US day of his trip, the fi rst by a US full normalisation of ties, most Cubans that his new policy, audience for the speech. At the expand the accusation to in- contracts over the course of a president extended a “hand president to Cuba in 88 years. notably the continuing US em- including easing of trade and end of the speech, the Cuban clude allegations from a senator decade, paying huge bribes and of friendship.” He declared His presence in Havana was bargo and diff erences over hu- travel restrictions, was focused leader lightly applauded from charged in the Petrobras case, then infl ating the contracts by that he had come to Havana the culmination of a diplomatic man rights. primarily on helping them to the balcony, then waved to the who said Rousseff “knew every- even larger amounts. to “bury the last remnant” of opening that he and Castro an- The Republican-controlled improve their lives. crowd. Peru’s Kuczynski vows Murder suspect Kerry encouraged by Colombia peace talks to cut taxes if elected Reuters His involvement at the re- Havana quest of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos marked Reuters “We think growth should be partnerships to roll out new in- the fi rst time a US secretary of Lima driven internally,” Thorne said. frastructure projects to keep S Secretary of State state had met with negotiators Kuczynski would off er tax the burden on taxpayers small, John Kerry was en- from the Revolutionary Armed rebates to big companies that though stimulus measures Ucouraged by progress in Forces of Colombia since peace edro Pablo Kuczynski, reinvest their earnings and cut would widen the fi scal defi cit to the Colombian peace process talks started in Havana more polling second in Peru’s the sales tax rate to 15% from 3% of gross domestic product after meeting in Havana with than three years ago. Ppresidential race, would 18% in three years, said Thorne, through 2019. representatives of Colombia’s The meeting between the ease taxes and draw on pri- a former Wall Street and World Kuczynski would restructure Marxist Farc guerrilla group Colombian government del- vate investments for new in- Bank economist who now heads state bidding agency Proinver- and the Bogota government, a egation and Kerry was “very frastructure projects to fuel an advisory fi rm in Lima. sion so it can hold more compet- state department spokesman productive,” lead government growth, according to his eco- Thorne said a Kuczynski gov- itive auctions and push out more said. negotiator Humberto de la nomic adviser. ernment would be friendlier to projects, including public works Kerry, in Cuba as part of US Calle told journalists. The proposals, combined investors than one led by front- stalled in regional governments President Barack Obama’s his- “There were extraordinar- with eff orts to slash red tape runner Keiko Fujimori, a centre- that have dragged down growth toric visit to the Communist- ily concrete elements,” de la that his team estimated was right former lawmaker and the in recent years. run island, met the two sides Calle said. “For example, the holding back $26bn in invest- daughter of jailed ex-president Thorne praised the manage- separately and called for them announcement of help from ments, would allow Peru’s Alberto Fujimori. ment of the central bank under to redouble their eff orts to re- the US relating to the security economy to grow by at least 5% Fujimori has long enjoyed a its current president Julio Ve- solve the remaining issues in of people who lay down arms, again, Alfredo Thorne said in an double-digit lead over Kuczyn- larde, and said Kuczynski would the talks, spokesman Mark which is a critical subject at interview. ski in opinion polls, but she is help it fi ght infl ation by adjust- Toner said in a statement. the talks.” Peru’s next president will not expected to win outright in ing formulas used for setting Kerry told both sides he was The Farc thanked the US for take offi ce as the country’s April 10 elections and is seen as electrical and fuel rates. “encouraged that the ‘end of its support of the peace talks once-surging growth rates have tied with him in a run-off . “If this government would confl ict’ issues are now front and said they hope to reach a slowed to under 4% at the end of “Unlike Keiko Fujimori, we do have done that... we would have and centre in the negotiations, fi nal peace agreement in the a decade-long mining boom. not think the government should avoided at least a few interest including a formal bilateral coming months. Thorne said Kuczynski, a meddle in several areas,” Thorne rate hikes,” Thorne said. ceasefi re monitored by the UN “On a not-distant date we 77-year-old former prime min- said, citing her pledge to tap an He called the central bank’s 1% A young gang member, who Honduras’ police say was Security Council, a timetable will give good news to the ister and World Bank economist, emergency fi scal fund to pay for to 3% infl ation target range “a bit involved in the killing of 12 people at a billiards hall, covers for disarmament, and security country and the world - that would not count on a rebound an infrastructure spurt. tight” but defended its policy of his face as he boards a truck with members of the Honduras’ guarantees post-confl ict for Colombia has reached peace,” in mineral prices to jumpstart a Thorne said Kuczynski would intervening in the spot market to National Anti-Extortion Force in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. all lawful political actors,” ac- the rebel group said in a state- sluggish economic recovery. instead rely on public-private off set currency swings. cording to the statement. ment on its website. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 23, 2016 23 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN

Indian president India receives Pakistan probe teams’ visa applications greets Pakistani

IANS the Pakistan joint investigation taj Aziz, adviser to the Pakistan nel lost their lives when terror- tacked the Indian Air Force base last year to start a comprehen- counterpart New Delhi team (JIT),” external aff airs min- prime minister on foreign aff airs, in Pathankot, Punjab, early on sive bilateral dialogue. istry spokesman Vikas Swarup on the sidelines of the South “We have today received January 2. India has since sent “action- said at a media briefi ng here. Asian Association for Regional visa applications for fi ve The Jaish-e-Mohamed (JeM) able evidence” to the Pakistani Internews ndia yesterday received visa “The modalities of the visit Co-operation (Saarc) ministerial members of the Pakistan claimed responsibility for the authorities to bring the perpe- Islamabad applications for fi ve mem- will be discussed now that we meeting at Pokhara in Nepal last joint investigation attack in which all the six terror- trators of the attack to book. Ibers of the Pakistani team have the composition of the week, External Aff airs Minister team,The modalities of ists also were reportedly killed. Pakistan fi led an FIR in Gu- probing the cross-border terror team,” Swarup said. Sushma Swaraj announced that the visit will be discussed The attack derailed the pro- jranwala last month against ndian President Pranab attack on the Pathankot airbase He, however, added that he the Pakistani JIT would arrive in now that we have the posed foreign secretary-level “unknown” terrorists in con- Mukherjee yesterday greeted in January this year. did not yet have the details of the India on March 27 and start its composition of the team” talks that were scheduled for the nection with the attack. Ihis Pakistani counterpart “We have today received visa JIT members. work from the following day. middle of January after the two It also said that it would send Mamnoon Hussain on Pakistan applications for fi ve members of Following a meeting with Sar- Seven Indian security person- ists from across the border at- countries agreed in December a JIT to India to probe the attack. Day. Mukherjee, who visited Pa- kistan last when he was foreign minister with the Congress gov- ernment, wrote, “India remains committed to peaceful, friendly and co-operative relations with Transfer of cases Pakistan.“I am of the fi rm con- viction that our co-operation will lead to progress and pros- 23 dead from alcohol perity in our region. I take this to Pak military opportunity to extend my best wishes for your good health and wellbeing,” the letter added. Meanwhile, in an unrelated courts declines move, former union minister poisoning in Pakistan Shashi Tharoor speaking dur- ing a panel discussion empha- AFP Reuters bus in Karachi’s Safoora Goth sised on the need for free trade Islamabad Kunduz, Afghanistan on May 13, 2015, in which between the two neighbours 45 Ismailis were killed, and which, he said, will eventually the murder of rights activist help contain terror attacks by the he death toll among a he transfer of cases to Sabeen Mehmood. likes of LeT on India. group of Pakistanis who Pakistan military courts After last December, sourc- Tdrank tainted liquor rose Thave appeared to de- es in the interior ministry CRIME to 23 yesterday after more died in cline as for the past couple of claimed the provinces and the hospitals, police said. months not a single case has Islamabad administration for- Boy in monster The poisonings in a town been transferred, a media re- warded only those cases which mask shot dead northeast of Karachi are among port said yesterday. were already under trial in a string of incidents highlighting According to sources, the anti-terrorism courts or where by guard the proliferation of low-grade cases are with the interior the off ences were not covered liquor in the country. ministry, but these have not by the Pakistan Army Act. A security guard in Pakistan Eleven people — including