BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Hazard the hero as Chelsea hold fi rm to win QNB revises up oil FA Cup price forecasts to $69 for 2018 published in QATAR since 1978

SUNDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 10824 May 20, 2018 Ramadan 4, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Duhail clinch Amir Cup Umm Al Houl In brief water plant

QATAR | Cables Amir condoles with fully ready Cuban president His Highness the Amir Sheikh zPlant to produce 2,520 megawatts of Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh electricity; offi cial opening in October Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin QNA The chairman of the board stressed Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani sent Doha that the unjust blockade imposed on yesterday cables of condolences to Qatar did not affect in any way the Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel pace of projects related to the pro- on the victims of Friday’s plane he water production stages of duction of electricity and water car- crash, wishing the injured a speedy the Umm Al Houl Power Plant ried out by Qatar Electricity and Wa- recovery. Thave been completed, a senior ter Company. offi cial of Kahramaa has said. Al-Mohannadi said that the plant QATAR | Awareness His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attended the final football match between Al Rayyan SC and Al Duhail Fahad Hamad al-Mohannadi, Gen- would support the country’s con- MEC reaps benefi ts of SC for the Amir Cup, held at Khalifa International Stadium yesterday evening, which ended with Al Duhail winning over Al Rayyan eral Manager and Managing Director sumption of water and electricity, add- 2-1. The Amir honoured the players of Al Duhail Sports Club with the Cup and presented them with gold medals, while His of Kahramaa, said the plant currently ing about 25% to the installed capacity. ‘Arabisation’ initiative Highness presented Al Rayyan’s players with silver medals. The match was attended by HE Sheikh Abdul-Aziz bin Khalifa al-Thani, pumps 136mn gallons of water daily. Upon completion, it will be one of the The Ministry of Economy and His Highness Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, Personal Representative of the Amir, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Mohannadi, who also serves as largest power and desalination plants Commerce (MEC) has said most al-Thani, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa al-Thani as well as a number of His Highness the Father Amir’s sons. It was also attended chairman of the board of Umm Al Houl in the Gulf region. The plant will pro- suppliers in the country have among others by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Page 28 Power Plant, said yesterday that the duce 60mn gallons of water through complied with its initiative to completion of the power generation reverse osmosis, making it the largest use Arabic as the main language phase of the plant, which is scheduled terminal in the Gulf and Middle East when dealing with consumers. to produce 2,520 megawatts (MW) of region. This reflects the MEC’s success to electricity, will soon be announced. Al-Mohannadi stressed that the raise awareness among suppliers He said that the announcement of electricity and water authorities have about their legal obligations and the completion of the water production been able to complete all projects to duties, the ministry has stressed UN rights body votes to send stages of the plant confi rmed that the meet the growing demand in the coun- in a statement. The extent of the project was ahead of schedule and dem- try. The company has achieved the new suppliers’ commitment was revealed onstrated the ability of Qatar Electricity feat as the old stations such as Ras Abu during inspection campaigns. and Water Company to fulfi l its obliga- Fontas A are being phased out. Page 4 team to probe Israeli crimes tions towards the state, especially as the He stressed that Kahramaa has company was working on completing its managed to meet the enormous needs QATAR | Funding local projects at an accelerated pace. He that have arisen because of the un- $12mn deal signed QNA against civilians throughout the oc- “Although some of the demonstra- also pointed out that this achievement precedented all-round development Geneva cupied Palestinian territory, including tors threw Molotov cocktails, used confi rmed the ability of the company to witnessed by Qatar, thanks to the for displaced Syrians East Jerusalem. sling-shots to throw stones, flew fi nish the full work of the station for its wise leadership of His Highness the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) In addition, the resolution de- burning kites into Israel, and at- offi cial opening in October next. Amir. and Qatar Red Crescent Society he UN Human Rights Council manded Israel, as the occupying tempted to use wire-cutters against (QRCS) have signed a $12mn funding has voted to send an interna- power, to immediately and complete- the two fences between Gaza and agreement to support displaced Ttional war crimes investigation ly halt its illegal closure of the occu- Israel, these actions alone do not communities in Syria, as well as team to Gaza to look into the deadly pied Gaza Strip, which amounts to appear to constitute the imminent Syrian refugees in neighbouring shootings of Palestinian protesters by collective punishment of Palestinian threat to life or deadly injury which countries, under the umbrella of Israeli forces. civilians, calling for the immediate, could justify the use of lethal force,” Trump Jr. met Gulf princes’ the United Nations (UN). Targeting Condemning the killings, the body in sustainable and unconditional open- the UN high commissioner for human a total of 5.6mn beneficiaries in a resolution said: “The disproportionate ing of the crossings to the flow of rights said. Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, this and indiscriminate use of force by the Is- humanitarian aid, commercial goods “Killings resulting from the unlawful emissary prior to US election contribution comes under the raeli occupying forces against Palestinian and persons, especially those who use of force by an occupying power may Syria Humanitarian Response Plan civilians violates international humani- need urgent medical care. also constitute ‘wilful killings’ a grave Reuters The meeting was a chance for the adopted by the United Nations tarian law, international human rights Before the resolution was voted, UN breach of the Fourth Geneva Conven- Washington envoy to off er help to the Trump presi- Off ice for the Co-ordination of law and relevant UN resolutions.” High Commissioner for Human Rights tion. dential campaign, according to the Humanitarian Aff airs and the United The resolution, which called on the Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein criticised as “The human rights situation in the New York Times. Nations High Commissioner for UN Human Rights Council to “urgently “wholly disproportionate” Israel’s re- occupied Palestinian territory contin- onald Trump Jr., the US presi- The newspaper said the meeting, Refugees. Page 7 dispatch an independent, international sponse to the mass protests in Gaza. ues to deteriorate. Settlement build- dent’s eldest son, met in August held on August 3, 2016, was arranged commission of inquiry,” was backed on Despite claims by Israeli Prime Min- ing continues, and settler violence has D2016 with an envoy represent- by Erik Prince, the founder and former Friday by 29 members, while 14 mem- ister Benjamin Netanyahu that the again been rising this year. Demolitions ing the crown princes of United Arab head of private military contractor bers abstained and two members, the Israeli security forces try to minimise of private property continue, including Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Blackwater, who attended the meeting. United States and Australia, rejected it. casualties, Zeid said, “there is little punitive demolitions, which constitute The meeting was fi rst reported by Joel Zamel, a co-founder of an Israeli It called for the immediate end of all evidence of any attempt to minimise a deplorable form of collective punish- the New York Times and confi rmed by consulting fi rm, was also in attend- the attacks, incitement and violence casualties on Monday”. ment,” he added. an attorney representing Trump Jr. ance. To Page 15

BRITAIN | Royals Harry, Meghan tie the knot in star-studded wedding Saudi Arabia to show World Cup matches illegally Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot at Windsor Castle By Anthony Harwood so only Internet users in the desert to a legitimate beIN subscriber. with law enforcement operators in the owners, our business model is predi- yesterday in a royal wedding like London Correspondent kingdom who pay $100 for decoder Each customer has a unique identifi - country. cated on the ability to market and sell no other, mixing British pomp and boxes can access it. cation number, called a fi ngerprint, and “But it gets diffi cult when there’s a protected rights and we will take all African-American culture in front beOutQ broadcasts exactly the same normally this can be detected if fraud is government involved. Everyone says available action to support the invest- of a celebrity congregation and diplomatic row means Saudi transmission as beIN, with the same being carried out and the supply cut off . it’s state-sponsored piracy. But it’s dif- ment made in the League by our legiti- cheering crowds. The new Duke and Arabia will be pirating all 64 studio pundits, only with a ten second But the beOutQ operation has found fi cult to counter, because the powers mate broadcast partners.” Duchess of Sussex exchanged vows Amatches of the Russia World delay and the beOutQ logo superim- a way of hiding the fi nger print. are pretty limited.” Sharp said it was the responsibility in St. George’s Chapel in a historic Cup next month after banning the posed. Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, a British Sophie Jordan, General Counsel of of rights suppliers – such as the FA and ceremony. Page 20 sports channel in Qatar, which owns beIN has tried to fi nd out how the anti-piracy company who assists SKY beIN Media Group, said: “For the past Premier League – to ensure that these the broadcast rights. Saudi-based station is tapping into the with its prosecutions, said: “We are 10 months, beOutQ and its Saudi back- rights aren’t taken by others. RAMADAN THOUGHT beIN Sports owns the rights to footage. aware of the immense frustration and ers have been illegally pirating our pro- “I’m sure the Premier League are work- broadcast the FA Cup match across prietary sports content on an industrial ing out what to do, which is why they’re not And fear a Day (of Judgment) when the Middle East, as well as the Premier Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, a British anti-piracy company who scale, brazenly stealing IP and making saying too much about it,” he added. a person shall not avail another, nor League, Champions League and next assists SKY with its prosecutions, said: “We are aware of the it their own. If left unchecked, this will In June last year Saudi Arabia, the will intercession be accepted from month’s World Cup. have a dramatic and long-term impact United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and him nor will compensation be taken immense frustration and anger that comes out of beIN who are But ever since a diplomatic row be- on the grass roots funding of the sports Egypt launched a diplomatic and from him nor will they be helped. unable to stop what appears to be state-sponsored piracy” tween the two countries fl ared up a year that we all enjoy.” transport blockade of Qatar accusing (Qur’an 2: 48) ago Saudi Arabia has cut off all business But so far all they have been able to anger that comes out of beIN who are An FA spokesperson said: “beIN are a it of cosying up to Iran and supporting Prayer times with Qatar, including its sports fans’ do is trace the beOutQ signal to the unable to stop what appears to be state- valued international broadcast partner terrorism, which Doha denies. access to the Qatari channel. Saudi capital, Riyadh. sponsored piracy. of the FA. We take issues of piracy seri- beIN has paid billions of dollars to Fajr....3.21 Zuhr....11.30 Asr....2.56 Shortly after the dispute started the Tom Keaveny, beIN’s Managing Di- “For beIN to lose market share to an ously and support beIN with their anti- secure exclusive rights to the world’s Maghrib.....6.17 Isha.....7.47 Saudis banned the sale of beIN broad- rector for the Middle East, said the illegal operator is causing them huge piracy eff orts.” most prestigious tournaments to se- cast boxes and stopped existing cus- beOutQ operation ‘takes industrial problems. Even though some may feel A Premier League spokesman said: cure its primacy in the Middle East. Fasting times tomers from paying subscriptions to scale knowledge and ability and multi- it’s not what it was, the FA Cup Final is “The Premier League operates a signif- But now it faces the nightmare sce- the channel. million dollar funding. This isn’t some- still a massive thing around the world. icant anti-piracy programme in a range nario of watching a bootlegging sat- Iftar today ...... 6.17pm Instead it managed to pirate the one in their bedroom’. “In the past the Premier League has of countries to protect the copyright of ellite service off ering access to all 64 Imsak tomorrow...... 3.11am channel using a rogue satellite service, It’s thought that the Saudi channel is taken action against piracy in places the League and our clubs. matches of the World Cup, and being called beOutQ, which is ‘geo-locked’ able to re-broadcast content delivered like the Far East, where they’ve worked “Like all content creators and rights unable to stop it.

Gulf Times Sunday, May 20, 2018 3 QATAR

Qatar-Canada ties reviewed Minister highlights commitment of leadership to enhance education

QNA of the Ministry of Education fers equitable opportunities for Doha and Higher Education in a let- quality education and training, ter to the ministry’s employees and gives all learners the skills calling on them to promote and and competencies necessary to E the Minister of Edu- consolidate the culture of dia- achieve the desired transforma- cation and Higher Ed- logue and participation and not tion. H ucation Dr Mohamed to concentrate the educational In also promotes the values of Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi decision and to share respon- Qatari society and its heritage, stressed yesterday that the sibilities among all employees and tolerance and respect for country’s wise leadership when devising strategies and other cultures. has provided all the means plans that turn the ministry’s The minister thanked the to improve the educational vision into reality. partners of the educational process, namely competent The Minister of Education process, especially the educa- teachers and modern curric- and Higher Education stressed tional service providers, and ula, the school environment HE the Minister of Educa- the importance of self-evalu- the generosity of Qatar Nation- represented in the best school tion and Higher Education Dr ation for the employees invit- al Bank, the strategic partner of buildings, technologies, fa- Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali ing them, in the blessed month the ministry and its permanent cilities, in addition to the fi- al-Hammadi of Ramadan, to be their own sponsor for most of its activi- nancial allocations to provide internal guide, and give their ties and school activities during HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti met the Canadian logistical support. environment in the school and most in order to achieve the the 2017-2018 academic year. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen in Doha yesterday. During the He called on the ministry’s the home, so as to enable stu- best results. In addition to honouring a meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between Qatar and Canada and discussed aspects of employees and all parties in- dents to perform well during the He highlighted the ministry’s number of school principals who co-operation in the fields of transport and communications, and means of developing them. They volved in the educational proc- second semester tests. strategy for the period 2017- have spent 30 years at the Min- also touched on the investment opportunities in both countries. ess and partners to make every Dr al-Hammadi addressed 2022 saying it has set a world- istry of Education And higher eff ort to create the appropriate the annual Ramadan meeting class education system that of- education. Interior Ministry arrests 40 people for visa-traffi cking

he Ministry of Interior up Department deals with the them in any way and to co-op- has arrested 40 people on victims of these practices from erate with the authorities con- Tcharges of visa-traffi cking the humanitarian side, where cerned by reporting them via the in violation of Law No 21 of the it helps to transfer the work of hotline 50701089. year 2015 regulating the entry many of them to another em- He pointed out that the 24- and exit of expatriates and their ployer,” he said. hour hotline in Arabic, English residence. Al-Labda added that the and Urdu, is also intended to re- Director of Search and Follow- Department will not hesitate spond to any questions related up Department Brigadier Abdul- to apply the law to everyone to illegal employment, or visa lah Jaber al-Labda, said: “The - individuals or companies - trade. seizure of these people comes and refer the violator to the The Ministry of Interior is within the framework of the Public Prosecutor. He called working to control of viola- Ministry’s eff orts to control vio- for concerted efforts of mem- tors and implement the law lators of the law of the entry and bers of the community with in order to maintain security stay of expatriates and to take le- the security services to reduce and order in the community, gal action against them.” the problem. in addition to contributing to He added that the department Meanwhile, Captain Omar solving the problems of work- was able recently to arrest those Khalifa al-Rumaihi of the Search ers through a number of chan- who trade in visas, which in- and investigation Section in the nels such as human rights creases the problem of labour in Department called on all citi- management and research and Director of Search and the country. zens and expatriates not to deal follow-up department, as de- Follow-up Department Brigadier “The Research and Follow- with illegal workers or to employ termined by law. - QNA Abdullah Jaber al-Labda. Some of the 40 accused arrested on charges of visa-traff icking. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, May 20, 2018 QATAR

Qatar condemns Afghan cricket stadium explosions

Qatar expressed its strong condemnation attack aimed at the values of love, tolerance and denunciation of the three explosions and coexistence on which sport is based. that targeted a cricket stadium in Jalalabad The Ministry expressed the condolences city, eastern Afghanistan, resulting in deaths of Qatar to the victims’ families and to the and a number of injuries. The Ministry of government and people of Afghanistan, Foreign Aff airs, in a statement yesterday, wishing the injured speedy recovery. MEC reaps benefi ts of reiterated Qatar’s firm stance rejecting AFP adds: Afghan off icials said eight people violence and terrorism, regardless of were killed and dozens more wounded by their motives and reasons. The statement multiple explosions at the cricket match late considered the bombing of the stadium as an on Friday night. ‘Arabisation’ initiative he Ministry of Econ- obligations and duties,” the omy and Commerce Extent of compliance statement noted. T(MEC) has said most Within the same context, suppliers in the country Following are the findings of the inspection campaigns carried out by the Ministry of the ministry has stressed have complied with its ini- Economy and Commerce regarding the extent of suppliers’ compliance with the ‘Arabisation’ that it will continue to pro- tiative to use Arabic as the initiative. The list features a breakdown by the nature of activities and economic sectors: tect basic consumer rights main language when dealing as stipulated in laws and with consumers. Economic sector Percentage of suppliers who have resolutions. This refl ects the MEC’s complied with the initiative It will also continue to success to raise awareness raise awareness among among suppliers about their Gasoline stations ...... 100% various parties involved legal obligations and duties, Service centres of car agents (service listings) ...... 100% in the local market to fa- the ministry has stressed in Car wash shops (service listings) ...... 100% miliarise them with their a statement. Restaurants and cafes (service lists) ...... 90% rights and duties according The extent of the sup- Restaurants and cafes (invoices) ...... 80% to the provisions of Law pliers’ commitment was Service centres of car agents (invoices) ...... 80% No 8 of 2008 on consumer revealed during inspec- Laundries ...... 80% protection and its execu- tion campaigns conducted Hotels and resorts (meal lists, business tive regulations to the ben- by the MEC across Qatar centre services and health club services) ...... 80% efit of all parties. to determine the extent of Electrical appliances and electronics shops ...... 80% Further, the MEC has suppliers’ compliance with Car service centres (not aff iliated to the local agent) ...... 80% said it will not tolerate any its ‘Arabisation’ initiative, Retail outlets (hypermarkets and supermarkets) ...... 75% violations of the consumer which was launched last Car service centres (aff iliated to the local agent) ...... 70% protection law and its ex- year. Furniture shops and furnishing sector (major stores) ...... 70% ecutive regulations, and The initiative compels Tailor shops and textiles (service listings)...... 60% will intensify its inspection all suppliers to use Arabic Perfume and cosmetics shops ...... 20% campaigns to crack down on as the main language while violations. dealing with consumers the obligations of suppli- a product” while the con- under applicable laws to It will take appropriate along with the other lan- ers according to applicable sumer “has the right to ob- use Arabic in terms of issu- action against perpetrators guages used. laws. tain a dated invoice stating ing bills among other docu- in line with relevant laws The MEC is currently All suppliers had been the nature of the product, ments when dealing with and regulations. inspecting other suppliers given a deadline to comply its price, quantity and any the consumer. The MEC has urged all who are yet to comply with with the ‘Arabisation’ ini- other data specifi ed in the Given that the period merchants and shops to the initiative. tiative. executive regulations of this awarded by the MEC to abide by laws and circu- Those who have not com- The ministry’s initiative law”. Article 11 also stipu- various suppliers to comply lars issued by the ministry plied with their legal obli- comes within the frame- lates that “the supplier shall with the provisions of the and to ensure the provision gations under the ‘Arabisa- work of Law No 8 of 2008 on clearly defi ne the service, its ‘Arabisation’ initiative has of products and services tion’ initiative will be fi ned consumer protection. characteristics, advantages expired, inspectors from the of high quality to the con- in accordance with the pro- Article 7 compels sup- and prices”. In addition, Ar- ministry conducted inspec- sumer. visions of applicable laws, pliers “to clearly display ticle 17 of the law stipulates tions to ensure the commit- The ministry has urged all the ministry has said. on the product’s package that labels and advertise- ment of suppliers to using consumers to report viola- Earlier, the ministry had or cover the type, compo- ments as outlined in provi- the Arabic language in their tions or submit complaints briefed the public on the nents and nature of the item sions 7, 8 and 11 should be dealings with consumers. and suggestions through the initiative and raised aware- as well as other relevant as made available in Arabic “The campaigns revealed call centre: 16001, e-mail: ness about basic consumer determined by the execu- with the possibility of of- that most suppliers have [email protected], rights. tive regulations of this law”. fering them in another lan- complied with the ‘Arabi- Twitter: MEC_QATAR, A circular was also issued Article 8, on the other hand, guage. sation’ initiative, which re- Instagram MEC_QATAR to all suppliers on December stipulates that the supplier The MEC has stressed fl ects the ministry’s success and the ministry’s app on 31, 2017, outlining the ob- “shall prominently display that all suppliers operating to raise awareness among iPhone and Android devic- jectives of the initiative and and advertise the price of across Qatar are required suppliers about their legal es: MEC_QATAR

‘Gardens of Al-Andalus’ expo, a lesson in coexistence, ecology

he ‘Gardens of Al- Abderrahman Jah said: “The tions will have to face”. Andalus’ exhibition, message of peace, which is The QBG is a member Tbrought to Doha intrinsic to this exhibition, of the Funci conservation by Qatar Foundation (QF) is the same message spread platform, ‘Med-O-Med, through the Qur’anic Bo- by Islam from the Arabian Cultural Landscapes of tanic Garden together with Peninsula, uniting hearts the Mediterranean and the Islamic Culture Foundation without prejudice or bor- Middle East’, which covers (Funci) of Madrid and held ders, and to which today the 23 countries in the region. under the patronage of QF Islamic Culture Foundation The botanical and scien- vice-chairperson and CEO wishes to appeal here in tifi c development of Mus- HE Sheikha Hind bint Ha- Doha.” lim Spain from the eighth mad al-Thani, takes visitors A visit to the ‘Gardens of to the 15th century led to during the month of Ram- Al-Andalus’ during Ram- what specialists have called adan on a journey of peace adan can be seen as a “trip an authentic ‘green revolu- and ecological awareness back in time”, thanks to the tion’ that would eventu- inspired by the values of Is- objects on display and the ally transform the fi elds of lam. accompanying texts. The Dr Cherif Abderrahman Jah medicine, pharmacopoeia, The exhibition can be quadripartite Islamic gar- gastronomy and economics. visited until May 31 at Ha- den and, therefore, the gar- vite refl ection and recollec- “Thus, the green spaces mad Bin Khalifa University’s dens of Al-Andalus, are a tion. Following its journey of the time, besides being College of Islamic Studies. metaphor for the garden to through various countries places of rest and spiritual It is open every day from which every good Muslim in the Mediterranean and calm, would become gar- 9am until the evening, ac- aspires, Jannah. Its fl ow- the Middle East, this em- dens of botanical acclima- companying the Isha and erbeds, separated by four blematic exhibition shows tisation, in which hundreds Tarawih prayers. channels, representing the a civilisation that loved and of new plant species were The Islamic Culture four rivers of Paradise, are respected nature. introduced,” a press state- Foundation, creator of the planted with some of the According to Dr Jah, the ment noted. “As a result, for exhibition, chose the His- species mentioned in the ‘Gardens of Al-Andalus’ Funci, the ‘Gardens of Al- pano-Arabic garden as a Qur’an: pomegranates, fi g “records one of the bright- Andalus’ reminds us of the symbol of understanding trees, olive trees, palm trees, est periods in the history of values that Islam teaches us and a place for peace and jujube and so on. humanity and a civilisation in relation to nature, as an dialogue. During the exhibi- The sound of water, the that can provide answers example of divine generos- tion’s inauguration in April, refreshing shade and the to the environmental chal- ity and the development of Funci president Dr Cherif fragrances of the fl owers in- lenges that future genera- civilisations.”

Some of the exhibits on display.

Gulf Times Sunday, May 20, 2018 7 QATAR QFFD, QRCS sign $12mn deal to help displaced Syrians

atar Fund for Devel- opment (QFFD) and QQatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) have signed a $12mn funding agreement to support displaced com- munities in Syria, as well as Syrian refugees in neigh- bouring countries, under the umbrella of the United Nations (UN). The agreement was signed by Ali Abdullah al- Dabbagh, executive direc- tor of Corporate Strategy at QFFD, and Rashid Saad al-Mohannadi, director of Relief and International De- velopment at QRCS. Targeting a total of 5.6mn benefi ciaries in Syria, Leba- The agreement was signed by Ali Abdullah al-Dabbagh, executive director of Corporate non and Jordan, this con- Strategy at QFFD, and Rashid Saad al-Mohannadi, director of Relief and International tribution comes under the Development at QRCS. Syria Humanitarian Re- sponse Plan adopted by the funds will go for life-saving groups such as children, a new life, off ering dialysis United Nations Offi ce for projects that will meet the women, patients and eld- services for patients with the Co-ordination of Hu- basic needs of the Syrians,” erly people. kidney failure, the state- manitarian Aff airs and the said al-Dabbagh. The plan involves sev- ment adds. United Nations High Com- Al-Mohannadi added, eral significant activities In Lebanon, there will missioner for Refugees, “This agreement is a new to be executed in Syria, be healthcare and physi- according to a press state- episode in Qatar’s track including but not limited otherapy for injured people, ment. record of helping the Syrian to operating healthcare rehabilitation of refugee According to al-Dab- people for years now. A key centres, providing psy- camps and buildings, op- bagh, this funding is part asset of this support is the chological support serv- eration of water purifi cation of Qatar’s $100mn pledge strong, co-ordinated part- ices, building clay hous- plants and water systems, announced during the sec- nership between QFFD as a ing units, rehabilitating and reopening of the urban ond Brussels Conference on major donor and QRCS as a houses and roads in Idlib, solid waste management ‘Supporting the Future of leading humanitarian pro- and offering vocational plant. Syria and the Region’, held vider in many crises, par- training. In August 2016, a simi- on April 24 and 25. ticularly in Syria”. Also, Syrians in Jor- lar agreement was signed “Qatar is absolutely com- He hoped that the pact dan will receive second- by QFFD and QRCS for the mitted to addressing the would help alleviate some ary healthcare and chronic Syria response under Qa- impact of the humanitar- of the hardships suff ered disease treatment free of tar’s $100mn pledge made ian tragedy infl icted on by Syrian refugees and dis- charge. Primary health- at the ‘Supporting Syria and the Syrian people over the placed people on a daily ba- care clinics at the Al Zaatari the Region’ conference in past seven years. These sis, particularly vulnerable refugee camp will be given the UK in 2016.