been sent to the army authori- According to an offi cial, trial has shot dead an 11-year-boy two women — lost their lives late ties apparently because of in these cases is under way at a wearing a monster mask who Monday, while 12 others died missing documents, Dawn on- normal pace and the accused apparently startled him, off icials yesterday. line reported. in most of the cases were “fa- said on Monday. Ali Hasan was “The death toll has risen to The slowing down is also cilitators” and, therefore, the reportedly goofing around when 23, two women were among the being linked to appeals pend- interior ministry did not rec- he approached the armed guard dead,” Mahmood Ahmad, a po- ing before the Supreme Court. ommend their transfer. from behind with the disguise lice offi cial in the town said. Executions in at least eight The problem emerged when on his face, unnerving him and Ahmad said 14 others were high-profi le cases have been the interior ministry, in Sep- prompting him to open fire in still being treated in hospitals. stopped because of the appeals tember last year, asked the an upscale neighbourhood of A second police offi cial in the in the apex court. defence ministry for the age Karachi late Sunday. The guard, town confi rmed the new death The last batch of cases was of the detainees at internment Ghulam Nabi, has been arrested toll. transferred in December 2015, centres whose cases had to be and charged with murder, police Nasim Ara Panwar, the town’s Pakistani family members mourn the death of a relative who died after drinking tainted alcohol in the which included an attack on a transferred to military courts. off icer Sohail Khan said. “He said senior police offi cer, earlier said town of Tando Mohamed Khan, some 250km northeast of Karachi yesterday. he meant to shoot in the air but that most of the victims were in haste he hit the boy,” Khan said. from the minority Hindu com- litres of liquor only two days suspended for negligence. heavily infl ated prices, the poor Private security companies are a munity. ago but their production is very Though legal breweries exist often resort to home-brews that lucrative business in Pakistan due Panwar added police had high,” she said. in Pakistan, the sale of alcohol can contain methanol, common- to rampant thefts and robberies. made four arrests in relation to Gayan Chand Israni, the min- and consumption is prohibited ly used in anti-freeze and fuel. Taliban group denies They provide armed guards to the incident but were chasing ister in charge of excise and tax- for Muslims and tightly regulat- In October 2014 at least 29 businesses and residences and a key suspect who remained at ation, which regulates alcohol, ed for minorities and foreigners. drinkers were killed after con- charge high fees, but pay very large. said an inquiry was underway While wealthy Pakistanis buy suming methanol-tainted liquor its leader detained little to guards who have to work “We have confi scated 65,000 and several offi cials had been bootlegged foreign alcohol at over the Eid public holidays. long hours, often without any holiday. Reuters newspaper said Rasoul was Islamabad held in Pakistan after fl eeing MILITANCY Afghanistan following heavy fi ghting in recent months with Afghan forces he leader of a breakaway militants loyal to Mansour. kill 24 militants US commander apologises for faction of the Taliban is Rasoul’s deputy, Mullah Ab- Tleading his fi ghters in dul Manan Niazi, dismissed Afghan Military forces have killed Afghanistan, his deputy said the report as “propaganda of 24 militants in newest raids in yesterday, contradicting three our enemies” and two Pakista- southern Afghanistan, the military senior members of the Islamist ni security offi cials also denied said yesterday. According to a Afghan hospital bombing group and denying a newspaper the report. statement released by the media report that he had been detained. “Mullah Rasoul is in Af- off ice of 201st Military Corps Three senior Taliban said ghanistan and leading his which is based in Kandahar, the Reuters pital in Kunduz, which was cap- A US investigation found that for the Taliban militants in the 15- that Mullah Mohamed Rasoul, fi ghters,” Niazi said. But he raids were carried out in Urozgan Kunduz, Afghanistan tured by Taliban insurgents for the October 3 air strike was a “trag- year war since they were toppled who leads a faction that has added that his group’s survival and Zabul provinces in past 48 several days last year, to express ic and avoidable” incident, prima- by US-led forces in late 2001. rejected the authority of the did not depend on one leader. hours during which 17 insurgents his condolences. rily caused by human error. The US Afghan security forces, who Islamist movement’s leader, “Our resistance will not also sustained injuries, Afghan he new commander of US “As commander, I wanted to military has disciplined more than suff ered a record number of losses Mullah Mohamed Mansour, stop with the arrest or killing Khaama Press reported. The and Nato forces in Afghan- come to Kunduz personally and a dozen personnel, including offi c- last year, have been struggling had been detained two weeks of Mullah Rasoul or any other statement added that a number of Tistan apologised yesterday stand before the families, and ers following the strike. to contain Taliban militants who ago in Baluchistan province on leader,” Niazi said. weapons and explosive materials for the American bombing of a people of Kunduz, to deeply MSF, known as Doctors With- are fi ghting to topple the govern- the border between Pakistan The mixed reports add a fur- were also seized by the military hospital last year that killed 42 apologise for the events” that led out Borders in English, has in the ment of President Ashraf Ghani. and Afghanistan. ther twist to the opaque nature during these operations. This people and wounded 37 more. to the bombing, Nicholson said. past publicly cast doubt on the Violence is at its worst since the Pakistan’s Express Tribune of the leadership of the Taliban, comes as insurgents have once General John W Nicholson “I grieve with you for your loss idea that the strike could have departure of most foreign combat newspaper said that Rasoul who control or threaten more again enhanced activities in met family members of victims and suff ering; and humbly and been a mistake. The brief capture troops from Afghanistan in 2014 was being held by Pakistani Afghan territory than at any southern part of the country and and the staff of the now-closed respectfully ask for your forgive- of the Kunduz provincial capital as the country is bracing for the authorities. Quoting two un- time since their hardline gov- government forces have been try- Medecins Sans Frontieres hos- ness,” added Nicholson. was arguably the biggest victory start of the spring fi ghting season. named Taliban leaders, the ernment was toppled in 2001. ing to counter their insurgency. Pakistan’s fi rst women-only rickshaw service struggles

Reuters said Aslam, who also runs Lahore the Environment Protection Fund, a Pakistani non-profi t agency. akistan’s fi rst women- The rickshaws cost about only rickshaw service was $3,000 each, and more if you add Pmeant to provide its staff tracking and anti-theft systems. with a new way of gaining fi - “The fi rst few rickshaws we nancial independence and its bought were expensive but now passengers with the chance of a we’re looking at cheaper mod- ride without being groped and els,” she said. harassed by male drivers. “The only disappointment is But, after just a year in busi- to get the funding for more rick- ness, the “Pink Rickshaw” in the shaws because the demand is out Punjabi city of Lahore, is strug- there and it is just a matter of gling. getting all the funds together,” Help has been promised by Aslam said. a Scotland-based charity, run That would help women who, by pop star Annie Lennox, and like Parveen Bibi, want to zip Pink Rickshaw founder, Zar around town making a living and Aslam, said she hopes to get making life easier in a country the money for ten rickshaws by where sexual crime is rife and September. often goes without being report- Aslam, who herself narrowly ed or punished. escaped kidnapping in a rick- Bibi is her family’s sole earner shaw when she was a student, since the death of her husband, told Reuters she had aimed to and although she only drives have 25 of the pink-and-white during the day, for safety rea- rickshaws on the road by mid- sons, she says customers are 2016 but the manufacturers have pleased to use the service. sent only six, and three are too “Women passengers are hap- old to use. py that they can now travel with Pink Rickshaw driver Parveen Bibi talks to her granddaughter Laiba “There are several women a female tri-auto driver and feel as she studies, as her daughter Nosheen stands behind them at their waiting to get the rickshaws,” comfortable,” she says. home in Lahore. Pink Rickshaw driver Parveen Bibi speaks with prospective passengers in Lahore. Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 PHILIPPINES

China Charges sought in $81mn slams fi shermen ‘fi re bomb’ money-laundering scandal attack AFP were remitted/transferred... Manila were part of the stolen funds from Bangladesh Bank, and are AFP therefore proceeds of an unlaw- Beijing watchdog body yesterday ful activity,” the complaint read. sought criminal charges The justice department has Aagainst two suspects al- also summoned Maia Deguito, hilippine sailors threw legedly behind an $81mn mon- branch manager of the RCBC “fi re bombs” and bran- ey-laundering scandal that has bank, to answer questions ahead Pdished knives at Chinese shaken the Philippines. of possible charges against her government vessels during a The Anti-Money Laundering as well. dispute over contested fi shing Council asked Justice Depart- RCBC bank, one of the coun- grounds in the South China Sea, ment prosecutors to fi le charges try’s largest, said it had sacked Beijing said yesterday. against businessman Kim Wong Deguito as well as assistant Philippine media this week and Chinese casino junket op- branch manager Angela Torres said local fi shermen had been erator Weikang Xu for their al- over the scandal. rammed by the Chinese coast leged role in laundering the sum The two were fi red for “vio- guard while fi shing off Scarbor- stolen from Bangladesh’s for- lating bank policies and proce- ough Shoal, which China has eign reserves through the Phil- dures and falsifi cation of com- occupied since a 2012 stand-off ippines. mercial documents,” and for but which lies within the Phil- The hackers managed to facilitating the alleged money- ippines’ claimed exclusive eco- transfer the $81mn from the ac- laundering of the $81mn, an nomic zone. count of the Bangladesh Bank RCBC statement said. The incident is the latest in a (central bank) with the Federal “Appropriate charges in court series of sometimes violent dis- Reserve Bank of New York. will be fi led by the bank against putes between China and other They moved the sum elec- Deguito and Torres by next claimants to the South China Sea tronically to RCBC bank in the week,” RCBC said. — through which about a third of Philippines and it eventually Other bank offi cials will likely all the world’s traded oil passes ended up in casinos in Manila face “various sanctions,” in the — that have put the region on - where most of it has disap- coming days, it added. edge. peared. The hackers apparently Deguito had previously de- Speaking at a regular press took advantage of Philippine nied any wrongdoing but also briefi ng, Chinese foreign minis- laws granting strict secrecy to said she was living in fear. try spokeswoman Hua Chunying bank depositors as well as ex- “I did not do anything wrong. said that the Philippine fi shing empting casinos from money- If this is a nightmare, I want to Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) executive director Julia Abad gestures during a press conference at the Central Bank of the Philippines vessels had “defi ed” orders to laundering oversight. wake up now,” she previously headquarters in Manila yesterday. leave the area. The complaint, citing testi- told a Manila TV station. “People on Philippines’ ves- mony of a Senate probe of the The incident has raised fears tor of the Anti-Money Laun- ing system, it failed to raise tion of $81mn,” she told report- ers should be increased to cover sels even brandished knives and scandal last week, showed that that the Philippines will be seen dering Council, conceded that eyebrows because similar huge ers yesterday. But she also said the growing casino industry, hurled fi rebombs at Chinese the accounts of both suspects as a haven for money-launder- money-laundering laws needed amounts were already coming her council only had about nine adding that the Philippines was ships,” she said, adding that the had received the money. ing despite previous eff orts to improvement. in. analysts overseeing hundreds of one of only two countries that attacks were intended to “de- “Wong knew or should have tighten controls. She said that when the $81mn “On its face, there is nothing transactions each day. exempted casinos from money- liberately provoke” Chinese law known that the funds that Julia Abad, executive direc- came into the country’s bank- irregular about that transac- Abad said the council’s pow- laundering rules. enforcement vessels “and seri- ously endanger the order and safety of Huangyan’s territorial waters.” Scarborough Shoal is known as Huangyan in China. Hard life Tensions in the South China Duterte makes Sea have mounted in recent months since China transformed contested reefs into artifi cial is- lands capable of supporting mil- gains behind itary facilities. China claims almost all of the sea, including some islands cur- leader Poe: survey rently controlled by the Philip- pines. Beijing has never clearly defi ned its claims to the strategic Manila Times 22% while Liberal Party (LP) region. Manila presidential bet Manuel “Mar” Manila has brought a case Roxas remained at fourth place before an international tribunal with 20%.Sen. Miriam Defen- to rule on the disputes over ter- avao City Mayor Rod- sor-Santiago got 3%. ritories, including Scarborough rigo Duterte is slowly Poe thanked her support- Shoal. Dgaining momentum in ers and vowed to continue in- The move has infuriated Bei- the latest pre-election survey forming voters what she can do jing, which insists the matter is conducted by Pulse Asia, trail- if elected president. outside the court’s remit. ing Senator Grace Poe by only Rico Quicho, Binay’s A ruling on the matter is ex- one percentage point. spokesman, said the latest sur- pected before May. This is the fi rst time that vey results were no cause for Poe and Duterte tied since the worry because the candidates campaign period started. remained tied. The survey, commissioned “The presidential race con- by ABS-CBN, was held from tinues to be tight. If you look at March 8 to 13, after the Su- the margin of error, all are sta- Marcos preme Court upheld Poe’s can- tistically tied,” he noted. didacy for President.The sur- “The challenge for us is to vey involved 4,000 registered continue visiting various prov- overtakes voters with biometrics.It has inces. We are happy because a margin of error of +/- 1.5%. people warmly welcomed the Poe got the “votes” of 26% vice president in those places Escudero of the respondents while Du- he visited. The support given terte got 25%. by core groups remains and Families live in concrete pipes used as makeshift dwellings along a street in Manila yesterday. Roughly one quarter of the nation’s Vice President Jejomar Binay, his supporters will continue to in race 100mn people live in poverty, which is defined as surviving on about one US dollar a day, according to government data. standard-bearer of the United work to strengthen his candi- Nationalist Alliance (UNA), got dacy,” Quicho said. Manila Times Olongapo City

inally, Sen. Ferdinand Security forces heighten alert Comelec appeals court ruling in “Bongbong” Marcos Jr has Fovertaken his closest rival in the vice presidential race– Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero. for Holy Week in Visayas senator’s disqualifi cation case In the latest Pulse Asia survey taken from March 8 to 13, 2016, the ABS-CBN commissioned Manila Times have been in place with all PPO units and person- By William B Depasupil nal action fi led with it dismiss lec is not to avoid said scenario survey showed Marcos edging Cebu City nel in full alert status. Manila Times (sic) the case,” he added. wherein a presidential candi- out Escudero, getting 25% of the He said stations and public safety company He explained that their ap- date with questionable eligibil- vote of the 4,000 people polled. were directed to provide maximum police visibil- peal centres on the eligibility of ity is allowed to run and left to Escudero got 24%, one point he Philippine National Police (PNP) in ity, increase in check points and to maintain se- aintaining that it did Poe as a natural-born Filipino the Presidential Electoral Tri- lower than the 25% he got in the Central and Western Visayas, as well as the curity in vital installations, economic key points, not commit grave abuse citizen.Lim stressed that the bunal to decide later if she gets previous survey.Camarines Sur TCaraga region raised a heightened alert for ensure high state of operational readiness to de- Mof discretion, the Com- result of the SC voting failed elected,” Lim added. Rep. Leni Robredo trailed the all police personnel as people troop to the prov- ter criminal activities and thwart any hostile ac- mission on Elections (Comelec) to achieve the determinant Lim warned that such a situ- two senators at 20%, followed by inces for the Holy Week. tions that may be launched by threat groups. yesterday asked the Supreme eight votes since only seven of ation would result in “political Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, 13%, Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, Police Regional Task Group “Semana Santa” 2016 was also Court (SC) to reverse its rul- the justices said that Poe was instability”. Sen. Antonio Trillanes, 6% and Offi ce (PRO) 7 director, said they deployed police created to ensure the implementation of the se- ing that declared Sen. Grace Poe presumptively a natural-born “If a majority of eight votes Sen. Gregorio Honasan, 5%. offi cers in several tourist spots in Central Visayas, curity plan for the traditional event. qualifi ed to run for president. citizen. is achieved after the Supreme “We are happy that our mes- like Panglao Island in Bohol, Bantayan Island and In Caraga region, Chief Supt. Rolando Felix said Commissioner Arthur Lim Court has reviewed the case, so sage of unity resonates and is Malapascua Island in Cebu, to secure local and they have already laid out the anti-criminality said that in its motion for re- “If the Supreme Court en be it,” Lim further said. being accepted by the people. I foreign tourists during the long weekend. campaign dubbed as “Ligtas SUMVAC 2016” or consideration (MR), the Come- banc is equally divided in “On the other hand, if after think we are moving in the right Policemen are also assigned in major churches (Safe Summer Vacation 2016) and its immediate lec asked the High Court to opinion or the necessary the voting and re-deliberation direction. We remain focused on where activities like Visita Iglesia and the re- implementation. Felix said that all security meas- apply its own internal rules, majority vote can’t be the required majority is still the campaign and we will con- ligious processions are conducted on Maundy ures are currently in place to keep the streets and all specifi cally Section 2, Rule had, the court shall not attained, we are asking the tinue to work harder to get our Thursday and Black Friday. roads leading to churches, to the tourist spots and 12, which defi nes the court’s deliberate on it anew” court to dismiss the petitions message across to more people,” Gaerlan said seaports and bus terminals are all other places of destinations safe and secure. course of action on decisions fi led before it and to affi rm the Marcos said. also secured by the police. Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) that lack the required majority The SC, in allowing Poe to disqualifi cation of the senator His latest rating was three Likewise, Cebu Provincial Police Offi ce (CPPO) in Western Visayas was also put on heightened vote of the 15 justices. run for president without the as ordered by the Comelec in its points higher than the rating he offi cer-in-charge Senior Supt. Cliff ord Gairanod alert status from March 21-27 as part of its “Op- The said rule, Lim pointed required majority decision on December 23, 2015 resolution,” got in the March 1 to 6 Pulse Asia said about 55 police offi cers were deployed to lan Semana Santa”. out, states that “if the Supreme her citizenship eligibility, and he added. survey also commissioned by Bantayan Island and supervised by three police PCG Iloilo Commander Joemark Angue said Court en banc is equally di- has created an awkward situ- Private respondents Estrel- ABS-CBN. offi cials. The Regional Public Safety Batallion that additional personnel have been deployed in vided in opinion or the neces- ation wherein the issue would la Elamparo, former Senator He retained his lead in the (RPSB) 7 was also tapped to augment the offi c- passenger terminals to conduct inspection. sary majority vote can’t be had, possibly be decided by the Francisco Tatad, Amado Valdez National Capital Region(NCR ers that secure Cebu South Bust Terminal on N K-9 units were also deployed to assist the Phil- the court shall deliberate on it Presidential Electoral Tribunal and university professor An- or Metro Manila) at 35% and the Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City to secure passengers. ippine Ports Authority (PPA) in the inspection of anew.” “If after such delibera- (PET) if and when she wins and tonio Contreras also fi led their Balance of Luzon, 29%. In Antique, Police Senior Supt. Louis Garong baggage and cargos to ensure smooth fl ow of pas- tion still no decision is reached is elected to offi ce, he said. motions for reconsideration Marcos also took Class ABC at said that security operations for the Holy Week senger embarking and disembarking from vessels. (sic), the court shall in an origi- “Our position in the Come- before the High Court. 31% and Class D at 27%. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 23, 2016 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL Ban on ships No place for terrorism in dolphin in Islam, says Hasina sanctuaries By Mizan Rahman them away from such activities,” e-Barat and Shab-e-Qadr as Dhaka she said in the backdrop of a slew public holidays. AFP pose grave threat to the aquat- of attacks by Islamists, including Besides, he established the Dhaka ic biodiversity of the Sundar- against minorities in the Muslim Islamic Foundation, provided bans,” forest conservator Zahir here is no place for mili- majority country. lands for Biswa Ijtema at Tongi Uddin Ahmed said. tancy and terrorism in Hasina also lamented that and Kakrail Mosque, she said. angladesh yesterday “If the coal contains too TIslam, Bangladesh Prime some countries often mix Hasina said the politics of banned boats from much sulphur and if it dis- Minister Sheikh Hasina asserted militancy with Islam. killing, coup and conspiracy Bsailing through a key solves into the water, then yesterday as she sought co-op- “For a handful of people, began after the brutal assassi- southwestern river after a it is a dire concern,” Ahmed eration from Muslim scholars to we’ve to endure this immense nation of the Father of the Na- ship loaded with coal cap- said. clamp down on those engaged in pain … this is really very painful tion and his family members in sized, threatening the sanc- “The eff ect of oil spillage terror acts in the name of Islam. for us,” she said. She also men- 1975 while illegal governments tuaries of rare dolphins in the from the ship could also be “I seek your co-operation in tioned that often people with allowed the rise in terrorism world’s largest mangrove for- damaging.” establishing the belief among vested interests wanted to create showing a disregard to the es- est. Spread over 10,000 sq km people that there’s no place instability in the country. sence of Islam. The authorities imposed the (3,900 sq miles), the Sunda- of militancy and terrorism in “But it is the duty of the gov- Hasina said her government ban after the ship sank in the rbans is the world’s largest Islam ... This is a religion of ernment to provide safety and brought 43 district offi ces of the Shela river on Saturday carry- mangrove forest and the core peace. Please, publicise it, she peace to the people of the coun- Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also lamented that some Islamic Foundation and all its ing over 1,000 tonnes of coal, part of it is a Unesco-listed said while addressing the Na- try along with ensuring food, countries often mix militancy with Islam. manpower under the revenue raising fears for two sanctuar- World Heritage Site. tional Khatib Conference at shelter, medicare facilities and sector and formed Imam-Mua- ies of endangered Irrawaddy Bangabandhu International education so that their lifestyle have killed at least nine persons hacked to death last month by jjin Welfare Trust for the welfare and Ganges river dolphins “If the coal contains too Conference Centre in Dhaka. can be improved. We’re work- including two foreigners and Islamists at a temple in northern of religious leaders. and the delicate ecology of the much sulphur and if it Hasina urged the Islamic ing towards that direction,” the wounded more than 100. Panchagarh district. The prime minister called Sundarbans forest. dissolves into the water, scholars and the people of the prime minister said. Last week a top Shia preacher Recalling the contributions of upon imams and religious “We have decided to ban then it is a dire concern” country to take steps against There have been systematic and homaoeopathic doctor were the Father of the Nation to the teachers to spread out the real all types of naval movement those engaged in subversive and assaults in Bangladesh over the stabbed to death in southwestern welfare of Islam, Hasina said teachings of Islam among the at the Shela river indefi nite- The forest is home to terrorist acts in the name of past six months specially target- Bangladesh in an attack claimed Bangabandhu had reorganised students so that they could be ly,” shipping secretary Ashok scores of endangered Bengal Islam. ing minorities, secular bloggers by the ISIS group. and expanded madrasa educa- groomed with moral values and Madhob Roy said, adding the tigers, spotted deer, fresh- “Please stay alert and keep and foreigners. These incidents A Hindu head priest was tion board, and declared Shab- characters. ships would be rerouted to an- water crocodiles and rare other channel on the edge of dolphins. the forest. The pristine mangrove Bangladesh suspended car- forest, said to be the South go boat transport through the Asian nation’s largest pro- same river in 2014 after a cata- tection against tsunamis Christian Bangladesh confi rms fi rst case of Zika virus strophic oil spill that damaged and cyclones, is already fac- the Sundarbans and triggered ing unprecedented human concerns for the forest’s dol- and industrial encroachment convert Reuters Mahmudur Rahman, di- cept for Canada and Chile, the 1, citing a “strongly suspected” phins and other endangered and poaching by gangs of Dhaka rector, ministry’s Institute of World Health Organisation relationship between Zika in- animals including Bengal sophisticated pirates. Epidemiology, Disease Control (WHO) has said. The WHO es- fection in pregnancy and mi- tigers. This month thousands of stabbed and Research, said the man timates Zika could eventually crocephaly, which can result in But the suspension was lift- Bangladeshi environmental angladesh confi rmed had never travelled outside aff ect as many as 4mn people in developmental problems. ed under pressure from local activists joined a 250-kilo- yesterday its fi rst case Bangladesh. the region. However, much remains trade groups, who have said metre (155-mile) long-march to death Bof the Zika virus in an “The virus was found in the Some cases have been found unknown about Zika, includ- the Shela river must be open to the country’s southwest to old sample of blood from a man as we tested old blood in Asia, offi cials in the region ing whether the virus actually for cargo vessels to ensure the protest the construction of 67-year old man who had not samples of nearly 1,000 people have said. causes microcephaly in babies. smooth supply of industrial two coal-fi red power plants Reuters been overseas, health ministry affl icted with fever in 2014 and Zika is carried by mosquitoes Brazil said it has confi rmed goods and food-grains to the near the Sundarbans. Dhaka offi cials said. 2015,” Rahman said. that transmit the virus to hu- more than 860 cases of micro- southwestern region. Experts fear the industrial The man lives in southeast- The Zika outbreak is aff ecting mans and it has been linked to cephaly, and considers most of Offi