Gulf Times 10 Sunday, May 20, 2018 QATAR

QU to co-host Times Higher Education BRICS summit 2019

atar University (QU) will host the 2019 Times QHigher Education BRICS & Emerging Economies Universi- ties Summit from January 14-16, 2019, in collaboration with the Times Higher Education (THE). The event, described as the “fi rst of its kind” in the Arab world, aligns with Qatar’s “pio- Dr Hassan al-Derham at THE’s neering role in education in the fourth Emerging Economies region”, QU has said in a state- Summit in Morocco. ment. It is also the second THE Officials from Safa International Company at the certification ceremony. summit organised by QU as the building on our achievements in university hosted the fi rst edi- our key areas of education, re- tion of the Times Higher Educa- search, institution and engage- tion Mena Universities Summit ment. in 2015. “We look forward to welcom- The event will bring together ing you to the 2019 Times Higher experts from THE and top leaders Education BRICS & Emerging from the university and industry Economies Universities Sum- Safa water awarded global sectors to share their experiences mit. In addition to an inspiring in building and developing knowl- programme with many leaders edge economies for high-value in their fi eld, you will enjoy the returns to societies of emerging warm hospitality that Qatar al- economies and developing coun- ways provides.” tries, the statement noted. THE editorial director — Glo- QU president Dr Hassan al- bal Rankings Phil Baty added, recognition for food safety Derham said, “The summit will “We are delighted to be work- explore strategies for driving up ing on this summit with Qatar. afa International Com- International Company said it hazards, promote continuous is now its 15th year. “We are certification manager, Bureau quality in teaching, research and Qatar’s focus on driving up the pany, a leading bottled was awarded the certifi cation management improvements proud to announce that we have Veritas; and Makram, sales knowledge transfer; leadership quality of research and the pace Sdrinking water company by Bureau Veritas Doha and and good manufacturing gained a major share in 5-gallon manager, Bureau Veritas. Also challenges facing institutions in of innovation, and on aligning in Qatar, has announced that honoured to be the second cer- practices, foster legal compli- bottled water market and reach in attendance were Safa Water developing economies; and how graduate skills with the needs of it recently received the FSSC tifi ed organisation in Qatar for ance, increase transparency every nook and corner of Qatar officials Fasil Mohamed Ashraf industry partnerships can pre- the economy, makes it a perfect 22000 food safety certifi cation. FSSC 22000 food manufactur- throughout the food supply with a fl eet of 170 vehicles,” the (executive director), Naaim pare students for employment. national case study for the event. FSSC 22000 is the global certi- ing scheme. chain and allows organisa- company said. Nadirsha (director), Cleetus Such priorities are already un- Doha’s location as a major global fi cation scheme for food safety FSSC 22000, considered tions to implement a robust Present at the certifica- Alukka Poulose (general man- derlined by Qatar National Vi- transport hub makes it the perfect management systems and is one of the most comprehen- food safety management sys- tion ceremony were Mohamed ager), Noufal (marketing man- sion 2030 and Qatar University’s location to bring together uni- recognised by the Global Food sive food safety management tem – which is why it is ac- Ashraf, managing director, ager), Ibrahim Kutty (purchase strategy 2018-2022, which maps versities from over 40 countries Safety Initiative. systems, enables organisa- cepted worldwide. Safa Water; who received the manager) and Shinoj (produc- out the routes to achieving con- across four continents: Europe, In a press statement, Safa tions to reduce food safety Safa International Company certificate from Vinod K P, tion in-charge). tinuing performance excellence Africa, Asia and South America.” ‘Collectable beauty’ line unveiled at Pari Gallery

n a world exclusive, Pari Gal- includes matte lipsticks, high- lery Qatar was the focus re- shine glosses and a special ef- Icently as Lagoona Mall hosted fects top coat. The Lip Lights the global launch of Karl Lager- have a built-in LED light that il- feld + ModelCo’s limited-edition luminates when opened, and are ‘collectable beauty’ line. Qatar is topped with a replica of Karl La- the fi rst country where the prod- gerfeld’s head. ucts were released, followed by Finally, there are gift sets, stick- the rest of the world, according to ers, a set of fi ve makeup brushes, a press statement. and a Karl buki brush. The pre- The products “combine Mod- mium, long-lasting products elCo’s high-quality formulas and enhance natural beauty with an innovative, technical packag- illuminated eff ect. The highly- ing with Karl Lagerfeld’s artistic pigmented, light-refl ecting for- aesthetic that is sophisticated, mulas create sophisticated shine modern and cool”, the statement and stunning, shimmering colour. notes. Products from the collection. The launch saw the release of The collection features over 50 about 40% of range, with the innovative beauty products for light, while a strobing pen creates curler. Choupette has also in- remainder going on sale dur- face, eyes and lips, plus covet- a healthy glow with fi ne shim- spired a cat-shaped eyeshadow ing the next two weeks. The Karl able accessories and brushes. To mer particles. For eyes, there is a palette and a liquid eyeliner with Lagerfeld + ModelCo collection amplify natural radiance, there brush-on lengthening mascara, a playful beauty stamp of Chou- has been made one time only and are highlighters and illuminators liquid glitter eyeliner, volumis- pette or Karl on the tip. will never be replicated again, the in pearlescent shades that refract ing mascara and a heated eyelash The covetable Lip Lights range statement adds. Officials at the launch event. Gulf Times Sunday, May 20, 2018 11 QATAR Forum ponders National Road Safety Strategy

eneral Directorate of Traf- ing the plans entrusted to it. Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad al- fi c’s director general and The senior Ashghal offi cial Thani said despite the rapid pop- Gsecond vice president of added the authority is striv- ulation growth in Qatar, emer- the National Traffi c Safety Com- ing hard to implement several gency services and emergency mittee (NTSC) Brigadier Mo- projects listed in the plan and medical response have witnessed hamed Saad al-Kharji has called has been able to complete several a major development. for taking extra eff orts for the massive projects to achieve road “We aim to provide the best success of the second phase of safety in the last two years. services, such as fl ying ambu- the National Strategy for Traffi c Al-Emadi said the Road Main- lance and high-quality 24/7 Safety (2018-2022). tenance Department also com- emergency care services and re- He was delivering the keynote pleted 36 projects between and ducing the incidence of disabili- address at the sixth Forum of the 2014 - 2017 and included 371 bi- ties due to accidents via Qatar Stakeholder Co-ordinators of cycle tracks. “In the next fi ve years Rehabilitation Center, which is the National Road Safety Strat- we hope to complete a number of the largest specialised hospital of egy recently. Titled ‘Accomplish- projects including 1,543km of its kind in the region,” he added. ment of Goals’, the event was held road works and 2,000km of foot- Ministry of Transport and within the framework of the sec- paths in addition to 1,028km of Communications’ Land Trans- ond phase of the implementation Brigadier Mohamed Abdullah al-Malki addressing the forum. Brigadier Mohamed Saad bin al-Kharji speaking at the meeting. bicycle tracks,” he said. port Aff airs assistant undersec- of the National Strategy for Traf- During the fi ve-year plan 2018- retary Rashed Taleb al-Nabit said fi c Safety (2018-2022). the fi rst phase of the implemen- the implementation of the Unit- integrated transport system in Yousef al-Emadi, who represent- 2022 (including both the years), work has started to link between Brig al-Kharji said the forum tation of the strategy (2013-2017) ed Nations goals for sustainable accordance with national strate- ed president Dr Saad bin Ahmed the authority is working on a to- diff erent means of transportation coincided with the completion achieved remarkable results, development related to reduc- gic vision. al-Mohannadi, said the authority tal of 25 plans for road safety and to serve the end users, ease trans- of fi ve important years in the im- which resulted in a decrease in ing congestion, developing urban The system included the for- had started a new era in the im- their follow-up. They included portation and reduce congestion plementation of the fi rst phase of the mortality rate in 2017 to 177 planning, road and transport net- mulation of policies and plans plementation of its projects and those related to safety of work and pressure on road networks. the National Strategy for Traffi c cases, an average of 6.6 cases per works, improving traffi c safety, and work on developing them, achieving their goals and objec- sites, traffi c congestion manage- The National Road Safety Of- Safety. 100,000 people. and linking improved traffi c safety evaluating traffi c problems and tives in line with the Qatar Na- ment, intelligent transportation fi ce manager Professor Kim Jraiw He said the implementation of This indicated the high level of with economic growth, national proposing methods of treatment, tional Vision 2030. He hoped their system and road safety includ- emphasised the importance of the second phase of the strategy progress achieved by Qatar in re- security and population policy. providing theoretical and techni- eff orts would eventually contrib- ing the rushing of the emergency co-operation between govern- required extraordinary eff orts, ducing fatal road accidents. The National Traffi c Safety cal consultation to the compe- ute to the highest safety rates on teams to respond to the urgent ment institutions, the private co-operation from all stakehold- Brigadier al-Kharji said during Committee secretary-general tent authorities, in addition to the country’s road networks. maintenance, ensuring the safety sector, civil society organisations ers and unparalleled implemen- the second phase, the authorities Brigadier Mohamed Abdullah al- following up the progress of the Ashghal, he said, is aiming to of pedestrians and management and all sectors of the society in tation mechanisms to address aim to reduce the number of traffi c Malki said the objective is to put achievement and strengthening enhance the objectives of the Na- of traffi c congestion during the order to make sustainable and un- traffi c problems and the achieve- accidents to 130 annually by 2022 Qatar at the forefront of the re- co-ordination among the various tional Traffi c Safety Committee FIFA 2022 World Cup. precedented eff orts to move away ment of the 2022 goals with high and also bring down e the number gion’s most advanced countries stakeholders. and the National Traffi c Safety The Public Health Depart- from traditional operational prac- effi ciency. of serious injuries to 400 by 2022. in the fi eld of roads, transport Ashghal’s Highways Depart- Offi ce by providing extensive lo- ment director and National Traf- tices and adopt eff ective initia- The senior traffi c offi cial said The second phase also aims at and traffi c safety by building an ment director and senior engineer gistical support and implement- fi c Safety Committee member Dr tives to achieve the desired goals.

Tamuq recognises outstanding graduates

exas A&M University sufani (liberal arts) were the at Qatar (Tamuq) rec- achievers. Tognised its outstanding Graduating seniors of Tamuq students at a recent luncheon also recognised outstanding honouring graduating seniors. faculty during the luncheon. Six graduates were named stu- They were Dr Mohamed N dent of the year by Tamuq’s six Nounou (chemical engineer- academic programmes. ing), Dr Joseph J Boutros (elec- Neeraja Renganathan trical and computer engineer- (chemical engineering), Taif ing), Dr Michael J Schuller Mohamed (electrical engineer- (mechanical engineering), Dr ing), Shaikha al-Qahtani (sci- Mohamed Fadlelmula (petro- ence programme), Mohamed leum engineering), Dr Mark Idris (petroleum engineering), J M Van de Logt (liberal arts) Basel Hindi (mechanical engi- and Yeran Soukiassian (science Texas A&M at Qatar recognises outstanding graduates. neering) and Mohamed Yoo- programme).

Action from one of the games. Contenders battle it out at Katara Beach Volleyball Championship he Katara Beach Volleyball Cham- Tpionship’s 2018 opener ended with a 2-0 victory for the Jaoan team over Duhail, while the second match saw a win for the Maamoura team against Muntazah with a fi nal score of 2-1. In a report yesterday, Katara – the Cultural Vil- lage Foundation said the third match between the Sharq and Merqab teams ended in a 2-1 victory for the latter. While Merqab team won the fi rst set 25-23, the second set went to Sharq, again with a score of 25-23. The fi nal set saw the Merqab team win 15-8 to clinch the match. The fourth edition of Katara’s beach volleyball tournament is being held during the holy month of Ramadan. Gulf Times 12 Sunday, May 20, 2018 QATAR Alfardan Sports Motors Ooredoo announces unveils Maserati off er Ramadan promotions lfardan Sports Motors has announced that it oredoo announced yes- ised Centre, Malabar Gold & Dia- Ais celebrating Ramadan terday a host of off ers monds, Joyalukkas, Jumbo Elec- with an exclusive Maserati off er. Ofor the holy month of tronics, and Spark Electronics. “As offi cial dealers of the Ital- Ramadan as part of its ongoing To ensure that Ooredoo tv ian marquee in Qatar, Alfardan 2018 Ramadan campaign under customers can enjoy the lat- Sports Motors brings the un- the #RamadanWithOoredoo. est entertainment during the paralleled brand experience to With the announcement, Hala, month, Ooredoo tv will intro- clients in the country through Shahry, Nojoom and Ooredoo tv duce a special Ramadan package an array of services and ameni- customers can take advantage of consisting of 55 premium chan- ties,” it said in a press state- special promotions designed to nels, which will be free of charge ment. “For the month of Ram- give back to customers during for all Ooredoo tv users for 30 adan, Alfardan Sports Motors Ramadan, the company has said days, the statement notes. is committed to rewarding its in a statement. Ooredoo director of PR and clients in line with the season’s Throughout the holy month, Corporate Communications spirit of giving.” Hala customers can check *123# Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi said, The dealership has an- for a host of dedicated off ers to “We wanted to make sure that nounced coverage of instal- reward users for topping up and our Ramadan off ers covered our ments for a period of six keeping in touch. Shahry users post- and pre-paid customers, months, “ensuring peace of will also enjoy rewards for re- as well as gave back to all our mind and real value that comes charging data or subscribing to Nojoom members and Ooredoo with the ownership experi- an Ooredoo add-on, these off ers tv users. We hope our customers ence”. The exclusive offer is valid until the end of Ramadan and includes the full range of Maserati models. will be available via the Ooredoo take advantage of these off ers to As part of the off er, cli- App. be rewarded this holy month as ents are entitled to a one-year replacement and technical in- exclusive gift vouchers. In ad- a diff erence. Every year, we take until the end of Ramadan and For Nojoom members, Oore- well as enjoy our daily giveaway full comprehensive insurance spections. dition, they can avail of services this opportunity to give back to includes the full range of Ma- doo will be off ering an exclusive via the Ooredoo App.” scheme in addition to a three- Maserati’s superior crafts- such as glass tinting. our clients by off ering them a serati – from the stylish coupe deal across various categories to For more details on Ooredoo’s year full warranty and service manship is matched by its pre- Charly Dagher, general man- range of benefi ts and services. GranTurismo models to the earn double Nojoom points. Par- Ramadan off ers, one can visit package up to 60,000km. The mium accessories, allowing ager of Maserati Qatar, Alfardan We are driven by a simple goal sports executive sedan – Ghibli, ticipating Nojoom partners are www.Ooredoo.qa, download the package covers all genuine Ma- clients to drive in world-class Sports Motors, said: “The of elevating the Maserati expe- the latest generation of Ma- Warwick Doha, InterContinental Ooredoo App on iOS or Android, serati components and con- comfort and style. For the holy month of Ramadan is a special rience, in line with our culture serati’s fl agship sedan – Quat- Hotel, Concorde Hotel, Apple- or follow the #RamadanWit- sumables, including air, pollen month, clients can enjoy a range time for us to refl ect upon our of service excellence.” troporte and its fi rst-ever SUV, bee’s, Masraf Al Rayan Bank, Seib hOoredoo on Ooredoo’s social and oil fi lters, as well as their of merchandise by redeeming values as a company and make The exclusive off er is valid the Levante. Insurance, Al Tawasul Special- media.

Al Jazeera docu wins Golden Eagle Award QFBA, CFA Society host seminar

ault Lines – Haiti by Force: rape in one isolated province. UN Sex Abuse, an Al Jazeera The fi lmmakers investigated the on the importance of certifi cation FEnglish documentary that number of unreported cases and investigates an epidemic of rape whether UN offi cials have prop- atar Finance and Business Acad- by United Nations (UN) security erly changed their protocols to emy (QFBA), in collaboration forces in Haiti, has won a Cine prevent future mishandling. In Qwith the CFA Society Doha, or- Golden Eagle Award. their own words, survivors were ganised a free CFA information session The documentary, which given a rare platform to refl ect recently to raise awareness among fi - fi rst broadcast in March 2017, on these questions and how their nance professionals on the importance exposed the scope of a decade lives may have been diff erent if of being certifi ed and what they could of sexual abuse by peacekeep- the crimes were properly man- expect from taking this course at QFBA. ers in Haiti. With evidence of aged. Participants from diff erent sectors in mishandling and cover-ups at The award-winning Fault Qatar such as Georgetown University, every stage, Al Jazeera English’s Lines strand premiered in 2009 QNB, Shell Qatar and KPMG in Qatar, Femi Oke brought the fi ndings and examines the US’ role in joined the session. to the highest levels of UN and world aff airs. Other Al Jazeera QFBA and the CFA Society are suc- demanded why few survivors re- English content named as fi nal- cessfully implementing programmes ceived even the most basic forms ists in the 61st Cine Golden Eagle that work towards creating a knowledge- of justice in the years after the Awards are as follows: based economy, according to a press attacks, Al Jazeera Media Net- z Talk to Al Jazeera in the statement. work said in a statement. Field: ISIL Slept in our Home, in Dr Mohamed Abdullah al-Emadi, act- The Cine Golden Eagle which correspondent Hoda Ab- ing CEO of QFBA, said: “Since incep- Awards, founded in 1957, hon- del Hamid spoke to Iraqis whose tion, we have been implementing in- our originality and excellence in town had been invaded by ISIL. novative approaches in honing the right storytelling. Fault Lines – Haiti z People and Power -- Inside skills among fi nance professionals. In by Force: UN Sex Abuse was ad- Syria’s War: Arms and Resist- line with Qatar National Vision 2030, we judged the best non-fi ction ance in Jobar’, a two-part series have taken it upon ourselves to keep the short documentary. Past win- that documented life in a Da- young professionals abreast with chang- ners of the Golden Eagle Award mascus neighbourhood at the ing economic conditions and how they include Steven Spielberg, Spike frontlines of fi ghting between best strategise workable solutions that Lee, Michael Moore, Martin government forces and rebels. aim towards operational excellence and Scorsese and Robert De Niro. z Al Jazeera Correspondent – organisational prowess. Such initiatives The crew behind Fault Lines – The Cut: Exploring FGM’, which only strengthen our motto and reach out Haiti by Force: UN Sex Abuse tra- examined the modern practice to the masses.” versed the island nation, uncov- of female genital mutilation in CFA Society Qatar executive director ering several cases of unrecorded societies across the world. Enis Kefi added, “Our mission at CFA Society Doha is to raise the professional standards in the Qatar capital market by supporting the professional develop- ment of our members and of the entire investment community. This event is a signifi cant step in this direction. “The free session hosted by QFBA is one of the activities designed to inform investment professionals about the need The CFA information session in progress. to invest in their education and about the benefi ts and the challenges of the CFA crease the professionalism in the Qatar organisations and professionals achieve that sets the standard for professional programme. We are extremely happy to fi nancial markets.” their learning and business objectives. excellence and credentials. CFA Soci- join hands with QFBA in order to drive QFBA was established in 2009 un- The academy specialises in providing ety Doha works closely with regulators, Qatar National Vision 2030 ahead. This der the auspices of the Qatar Financial training and developing the fi nancial employers, universities and investors to is just the start and we would keep host- Centre Authority to raise the fi nancial sector. The CFA Institute is the global build a better investment profession that Haiti by Force: UN Sex Abuse ing such initiatives more often to in- services industry’s standards and help association of investment professionals serves the community. Doha Bank launches revamped Sooq portal

oha Bank has announced the lifestyle-oriented marketplace”, Doha aman said, “We are pleased to present launch of Doha Sooq’s enhanced Sooq off ers customers a “fast, con- our new upgraded Doha Sooq app, Dapp. The e-Commerce platform, venient and user-friendly experience, which aims to off er a smooth e-Com- which is known as “Qatar’s fi rst and together with regular hot deals and merce experience to both our lifestyle only e-Mall”, places 24/7 shopping, en- limited-time off ers, which present customers and small- and medium- tertainment, events and sports at “cus- outstanding value”, the statement sized enterprises with the newly in- tomers’ fi ngertips” through a newly- notes. Customers can pay using their troduced unique features, appealing to designed website and app. debit card, credit card, Doha Miles or shoppers and merchants alike. Users can browse through a wide Doha Bank account while enjoying “Doha Sooq prides itself as the go- variety of product categories and great full online transaction security or pay to e-Commerce shopping destina- off ers for products, including mobile cash on delivery. tion in Qatar thanks to its top-notch phones, electronics, household goods, The platform also off ers a host of customer service and quality prod- fashion, jewellery, perfumes and cos- advantages for vendors and B2B cus- ucts and services off ered along with metics, in addition to enjoying the tomers, including access to a global cutting-edge technologies, which “convenience of purchasing online marketplace, reduced operating costs, guarantee hassle-free and safe opera- for an outstanding range of entertain- supply chain improvements, and the tions.” ment and lifestyle options”, the bank opportunity to extend trading hours For more information about Doha has said in a statement. 24/7 all year round. Sooq, one can visit https://www.do- Designed as a “fully integrated Doha Bank Group CEO Dr R Seethar- hasooq.com/ Gulf Times Sunday, May 20, 2018 13 QATAR Ministry prepares aspirants for Qatar School of Science

awzia al-Khater, as- The school aims at pro- sistant undersecretary viding a high level of educa- Ffor Educational Aff airs tion in line with the develop- at the Ministry of Educa- ment of the education sector tion and Higher Education, in developed countries, in has visited ScorePlus Qatar order to graduate students to meet the Qatar School of who have the scientifi c ba- Science and Technology’s sis that ensures enrolment inaugural class. in the top universities in the The students have nearly world, the statement noted. completed a joint train- ScorePlus senior faculty ing programme between member and programme the ministry and ScorePlus, manager Steven A Williams a well-known education extended his wishes for the training provider affi liated future success of the stu- to The Princeton Review, US. dents, who will play a vital ScorePlus, in collabora- role in Qatar’s future. tion with the ministry, is Addressing the students, preparing 80 candidate stu- al-Khater said the aim of the dents (of whom 60 will be programme is to enrich stu- shortlisted) in mathemat- dents with the knowledge ics and science reasoning and skills to assure them to support Qatar’s aim of access to top universities furthering its world-class across the globe and shape Fawzia al-Khater during her visit. educational system in STEM a generation of researchers, courses, according to a press inventors and thinkers in statement. Qatar. Qatar School of Science Further, speaking to and Technology is scheduled ScorePlus’ country head to open at the beginning of Pradeep Singhal, she ex- the 2018/2019 academic pressed appreciation and year. It is a secondary school satisfaction with the in- for boys and includes grades structional quality pro- 9 to 12. The candidates will vided to the candidates and be selected from the eighth thanked ScorePlus’ teachers grade students who are ex- and operational staff for de- cellent in science and math- veloping and implementing ematics. the training programme.

AUB, QF hold forum on skills in Arabic language

he Arabic and Near separation between foreign Eastern Languages languages and the Arabic TDepartment and the language. Foreign languag- Department of Education es help pupils to complete at the American University studies in science, medicine, of Beirut (AUB), in partner- and engineering, among ship with Qatar Foundation others, and reach broader (QF) and Qatar Foundation horizons, while the Arabic International (QFI), recently language is limited to poetry, held a forum titled, ‘Arabic religious studies, and my- Language and Communica- thology,” he added. tion Skills in the 21st Century: Salem said, “What really Perspectives and Approaches’. resonated in the discussion The two-day forum was a focus on the purpose of opened with a session led by language: why are students AUB professor Mahmoud al- learning it, and what will Batal, followed by Dr Anies they do with it? This was the al-Hroub, chairperson of the fi rst of what will be an ongo- AUB Department of Educa- ing conversation. Partnering tion, and Maggie Mitchell Sa- with AUB and QF ensures lem, executive director of QFI. we engage Arabic teachers in Participants included a the Middle East and beyond. number of lecturers who We share a vision to improve teach Arabic as a fi rst and how the Arabic language is second language at univer- taught, to accumulate and sity, primary, and secondary share knowledge, and to de- school levels in a number of velop Arabic language skills Arab and non-Arab countries. in the future.” The forum aimed to re- Discussions during the view and discuss a number conference focused on a of theoretical and practical number of key questions, matters related to teaching including ‘What is meant by communication skills in the communication in the con- curricula of Arabic language text of teaching Arabic and taught as a fi rst and second its components and forms?’, language, and how to estab- ‘What is the relationship of lish communication skills as communication to the needs a basis for shaping the cur- of learners?’, and ‘What is riculum. its place within the percep- Dr al-Hroub said, “The tions of teachers, curricu- Arabic language suff ers from lum designers, and parents?’, issues that can be briefl y among others. summed up as the conde- Dr al-Batal said,“The scending view of its stu- forum focused on develop- dents, and social problems ing communication skills in in which the speakers of Arabic language curricula foreign and Arab languages in the 21st century. It also are divided into job market- provided an opportunity to related social and economic meet within an academic classes, and scholastic-ped- gathering of 60 professors agogy. from nine countries working “There is discriminatory in the teaching of Arabic. ”

Hamad Award for Translation builds bridges

The Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding confirmed yesterday that it is currently seeking to bring about cultural exchanges and build bridges of intercultural communication with various translation institutions across the world. Media Adviser of the Award Dr Hanan Fayyad told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the award seeks to strengthen relations with friendly countries and to promote important values and stress on the impor- tance of communicating with the world through translation as an important bridge. She noted that the award commit- tee began tours last week, starting with Kuwait, to introduce the award. It seeks to build bridges of communication through translation and organisation of cultural semi- nars. She noted that the award committee will visit Oman, Morocco and Tunisia. It will also have tours in Germany and Russia, where the cultural year between Qatar and Russia will be celebrated. The award’s board announced details of the latest edition in March. For the 2018 edition, German was selected as the second language, thus reflecting the centrality of cultural relations between the Arab countries and Germany as well as the leading role played by the trans- lation between the two languages to develop these ties. Gulf Times 14 Sunday, May 20, 2018 RAMADAN/QATAR Fasting and purifi cation of soul you who believe! ers! In fact fasting is a sort his real needs. Some of us to do, this self-restraint him. My servant does not he to ask of me, I would Observing saum of training for the gradual has this self-made needs, a that bridles us to avoid draw near to Me with any- surely give him; and were O(the fasting) is pre- weaning from the addictive make believe that we our- what Allah has prohibited thing more beloved more he to ask Me for refuge, I scribed for you as it was eff ects of smoking. selves concocted. How many for us, and this love for Al- to Me than the religious would surely grant him it. prescribed for those before Eighth, turning to Allah of us say things like “I can’t lah, doing what is beyond duties that I have imposed (Bukhari). you, that you may become and realising one’s need for live without smart phone or the obligatory. Fasting in upon him; and My serv- Note: This article is adapt- the pious. (Surah Al-Baqa- Him. If Allah takes away our a V8 engine powered vehicle Ramadan and its Taraweeh ant continues to draw near ed from the Book “Purifi ca- rah 2:183) most fundamental needs as or a three-storey villa”? We incorporates all of these as- to Me with supererogatory tion of the Soul” by Jamalud- The goal of fasting is to human beings then who is misallocate our resources at pects, purifying our souls works such that I love him. din Zarabozo. attain Taqwa or God-con- there to help us. Imagine if the expense of other more and making us closer and And when I love him, I am Article source: http:// sciousness and fear of Al- Allah takes away our sense important things. closer to Allah. “Allah the his hearing with which he www.islamweb.net/emain- lah. The ability to tame the of taste or sense of satiety. Ultimately, Taqwa have a Almighty has said : For hears, his seeing with which page/ unruly tendencies of one’s Having been born with all big role in all of this. This whoever has mutual ani- he sees, his hand with inner self on one hand, and the complete senses and will power to do the things mosity with a friend (wali) which strikes, and his leg the cultivation of one’s will limbs makes us forget that that Allah has ordered us of Mine, I declare war upon with which he walks. Were power, on the other, are ultimately these are not re- very important in the proc- ally ours. This reality is viv- ess of purifi cation of the idly demonstrated in people soul. This is because during with illness such as stroke fasting in Ramadan, there patients with hemiplegia or are many opportunities, paralysis of one’s side of the blessings and means that body. His left hand is there one can avail and utilise so still connected to his body, that one’s soul is purifi ed. he can see it, yet he can- First, forgiveness of sins not move it on his own and has a very positive result in sometimes might not even purifying the soul. The ac- feel that it is there. Sub- cumulation of sins for the hanallah! whole year produces in the Ninth, we have heard the conscience a sense of end- hadith of the Prophet, sal- less guilt and the feeling of lallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam: one’s sins are being forgiven Whoever guarantees me is a relief in one’s weary what is between his jaws/ heart. Have you ever won- beard [the tongue] and what dered how people cannot is between his legs [sexual sleep at night because they organs] I guarantee him have wronged someone or Paradise [Bukhari]. Don’t quarrelled with someone? you see? Being fasting This heavy burden upon a makes us more conscious of believer’s soul is relieved what we say and more care- once reconciliation takes ful in our interactions with place. Similarly, Allah sub- the opposite sex. hanahu wa taala, in His Tenth, fasting again mercy forgives the fasting makes us remember that we people whereby reliev- are not here just to eat and ing him of the guilt of his drink; that our existence past sins against Allah. The is not just mere fulfi lment Prophet Muhammad, sal- the prohibitions and being wrong things he have done. and gratifi cation of our ba- lallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, patient in times of calam- Sixth, feeling and doing sic desires; that we are here said: ity. All of these three are the act yields more cer- for a more sublime purpose, Whoever fasts in Ra- trained in the fasting person tainty that witnessing it. which is to worship Allah. madan having Iman and by performing the obliga- How many times we have In other words we eat not Ihtisab, his past sins will be tory act of fasting, avoiding seen pictures of malnour- just to live but to worship forgiven for him. (Agreed vile, fi lthy, senseless, sinful ished children in Africa and the Creator. This is what upon by Bukhari and Mus- actions and being patient in felt pity for them, yet one separates us from the mod- lim) diffi culties that might hap- still cannot feel how is it to ern, secular materialistic This hadith stipulates pen while fasting. starved and taste the pangs people where they eat to live two conditions in order Fourth, fasting reminds of hunger in one’s stomach. or even worst, some of them for the sins to be forgiven. him the true purpose of This in turn should turn on actually live to eat. For the The fasting person must his creation and the mean- the switch of gratefulness in fi rst time in human history, of course be a Mu’min. Al ing of Islam. That to wor- us for the blessings of Allah. there are more obese people Ihtisab carries with it three ship Allah, one must in- Seventh, fasting makes in the world than those who meanings: having fi rm re- evitably submit to His will us realise our potential as are starving. solve, hoping for the re- fi rst; that Allah comes fi rst human beings. Some of us Eleventh, fasting is a ward, and being pleased before one’s own desires. think that the obligations chance to demonstrate sin- with the act not consider- Especially for those who and prohibitions of Islam cerity to Allah. All types of ing it a heavy burden. are living in non-Muslim are overwhelming or inap- worship are visible to others Secondly, one should feel countries experience the plicable especially in non- even giving charity secretly that he is doing a deed that temptation where everyone Muslim societies so we whereby the receiver knew is very dear and special to is eating and drinking while involve ourselves in haram that somebody gave him Allah. Every deed of son you are holding yourself activities thinking that we secretly. However in fasting of Adam has an equivalent because you want to follow cannot do anything about nobody knows if you really reward of 10 to 700 times, what Allah wants. it. But in Ramadan, we only fasted or secretly ingested except fasting which will be Fifth, everything seems haven’t abstained from the food to your mouth except rewarded by Allah Al Kar- to slow down during Ram- haram but from the halal as Allah. Sincerity in actions is eem, the Most Generous. adan (especially in Muslim well. If we have the strength a fundamental prerequisite Third, fasting puri- countries), and one doesn’t to abstain from the halal in the acceptance of deeds fi es the soul by cultivating have the usual energy to do then all the more so we have and consequently success. the much needed virtue of the fruitless things. Hence the will power to abstain Twelfth, fasting helps to patience. There are three one is left with more free from the haram? Allah is cure the disease of the ‘de- categories or facets of pa- time to think and ponder. not unjust that He would sire for more’. When one tience: Being patient in This leaves a person with prohibit things from us that thinks that he is able to performing the obligations, more time to ponder over we cannot avoid. This is es- survive with only one and being patient in avoiding his life and possibly the pecially true for the smok- half meal a day and this is

MIA organises ‘Ramadan and Community Ramadan: an opportunity Excellence’ lecture

QNA research centres and universities, all to kick the smoking habit Doha of which are dedicated to the devel- opment of human capabilities, crea- QNA 1,200 to 1,400 people. This percentage tivity and excellence for the benefi t Doha increases during Ramadan. he Museum of Islamic Art of society, as well as Qatar University, On the methods used to help people (MIA) organised a lecture enti- the national university that recently quit smoking, he said that the smoker Ttled: Ramadan and Community launched its fi ve-year strategy (2018- very year, tobacco kills about 7mn is treated in two ways: through psycho- Excellence by Dr Fathi Ahmed from 2022), noting that the general trend in people, more than 6mn of whom logical sessions and behavioural therapy the Center for Legislative and Ethical the country is moving towards excel- Eare already taking drugs, and and the treatment of nicotine addiction. Studies at the Faculty of Islamic Stud- lence. more than 890,000 people are exposed With regard to electronic cigar, which ies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University Dr Ahmed spoke about the spiritu- to negative smoking, according to WHO could be used as an alternative to help (HBKU). The lecture, which was held ality of Ramadan and why it is distin- statistics. smokers quit the habit, Dr al-Mulla said in the series of activities of the MIA guished from the rest of the months. According to these statistics, there is that many studies do not support its use to celebrate the holy month and the He said that fasting is a method fa- an urgent need to stop smoking in all its as an alternative to smoking. commitment of Qatar Museums to voured by Allah to be a remedy and a forms in order to preserve human health Some studies believe that its harm is build an authentic culture of creativ- way to cure the diseases of the previ- and money. less than smoking. ity in Qatar and enrich the lives of its ous and subsequent nations, where In the holy month of Ramadan, Mus- He stressed that Qatar as well as the residents, residents and visitors. there is a call for excellence in fasting lims stop eating, drinking for about 15 World Health Organisation do not sup- Dr Ahmed explained that the im- to be better than the previous nations, hours, according to the Qatari calendar. port the use of electronic cigarette as an portance of the topic lies in the fact pointing at the same time, it is pure Director of Tobacco Control Center alternative to smoking. that the existing constitution of the worship which is the key to all good at Hamad Medical Corp (HMC) Dr This year, Ramadan coincides with State contains more than 10 articles things. Ahmed Mohamed al-Mulla in a state- the Qatar Cancer Society’s “Decide..We emphasising excellence in human He pointed out that one of the ment to Qatar News Agency (QNA) said Are With You” campaign to raise aware- care, education, health and fam- blessings of Ramadan and fasting is that fasting motivates people to do good ness of tobacco use and quit smoking in Makia presented a programme for the Smoking is one of the most important ily, social and economic development that the Qur’an is revealed, which is things, including quitting smoking, conjunction with World Tobacco Day benefi t of those who want to quit smok- public health issues in Qatar. and granting freedoms. The Qatar the greatest book that mankind has especially with the existence of many which falls on May 31. ing. About 37% of the population over the National Vision 2030 is based on known and Allah ensures that it is religious fatwas that prohibit smoking, A health educator at the Qatar Can- The Ministry of Public Health has age of 15 smoke tobacco and its deriva- excellence in its four pillars: human, preserved until the Day of Judgment. there are those who start this month cer Society, Noor Makia said that May launched a national campaign to re- tives, according to statements made by social and economic development He also mentioned some of the with a strong decision to quit smoking, is the month of lung cancer awareness. duce the eff ects of smoking and the HE the Minister of Public Health Dr and protection of the environment, values and actions that the individual so the turnout reported for registra- Smoking is the most common cause of consumption of other tobacco products Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari. as human being is the most eff ective needs to excel to overcome negative tion was signifi cantly higher at Tobacco lung cancer in the world. targeting the population of Qatar. The ministry has established in the element in it, the fi rst and second habits, and fasting is an opportunity Control Center before Ramadan, to Lung cancer is also one of the fi ve The three-phase campaign, which National Health Strategy 2018-2022 a development strategies (2018-2022) to liberate the soul, mind and spirit benefi t from this opportunity, stressing most common cancers in Qatar. has been going on for several years, aims target to reduce smoking by enforcing are mainly based on human care to be from worshipping anything but Allah that smoking all types of tobacco causes Ramadan is a valuable opportunity to encourage people to abide by the the tobacco control law, which was not distinctive in everything. and that fasting gives the values and serious damage to human health. to acquire good health habits and quit tobacco control law, and urged young only to reduce tobacco consumption, In the same context, the lecturer actions that an individual needs for Dr al-Mulla said that about 35% of bad habits, which can be used to give up people to refrain from adopting this but also to protect non-smokers, such pointed out that the Qatar Founda- excellence at the individual and col- smokers quit the habit at Tobacco Con- smoking gradually and not to return to habit and to guide people to useful ways as children, who are exposed to second- tion comprises about 50 societies, lective level. trol Center, which annually amounts to it. to quit smoking. hand smoke. Gulf Times Sunday, May 20, 2018 15 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD HMC offi cial reveals benefi ts of fasting More than 1,300 referred among individuals at high risk for illnesses that are food-related; so, to HMC’s Nutrition the condition and it can be a suc- once the stomach is given a break Department last Ramadan cessful strategy for weight loss from having to process food, there and treatment of addictions by is an increased possibility of heal- The holy month of Ra- decreasing cravings for nicotine, ing. “Irritable bowel syndrome, madan can provide a caff eine and other substances.” chronic indigestion and acid refl ux wnumber of social, spiritu- Research also shows there are are good examples of conditions al, psychological and health bene- mental health benefi ts associated we often see improved during Ra- fi ts for individuals who are able to with fasting, according to a state- madan as a result of fasting.” safely fast, a Hamad Medical Corp ment issued by HMC. Eating balanced meals during (HMC) offi cial has said. Fasting is believed to have a Iftar and Suhoor is an important Reem al-Saadi, director of Di- preventative and therapeutic role part of maximising the health etetics and Nutrition at HMC, in mood disorders such as anxi- benefi ts of fasting. said more than 1,300 patients ety and depression and also said Al-Saadi says limiting the in- were referred to the dietetics and to improve focus and concentra- take of foods high in sugar, so- nutrition service last Ramadan for tion. dium and fat and drinking plenty advice on how to safely fast and “Fasting helps protect the im- of water during non-fasting hours maximise the health benefi ts of mune system, destroying old and is essential, adding that adequate fasting. damaged cells and generating new consumption of water can help “There are numerous studies ones. It kick-starts a detoxifi ca- prevent dehydration and also that show abstaining from, or Reem al-Saadi tion process that removes tox- wash away toxins. periodically reducing, food and ins stored in the body by giving Further, she noted that preven- drink intake benefits the body,” improve blood pressure, choles- ducing the risk of heart disease the digestive system a rest from tion is the best way to avoid de- al-Saadi said. “In addition to the terol levels and insulin sensitiv- and stroke. breaking down and absorbing hydration and when possible, it is spiritual and psychological ben- ity while also helping improve “Fasting has also been shown food,” al-Saadi explained. “There advisable to limit prolonged expo- efits, fasting has been shown to cardiovascular health and re- to help reduce the risk of diabetes are a number of digestive system sure to hot weather. Kuwait in Call for livestock market push for protection of near Abu Samra road Palestinians number of Qatari livestock livestock owners who have dif- items such as vitamins, minerals buy animal fodder involves “un- owners have stressed the ferent types of cattle. This will and other necessities for keeping necessarily high transportation Aneed to set up a market ca- also help considerably in increas- the livestock healthy, the daily costs that can be avoided through QNA tering to their needs, particularly ing the local production of animal reported. the establishment of a nearby New York fodder, somewhere along the Abu products, according to them. In addition, the owners sug- market”. Samra road. The owners feel that the long gested the creation of a perma- Abdulrahman al-Buainain, an- A market would help them distance between the current nent yard near their farm com- other owner, stressed that a mar- uwait’s permanent repre- a lot as they would not have to market and their farms has a neg- plex so that those vendors could ket in the vicinity of their farms sentative at the UN head- drive long distances to reach the ative impact on their production. be authorised by the authorities would also ease traffi c congestion Kquarters in New York, existing market in Abu Hamour Some street vendors go to their concerned to sell goods there. In in Doha because many livestock ambassador Mansour al-Otaibi to buy animal fodder and other farm complexes and sell goods this way, they would be able to owners would not have to go the affi rmed that his country will livestock-related items, the there, and this is considered a provide much-needed commod- city to procure their items. seek to constructively negotiate owners told local Arabic daily temporary relief for the farm ities in bigger quantities, it was A third owner, Jaber al-Marri, with the Council’s 15 members Arrayah. owners. observed. added that the new market could to come out with a fruitful re- Suggesting an alternative, they However, the livestock own- Mohamed Abdulhadi, an own- also be used to buy and sell live- sult regarding the provision of said establishing a new market ers do not see this as a long-term er, said besides being exhausting stock, and save livestock owners international protection for the near the farm complex in Abu solution, as such vendors may and time-consuming, having to the trouble of driving long dis- Palestinian people. Nakhla will serve thousands of not be able to provide important go to the Abu Hamour market to tances to display their goods. The State of Kuwait on Fri- day submitted a draft resolu- tion to the UN Security Council (UNSC), calling for providing international protection to civil- Cyclone strikes Yemen ians in the occupied Palestin- ian territories including those in Gaza Strip.

The document also encouraged intensifying UN eff orts to de-escalate the situation in the region and reinforcing the respect of international and humanitarian laws

Al-Otaibi said in remarks carried by Kuwait news agency (KUNA), that the negotiations on the draft resolution would be scheduled on the level of experts next Monday. He added that the draft resolution called for pro- viding international protection to occupied Palestinian terri- tories in addition to the lifting A Yemeni man stands in the remains of a house in a neighbourhood aff ected by Tropical Cyclone Sagar, in the port city of Hodeidah, of the blockade imposed on the yesterday. The cyclone made landfall late in the morning. Gaza Strip by Israel. The document also encour- aged intensifying UN eff orts to de-escalate the situation in the region and reinforcing the re- spect of international and hu- manitarian laws, he said. Syria, IS reach truce after south Damascus battles Kuwait, a member of the UN Security Council, had its fi rst tenure as non-permanent UNSC AFP monitor said, after weeks of dead- refugee camp. Clashes have in- that the truce, which may be a member in 1978-1979. It has been Beirut ly fi ghting in the militants’ last fl icted heavy losses on both sides. prelude to the evacuation of IS actively contributing to many is- stronghold in the Syrian capital. “A ceasefi re came into eff ect at fi ghters from the area, was still in sues since its accession as a non- The regime of President Bashar midday today, ostensibly for fi ve eff ect. permanent member of the Coun- ro-government forces and al-Assad last month launched a hours,” the Britain-based Syrian He said the ceasefi re had been cil, especially the region’s issues, the Islamic State group ob- wide-scale off ensive against IS in Observatory for Human Rights negotiated by regime ally Russia being the Arab representative to Pserved a brief ceasefi re in Damascus’ Hajar al-Aswad dis- said. Observatory head Rami Ab- and pro-government Palestinian the Council. Page 16 southern Damascus yesterday, a trict and the Yarmuk Palestinian del Rahman said late yesterday factions.

Trump Jr. met Gulf princes’ emissary prior to US election

From Page 1 also worked on a proposal for a political parties. The campaign fi - Mueller is investigating wheth- investigators have questioned wit- “covert multimillion-dollar on- nancing laws also prohibit foreign er Russia meddled in the presi- nesses in Washington, New York, Alan Futerfas, Trump Jr.’s attor- line manipulation campaign” to nationals from coordinating with dential election and if Moscow Atlanta, Tel Aviv and elsewhere re- ney, said yesterday that nothing help Trump, utilising thousands a campaign and from buying an ad colluded with the Trump cam- garding possible foreign help to the came of the meeting. of fake social media accounts, the that explicitly calls for the election paign, as well as whether Trump campaign, the report said. “Prior to the 2016 election, New York Times report said. or defeat of a candidate. committed obstruction of justice Peter Carr, a spokesman for Donald Trump Jr. recalls a meet- The envoy, Lebanese-American The Saudi and UAE embassies in by trying to thwart the US Depart- Mueller’s team, declined to com- ing with Erik Prince, George businessman George Nader, told Washington did not immediately ment of Justice probe. ment on the report. Nader and another individual Trump Jr. that the crown princes of respond to requests for comment. Trump has denied any collusion Zamel’s attorney, Marc Mukasey, who may be Joel Zamel,” Futerfas Saudi Arabia and the UAE were ea- The Wall Street Journal last with Russia and has called the Mu- said in a statement to Reuters that said in an e-mailed statement. ger to help his father win the 2016 month reported that investiga- eller investigation a “witch hunt.” his client “off ered nothing to the “They pitched Mr. Trump Jr. on a presidential election, the paper said. tors working for US Special Coun- The New York Times report said Trump campaign, received nothing social media platform or market- Since 1974, the United States has sel Robert Mueller had met with the meetings are an indication that from the Trump campaign, delivered ing strategy. He was not interested barred foreign nationals from giving Zamel, and that Mueller’s team other countries besides Russia nothing to the Trump campaign and and that was the end of it.” money to political campaigns and it was looking into his fi rm’s work may have off ered help to Trump’s was not solicited by, or asked to do A company connected to Zamel later barred them from donating to and his relationship with Nader. presidential campaign. Mueller’s anything for, the Trump campaign.” Gulf Times 16 Sunday, May 20, 2018 REGION/ARAB WORLD Iftar gathering Sadr’s bloc wins Iraq election

Reuters tim. In the 2010 election, Baghdad Vice President Ayad Allawi’s group won the largest number of seats, albeit with a narrow political bloc led by margin, but he was prevented populist cleric Moqtada from becoming prime minis- A al-Sadr, a long-time ter. adversary of the United States He blamed Tehran, which who also opposes Iranian in- manoeuvered Nuri al-Maliki fl uence in Iraq, has won the into power. country’s parliamentary elec- Winning the largest number tion, the electoral commission of seats does not automati- said yesterday. cally guarantee that Sadr will Sadr himself cannot become be able to hand-pick a prime prime minister because he did minister. not run in the election, though Parties will have to align his bloc’s victory puts him in a themselves to try and form a position to have a strong say in bloc large enough for the par- negotiations. liamentary majority necessary His Sairoon electoral list to nominate a candidate. captured 54 parliamentary The government should be seats. formed within 90 days of the The Victory Alliance, head- offi cial results. ed by incumbent Prime Minis- “Your vote is an honour for ter Haider al-Abadi, trailed in us,” Sadr tweeted moments third place with 42 seats, be- after the offi cial results were Devotees share an Iftar dinner, the first meal after the daytime fast during the holy month of Ramadan, in front of the newly-built Sayeda Fatima mosque in the Omani hind the Al-Fatih bloc, which announced in the early hours capital Muscat, yesterday. won 47 seats. of yesterday. “We will not dis- Al-Fatih is led by Hadi al- appoint you.” Amiri, who has close ties with The election dealt a blow Iran and heads an umbrella to Abadi, but he could still group of paramilitaries that emerge as a compromise can- played a key role in defeating didate palatable to all sides Islamic State. because he has managed the The results were announced competing interests of the a week after Iraqis voted in a United States and Iran — nationwide election, which unwitting allies in the war Three Palestinians injured produced surprising results against Islamic State — during amid a historically low turn- his term in offi ce. out. Amiri is regarded as one of Sadr was able to capitalise the most powerful fi gures in on growing resentment over Iraq. He spent two decades Tehran-backed governments fi ghting Saddam Hussein from in protests die: ministry who have failed to improve Iran. basic services and build hos- The victory was a surprising Agencies to the members of the United pitals and schools in a country change of fortunes for Sadr. Gaza City Nations Human Rights Coun- devastated by the war against His bloc’s performance rep- cil (UNHRC) who assumed a Islamic State and by sectarian resented a rebuke to a political principle stand by overwhelm- bloodshed. elite that some voters blame hree Palestinians have ingly voting in favour of this It was a remarkable come- for widespread corruption and died from their wounds resolution that constitutes a back for Sadr, who for years dysfunctional governance. Tdays after being shot by true investment in justice and had been sidelined by Iranian- It was also bolstered by a Israeli troops during protests in affirms the international com- backed rivals and was regarded historically low turnout across the Gaza Strip, the territory’s munity’s commitment to seek- by US and Iraqi offi cials as an the country, estimated ear- health ministry said yesterday. ing accountability for Israel’s unpredictable maverick. lier in the week at 44.5%. Sadr Their deaths bring to 62 the egregious violations.” Sadr became a symbol of maintains a loyal base of sup- total number of Palestinians Palestinian news agency resistance to foreign occupa- porters who turned up to the killed by Israeli gunfi re on Mon- (WAFA) quoted Ashrawi as tion when he led two violent polls amid widespread nation- day, when thousands of Pales- saying “the resolution sends uprisings against US troops, al apathy. tinians protested as the US of- a clear and strong message to prompting the Pentagon to Sadr’s unlikely alliance with fi cially moved its embassy from Israel that its unlawful and im- call his Mehdi army militia the communists and secular Ira- Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. moral actions will not be ig- biggest threat to Iraq’s secu- qis says it fi ercely opposes any The three men were 20-year- nored, condoned or tolerated.” rity. foreign interference in Iraq, old Mohamed Mazen Alyan, “Those countries who voted He derives much of his au- which is strongly backed by 58-year-old Moein Abdel-Ha- against the UNHRC resolution thority from his family. both Tehran and Washington. mid al-Saai, and 21-year-old are complicit in Israel’s illegal Sadr is the son of the revered It has promised to help the Ahmed Samara, the Hamas-run behaviour and continued war Grand Ayatollah Mohamed poor and build schools and ministry said in a statement yes- crimes. Rather than respect- Sadeq al-Sadr, killed for defy- hospitals in Iraq, which was terday. The ministry said Alyan ing and acting in accordance ing Saddam Hussein. battered in the war to defeat was wounded east of the Al- with international law and that In his Baghdad stronghold Islamic State and has suff ered Bureij refugee camp, while other belief that human life must be of Sadr city, where posters of from low oil prices. medical sources reported Al- Relatives mourn Palestinian Moein al-Saai who died of wounds he sustained protesting at the border, protected, the United States his father could be seen, peo- Before the election, Iran Saai was wounded to the east of during his funeral in Gaza city, yesterday. and Australia are once again ple expressed concerns that publicly stated it would not Gaza City. Samara was wounded placating the Israeli govern- Sadr would be outmanoeu- allow Sadr’s bloc to govern east of Jabalia, in the north of the Gaza Strip and the Jewish State, of using the demonstrations to man Rights Council (UNHRC) ment at the expense of our vred in what are expected to be in Iraq, with which it shares enclave. according to authorities in Gaza, approach and damage the bor- adoption of resolution that fundamental human rights and long, tough talks on forming a a border. Iranian Major Gen- Since March 30, Palestinians which is run by the Hamas. der fence, including laying ex- calls for the formation of an in- freedoms,” Ashrawi added. government. eral Qassem Soleimani, com- have been marching to demand Israel says it has done every- plosive devices and attacking dependent international com- The PLO Executive Commit- “New lists and candidates mander of foreign operations the right to return to their homes thing it can to limit civilian casu- soldiers. mission of inquiry to investi- tee member expressed her hope have won. But they are unable for Iran’s elite Revolutionary in territory seized by Israel in the alties and has used lived ammu- UN RESOLUTION gate the recent Israeli killings that such a positive step will be to form a government because Guards and a highly infl uential 1948 war surrounding the crea- nition only as a last resort. WELCOMED along Gaza border. followed by “serious punitive the previous politicians are fi gure in Iraq, has been holding tion of the Jewish state. The Israeli army insists its Executive Committee Mem- She remarked, “On behalf measures, including legal, po- foxes and I believe that they talks with politicians in Bagh- A total of 119 Palestinians have actions are necessary to defend ber of Palestine Liberation of the Palestinian leadership litical and economic sanctions, aim to form big alliances in dad to promote the formation since been killed by Israeli gun- the border and prevent mass Organisation (PLO) Hanan and the people of Palestine, we to curb Israel’s gross violations order to isolate the new blocs,” of a new cabinet which would fi re on the border between the infiltrations. It accuses Hamas Ashrawi welcomed the UN Hu- express our deep appreciation indefi nitely.” said one resident, Muied Ha- have Iran’s approval. Europe reassures Iran of commitment to N-deal

Reuters Western sanctions. “The ball 20% uranium enrichment, if Tehran is in their (EU leaders) court,” the European countries failed to Salehi said.”We hope their ef- keep the pact alive. forts materialise.” He said the EU had only a few he European Union’s en- Since Trump’s announcement weeks to deliver on their prom- ergy chief sought to reas- of the US exit on May 8, EU lead- ises. Tsure Iran yesterday that ers have pledged to try to keep “If the other side keeps itself the bloc remained committed to Iran’s oil trade and investment committed to its promises we salvaging a nuclear deal with Te- fl owing but admitted that will also will....We hope the situation hran despite US President Don- not be easy to do so. will not arise to the point that we ald Trump’s decision to exit the Britain, France and Germany will have to go back to the worst accord and reimpose sanctions. back the deal as the best way of option,” Salehi told reporters in Miguel Arias Canete delivered stopping Tehran getting nuclear English. the message on a visit to Tehran weapons but have called on Iran “There are all kind of possi- and also said the 28-nation EU, to limit its regional infl uence and bilities, we can...start the 20% once the biggest importer of curb the missile programme. enrichment.” Iranian oil, hoped to strengthen “The EU’s adopted mecha- Under the 2015 deal, Iran’s trade with Iran. nisms...should be enforced by level of enrichment must remain “We have sent a message to August 8, when US sanctions at around 3.6%. Iran stopped our Iranian friends that as long begin to take eff ect,” Iranian TV producing 20% enriched ura- as they are sticking to the (nu- quoted Behrouz Kamalvandi, nium and gave up the majority of clear) agreement the Europeans spokesman for Iran’s Atomic its stockpile as part of the agree- will...fulfi ll their commitment. Energy Organisation, as saying. ment. And they said the same thing A collapse of the accord Uranium refi ned to 20% fi s- on the other side,” Arias Canete, could tip the balance of power sile purity is well beyond the 5% Head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organisation, Ali Akbar Salehi (left) and Miguel Arias Canete, European Union Energy Commissioner, European Commissioner for en- in Iran’s faction-ridden po- normally required to fuel civilian speak to the press after meeting in the capital Tehran, yesterday. ergy and climate, told reporters litical establishment in favour nuclear power plants, although after talks with Iran’s nuclear of President Hassan Rouha- still well short of the highly en- sure from those who say Iran has tions that have deterred major Trump’s decision would have prehensive Plan of Actions) we chief Ali Akbar Salehi. ni’s hardline rivals, who have riched, or 80 to 90%, purity traded away its nuclear sover- Western investors from doing no impact on Iran’s oil-reliant expected,” Salehi said. “Public Salehi said it would be disas- fiercely criticised the presi- needed for a nuclear bomb. eignty without reaping any eco- business with Tehran. economy. opinion is not as supportive as it trous if EU eff orts fail to preserve dent’s failure to deliver greater In their diplomacy with Te- nomic benefi ts. Rouhani has tried to assure “Unfortunately because of was before and if the other side the 2015 deal, in which Tehran economic prosperity. hran, EU sources say Iranian Iran has struggled to cash in ordinary Iranians, frustrated the negative interferences of the does not deliver...we will keep agreed to curb its nuclear work Salehi said Iran had several government offi cials have on the accord, partly because of by high unemployment and US, we were not able to reap the losing the support of our people in return for the lifting of most options, including resuming its warned they are under pres- remaining unilateral US sanc- stagnant living standards, that fruits of the JCPOA (Joint Com- for the JCPOA.” Gulf Times Sunday, May 20, 2018 17 AFRICA Burundi opposition rejects vote result

AFP nor fair across the republic — Nairobi voters were accompanied to the booths and were urged to vote ‘yes’ by bureau offi cials and Im- he coalition led by main bonerakure,” Rwasa charged. opposition leader Agathon Ruling party deputy secretary TRwasa said yesterday it did general Joseph Ntakarutimana not recognise the result of a ref- on Friday dubbed as “exaggera- erendum on constitutional re- tions” the opposition accusa- forms that could leave President tions of fraud and massive voter Pierre Nkurunziza in power until intimidation. 2034. Rwasa, former leader of the With provisional returns from Hutu majority FNL rebel group, all but one of the country’s 18 said it was vital to vote down provinces showing support for proposals which he said notably reforms that could see Nkurun- forbade the formation of a group ziza, already serving a controver- such as his coalition. sial third term, start two seven- After a spell at the heart of the year terms in 2020, former rebel country’s political institutions, Rwasa slammed the exercise as a including as deputy speaker of charade. the national assembly, Rwasa “The electoral process has has in recent months positioned been neither free nor transpar- himself as the focal point of the ent, nor independent and still opposition. less democratic,” Rwasa said in a Amizero y’Aburundi (Burun- Congolese health workers check the temperature of passengers disembarking from a Congo Airways plane in Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of Congo. statement issued by his Amizero dians’ Hope) was created ahead y’Aburundi coalition. of elections in 2015 which saw He added that he “rejects the Nkurunziza, fi rst elected by fantasist results that could be parliament in 2005, win a third, proclaimed following this sup- much contested, poll. posed vote.” His announcement he was The electoral commission standing again that year despite (Ceni) has yet to confi rm the being constitutionally limited to result of Thursday’s vote but a two terms sparked an attempted group of 15 public and private coup and a crackdown which DR Congo reports radio stations put the ‘yes’ votes cost at least 1,200 lives and left from the 17 declared provinces as more than 400,000 homeless. all topping 50%, rising as high as Critics say the referendum has 85%. struck a death blow to the Arusha Rwasa’s coalition renewed al- peace deal which ended a 1993- legations of “intimidation and 2006 civil war and ushered in harrassment” of its voters by the measures to ensure power would ruling CNDD-FDD party. not be concentrated in either the 3 new Ebola cases The party offi cially managed hands of the majority Hutu or a majority even in traditional minority Tutsi, after decades of AFP “Three new cases were reported (in labelled an emergency of “international tain — especially in urban environments opposition strongholds amid violence between the communi- Kinshasa Mbandaka) and tested positive for the concern”, adding that Kinshasa’s re- where people are mobile and come into claims the CDDD-FDD’s Imbon- ties. Ebola virus,” Health Minister Oly Ilungao sponse along with its own had been “rap- more contact with others. erakure youth wing had forced As well as allowing Nku- said in the statement. id and comprehensive.” It is notorious for its high fatality rate opponents to vote ‘yes’. runziza to prolong his rule, the hree new Ebola cases have been “In total, 43 cases of haemorrhagic The government announced the out- and extreme symptoms, which can in- The United Nations regards proposed changes also weaken confi rmed in the Democratic Re- fever have been fl agged in the region of break of the deadly virus in northwestern clude internal and external bleeding. Imbonerakure as a militia group constitutional constraints over Tpublic of Congo’s sprawling north- which 17 are confi rmed, 21 are probable Equateur province on May 8. The current outbreak — the ninth to that spreads terror among the the feared national intelligence west taking the number of suspected in- and fi ve are suspected cases,” he said. In the WHO’s parlance, “a public hit the DRC since Ebola was identifi ed in population. agency and allow the revision of fections to 43, the health minister said in In Geneva, the UN’s World Health Or- health emergency of international con- 1976 — involves the same strain of the vi- Amizero alleged that four of its ethnic quotas seen as crucial to a statement yesterday. ganization (WHO) put the death toll at cern” is an “extraordinary event” in rus that struck three West African coun- monitors had been abducted and peace. Alarm bells sounded on Thursday af- 25 but said 45 cases have been recorded, which a disease may spread across bor- tries in 2013-15 and sparked an interna- that others had been chased out The new constitution would ter the outbreak, previously reported in a 14 of which have been confi rmed by lab ders and requires a vigorous international tional panic. of polling stations, threatened or also scrap one of two vice-pres- remote rural area of the country, notched tests. response. It went on to kill more than 11,300 jailed. idents and shift powers from the up its fi rst confi rmed case in Mbandaka, a The WHO on Friday said the latest Ebola is both lethal and highly con- people in the deadliest ever Ebola epi- “The vote was neither secret government to the president. city of 1.2mn. Ebola outbreak did not warrant being tagious, which makes it diffi cult to con- demic.