cials said the hull of waste of the 1,320-megawatt ern port city of Chittagong and large parts of Latin America and a spike in microcephaly, a rare them to be related to Zika infec- the vessel, which sank carry- plant, a $1.7bn joint venture uspected Islamist militants was well, junior health minister the Caribbean, with Brazil the birth defect, in Brazil. tions in the mothers. Brazil is ing more than 1,200 metric of India and Bangladesh, stabbed a Christian convert Zahid Maleque told a news con- hardest hit. The WHO declared the Zika investigating more than 4,200 tonnes of coal and is yet to be and another one by a private Sto death in northern Bang- ference. None of his relatives It is likely to spread to all outbreak an international additional suspected cases of salvaged, was cracked. company would destroy the ladesh yesterday, the latest in a had tested positive, he said. countries in the Americas ex- health emergency on February microcephaly. “The sunken coal could forest. series of attacks on minorities in the Muslim-majority nation. The South Asian country has seen a surge in Islamist violence in which liberal activists, mem- Moon festival bers of minority Muslim sects Street View imagery of and other religious groups have been targeted. Police said three attack- Lanka on Google Maps ers came on a motorbike and stabbed Hossain Ali, 68, while he was having his morning walk in IANS fi nished in February this year. Kurigram, north of Dhaka. Colombo By bringing Street View to “They left the scene explod- Sri Lanka, Google hopes to ing crude bombs to create panic,” create a new way of showcas- Kurigram district police chief To- nternet giant Google yes- ing Sri Lanka’s beauty to the barak Ullah said over telephone. terday announced that its world while helping strength- Ali converted to Christianity Ipopular street view fea- en the country’s already bur- from Islam in 1999, he added. ture for Sri Lanka is active and geoning tourism trade, the “We are not sure whether Is- available on Google Maps. statement said. lamist militants carried out the The launch brings the total Sri Lanka has become a attack,” he said, adding that the number of countries where popular tourism destination, pattern of killing bore the hall- street view is available to 76. with the numbers of tourists marks of recent attacks by Is- “We are delighted to bring heading to the island nation lamist militants. imagery of Sri Lanka to Street growing by almost 20% each Three men were picked up for View on Google Maps,” said year. In 2015, 1.8mn tourists questioning, he said. Helena Lersch, manager (pub- visited the country. Over the last few months, Is- lic policy) at Google in an offi - “Sri Lanka is already a pop- lamic State has claimed respon- cial statement. ular tourist destination, and sibility for the killings of two The new street view allows we hope Street View will make foreigners, attacks on members people around the world to the country even more acces- of minority Muslim sects and view and experience the infa- sible to people interested in other religious groups, but po- mous bustle of downtown Co- exploring and visiting here. lice say domestic militant group lombo, the cool tea plantation Whether you continue your Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen is behind hills, the rich history and beau- journey in Google Maps or are the attacks. tiful and diverse landscapes inspired to visit in person, we At least fi ve militants of of Sri Lanka in 360-degree invite you to enjoy the Land of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen have panoramic imagery from their Lions” Lersch added. been killed in shootouts since phone, tablet or computer. Highlights of the Street November, as security forces To capture this image- View of Sri Lanka are available have stepped up a crackdown ry, Google drove close to at the following link: http:// on militants seeking to make 50,000km across every state www.google.com/maps/ Sri Lankan Buddhist devotees attend a ritual during Poya, a full moon festival, at the Kelaniya Temple in the Kelaniya suburb of the moderate Muslim nation of and province in Sri Lanka start- streetview/#sri-lanka-high- Colombo yesterday. The island nation marks every full moon as a key religious holiday. 160mn a Shariah-based state. ing from December 2014 and lights Prince Harry celebrates festival of colours Nepal becomes member

DPA Harry also played volley- Kathmandu ball with boys from a sec- of SCO Dialogue Partner ondary school in Lamjung, where he stayed with a ritain’s Prince Harry Gurkha family on Monday IANS tus at the SCO in 2007 and in 2015. The yesterday joined in night. Kathmandu decision to grant it the Dialogue Partner Bthe celebrations of The prince was fl own by status was taken at the 15th SCO Sum- the festival of colours in the Nepal army chopper to mit held on July 9-10, 2015, in Russian city Nepal, where he is currently Pokhara yesterday, where epal yesterday offi cially became of Ufa. visiting survivors of the he visited the British Gur- a Dialogue Partner of the Sang- The Shanghai Co-operation Organi- 2015 earthquake. kha camp before arriving in Nhai Co-operation Organisation sation is a permanent intergovernmen- The Holi festival, which Kathmandu. (SCO), after signing a memorandum of tal organisation founded on June 15, marks the beginning of Harry, who is in Nepal on understanding in Beijing. 2001, by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Chi- spring, is celebrated by a fi ve-day visit, is to join the Nepal’s foreign secretary Shanker Das na, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and people covering each other president in inaugurating Bairagi and SCO secretary-general Rashid Uzbekistan. in colourful powder. the Nepal Girl Summit be- K Alimov inked the memorandum during At present, four countries - Afghanistan, Photos released by local fore returning home today. a special ceremony held at the SCO Secre- Belarus, Iran and Mongolia - have been media showed the prince It is the fi rst time in years tariat in Beijing. granted Observer Status while Ufa Summit smearing vermillion on that a British royal family The programme was witnessed by Ne- has decided to admit India and Pakistan as the faces of villagers in the member has visited Nepal. pal Prime Minister K P Oli and other sen- full members. Lamjung district, while The late Princess Diana, ior ministers. Oli is on an offi cial visit to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, also having his own face Harry’s mother, visited the China. Sri Lanka and Turkey also are Dialogue Prince Harry joins in the celebrations of the festival of colours in Nepal. coloured. Himalayan nation in 1993. Nepal applied for Dialogue Partner sta- Partners of the SCO. Gulf Times 26 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief : Darwish S Ahmed Production Editor: C P Ravindran The role of women

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] is imperative for peace Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) Gender inequality is especially in confl ict-aff ected to prevent and end ongoing wars. UN Secretary General, organised by Fax 44350474 environments, where, compared to From sitting at the negotiating a group of female scholars and civil a fundamental global men, women suff er harm diff erently table to building the blocks for long- society leaders, is an excellent example governance challenge, and disproportionately. term reconciliation and peaceful toward achieving this goal. Despite the call in Resolution co-existence, women are poised to Current possible candidates especially in 1325 for greater female participation contribute, when given the opportunity, to succeed Ban Ki-moon include confl ict-aff ected in peace processes, they remain to fair and durable solutions so essential Unesco’s director-general Irina acutely under-represented in UN- to reduce human suff ering. Bokova, UNDP’s administrator Helen GULF TIMES environments brokered talks. Research carried out To ensure that women’s voices are Clark, and former special adviser by UNIFEM/UN Women reveals heard and decision-makers made to the UN secretary-general Amina By Haifa Fahoum al-Kaylani and that, in fourteen diverse cases since more accountable, particularly Mohamed. Ibrahim Gambari 2000, women’s participation in peace in fragile states, the commission Their high-level qualifi cations and The Hague negotiation delegations averaged less proposes several innovations to proven leadership skills demonstrate Bangladesh cyber heist than 8%, and less than 3% of their advance a vision of “just security”. that a woman leader can be selected signatories were women. First, strengthen the role of for the UN’s top job based on merit. N Security women in peace processes. Global Whoever is appointed should should ring alarm bells Council Global and regional and regional institutions should ultimately place a premium on Resolution appoint women to prominent improving UN recruitment, retention, U1325 institutions should peacemaking roles. International and the advancement of women to for fi nancial world (adopted in 2000) actors that support peace processes serve in senior posts. recognised, for the fi rst time, the vital appoint women should demand women’s inclusion in All too often women, especially contribution of women to confl ict negotiating teams and as signatories in violent confl ict and post-confl ict A comical typo saved the Bangladeshi central bank prevention and resolution. to prominent to ensure that their experiences and settings, struggle to achieve dignifi ed from losing as much as $1bn to hackers, but of the As a symbolic act and practical call peacemaking roles priorities are represented. livelihoods and exert decision- $101mn stolen, $81mn is yet to be found. to action, the