Chasing growth 200 arrests in anti-terrorist South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa interacts with operations in West Africa workers during a visit to the Volvo Automobile factory plant in Durban. Ramapahosa visited AFP on Friday. Explosives and contra- an agreement between the lead- the plant to address the Volvo Ouagadougou band goods were also seized. ers of the four countries in Gha- Group Southern African Youth At least two of those arrested na’s capital, Accra, last year. Employment Initiative which he in Burkina were suspected of be- He said such operations would leads and aims to see more than ore than 200 people ing involved in militancy, Oue- be repeated in future “so that we 1mn young South African being were arrested last week draogo said, adding that “40 can pool our resources, our ex- off ered work experience over Min a joint anti-terror sticks of explosives, 38 guns and pertise and our ability to over- the next three years, increasing and security operation in the 623 illegally registered motor come serious crime and terror- opportunities for young people West African countries of Burki- bikes” had been found. ism.” at the centre of inclusive na Faso, Ghana, Benin and Togo, Around 2,900 security and The number of deadly attacks economic growth. the Burkinabe army said. defence offi cers from the four has been on the increase in the “Fifty-two individuals were ar- countries took part, he added. north of Burkino Faso in recent rested in Burkina Faso, 42 in Benin, Burkino Faso’s Security Min- years, as well as in the east of 95 in Togo and 13 in Ghana”, Colo- ister Clement Sawadogo said the the country and the border areas nel Blaise Ouedraogo told AFP late joint operation was the result of with Togo and Benin. African cities pledge to cut climate emissions to zero by 2050

By Eromo Egbejule, Reuters Pursuing development in the “We started this climate ac- Mark Watts, executive director of gles with heavy pollution from its own strategies to encourage Solar panels also can be expen- Lagos way it’s traditionally been done is tion trajectory in 2013, putting the C40 Cities alliance, a global its infamous traffi c jams, while cleaner energy rather than use of sive to import. no longer feasible, he said in La- together the carbon emission network of cities tackling climate its population of 21mn produces fossil fuels. Nigeria has no customs duty gos at the launch of the emissions inventory and vulnerability as- change. large volumes of waste. But these solutions are capital on renewable energy devices but frica is sometimes better cutting push. sessment, out of which we then To try to achieve the Paris Nigeria is also home to On- intensive,” warned Ikenna Ofoe- the Economic Community of known for its vulnerability Achieving the aim will require started to take action based on Agreement goals, cities signed on itsha, which the World Health gbu of the German Heinrich Boll West African States (ECOWAS), Ato climate change than its signifi cant work. the data”, Sello Mphaga, head of to the new African eff ort commit Organization in 2016 named as Foundation. of which it is a member, stipu- action on the problem — but a set of According to the World Bank, the Tshwane mayor’s sustain- to reduce their carbon emissions a city with some of the world’s “For instance, it is cheaper lates a 5% customs duty on some African cities intend to change that. of the top 10 big world cities with ability unit. to zero by 2050. worst air pollution, and Port for international oil companies types of devices, Ofeogbu said. Eight cities — from Accra to the lowest climate-changing The city’s emissions come Sowah, of Accra, said he be- Harcourt, an oil port that is often (IOCs) to fl are (natural) gas than If better incentives for clean Dar es Salaam — pledged last emissions, only one — Johannes- from “three main sectors — en- lieves it is possible to dramatical- blanketed in soot. recycling it because there is no energy were put in place, “more week to deliver their share of burg — is in Africa. ergy, waste management and ly cut urban African emissions, In a country where power failures extensive infrastructure and it is people will pack up their genera- emissions cuts needed to meet Under the new commitments, transport. particularly as more African cit- are a regular problem, many house- hard to fi nd a market for people to tors and get solar panels”, Ofoe- Paris Agreement targets to limit cities will work to reduce emis- From the study, we see how ies become aware of the impact holds regularly use polluting diesel buy fl ared gas,” he said. gbu said. climate change. sions from things such as trans- much each sector is emitting of worsening climate extremes, generators to produce power. Legislation in Nigeria also “But people need to be able to That means achieving “zero port, buildings, energy produc- and that assists us in planning to from recurring droughts and Nigeria in 2015 signed the favours electrical distribution aff ord it and one of the biggest is- carbon” city economies by 2050 tion and waste management — an reduce or act upon these emis- fl oods to failed crops and more Paris Agreement — which aims companies that rely on fossil fu- sues is the cost of import duty.” — with climate changing emis- eff ort some have already started. sions,” he told the Thomson Reu- migration. to hold global warming to “well els over mini-grid operators us- To achieve its emissions goals, sions eliminated, or dramatically The city of Tshwane (formerly ters Foundation on the sidelines But African cities will need to below” two degrees Celsius — ing solar panels, Ofoegbu said. Nigeria also needs to look at reduced and any small remaining Pretoria) in South Africa, for in- of the Lagos meeting. hold the line on emissions even as under pressure from activists for That’s in part because power- things like tree planting — per- emissions off set by other green stance, has carried out an inven- Besides Accra, Tshwane and their populations grow substan- cleaner energy and sustainability ful elites own the traditional dis- haps requiring that a tree be actions. tory of its emissions, to better Dar es Salaam, other African tially in coming decades. groups, who have said better in- tribution companies and regu- planted for each one cut — and “We cannot ignore the impli- understand which areas need the cities that have signed the new The World Bank projects that centives and penalties are needed larly lobby to keep the existing encouraging the use of clean cations of what will befall us if we most urgent work. pledge include Addis Ababa, La- 70 % of the world’s population to drive eff ective green action. system in place, he said. cooking stoves to cut fi rewood do not act now,” said Mohamed The city’s mayor also has for four gos, Dakar, Cape Town, Durban could live in cities by 2050, and But the transition to lower For instance, a mini-grid oper- use, he said. Adjei Sowah, the mayor of Accra, years organised the African Capital and Johannesburg. Africa is expected to account for emissions will require capital, of- ator who wants to generate more But, Sowah added, signifi cant Ghana’s capital, at a planning Cities Sustainability Forum, which Two other cities — Nairobi and half of the world’s population fi cials warned. than a megawatt of clean power political willpower will be need- meeting in Nigeria on urban cli- led to the creation of a sustainabil- Abidjan — are expected to submit growth by 2050. “Each sector — like agricul- has to do so at least 10km away ed to enforce any policy changes mate action in Africa. ity unit in Tshwane’s mayoral offi ce. their plans to take part soon, said Lagos, for instance, strug- ture, power, transport — has from distribution lines, he said. made. Gulf Times 18 Sunday, May 20, 2018 AMERICAS

MONTH-LONG PROTESTS POLITICS AUCTION MEDIATION DIPLOMACY Mexico frontrunner vows Yellow Prince guitar sells Argentina grain workers to US sanctions Venezuelan to hit back at Trump tweets for $225,000 in New York heed call to end strike leader’s top aide Cabello

The fiery leftist leading the race for Mexican A custom-made yellow guitar owned by Prince Crushing plant workers in Argentina said on The US Treasury on Friday slapped sanctions president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, vowed sold for $225,000 in New York on Friday, headlining Friday they would obey a government order to on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s Friday to hit back at US President Donald Trump a sale of jewellery, outfits and memorabilia from lift a strike and enter mediation as soon as they powerful deputy Diosdado Cabello, just two days if he insults Mexico on Twitter. “If he makes an the late pop icon, Julien’s Auctions said. The yellow received it. The labour ministry on Friday ordered before the crisis-hit country goes to the polls off ensive tweet, I’m going to take responsibility ‘Cloud’ guitar, so named for its unique twisting a “mandatory reconciliation” that would end for an election Maduro is widely expected to for answering him,” said Lopez Obrador, a former body, also has Prince’s signature love symbols the strike, which started on Thursday to protest win. Cabello, a Socialist party boss and former Mexico City mayor who has a double-digit lead engraved between the frets, and had been valued lay-off s earlier this year by global grains trader speaker of the National Assembly, was targeted in most opinion polls heading into the July 1 before the sale at $60,000-$80,000, Julien’s Cargill. “We always abide by these resolutions, along with his wife, brother and an associate election. “I think (Trump) is going to understand said. Last year, the auction house sold another when it arrives we will do so,” said Marco Pozzi, deemed a front man acting on Cabello’s behalf. that he can’t go around off ending the Mexican Cloud guitar for a cool $700,000. The Clouds secretary for one of the unions that participated “The Venezuelan people suff er under corrupt people. We don’t want confrontations with were made for Prince by Minneapolis luthier Dave in the strike. US-based Cargill has faced several politicians,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin People take part in a march marking a month him, but we are going to ask him to respect Rusan, with one starring in the 1984 film Purple walk-off s since January after it laid off dozens of said in a statement. “We are imposing costs on since the beginning of protests against the us,” he said at a campaign rally in the town of Rain, where Prince’s alter ego ‘The Kid’ receives workers in an eff ort to restructure and reduce figures like Diosdado Cabello who exploit their government in Managua on Friday. Huajuapan, in the southern state of Oaxaca. one as a gift from his girlfriend Apollonia. costs at some of its operations in Argentina. off icial positions to engage in corrupt activities.” Choppers rescue Hawaii residents

AFP The US Geological Survey (USGS), Pahoa, Hawaii which monitors volcanos and earth- quakes worldwide, said on its website that “a fast-moving pahoehoe lava elicopters were rushed in fl ow that emerged from fi ssure 20... to rescue four trapped resi- continues to fl ow southeast,” with the Hdents after lava fl owing from quickest of three “lobes” progressing Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano isolated a at 210m per hour. cluster of homes, as the US Geologi- Pahoehoe, a Hawaiian word, refers cal Survey said yesterday an explo- to smooth, undulating lava fl ows. sion from its crater sent ash pouring The USGS added that “smoke from into the sky. burning vegetation as lava fl ows ad- Two boys light candles during a vigil for the victims of a shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas on Friday night. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim vance is also contributing to poor air wrote on Twitter Friday that “fast quality.” moving lava from Fissure 20 has “A short-lived explosion” from crossed Pohoiki Rd near Malama Ki Kilauea’s Halemaumau crater “cre- Place,” near the Puna forest reserve. ated an ash cloud that reached up to The lava is “isolating appx 40 3,000m” above sea level, the USGS Texas town begins healing process homes in area,” he wrote, adding that said. four people were “safely evacuated” Kilauea is the world’s most active by Hawaii County and National Guard volcano and one of fi ve on Hawaii’s helicopters. Big Island. “If u r still in area stay in safe place It started erupting on May 3, day after high school shooting & await offi cial instructions,” Kim prompting about 2,000 people to fl ee urged. from their mountainside homes. Scientists believe the volcanic ac- By Gretel Johnston, DPA wife extended their prayers for the 10 Wearing handcuff s and a green they were discovered, but they turned tivity may be a precursor to a major Washington people who died. prison jumpsuit, Pagourtzis appeared out to be inoperable. eruption similar to the one that shook President Donald Trump also or- in court late on Friday and requested a The shooting comes three months the island in the mid-1920s. dered fl ags lowered across the US. court-appointed lawyer, according to after 17 people were killed and 17 oth- But they say they expect no loss of eople in the town of Santa Fe, Most of the people killed were stu- news reports. ers injured at a high school in Parkland, life given that the most exposed resi- Texas, yesterday began dealing dents. He was not asked to enter a plea and Florida. dential areas have been evacuated and Pwith their sense of loss following Those identifi ed so far were aged be- was ordered to be held without bail. Survivors subsequently organised the region where the volcano is locat- the latest in a series of school shootings tween 15 and 17, the Houston Chronicle The shooter, armed with a shotgun demonstrations under the banner ed — on the southeastern part of the in the United States. reported. and a pistol, burst into an art class March For Our Lives, demanding an island — is lightly populated. The town held a vigil late on Friday One was an exchange student from shortly after the start of school on Fri- end to school shootings and changes to So far, about 40 homes and other as the shooting set off another round of Pakistan. day. gun laws. buildings have been destroyed by the outrage in the country, where similar Also among the dead was a 67-year- When he emerged, he surrendered Proposals to tighten gun laws have red-hot lava that has been fl owing scenes of students running from their old teacher’s aide. to an offi cer, saying he intended to kill been put forth in Congress but blocked from the volcano since early May. classrooms in terror have replayed with Ten people were injured, including himself but lost the courage. from becoming law by legislators cit- Authorities have warned residents frequency. a school security offi cer and a law en- His motive wasn’t immediately clear, ing the Second Amendment of the US to stay away from the neighborhoods Friday’s massacre in the town locat- forcement offi cer. but Abbott said Friday that Pagourtzis Constitution, which says the right of evacuated, warning that toxic sulphur ed about 15km south-east of Houston Some of them underwent surgery on wrote about his plan in journals that US citizens to bear arms “shall not be dioxide seeping out of nearly two is the 22nd school shooting this year in Friday and remained in critical condi- investigators found on his computer infringed.” dozen fi ssures could prove deadly. which someone was injured or killed, tion. and mobile phone. While Abbott said the guns used in A violent explosion within Kilau- according to a student movement that Dimitrios Pagourtzis, 17, a student Authorities said Friday they had de- the attack were legally owned by the ea’s Halemaumau crater on Thurs- started after the last mass shooting in at the school, has been charged with tained possible accomplices, but Pa- shooter’s father, he pledged to hold a Lava erupts on the outskirts of day — the biggest since the volcano February. capital murder, meaning he could face gourtzis claimed to have acted alone. discussion with school offi cials, par- Pahoa during ongoing eruptions of became more active on May 3 — pro- Governor Gregg Abbott ordered the death penalty if found guilty. Explosive devices found in the sus- ents, students, law enforcement offi - the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii late duced a volcanic plume that reached fl ags to remain lowered through to Authorities also fi led assault charges pect’s home and a vehicle as well as cials and gun owners to seek and end to on Friday. 30,000 feet into the sky. Tuesday in a letter in which he and his against him for the 10 injured people. around the school caused alarm when school shootings. Cubans mourn 107 people killed in plane crash

AFP Most of the 104 passengers sleeved shirt and surrounded by lost his 22-year-old cousin, Car- Havana were Cuban, with fi ve foreigners, offi cials. los Santos, in the crash. including two Argentines, among Castro sent his condolenc- “He had come to Havana to them. es to families bereaved in the get a girlfriend who had arrived uba yesterday began two The plane was almost com- “catastrophic accident,” a state- from Mexico, and was returning days of national mourning pletely destroyed in the crash and ment read, as Russian President to Holguin,” he said. Cfor victims of the crash of subsequent fi re. Vladimir Putin and a string of Santos’s mother, who lives in a state airways plane that killed What appeared to be one of the Latin American leaders also ex- the US, was traveling to Cuba to all but three of its 110 passengers wings of the plane was wedged pressed sympathy. give a DNA sample to confi rm her and crew. among scorched tree trunks, but Pope Francis asked the church son’s identity. President Miguel Diaz-Canel almost nothing remained of the in Cuba to convey condolences Global Air said the plane was said an investigation was under main fuselage. to families “who mourn the un- fl ying with a crew of six Mexicans way into Friday’s crash of the Cuban authorities have not expected disappearance of loved — the pilot, co-pilot, three fl ight nearly 40-year-old Boeing 737, said whether they have recov- ones.” attendants and a maintenance leased to the national carrier Cu- ered the plane’s black box fl ight The plane took off from Ha- technician. bana de Aviacion by a Mexican recorders. vana at 12.08pm Friday heading In Mexico City, anguished rel- company. Built in 1979, the plane was for Holguin, 670km to the east. atives and colleagues of the crew Three women pulled alive from leased from a small Mexican From the supermarket where gathered outside the company’s the mangled wreckage are the company, Global Air, also known he works near the airport, Jose offi ces demanding information only known survivors. as Aerolineas Damoj. Luis, 49, said he saw the plane — some of them hugging and The Boeing crashed shortly af- Mexico said it was sending two lifting off before it banked and crying. ter taking off from Havana’s Jose civil aviation specialists to help plunged to the ground. “I was friends with the cap- Marti airport, coming down in a in the investigation. “I saw it taking off . All of a tain, with the co-pilot, with fi eld near the airport and send- The six crew members were sudden, it made a turn, and went the head flight attendant,” said ing a thick column of acrid smoke Mexican nationals. down. We were all amazed,” he a former Global Air employee, into the air. Boeing issued a statement say- said. 44-year-old Ana Marlene Co- The mourning period was to last ing that a “technical team stands Yasniel Diaz, a 21-year-old varrubias. to midnight on today, the Commu- ready to assist” and off ered con- musician, said the pilot appeared “When I heard the news on the Relatives of victims of the Boeing 737 plane that crashed after taking off from Havana’s main airport on nist Party leader and former presi- dolences to friends and relatives to attempt an emergency land- phone, I thought it was one of Friday mourn as they leave the Legal Medical Institute in Havana yesterday. dent Raul Castro said. of the victims. ing, but crashed instead. those jokes people play,” she told Flags were fl own at half-mast Diaz-Canel, who succeeded “The explosion shook every- AFP. has a fl eet of three planes, all personnel died when a Russian- 2010 when a Cuban Aerocarib- throughout the country. Castro as the communist island’s thing,” he said. “I started run- Global Air had the neces- Boeing 737s. made AN-26 transport aircraft bean jet crashed on a fl ight from The plane was on a domestic leader only last month, appeared ning, I was so afraid.” sary permits to lease it, and had Prior to Friday’s crash, Cuba’s went down in western Cuba. Santiago de Cuba to Havana, fl ight from Havana to the eastern aghast as he surveyed the re- At the capital’s morgue, Igna- passed inspections in November most recent air accident was in The country’s last major air- killing all 68 people on board, in- city of Holguin. covery eff orts, wearing a short- cio Ramirez, 46, told of how he last year said the company, which April 2017, in which eight military line disaster was in November cluding 28 foreigners. Gulf Times Sunday, May 20, 2018 19 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Plain in Kathmandu Nepali photojournalist scales Mount Everest

IANS Sherpa Khangri Outdoor, region, the first of its kind, Kathmandu a company which handled under the theme “Smiling Shrestha’s expedition, said: Nepali Women”, featuring “I feel very happy to share portraits of Nepali women epali photojournal- that she made it to the top from all walks of life. ist and mountaineer along with other Chinese “The major objective of NPurnima Shrestha climbers in the team. The the exhibition is to promote scaled Mount Everest yester- team will hopefully get back Nepali culture and tourism day, becoming the fi rst pho- to base camp by Sunday.” of the country. It will en- tojournalist from the Hima- Shrestha, who hails from able the world climbers and layan country to stand atop, Nepal’s Gorkha district, trekkers gathering in the re- authorities said. had left for the summit bid gion to know other aspects This is the first ascent of on Tuesday from the base of Nepal”, the photojournal- 27-year-old Shrestha to the camp. ist had said earlier. 8,848-m high mountain. According to Sherpa, it The exhibition was sup- “Purnima Shrestha usually takes four to five ported by Nepal Tourism reached the summit yes- days for the climbing team Board, government’s body terday morning at 8.10am,” to reach the top from the to promote tourism and Gyanendra Shrestha, an of- base camp via four different Photojournalists’ Club of ficial at the Department of high camps. Shrestha, who Nepal (PJ Club). According Tourism under the Minis- has been doing photojour- to Nepal’s Tourism Depart- try of Culture, Tourism and nalism for last five years, is ment, the official govern- Civil Aviation, told Xinhua affiliated with Karobar na- ment body which issues Australian mountaineer Steve Plain, who set a new record for the fastest climb of the highest peaks on all seven continents, arrives in Tribhuvan news agency from the base tional daily along with Food climbing permits for the airport in the Nepali capital Kathmandu. An Australian climber reached the top of Mount Everest May 14, becoming the fastest person to sum- camp. and Wine magazine. Everest expedition, 346 mit the highest mountain on each of the world’s seven continents. Steve Plain conquered Everest 117 days after he reached the peak of Mount Temba Tsheri Sherpa, a Besides the summit, she mountaineers from Nepali Vinson – the highest mountain in Antarctica – breaking the previous seven-summit speed record by nine days. world record holder Ever- also organised a solo photo and foreign teams have tak- est climber and the head of exhibition in the Everest en the permits this year. Lurid tale of bribery, murder looms anew for Malaysia’s Najib from 1MDB. He is barred from AFP Mongolian president urges to reopen murder case Kuala Lumpur leaving Malaysia and police have seized large amounts of cash, Mongolia’s president has urged tulga Khaltmaa congratulated jewels and luxury items from his usted Malaysian premier new Malaysian Prime Minister the 92-year-old Mahathir on his home and other sites. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak looking on as his wife Rosmah Mansor waves the Malaysia national Najib Razak is already in Mahathir Mohamad to reopen appointment but said reopen- But 1MDB pales in many ways flag in a file photo. Ohot water over allega- investigations into the murder ing the investigation would not to the Scorpene aff air, which has tions he looted state funds, but of a Mongolian model near only help justice but also ease sex, betrayal, submarines, a fu- murder, sparking allegations of election and expected to even- of timber resources, and numer- his legal woes could worsen as Kuala Lumpur in 2006, a move tensions between the two coun- gitive assassin, and an unfortu- a huge cover-up to protect Na- tually become prime minister, ous deaths of government critics calls grow for a fresh look at an that could put more pressure on tries. “As president of Mongolia, nate Mongolian former model. jib, by then promoted to deputy told AFP on Thursday that Sirul while in police custody, could even darker past scandal involv- Mahathir’s embattled predeces- I pay special attention to the ag- French submarine maker DCNS prime minister. and his accomplice Azilah Hadri slow progress in the Scorpene ing the grisly slaying of a young sor. Shaariibuu Altantuya, 28, gravated crime, that in October is alleged to have paid more than But the election result chang- should be granted fresh trials. case. model. was killed and blown up with 18, 2006, a citizen of Mongolia 114mn euros ($134mn) in kick- es the equation. Sirul Azhar “At that time, the judiciary was Powerful vested interests, The lurid earlier aff air centred military grade explosives in a and mother of two children backs to a shell company linked Umar, who was convicted along compromised,” Anwar, 70, said such as former establishment on allegations that Malaysian of- forest on the outskirts of Malay- Shaariibuu Altantuya was mur- to Abdul Razak Baginda, a close with another police bodyguard in an interview. “I don’t know to fi gures now aligned with the new fi cials took huge kickbacks in the sia’s capital. In 2015, two former dered in Malaysia,” he said in a Najib associate who brokered the in the killing and fl ed to Australia what extent Najib was involved government, also may resist full 2002 purchase of Scorpene sub- police off icers were sentenced letter to Mahathir that was also $1.1bn submarine deal. in 2015, told a Malaysian news or not, but he’s certainly impli- transparency, she said. “It might marines from France when Najib to death for the crime after first published on his off ice’s website. Abdul Razak’s Mongolian mis- outlet he was ready to reveal who cated in some way.” Also loom- be tricky. was defence minister. being sentenced in 2009 and Sirul Azhar Umar, one of the tress Altantuya Shaariibuu, who ordered the murder. ing is a slow-moving eff ort in But if they truly are now be- The sensational saga trans- acquitted four years later. former policemen convicted of was said to have demanded a “I am willing to assist the new French courts that could reveal hind the rule of law, no stone fi xed Malaysia for years until But reports have alleged the murder said that he is willing cut for translating during nego- government to tell what actu- more. should be unturned,” Gabriel the authoritarian former re- that the off icers served as to assist the new government tiations, was shot dead and her ally transpired provided that the French judicial sources last said. Dredging up the truth in gime used its leverage to bury it, bodyguards for ousted prime in any renewed investigations, body blown up with military- government grants me (a) full year told AFP that investigators the Scorpene case can be risky. though whispers persisted that minister Najib Razak, who was provided that he is granted a grade plastic explosives near pardon,” Sirul, who is in Austral- there had indicted two former In 2008, a private investigator Najib, 64, and his wife Rosmah deputy prime minister at the full pardon, local news website Kuala Lumpur in 2006. ian immigration custody, told top French executives linked to involved in the aff air, P Balasub- Mansor were deeply involved. time of the killing. President Bat- Malaysiakini reported yesterday. Allegations that Najib and news website Malaysiakini. Sirul the Scorpene deal, as well as Ab- ramaniam, implicated govern- But Najib was trounced in a Rosmah were involved in the has maintained that he and his dul Razak. ment offi cials including Najib in May 9 election and Malaysia’s killing — carried out by two gov- accomplice were scapegoats for Following Malaysia’s election, the murder. new government has vowed to “We are very encouraged by Malaysian NGO. “In this regard, ernment bodyguards — were “important people”, but with C4 publicly called for an imme- He quickly recanted, later say- investigate not only current al- the quick moves so far on (1MDB) scandals like Scorpene cannot be steadfastly denied. Najib also family still in Malaysia, he has diate investigation of Najib and ing he did so under duress, and legations that he stole billions and that the government is tak- ignored. Pressure is building and was forced to publicly deny hav- so far held back revealing what others over the submarines and fl ed to India. He returned in 2013 from sovereign wealth fund ing previous corruption seri- its going to get more interesting.” ing had an aff air with Altantuya. happened. Altantuya’s murder. Gabriel ad- vowing to reveal the truth just as 1MDB, but also lift the lid on ously,” said Cynthia Gabriel, Najib’s immediate concern The case sank off the radar after a Leading Malaysian politician mits the sheer backlog of scan- Najib faced crucial elections. He other unresolved scandals from who heads the Center to Combat is allegations that he, his fam- Malaysian court in 2008 cleared Anwar Ibrahim, released from dals under the past regime, in- died two weeks later, with au- the past. Corruption and Cronyism (C4), a ily, and cronies pillaged billions Abdul Razak of abetting the jail last week in the wake of the cluding dodgy land deals, looting thorities blaming a heart attack.

Australian PM to Commemorative ceremony Hundreds in Bangkok visit China in a bid mark anniversary of to smooth trade ties army crackdown

Reuters Ltd — the world’s biggest listed Reuters Democracy Against Dictator- Melbourne winemaker and owner of the Bangkok ship (UDD) group, known as Penfolds, Wolf Blass and Rose- the “red shirts”, lit candles mount labels — has reported and laid flowers at a major in- ustralian Prime Minis- unusual delays of its exports undreds of people tersection, where the weeks- ter Malcolm Turnbull hitting Chinese shelves. gathered in Bangkok long street demonstration Awill travel to China Several unidentifi ed Aus- Hyesterday to mark the came to a bloody end. later this year to smooth over tralian business owners who anniversary of a deadly army Activists chanted: “People bumpy diplomatic ties that operate in China told Fairfax crackdown on an anti-gov- were killed here”. have now developed into trade Media on the weekend that ernment protest in 2010 that No group or individual problems for some of Austral- Chinese authorities had been killed 91 people and injured has been prosecuted for ia’s biggest beverage export- unfairly targeting Australian hundreds, as pressure builds the crackdown and deaths. ers, Fairfax Media reported. products. Trade Minister Ste- on the ruling junta to hold a “There is still no justice from Relations between the two ven Ciobo is already in Shang- general election. what happened in 2010,” said trade partners have cooled sig- hai on a trade mission, the fi rst The gathering took place Sombat Boonngamanong, a nifi cantly in recent months, visit from an Australian min- A Sri Lankan woman reacts in a memorial for the fallen soldiers, who died in the decades-long just days before the fourth prominent red shirt activist. after Turnbull’s conservative ister this year, but said that conflict against the Tamil Tigers, during a commemorative ceremony marking the 9th anniversary of a May 2014 Others spoke about the cur- coalition government proposed there was “limited scope” to anniversary of the end of the islands Tamil separatist war, in the capital Colombo yesterday. coup that ousted a civilian rent, military administration. a bill to limit foreign infl uence resolve issues involving Aus- government and as the junta “We still feel robbed be- in Australia, including political tralian businesses. faces a growing public per- cause of the coup,” said a donations, but which Beijing “We do have irritants from ception crisis. 49-year- old woman who has interpreted as “anti-China”. time to time, but you know Two N Koreans defect to South: Yonhap The military says the 2014 only wanted to be identified No dates were immediately what? We have irritants pretty coup was necessary to restore at Noi. available for Turnbull’s trip. much in every relationship order, but critics accuse it of “Our country is going Several Australian business- that we have globally,” Ciobo Two North Koreans defected to the agency. “They expressed willing- corrected its statement to say they holding on to power longer backwards,” she said. es that export to China have told reporters. South across the Yellow Sea yester- ness to defect,” he said. A Korea were both civilians, Yonhap said. It than necessary by repeatedly The 2010 protest stemmed complained that the cool dip- “So there’s nothing unique day, a South Korean news report Coast Guard off icial said relevant is the first defection by any North delaying the date of a general from a long-running rivalry lomatic ties had spilled over about that,” he added. “We talk said, citing a government source. authorities were investigating the Korean since a historic summit election which is now tenta- between supporters of pop- into business, with delays and through it, we work through it “A small boat was spotted in waters case, declining to give details. One between the two Koreas which saw tively set for February 2019. ulist former, ousted prime extra scrutiny being applied at in a constructive way for the off the north of Baengnyeong of the men was initially identified their leaders agree to pursue the At the event in Bangkok minister Thaksin Shinawatra customs and distribution. Aus- mutual benefi t of both China Island” near the inter-Korean bor- as a soldier due to a misunder- denuclearisation of the peninsula yesterday, around 200 mem- and the pro-military, con- tralia’s Treasury Wine Estates and Australia.” der, the source told Yonhap news standing and the government later and a permanent peace. bers of the United Front for servative establishment. Gulf Times 20 Sunday, May 20, 2018 BRITAIN The fi ve key moments from the royal wedding

AFP would escort her to the altar, the before the change – made clear Clooney, who patted a police of- ry of US Anglican leader Michael most serious former girlfriends, greeting more than 100,000 fans Windsor bride made her way down the that Meghan had always planned fi cer’s shoulder as he walked in. Curry. Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas, lining the streets and the Long aisle of St George’s Chapel on her to make a solo entrance, taking an Football icon David Beckham It is rare to fi nd references to were among the guests. Walk processional route back to own in a striking show of inde- escort for only the last few steps. drew laughs from the crowds slavery and the power of love to Their expressions were scru- the castle. rom Meghan Markle’s solo pendence. „ The celebrities – The royal watching the ceremony on big change the world during tradi- tinised by the media, and when They waved and smiled the walk up the aisle to marry Meghan had asked her father couple decided not to invite any screens when he was fi lmed tional Church of England cer- Davy was fi lmed looking pensive, whole way, but as they passed FPrince Harry to celebrity Thomas Markle to walk with her political leaders, in contrast to chewing gum in the church – the emonies. some commentators blamed re- through the gates, Meghan put guests and a fi ery sermon, here but when he pulled out at the last the wedding of Harry’s brother ultimate breach of etiquette. But there was a lighter mo- ports that she had not been in- her hand on her chest and leaned are fi ve highlights from yester- minute, undergoing a heart op- Prince William in 2011, but the „ The preacher – Twitter was ment when Curry noted that vited to the evening reception. forward as if overwhelmed. day’s royal wedding: eration after a furore over staged congregation was packed with awash with clips of bemused “two young people fell in love „ ‘Ready for a drink now’ – They headed to a lunchtime photos, Harry’s father Prince celebrities. senior royals – including William and we all showed up”, prompt- After the wedding, Harry and reception hosted by Queen Eliza- „ Meghan’s entrance – Af- Charles stepped in. Elton John attended, along seemingly trying not to laugh – ing an outburst of laughter. Meghan toured Windsor in an beth II, and Harry quipped: “I’m ter days of discussion over who The order of service – printed with Hollywood star George listening to the passionate orato- „ Harry’s exes – Harry’s two open-top, horse-drawn carriage, ready for a drink now.” LA school Prince Harry marries joins in the US actress Meghan festivities AFP “It’s an inspiration,” said Mi- Reuters/DPA “There’s power in love,” he Los Angeles caela, an eighth grader who is a Windsor, England boomed at a congregation that Latina. included the queen, senior royals “As a woman of colour,” added and celebrities ranging from Op- hen Meghan Markle her mother, “we are really happy rince Harry and his actress rah Winfrey to George Clooney kissed Prince Harry on to see this happening.” bride Meghan Markle mar- and David Beckham. Wthe steps of St George’s “I’m happy to go to Immacu- Pried yesterday in a daz- There were no political leaders Chapel, loud applause and de- late Heart,” added Tulsa John- zling ceremony that blended an- among the 600 guests. lighted shouts echoed through son, Stacey’s daughter, a red rose cient English ritual with African “Do not underestimate it. An- a gymnasium in far-away Los adorning her blonde hair. “She American culture, infusing the yone who has ever fallen in love Angeles, where the brand-new left an impact here.” 1,000-year-old British monar- knows what I mean,” said Curry duchess once studied. Markle – whose California chy with a blast of modernity. in an energetic address that On the same stage where Meg- roots were refl ected in her obser- In a mediaeval chapel at Wind- quoted Martin Luther King. han began her acting career at vation that “most things can be sor Castle that 39 English kings African-American Karen Immaculate Heart girl’s school cured with either yoga, the beach and queens have called home Long, who was among the crowds in Hollywood – a journey that or a few avocados” – is the sec- since 1066, Harry and Meghan in Windsor listening as the cere- took her to Canada and a fateful ond American to marry into Brit- exchanged vows watched up mony was relayed on loudspeak- meeting with her future husband ish royalty. close by royals and celebrities, ers, was one of those who appre- – was a giant screen, and the 60 She follows Wallis Simpson, and from afar by a global TV au- ciated the bishop’s fi ery address. people present could not take another divorcee whose 1937 dience of many millions. “It was a moment for African- their eyes from it. marriage to Prince Edward led Wearing a veil, diamond ti- Americans,” said Long, who had Given the ridiculously early eventually to his abdication. ara and a sleek dress with a long come from Houston, Texas, with hour, most dressed comfort- So, would these young girls, so train, the American actress was her sister and a group of friends, ably – sportswear, shirts, even fascinated by today’s royal wed- accompanied up the aisle of St all dressed as bridesmaids. “The pajamas – although some, in the ding, like to follow in Meghan’s George’s Chapel by Harry’s fa- idea that Harry allowed that and spirit of the occasion, added ties, footsteps? ther, Prince Charles, before she acknowledged it, it was the per- hats and other “royal” touches. “I dreamt it as a little girl,” said and Harry exchanged vows and fect blend between her culture Carol Dance and daughter Micaela, adding that she has to were proclaimed husband and and the royal culture.” Olivia wore handmade outfi ts set her own goals, and “if it hap- wife. Kristin Glithero, 45, from decked in fl owers and colorful pens, then it’s fate”. The couple kissed on the steps nearby Wokingham, was not the ribbons. For Tulsa’s part, “I’d rather be of the 15th Century chapel, be- only one wide-eyed at Curry’s Sandra Ponce opted for a black a mathematician or a designer”. fore delighting the sea of well- fi ery address. tie. Added her sensible-sounding wishers, some of whom had “His message was lovely and Stacey Johnson’s yellow fl oral mother: “That kind of lifestyle is camped for days to witness the the way he delivered it was very arrangement, she thinks, was left a lot of work.” spectacular show of British pomp powerful,” she said. “But maybe over from the recent Kentucky In the gym, a British fl ag and pageantry, by touring Wind- too long for the British public!” Derby horse race. stands next to the American fl ag. sor in a horse-drawn carriage. As well as traditional Church “We are trying to have the School administrators have The union of Harry, 33, a of England anthems and delicate spirit,” said a smiling 46-year- not decided whether to leave it in former royal wild child and sixth- English choral music, the cere- old Sandra, sharing a blanket honour of their famous graduate. in-line to the British throne, and mony also featured a gospel choir with daughter Micaela, 13. Principal Naemah Morris, who 36-year-old Meghan, a divorcee singing Stand by Me, the 1960s Americans are not the most graduated from the school short- whose mother is African-Amer- hit by American soul singer Ben fanatical followers of the royal ly before Meghan arrived, said ican and father is white, was like E King, and This Little Light of family, but most follow its gen- she began following the young no other the royal family has seen Mine. eral outlines. woman’s career even before all before. Meghan’s mother, Doria Many of the mothers in the the royal commotion. “We can break the bar- Ragland, 61, accompanied her gym remembered the 1981 wed- “We show our freshmen the riers down, it can be done,” daughter to the chapel in a vin- ding of Lady Diana Spencer to video clip of her giving her said 40-year-old black Briton tage Rolls Royce and shed tears of Charles, Prince of Wales. speech at the United Nations” in Yvonne Emanuel, one of the emotion at several points during Markle graduated in 1999 from 2015, Morris said. 100,000-strong crowd that the ceremony. Immaculate Heart, a private The school highlights gradu- thronged Windsor’s streets. At the end, Ragland thanked Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, exit St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle Catholic school whose alumnae ates “who are making a diff er- “It’s been a historic, epic day,” Charles – the heir to the throne – after their royal wedding ceremony. include supermodel Tyra Banks ence in the world”. said Leslie Owusu, from High for his role. and actress Mary Tyler Moore. “That’s what really inspires Wycombe. “It’s a union of diff er- Meghan entered the chapel evision channels beamed the cer- avoid marring proceedings with that has been home to 39 English Many of the girls sitting in the them,” Morris added. ent cultures, you’ve got America unescorted, off ering TV view- emony across the world. the roar of low-fl ying aircraft. monarchs since 1066. gym yesterday were not born Middle-school principal Gina and England and a fusion of two ers and the congregation a fi rst To some Britons, the marriage Among the raft of celebrity With security tight, tens of when Meghan was a student Bonino Faner said that she has people that love people and life.” good look at her hotly antici- of a senior member of the royal guests were James Corden, Brit- thousands of visitors had to pass here. faith in all the school’s graduates. “It made me really emotional pated wedding dress, which was family to the daughter of an Afri- ish host of the American TV chat through police search points. However, her engagement to “Chief executives, doctors ... I when I saw them coming past,” created by British designer Clare can-American mother and white show The Late Late Show, ten- Markle’s own father Thomas Harry – making her the fi rst bi- wouldn’t be surprised if they end said Helen Oliver, 50. Waight Keller of the French fash- father embodied a modern Brit- nis ace Serena Williams, British Markle, 73, a former lighting di- racial member of the British royal up being princesses,” she said. The ceremony was typical of ion house Givenchy. ain where race or background are actor Idris Elba along with two rector for TV soaps and sitcoms, family in modern times – seized Or, she added, “if they end up royal weddings in many ways. Her 5m veil contained fl oral no bar to even the most elite and of Harry’s former girlfriends – pulled out of the ceremony this their attention. being president”. The service was conducted by designs from her native Califor- traditional of institutions. Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas week, telling the US celebrity the Dean of Windsor while Justin nia and all 53 Commonwealth To others, it was an irrele- – and the siblings of Harry’s late website TMZ that he had had Welby, the Archbishop of Can- countries. vance or a mild distraction from mother Princess Diana. heart surgery on Wednesday. terbury, declared the couple man Harry, looking nervous, ap- the schism of Brexit, which has Her sister, Lady Jane Fellowes, Confusion over his attend- and wife, beneath the banners of peared to say: “Thanks Pa” to his deeply divided the UK. delivered the reading and the ance marred the build-up to the the knights of the Order of the father, and “You look amazing!” Opinion polls suggested that chapel itself was garlanded with wedding, which had been cho- Garter, the world’s oldest chival- to his beaming bride. most Britons would not bother white roses, the favourite fl owers reographed for months by royal ric group dating back to 1348. In further breaks with tradi- tuning in. of Diana, who died in a car crash aides, and his name was still The newlyweds will also be of- tion, Markle, 36, did not vow to However, in the narrow streets in Paris in 1997. present in the order of service. fi cially known as the Duke and obey her husband, while Harry, of Windsor, 30 miles (20km) west Elton John, who sang at Di- After watching the ceremony Duchess of Sussex after Queen who is three years her junior, of London, the enthusiasm from ana’s funeral, performed at the from California, he told TMZ Elizabeth II bestowed those titles wore a wedding ring – unlike the vast crowds waving Brit- Harry and Meghan’s wedding that it had been “emotional and on them. other senior male royals such as ish fl ags and cheering was over- reception, held in the castle’s St joyful”: “My baby looks beautiful However, throughout the his older brother Prince William. whelming, while thousands more George’s Hall. and she looks very happy. I wish I wedding, there were signifi cant Before becoming engaged to celebrated at street parties held About 200 guests joined the were there and I wish them all my breaks with tradition, in particu- Harry, Meghan, who starred in across the country. couple at an evening event later love and all happiness.” lar when US Episcopalian bishop TV legal drama Suits, had spo- Air traffi c controllers for near- at the nearby Frogmore House. Harry and Meghan will not im- Michael Bruce Curry delivered a ken out on a number of feminist by Heathrow Airport, one of the The royal couple, who met on a mediately leave for a honeymoon passionate sermon that was a far causes. world’s busiest, even closed the blind date in 2016 and fell in love and will carry out their fi rst offi - cry from the sober tones of the The world’s media have been airspace over the town for the 15 in a tent under the stars in Bot- cial engagement as husband and Students of Immaculate Heart High School and Middle School watch Church of England. gripped by the occasion, and tel- minutes before the ceremony to swana, tied the knot in a castle wife next week. a live broadcast of the royal wedding. Kensington Palace – from ‘aunt heap’ to a young royal hangout

AFP They include Queen Eliza- cousins William and Harry on the members of the royal family. And today, a new generation is They live in the vast suite of 1, leading to speculation that it London beth II’s cousins Prince Rich- list of residents. It was there that Queen Victo- giving Kensington Palace a fresh rooms with their children Princ- was being spruced up for Harry ard, Prince Edward, and Prince Originally a simple manor, ria was born and grew up before lease of life. es George and Louis and Princess and Meghan to take over. Michael, who are all aged over 70. the palace was acquired in 1689 her accession to the throne in Harry, 33, and 36-year-old Charlotte. However, Kensington Palace ensington Palace, the But the balance is gradually by King William III who, con- 1837. Meghan, live in the cosy and It is a homecoming of sorts for has said this is not the case and marital home of Prince shifting towards the younger cerned about his fragile health She later resisted attempts to “modest” Nottingham Cottage, William and Harry, who spent a they are staying put in the snug KHarry and his wife Meg- royals, who are making the palace due to asthma, chose the build- turn the palace into a museum a clubhouse close to the main period of their childhood living Nottingham Cottage. han, plays host to several royals their favourite nest. ing because it was located in lush but opened up certain spaces to building consisting of two recep- in Apartments 8 and 9 with their In addition to the famous resi- including his brother Prince Wil- Princess Eugenie, 28, the greenery, at the time away from the public. tion rooms and two bedrooms. parents Prince Charles and Di- dents, Kensington Palace also liam’s growing clan. younger daughter of the mon- the polluted city. Nicknamed the “aunt heap” in The cottage was the home of ana, princess of Wales. houses some 40 staff as well as An imposing red-brick man- arch’s second son Prince Andrew, It became the favoured resi- the 1920s due to its ageing royal 35-year-old William and his wife Diana stayed on in the apart- receiving visitors. sion adjoining central London’s is due to marry her socialite fi - dence of British monarchs during population, it received a youth- Kate before they moved to the ments after their split and the However, there is little chance Kensington Gardens and Hyde ance Jack Brooksbank in October. the following decades. ful resurgence in the 1960s, wel- palace proper, into a much-reno- palace has a memorial garden that tourists will strike it lucky Park, the palace and its grounds They are currently making a After the death of King George coming new residents including vated Apartment 1A – the former dedicated to her. and cross paths with any royals – are home to 15 members of the marital home of Ivy Cottage in II in 1760, Kensington Palace the family of Princess Margaret, home of Margaret, who died in There are signs of renovation the building is well compartmen- royal family. the palace grounds, joining her was made available to secondary Queen Elizabeth’s sister. 2002. work in the 20-room Apartment talised to guarantee their privacy. Gulf Times Sunday, May 20, 2018 21 BRITAIN/IRELAND

Ryanair’s union threatens May names nine strike

Reuters The nominations will tilt the balance of the chamber slightly in Dublin new Tory peers May’s favour. Timing of announcement Prince Harry and Meghan Mar- portive peers will only make a says once given by Corbyn to worthy of the highest honour Lords in recent weeks.” yanair’s Irish union has prompts claims that No 10 is kle’s wedding to bury the news. modest diff erence in getting Barack Obama. and a lifelong seat in the House Pickles, who was party chair given the company until using royal wedding to hide it The full list of Tories includes Brexit through parliament. The proposed elevation of Os- of Lords”. under David Cameron and lo- RMay 24 to agree to new Sir Edward Garnier, Sir John The Democratic Unionist amor was immediately criticised Political peers are nominated cal government secretary dur- working practices, or it will bal- By Dan Sabbagh and Randall, Party (DUP) will nominate the by a Jewish campaign group af- periodically at the initiation of ing the coalition, is close to the lot pilots for possible industrial Anne Perkins Sir Alan Haselhurst, and An- former MP William McCrea, ter it emerged that she was one Downing Street in a behind- prime minister. action, including strikes. Guardian News & Media drew Tyrie, all former MPs. who has been criticised for shar- of several signatories to a 2016 the-scenes haggling process, At his fi nal PMQs (Prime The Irish airline recognised May’s other nominees are Di- ing a platform in the past with letter complaining about the which in this case began in No- Minister’s Questions) before trade unions in December for the ana Barran, Catherine Meyer, Billy Wright, a loyalist paramili- suspension of Ken Livingstone vember, and starts with a debate the 2017 election when he stood fi rst time in its 32-year history, n the eve of the royal the founder of Action Against tary. and others over anti-Semitism. about how many each party is down, May called him “my when pilots exploited a chaotic wedding, Theresa May Abduction who is married to Only McCrea’s name emerged, Arguing that the suspen- granted. chum”. period after the company was Ohas nominated nine new former US ambassador Sir despite rumours that the DUP sions were McCarthyite, the Names are suggested infor- During his tenure as a minis- forced to cancel thousands of Tory peers, including the former Christopher Meyer, and Aman- was initially off ered at least one letter said the charges of anti- mally and canvassed before the ter, local councils’ budgets were fl ights due to rostering prob- cabinet ministers Sir Eric Pick- da Sater, a former party deputy other nomination. Semitism were being used to House of Lords appointments slashed by 20%. lems. les and Peter Lilley, and handed chair. Labour was granted three “silence criticisms of Israel … commission to see if they meet Lilley, a Thatcherite who has Since then it has come to bi- one to Northern Ireland’s Dem- The nominations will tilt the nominations, and Jeremy Cor- and undermine Labour leader the appropriate fi nancial and long been a Eurosceptic, was lateral agreements with unions ocratic Unionist party as she balance of the chamber slightly byn put forward the former Jeremy Corbyn”. legal standards before fi nally be- Margaret Thatcher’s trade sec- in Britain and Italy, but is still tries to bolster her party’s fragile in favour of May, taking her party general secretary Iain Gideon Falter, the chair of ing formally submitted. retary and then social security working towards deals with un- position in the House of Lords. party’s total of peers from 244 McNicol and the race equality the Campaign Against Anti- The Liberal Democrats did secretary in John Major’s gov- ions in other major centres such Four other former Tory MPs to 253. campaigner Martha Osamor, the Semitism, said that elevating not make any nominations, al- ernment. as Ireland and Spain. are to be elevated to a chamber However, no party has a ma- mother of the MP Kate Osamor, Osamor was a “two-fi ngered sa- though it is well represented in At the 1992 party conference The airline has experienced which has defi ed May’s govern- jority in the 780-strong up- as had been expected. lute” to the Jewish community, the chamber with 98 peers. he sang about his “little list” of some minor disruption due to ment on 15 occasions over Brexit, per house, and the government The third nominee is Pauline and that Corbyn’s decision was Dick Newby, the party’s leader benefi t fraudsters and was an industrial action in Germany in an afternoon announcement has been so heavily defeated on Bryan, a Scottish campaigner “telling us not only that he sees in the Lords, said: “This is a cyn- energetic promoter of the idea and Portugal, but has so far that has prompted accusations some amendments that intro- and editor of What Would Keir her behaviour as unproblem- ical response from Theresa May that many people on social se- avoided a major strike. that No 10 was trying to use ducing a handful of more sup- Hardie Say?, a collection of es- atic, but that he sees it as being to losing a string of votes in the curity were scroungers. The Irish Air Line Pilots’ As- sociation wrote to chief execu- tive Michael O’Leary in a letter dated May 17, and seen by Reu- ters. The union is demanding the Activists paper over introduction of new systems for dealing with base allocations, promotions, and annual leave. TV show poster of “If it is not possible to nego- tiate the introduction of such a seniority agreement for the ben- actors pointing guns efi t of our member pilots directly employed by Ryanair, it is our intention to ballot our member Men cover up weapons on “I would say if we’re going pilots employed by Ryanair for ad for Sky’s Bulletproof over down that line, shouldn’t we sanction for industrial action up concerns about violent crime perhaps think about some guide- to and including strike action,” lines for appropriate advertising the union wrote. By Mattha Busby when it comes to violence and It said pilots complain that Guardian News & Media weapons also near schools? mandatory relocations cause “I’m totally against the idea family upheaval and they are de- that carrying a handgun is nor- manding transparency so that wo men have papered over mal for anyone in our society, members know why specifi c pi- a billboard in east London and this contributes to a culture lots are selected for transfers or Tdue to concerns that it where guns are considered cool why requests for transfers are glamorises violence at a time of and acceptable.” denied. rising crime in the capital, earn- Stella Creasy, the Waltham- The union wants the company ing praise from the local MP and stow MP, commended the act on to tell pilots why they are in the attracting criticism from the ac- Twitter. base they are in, the order in tors portrayed on the hoarding. It did, however, provoke an which their turn may come for a The poster for Sky’s police angry response from the actors transfer, and why they received comedy Bulletproof features two Noel Clarke and Ashley Walters. a particular annual leave allow- gun-toting actors, one of whom “They only vandalised our ance. is pointing his weapon as though poster and made it a cute story It also wants greater transpar- The billboard poster in Walthamstow with a carrot and a hairdryer in place of the firearms. he were about to enter combat. because it’s us,” Clarke wrote ency around promotions and in- Richard Selby, an IT con- on Instagram. “If they covered ternal moves. sultant, decided to act after he posters with white actors holding Following a request for a com- saw the billboard over a busy guns it would be a full-time job. ment, Ryanair said: “We don’t Walthamstow street when leav- And would it even make news?” comment on our negotiations ing a leisure centre with his Creasy replied in an attempt to with our people.” Met police chief says budget cuts have eight-year-old son. communicate local concerns. In the past it has said the Irish “It felt wrong to me,” he told She invited Clarke to union was making demands not the Guardian. “Especially in the Walthamstow “to meet the par- compatible with its “low-fares, light of the shootings and stab- ents who are upset to understand high productivity model”. contributed to a rise in violent crime bings that we’ve endured all over why the location of the poster The company will release its London, but particularly in this was so potent”. full-year results on May 21. area, so I thought I’d cover up the Walters also weighed into the Cressida Dick calls for extra we currently have, by the end of guns with something else.” debate, explaining that due to 500 off icers by end of next next year.” Selby enlisted the help of his traumatic personal experience, Church to draft year as number falls below Dick’s comments on an LBC friend Graham Cliff ord, a lo- he has seen the eff ect violence 30,000 radio phone-in, after a 24-year- cal headteacher, and plastered a can have on a community. new same-sex old man was stabbed to death in cardboard carrot and hairdryer “The poster with me and marriage laws By Vikram Dodd Barking, east London, were in over the two handguns. [Clarke] holding guns is not Guardian News & Media response to concerns over a rise The poster provider, Pri- glamorising violence. Our char- The Church of Scotland has voted in the level of violent crime in mesight, subsequently covered it acters are armed policemen,” he to draft new laws that would the capital this year. up with a blank canvas, prompt- wrote. allow ministers to conduct same- he Metropolitan police Clear-up rates for the Met for ing the two men to replaster the “Stella Creasy should spend sex marriages. commissioner has said murder and rape cases have fall- carrot and hairdryer. more time asking the govern- The Rev Bryan Kerr’s motion, Tthat she is “sure” that en over the past two years. When asked whether he had ment why they waste money as amended, was passed 345 to cuts to her force’s budget have As well as funding, Dick said any plans to cover other bill- on war every day – actually de- 170 at the general assembly in contributed to a rise in violent a variety of other factors were boards, Selby said: “I don’t want stroying people’s lives around Edinburgh yesterday. crime, and called for 500 extra behind the increase. this to be the start of a vigilante the world – meanwhile leaving The legal questions committee offi cers by the end of 2019. Sadiq Khan, the London career where I spend my life ded- Londoners lining up for food now has two years before it has The government has insisted mayor, has said he is spending Cressida Dick: There’s a whole load of things, but of course I would icated to plastering on billboards. banks. If that’s not pushing peo- to report back, with a final poll that the Met has enough money, record amounts raised from lo- be naive to say that the reduction in police finances over the last “I have a life to resume. I think ple into violence, I don’t know expected in 2021. but the force says it is suff ering cal taxation to soften the blow to few years, not just in London but beyond, hasn’t had an impact. I’ve made the point.” what is.” The amended motion outlines under austerity and having to policing in London. However, he intends to write The rate of serious crime in that the legislation would allow fi nd another £300mn in sav- The Met has lost £600mn in pact. It’s part of the issue, and cruit 1,800 a year merely to re- #GunFreeAds across the canvas London has soared in the past ministers who wished to perform ings. funding since 2011. that’s why I’m very grateful for place those leaving and retiring. at the weekend in an attempt to year, with gun crime up 23%, same-sex marriages to do so. Speaking after the Guard- Dick said: “There’s a whole the new money that we’ve got, Another factor in the growth crystallise the debate that has while the number of suspected It also sets out that the draft law ian revealed on Thursday that load of things, but of course I which we are getting on and in- in violence was social media, arisen. murders has spiked in the capi- should provide safeguards for the number of Met offi cers had would be naive to say that the vesting on recruiting new peo- Dick said. “The [London] mayor, Sadiq tal. those who did not wish to. fallen below 30,000 for the fi rst reduction in police fi nances ple, and I think it will help.” “We are seeing the glamori- Khan, has been very vocal about Police chiefs this week dis- The general assembly meets for a time in 15 years, Cressida Dick over the last few years, not just The Met commissioner said sation of violence, we are seeing putting a ban on advertising cussed frontline offi cers routine- week every year in May. said: “I’m hoping that we will in London but beyond, hasn’t she was using extra money from social media being used to taunt unhealthy food on tubes and ly carrying guns due to concerns This year’s assembly closes on get to well over 30,500 offi c- had an impact. the mayor and local taxes to hire other gangs, to bring violence buses and selling junk food near that Britain’s elevated terrorism May 25. ers, more than 500 more than “I’m sure it’s had an im- more offi cers, but needed to re- about very quickly.” schools,” said Selby. threat is here to stay.