resolution acknowledged Second, employ National Action making power, lack access to critical what we have experienced throughout Plans for Resolution 1325 as an services and suff er serious physical Hackers broke into Bangladesh Bank’s computer our careers in diplomacy, business, Today, only two of 22 UN eff ective tool of foreign policy. and mental harm - a toxic triple threat systems in early February, stole the credentials academia, and development: the undersecretaries-general are Incorporating such plans into a that devastates lives and undermines needed to authorise payment transfers via the SWIFT involvement of women in peace women, and in UN missions, women country’s foreign policy can secure women’s ability to contribute to interface and asked the Federal Reserve Bank of New processes signifi cantly improves the make up less than one-third of the and sustain political will and resources society. The ideas we lay out above prospects for a more durable peace. international civilian staff , 21% of - two critical components for ensuring should be considered and acted upon York to make massive money transfers from the Yet, 16 years on, formidable senior professional levels, and only that a Plan’s objectives are met and with a sense of urgency. Bangladeshi bank’s account with the Fed to overseas political, socio-cultural, and 18% of national staff . leaders held accountable. We will only begin to meet the accounts. Four transfers to the Philippines totalling economic obstacles remain to the Moreover, the recent Global Study Third, tackle the socio- most pressing global governance about $80mn worked. But a fi fth, for $20mn to be full participation of women in peace on the Implementation of UN Security economic factors that disadvantage challenges when women, who are eff orts, whether as peacemakers Council Resolution 1325 found that women’s status in society. The disproportionately victims, are part of sent to a fi ctitious Sri Lankan non-profi t group, was or as citizens - something the only 54 countries have formulated commission recognises several the solution. fl agged as suspicious by a routing bank in the country resolution was supposed to help National Action Plans for Resolution such factors, including the lack of because of the “fandation” (instead of “foundation”) overcome. This is a major conclusion 1325. Entire regions, notably the access to education, reproductive zHaifa Fahoum al-Kaylani is founding error. of the Commission on Global Justice, Americas and Middle East, are lagging health services, and decent work chair of the Arab International Security & Governance, on which we behind. opportunities in the formal economy. Women’s Forum and Ibrahim Gambari The requests waiting to be processed - amounting proudly serve. Meanwhile, the plight of millions Finally, the commission strongly is former foreign aff airs Minister up to $870mn - was thus halted. In our report, “Confronting the of women, men, and children in the endorses the UN’s goal of empowering of Nigeria and UN undersecretary- Now the Bangladeshi central bank is in turmoil. Crisis of Global Governance”, we view Greater Middle East seeking refuge in women to become national and general for political aff airs. They both Its governor as well as top offi cials have resigned; gender inequality as a fundamental near-by Europe and beyond reminds world leaders in the 21st century. serve on the Commission on Global global governance challenge, us daily of the need for urgent action The Campaign to Elect a Woman Security, Justice & Governance. the country’s leading cybercrime experts have been kidnapped, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Bangladeshi authorities amid suggestions of insider help for the theft. There are lessons to be learnt: Central banks make fat targets. Those in the developing world, with lots of new capital but not as much digital fortifi cation, are especially at risk. Bangladesh has some $28bn in foreign currency reserves with alarmingly rickety fences around it: A hacker’s dream. Offi cials at Bangladesh Bank also kept quiet for more than a month, a grim The puzzling reminder of how crucial information sharing is. episode should Even after a successful heist, serve as a preventing hackers wakeup call for from moving the money requires global co- the Gulf region operation. The thieves in this case laundered much of the cash through casinos in the Philippines where casinos are exempted from otherwise strict anti-money-laundering requirements. The heist has shown that the SWIFT messaging system is not 100% impregnable too. While, Brussels- based SWIFT, a co-operative owned by some 3,000 global fi nancial institutions, can advise members to follow certain minimum security standards, there is no organisation with regulatory oversight of how central banks and other fi nancial institutions secure their networks, according to IT experts. The puzzling episode should serve as a wakeup call for the Gulf region, one of the most securely connected in the world, to dig deeper to counter the ever mutating cyber security threats. Depending on the country, from a quarter to more than half of the organisations in the region have said they faced viruses and other malware, phishing and software vulnerabilities in the past year, according to a Kaspersky Lab report last April. Indian school children taking part in an awareness rally held to mark World Water Day in Hyderabad yesterday. Despite the irreversibly speeding up “Internet- of-Things” technology, the fact remains that even the most secure IT installations in the world are not always beyond a breach. But cyber security, though How water shortages threaten jobs and growth prosaically boring, is everyone’s responsibility. (“I am not a technical person,” explanation from the now By Astrid Zweynert small-scale projects providing access jobs are being created because water This in turn will lead to a 70% Thomson Reuters Foundation/London to safe water and basic sanitation in becomes available.” increase in demand for food, putting ex-governor of Bangladesh Bank can’t help.) Making Africa could off er a return equivalent Fleur Anderson, global head of more pressure on water through better use of encryption, access controls and strong to almost 5% of the continent’s campaigns at charity Water Aid, farming, which is already the biggest verifi cation systems with constant updating can help, n estimated three out of four economic output, the report said. said the high cost of water in many consumer of water. but nothing can substitute for training and vigilance. jobs globally are dependent developing countries also aff ects jobs As climate change contributes to Hackers only have to get lucky once, but the fi nancial on water, meaning that and economic choices. rising sea levels and extreme weather, shortages and lack of access “You’re creating a In Papua New Guinea, for example, at least one in four people will live in world needs be on alert round the clock. A are likely to limit economic growth multiplier eff ect: jobs poor people have to spend 54% of a country with chronic or recurring in the coming decades, the UN said their day’s earnings to buy 50 litres of shortages of fresh water by 2050, yesterday. are being created water, the amount the World Health the UN estimates, making it more About 1.5bn people - half the Organisation says a person needs important to focus on expanding To Advertise world’s workers - are employed in because water every day for domestic use and to rainwater harvesting and recycling industries heavily dependent on maintain health and hygiene. wastewater. [email protected] water, most of them in farming, becomes available” This compares with as little as 0.1% Connor said funding for Display fisheries and forestry, the UN World of the income of someone earning the projects was still often based on Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 Water Development Report 2016 In the US, every $1mn invested minimum wage in Britain. “investment in pumps and pipes” said. in the country’s water supply and “It means countries are not getting rather than a more holistic view, Classified “There is a direct effect on jobs treatment infrastructure generates the economic benefi ts of their working taking into account water’s key Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 worldwide if there are disruptions between 10 and 20 additional jobs, population because people are role in building a sustainable in water supply through natural according to the report. spending so much of their money on economy as part of the new global Subscription causes, such as droughts, or if water “Whether it’s a water treatment water,” Anderson said. development goals. [email protected] doesn’t get to communities because facility or a system to bring water Demand for water is expected More investment in renewable of infrastructure problems,” said to fi elds to irrigate, you’re not just to increase by 2050 as the world’s energy such as solar and wind, which Richard Connor, the report’s editor- funding that project,” Connor told the population is forecast to grow by one- use very little water, is also crucial in 2014 Gulf Times. All rights reserved in-chief. Thomson Reuters Foundation. third to more than 9bn, according to reducing demand for water, Connor Research has shown investment in “You’re creating a multiplier eff ect: the UN. said. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 23, 2016 27 COMMENT New rules for the monetary game