Boris Johnson to lay Falklands wreath in Argentina

By Heather Stewart gentina calls the Malvinas, and America is a vibrant and dynamic tial for British companies in Latin Fund (IMF) about a potential Guardian News & Media to which it still lays a territorial part of the world that works America. emergency credit line. claim, have thawed under the re- closely with the UK on a number Just 1% of imports to the re- Buenos Aires is also unable to gime of Mauricio Macri, whom of issues including trade, secu- gion currently come from the strike independent bilateral trade oris Johnson will lay a Johnson will meet. rity, science, infrastructure and UK, and Johnson shares the be- deals, as it is part of Mercosur, a wreath to commemorate The fi rst talks about fi shing education. lief of the Brexit secretary, David trading bloc that also includes Bthe Falklands confl ict in rights since the 1982 Falklands “I am looking forward to Davis, that distance is less of a fellow agriculture giant Brazil. Argentina this weekend as part of confl ict recently took place, and strengthening the UK’s relation- drag on international trade when Mercosur has been trying to a fi ve-day visit to Latin America. Britain has been helping relatives ship with countries in the re- much of it is in services, such as negotiate a trade deal with the EU The foreign secretary will also of some of the more than 600 gion.” consultancy and fi nance. for 20 years: the EU hopes to sell travel to Peru and Chile during Argentine casualties to identify After a week in which he was However, Argentina has been more cars into the region, while the trip, which is aimed at show- remains on the islands. forced to make concessions in the rocked by a sell-off in the cur- Mercosur’s farmers are pushing casing Britain’s internationalist Speaking ahead of the visit, cabinet battle over the Northern rency and debt markets in recent for lower tariff s on their beef. credentials after Brexit. Johnson said: “This will be my Irish border, Johnson also hopes weeks, and earlier this month Johnson will also attend the Johnson: I am looking forward to strengthening the UK’s relationship Relations with Buenos Aires fi rst visit to the region since be- to get back on the front foot by was forced to open negotiations G20 foreign ministers’ summit in with countries in the (Latin America) region. over the Falklands, which Ar- coming foreign secretary. Latin highlighting the trading poten- with the International Monetary Buenos Aires. Gulf Times 22 Sunday, May 20, 2018 EUROPE

Catalan president names jailed, exiled Japanese movie lifts ministers to govt

AFP In a brief swearing-in cer- Barcelona emony on Thursday, Torra promised to “loyally fulfi l the duties of the post of regional top Cannes award atalonia’s new presi- president being faithful to the dent Quim Torra has will of the Catalan people rep- AFP Cnamed two former resented by the Catalan parlia- Cannes ministers jailed by Madrid for ment”. backing independence from However, he did not promise Spain, together with two oth- to obey the Spanish Constitu- hoplifters, a heart-wrench- ers who fl ed into exile, to his tion nor the statute that regu- ing tale by Japanese veteran regional government. lates Catalonia’s autonomy. Sdirector Hirokazu Kore- Torra appointed his govern- He appeared fl anked only eda about a family of small-time ment by decree, but it could by a Catalan fl ag, without the crooks who take in a child they still be blocked by Spain, which traditional Spanish fl ag and fi nd on the street, won the Palme has insisted his administration portrait of the king that pro- d’Or top prize at the Cannes fi lm be “legal and viable” after it tocol states must be present, festival yesterday. imposed direct rule on the re- in a small side-room of the re- Accepting one of global cine- gion in October when the then gional government building in ma’s most coveted honours from Catalan government declared Barcelona. jury president Cate Blanchett, independence. The Spanish government Kore-eda said that movies made Torra – who was elected has criticised Torra’s choices him hopeful for the state of the by the Catalan parliament as a “new provocation” given world. on Monday and sworn in on that “some of them are on the “Maybe because of the cine- Samal Yeslyamova, with her Best Actress award for her role in The Thursday – named 13 “advis- run from justice or in deten- ma, the people who usually fi ght Little One (Ayka), and Marcello Fonte, with his Best Actor award for ers” to his government, in- tion”. each other, the countries that are his role in Dogman. cluding Jordi Turull and Josep A government statement fi ghting each other, may be able Rull, who are currently being said Madrid “will analyse the to come together,” he said. news” for his country. Despite being one of the most held in custody just outside viability” of Torra’s team – a Spike Lee won the runner-up Marcello Fonte of Italy sought-after tickets, the pre- Madrid. sign that the capital will de- Grand Prix for BlacKkKlans- clinched best actor for his much- miere of Danish bad boy Lars von Two others, Toni Comin lay formalising their appoint- man, a searing broadside against loved performance as a soft-spo- Trier’s The House That Jack Built and Lluis Puig, are in exile in ment, a task in the gift of the racism with the stranger-than- ken pooch groomer who stands saw audience members walk out Belgium, where they fl ed with national government. fi ction true story of an African- up to a local heavy in Matteo in droves from what they called a deposed Catalan leader Carles Spanish Foreign Minister American police offi cer who Garrone’s Dogman. misogynistic orgy of violence. Puigdemont. Alfonso Dastis criticised the manages to infi ltrate the highest Three Faces by Iran’s Jafar Pa- Both of the movie’s female Turull and Rull both ac- ceremony, saying that it was levels of the Ku Klux Klan. hahi, who was barred from at- stars, Uma Thurman and Riley cepted their nominations on done “on the sly”, as if Torra Lebanese actress-director Na- tending the festival, shared the Keough, were conspicuously ab- Twitter. “were a second-rate presi- dine Labaki, one of three female best screenplay prize with Ital- sent from the red carpet, where Their lawyers have asked for dent”. fi lmmakers among the 21 con- ian director Alice Rohrwacher’s Stewart on another night staged both to be freed provisionally And on Friday, government tenders, earned the third-place Happy as Lazzaro. a kind of protest of her own by so they can take up their duties spokesman Inigo Mendez de Jury Prize for Capernaum, set The much-praised Belgian slipping off her high heels and from Wednesday. Vigo had warned that “an ad- among the poorest of the poor in transgender drama Girl won the climbing the vaunted Cannes The appointment of Torra as viser or minister cannot exer- Beirut and featuring a devastat- Camera d’Or prize for best fi rst stairs barefoot. Catalan leader marks the end cise their duties as such while ing performance by a 13-year-old fi lm. The glamour-drenched festi- of nearly seven months of po- they are in prison”. Syrian refugee boy. It had earlier scooped the val spotlighted dissident direc- litical limbo in the northeast- However, Torra had writ- It was the fi rst edition since the Queer Palm prize for LGBT- tors this year, including Iran’s ern Spanish region, which has ten to Spanish Prime Minister Harvey Weinstein sexual assault themed cinema and the best ac- Panahi and Kirill Serebrennikov been under direct rule from Mariano Rajoy, requesting a scandal rocked the fi lm industry, tor award for Victor Polster in of Russia, who were barred by Madrid since the central gov- meeting “without any condi- sparking the #MeToo movement. the “Un Certain Regard” sidebar their governments from attend- ernment deposed Puigdemont tions” in a gesture that observ- Presenting the best actress section. ing. following a failed declaration ers could herald as an easing of prize, Italian star Asia Argento, Beyond the prize winners, the Spike Lee’s fi lm, which several of independence on October tensions between Madrid and who has said she was raped by 71st Cannes festival may linger critics called a return to form for 27. the separatists. the Hollywood mogul at Cannes Kore-eda with the Palme d’Or award for his film Shoplifters (Manbiki for its off -screen moments, the Do the Right Thing director, Puigdemont is currently Puigdemont, who fi rst fl ed in 1997, told the ceremony that kazoku), next to jury president Cate Blanchett. Hollywood stars includ- explicitly links the 1970s tale and in Berlin awaiting potential to Belgium, was detained in he would never be welcome at the ing Blanchett, Kristen Stewart, white nationalism in the Trump extradition to Spain, where Germany in March after Spain event again. by director Sergey Dvortsevoy Pawlikowski, who won the Helen Mirren and Salma Hayek era. he faces jail on charges of re- issued a European arrest war- “This festival was his hunt- for her portrayal of a young job- foreign-language movie Oscar and directors Ava DuVernay and He attacked the US president bellion and misuse of public rant against him. ing ground,” said Argento, who less immigrant from post-Soviet for Ida in 2015, caused a scandal Patty Jenkins joined a red-carpet with an expletive-fi lled tirade at funds. Madrid wants him extra- says she was 21 when Weinstein Central Asia who abandons her at home when he told AFP at the protest to demand equal oppor- his Cannes press conference that Torra, a 55-year-old editor dited to Spain to face trial on attacked her in his hotel room. baby in Moscow. festival that the fi lm had been tunity and a “safe workplace”. quickly went viral on social me- who has long campaigned for charges of rebellion and mis- “He was seated among you ... but Polish Oscar winner Pawel “blacklisted” by the nationalist Two days later, festival organ- dia. independence and was hand- use of public funds for staging things have changed. We are not Pawlikowski took the prize for government. isers signed a pledge to encourage In 2017, the top prize went to picked by Puigdemont, de- an independence referendum going to allow you to get away it.” best director for Cold War, a Warsaw denied the claim. more diversity in its selection by Ruben Ostlund’s The Square, an scribed himself as a “caretaker in Catalonia on October 1 even Kazakhstan’s Samal Yeslyam- tragic love story set against the Pawlikowski said that his 2020, saying they hoped it would art world send-up that went on president” who deems Puigde- though the courts had ruled it ova nabbed best actress for Ayka backdrop of the Iron Curtain. award is “a rare piece of good set an industry standard. to bag an Oscar nomination. mont the “legitimate” leader. unconstitutional. Two shot dead, two Floating nuclear power station unveiled injured in Germany AFP ic day for the Arctic,” Likhachev barge has “the latest security Murmansk, Russia said, adding that Rosatom “is systems and should be one of the DPA aged 60, is thought to be the setting a trend, a demand for safest nuclear installations in the Frankfurt wife of the suspect. medium-capacity nuclear facili- world”. The details of the attack, the ussia has unveiled the ties, mobile facilities, for many Activists at the environmental nationality of the attacker and world’s fi rst fl oating nu- decades ahead”. group Greenpeace are not con- wo people were killed the identity of the victims re- Rclear power station at The 21,000-tonne barge will vinced and call for international and two others injured main unclear. a ceremony in the port of the be towed in the summer of 2019 monitoring. Tin a shooting in the According to the spokes- far northern city of Murmansk to the port of Pevek in the auton- They fear that the Akademik southwestern German city man, neighbours had informed where it will be loaded with nu- omous Chukotka region in Rus- Lomonosov could become a “nu- of Saarbruecken yesterday in the police about the incident clear fuel before heading to east- sia’s extreme northeast, 350km clear Titanic” or a “Chernobyl on what was suspected to be a in the southeastern district ern Siberia. (217 miles) north of the Arctic ice”, 32 years after the Soviet nu- family drama, a German police of Brebach-Fechingen via an Built in Saint Petersburg, the Circle. clear disaster. spokesman said. emergency call. Akademik Lomonosov arrived in As Russia is forced to push fur- Greenpeace Russia’s Rashid A suspect has been detained “They heard shots,” he said, Murmansk on Thursday where ther north into the Arctic in the Alimov said that accidents are and did not resist arrest, the adding that they had also seen it was moored in the port before search for oil and gas, it needs possible at all nuclear power spokesman added. one of the women covered in being presented to the media electricity in far-fl ung locations. plants, but that the barge “will According to initial police blood. “It was clear something yesterday. “The idea is to have low-ca- be especially sensitive to storms, evidence, a 59-year-old man bad had happened there.” Detractors have derided it as a pacity, mobile power plants that environmental phenomena and opened fi re yesterday during A spokesman earlier said “Chernobyl on ice”. can be used in the Russian Arctic threats such as terrorism”. a celebration in a house and both victims were part of the Constructed by the state nu- where large amounts of electric- He said a shift to more numer- killed two men. same extended family. clear power fi rm Rosatom, the ity aren’t needed” and the con- ous small reactors would pose Two women were also in- A resident said the area was a 144m by 30m (472’ by 98’) ship struction of a conventional pow- The Akademik Lomonossov being towed to the Atomflot moorage of risks for proliferation of nuclear jured. “normal” residential area, with holds two reactors with two er station would be complicated the Russian northern port city of Murmansk. material. “We are working on the as- single-family and two-family 35MW nuclear reactors that are and costly, said Sergei Kondra- Greenpeace nuclear expert sumption that the dead are houses as well as three sky- similar to those used to power tyev at the Institute for Energy sia’s northernmost town. He said use of such fl oating Jan Haverkamp noted that the family members of the off end- scrapers. icebreaker ships. and Finance in Moscow. It will be primarily used to reactors can save 50,000 tonnes Akademik Lomonosov is being er,” the spokesman said. “Nothing like this has ever Rosatom chief Alexei “The alternatives are coal, power oil rigs. of carbon dioxide emissions per fuelled near Murmansk, a city One of the injured women, happened here,” he said. Likhachev hailed the new power gas and diesel. But diesel is very Vitaly Trutnev, in charge of the year. of 300,000, before being towed station as “a new world fi rst”, costly,” he said, while the gas construction and operation of The barge had initially been across the Arctic. which he said “underlines the needs to be delivered as liquefi ed fl oating nuclear power stations scheduled to be fuelled in Saint “Its installation in the tough Seven die in Chechnya church attack undoubted leading role of Ro- natural gas or LNG. at Rosatom, said that such units Petersburg, but that work was environment of the Russian Arc- satom and the Russian nuclear The barge can produce enough would “supply electricity and moved to Murmansk instead due tic will pose a constant threat for An attack on an Orthodox church yesterday in the mainly Muslim energy sector on the global agen- electricity to power a town of heat to the most remote regions, to concern in countries along the residents of the north and the southern Russian republic of Chechnya killed two police off icers da”. 200,000 residents, far more than supporting also growth and sus- Baltic Sea. Arctic’s pristine nature,” said and a civilian and left four rebels dead, off icials said. “I hope today will be a symbol- the 5,000 who live in Pevek, Rus- tainable development”. Trutnev has insisted that the Haverkamp. “According to early information, two police off icers in charge of security at the church ... and a civilian were killed,” the off icials said. They added that “four rebels have been eliminated” while two other off icers were hurt. They also indicated a knife and a gun were found on the attackers behind the assault targeting the Archangel Michael church in UN and EU call for global action to protect bees central Grozny, and said police had prevented “more serious consequences and a larger number of victims”. AFP and Agricultural Organization, To underline the importance of The UN has warned that 40% pollinators and stop the decline Brdo Castle, Slovenia Jose Graziano da Silva, told a the issue, and following a Slov- of invertebrate pollinators – par- of biodiversity, Vella told jour- Marseille station briefly evacuated conference in Slovenia ahead of enian proposal, the United Na- ticularly bees and butterfl ies – nalists. the fi rst-ever World Bee Day. tions has named May 20 as World risk global extinction. “We have to take actions not Marseille’s Saint-Charles station was evacuated yesterday and a he United Nation’s food Pollinators, such as bees, birds, Bee Day, as it marked the birth- EU environment commission- just in Slovenia, not just in Eu- man was arrested due to suspicious behaviour, police said. agency and the European bats, butterfl ies and beetles “are day of Anton Jansa (1734-1773), er Karmenu Vella, also attending rope, but globally,” he added. According to local media reports, patrolling soldiers had been TUnion have called for glo- responsible for most of the crops a Slovenian pioneer in modern the conference, announced that Last month, EU countries alerted to the man’s behaviour by a passenger. bal action to protect pollinators, and food that we eat”, he said. beekeeping. Brussels is scheduled to present voted for a ban on the use of The tweet said the arrest was made five minutes after the and bees in particular, which are In order to cope with the im- Bees help pollinate 90% of the its action plan to protect pollina- three neonicotinoid pesticides suspicious behaviour was reported to the police. crucial for ensuring food secu- pact of pesticides, shrinking for- world’s major crops, but in recent tors on June 1. in fi elds, allowing its use only in In October of last year, a man stabbed two women in front of rity. est areas and reducing wildlife, years many have been dying off “Basically, we’ll be addressing covered greenhouses where they Marseille’s main train station. “It is not possible to have food the world needs to fi nd “ways to from “colony collapse disorder”, the threats, the causes, the con- cannot get into the environment. He was then killed by security forces. Islamic State claimed the security if we don’t have pollina- increase, preserve biodiversity”, a mysterious scourge blamed sequences but also the actions Graziano da Silva saw the ban attack at the time. tors,” the head of the UN’s Food he said. partly on pesticides. that we have to take,” to protect as “the right way forward”. Gulf Times Sunday, May 20, 2018 23 INDIA

UNSANITARY CONDITIONS INVESTIGATION CONSERVATION JUSTICE POLITICS Schoolchildren taken ill, Woman civic volunteer Bengal Safari welcomes Former diplomat jailed Tripura reserves 10% dead lizard found in meal murdered in Kolkata newborn tiger cubs for passing info to ISI police posts for women

Over two dozen children were hospitalised in The blood-smeared body of a woman civic A Royal Bengal Tigress has given birth to A court in New Delhi yesterday sentenced Tripura’s BJP government, in a significant decision a Jharkhand school after consuming ‘khichdi’ volunteer was recovered at her house near three healthy cubs at Bengal Safari Park in former Indian diplomat Madhuri Gupta to three yesterday, reserved 10% posts in its police force for in which a dead lizard was found. The incident the airport in Kolkata while her husband found the state’s Siliguri, an official said yesterday. years in jail for passing on sensitive information women to deal more eff iciently with crimes related took place in a school located in Simaria village tied to a chair with plastic ropes, police said “Shila, the Royal Bengal Tigress, gives birth to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) spy to them, a minister said. “From now onwards, 10% under Domchanch block of Koderma district in yesterday. Shampa Das, 32, was, apparently, to three cubs. The newborns are in good agency. Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth posts would be reserved in all types of recruitment the state. After consuming the food, the children hit by some heavy objects and her face was condition,” a forest official said. Shila was Sharma while awarding sentence observed in police force for women. Currently there is 4% complained of nausea and started vomiting, covered with a pillow to suff ocate her to death, the only female tiger in the Bengal Safari’s that she was posted in a very sensitive position women police personnel in the Tripura Police following which they were rushed to Domchanch according to local residents. According to police, tiger enclosure. Special care was taken by in Indian High Commission in Pakistan. force,” Education and Law Minister Ratan Lal Referral Hospital and Koderma Sadar Hospital. On the incident occurred on Friday night and when the authorities when the tigress was found “Undoubtedly, from a person of her stature, it was Nath said after a cabinet meeting. The meeting getting information, Block Development Off icer her body was found from her house at Kaikhali pregnant, official said. The birth of the cubs expected that she would act in more responsible was chaired by Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, Narayan Ram, accompanied by Koderma Medical and taken to a local private nursing home where has increased, to six, the number of big than an ordinary citizen as she was at high who also holds the home portfolio. Nath told the Off icer Dr Ranjeet Kumar, reached the school. doctors declared her dead. Police also said her cats in the Safari. The 100 acres stretch is position of trust but her action has tarnished the media that the state government took this decision On inquiry, they found a dead lizard in the utensil husband Supratim Das was found tied to a chair an abode for deer, rhinos, bears and others image of the country and has caused severe threat keeping in mind Supreme Court’s observation while used for cooking the food for about 30 children. with plastic rope and also had some injuries. animals. to the security of the country,” the court said. dealing with Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case.

Need for transparency in appointment of judges: Yeddyurappa quits Ravi Shankar Prasad

IANS for improvement, and that is the di- New Delhi rective from the judiciary itself.” He again reiterated that the govern- ment’s sending back the fi le relating before trust vote ederal Law Minister Ravi to the appointment of Uttarakhand Shankar Prasad said yesterday Chief Justice K M Joseph “has nothing IANS Fthat there was “need for trans- to do with the verdict given by Justice Bengaluru parency” in the appointment of judg- Joseph striking down President’s rule es and the “autonomy of the judiciary in the state”. should be respected”. On the unprecedented press con- n an anti-climax to the hectic po- Replying to questions at the day- ference by four sitting Supreme Court litical developments since the split long India TV Conclave on ‘Four years judges, he said: “I would not say any- Iverdict in May 12 Karanataka As- of Modi government’, Prasad said that thing on this. I have full faith in the sembly polls, the BJP lost power in there was unanimity among political farsightedness of the apex court judg- Karnataka as Chief Minister B S Yed- parties on the National Judicial Ac- es in ironing out their diff erences.” dyurappa resigned yesterday before the countability Commission (NJAC) Bill He however hit out at Congress trust vote, as he did not have the num- but it was struck down by the top president Rahul Gandhi for rais- bers to prove his majority. court. ing the judges issue at his rallies in His resignation paved the way for “The Supreme Court Collegium Chhattisgarh. formation of a Congress-Janata Dal- in its verdicts in 1993, 1998 and 2015 “Despite being defeated at the Secular (JD-S) government headed by had admitted that the Centre had the hands of the people, Rahul Gan- H D Kumaraswamy. right to review the decisions taken dhi cannot run this country through Congress president Rahul Gan- by the Collegium, and the present the corridors of the court by using dhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra government was only exercising that a sponsored case. The nation will Modi after the trust vote, saying he right,” he said. be run by only those who have got would have learnt lessons from Yeddy- Without naming Justice C S Kar- the blessings of the people through urappa having been forced to resign as nan of Calcutta High Court, who was vote. Rahul Gandhi raised Justice B the Karnataka chief minister two days jailed for six months by the Supreme H Loya’s death case in his rallies, but after he was sworn in. Court for contempt, he said: “When there is no logic behind this. It has The order for advancing the trust we went through the fi le of that judge, been a tradition not to drag the judi- vote to Saturday came from the Su- it was written that he was an appoint- ciary into politics in our democracy. preme Court as the Congress and the ee of the Collegium. It was written on In most of his speeches, Rahul is rais- JD-S fi led a petition challenging Gov- the fi le that he had a good knowledge ing the issue of ‘boycott by judges’. What ernor Vajubhai Vala’s invitation to Yed- of various laws. Naturally, that judge does he want to convey?” he asked. dyurappa to form government and his had no knowledge about contempt. The Law Minister said: “It is a mat- giving the BJP leader 15 days to prove So, somewhere or other, there is need ter of pride for me that our Prime majority. for improvement in judiciary.” Minister Narendra Modi, Home Min- While the BJP emerged as the single- B S Yeddyurappa attends a Karnataka Assembly session in Bengaluru yesterday. He also pointed out that apart from ister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minis- largest party, the Congress and the JD- the stay on judges’ appointment in ter Arun Jaitley and External Aff airs S, which formed a post-poll alliance, made an emotional speech, saying the “It was my dream to be the chief After a favourable verdict on 2014 and 2015 due to NJAC issue, 126 Minister Sushma Swaraj, that we all said they had the required numbers to BJP didn’t get the numbers needed to minister of the state at a time Narendra their petition from the Supreme judges were appointed in 2016 and 117 fought for the rights of press, citizens form the government. prove majority in the House. Modi is the Prime Minister. If only peo- Court over the Governor’s decision judges in 2017, and appointment of and judiciary during the emergency. A little ahead of the appointed time “I will lose nothing if I lose power, ple would have given us 113 seats in- early on Wednesday, which was more is in the pipeline. “Who superseded Justice Shelat, of trust vote at 4pm, Yeddyurappa my life is for the people,” he said. stead of 104, we would have made this given a rare late-night hearing, the As he said “Transparency in ju- Justice Grover and Justice Hegde? In his 15-minute address to the state a paradise. But I will fi ght for the Congress and the JD-S had again diciary is our commitment”, Prasad, Why did Justice H R Khanna said dur- Kumaraswamy invited to House, the 75-year-old BJP leader said state till my last breath. We will get 28 moved the apex court on Friday asked if it was his view that there was ing emergency that there could be no form state government there was no way he could have served out of 28 seats in Lok Sabha and I will seeking ouster of K G Bopaiah as no transparency in judiciary now, re- compromise on the issue of liberty of the people of Karnataka, as the Con- win 150 Assembly seats for Narendra pro-tem Speaker of the Karnataka plied: “I didn’t say this. There is need citizens?” he asked. Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala gress was not allowing its MLAs even Modi (in the next assembly elections),” Assembly. yesterday invited Janata-Dal-Secular’s to speak to their family members. Yeddyurappa said. However, as the Karnataka govern- legislative party leader H D Kumaras- Lamenting that hundreds of farm- Asserting that the mandate showed ment informed about the live telecast wamy to form the next government ers had committed suicides across the that the state’s people have rejected the of the fl oor test proceedings to ascer- in the state, following the resignation state during the last fi ve years, Yeddy- Congress and the Janata Dal-Secular tain the majority support to Yeddy- Holy month of BJP’s B S Yeddyurappa ahead of his urappa said the Congress could not en- (JD-S), he said: “People have voted urappa, the petitioners yesterday de- Boys read trust vote. sure water for irrigating the farmlands against the Congress’ misgovernance. I cided not to press their plea against the the Holy “The governor has invited me to in the state even 70 years after the In- have faced many ‘agni pareeksha’ (trial pro-tem Speaker. Qur’an at a form the next government as the lead- dependence. by fi re) in the past and this trust vote is The May 12 election across the state madrassa er of the JD-S legislative party with the “My aim is to serve farmers till my last just another one.” in 222 constituencies out of total 224 during support of the Congress, which is our breath. I will also continue to serve all the He then announced his resignation threw up a hung House, with no party the holy alliance partner,” Kumaraswamy told people, including the Dalits, backward and drove to Raj Bhavan to submit his securing majority. month of reporters at the Raj Bhavan after the classes, weaker sections and the poor,” resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala. Polls in two constituencies were de- Ramadan meeting. reiterated Yeddyurappa who was the fi rst In Delhi, Congress President Rahul ferred. on the The JD-S leader also said the gov- BJP chief minister in south India when Gandhi launched a stinging attack on Of the 222 seats, the BJP won 104, outskirts ernor had given him 15 days to prove the party came to power on its own in Modi stating that “PM is corruption” Congress 78, Janata Dal-Secular 37, of Agartala that he had majority in the 224-mem- Karnataka in 2008 assembly election. and there was no institution “worthy and one each was bagged by the Ba- yesterday. ber legislative assembly, whose Expressing confi dence of the BJP of respect of the Prime Minister, Amit hujan Samaj Party and the Karnataka strength is currently 222. winning in all the 28 Lok Sabha con- Shah and the RSS”. Pragnyavantha Janatha Party, and an “I have decide to form the JD-S- stituencies from the state in the 2019 “I hope the BJP and the RSS learnt a independent. Congress government on May 21 by general elections, Yeddyurappa said lesson from this that the institutions of As JD-S leader H D Kumaraswamy taking oath at 11am in the Kanteerva the party would also win in 150 of the this country, the will of the people of won from both Channapatna and Ra- stadium,” added Kumaraswamy. 224-member state assembly in the next this country cannot be disrespected,” managaram segments, the party’s ef- elections. he said. fective strength in the House is 36.

Boost for Kerala Congress before by-poll Shun violence, join mainstream India:

By Ashraf Padanna dampener for the BJP, which has Indian democracy. And that the Modi to ‘misguided’ Kashmiri youth Thiruvananthapuram only one member of legislative as- party with the highest percentage sembly in the 140-strong house of votes will now form the govern- now. ment w/an ally is gr8 news!” IANS foundation stones of the Pakul Dul Power Kashmir, Modi said former prime minis- he Congress in Kerala yes- BJP candidate P S Sreedharan The party’s state chief MM Hassan Srinagar Project and the four-lane 58.2km long ter Atal Bihari Vajpayee always advocated terday hailed the victory for Pillai, who came a close third last demanded the removal of Karnataka Jammu Ring Road. and supported “Kashmiriyat” and “Modi Tthe party’s alliance in the time here, was hoping to ride on the Governor Vajubhai Vala for swearing He also inaugurated the Tarakote Marg is also the disciple of the same ‘Kashmir- neighbouring Kartanata state as anti-incumbency sentiments and in Yeddyurappa despite the fact that n a day-long Jammu and Kash- and Material Ropeway of the Shri Mata iyat’”. “historic”. defeat the ruling Communist Party he could not muster majority with- mir visit to inaugurate develop- Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to facilitate He said development was the only solu- Leaders came out in jubilation of India (Marxist) or CPM here. out engineering defections. Omental projects, two days after pilgrims visiting the shrine. tion to all problems of the state and hoped soon after Prime Minister Narendra “People here are also watch- “What we have seen is a consti- the government announced an uncon- Before fl ying back to New Delhi, the that “time will come soon when Jammu Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ing the developments in Karnataka tutional authority allowing him to ditional Ramadan ceasefi re in the state, prime minister attended the Convocation and Kashmir will re-emerge as the crown failed to manage numbers to win a and elsewhere,” said Chandy, who engage in horse- trading and break- Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Ag- and coronet of peace and progress for the confi dence vote in the state legis- is campaigning there addressing ing the anti-defection law,” he said asked “misguided” Kashmiri youth to ricultural Sciences and Technology in the entire country”. lature and Chief Minister B S Yed- scores of small family meetings. in a statement. join “mainstream” India for a life with winter capital. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who dyurappa resigned after barely two “Naturally, it would also infl uence He also wanted to book the BJP dignity. In partially-curfewed Srinagar where shared the dais with the prime minister, days in offi ce. voters in Chengannur who are con- leader for off ering money and po- Amid a separatist called shutdown and schools and colleges were closed for the took a dig at Pakistan for not responding “May 19 is going to be a historic day cerned about political morality.” sitions to the Congress legislators protest march and restrictions by author- day, Modi addressed a gathering at Sher- positively to India’s “goodwill gesture” of for independent India,” said former The CPM, which contested in alli- who recorded telephone conversa- ities in Srinagar, Modi with a message of e-Kashmir International Convention Ramadan ceasefi re that was declared on chief minister Oommen Chandy. ance with BJP in many places, is also tions with him. development and peace wrapped up in the Centre (SKICC), advising those youth Thursday. “The nasty games of (BJP presi- licking its wounds from the worst Leader of Opposition Ramesh evening his whirlwind trip that took him who have lost their path to return to the “It takes a large heart and a position of dent) Amit Shah and to buy out de- drubbing in this week’s civic polls Chennithala termed the defeat as to all the three regions — Ladakh, Kash- mainstream. strength to declare the Ramadan cease- mocracy using money using money in its former bastion of West Bengal a setback to Shah and Modi “who mir Valley and Jammu. “The mainstream is their family and fi re. You have tried to dress the wounds power has crumbled on the fl oor of that relegated it to a distant fourth. tried to torpedo the people’s verdict He inaugurated 330 megawatt Kish- parents. The mainstream is their partici- of our people and I assure you that your the Karnataka Assembly.” “As I take off from Auckland, through horse-trading”. enganga power house in Kashmir and a pation in the development of the state. positive step will be reciprocated by 10 The Congress party is engaged news comes in of BSY’s resigna- “Yeddyurappa walked out of the 41.2km long Ring Road project to decon- Every stone or weapon picked up by mis- positive steps by our people,” Mehbooba in a tight three-cornered contest tion,” All India Professional Con- Assembly and tendered his res- gest Srinagar city and started work on the guided youth injures their own. You will Mufti said. in Kerala’s Chengannur Assem- gress president Dr Shashi Tharoor ignation without even facing the Zojila Tunnel to provide an all-weather have to come out of this atmosphere. Not She said the prime minister had the bly constituency which goes to the tweeted from the New Zealand city. confi dence vote after,” he said. “He link to Ladakh and reduce the distance to only for your future but for the future of mandate and the stature to solve all the polls on May 28. “That so many MLAs proved gave in after all his attempts to buy the cold desert region by three hours from Jammu and Kashmir. You will have to join problems of the people in the state, re- Leaders hope it would energise impervious to the BJP’s blandish- legislators and cling onto power Srinagar. the Indian mainstream.” calling that remedies were in the agenda the party cadres and could be a ments is an encouraging sign for failed.” In Jammu, the prime minister laid the Invoking the composite culture of of alliance between the PDP and the BJP. Gulf Times 24 Sunday, May 20, 2018 PAKISTAN PTI chief Imran Khan to unveil ‘100-day plan’ today

Internews posed 100-day plan is aimed at recommendations for creation of committee will look into all nec- Pakistan could face sanctions to the media, leading to a war of Islamabad attracting more people. South Punjab province. essary aspects and steps required from the US because of Sharif’s words between the PTI and Shah. “Primarily, the PTI chair- According to a PTI notifi cation in creation of a new province and controversial remarks on the About the widely-debated is- man will focus on the 11 points this week, veteran politician Mir submit an implementation plan Mumbai attacks. sue of proposed merger of the akistan Tehreek-e-Insaf he announced during the party’s Balakh Sher Mazari, who recently to the party within a period of However, he made it clear that Federally Administered Tribal (PTI) chief Imran Khan is Minar-e-Pakistan public meet- joined the PTI along with several 100 days,” says the notifi cation. Sharif’s political narrative is un- Areas (Fata) with Khyber Pa- Pmost likely to unveil today ing recently, and how his possible other politicians, has been made The committee may call sub- popular within and without the khtunkhwa, Qureshi said that if his party’s fi rst 100-day plan of government will go about imple- convenor of the committee. ject matter experts as per their party. the government had a fair inten- action should the party came to ment them,” he explained. The other members of the need to help in formulating the About the caretaker premier, tion, then it should have worked power following the 2018 general The PTI chief, he noted, had committee are PTI vice-chair- strategy. the PTI leader said that there is on the early passage of the con- elections. directed party experts to prepare man Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Ja- Meanwhile, talking to media no consensus over the matter. stitutional amendment. A senior party leader said that plans with timelines to deal with hangir Khan Tareen, Ishaq Khan persons here, Shah Mehmood “We have not been consulted He added that the PTI wanted Khan is confi dent of doing very the challenges faced by the coun- Khaqwani, Khusro Bakhtiar, and Qureshi charged that the narra- over the issue of caretaker set not only the merger but local well in upcoming elections, even try. Tahir Bashir Cheema. tive being projected by former up,” Qureshi complained. government polls in the region. in Punjab, keeping in mind the Along with the party commit- “The committee will formu- prime minister Nawaz Sharif is He said that the PTI had for- The PTI leader said his party Khan: Will primarily focus on the new political alignments in re- tee reviewing the PTI manifesto, late a way forward for the crea- more dangerous than his recent warded some names to Leader of had always raised its voice in 11 points announced during the cent weeks and months, and that a new six-member committee tion of South Punjab province in statement. Opposition Khursheed Shah. support of the merger of Fata party’s Minar-e-Pakistan public the idea of spelling out the pro- has been notifi ed to thrash out the federation of Pakistan. The Qureshi expressed fears that However, these were leaked with KP. meeting recently.

Teenager rescued Caretaker PM to be named from her parents

Internews after fi nal talks next week Lahore

Internews The opposition leader said minister, Shah met Speaker Na- As per the Constitution, the appointed without the party’s their choice, the sources hinted. Islamabad that the prime minister had tional Assembly Sardar Ayaz caretaker premier is appointed agreement. Interestingly, Shah claimed he Punjab Commission asked him to share the name, if Sadiq. by the prime minister in con- Sources said yesterday that last week that the prime minis- on the Status of Women any. According to sources, the sultation with the opposition the caretaker prime minister ter had authorised him to sug- T(PCSW) successfully res- rime Minister Shahid “But I told him that I came for names of two former State Bank leader in the National Assembly. will be appointed next week on gest name of the caretaker prime cued a 19-year-old from con- Khaqan Abbasi and Op- consultations and if you have of Pakistan governors – Dr Both the premier and the op- the day when the ongoing ses- minister and he had also sought fi nement by her parents and Pposition Leader in the any name, then give it to me,” he Ishrat Hussain and Dr Sham- position leader then present sion of the National Assembly the consent of the prime minis- other members of her family in National Assembly Syed Khur- said, adding: “The prime min- shad Akhtar, two former chief names of three nominees each, will be prorogued, and that it ter about the name. Lahore. sheed Shah failed to make head- ister asked me to (return for a justices of the Supreme Court from which the consensus can- will be last prorogation of the He had promised to make it She was reportedly brought way this week on the name of meeting) on Sunday.” of Pakistan – Tassaduq Hussain didate is appointed as the care- lower house of Parliament of its public on May 15, but later de- to Pakistan from Italy in Febru- caretaker prime minister and Shah said he told the prime Jilani and Mulk, former Election taker prime minister. tenure. ferred it to May 19 (yesterday). ary 2018 for 10 days, under false decided to hold the fi nal round minister that he would not be Commission of Pakistan secre- Interestingly, the other oppo- The sources said that Abbasi He was due to have a meeting pretenses of her brother’s en- of consultations on Tuesday. available today (Sunday) and tary Ishtiaq Ahmad, and former sition parties, including the PTI, and Shah have already infor- with Abbasi yesterday but noth- gagement. “It was decided to hold anoth- that it would be better if they Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor have apparently lost interest mally exchanged a few names ing came of it. It later transpired that her er round of meeting on Tuesday meet on Tuesday, to which Ab- Shaukatullah Khan came under in picking a suitable caretaker without divulging to the media This implies that the leader- parents wished to marry her off to fi nalise and make the name of basi agreed. discussion. prime minister. or close associates. ship of the two sides have not fi - against her will. caretaker prime minister public The opposition leader said is The current National Assem- The PTI earlier took up a se- They have, however, conveyed nalised the name/names, and in While in Italy, her father had the same day. Friday’s meeting positive that they would agree bly will complete its fi ve-year rious position on the question the proposed names to their re- all probability the matter could put a stop to her studies. was brief, as the prime minister on the name of the caretaker term on May 31, after which the and made it clear to the Leader spective party leadership. be dragged to the last days of the The Italian embassy informed was due to leave for Istanbul,” premier. caretaker government will take of the Opposition that it would Their party leaderships have National Assembly and the gov- the PCSW chairperson about said Shah. Soon after meeting the prime over to hold general elections. not accept a caretaker premier not responded with the names of ernment, the sources added. the matter with the request to ensure her safety, while the min- istry of interior followed up and provided assurance of full sup- port. The embassy will support the Concern Family mourns daughter girl in case she wishes to return to Italy, where she has resided for the past 10 years. over notice The PCSW team and the killed in Texas shooting Garhi Shahu station house of- fi cer (SHO) located her address served and recovered her, after which By Ashraf Khan, AFP she was transported to a secure Karachi location. on Dawn She wants to returns to Italy and resume her studies. bdul Aziz Sheikh learned The teenager is now safe and Internews about the US school relieved that the PCSW, the Lahore Ashooting, in which his Aziz Sheikh holds up his Punjab police, and the Italian 17-year-old daughter was cellphone with an image of his embassy reacted swiftly to res- killed, on CNN, with the story daughter Sabika on the screen. cue her. he Human Rights Com- airing live as he broke his Ra- In the last fi ve years, a number mission of Pakistan has madan fast thousands of miles than just console the parents of laws for the protection of Texpressed concern over a away in Pakistan. of these murdered kids,” said women have been passed by the notice served by the Press Coun- In those chaotic fi rst mo- American actress Mindy Kaling Punjab Assembly as well as the cil of Pakistan (PCP) on Dawn for ments of confusion and terror, on Twitter, along with a picture National Assembly of Pakistan. what it has termed a violation he called his daughter Sabika of Sabika. These laws aim to curb the of the Ethical Code of Practice, Sheikh’s phone over and over. Some Pakistanis, for whom incidence of honour crimes, by publishing an interview of She did not answer. militant violence is all too fa- forced marriages, deprivation of former prime minister Nawaz “I kept calling her and sent miliar, branded the killing “ter- inheritance, domestic violence, Sharif. her messages on WhatsApp. rorism”. traffi cking of women and chil- It urged the authorities not to Never before had my daughter “My heart is crying for dren, and sexual violence against interfere with the media’s right failed to reply,” Sheikh told AFP, #SabikaSheikh, we have lost women. to report fairly. fi ghting back tears at his home our brightest asset because of Furthermore, the Punjab The commission posted yes- in the southern port city Kara- terrorism,” tweeted Malik Ro- government has taken various terday a statement on Twitter chi yesterday, just hours after haina, from the southern Paki- initiatives for the protection and which said it is concerned that he and his wife had their worst stani city of Hyderabad. empowerment of women. the newspaper’s circulation had fears confi rmed. Despite perennially rocky These include the establish- been subjected to seemingly ar- “We are still in a state of de- Ali and Soha, brother and sister of Sabika, speak with members of the media at their home in Karachi. relations between Washington ment of dedicated institutions bitrary curbs. nial. It is like a nightmare,” said and Islamabad, the US has long such as the PCSW, a woman om- In his interview, Sharif stated: Sheikh. killed, sparking an unprece- “She was coming back soon,” ing this year, according to US been a favoured destination for budsperson against workplace “Call them non-state actors, His wife sat nearby, visibly dented grassroots, student-led her father said. “There is a gen- media reports, a disturbing sta- Pakistani students studying harassment, women’s shelters should we allow them to cross still shocked and seemingly gun control movement. eral impression that the life is tistic in a country where fi re- abroad, with thousands enroll- in every district, and a toll- the border and kill 150 people in unable to speak as friends and In Pakistan, the Santa Fe safe and secure in America. But arms are part of everyday life ing in American schools every free 24/7 helpline for women, Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why relatives tried to comfort her. shooting has unleashed an out- this is not the case.” and there are more than 30,000 year. through which women are made can’t we complete the trial?” Sabika, an exchange student pouring of sympathy and hor- The alleged gunman – Dimi- gun-related deaths annually. Even as he mourned the loss aware of their rights and redress The former premier added: at the Santa Fe High School in ror over the death of Sabika, trios Pagourtzis, another stu- The news that a Pakistani ex- of his daughter, Aziz Sheikh mechanisms. “We have isolated ourselves. Texas, was killed along with who had been in the US for 10 dent at the school, who at 17 is change student was among the said he hoped the tragedy The helpline has established Despite giving sacrifi ces, our nine others after a heavily- months and was weeks away the same age as Sabika – was dead appeared to break through would not frighten fellow Paki- co-ordination mechanisms narrative is not being accepted. armed student opened fi re on from coming home. later apprehended by police the now-routine outpouring of stanis from following her lead. with the police to ensure rapid Afghanistan’s narrative is be- his classmates on Friday. Sabika, whose father said had and is being held on capital grief on social media after such “Such incidents should not response and sensitive service ing accepted, but ours is not. We It was the latest school always excelled in school, had murder charges, meaning he killings, with US celebrities make people lose heart ... and delivery to survivors of violence. must look into it.” shooting to rock the US, and nurtured dreams of serving in could face the death penalty. joining Pakistanis in expressing one should not stop going to Through the helpline, women The commission noted: came just three months af- Pakistan’s foreign offi ce. Police have yet to release de- their sorrow the US or UK or China or any- can also lodge complaints and “There is no evidence to sug- ter the massacre in Parkland, She had been due to return to tails about a possible motive. “This little girl could’ve been where,” said Aziz. “One must grievances against government gest that Dawn has undermined Florida in which 17 people were Karachi in time for Eid al-Fitr. It was the 22nd school shoot- my daughter. We must do more go for education undeterred.” offi ces. Pakistan’s sovereignty or integ- rity under the PCP Ordinance 2002 by publishing an interview with the former prime minister speaking on the record.” The commission described Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police to get special training on human rights such moves as harassment of the media: “Such curbs are tanta- mount to press harassment and Internews of women, children and special protection units will be set up will supervise the new set up at punishment, training for trans- spokesperson Shah Farman, who only chip away further at the Islamabad persons, besides safeguarding at the district level, and a child the provincial level. genders, fi nancial help to senior is holding the portfolio of Infor- shrinking space for freedom of the marginalised segments of protection offi cer will look af- The units will be empowered citizens and skill development. mation and Public Relations, expression.” the society against injustices. ter the whole system, including to register FIRs against those in- The KP cabinet also approved said that the decisions taken by he Khyber Pakhtunkhwa It approved the policy for registration of a fi rst informa- volved in child abuse. internship policy for the educat- the cabinet would set a direc- (KP) province govern- the protection of human rights tion report (FIR) in case of child The new policy will focus ed youth to develop their skills. tion for the rights-based society Tment has decided to pro- including political, women, abuse and corporal punishment. on necessary training to po- Under the policy, about 5,000 which would be a real change. vide special training to the po- transgender and senior citizens’ Moreover, child protection lice, prevention of violence and graduates will receive a monthly To a question, he maintained lice under its recently-approved rights, and the rights of special units will be established under death in police custody, raising stipend of Rs25, 000 for a year. that these decisions had noth- human rights policy to prevent people in the province. new arrangements at the district awareness for women protec- The sponsoring depart- ing to do with the tenure of the violence and minimise chances Among other decisions, the level. tion, eff ective legislation, offi - ments will include an appropri- present government. of torture under police custody. cabinet approved amendments The district social welfare of- cial residence for women, legal ate number of slots in each new Farman stressed that the Pa- The provincial cabinet ap- to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fi cer will lead the unit, assisted and psychological aid to women, PC-1 and will publish approved kistan Tehreek-e-Insaf govern- Sharif: his reported remarks proved its human rights policy Child Protection and Welfare by the child protection offi cer. forensic facilities, child protec- slots on dedicated portal. ment did not believe in “cos- have triggered outcry. on Thursday to protect the rights Act 2010, under which child The chief protection offi cer tion, elimination of corporal Provincial government metic” changes. Gulf Times Sunday, May 20, 2018 25 PHILIPPINES

Duterte attends graduation ceremony Education dept reactivates school cleanup programme

By Neil Alcober Briones urged regional and Manila Times division offi ces to set up a com- mand centre to receive and re- spond to concerns directly from he Department of Educa- the ground. tion (DepEd) will reacti- Regional information offi cers Tvate the National Oplan and other OBE personnel at- Balik Eskwela (OBE) for school tended the 2018 OBE National year 2018-2019 from tomorrow Orientation from May 10 to 11 until June 8 in preparation for at the DepEd-CO to capacitate the opening of classes. them on how to properly handle “The conduct of the OBE will and answer questions from the ensure that all our learners are public. properly enrolled and able to Some of the topics discussed attend school on the fi rst day of at the orientation include Learn- classes by addressing problems, er Reference Number and Learn- queries, and other concerns er Information System; Govern- commonly encountered by our ment Assistance to Students and stakeholders at the start of the Teachers in Private Education; school year,” Education Secre- Philippine Educational Place- tary Leonor Briones said. ment Test; K to 12 Programme; Under the OBE, the DepEd enrolment policies; Kinder- central offi ce shall set up the garten; Alternative Learning OBE Information and Action System; Madrasah Education Centre (IAC) at the Bulwagan ng Programme; Special Education Karunungan which shall serve as Programme; disaster-prepar- President Rodrigo Duterte and his granddaughter Isabelle recite the San Beda College pledge of loyalty during the commencement exercise of the San Beda College, the information and complaints edness; Child Protection Poli- Alabang. The president took a brief respite from his work to attend his granddaughter’s senior high school graduation. processing and routing zone for cy; and teacher hiring, among the duration of the project. others.

Drug Former tourism agency suspect killed

Manila Times offi cials face graft charges Manila

By Ma. Reina Tolentino orio Estepa Jr, Vivian Otaza and ian Anthony E Fernandez, and tiality” by rigging the proc- right to operate and manage waste water facilities, includ- drug suspect was killed Manila Times Lucas Nunag. Tourism Promotions Board ess in selecting MWCI as its the BWSS system despite the ing the existing PTA/Boracay during a buy-bust opera- PTA offi cers Teresita Verde, Chief Operating Offi cer Cesar joint venture partner for the constitutional prohibition on drainage facilities…In short, Ation in Cavite that nearly Lydia Cosuco, Edgar Bocar, Joy Montano, Datu Abul Khayr D project. Based on the com- exclusivity of franchises or these facilities were given turned into a shootout except raft charges were fi led Bulauitan, and Miguelita Mari- Alonto, Elizaldy S Co, Roy B plaint, the PTA and MWCI authorisations in the opera- to BIWC for free or without that his gun failed him twice, al- against former offi cials ano were also included in the Martin, Maria Vida H Stoifl and entered into a joint venture tion of public utilities.” cost,” they added.The PTA, lowing police to fi re back, which Gof the Philippine Tour- charge sheet. Catherine B Turvill. agreement on April 21, 2009 “Through the said JVA, the they said, was deprived of in- resulted in his death. ism Authority (PTA) in connec- The PTA was renamed Tour- Boracay Island Water Com- “to establish a joint venture respondents made it appear come, particularly the conces- Julius Jepson was shot dead tion with the alleged question- ism Infrastructure and Enter- pany (BIWC) incorporators for the development, financ- that the capital contribu- sion fees equivalent to 5% of by Police Offi cer (PO) 2 Argean able agreement between the prise Zone Authority (Tieza). Virgilio C Rivera Jr, Luis Juan ing, design, engineering, con- tion or equity of the PTA to the JVC’s gross income. Formilleza in Barangay San Nico- former and Manila Water Com- Also charged at the Offi ce of B Oreta, Frank Beaumont, and struction, upgrade, testing, the Joint Venture Company They alleged that the JVA las 3, in Bacoor City, the Cavite pany Inc, to establish a joint the Ombudsman were Tieza former Energy Secretary Jose commissioning, operation, (JVC) or Boracay Island Wa- “authorised MWCI to advance Provincial Police Offi ce said. venture for the operation, man- board members former Tourism Rene D Almendras were im- management and maintenance ter Company (BIWC) is only payment of the Concession Formilezza posed as a buyer, agement, and maintenance of Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo and pleaded as respondents. of the BWSS facilities and op- P60,000,000 or 20% of its Fee to the PTA in the amount together with his confi dential Boracay Waterworks and Sew- husband Roberto Teo, Marco In their complaint, Boracay eration and maintenance of authorised capital stock, equal to the subscription pay- asset, and bought “shabu” from erage System (BWSS) facilities. M Bautista, Pocholo JD Para- Island residents Rod G Padilla drainage facilities.” hence, compliant with the ment of P60,000,000, which Jepson, police said. Named respondents in gas, Department of the Interior and Roberto V Gelito accused The PTA and MWCI then provisions of the 2008 Joint is obviously a loan of the PTA Jepson sensed that they were the complaint were former and Local Government Offi cer the respondents of violating incorporated the BIWC. On Venture Guideline, when in from the MWCI, the amortisa- police operatives so he ran in- PTA General Manager Mark in Charge Eduardo M Ano and Republic Act 3019 or the Anti- December 17, 2009, the PTA truth and in fact, for reason tion payments of which should side his house to get his fi rearm. T Lapid and its board mem- Assistant Secretary Epimaco Graft and Corrupt Practices and BIWC executed a conces- or reasons only known to the be offsetted against PTA’s He aimed his weapon at the op- bers — former Tourism secre- Densing, Environment Secre- Act. sion agreement. respondents, they unlawfully Concession Fees equivalent eratives but it did not fi re, giving tary Ramon Jimenez Jr, former tary Roy A Cimatu, Analizah The complainants claimed The complainants alleged did not consider the contribu- to 5% of the annual gross rev- Formilezza the chance to shoot Public Works secretary Rogelio R Teh, Public Works Secre- that the respondents connived that BIWC was given unwar- tions of the PTA, particularly enue within the period of ten back at the suspect to immobi- Singson, Luwalhati Antonino, tary Mark A Villar, Karen Olivia to give MWCI “unwarranted ranted benefits, advantage or its investments in the existing (10) years from the signing of lise him. Jepson tried but failed to former Environment secretary V Jimeno, Anthony Edsel benefits, advantage or prefer- preference “when PTA granted water rights; its investments the Concession Agreement or fi re his gun for the second time, Ramon Jesus Paje, Carlos Hon- Conrad F Tupaz, Maximil- ence through manifest par- BIWC the sole and exclusive in the BWSS water supply and until paid.” prompting Formilezza to retaliate. Military rejects claim of ‘massive’ Senators expect stronger recruitment by extremist groups