We are far from having clear As Jean-Claude Juncker, then There will be plenty of gray areas agreement on the colour of Luxembourg’s prime minister, said at (or orange, to stick to the analogy). A the height of the euro crisis: “We all policy that has large positive eff ects policies today, even with the know what to do; we just don’t know for a big economy might have small best data, models and how to get re-elected after we’ve done negative eff ects for the rest of the it!” world and yet still be positive overall empirical work Central bankers face a diff erent for global welfare. Such a policy would problem: infl ation that is fl irting with be permissible for some time, but not By Raghuram Rajan the lower bound of their mandate. on a sustained basis. New Delhi With interest rates already very low, We are far from having clear advanced economies’ central bankers agreement on the colour of policies know that they must go beyond today, even with the best data, models ur world is ordinary monetary policy – or lose and empirical work. So we must begin facing an credibility on infl ation. They feel a discussion. We could start with increasingly that they cannot claim to be out of background papers from eminent Odangerous tools. If all else fails, there is always academics and move on to multilateral situation. Both advanced and the “helicopter drop”, whereby the institutions such as the International emerging economies need to grow central bank prints money and sprays Monetary Fund (IMF) and the G-20. in order to ease domestic political it on the streets to create infl ation There will be a lot of fuzziness tensions. And yet few are. (more prosaically, it sends a cheque initially, but discussion will lead in If governments respond by enacting to every citizen, perhaps more to time to better models and data – and policies that divert growth from other the poor, who are likelier to spend will push policymakers to stay out of countries, this “beggar my neighbour” it). But they can also employ a range the clearly red. tactic will simply foster instability of other unconventional tools more Arguably, what I have in mind will elsewhere. What we need, therefore, aggressively, from asset purchases (so- eventually require a new international are new rules of the game. called quantitative easing) to negative agreement along the lines of Bretton Why is it proving to be so hard to interest rates. Woods, and some reinterpretation restore pre-Great Recession growth But do such policies achieve their of the mandates of internationally rates? The immediate answer is that goal of strengthening demand and infl uential central banks. But we the boom preceding the global fi nancial growth? Monetary policy works by already have a basis for discussion. crisis of 2008 left advanced economies infl uencing public expectations. If an The IMF’s Article IV states: “In with an overhang of growth-inhibiting ever more aggressive policy convinces particular, each member shall … avoid debt. While the remedy may be to the public that calamity is around the manipulating exchange rates or the write down debt to revive demand, corner, households may save rather international monetary system in it is uncertain whether write-downs than spend. That tendency will be In normal circumstances, if a devaluations that leave no country avoided at all times would be “red.” order to prevent eff ective balance-of- are politically feasible or the resulting even greater if the public senses that country reduces domestic interest better off. If a policy has positive eff ects on payments adjustment or to gain unfair demand sustainable. Moreover, the consequences (distorted asset rates to boost domestic consumption As matters stand, central banks in both home and foreign countries, it competitive advantage over other structural factors like population ageing prices, high government debt, etc.) and investment, its exchange rate developed countries fi nd all sorts of would defi nitely be green. A policy members…” and low productivity growth – which eventually must be reversed. depreciates, too, helping exports. ways to justify their policies, without could also be green if it jump- Setting the rules will take time. But were previously masked by debt-fuelled Conversely, if people were Today’s circumstances, however, acknowledging the unmentionable starts the home economy with only the international community has a demand – may be hampering the convinced that policies would never are not normal. Domestic demand – that the exchange rate may be the temporary negative spillovers for choice. We can pretend all is well with recovery. change, they might splurge again on may not respond to unconventional primary channel of transmission. If the foreign economy (the policy will the global monetary non-system and Politicians know that structural assets and take on excessive debt, policy. Moreover, facing distorted so, what we need are monetary rules still be good for the foreign economy hope that nothing goes spectacularly reforms – to increase competition, helping the central bank achieve its domestic bond prices stemming that prevent a central bank’s domestic by eventually boosting the home wrong. Or we can start building a foster innovation and drive objectives in the short run. But policy from unconventional policy, mandate from trumping a country’s economy’s demand for imports). system fi t for the integrated world of the institutional change – are the way inevitably changes, and the shifts in pension funds and insurance international responsibility. An example of a red policy would twenty-fi rst century.- Project Syndicate to tackle structural impediments to asset prices would create enormous companies may look to buy them in To use a traffi c analogy, policies be when unconventional monetary growth. But they know that, while dislocation when it does. less distorted markets abroad. Such with few adverse spillovers should policies do little to boost a country’s zRaghuram Rajan is governor of the the pain from reform is immediate, Beyond the domestic impacts, a search for yield will depreciate be rated “green”; those that should domestic demand – but lead to large Reserve Bank of India. This article is gains are typically delayed and their all monetary policies have external the exchange rate further – and be used temporarily could be rated capital outfl ows that provoke asset- based on work with Dr Prachi Mishra at benefi ciaries uncertain. “spillover” eff ects. increase the risk of competitive “orange”; and policies that should be price bubbles in emerging markets. the Reserve Bank of India. Letters Weather report Three-day forecast

TODAY Achievement for attain the QNSA certifi cate. a better place to have our baby boy. with the more effi cient LED ones. High: 28 C We trust that IIS will continue We are highly pleased with the It should be the same case with Low : 19 C Slight dust to blowing dust at places Ideal Indian School to work for improved students’ service and treatment we received at water usage; the taps should be closed with some scattered clouds programmes, discipline, particularly the hospital. when not in use. Dear Sir, in upgrading the facilities to enrol We should not think that these students for competitive events. Ahmed Abdul Wahab Parkar small steps are not going to aff ect us THURSDAY As a parent, I am extremely Sports, I hope, will also be given more PO Box 50019 directly; we should always remember High: 26 C delighted to know that the Ideal priority than it does now. Doha what we will experience when there is Low: 18 C Indian School (IIS) has received The school must be aware that it has scarcity of these essential resources. Sunny Qatar National School Accreditation the full support of all parents. We wish (QNSA). I take this opportunity IIS all the best as it is moulding the Earth Hour Jeena to congratulate the school next generation. every day! (e-mail address supplied) FRIDAY management, principal and all its High: 27 C teaching and non-teaching staff on Sam Joy Low: 19 C their well-deserved and overlong [email protected] Dear Sir, Please send us Sunny success. your letters IIS must be proud of this Earth Hour was observed in Qatar Thank you, Fishermen’s forecast achievement. It must have worked and other countries in the past week By e-mail very hard to win this recognition. Wakra hospital! and the pictures of various towers that [email protected] OFFSHORE DOHA The institution’s commitment and participated in the campaign were Fax 44350474 Wind: NW 15-25/30 KT dedication to education has helped it in Gulf Times. But why cannot one Or Post Waves:4-8/10 Feet Dear Sir, observe Earth Hour every day? Every INSHORE DOHA Letters to the Editor Wind: NW-NE 10-20/30 KT person can and must contribute to it Gulf Times Waves: 1-3/4 Feet I would like to express my sincere by making sure that he/she switches P O Box 2888 gratitude to all the staff , especially off the light in the offi ce/fl oor before Doha, Qatar Around the region doctors and nurses, of Hamad he/she leaves for home. Weather Weather Hospital’s Al Wakra unit for the There are various towers that stay All letters, which are subject to ed- today Max/min tomorrow Max/min support and care received from them lit all night even if there is no one iting, should have the name of the Abu Dhabi P Cloudy 28/19 Cloudy 26/17 during my wife’s premature delivery. working in the offi ces there. They can writer, address and phone number. Baghdad Sunny 25/11 P Cloudy 26/17 The writer’s name and address Dubai P Cloudy 27/20 Sunny All staff members have been make sure that all lights are off from 25/18 may be withheld by request. Kuwait City Sunny 28/16 M Sunny 29/16 The Ideal Indian School has received extremely helpful and highly 7pm to 7am. Energy saving can also Manama Cloudy 24/19 Sunny 24/19 Qatar National School Accreditation. experienced. We could not have picked be done by replacing traditional bulbs Muscat S T Storms 28/23 Sunny 27/21 Riyadh Sunny 26/12 Sunny 26/13 Tehran M Sunny 16/08 Sunny 21/12 Live issues What does your inner voice say to you?

By Oliver Burkeman goes, is the constant commentary A familiar refrain, but it doesn’t New York from a voice that tells us we’re feel true for me. Is that because my worthless, or that others should treat thoughts are more visual? Possibly, us diff erently. yet based on talking with others, sychologists may be the Happiness results from changing I fear my “mind’s eye” is a pitiful only researchers barred, on what the voice says, or learning organ, too: the pictures it generates principle, from encountering to quieten or ignore it, usually via are dim and colourless, while theirs Pthe thing they’re meant cognitive therapy or meditation. are sharp and bright. None of these to be studying. If anatomy’s your (Some experts speculate that sensory metaphors – talking, seeing Around the world passion, cut up a corpse; if you want the other kind of inner voices – – describe how thinking feels to Weather Weather to understand Polynesian rituals, those reported by people with me. Maybe I’m weird. Or maybe I’m today Max/min tomorrow Max/min get on a plane. But you’ll never schizophrenia – are actually the normal, but lack the words to convey Athens P Cloudy 20/14 P Cloudy 19/12 get inside other people’s mental same thing, mistakenly interpreted it. Beirut M Sunny 22/19 Sunny 28/16 Bangkok M Sunny 37/27 P Cloudy 35/27 experience. Not that people don’t as originating outside the self.) Spend much time thinking along Berlin Showers 07/02 M Cloudy 08/02 make impressive efforts: in one Still, you’d be forgiven for thinking these lines, and you’ll be struck by Cairo P Cloudy 32/20 P Cloudy 32/17 recent study (which I found via this raises more questions than it the dizzying truth that there’s an Cape Town P Cloudy 24/17 Sunny 25/16 the Research Digest blog), the New answers. Such as: what do you mean unbridgeable chasm between your Colombo P Cloudy 33/26 M Sunny 33/25 Sunny 33/22 York University researcher Ruvanee by “inner voice”? It’s not only that mind and everyone else’s. You’ll never Dhaka 34/22 P Cloudy Hong Kong Showers 21/14 Showers 16/10 Vilhauer investigated the “inner different people may have different know how those to whom you’re Istanbul M Cloudy 20/11 Cloudy 17/08 voice” many people claim to hear experiences; it’s that we might not closest really experience the world. Jakarta T Storms 31/25 S T Storms 32/26 when they’re reading. even have the language to figure that Take emotional intensity: what if their Karachi Sunny 34/21 Sunny 34/22 Around 80% of us believe we hear out. idea of “incredibly happy” is your idea London M Cloudy 13/04 Cloudy 11/08 Manila P Cloudy 35/23 Sunny 35/24 such a voice, she concluded. For many, Consider the only example I’m in of “mildly pleased”, or vice versa? Who Moscow P Cloudy 01/-9 S Showers 0/-6 it’s their own voice; for others, it’s the a position to consider: me. I’ve often could tell? New Delhi Sunny 34/17 M Sunny 37/19 voices of characters in the book; some suspected that my inner world is less Human interaction is a matter New York M Sunny 20/09 P Cloudy 18/13 report that they hear text messages verbal than most people’s. “In case of yelling between mountaintops, Paris P Cloudy 13/06 Cloudy 12/08 T Storms T Storms 26/19 in the voice of the sender. Perhaps you hadn’t noticed, you have a mental through driving rain, in diff erent Sao Paulo 26/19 Seoul M Sunny 13/0 M Sunny 12/0 one day there’ll be brain implants Beyond the experience of reading, dialogue going on inside your head languages, with socks over our heads. Singapore S T Storms 34/27 T Storms 33/27 with customised voices, just as you this inner voice is a staple of writings that never stops,” Michael A Singer Picture that in your mind’s eye. If you Sydney Sunny 26/16 M Sunny 25/18 can have Snoop Dogg do your satnav. on self-help and spirituality. The writes in his bestseller The Untethered even have one. – Guardian News and Tokyo Clear 17/06 Cloudy 12/06 Although I hope not. cause of all our misery, the theory Soul. Media Gulf Times 28 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 QATAR

Qatar Museums chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, HE the Minister of Economy and Qatar Museums chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani striking a Chinese gong at QIFF yesterday Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani and Chinese ambassador Li Chen visit The Pearl-Qatar, one to highlight the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture. PICTURES: Jayan Orma of the satellite venues of the QIFF. Qatar food festival gets ready to off er a ‘world of fl avours’

By Joey Aguilar From MIA Park’s Water Court, Doha and partnered with Qatar Staff Reporter Sheikha Al Mayassa was ferried culinary professionals to hold by a water taxi to The Pearl- some demonstrations aimed at Qatar and Katara – the Cultural educating children on healthy atar Museums chair- Village, two of the festival’s sat- lifestyles. person HE Sheikha Al ellite venues. “Students will stay at the QMayassa bint Hamad As part of QIFF’s new activa- Cooking Theatre for a fun cook- bin Khalifa al-Thani and HE the tion this year, a number of water ing session, they will go to the Minister of Economy and Com- taxis will be used to give visitors entertainment stage and see dif- merce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim a traffi c-free ride between the ferent kind of shows led by some bin Mohamed al-Thani offi cially three venues. TV characters,” said Fatma al- opened the seventh Qatar In- Tickets can be bought at the Sayed from QTA’s festivals and ternational Food Festival (QIFF) marina water gate in each of the tourism events. at the Museum of Islamic Art locations for QR25 one way, ac- “They will also go to the health (MIA) Park yesterday. cording to QTA’s Festivals and zone for a workshop.” Running until March 28, the Tourism Events director Mashal The festival will be open to seven-day culinary event is ex- Shahbik. the public between 1pm and pected to attract a large number “We always think how to en- 10.30pm while fi reworks display of local and international visi- large QIFF for visitors and one will take place daily at 8pm. tors. option we suggested this year “This year’s festival is our Sheikha Al Mayassa and is the water taxi along with the best yet,” Qatar Tourism Au- Sheikh Ahmed were joined by limousine, Uber and bus servic- thority’s (QTA) chief Marketing Chinese ambassador Li Chen in Mashal Shahbik es,” she told a press briefi ng yes- and Promotions offi cer Rashed striking a Chinese gong to high- terday. Water taxis will operate al-Qurese said, as he lauded the light the Qatar-China 2016 Year and chef Aisha al-Tamimi at the between 4pm and 9.15pm. eff orts of co-organisers Qatar of Culture, which forms part of Live Cooking Theatre. In co-ordination with the Airways and their new partners, the celebration this year. A traditional Dragon dance Ministry of Education and High- United Development Company Besides trying a ‘healthy juice’ also welcomed Sheikha Al Ma- er Education, QIFF also allotted and Katara. prepared by global lifestyle per- yassa and other guests at the special visiting hours (9.30am to He stressed that visitors and sonality Martha Stewart, the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Cul- 1pm) from March 24-28, to stu- residents across the city will dignitaries also watched a spe- ture dedicated zone. A number dents from diff erent schools in have the opportunity to experi- cial cooking presentation by of stalls off er visitors a variety Qatar. ence “a world of fl avours” in this MIA’s Food and Beverage execu- of Chinese, Qatari delicacies and Prior to the actual celebra- year’s unique culinary celebra- The traditional Chinese Dragon dance greets guests at QIFF. tive chef Frederique Larquement fusion cuisine. tion, QTA also visited schools in tion. QTA initiative to woo GCC tourists

By Joey Aguilar Staff Reporter

atar Tourism Authority (QTA) has been working closely with neigh- Qbouring GCC countries in organ- ising bigger events such as food festivals to further attract foreign visitors. “We do not look into competing with other festivals but always like to share the same experience to people or tourists who are visiting the region,” QTA’s Festi- Stalls serve a variety of food and dishes at The Pearl-Qatar as part of vals and Tourism Events director Mashal QIFF 2016. Shahbik said on the sidelines of the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) yes- terday. She said that such events compliment each other and upscale the reputation of Visitors to get a taste host countries as best culinary destina- tions. Based on QTA’s survey conducted re- of regional cuisines cently, between 12% and 15% of the total QIFF visitors last year came from neigh- bouring countries and other regions as rom burgers and Buff alo Waffl emeister, also participated well. wings to artisanal coff ees in the festival. Shahbik said they start their market- Fand desserts, a number As one of the two satellite ing campaign for the festival ahead of of food trucks from Qatar and venues of QIFF, The Pearl-Qatar the school breaks and other holidays in across the region gather at The will also host a number of activi- other GCC countries, particularly Saudi Pearl-Qatar to serve mouthwa- ties until March 28. Arabia. tering delights throughout this For the fi rst-time, this year’s “A lot of Saudi cars are in Doha right year’s Qatar International Food festival will feature more than now. It is because they are having vaca- Festival (QIFF). a dozen local and international tion and we usually check their school Food trucks, including Sha- food trucks where visitors will be calendars, and try to fi t in the festival,” warma, Bustaurant, Rotis- spoilt for choice. With authentic she pointed out. The QIFF 2016 has added more features and attractions to serie, Art Cafe, Burgeri, Pick food truck experience being the About holding a second QIFF this year, welcome and greet visitors at the Museum of Islamic Art Park for n Shake, Potato Truck, Buf- new trend of late, visitors will be Shahbik said they prefer to expand the the event taking place until March 28. PICTURES: Jayan Orma A ‘living statue’ at MIA Park’s Qatar-China Year of Culture zone. falo Truck and Cafestation, able to sample all the wonder- event in other ways such as increasing are stationed alongside picnic ful culinary delights, experience the number of participants and adding “Based on these new activations this ing a free entry, the event also restricts clude Dinner in the Sky by Qatar Air- tables and a shaded seating live cooking demonstrations and more features every year. year, we will see how we can expand next the prices from QR5 to QR35, to make it ways, Live Cooking Theatre, High Tea area and will be illuminated at enjoy all that the festival has to This year, more than 100 participants year and showcase Qatar’s hospitality aff ordable to all. “Lots of food festivals by the Bay, InstaMarket, Health Court, night at Lido Venezia Beach, off er. are taking part at QIFF, nearly doubling and its diverse food and beverage sector,” around the world charge entry fees but Barbeque on a Dhow and Barbeque on Qanat Quartier. In addition, the views of the size of last year. Organisers also part- she said. here, we want people to enjoy the festi- the Bay. Hospitality Development Lido Venezia Beach at Qanat nered with Katara – the Cultural Village The QTA offi cial added that QIFF is val,” Shahbik said. A number of exciting activities will Company, one of United Devel- Quartier is sure to add sce- and The Pearl-Qatar to have satellite one of the few festivals around the world Like last year, QIFF brings back its also be held at two of the satellite venues opment Company’s subsidiaries nic fl avour to the week-long venues. where hotels participate. Besides off er- popular signature activities that in- of the festival. represented by Al Tabkha and festival.