Research who said that extrem- “rebuilding its spirit and sense leadership under Sotto Manila Times Manila ist groups in Central Mindanao of hope”. He cited Preventing have intensifi ed their recruit- and Countering Violent Extrem- By Jeff erson Antiporda of the majority bloc. At least 14 ment by exploiting the condition ism programmes in fulfi lling that Manila Times senators have signed a mani- he Armed Forces of the of displaced residents in Marawi recommendation as it aimed to festo, in the form of a resolu- Philippines (AFP) reject- City. prevent and counter radicalism tion, calling for the reorgani- Ted claims that there was “Professor Banlaoi may have and extremism. solid and stronger Sen- sation of the Senate leadership an ongoing “massive, discreet drawn his conclusion from his “We are aware that the issues ate under the leadership and electing Senate Majority and decisive” recruitment of sources but in so far as the AFP raised by our brothers and sis- Aof Vicente Sotto can be Leader Sotto as the new head of extremist groups in Mindanao, is concerned, there may be dis- ters at the relocation/evacuation expected because he is not part the chamber. months after the Marawi City creet and serious eff orts to re- sites cannot be addressed using of the ruling PDP-Laban party, Pimentel dismissed insinu- siege ended. cruit but not ‘massive’ not to be military solution alone that is according to two senators. ations that the move to replace In a statement, Col. Edgard monitored by the AFP,” Arevalo why the AFP is working in close Sen. Nancy Binay said the him as Senate president is a Arevalo, AFP spokesman, said said. He said that the AFP was co-ordination with other agen- Senate would be less politicised form of a coup. that the military was not sur- “determined to frustrate and de- cies of government…to address with Sotto heading the chamber According to him, he wants prised to hear reports of recruit- feat the terrorist group and that the issues of the IDPs and the because he could focus more on to dedicate his time to educat- ment but denied that it was is the assurance we give to our roots of terrorism,” Arevalo said. the work of the Senate since he ing the people about federal- “massive” enough for them not people as we work closely with The fi ve-month Marawi siege is not running for re-election in ism since it was clear in a recent to be alerted. other relevant agencies of gov- ended on Oct 23, 2017 when 2019. survey that only few Filipinos Arevalo issued the statement ernment.” President Rodrigo Duterte de- “We feel that the Senate Vicente Sotto: expectations of strong leadership understand the subject. in response to a radio interview Arevalo agreed with Banlaoi’s clared the city was liberated from would be more neutral and fo- When asked why Sotto would with Professor Rommel Banlaoi recommendation that the gov- the IS-inspired Maute group, cused if it would be headed by a smooth transition in the Sen- attacked or unfairly criticised be a good choice to replace him, of the Philippine Institute for ernment must not only focus on which staged a series of attacks someone who is not a re-elec- ate presidency. without responding fairly or Pimentel said the latter is an Peace, Violence and Terrorism rehabilitating the area but also in a bid to establish a caliphate. tionist,” she added. He added that it was not easy violently if necessary,” he said. expert when it comes to Senate Binay said she thinks Sotto for the majority bloc to consider Sotto is likely to be replaced rules and procedures. would defend the institution replacing Pimentel because he by Juan Miguel Zubiri as Sen- Malacanang sees no problem against attacks from a co-equal has been a good leader to them. ate majority leader while Ralph with the looming change in the branch of government like the “Hopefully, they (Pimentel Recto will remain as Senate Senate leadership, its spokes- time when Speaker Pantaleon and Sotto) would discuss the president pro-tempore. man said on Friday. Army securing disputed territories Alvarez criticised the Senate for matter and settle it between “I am deeply honoured that In a Skype interview with re- being slow in passing bills. themselves. I hope that there my colleagues have once again porters, Harry Roque said Pres- Alvarez had said the reason will be a smooth transition,” considered me as their major- ident Rodrigo Duterte respects By Dempsey Reyes “The Armed Forces is always aware and will not why there are few bills be- Ejercito said at the sidelines of a ity fl oor leader if and when the the decision of the senators to Manila Times renege on its beholden constitutional duties in pro- ing signed into law is that the food festival organised by Villar change in the Senate leadership name a new Senate president. tecting our sovereignty and maintaining our ter- measures are stuck in the Sen- Sipag of Sen. Cynthia Villar. happens,” Zubiri said in a text “We respect the rights of the ritorial areas,” Arevalo said to reporters in Camp ate. “I think the consensus of He added that the majority message. senators to choose their leader,” he Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Aguinaldo in Quezon City. He, however, refused to the group is that he should have bloc has no major issues against Pimentel also on Friday said Roque added. “So, the presi- has said it is exerting eff orts in securing and disclose further information about the patrols. said something not to defend Pimentel as Senate president. he has nothing against the dent does not interfere with the Tpatrolling maritime territories of the coun- “We are doing patrols butwe cannot just reveal us personally, but to defend the Sotto, in a text message, on looming reorganisation in the process of electing a new Senate try over China’s reported militarisation of disputed the reports we have been submitting to the higher- institution,” Binay said, refer- Friday vowed to protect the Senate, adding that he, as an president.” areas in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). ups,” Arevalo said. The patrols, he added, are con- ring to Senate President Aqui- chamber from any unfair criti- offi cer of the Senate, should be Roque believes that the close The AFP, according to its spokesman Col. Edgard ducted jointly with Indonesia and Malaysia. lino “Koko” Pimentel. cism that would be thrown by ready for changes. relationship between the Duterte Arevalo, has been conducting naval and aerial pa- Earlier this month, a US-based think tank re- Another believer in Sotto other parties. He said he has not yet spo- administration and the Sen- trols over the territories being claimed by China leased a study saying among others that the Chi- leading a less politicised Senate “The Senate has a special ken to Sotto and he would want ate would not change, adding such as the Mischief (Panganiban), Fiery Cross nese military in April landed an aircraft on the con- is Joseph Victor Ejercito, who place in my heart. I will not al- that the issue be discussed in that Sotto is a known ally of the (Kagitingan) and Subi (Zamora) reefs. tested territories for the second time this year. also on Friday said he hopes for low it to be degraded, trampled, the presence of other members president. Gulf Times 26 Sunday, May 20, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Prudent use of natural resources central to Qatar’s strategy

Qatar’s recent announcement that it will develop a world- scale petrochemical complex using ethane feedstock from the North Field LNG expansion project is another testament to the country’s prudent use of its natural resources for the welfare of its people. The proposed petrochemical complex, according to Qatar Petroleum, will include an ethane cracker with a capacity of more than 1.6mn tonnes per year (mtpy) of ethylene, making it the “largest ethane cracker” in the Middle East, and one of the largest in the world. With world’s worst air, Indian The petrochemicals complex will also include world-class derivative plants, which will consolidate Qatar’s position among the leading petrochemicals producers in the world markets. The engineering design of the petrochemicals complex city struggles to track pollution should commence shortly, leading to a planned start-up in 2025. 2016 data from the Central Pollution the government-run Indian Institute of data showed pollution in general had Recently, QP invited a group of leading international Reuters Kanpur, India Control Board on the amount of Technology (IIT) in the city. not spiked despite higher industrial companies, with extensive experiences in the particulate matter (PM) under 2.5 Biomass burning accounted for activity. petrochemicals industry, to submit proposals to partner it micrograms — the smallest, most around 15% and emissions from NO FREE CLEAN AIR? in the development and operation of the new world scale n the world’s most polluted city, dangerous particles that can lodge vehicles about 8 % in Kanpur, around In Kanpur, coal burned by industry, Kanpur in northern India, the deep in the lungs — found in every 475km (295 miles) southeast of Delhi on emissions from vehicles plying mostly petrochemicals complex at the Ras Laff an Industrial City. biggest hospital is so overcrowded cubic metre of air. India’s northern plains. unpaved roads and proliferating In July last year, Qatar announced that it will further with patients with respiratory The WHO says globally about 7mn In summer, particulate matter tanneries combine to produce a toxic expand the North Field onshore project, targeting liquefi ed I ailments that they are often bedded in people die every year from breathing and vehicles emissions were equal cocktail of airborne pollution. natural gas (LNG) the ophthalmology ward. polluted air that can lead to heart contributors to air pollution, at around In one suburban neighbourhood “This project will production of 100mn tpy Kanpur, home to 3mn people, is disease, stroke and lung cancer. 35% each. on the banks of the Ganges, a river from the current 77mn followed by 13 other Indian cities in Most of the deaths happen in poor “The state government does not considered holy by Hindus, sewage and enable Qatar a list of the places with the worst air Asian and African countries. have the mechanism to understand leather scraps fl owed into the water, tpy. in the world, according to rankings Kanpur’s chief pollution offi cer, the sources of air pollution, how will turning it black and slimy. Petroleum to The addition of 23mn released this month by the World Kuldeep Misra, rejected the tag of the they tackle it?” asked Sachchida Nand A $3bn national plan to clean the river tpy of LNG will not Health Organisation (WHO). Prem world’s most polluted city. Tripathi, a professor in IIT Kanpur, who is running behind schedule. further expand only enhance Qatar Singh, head of the department of “If the situation was as bad as the is working with the federal environment Kanpur’s lone station tracking PM 2.5 Petroleum’s position as medicine in Kanpur’s Ganesh Shankar WHO describes, we would have been ministry to track particulate matter in is located in a bustling marketplace in its footprint the world’s largest LNG Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College, dead by now,” he said in an interview in real time. the city’s centre. said the number of patients the hospital his offi ce. “The state needs to act. “We have been asked to track only in the global producer and exporter, receives with respiratory illnesses has “THIS WAS COMING” This was very much coming.” PM 2.5. but also its international more than tripled over the past fi ve In an article for the British medical Big cities such as Kanpur need at I just have one machine to either petrochemicals image as a reliable and years to 600 a month, most of them journal The Lancet, experts from more least five stations to monitor PM 2.5 track PM 2.5 or PM 10,” said operator trustworthy energy children and people over 50 years old. than 100 institutions including the polluting the air and take remedial Rajesh Gupta, standing by a jumble of markets” provider. “Every week a lung cancer patient Indian Council of Medical Research measures, a federal environment machines and wires, idols of Hindu The expansion of Qatar’s LNG production from the walks in; earlier we would get one in and the Institute for Health Metrics ministry official said, declining to be gods placed nearby. three months,” said Singh. and Evaluation at the University of identified. On a terrace above the two-room North Field is an important landmark in Qatar Petroleum’s “Problems from air pollution are on Washington, said that Uttar Pradesh Chief Pollution offi cer Misra said station, a large display showed live strategic growth plan and objectives of becoming one of the the rise and leading to multiple diseases had the second highest incidence of Kanpur was taking action. pollution data. best national oil and gas companies in the world. such as bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease linked to air Misra said the city has just one The environment ministry in New As Qatar Petroleum President and CEO Saad Sherida obstructive pulmonary disease and pollution among all Indian states as of station to monitor PM 2.5, and only Delhi, meanwhile, is considering al-Kaabi aptly said the new petrochemical complex at Ras pneumonia.” 2016. started tracking the metric actively in spending about 7bn rupees ($104mn) In the adjoining room, a 45-year-old The neighbouring desert state of 2015. this fi scal year to help cities like Kanpur Laff an marked another important milestone for QP. man lay gasping as his family members Rajasthan topped the list. His offi ce has asked the state’s add more air-quality monitoring Indeed, petrochemicals represent a major pillar of QP’s circled around him amid the stench and But, like most other Indian cities, pollution control headquarters to buy systems and buy equipment like water- growth strategy to achieve its vision of becoming one of the dust. Kanpur does not have the infrastructure four more such monitors, he said. sprinklers to settle dust. best national oil companies in the world. A doctor attending to him said to fi ght air pollution, federal He said the local government planned “It’s the shared responsibility of the Al-Kaabi said, “This project will complement our eff orts the man was suff ering from chronic environment ministry offi cials say. to build new roads and set up an urban centre and state governments,” said to implement our strategy, and will enable Qatar Petroleum respiratory disease, partly due to air Only a handful of the country’s 100 train service to cut car pollution. Nandikesh Sivalingam, a campaigner pollution, that had destroyed one of his most polluted cities have action plans It would also plant more trees and with Greenpeace India. “If a state to further expand its footprint in the global petrochemicals lungs. to combat air pollution, despite being promote battery-operated transport, he like Uttar Pradesh demands funds, markets.” The corridors of the hospital, one asked by the federal government to do said, declining to give any deadlines for it’s fair because it’s facing some big QP expects new production from the North Field, which of the biggest in the country’s most so in 2015. the cited actions. infrastructure challenges.” is the largest non-associated natural gas fi eld in the world, populous state of Uttar Pradesh, are In Kanpur, the industrial hub of He acknowledged that Kanpur’s air A senior environment ministry within fi ve to seven years. packed with patients and their families, Uttar Pradesh, particulate matter such exceeded government-set safe limits, offi cial, who declined to be named Qatar’s plan is to develop an export-oriented gas project in laid on mats or squatting in groups. as dust and soot accounted for around based on the concentration of larger citing government policy, said states [https://reut.tv/2rK2jMa ] 76% of air pollution during the winter pollutants such as PM 10 over the past and municipalities should now budget the North Field. The WHO ranking is based on months, according to a 2015 report by few years, but added that the city’s own for air like they do for water. Since 2005, Qatar Petroleum has been conducting extensive studies and exerting exceptional eff orts to assess the North Field, including drilling a number of appraisal wells to better estimate the fi eld’s production potential. Besides making huge investments in developing the LNG industry in Qatar, QP’s portfolio has been growing rapidly- externally as well. This is refl ected on the fact that all companies in the world, which are based either in Qatar or outside and interested in expanding in liquefi ed natural gas, are knocking on QP’s doors. In QP, they see a very reliable, resource-rich, willing and competent partner. Undoubtedly, these partnerships will provide the world with uninterrupted supplies, and more importantly, the much-needed cleaner energy.

To Advertise [email protected] Display 44466621 44418811 Classified 44466609 44418811 Subscription [email protected]

© 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Smoke billows as a truck drives past the waste of leather tanneries at a dumpyard in Kanpur, India, May 3, 2018. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi Gulf Times Sunday, May 20, 2018 27 COMMENT Rethinking water-resource management

By Manzoor Qadir Given their simplicity, fog-harvesting management policies, and public and Vladimir Smakhtin systems have minimal running costs budgets to integrate the full range of Hamilton, Canada and are easily managed by unskilled water resources. teams. To this end, governments must Similarly, “micro-catchment abandon their outdated assumption n many parts of the world, there rainwater harvesting” – which that tapping unconventional water are simply no more conventional uses particular slopes and contours sources would be technically freshwater resources available to to increase runoff from rain and impractical or excessively costly. Imeet growing demand. Beyond concentrate it in a planting basin where Eff orts should be made to analyse the limiting economic development, the it is eff ectively “stored” in the soil – is potential benefi ts of such investment, lack of suffi cient freshwater resources useful for dryland ecosystems where taking into account the economic, threatens the well-being of billions most precipitation is lost. Several social, environmental, and health of people by causing confl ict, social projects in the Middle East and North trade-off s of water scarcity. unrest, and migration. The only way Africa demonstrate the potential of Governments must also clarify to address this challenge is by radically this approach to sustain vegetation the responsibilities of national water rethinking water-resource planning growth in very dry areas. agencies and improve the capacity and management in a way that Yet another unconventional source of water-related institutions at emphasises the creative exploitation of of freshwater is used greywater all levels to institute large-scale unconventional water sources. and wastewater from urban areas. unconventional-water programmes. There is a large and growing Mechanisms for safely collecting, Best practices should be clarifi ed, number of unconventional sources of treating, and reusing such water have innovations identifi ed and tested, and fresh water with massive potential, been demonstrated and documented, knowledge and experience shared. beginning with desalinated seawater or with stringent effl uent-discharge The private sector also has a role to highly brackish groundwater. Already, regulations in North America, play in the shift toward unconventional there are 18,000 desalination facilities Northern Europe, and Japan setting an water resources – a role that must in more than 100 countries producing example for the world. Groundwater extend beyond current eff orts to roughly 32bn cu m (8.45tn gallons) confi ned in deep geological formations tap desalinated water and urban of fresh water – about one-third of and in off shore aquifers may also be greywater and wastewater. Finally, the volume passing over Niagara Falls tapped. local institutions, nongovernmental annually. A fi nal – and particularly surprising organisations, and local communities Some 44% of global desalinated- – potential option, which the United must be mobilised – for example, water production is taking place in Arab Emirates is now exploring, is through public campaigns showcasing the Middle East and North Africa, and iceberg towage. While Canada’s oil and the benefi ts of harnessing the potential new facilities are being built across gas industry regularly tows icebergs to of unconventional water resources. Asia, the United States, and Latin avoid damage to off shore platforms, Sustainable Development Goal America. Annual desalination capacity for the UAE, keeping ice intact over a 6 calls for universal access to clean worldwide is increasing by 7-9%, on 10,000-km southward journey, which water and sanitation. If governments average. can take up to a year, is no easy feat. do not embrace unconventional water Recent studies show that, though But, given how much water is locked resources, achieving that goal will be as the cost of irrigation with desalinated in an average-size iceberg, it is worth diffi cult as getting water from a stone water remains higher than with consideration. – and the consequences for water- conventional fresh water, it is The option of towing icebergs is worth consideration. Despite the demonstrated promise scarce regions will be dire. – Project declining. A couple of decades ago, of unconventional water sources, Syndicate desalinated water cost more than $5 system. Given that fog is very common system yields up to 12 litres (3.2 abundant fog six months out of the not to mention the urgency of the per cubic metre (264 gallons); today, it even in dry areas, fog-harvesting gallons) of fresh water daily in peak year. water challenge in many countries, zManzoor Qadir is assistant director, costs less than $0.50. systems amount to a practical, cost- season. In Eritrea, a 1,600-sq-m net Fog harvesting today costs $1-3 the potential of these solutions and Vladimir Smakhtin is director of A second promising alternative eff ective way to deliver fresh water harvests up to 12,000 litres per day. per cubic metre of water. Costs are remains woefully underexplored. the UN University Institute for Water, source of fresh water is fog: a vertical directly to rural communities. The world’s largest fog collection and expected to decrease further as the While most water-scarce countries Environment, and Health (UNU- mesh can be used to capture moisture Some countries are already taking distribution system was built in 2015 market for equipment grows and as regulate the use of desalinated water, INWEH), supported by the government from the air, with the droplets advantage of this technology. In Cape in the mountains of Morocco – an more village populations take charge decision-makers need to update of Canada and hosted at McMaster accumulating in a tank or distribution Verde, a square meter of a collection area with low water availability but of operations and maintenance. their investment strategies, water- University.

The road to a TB-free world Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 360c Minimum Temperature : 280c By Michel Sidibe and Lucica Ditiu preventable and curable, it is the The international community also makes fi nancial sense. The UN Geneva leading cause of death among people needs to take fi ve specifi c actions to estimates that, over the long term, MONDAY living with HIV, and the most common eliminate the scourge of TB once and “Every dollar spent on TB generates up Maximum Temperature : 360c cause of death by an infectious agent for all. For starters, the gaps in existing to $30 through improved health and Minimum Temperature : 260c hen Mabruka was 18, she in modern times. health systems must be closed, so that increased productivity.” TUESDAY came home from school The standard treatment for TB all people have access to services for The fourth priority is to leverage Maximum Temperature : 360c one day and started is unacceptably antiquated. The preventing, diagnosing, and treating the private sector. To fuel innovation Minimum Temperature : 270c coughing up blood. She process is so long, and the side eff ects TB. Political and civil-society leaders and new discoveries, we urgently W Fisherman's forecast had been feeling sick for about two so unpleasant, that, in the absence need to do more to champion health need more partnerships between months, and when she went to a health of community-based treatment as a human right. And they should governments, businesses (particularly WARNING clinic, she described symptoms such programmes, many people with focus especially on AMR, which drug makers), and civil-society Inshore : Nil as weight loss, fatigue, shortness of TB stop taking their medicines poses a threat to current and future organisations. The goal should be to breath, fever, night sweats, chills, loss midway through the regimen. One generations alike. develop better, less toxic treatment Offshore : Nil of appetite, and pain when breathing consequence has been a rise in Second, policymakers and regimens that work faster than what is WEATHER and coughing. Mabruka was diagnosed antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which healthcare providers must transform currently available. Inshore : Relatively hot daytime with with tuberculosis (TB) and prescribed is now a top global health threat. the standard response to TB to make Finally, the international scattered clouds at times a daily regimen of 9-10 pills. The In 2016, multidrug-resistant TB it more equitable, rights-based, community must commit to more WIND Inshore : Northwesterly-Northeasterly treatment lasted six months, and killed 240,000 people. More than half non-discriminatory, and people- decisive and accountable global 05-15/18 KT at places day- during that time she could not attend of those with MDR-TB do not have centred, not just in health settings leadership. Without accountability, time school. access to eff ective treatment. And for but also in workplaces, schools, and goals and commitments have little Offshrore : Northeasterly-Southeasterly 03-12 KT Shockingly, Mabruka’s experience those who do, treatment often lasts for jails. This is especially important for meaning. Governments need to be was almost the same as that of at least two years, assuming a drug can vulnerable populations, including pressured to improve living standards. Visibility : 5-10 KM someone contracting TB in the be found to fi ght the resistant bacteria. children and people living with HIV. That means ensuring access to SEA STATE 1950s, when the fi rst treatments The United Nations Sustainable But, more broadly, the ultimate goal nutritious food, a clean environment, Offshore : 1-3 FT were discovered. Owing to a lack of Development Agenda aims to should be universal health coverage, and education, and fostering healthy therapeutic innovation since then, eliminate TB by 2030. Yet the global in order to protect people from the economic conditions. Meeting those poor living conditions, and widespread leadership and investment needed potentially catastrophic health objectives will go a long way toward reducing the burden of TB. poverty, millions of people around the to achieve that goal has been sorely expenditures associated with TB and Around the region world are still being deprived of their lacking. At the current rate of MDR-TB. Weather right to live free of TB. progress, it will take us until 2180 to Third, we must commit to making zMichel Sidibe is Executive Director Weather tomorrow Max/min More than 10mn people contract end one of the world’s oldest public- the investments necessary to end TB, of UNAIDS. Lucica Ditiu is Executive today Max/min P Cloudy 42/27 the disease each year. Despite being health threats. recognising that the right thing to do Director of the Stop TB Partnership. Baghdad Sunny 40/25 Kuwait City Sunny 39/27 Sunny 39/27 Manama Sunny 36/26 Sunny 37/26 Muscat Sunny 34/28 Sunny 34/29 Live issues Tehran Sunny 28/17 P Cloudy 30/18 Is being a night owl bad for you?

Karen D’Souza bird. You might also tend to overeat The Mercury News and get fat. “When people go to bed late, they’re up living their lives - and one of the f you are a night owl, your things they’re often doing is eating,” natural circadian rhythm is Varga told Time. “If your bedtime is Around the world primed to make you feel more 3 in the morning, you’re probably Weather Weather Ialive when the sun goes down. eating around 11pm or midnight, and today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Your eyes shine brighter, your mind that’s been known to create problems Athens M Sunny 28/18 P Cloudy 29/17 feels more alert. The whole world with the way your body handles and Beirut M Sunny 32/25 Sunny 29/25 seems to hum. metabolises food.” Bangkok I T Storms 34/27 S T Storms 33/27 The bad news is that not being Some health experts warn that Berlin Sunny 22/11 M Sunny 23/12 an early bird may be bad for your eating after dark disrupts the body’s Cairo Sunny 40/24 Sunny 41/27 health, from weight gain to premature natural overnight fasting, which Cape Town M Cloudy 17/14 Rain 17/14 death. As Time notes, being a night undercuts the ability to burn fat. Night Colombo T Storm 29/26 T Storm 30/27 owl has been linked to higher blood owls also consume more calories per Dhaka T Storm 31/24 T Storm 31/24 pressure. A 2013 study in the journal day than early birds, according to a Hong Kong M Sunny 31/28 M Sunny 31/27 Chronobiology International reported 2011 study in the journal Obesity. That Istanbul S T Storms 22/16 P Cloudy 23/16 that “evening types” were 30% more may have something to do with the Jakarta T Storm 32/26 S T Storm 32/26 likely than “morning types” to have fact that willpower decreases as a long Karachi Sunny 41/28 Sunny 41/28 high blood pressure. day wears on. London P Cloudy 22/11 P Cloudy 23/12 Dr Andrew Varga, professor of The scariest news of all is that Manila S T Storms 36/27 S T Storms 36/27 medicine, pulmonary, critical care night lovers face a higher risk of Moscow Rain 17/08 Sunny 21/09 and sleep medicine at Icahn School premature death. As Forbes notes, a New Delhi Sunny 42/29 Sunny 43/29 of Medicine and Mount Sinai Health large, observational study of roughly New York Rain 27/15 P Cloudy 23/15 System, says that lifestyle habits like The businessman late at night eating a burger. half a million participants from Paris Sunny 23/12 P Cloudy 24/13 unhealthy eating or lack of exercise the UK Biobank Study, found that Sao Paulo Sunny 19/09 Sunny 22/10 may be part of the problem, Time morning run or hit the gym before exercise schedule. They tend to be evening types have a 10% higher risk Seoul M Cloudy 22/09 P Cloudy 26/14 reports. work. According to a 2014 research more sedentary as a result. of premature death than larks. So that Singapore T Storm 31/26 T Storms 31/26 Staying up late means that you also abstract in the journal Sleep, night As if all of that weren’t bad whole early to bed, early to rise thing Sydney Sunny 19/11 Sunny 20/11 may be getting up later. Unfortunately, owls have more trouble fi nding time enough, it seems that you don’t just may be true after all. — Tribune News Tokyo Clear 22/14 Clear 26/14 that means you can’t go for an early to exercise and maintaining a regular miss the worm if you’re not an early Service Gulf Times 28 Sunday, May 20, 2018 QATAR Duhail win Amir Cup

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani waves His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. His Highness Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani with a dignitary. to the spectators at Khalifa International Stadium.

By Sahan Bidappa League and Qatar Cup titles, ed into the top left corner of the and played with much more Doha but the Amir Cup trophy will net. pace. But Tabata missed a sit- be the icing on the cake as it’s While Rayyan searched for ter when he fi red his low header the most prestigious champi- the equaliser through skipper wide from a Soria cross and that l Duhail completed a onship in Qatar. While Duhail Rodrigo Tabata and Soria, it was costly miss came back to haunt rare domestic treble last went into the fi nal as heavy fa- Duhail who had the chance to Rayyan. Anight, when they beat vourites, Rayyan put in a spir- increase their lead. South Ko- For Duhail, Nam once again Al Rayyan 2-1 to clinch the ited display in front of a packed rean international Nam Tae- proved to the man of the mo- Amir Cup at the Khalifa Inter- house of 45,764 spectators, hee, one of the outstanding ment as the midfi elder picked national Stadium. A 30-yard with the crowd raised the roof players for Duhail this season, up a pass from his own half thunderbolt from captain Ka- cheering on the two teams. saw his defl ected shot just skip and ran past three Rayyan de- rim Boudiaf gave Duhail the Watched by His Highness the wide. But the Red Knights were fenders. The South Korean lead in the 34th minute, before Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad fi rmly in control of the fi nal at then found Ismael on the right Rayyan striker Sebastian Soria al-Thani and FIFA president Gi- the half-time. Rayyan, though, and the Qatari winger played a equalised in the 69th minute to anni Infantino, the Duhail and came out fi ring on all cylinders perfect ball to the incoming El set up a pulsating fi nish to the Rayyan players produced a per- after the break, setting up an Arabi, who found the net with encounter. formance worthy of a fi nal. Du- enthralling second half. They ease. Rayyan pressed hard for Youssef El Arabi secured a hail, undefeated for a record 35 almost drew level in the 47th the winner but it was Duhail famous victory for Duhail, af- games in all competitions, start- minute but Tabata’s free kick who came close to scoring. Is- ter the forward calmly slotted ed off on a bright note. In the was palmed away expertly by mael had a chance to put the home in the 81st minute. Last 12th minute, Boudiaf thought he goalkeeper Amine Lecomte. game into bed, but his shot from night’s triumph reiterated Du- had put his team ahead, but the Soria, however, brought life a tight angle hit the post. hail’s supremacy and ended Duhail captain’s sweetly timed into Rayyan’s title challenge Rayyan, however, had a cou- their domestic season on a strike from outside the box in the 68th minute. Moroccan ple of chances to take the game perfect note. They also became clipped the right post. winger Mouhcine Moutouali into a penalty shootout. Taba- only the second team, after Al But the Qatar midfi elder crossed the ball from the right ta’s left-footer missed the mark Sadd in 2006-07, to claim the wasn’t to be denied in the 34th past Lecomte, and an unmarked but not by much of a margin, domestic treble. minute, when he latched on Soria directed his header into an while Soria chipped the ball Djamel Belmadi’s side had to a Rayyan clearance and un- empty net. The Rayyan players wide of the post with only Le- already won the QNB Stars leashed a screamer which land- had a spring in their step now comte to beat. The victorious Duhail squad. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil