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Friday 22 March 2019 | 15 Rajab 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 7838 | 2 Riyals partners & 80+ privileges Eight projects to produce Foreign Minister meets President of Tanzania 220 million table eggs

QNA The joint initiative accordance with QDB's ambi- DOHA tious strategy, the bank seeks to by the Ministry of achieve a high percentage of The Ministry of Municipality and Municipality and the self-sufficiency in various pro- the Environment (MME) and Environment and ductive sectors, whether indus- Qatar Development Bank (QDB) Qatar Development trial or agricultural, adding that yesterday launched an initiative the bank has continuous and to encourage the production of Bank is aimed at close cooperation with all Min- table eggs in Qatari farms on the achieving food istries and competent authorities sidelines of the 7th Qatar Inter- security in Qatar. in the State to find appropriate national Agriculture Exhibition It will allow Qatari and effective mechanisms for the (AgriteQ) and the first Qatar development of all productive International Environmental farmers to set up sectors in the country, especially Exhibition (EnviroteQ) held at table egg production projects related to food security. the Doha Exhibition and projects within Al Mana stressed that this Convention Center (DECC). registered farms initiative is the best proof of the Speaking at a press con- bank’s keenness to develop all ference, Director of Animal financed by QDB. economic sectors in Qatar and Wealth Department at the MME, to contribute effectively to sus- Engineer Abdulaziz Al Zeyara, specialists in the Ministry. tainable development in line President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr John Pombe Magufuli, met with Deputy Prime said that the aim of this joint ini- Applicant for these projects shall with the Qatar National Vision Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is visiting tiative is to achieve food security be Qatari and should own a reg- 2030. Tanzania. H E the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed the greetings of Amir in Qatar, pointing out that the istered farm free from any irreg- He added that the launch of H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the Tanzanian President and His Highness’ wishes for the idea is aimed at allowing Qatari ularities, and at a suitable the table egg initiative in Qatari people of Tanzania of more progress and prosperity. The Tanzanian President entrusted H E the Deputy farmers to set up table egg pro- location for the establishment of farms is part of the Bank’s initi- Prime Minister to convey his greetings to H H the Amir, wishing good health and happiness. During duction projects within regis- the project. atives and programs aimed at the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and issues of common concern. `P2 tered farms, financed by QDB, He announced that the farms developing the Qatari private and contributing to an increase will be opened within three sector, especially the agricultural in egg production and achieving months starting from March 24. and livestock sector, which is the food security. Director of Animal Wealth main pillar for diversifying the MME signs pacts for fisheries, livestock projects Al Zeyara indicated that the Department at the MME reit- resources of the national initiative includes the estab- erated that this initiative comes economy. QNA Al Dehaimi, and General Manager He pointed out that the total lishment of eight medium-sized in the light of the constructive Through this initiative, the DOHA of the company, Dr Ali Al Marri. value of the project is about projects to produce table eggs in cooperation between the MME bank aims to encourage Qatari Al Dehaimi said that the QR57.2m for three years, while registered farms. The four and QDB in order to enhance farmers to set up projects to The Ministry of Municipality and project aims at carrying out exper- the production capacity of the projects each with a production agricultural production and raise produce table eggs within the Environment (MME) signed iments on the economic feasibility project two million small fish. capacity of 22 million eggs per self-sufficiency ratio of high country’s registered farms, agreements with a number of of local marine life, including Dr Al Marri praised MME’s year and four other projects each value animal products, thus con- reflecting the bank’s drive to national companies to experimentation and application granting of the company an with a production capacity of 33 tributing to food security in accelerate the self-sufficiency of implement projects in the field of modern high-efficiency fish opportunity to manage and million eggs per year, with a total Qatar. animal products in general and of agriculture, fisheries and live- farming systems, supporting fish operate the project, adding the production of 220 million eggs Executive Director of Devel- table eggs in particular as an stock for owners of Qatari farms. stocks, training national cadres company’s experience in the per year. opment Department at QBD, important food product. A contract for the operation and building capacities in this design stages and implemen- He pointed out that the pro- Khalid Abdulla Al Mana, said that He also addressed QDB’s of a fish farming project was field, in addition to contributing tation of the project will bring the duction of these projects will this initiative is the result of joint requirements to grant the signed between the MME and the to increasing local fish production desired results. raise the level of self-sufficiency efforts between the MME and the investor loan to build his Gulf Engineering & Industrial and food security through the pro- The MME also signed a con- in the state of table eggs from 28 bank to ensure self-reliance in project, calling on all Qatari Consultancy. vision of quantities of baby fish, tract for animal feed, about percent to 65 percent, indicating the production of this strategic farm owners to apply and take The contract was signed by and registering the part of fish which Abdulaziz said this feed that these projects will be subject food product. advantage of this extraordinary Director of Fish Wealth farming at Water Research Center project is aimed at small to full technical support by He pointed out that in opportunity. Department at the MME, Abdulaziz at Ras Matbakh in Al Khor. farmers. Qatar supports efforts to end division in Libya

QNA was held under item 10 of the agenda Qatar stressed the need for all GENEVA of the Human Rights Council entitled parties of the conflict in Libya to respect “technical assistance and capacity international human rights law and The State of Qatar has expressed full building” during the 40th session of international humanitarian law and support to all international efforts the UN Human Rights Council. called on the international community especially the United Nations Support Qatar expressed deep concern and Office of the United Nations High Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) aimed at towards the contents of the report on Commissioner for Human Rights ending the political division and the continuous fighting between Libyan (OHCHR) to increase technical moving towards uniting institutions armed groups, the indiscriminate use assistance to Libya for the promotion and promoting and protecting human of weapons and the targeting of civilians and protection of human rights. In rights in Libya. and the collapse of public services. Qatar addition to providing the necessary This came in a State of Qatar’s highlighted the absence of justice, the support in line with the needs iden- speech delivered by Third Secretary rule of law, the prevalence of arbitrary tified and requested by the Libyan Gov- Qatar Media Corporation CEO meets Indian Ambassador of the Qatar Permanent Mission to the detention, torture and ill-treatment, the ernment to strengthen capabilities in UN Talal Al Naama during a public deterioration of the situation of illegal order to face challenges, particularly The Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Media Corporation H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad discussion on the report of the High immigrants, the persistence of impunity terrorist groups, and the increasing Al Thani met here yesterday with the Ambassador of India to the State of Qatar, P Kumaran. Commissioner for Human Rights on and the inability of State institutions in waves of migration and economic They discussed media relations between the two countries and means to promote them. the situation of rights in Libya, which Libya to ensure accountability. deterioration. `P3 AgriteQ ‘Market Place’ brings customers and farmers face to face

SACHIN KUMAR The seventh edition of the four -day to see the ‘Market Place’ where fresh in green house facilities are priced at products, which we are growing at our THE PENINSULA long exhibition, going on at Doha Exhi- vegetables and flowers are displayed. QR4 per kg. farms, in this exhibition. There is a bition and Convention Center (DECC), The unique feature of this market is Cucumbers are being sold at QR2 strong demand of fresh vegetables and The ‘Market Place’ at Qatar International is set to conclude today. availability of vegetables and flowers per kg, eggplants at QR3 per kg, cap- flowers from customers. This exhibition Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ) is The Market Place has so far been at low prices,” said Mohamed Yousuf, sicums at QR5 per kg, coloured cap- is a very good opportunity for farms to connecting the customers directly with successful in showcasing the country’s who came to the exhibition to look for sicums at QR7kg, cabbage at QR3 per understand customers demand,” a rep- the farms. The market is offering capabilities in the field of vegetable pro- latest technologies in the field of kg and cauliflowers at QR5 per kg. resentative of Al Khulaifi Farm, told The customers a unique opportunity to come duction. It has demonstrated that Qatar agriculture. Broccoli is priced at QR3 per kg, Peninsula. in direct contact with farms and get fresh can produce world class vegetables at “Vegetables are available in this lettuce at QR 4 per kg, radish at QR2 per AgriteQ is a unique event for Qatari vegetables and flowers at lower prices. competitive prices. market at very competitive rates and it kg, pumpkin at QR2 per kg, long pumpkin farmers who are displaying their latest Different agricultural farms situated in “I was amazed to see Qatar’s is very difficult to find vegetables at this at QR5 per kg and white onion at QR4 per products to the public through a first- different part of the country have set up potential in the field of agricultural prices any retail stores,” he added. kg. Sweet corn is priced at QR5 per kg and ever farmers’ platform, the largest of its their stalls and are selling fresh vege- which is being displayed in this high Tomatoes are being sold at QR3 per carrot is being sold at QR3 per kg. kind in the country, with participation tables and flowers directly to visitors. profile exhibition. But, I was surprised kilogramme (kg) whereas those grown “We are displaying our fresh more than 68 local farms. 02 HOME FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019

OFFICIAL NEWS Qatar, Iraq discuss relations in communications & IT WISE and FBQ Museum Amir holds phone partner to cultivate global conversation with King of Spain citizenship through art DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani THE PENINSULA include a discussion at 2pm with yesterday held via tele- DOHA Dr Jochen Sokoly, Associate Pro- phone a conversation with fessor in the Art History King Felipe VI of Spain, The World Innovation Summit for department of QF partner uni- on bilateral relations and Education (WISE), an initiative of versity Virginia Commonwealth means to promote and Qatar Foundation (QF), and University School of the Arts in develop them in addition Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Qatar, and Mohammed Al to a host of issues of com- (FBQ) Museum have partnered to Hamadi, a collector and active mon concern. QNA host a full-day event tomorrow member of Qatar’s creative com- that will explore the theme of munity. It will be mediated by Amir condoles with global citizenship through art at Ayaz Rauf, FBQ Museum’s con- the museum’s new contemporary temporary art representative. President and Prime art space, the White Majlis. Attendees of the discussion Minister of Iraq Global citizenship reflects the will get an early preview of an principle that all people have exhibition by miniature artists DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh rights and civic responsibilities, a Ajay and Vinita Sharma, ahead of Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani belief shared by WISE and FBQ its official opening on April 5. Vis- Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti met yesterday with the Iraqi and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Museum, whose partnership is itors will also be able to partic- Minister of Communications, Naeem Thjeel Al Rubaie. The two officials discussed cooperation in the Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani aiming to share these values ipate in a mural painting on the sent yesterday cables of fields of communications and information technology and means of further enhancing them, and through education and culture for themes of Qatari heritage, culture, condolences to the Presi- also tackled a number of other matters of common interest between the two countries. The meeting the benefit of Qatar’s and ‘Qatar 2022’ in front of the dent of the Republic of Iraq, was attended by the President of Communications Regulatory Authority, Mohammed Ali Al Mannai, community. White Majlis. This will be open Dr Barham Salih, and the the Iraqi Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Iraq in Qatar, Abdulsattar Hadi Al Janabi, and a number The free event will take place from 11am to 6pm and materials Prime Minister of the Repub- of officials from the two countries. from 11am to 4pm, and will will be provided. lic of Iraq, Adel Abdul Mahdi, on the victims of the ferry that sank in the Tigris river in Mosul in northern Iraq, wishing the injured a speedy CMU-Q, Regency Group recovery. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Kha- lifa Al Thani also sent a cable sign MoU for research of condolences to Prime Min- ister Adel Abdul Mahdi. QNA THE PENINSULA in Qatar to offer opportunities to Michael Trick, dean of DOHA the next generation of profes- CMU-Q, said, “Our students FM meets Tanzanian sionals in business, technology benefit from the close relation- counterpart Carnegie Mellon University in and science. As an employer of ships we forge with our com- Qatar (CMU-Q) and Regency more than 3,000 people from 34 munity partners. To become DAR ES SALAAM: Dep- Group Holding have signed a countries, Regency Group well-rounded professionals, our uty Prime Minister and Minister memorandum of understanding Holding has the history, scope students must apply the of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh (MoU) to promote collaboration and breadth of expertise to help knowledge they acquire in the Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al and joint research. In line with build the knowledge-based classroom to real-world sce- Thani met with the Minister of the MoU, CMU-Q and Regency economy in Qatar.” narios. We thank Regency Group Foreign Affairs at the United Group Holding will partner in the Carnegie Mellon University Holding for working with us to Republic of Tanzania, Palamag- fields of scientific research and in Qatar offers undergraduate provide those opportunities.” Officials from CMU-Q and Regency Group Holding during the MoU amba John Aidan Kabudi, strategic studies and will jointly programs in biological sciences, Regency Group Holding is signing ceremony. during his visit to Tanzania. Dur- organise specialised conferences, business administration, com- one of Qatar’s leading business ing the meeting, they discussed seminars, and workshops. puter science, computational organisations, with entities in bilateral relations and ways to Hassan Ibrahim Hassan Al biology and information systems. real estate, tourism, hospitality, implementation of projects and in Qatar has signed more than boost and develop them, in Asmakh, the Vice-President and The agreement provides for insurance, and technology indus- programs in Qatar, as well as 30 memoranda of understanding addition to topics of common CEO of Regency Group Holding, scholarships, as well as internship tries. In the agreement, CMU-Q executive education and learning with partners in industry and interest. QNA said, “We are pleased to partner and employment opportunities, will provide support to Regency opportunities. government to promote learning with Carnegie Mellon University for CMU-Q students. Group Holding for the Carnegie Mellon University and research in Qatar. Qatar Airways is Presenting Partner for AR Rahman concert

THE PENINSULA The two-time Oscar and a year-long collaboration that world-class musical extrava- 2009 Hollywood blockbuster fashion, film and artistic events. DOHA Grammy award-winning singer, sees both nations jointly cele- ganza that will bring more than ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ that earned The Year of Culture programme, songwriter and producer will brate their unique cultural 30,000 fans to the first FIFA him numerous international developed under the patronage Qatar Airways is the Presenting perform on a 90-metre long legacies. World Cup 2022 stadium to be accolades and awards. of H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Partner of ‘AR Rahman Live in stage, which is a world-first, for Qatar Airways Senior Vice- built in Doha.” In addition to his Grammy Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar’, in association with Katara the largest musical event Doha President Marketing and Cor- “Qatar Airways looks and Oscar awards, Rahman has Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Studios, a spectacular event that has ever seen. porate Communications, Salam forward to being the bridge also won a BAFTA and Golden has continued to grow under her will see India’s musical ambas- The much-anticipated Al Shawa, said: “We are delighted between Qatar and India, as we Globe Award, six National Film leadership with each passing sador AR Rahman perform live concert will also feature a special to be the co-presenter for ‘AR usher in an unforgettable Awards and many Filmfare year. for the first time in Doha, along performance by renowned Rahman Live in Qatar’ in part- evening celebrating the universal Awards. Katara Studios, a state-of- with his troupe of more than 80 Qatari composer Dana Al Fardan nership with Katara Studios, and language of music.” The Qatar India Year of the-art production facility in performers. The concert, held in and Doha’s own emerging artist we are honoured to be flying Internationally-acclaimed Culture 2019 invites audiences Doha, was established to collaboration with the Supreme Aisha, who will perform a tribute several high profile dignitaries AR Rahman is globally known in both Qatar and India to advance Doha’s film and music Committee of Delivery & Legacy song honouring the 150th anni- in style to Doha for the largest for revolutionising the Indian explore their shared cultural her- industry. Its collaboration with and Qatar National Tourism versary of Mahatma Gandhi’s musical celebration Qatar has film music industry with his one- itage through an exciting array AR Rahman marks the start of Council, will take place at the birth, written by Dana Al Fardan. ever seen. We look forward to of-a-kind compositions harmo- of programmes, including a many joint efforts planned to state-of-the-art Khalifa Stadium, This song is dedicated to the hosting global icon AR Rahman niously blending East and West. variety of Qatari-Indian exhibi- bring some of the world’s biggest today. Qatar-India Year of Culture 2019, and other celebrities at this He composed the music for the tions, musical performances, names in the industry to Qatar. Blue Salon launches Tramarossa made-to-measure jeans Apple Watch Series 4

THE PENINSULA DOHA with built-in cellular As a continuous effort to provide arrives at Ooredoo the highest service and the most personalised experience to Blue- THE PENINSULA salon customers, Tramarossa in DOHA collaboration with Blue Salon, organised a sartorial Denim Ooredoo announced yesterday jeans experience and for the first that it would offer Apple Watch time in Qatar to introduce the Series 4, beautifully redesigned newly launched brand. with breakthrough communi- The brand Sartoria Tra- cation, fitness and health capa- marossa was founded in 1967 by bilities with built-in cellular. Urbano Chemello, in Veneto, To help Apple Watch Series Italy where he turned his expert 4 (GPS + Cellular) customers get over 30 percent larger, a thinner, knowledge in tailoring to create started, Ooredoo will also offer smaller case and a new interface luxury denim wear using then a special introductory cellular with more information and unheard of materials such as sel- trial. richer detail. vedge denim. Customers will be able to Apple Watch Series 4 with In 2003, Chemello’s sons pre-order Apple Watch Series 4 watchOS 5 brings advanced decided to reinvent their father’s beginning today at 12.01am at activity and communications brand and began to produce tai- ooredoo.qa and Ooredoo eShop, features, along with revolu- lored jeans under the name of and all will be available in tionary health capabilities Sartoria Tramarossa, Ooredoo shops starting in the including a new accelerometer As stated by Jean Michelle : first week of April. and gyroscope which are able The ultimate goal of Sartoria Tra- Apple Watch Series 4 is to detect hard falls. marossais to bring the product to redesigned and re-engineered Customers can visit ooredoo. the consumer a choice of new and The officials during the launch. to help users stay connected, be qa for more details on pricing refined quality. Tailoring Tra- more active and manage their and data plans, and www.apple. marossa is the only denim signed initials designed by Tailoring Tra- metal letters to apply and show embroider your name thus health in powerful new ways. It com for information on Apple with the initials of the wearer. The marossa are small and precious the jeans. The gesture tailoring becomes a sign of style. features a stunning display that’s products. FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019 HOME 03 Qatar, Serbia discuss ties in culture and sports Growing number of participation from Ta’allum in Holy Quran competition There were a total of 1,142 student winners from across the three Academies. This figure included 529 students from Al Maha Boys’ Academy, 353 from Al Maha Girls and 260 from Al Jazeera.

THE PENINSULA DOHA

The students from Ta’allum Academies were honoured to feature very prom- inently in this year’s annual Holy Quran competition. There were a total of 1,142 student winners from across the three The students from Ta’allum Academies during the annual Holy Quran competition. Academies. This figure included 529 students from Al Maha Boys’ Academy, 353 from Al Maha Girls and 260 from by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Ta’allum Director of Education, said: Al Jazeera. Commitment to this compe- Affairs in collaboration with and under “We are very pleased to see the tition has been increasing year on year the auspices of the Ministry of Edu- increasing commitment of Ta’allum for Ta’allum students. cation and Higher Education. The com- students to the Holy Quran compe- Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali met yesterday with the This respected national compe- petition seeks to demonstrate Qatar’s tition. It is central to our Ta’allum Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the State of Qatar, Jasminko Pozderac. tition is an established and traditional commitment to serving Holy Quran vision of quality education based on During the meeting, they discussed cooperation aspects in the fields of culture and event in the schools’ calendar. Held for and to developing understanding of an Islamic ethos that aims to serve sports and ways to boost and develop them. the 58th time this year, it is sponsored Holy Quran. Dr Mohammed Saefan, humanity.’ Growing demand for Italian design in Qatar

RAYNALD C RIVERA connections.” for its aesthetics and function, it Speaking on “City Identity THE PENINSULA “It is a continuous search for has a much larger role to play in and Human Behaviours,” Migliore the best possible balance between connecting people and serving touched on the role that archi- There is increasing demand for innovation and past, between the needs of communities. tecture plays in activating the Italian design in Qatar as both global standards and local cul- “It helps us achieve what we potential of the place that sur- countries share similar approach tural roots, new lines and tradi- need in the present and what we rounds it in terms of construction in urban design, striking the right tional architectural forms, effi- want for the generations to come. of physical and behavioural balance of different elements in ciency and beauty. On this matter, For this reason, it cannot be landscape. searching for “smart” and Italy and Qatar share the same simply considered as a marketing The multi-awarded Italian sustainable solutions for the best approach: that’s why the demand tool,” he said. architect underlined the impor- quality of life for the generations of Italian Design and Italian He added: “This contribution tance of spaces designed to share to come. designers is continuously growing is very well highlighted in urban culture and experiences as well This was highlighted at an in Doha,” said Salzano. design where designers are called as foster identity. event organised by the Italian He said urban planning and to interpret and find solutions to “Cities can be great and pow- Embassy on the occasion of the design face major global chal- social collective needs, such as erful magnets, if they rediscover third Italian Design Day in the lenges such as overpopulation, public health, environmental sus- the identity of their places, com- World on Wednesday at Msheireb pollution, uncontrolled sprawl - tainability, careful use of natural municating their local culture and Enrichment Center. issues that need to be taken into resources, efficiency of facilities history. Architecture and design Speaking at the event, Italian careful consideration while and public areas.” interventions can be key factor Ambassador to Qatar Pasquale planning the evolutions of cities. The event featured a panel as activators of the potential of Salzano said “the Italian design “In all this, design has an discussion titled “New Patterns the places to attract people and industry is at the forefront in pro- important ethical and economic in the City of the Future” with the world’s attention,” he said. viding effective and sustainable responsibility, as it contributes to renowned Italian architect Ico Ghisi spoke on the the tech- solutions and green technologies, find innovative solutions to Migliore, Fatima Mohamed nologies Leonardo offers in trans- to build cities which are “smart” ensure the highest standards of Fawzy M A Hassan, Design forming cities into digitally smart and friendly, where IT technol- quality life for next generations,” Manager at Msheireb Properties, and sustainable interconnected ogies help realizing the aspira- he said. and Engineer Marco Ghisi from communities while Hassan pre- tions of individuals and facili- The ambassador said that the Italian company Leonardo sented the ‘Msheireb Downtown tating people-to-people while design are often considered Spa. Doha’ project. Italian Ambassador Pasquale Salzano at the event. Baladna participates in AgriteQ 2019 Kahramaa marks

THE PENINSULA World Water Day DOHA QNA Baladna Food Industries, the largest dairy producer, DOHA is participating in the 7th Qatar International Agri- cultural Exhibition 2019 (AgriteQ), the premier Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation platform for Qatar’s agriculture sector. (Kahramaa), through the National Program for Baladna Food Industries had set up a large 264 Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed), sqm booth at AgriteQ 2019, which included a organized special events on the occasion of World splendid display of fresh dairy products, a cheese Water Day, which falls on March 22 each year. counter for visitors to taste and a mock up silo rep- The events aimed at highlighting water issues and resenting the actual ones located at Baladna’s farm the importance of providing water for all segments in Al Khor. Commenting on Baladna’s participation, of society, which means ensuring that no one lag Dr Kamel Abdullah, CEO at Baladna Food Indus- behind the theme of this year’s World Water Day. tries Co. W.L.L, said: “We are pleased to be a part of The Kahramaa celebration, which kicked off AgriteQ 2019, as we move towards achieving self- Tuesday at its awareness park, is an affirmation of sufficiency in dairy and food production in Qatar. its keenness to achieve the sixth goal of sustainable AgriteQ is an important platform for Baladna to par- development concerning water, to secure the avail- ticipate in and exchange expertise while shedding ability of potable water for all by 2030, and to ensure light on our role as a leader in dairy and food sustainable water management in line with the com- production.” pany’s mission to provide sustainable and high-quality Baladna has been expediting its plans to expand electricity and water for a better life in Qatar. and diversify into a variety of dairy and food The event included a number of activities to raise products. With the latest cow shipment arrival, the the awareness of the importance of rationalization farm is now home to nearly 20,000 cows. Baladna and water efficiency to achieve sustainability through continues to invest in the best people, practices several aspects. This event is part of the efforts of the and equipment to produce high quality products, National Program for Conservation and Energy Effi- with a vision to educate local communities and ciency (Tarsheed) launched by Kahramaa in 2012 families on the importance and benefits of fresh under the patronage of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin and local products. The Baladna Silo at AgriteQ 2019 Hamad Al Thani. Qatar supports efforts to end division in Libya Qatar allocates QR5bn for beautification and landscaping FROM PAGE 1 THE PENINSULA while addressing at event on sustainable devel- it is an excellent opportunity in terms of pro- In conclusion, the State of Qatar reiterated its support for the DOHA opment of landscaping held yesterday at the moting cities and education in the environment, Government of National Reconciliation and the agreement of seventh edition of Qatar International Agricul- as well as its contribution to the promotion of Skhirat and its results, calling on all Libyan brothers to end the Qatar has allocated QR5bn for beautification tural Exhibition (AgriteQ 2019) and the First culture related to horticulture, and presents state of division and reach a comprehensive political settlement and landscaping projects which will be imple- International Environmental Exhibition (Envi- Qatar’s experience in this sector. without excluding any party and to proceed with completing the mented in five years, said Director of Public roteQ). He said that Qatar attached great impor- Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition transitional phase through political, constitutional and electoral Parks Department at the Ministry of Munici- tance on the projects of landscaping and attract growing number of visitors to partic- benefits, in order to preserve Libya’s sovereignty and territorial pality and Environment, Mohammed Ali Al greening in the cities. ipate in their various activities and to learn integrity and realize the aspirations and demands of the Libyan Khouri. He said that Qatar made remarkable Doha International Flowers and Garden about what is new in the world of agriculture people. achievements in beautification over GCC level Exhibition will be hosted by Qatar in 2021, as and environment. 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019 Trump: US recognises Israeli control of occupied Golan

AP The administration has been considering JERUSALEM recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan, which Israel captured from Syria in 1967. Last President Donald Trump said yesterday that it’s time for the week, in its annual human rights report, the United States to recognise State Department dropped the phrase “Israeli- Israel’s control over the disputed occupied” from the Golan Heights section, Golan Heights, an announcement instead calling it “Israeli-controlled.” that signals a shift in US policy and comes ahead of the Israeli prime minister’s planned visit Pompeo’s words gave a public apparent sign of support for next week to the White House. boost to the Israeli leader at the Israel’s control of the contested The administration has been height of a tight re-election cam- city. Pompeo is the highest- considering recognising Israel’s paign. Netanyahu is to be in ranking American official to tour sovereignty over the Golan, Washington for two days next the holy site with any Israeli which Israel captured from Syria week - two weeks before Israel’s leader. His visit was likely to A rescue helicopter searches for survivors at the site where an overloaded ferry sank in the Tigris in 1967. Last week, in its annual April 9 ballot. Standing together further infuriate the Palestinians, River near Mosul in Iraq, yesterday. human rights report, the State in Jerusalem yesterday, neither who already have severed ties with Department dropped the phrase Netanyahu nor Pompeo men- the US over its Jerusalem policies. “Israeli-occupied” from the tioned the heated Israeli election Pompeo and Netanyahu prayed at Golan Heights section, instead campaign. But Netanyahu, facing the wall, the holiest site where Jews Ferry sinks in Tigris near calling it “Israeli-controlled.” a tough challenge from a popular can pray, before depositing written “After 52 years it is time for former military chief and reeling prayers in its crevices and then the United States to fully rec- from a series of corruption alle- touring nearby tunnels and syna- ognise Israel’s Sovereignty over gations, has repeatedly sought gogue. Neither made any public Iraq’s Mosul leaving 71 dead the Golan Heights, which is of to focus attention on his foreign comment at the site. critical strategic and security policy record and strong ties The secretary said he AP been rescued, including 19 of the victims. importance to the State of Israel with Trump. thought it was important to visit BAGHDAD children. The river’s level was high and Regional Stability!” Trump Netanyahu thanked Pompeo the wall with the Israeli leader Earlier yesterday, Health because of a rainy season that tweeted. Minutes later, Israeli for the Trump administration’s as a show of support for Israel. A ferry overloaded with people Ministry spokesman Seif Al Badr brought more precipitation than Prime Minister Benjamin strong stance against Iran, which “I think it’s symbolic that a celebrating the Kurdish new said the dead include 33 women, in previous years. Netanyahu tweeted his appreci- Israel regards as an existential senior American official go there year sank in the Tigris River 12 children and 10 men. He said The US Embassy said Chargé ation. “At a time when Iran seeks threat. Netanyahu has accused with a prime minister of Israel,” near the Iraqi city of Mosul 30 people were rescued, adding d’Affaires Joey Hood and the to use Syria as a platform to Iran of attempting to set up a ter- he said before making the trip. yesterday, killing at least 71 that search operations are still entire mission “express our destroy Israel, President Trump rorist network to target Israel “It’s a place that’s important to people, mostly women and underway as it is not known how deepest condolences to the fam- boldly recognizes Israeli sover- from the Golan Heights, using many faiths and I’m looking children, officials said. many people were aboard the ilies and friends of those who eignty over the Golan Heights. the incident to repeat his goal of forward to it. I think it will be Col. Hussam Khalil, head of ferry. lost their lives in the tragic ferry Thank you President Trump!” international recognition for very special.” the Civil Defense in the northern Khalil said the ferry sank accident on the Tigris River near In addition to its policies Israel’s claim on the area. Israel captured east Jeru- Nineveh province, said the because of a technical problem, Mosul.” towards the Palestinians, the US “You could imagine what salem and the Old City in the accident occurred as scores of and that there weren’t many Nowruz, or the Persian new has taken a hard line towards would have happened if Israel 1967 Mideast war, and for people were out in a tourist area boats in the area to rescue year, dates back to 1700 B.C. and Iran, much to Netanyahu’s were not in the Golan,” he said. decades, US officials refrained celebrating Nowruz, which people. He said more than 80 incorporates Zoroastrian tradi- delight. Trump’s announcement “You would have Iran on the from visiting the Western Wall marks the Kurdish new year and people were on the ferry when tions. It is celebrated across ter- came as Secretary of State Mike shores of the Sea of Galilee.” with Israeli leaders to avoid the the arrival of spring. it sank. Iraqi Prime Minister ritories that once made up the Pompeo is in Jerusalem, lauding Pompeo paid a solemn visit appearance of recognising Israeli Interior Ministry spokesman Adel Abdul-Mahdi ordered an ancient Persian empire, warm ties with Israel and prom- to Jerusalem’s Western Wall sovereignty over the city’s most Maj. Gen. Saad Maan said 71 investigation and expressed stretching from the Middle East ising to step up pressure on Iran. along with Netanyahu in an sensitive holy sites. people died, adding that 55 have deep condolences to families to Central Asia. Victory over IS to be announced after enclave searched Bahrain criticised for inviting Israelis ANATOLIA/MANAMAA REUTERS said in a note to journalists. camp where hundreds of fighters it was not quite prepared to BAGHOUZ, SYRIA Bali said the operation had been making their last stand declare victory yet. A Bahraini NGO has criticised Manama’s plan to host three Israeli included sweeping for mines and with thousands of civilians, The International Rescue speakers for the upcoming 2019 Global Entrepreneurship Congress, US-backed Syrian forces were combing for fighters still hidden many their own wives and Committee (IRC) said another which will be held in the Bahraini capital from April 15 to 18. “The yesterday sweeping through the in trenches and tunnels beneath children. 2,000 women and children had Bahraini people will not allow those responsible for killing our final enclave that had been held Baghouz, the last patch of Islamic The situation in Baghouz arrived late on Wednesday at the Palestinian brothers to participate in an event on our territory,” the by Islamic State (IS) fighters, and State territory. The last clashes appeared calm for a second con- Al Hol camp in northeastern Bahraini Society Against Normalization, which opposes diplomatic said they would declare the reported by the SDF were on secutive day, a Reuters journalist Syria that has received tens of normalization with Israel, tweeted yesterday. Using two Arabic- group defeated once a search for Tuesday, indicating that major in Baghouz said. Warplanes with thousands of people who have language hashtags, “Bahrain rejects normalization” and “No to hidden mines and militant fighting is over in the last big the US-led coalition, including poured out of the shrinking murderers’ entry into Bahrain”, the NGO also retweeted posts by holdouts was complete. battle of a five year international drones, could be seen overhead. Islamic State territory. Bahraini activists opposed to normalized ties with Israel. According “Our forces are still con- campaign against a self-pro- A news outlet with close ties A report issued by the United to a list of speakers published on the conference’s official website, ducting combing and search oper- claimed caliphate that once to the Syrian Kurdish-led Nations’ population fund, the three Israeli women — Ela Matallon, Anya Aldan and Raship Racheli ations and as soon as they are fin- comprised a third of both Iraq authorities, Hawar, reported that UNFPA, on Thursday said “it is Ganot — are all slated to speak at next month’s event. With the ished we will announce the liber- and Syria. the operation was now finished estimated that around 7,000 exception of Egypt and Jordan, no Arab countries currently maintain ation,” Mustafa Bali, spokesman The SDF, backed by US air and Islamic State defeated. But people are still inside” Baghouz, formal relations with Israel. for the Syrian Democratic Forces, power, swept on Tuesday into a an SDF denial swiftly made clear without elaborating. Sudan’s Bashir cuts jail term for violations Ethiopia crash: AFP/KHARTOUM Captain did not Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al Bashir has cut the maximum jail term for violating the country’s state of emergency from 10 years train on airline’s to six months as protesters staged rallies against his rule yesterday. Deadly protests have rocked Sudan since December, and Bashir MAX simulator imposed a nationwide state of emergency on February 22 to quell the demonstrations seen as the biggest challenge to his three-decade REUTERS/ADDIS ABABA rule. Bashir had initially announced that any violations to the state of emergency, especially participating in banned rallies, were The captain of a doomed Ethi- punishable with a jail term of up to 10 years. But on Thursday he opian Airlines flight did not get issued an order that the maximum jail term for such violation would a chance to practise on his now be up to six months. airline’s new simulator for the Boeing 737 MAX 8 before he France urged to stop selling arms to Saudi died in a crash with 157 others, a pilot colleague said. AFP/PARIS Captain Yared Getachew, 29, was due for refresher A group of NGOs yesterday urged France to suspend the sale of arms A stranded family sits on top of their home after Cyclone Idai, in Buzi district, outside Beira, training at the end of March, his to Saudi Arabia and to work for a political solution in Yemen which Mozambique, yesterday. colleague told Reuters, two has been ravaged by four years of conflict. “I don’t know how many months after Ethiopian Airlines more Yemenis have to die, be injured or go hungry before the world had received one of the first decides that the war must end,” Radhya Almutawakel, head of Yemen such simulators being dis- Cyclone toll surges as UN launches health aid Mwatana human rights organisation told a press conference in Paris. tributed. The March 10 disaster, “Peace is possible, but it never happens because the rest of the world following another MAX 8 crash AFP that flooded the hinterland and islands or in big islands and vil- doesn’t care. The international community must put pressure on all in Indonesia in October, has set BEIRA, MOZAMBIQUE drenched eastern Zimbabwe. lages,” Correia said at Beira parties and stop feeding the conflict by selling arms to Saudi Arabia,” off one of the biggest inquiries Mozambican Land and Envi- airport, the humanitarian relief she added. in aviation history, focused on A cyclone that ravaged three ronmental Minister Celso Correia coordination hub. World Food the safety of a new automated southern African countries last said 217 lives had been lost and Programme (WFP) spokesman Iran will boost defence capabilities: Khamenei system and whether crews week has killed at least 350 15,000 out of 18,000 stranded Herve Verhoosel said the number understood it properly. people, affected more than 1.7 people still needed to be saved. of people affected in Mozambique REUTERS/DUBAI In both cases, the pilots lost million others and left 15,000 “Yesterday we had counted was 600,000, but warned: “That control soon after take-off and people still stranded by floods, 15,000 people that still need number will definitely go up.” Iran is determined to boost its defence capabilities despite mounting fought a losing battle to stop according to estimates yesterday. rescue today — 15,000 people Ultimately, around 1.7 pressure from the United States and its allies to curb its ballistic missile their jets plunging down. The As the toll surged from the who are in bad shape. They are million people in Mozambique programme, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said yesterday. MAX, which came into service region’s biggest storm in years, alive, we are communicating with will need assistance, Verhoosel “We need to take Iran to a point that enemy understand that they two years ago, has a new auto- the World Health Organization them, delivering food, but we need said in Geneva. In Zimbabwe, cannot threaten Iran... America’s sanctions will make Iran self-suffi- mated system called MCAS (WHO) announced plans to to rescue them and take them state broadcaster ZBC said the cient,” Khamenei said in a speech broadcast live on state TV. Pres- (Maneuvering Characteristics tackle an emerging threat to sur- out,” he told reporters. A total of death toll had risen to 139, up ident Donald Trump withdrew the United States last May from a 2015 Augmentation System). It is meant vivors from malaria and cholera. 65,000 people are in transit from 100 on Wednesday, while nuclear deal between Iran and six major powers, saying it gave too to prevent loss of lift which can Cyclone Idai smashed into centres, he said. “Our priority the WFP said its estimates of the much away to Iran, and reimposed far-reaching U.S. sanctions. The cause an aerodynamic stall the coast of central Mozambique now is to make sure we take number of people there affected US sanctions aim to force Iran to accept tougher restrictions on its sending the plane downwards in last Friday, unleashing hur- food, shelter and medicine to the by the cyclone had jumped from nuclear work, drop its ballistic missile program and scale back support an uncontrolled way. ricane-force winds and rains people that are isolated in small 15,000 to 200,000. for militant proxies in Middle East conflicts from Yemen to Syria. FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019 ISLAM 05 Sabr or shukr : The worry stops here

MUHAMMAD ALSHAREEF The Messenger of Allah our patience and say only that which is pleasing to Allah. siyah, the wife of (PBUH) said: “Strange There are two keys. If we Firaun (Pharoah). is the affair of the understand them we shall open Her iman in Allah the door to sabr in our lives: thrived under the believer, verily all his The First Key: Know that our shadow of someone affairs are good for him. souls, families and wealth do not thatA said: “I am your Lord, Most belong to us, they belong to Allah. If something pleasing High!” When news reached He gave it to us as a loan to see Firaun of his wife’s iman he beat befalls him he thanks what we would do with it. And her and commanded his guards Allah and it becomes when he takes it back He is taking to beat her. They took her out in back what belongs to Him. We had the scalding noon heat, tied her better for him. And nothing before the blessing and hands and feet and beat her per- if something harmful we’ll have nothing after it. We did petually. Who did she turn to? not create the blessing from She turned to Allah! She prayed, befalls him he is patient nothing, so how can we claim that “My lord, build for me a home and it becomes better for it belongs to us. with you in Paradise and save me The Second Key: We are on from Firaun and his deeds and him. And this is only for a journey and the destination is save me from the transgressing the mu’min (believer).” the hereafter – Paradise or Hell. people.” We’ll be leaving the dunya It was narrated that when behind us and we’ll come back she said this, the sky opened for (PBUH) said: “Strange is the affair ta’ala (how far from imperfection own sins. Allah, the Most High, slapping hands, shaving ones to Allah by ourselves. This is her and she saw her home in of the mu’min (the believer), is He and He is the Most High). says: “And whatever misfortune head, and cursing and wailing. what needs our focus. And if Paradise. She smiled. The guards verily all his affairs are good for Hasan ibn Arafah narrated: befalls you it is because of what Umm Salamah narrates: I heard Allah is pleased with us then no watched astonished, she’s being him. If something pleasing befalls “I visited Imam Ahmad ibn your hands have earned. And He the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) worry. If He is not pleased with tortured and she smiles? Frus- him he thanks Allah and it Hanbal after he was whipped pardons much.” saying, “Any Muslim that says us then all worry. Let me draw trated, Firaun commanded a becomes better for him. And if and tortured. I said to him, ‘O (Al Quran 42:30) when a calamity befalls him that your attention to a verse. “Guard boulder to be brought and something harmful befalls him Abu Abdillaah, you have reached Muhammad ibn Sirin used to which Allah commanded him: To strictly the five obligatory prayers, dropped on Aasiyah, to crush her he is patient (sabir) and it the station of the Prophets!’ He say when his debts piled up and Allah we belong and to him we especially the middle salah (prayer) to death. But Allah took her soul becomes better for him. And this said: ‘Keep quiet. Verily, I saw he felt sad, “I know that the cause return. O Allah reward me in this and stand before Allah in obe- before the boulder was brought is only for the mu’min.” nothing more than people selling of this sadness is a sin I com- calamity and give me better then dience.” (Al Quran 2:238) and she became an example for Ibn Al Jawzi said: “If this their din. And I saw scholars that mitted over 40 years ago.” it – (any Muslim that says this) The verses before this deal all the believing men and women dunya was not a station of tests were with me sell their faith. So People understand that when Allah will grant him better than with divorce. The verses after it till the end of time: it would not be filled with sick- I said to myself who am I? What something bad happens it is a (that which he lost).” (Muslim) deal with divorce. Why was this “And Allah has set forth an nesses and filth. If life was not am I? What am I going to say to test from Allah. But dear Brothers These tests and hardships verse placed in the middle? The example for those who believe: about hardship, then the Allah tomorrow when I stand in and Sisters, the good things that wash our sins. ‘Aishah radiallahu scholars have suggested (and the wife of Fir’aun – when she Prophets and the pious would front of Him and He asks me, happen to us are also a test. anha said, “Verily fever sheds Allah knows best), that in the hard said, ‘My Lord, Build for me a have lived the most comfortable ‘Did you sell your din like the Allah says: “And we tested sins like a tree sheds leaves.” times that a person goes through home with You in Paradise, and of lives. Nay, Adam suffered test others did?’? So I looked at the them with good (blessings) and The hardships that befall us they should not forget the remem- save me from Fir’aun and his after test until he left the dunya. whip and the sword and chose evil (calamities) in order that they distinguish the believers from the brance of Allah, the salah. And it deeds, and save me from the Nuh (Noah) cried for 300 years. them. And I said if I die I shall might turn back.” (Al Quran 7:168) insincere. Shumayt ibn Ajlan is that salah coupled with sabr that transgressing disbelieving Ibrahim (Abraham) was thrown return to Allah and say I was told Abdul Malik ibn Ishaq said, said, “The pious and the will pull them through. people.’ “ (Al Quran 66:11) into a pit of fire and later told to to say that one of Your Charac- “There is no one that is not tested ungrateful are hidden by health. “O you who believe! Seek When Jibril (the Angel slaughter his son. Ya’qub (Jacob) teristics was something created with health and prosperity to Yet when calamities befall the Help in patience and salah. Truly, Gabriel), came to the Prophet cried until he became blind. but I did not. After that, it will be measure how thankful he is two men are separated (by how Allah is with those that are (may Allah’s peace and blessing Musa (Moses) challenged Firaun upto Him — either to punish me (shukr).” And the Companion — they react).” Allah says in the patient.” (Al Quran 2:153) be upon him), and asked him and was tested by his people. Isa of be Merciful on me.’ “ Abdur-Rahman ibn ‘Awf (may Quran: “Alif, Lam, Mim. Do people There is good news for those about Islam, iman, and ihsan, the (Jesus) had no provision except Al Hasan ibn Arafah then Allah be pleased with him), said: think that they will be left alone who intend to act on their Sabr. Prophet said about iman: “Iman the morsels his disciples pro- asked, “Did you feel pain when “We were tested with hardship because they say, ‘We believe,’ and Allah promised them three is to believe in Allah, His angels, vided him with. And Prophet they whipped you?” He said, “Yes, and were patient. And then we will not be tested? Indeed We things: His prayer for them, His His books, His Messengers, the Muhammad (PBUH) met poverty I felt the pain up to 20 lashes then were tested with prosperity and tested those who lived before Mercy, and their guidance. Final Day, and the divine decree, with patience, his uncle — one I lost all feeling (They whipped him we were not patient.” Because them.” (Al Quran 29:1-3) “Who, when afflicted with the good and the bad thereof.” of the most beloved relatives to over eighty times). After it was of this Allah states: “O ye who ‘Ali radiallahu ‘anhu said: calamity say, ‘Truly, to Allah we As you and I travel though him —was slain and mutilated over I felt no pain and that day I believe! Let not your wealth or “Verily sabr is to iman what the belong and truly, to Him we shall life we find ourselves in one of and his people disbelieved in prayed dhuhr standing.” your children divert you from the head is to the body. When the return.’ They are those on whom two situations. Either something him... and the list of Prophets and Al Hasan ibn Arafah started remembrance of Allah. And who- head is cut off, the body falls. He the salawat (the blessing and for- good is happening in our lives the pious goes on and on.” weeping when he heard what soever does that, then they are then raised his voice: Verily there giveness) of their Lord is upon and in which case – as Muslims What happens to us happens had happened. Imam Ahmad the losers.” (Al Quran 63:9) is no iman for he who has no sabr them, and who shall receive His — our role is have shukr (to thank by the will of Allah. It is an article questioned him, “Why are you Patience must happen from (patience).” Mercy, and it is they who are the Allah for the blessing). Or some- of our iman in qada’ and qadr crying? I did not lose my iman. the beginning, not three days There are three types of sabr guided ones.” (Quran 2:157) thing bad is happening to us, that we are pleased with Allah’s After that why should I care if I later or one day later, at the first that the Muslim must have: Sabr Allah says: “And We made something we dislike and our choice, Good or seemingly bad lose my life.” news of the calamity, when it first in the obedience of Allah. For from among them leaders, giving role here is to have sabr it is all the test of this dunya. How They were better than us but happens. The Prophet sallallahu example, one must be patient guidance under Our Command, (patience). This is the formula for could we imagine that we shall this was how they were tested. ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Verily and perform their fajr at it’s time. when they were patient.” (Al a happy life, a life cruising not be tested when those who Let us discuss some facts patience (is only sabr when prac- Sabr in not disobeying Allah and Quran 32:24) Sufyan ibn towards the pleasure of Allah. were better than us suffered about these tests of life, the good ticed) at the first hit (of news).” Sabr in what Allah decrees on us. ‘Uyaynah commented, “When Sabr or shukr, the worry stops what they suffered? They and the bad that befalls us: Much There are things that con- For example, if our child was to they took hold of the leading here. however came away with the of what befalls us – the hard tradict sabr. Tearing ones shirt, pass away we should be patient issue, we made them leaders!” The Messenger of Allah pleasure of Allah, subhanahu wa times – is the direct result of our for example, slapping ones face, and seek the reward of Allah in www.sunnahonline.com Mosques as beacon of cooperation and dialogue

“They want to world — regardless of the level proactive in convincing the technology, as a consequence, concern. It is therefore only them encouraged by all relevant extinguish the light of many individuals’ and groups’ world as to who exactly they are, would dramatically improve as who is answerable to the parties. For the sake of fostering of Allah with their honesty, or otherwise — is prop- what their Islam is, and what well. They will not then have to Almighty for it. peace, harmony and dialogue, to agating what the true Islam is they are living for and how. harangue the world on how Islam And as a bit of not-so-coin- Muslims through the mosque mouths, but Allah and who the true Muslims are. Muslims should not unduly is the religion of truth, peace, cidental symbolism, since the phenomenon, the sky is surely will perfect His In reality, everyone is promoting worry or be afraid, for a truthful progress, enlightenment and New Zealand tragedy took place the limit. That could likewise be light, although the and preaching Islam, one way or person on an extraordinary justice. Such will be embodied in in mosques, it might be just a reason why the New Zealand disbelievers dislike it” another: from mosques and par- mission fears nobody and nothing. concrete deeds, policies, and civ- appropriate that a Muslim criminal targeted precisely liaments, to coffee-shops, homes Indeed, nothing but truth, light, ilizational initiatives and achieve- change of fortune should start mosques and the day, occasion (Holy Quran 61:8). and media. Debates about Islam, and clarity of existential mission ments, and will be there for all to exactly in relation to the mosque as well as the time synonymous Muslims, the Quran, the Prophet and purpose are identifiable with see and benefit from. as a concept and sensory reality. with mosques’ dynamism and SPAHIC OMER (PBUH) and mosques continue courage and gallantry, just as It goes without saying that Reviving the mosque institution multidimensionality. — and will for a long time falsehood, darkness, and evil are Muslim unity and the unity of as a community development And finally, Muslims must hile the dust is settling — unabated. identifiable with cowardice and their ontological mission and centre and as a symbol as well as actualise and live up to the impli- in the aftermath of The phenomenon is posi- its associates. Muslims have purpose denote a precursor, yet locus of Islam’s and Muslims’ spir- cations of the Quranic archetype Wshootings at two tively contributing to silencing nothing to be ashamed of, nor a cause, of any remarkable civ- itual and physical being will def- according to which only mosques in New Zealand, some the isolated pockets of perpetual hide. On the contrary, they have ilisational consciousness and initely go a long way in success- believers and everything they rather bigger and more conse- hate, bigotry and bona fide everything to cherish, be proud growth of theirs. The relationship fully charting future development epitomize will in the end be suc- quential truths and dimensions terror, and is extinguishing the of, and share with the world. between the two realms is courses not only in the Muslim cessful, despite numerous trials start emerging. Undoubtedly, the fading flames of their meaning, Muslims always were, and thus causal, the former always being world, but also elsewhere. and challenges along the way. killed brothers and sisters are purpose and appeal. Despite the should remain, chief protagonists the cause and the latter the Mosques should be turned into On the other hand, the opponents global heroes. They are also tragic and regrettable side of the in generating universal civiliza- effect. Even though the whole sources of and facilities for prac- of truth, oppressors of all kinds martyrs and Jannah (Paradise)- events, the opportunity that such tional and cultural goodness and world is sympathetic now, if ticing and disseminating the and criminals, and everything they bound (Insha’Allah we most sin- events presented should be lev- beauty. Muslims should use the Muslims do not take the matter authentic truth, peace, harmony, characterise, will in the end fail cerely hope and pray for them). eraged and sustained. It is not unfortunate New Zealand into their own hands — and by equality, and justice. They should and be dire losers, notwith- Truly, the victims have been always that most of the world is episode and its aftermath to the scruff of the neck — the sen- be beacons of hope, optimism, standing some ostensible tem- given a new and far better life, favourably disposed to the affairs come closer to one another and timent will quickly cool down cooperation, tolerance, and dia- porary triumphs along the way. and so, have been in a certain of Islam and Muslims. Overtures get united at all levels of their and subside, and we will be back logue. Especially in the West, What matters most is a true way set free, while the killer and are being received from all sides ummatic (collective) existence. to square one. Nobody will help mosques and the infinite universe happy ending primarily in the his agenda have perished as soon including such as were hardly Why must Muslims wait for Muslims if they do not help of messages and values that they metaphysical sense of the word, as they came to the fore of reality imaginable before. tragic events, such as this one, to themselves. The roles of others typify, should be promoted via and that life does not turn out to and started rearing their ugly By making the most of the come out together as one? Why can only be secondary in nature, most appropriate means and be merely nihilistic, hedonistic, heads. What matters at the end presented opportunities, the don’t they do so as soon as pos- playing second fiddle to what channels as much to non-Muslims and anticlimactic an affair. Allah of the day is to live and die with innocent lives would not be seen sible as a sign of a drastic par- Muslims actually do. Likewise, as Muslims. That way, there will emphatically says, instilling honour and dignity, irrespective as lost in vain. The losses will adigm shift, whereby many future nobody will respect Muslims be no better, friendlier, and more endless optimism and hope in the of circumstances. What lies thus become yet more mean- yet more tragic events could be unless they respect themselves. effective ways of da’wah (inviting hearts of believers: “They want to between and around those ingful as well as impactful. The thwarted, or at least significantly That is the root cause of all good people to Islam). Nobody will be extinguish the light of Allah with parameters is part of a bigger victims’ rewards will also be mitigated? Once united, Muslims’ —and evil—associated with able to accuse anyone of prose- their mouths, but Allah will perfect and to us incomprehensible greatly amplified thereby. performances in such critical fields Muslims. Muslim civilizational lytizing, or any other perceived His light, although the disbelievers ontological picture. In the Hence, Muslims should as education, politics, economic destiny ought to be their own and wrongdoing. Rather, the efforts dislike it” (Al Saff, 61:8). meantime, virtually the whole become braver and more development, science and nobody else’s business and will regularly be praised and www.islamcity.org 06 ASIA FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019

J&K gunfights Modi to fight it out in leave militant dead, 7 security Varanasi again; Shah men injured

IANS in Gandhinagar SRINAGAR

Union Minister Smriti Locket Chatterjee from Hooghly. A militant was killed while Irani will again face BJP’s Kerala strongman Kum- seven security men and three Congress President manam Rajasekharan, who civilians were injured yesterday recently quit as Mizoram Governor, as security forces and militants Rahul Gandhi in will fight against Congress’ Shashi battled each other in three Amethi, while film Tharoor in Thiruvanthapuram, places in the Kashmir Valley, actress-turned while Union Minister K J Alphons authorities said. politician Hema Malini will contest from Ernakulam. While the first gunfight The BJP also fielded its Tamil erupted in Sopore town, two will contest from her Nadu unit chief Tamilisai Sound- gun battles were reported later Mathura seat. K J ararajan from Thoothukudi from from Bandipora and Baramulla Alphons will contest where DMK’s K Kanimozhi is districts. from Ernakulam. contesting. Police sources said firing Nadda, who had announced exchanges between the security that Minister of State from Home forces and militants have Kiren Rijiju will contest from stopped in Kandi area of Bara- IANS Arunanchal East, later corrected mulla district. NEW DELHI Revellers covered in coloured powder celebrate Holi, the spring festival of colours, in Pushkar, in himself, saying he would be con- Rajasthan, yesterday. Sources said two militants testing from Arunachal West. had been killed while seven Prime Minister Narendra Modi The BJP also fielded Bai- others — a para commando of will fight to retain his Varanasi jayant ‘Jay’ Panda, who had quit the army, four policemen and seat while BJP President Amit Odisha’s ruling Biju Janata Dal Election colours add to Holi fervour two civilians — have been Shah will make his debut in Lok to join it, from Kendrapara. injured in this gunfight. Sabha polls from Gandhinagar, Nadda also announced that IANS bash at a different location. different colonies. “Earlier, we However, the killing of two mil- BJP leader J P Nadda announced candidates for all the 17 seats it MATHURA/AGRA Mulayam Singh Yadav and moved around in groups with itants has still not been con- yesterday. will contest in Bihar have been others from the Yadav family colours, but now people prefer firmed by officials. The Gandhinagar seat is cur- cleared by the party’s Central The fervour of Holi, festival of celebrated Holi in their Sefai to play Holi only with their Police said one militant was rently held by veteran Bharatiya Election Committee and sent to colours, reached a feverish pitch village in the Etawah district. friends and relatives. killed in the exchange of fire Janata Party leader L K Advani, the state election panel. yesterday as election The temples in Vrindavan “The caste and community between security forces and the who has been winning the seat A new party entrant K S campaigners and leaders of were packed to the capacity, barriers, which Holi is supposed militants in Mir Mohalla of consecutively from 1998. Radhakrishnan are among the different political parties some overflowing with devotees to remove are back. Each caste Hajin area in Bandipora. Among the prominent 13 candidates announced for extended their full support and as clouds of “gulal” enveloped formation is organising its own “One militant has been leaders announced in BJP’s first Kerala. Out of Kerala’s 20 Lok participation in the celebrations, the noisy groups on the streets. Holi function for its members. killed so far. Another militant list, which had 184 names across Sabha seats, the BJP is contesting adding a riot of party colours to The Bankey Bihari temple, the We see less of inter-caste or is still holed up inside a house 20 states, were Union Ministers 14 seats, while five seats will be the festivities. Radha Raman temple and the inter-community participation where a 12-year-old boy is also Rajnath Singh, who will contest contested by its principal ally, the In Mathura, cine star and Iskcon temple witnessed big these days,” lamented Sudheir believed to be stuck. Another again from Lucknow, Nitin Bharath Dharma Jana Sena local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) celebrations. Gupta, a resident of Agra’s Vijay civilian was safely evacuated Gadkari from Nagpur, General (BDJS), and the Kerala Congress, MP Hema Malini joined the Holi “The Holi festivities began Nagar Colony. from the house during the oper- V K Singh (retd) from Ghaz- led by former Union Minister P C celebrations. She also met her with the Rang Bharni Ekadashi Yes, times have indeed ation,” a police officer said. iabad, Rajyavardhan Singh Thomas, the remaining one seat. supporters and enthusiasts at her on March 17. Since then each day changed, observed Goswami According to a tweet by the Rathore (Jaipur Rural), Satyapal A former Vice-Chancellor of residence in Vrindavan we have had functions,” said Jag- Nandan Shrotriya of Sri Math- police, the two civilians were Singh (Baghpat), and D V the Sree Sankaracharya University yesterday. annath Poddar, Director at uradheesh temple. “In most Holi being held hostage by the hiding Sadananda Gowda (Bengaluru of Sanskrit and considered close In Agra, Ram Shankar Friends of Vrindavan, an NGO. gatherings, we now see the militants. While one was rescued North). to former Kerala Chief Minister Katheria, BJP member of the In Mathura, the customary active involvement of politi- safely with the assistance of All are sitting MPs from Oommen Chandy who made him outgoing Lok Sabha, opened his bhang thandai at the Yamuna ghats cians,” Shrotriya said. security forces and community these seats. chairman of the Public Service house for the celebrations, was in great demand, while com- A disturbing trend noticed this members, the other, reportedly Union Minister Smriti Irani Commission, Radhakrishnan, who inviting almost everyone munity singing programmes too year was people burning poly- a minor, was still trapped. will again face Congress Pres- joined the BJP on Sunday, has been through text, WhatsApp mes- continued to draw large crowds. thene, plastic waste, used tyres, The militants who were in ident Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, asked to contest the Alappuzha sages and letters. Like Malini, Hari Krishan, a local panda, leather shoe cuttings and all kinds hiding opened fire at the while film actress-turned poli- Lok Sabha seat. Katheria’s candidature too is yet said: “There was lots of fun and of toxic material, said environmen- security forces in Mir Mohalla, tician Hema Malini will contest Speaking to the media in Delhi, to be announced by the BJP for excitement in this year’s cele- talist Devashish Bhattacharya. sparking off the gunfight. from her Mathura seat. Alphons, presently a Rajya Sabha the coming Lok Sabha polls. brations. The mood is also Meanwhile, social activist Another gunfight started in Union Minister Babul member from Rajasthan, expressed In neighbouring Firozabad, upbeat due to the coming Lok Shravan Kumar Singh noted an Kandi area of Baramulla after Supriyo will fight to retain his happiness as he said Ernakulam is Samajwadi Party (SP) workers Sabha elections. Everywhere the alarming rise in noise pollution. security forces resumed on yes- Asanol seat, where he will face his second home as he has a house and leaders organised a get- discussions are centred around Despite the ban, loud speakers terday morning a search oper- Trinamool Congress’s Moon there and lived there when he was together, while the Shiv Pal Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” continued to blare cacophonous ation which was suspended due Moon Sen. The BJP has also practicing as an advocate at the Yadav-led Pragatisheel Sama- In Agra, Holi celebrations shifted music till late at night on the eve to darkness on Wednesday fielded Bengali film actress Kerala High Court. jwadi Party hosted a seperate to the community halls in of Holi. evening. Bangladesh Pro-Trinamool men at Bengal CEO’s office, BJP alleges town barbers IANS The CEO, in his letter, admitted that Commission whether the video Congress of maligning the Central of candidates’ list, Supriyo said, face fines for KOLKATA the video was related to the making song was found to be promoted Reserve Police Force (CRPF). “We have 84 extraordinary can- of a video song,” BJP leader Jay or advertised in any social media “They are accusing the CRPF didates for 42 Lok Sabha con- ‘foreign’ cuts Questioning the content of the Prakash Majumder told reporters. platforms. Whether it was because they are not confident stituencies in West Bengal. show-cause notice sent by the Advertisements for campaign released and transmitted in of winning the election if it is Asked about West Bengal AFP Election Commission to Union of any political party are required advertising forms,” he asked. conducted in a free and fair Chief Minister Mamata Baner- DHAKA, Minister Babul Supriyo on a to be pre-certified by the Com- BJP leaders said that media manner,” he said. jee’s comment on Ram Mandir, campaign song, the BJP alleged mission before uploading it on coverage of recording of the cam- According to Majumder, Tri- he said, “There are cases pending A barber’s association in a pro-Trinamool Congress officers social media or transmitting it on paign song was uploaded by some namool lodged a complaint before before the Supreme Court. Prime northern Bangladesh town has were deployed in the office of the any audio-visual media. enthusiasts and it became viral. the Election Commission against Minister Narendra Modi has warned its members not to give Chief Electoral Officer, West The Election Commission on “The Commission should show the CRPF for talking to people. clearly said we will wait for the “foreign” haircuts or beard Bengal. Tuesday slapped a show-cause cause the persons who had drafted “They should welcome them. Supreme Court’s verdict. She styles on pain of fines, an “We have asked the CEO notice on Supriyo for not seeking the letter. Some pro-Trinamool Why are they afraid of free and perhaps made this comment as official said yesterday. whether the letter was drafted in permission before releasing a officers are deployed in the CEO’s fair elections? We have urged the a Trinamool leader and if she An association order has his office or Trinamool’s office. video of his party’s campaign office,” Majumder alleged. Commission to ensure free and respects the chair of West Bengal been hung up at every barber Babul Supriyo will reply to the song for Bengal on the social Supriyo also accused West fair elections.” Asked why the Chief Minister, she should not shop in the town of Bhuapur in show cause notice by tomorrow. media. “We have asked the Bengal’s ruling Trinamool BJP was delaying announcement make such comments.” the conservative Muslim- majority South Asian nation of 165 million people. Any stylists infringing the Sri Lanka averts rift spilling directive face fines of 40,000 taka ($480). Flamboyant hairstyles over to UN rights session adopted by some of the Bol- lywood and Hollywood movie AP to prosecute suspects of rights heroes and top cricketers have COLOMBO violations. become increasingly popular Sri Lankan President among young men in Bang- Sri Lanka’s leader has kept his Maithripala Sirisena came into ladesh, where short and neat country’s political rift from power in 2015 promising to help cuts used to be the norm. spilling over to a U N human the war-torn country reconcile, The head of the association rights council meeting this week including by investigating alle- Shekhar Chandra Sheel said by abandoning plans to oppose gations of crimes under the they took the measure following the prime minister’s decision to watch of his predecessor, a request from the local police co-sponsor a resolution giving Mahinda Rajapaksa. chief. “He asked us not to cut the nation more time to address But since Rajapaksa lost his hair and beards following the war crime allegations stemming re-election bid, the strongman Western model. He said these from its civil war. has built a party and has gained hairstyles are spoiling our young On the council’s agenda is a traction with victories in local generation,” he said. report by High Commissioner elections. He said barber shops in the Michelle Bachelet criticising Sri With an eye toward elec- neighbouring towns of Sakhipur Lanka for failing to fulfil its tions next year, Sirisena’s oppo- and Basail have also adopted pledge to investigate alleged sition to the United Nations res- similar measures. Bhuapur police atrocities by both the military olution appears to be his latest official Rashedul Islam said that An artist’s strokes for general election and the Tamil Tiger rebels attempt - since ousting his he made the appeal after local during the long war, which prime minister last fall - to ally parents, guardians and teachers A man writes the name of a Congress party candidate for Ernakulam constituency on a roadside wall ended a decade ago. The co-res- himself with Rajapaksa and tap urged him to stop their sons ahead of general election, in Kochi, Kerala, yesterday. olution up for adoption would into his majority Sinhalese voter getting foreign styles. give Sri Lanka two more years base. FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019 ASIA 07

PM Imran phones Pakistani troops NZ counterpart, recover abducted condemns attack INTERNEWS Iranian soldiers ISLAMABAD Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan yesterday telephoned his AGENCIES 12 Iranian security New Zealand counterpart RAWALPINDI personnel were Jacinda Ardern and condemned the terrorist attack on mosques Pakistani security forces have kidnapped by in Christchurch. recovered four abducted Iranian militants last year Prime Minister Imran Khan soldiers from a “transitioning from a post close to admired the humane handling hideout” during an operation in Pakistan-Iran border. of the situation after the attack. Balochistan’s Chagai district, the He appreciated the quick Inter-Services Public Relations response of the local author- (ISPR) said in a statement Affairs. Iran’s Foreign Minister ities and the high level of yesterday. Javad Zarif, while thanking the respect shown by the Prime Pakistani security forces Pakistani government, under- Minister of New Zealand for conducted a successful intelli- scored Iran’s desire to overcome Muslims. He said Ardern has gence-based operation (IBO) at all hurdles jointly with Pakistan shown the way to other leaders Amori in Chagai district, about in maintaining complete peace Mahathir arrives in Islamabad in the face of rising Islamo- 3-4km away from the Pakistan- along the Pak-Iran border, Paki- phobia and global extremism. Motorists ride past the portraits of Prime Minister Imran Khan (left), President Arif Alvi along with Afghanistan border, said the stan’s Foreign Office said. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (centre) in Islamabad, yesterday. statement. “After an exchange of fire, 4 According to ISPR, terrorists Iranian soldier were recovered Multiple blasts belonging to a proscribed organ- from a transitioning hideout,” it isation were reported to have said, adding that the soldiers leave six dead in entered Pakistan from Afghan- were handed over to Iranian Two sentenced to life imprisonment in istan side along with the kid- authorities. Afghan capital napped Iranian soldiers. In November last year, Paki- Pakistan varsity student lynching case Iran’s Foreign Ministry stani security forces had safely ANATOLIA spokesman Bahram Ghasemi recovered five of the 12 Iranian REUTERS Mardan. Arif Khan, a local gov- KABUL expressed Tehran’s gratefulness border guards who were PESHAWAR In February last year the ernment official who had been for the rescue of the soldiers in abducted by militants the pre- court convicted 31 people, sen- a member of Prime Minister an official statement issued vious month from Lulakdan area A Pakistani court yesterday tencing one person to death, Imran Khan’s ruling Pakistan At least six people died and yesterday. near the Pak-Iran border. sentenced two men, including a while acquitting 26 others. Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, close to 30 others were “We express our thank- The Iranian security per- local government official, to life A joint investigation team was convicted for provoking wounded in multiple explosions fulness and appreciation to the sonnel including members of the in prison for their role in the had later found the blasphemy and participating in the lynch in the Afghan capital Kabul Pakistan government and army Revolutionary Guards were kid- brutal campus lynching two allegations against Mashal Khan mob. yesterday, the country’s Health for the successful operation that napped by militants on October years ago of a university student to be false. The court ruling noted two Ministry said. freed these brave border 16 last year from a post in Mir- accused of blasphemy. On Thursday the court sen- videos in which Khan is seen Baseer Mujahed, a guards,” said the statement, javeh region close to the border Mashal Khan, 23, was tenced two more men to life “torturing Mashal” and “congrat- spokesman for the Afghan published on the official website with Pakistan’s Balochistan attacked and killed by a mob on imprisonment, while acquitting ulating his co-accused for com- National Police in Kabul, said of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign province. the campus of a university in two others. mitting the murder”. IED blasts rocked the Karta-e- Sakhi neighbourhood in west Kabul during the Nevruz cele- brations marking the beginning New Zealand bans assault guns; all victims identified of spring. Earlier, Mujahed had said two people got killed and over AFP soul-searching over New Zea- Accused shooter Brenton Michael Bush said there were Initial public reaction was a dozen more were injured in CHRISTCHURCH land’s lax gun laws. Tarrant livestreamed the carnage around a quarter of a million positive in the still-shocked these blasts. However, the Min- “In short, every semi-auto- in real-time, sparking worldwide firearms users in New Zealand, country, where hundreds of istry of Public Health later New Zealand imposed a ban on matic weapon used in the ter- revulsion and concern over but he did not give a breakdown people turned out for a second revised the death toll to 6 and assault weapons yesterday, as rorist attack on Friday will be access to guns and the use of on how many possess day for sombre funerals in injury toll to 29. There has been the authorities identified all 50 banned in this country,” Ardern social media by extremists. semi-automatics. Christchurch. no immediate claim of respon- victims of the Christchurch said. New Zealand’s ban includes “The vast majority of New Meanwhile, the police yes- sibility for the attack. The local attacks. She added that high-capacity interim measures to prevent a Zealanders will support this terday said that all 50 victims of Tolo News reported that Prime Minister Jacinda magazines and devices similar run on such guns before legis- change. I feel incredibly con- last week’s terror attack in roadside IEDs and mortar shells Ardern said assault rifles and to bump stocks - which allow lation is enacted, and outlawing fident of that,” Ardern said. Christchurch had now been were used in the attack. semi-automatic weapons were users to fire weapons faster - will weapons already in private Simon Bridges, leader of the identified, allowing burials to President Mohammad now banned with immediate also be banned. possession. opposition National Party, take place. Ashraf Ghani has condemned effect, making good on a pledge Proponents of gun control in Guns are to be handed in and embraced the ban and pledged “I can say that as of a few the attack, saying: “The militants to the country of the military- the United States and around the destroyed via a buyback scheme to work with the government on minutes ago the identification have once again demonstrated style weapons used in last week’s world praised the move and that will cost between Nz$100m it. “The terrorist attack in process and to all 50 victims has their hostility towards peace and slaughter of 50 people. denounced the powerful US and $200m (between US$69m Christchurch last week has been completed and all of the tranquillity of the Afghan The killings at two pro-gun lobby on social media, and $139m), depending on how changed us as a nation,” Bridges next of kin have been advised,” people.” Last year, a suicide Christchurch mosques by an while American gun supporters many are received and their said. “We agree that the public said commissioner Mike Bush. bombing killed 29 people in the Australian white supremacist defended their constitutional valuations. doesn’t need access to military- “That is a landmark for this same vicinity also during the have caused national right to bear arms. NZ Police Commissioner style semi-automatic weapons.” process.” Nevruz celebrations.

Mass evacuation in Australia due to China invites EU envoys Cyclone Trevor to visit Xinjiang region

AFP AFP stability and harmony of Xin- CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA BEIJING jiang, and the real situation of people of all nationalities living Authorities in northern China said yesterday that it had and working in peace and Australia have declared a state invited European diplomats to contentment”. of emergency and have asked visit the northwest region of As many as one million for military help to evacuate Xinjiang, where Beijing is Uighurs and other mostly communities in the path of a accused of rights abuses against Muslim minorities are being held destructive cyclone that is set the ethnic Uighur Muslims. in internment camps in Xinjiang, to further strengthen. “In order to enhance the according to a group of experts Northern Territory Police understanding of the achieve- cited last year by the United yesterday said Cyclone Trevor ments of Xinjiang’s economic Nations. prompted the largest evacu- and social development in Beijing claims the camps are ation since Cyclone Tracy tore Europe... the Chinese side invited “vocational training centres” that through the city of Darwin in the diplomatic envoys of help steer people who may be 1974. European countries to visit Xin- drawn to extremism away from The storm hit small com- jiang,” Foreign Ministry terrorism and reintegrate them munities in northern spokesman Geng Shuang told into society. Questioned during Queensland on Wednesday, reporters. The dates of the visit a press briefing, French Ambas- knocking out power and Six dead in China chemical plant explosion and other arrangements were sador Jean-Maurice Ripert said leaving some areas of the state under discussion, he said, that as far as he knew, no ambas- isolated. Firemen and police officials at an explosion site in Yancheng in China’s eastern Jiangsu province hoping the trip would allow the sador from an EU country had While Trevor is currently a yesterday. The explosion at a chemical plant left at least six people dead and dozens injured. diplomats to “experience the yet received an invitation. Category 1 system, the Bureau of Meteorology said it will intensify quickly over the next two days. Extra pilot in cockpit of Lion Air jet, day before crash: Indonesia Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services incident controller Hege Burns said they AFP interviewing people who flew on disable a malfunctioning flight- NTSC nvestigator Nurcahyo shortly after takeoff. ramped up effort to evacuate JAKARTA the plane a day earlier, with control system. Utomo told reporters in Jakarta, Investigators have honed in residents from the island of some passengers reporting a A different crew flying the without offering further details. on an automated anti-stalling Groote Eylandt. A third pilot was in the cockpit frightening, erratic trip. same Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet a day Earlier this month, 157 system introduced on the 737 “Local charter companies of the Lion Air 737 jet a day The agency said yesterday later suffered a similar problem, people onboard an Ethiopian MAX 8, designed to automatically and AirNorth have been able before it crashed, killing all 189 that investigators had inter- but were unable to fix it before Airlines flight died in the second point the nose of the plane to evacuate 220 of the island’s people on board, Indonesia’s air viewed the off-duty pilot who its fatal plunge into the Java Sea, crash involving a Boeing 737 Max downward if it is in danger of 1,600 residents and the Aus- safety agency said yesterday. was on the Bali-Jakarta flight, but the report had said. 8 jet. Both planes reportedly stalling. tralian Defence Force has Following October’s crash, declined to confirm a Bloomberg “We interviewed that pilot experienced erratic steep climbs Indonesian officials said they now been called in to help,” the National Transportation report that he prevented an because we wanted to know and descents as well as fluctu- are aiming to release a final he said. Safety Committee had said it was accident by helping the crew what he had seen and heard,” ating airspeeds before crashing report by August. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019 Victory over Islamic State 1996 ESTABLISHED IN may be short-lived CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR ROBERT BURNS MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED AP [email protected] n a campaign that spanned five years and two US presidencies, DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR unleashed more than 100,000 MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Ibombs and killed untold numbers [email protected] of civilians, the US military engineered the destruction of the Islamic State group’s self-proclaimed empire in Iraq and Syria. That’s a military success, but not necessarily one that will last. The Islamic State group is down, but it is not done. EDITORIAL A file photo showing an Iraqi flag is seen amid destroyed buildings in the old President Donald Trump on city of Mosul. Wednesday flashed a color-coded map to illustrate what he called the A window into history imminent demise of IS in its last speck Iraq’s Saddam Hussein, and by 2009 territory and the associated American of Syrian territory. At its peak, in the top US commander in Kabul was celebrations as yet another example of rt and culture are an integral part of any modern 2014-15, it controlled an area the size calling the war a stalemate. overly narrow, short-sighted reactions society. It plays an active role in shaping the future of Britain across Syria and Iraq and The US military is still in Afghan- to secondary events,” Biddle wrote in Acitizens by opening their horizons to different nar- launched a series of extremist attacks istan amid uncertain peace prospects. an email exchange. ratives, opinions and way of lives. around the world. The Iraq experience followed a Thomas Joscelyn, a senior fellow at It offers a window to the world and helps comprehend His suggestion of finality for the similar path. The US military had the Foundation for Defense of Democ- the various threads of thoughts. It provides opportu- anti-IS struggle, however, seemed seemingly conquered the Sunni insur- racies, a conservative-leaning nities to exchange ideas and appreciate cultural nuances, premature. gency in Iraq by 2011 after eight years research institute, tweeted that the which in turn help to remove frictions between societies Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, of war. American forces departed, only remaining IS presence in Iraq and around the world. speaking in Jerusalem, said yesterday to see sectarian tensions revive and Syria shows that it is not defeated. Like any other modern nation, Qatar has also invested the US-led coalition has achieved provide an opening for Syria-based IS “I’m not saying that ISIS is going to heavily in art and culture through building world-class “amazing” results in Syria. to take over large parts of Iraq in 2014. reach its peak power again,” he wrote. museums designed by iconic architects housing some “The threat from radical Islamic As Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, “Hopefully, the loss of its territory has of the rarest and priceless artifacts. terrorism remains,” Pompeo said. “We architect of the plan for defeating IS in helped discredit (somewhat) the idea The Museum of Islamic Art is a fine example for this. need to finish out the last few square Iraq and Syria, put it in 2015, the of its caliphate. But ISIS still has The stunning structure designed by I M Pei is in itself an meters there in Syria. Still work to do.” majority of Sunnis in Iraq simply resources and a significant footprint - artwork in its most elegant form. It houses the most If history is a guide, the recon- refused to fight for their government especially in Iraq, but also in Syria.” expansive and varied collection of Islamic artefacts from quering of when IS swept across the Euphrates When the US military began its around the world and this makes it one of the topmost IS-held ter- and took control of much of the coun- counter-IS campaign it focused mainly museums in the world. ritory may try’s north and west. on Iraq, in part because Baghdad itself By opening a museum for modern art, Mathaf: Arab prove a “They allowed - and in some cases seemed in danger. Museum of Modern Art, short-lived facilitated - ISIS’s push through the The going was slow, and in May Qatar has shown its will- victory unless country,” Austin said. The reason for 2015 the whole effort appeared in ingness to promote and If history is a guide, Iraq and their complicity, though he didn’t say doubt when Iraqi defenders were engage new and contem- the reconquering Syria fix the it, was a deep Sunni distrust of Shiite routed at Ramadi. The US defense sec- porary artforms and artists. of IS-held territory problem that Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki. retary at the time, Ash Carter, ques- Like any other Currently, they are may prove a short- gave rise to President Barack Obama sent tioned the Iraqis’ will to fight, but hosting two exhibitions cel- the extremist small numbers of US military advisers gradually the tide began to turn in modern nation, ebrating Indian art, including lived victory unless movement in back to Iraq in the summer of 2014, their favor. Qatar has also one by the renowned artist Iraq and Syria fix the the first followed by an air campaign. This time The Syria campaign also began invested heavily late M F Husain. Showcasing problem that gave place: gov- a new approach was adopted: train slowly and was marked by startling in art and Husain’s work, spanning six rise to the extremist ernments and equip the Iraqis to do the fighting, setbacks. In September 2015, Austin, decades, is a treat for art that pit one rather than do the fighting for them. the commander of US Central culture through lovers and a great learning movement in the first ethnic or sec- Thus was born a counter-IS strategy Command, acknowledged during con- building world- opportunity for students. place: governments tarian group that ultimately prevailed in both Iraq gressional testimony that despite class museums M. F. Husain: Horses Of that pit one ethnic against and Syria. hopes of putting several thousand US- designed by The Sun displays 100 works another. The problem now is achieving the backed Syrian rebels into battle by one of the greatest artists or sectarian group The US political goal of reconciling the rival against IS, they had managed only four iconic architects to come out of India, who is against another. military has internal groups in both countries. or five. housing some of considered a founding been through Stephen Biddle, a professor of But the effort gained momentum, the rarest and member of Indian mod- this scenario international and public affairs at and by early 2016 the US had recruited priceless artifacts. ernism. The exhibition will before. In Columbia University, sees a strong and organised what came to be called show us how the style and 2001, after the September 11 attacks chance that IS will remain an the Syrian Democratic Forces, which subject of his paintings on New York and Washington, the US insurgent threat in Iraq and Syria US special operations troops trained, evolved over time. invaded Afghanistan, ousted the ruling with an intensity that is likely to advised and assisted. Despite new The cultural landscape of Qatar will get a major boost Taliban regime in a matter of weeks grow. complications on the battlefield, such next week when the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) and installed Hamid Karzai as the “If it gets worse, which it probably as Russia’s entry into the conflict, the opens its door on March 28. country’s leader. The war seemed will, then I suspect that analysts in campaign methodically recaptured IS Like Qatar Museums Chairperson H E Sheikha Al over. But the Taliban regrouped while 2025 looking back on this will see the territory and cut off the extremists’ Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said in a tweet Washington shifted its attention to eviction of ISIS from its last contiguous lifelines. “The Desert Rose blooms in Doha soon.” NMoQ will bring the unique story of Qatar and its people to the world. “Sharing the nation’s stories of resil- ience and dynamism with the world,” as Sheikha Al Mayassa said will be the main objective of the museum. What Europe should do about Brexit Inspired by the complex form of the desert rose, found in Qatar’s arid desert regions, by French architect Jean Leaving the EU on denied Parliament per- is clear. The idea is to facil- Nouvel, this will be a house to preserve the traditions of BLOOMBERG those terms would harm mission to vote on it again. itate their will, not thwart the country and its people. Britain’s economy and still His ruling was indefensible, it. Sheikha Al Mayassa’s words aptly described it: “The ust when you thought fail to provide the political since the speaker’s duty is Europe’s leaders ought National Museum of Qatar is the physical manifestation the Brexit misad- autonomy that leaving was to facilitate the will of Par- to refuse a short deadline of Qatar’s proud identity, connecting the country’s history venture could get no meant to achieve. And liament, not thwart it — extension but allow a with its diverse and cosmopolitan present. It will reflect worse, the speaker of although Brexit would hurt and it can be overturned. If longer one. They need not J a majority emerges in make another referendum a part of every Qatari’s life, representing our roots and the House of Commons the UK far more than identity.” stepped forward to turn it Europe, Britain’s departure support of May’s deal, that a condition for granting it, into a constitutional farce. would weaken the EU, both same majority can override but they should urge May What else can go wrong, internally and externally, the speaker. to open her mind to it, and one wonders, between now just as the union’s strength Unfortunately, the insist she not rule it out. and March 29, the UK’s is being tested in other prime minister might yet Granted, further delay designated date to leave ways. assemble such a majority, means continued uncer- the EU? It isn’t too late for once MPs finally realise tainty and more costs. It QUOTE OF THE DAY Prime Minister Theresa Britain to think again. And that without it, the only also involves complications May is to meet the although the responsibility remaining options are a - including that Britain In the case of a European Union’s other in this lies entirely with cliff-edge Brexit or no would have to take part in leaders and ask them to Britain, the EU can help - Brexit at all. Europe should European Parliament elec- negative British extend the Brexit deadline. by leading May toward a not help May execute this tions scheduled for May. vote then we’d be They’ll need to ask her Brexit delay that’s long strategy, so long as it’s still Yet the potential for no heading to a no what purpose a delay will enough to allow a funda- possible to prevent Brexit Brexit is worth it. serve. Then, exasperated as mental rethink and a altogether. After all that’s hap- deal. We all know they must be, Europe’s second referendum, rather And it is. Everybody pened, Britain can’t expect it. And it’s essential leaders should guide her than a short extension understands that the Brexit to appeal to Europe’s gen- to be clear in these toward the best course. aimed at reviving the deal May proposes is not the erosity. But Europe’s gov- days and moments. This doesn’t mean they that Parliament has twice Brexit her country voted ernments still owe it to should help her revive the rejected. for in 2016. A second refer- their own citizens to do previously negotiated Bear in mind, that deal endum is needed, not to what they can to help Emmanuel Macron withdrawal agreement, as isn’t yet dead — despite the throw the voters’ verdict Britain regain sanity, return French President she seems to intend. That earlier defeats and even back in their faces, but to to orderly government, and would serve neither side’s though Speaker John let them think again now avoid making this historic interests. Bercow has bizarrely that the meaning of Brexit error. FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019 OPINION 09 Safe zones for Rohingya are a prelude to apartheid & worse

angladesh is once again of taking back any of the Rohingya with Bangladesh by building so-called now, the Rohingya will be rela- calling for the establishment refugees. In fact, all diplomatic efforts transit camps for returning refugees - tively safe. The wild cards here are of safe zones for the Rohingya by Myanmar’s civilian government which look eerily similar to World the shifting domestic landscapes in Bin Myanmar, so that it can are a delaying tactic until the interna- War II concentration camps, with Bangladesh and China. China is begin resettling some of the 1 million tional community moves on to the barbed wire, high fences and building part of its Belt and Road or so refugees in its care around the next crisis. “security” provided by the very same initiative through Myanmar, in district of Cox’s Bazar. This is not the Bangladesh’s response to the army that carried out the initial regions near the old Rohingya AZEEM IBRAHIM first time that the government in inflow of Rohingya refugees since “clearance operations” two years ago. areas - a project that will bring THE WASHINGTON POST Dhaka has pushed for this. Prime mid-2017 has been magnanimous, but Thankfully, those camps are currently Myanmar snugly under China’s Minister Sheikha Hasina pressed reluctantly so. The domestic politics of sitting empty, as the Rohingya refuse wing. Myanmar on the issue before the UN the refugee situation in Bangladesh to trade the safe camps in Bangladesh This means that if Beijing ever General Assembly in September 2017. have always been difficult. Bang- for the prison camps in Myanmar. decides that its interests in Bang- Now, Bangladesh’s new foreign ladesh is a poor, very densely popu- The position of the Rohingya ref- ladesh would be served by sup- minister, Abulkalam Abdul Momen, lated country. Most Bangladeshis have ugees I spoke to in the camps around porting the relocation of the has started lobbying Russia, China sympathy for the plight of the Cox’s Bazar is eminently sensible. Rohingya to Myanmar, it could and India, as well as the Organization Rohingya refugees but are worried They would prefer to go back to the easily press Naypyidaw to accept Bangladesh’s response of Islamic Cooperation, to try to use about their own futures. They can land of their forefathers - but they the forceful relocation of the to the inflow of their influence to persuade Myanmar scarcely imagine how they might also cannot until they are assured full citi- Rohingya refugees into the prison Rohingya refugees to establish safe zones within its look after the refugees. zenship and equal rights according to camps constructed by the Myanmar territory. This has led domestic politicians international law. government, which told the inter- since mid-2017 has This effort is pointless and ill to gradually harden their position on Myanmar is not willing to national community that it was been magnanimous, advised. Myanmar has no interest in the refugees over the past couple of entertain either of those demands, happy to welcome them back. In but reluctantly so. The establishing safe zones, and China and years, culminating with the despite their moral and legal force. reality, the Myanmar authorities Russia have already prevented any announcement before the UN Security Instead, Myanmar has offered to reg- knew full well that the Rohingya domestic politics of such appeals from getting through the Council on March 1 that Bangladesh ularize the Rohingyas’ status as would never return voluntarily the refugee situation UN Security Council. Yet these efforts will no longer take any more refugees second-class citizens with identifi- unless their own demands are met. in Bangladesh have by Bangladesh bode ill nonetheless. from Myanmar. cation cards. Yet to get even that And although Cox’s Bazar always been difficult. It is finally dawning on Bang- For its part, Myanmar has much paperwork, the Rohingya are remains a haven for the refugees, ladesh that Myanmar has no intention “honored” its resettlement agreement required to accede to the status of the political trend in Dhaka is wor- “foreigner” in the land of their birth, risome. It is not beyond the realm thus relinquishing their legal claim to of possibility that Dhaka might equal status. What the Rohingya need soon begin to take unilateral action is what they are due in international to “incentivize” Rohingya refugees law: equal rights before the law in the to return into the arms of Myanmar country of their birth. This includes by looking to create some kind of full citizenshipand freedom of “hostile environment” in and movement, to say nothing of justice around the refugee camps. The and accountability for the crimes international community needs to against humanity that they have be alive to the fact that the situation endured. is once again looking to take a turn So-called safe zones would for the worse, and should intervene provide no such guarantees. And to help Bangladesh sustain the ref- while the government in Naypyidaw ugees and reward it for the good it remains under the control of those has done so far. who initiated the original genocide, “safe zones” would just make the The author is a director at the Rohingya sitting ducks, at the mercy Center for Global Policy and author of people who think they should not of “Rohingyas: Inside Myanmar’s exist in Myanmar at all. Under these Genocide.” circumstances, the Rohingya must continue to impose on the hospitality of Bangladesh. If the situation remains as it is

BETTY MENSAH & with an adult as a child being exploited NGOs and journalists when reporting D-RING ROAD SAMUEL OKYERE or forced to work. on child rights problems in rich pow- POST BOX: 3488 AL JAZEERA We acknowledge that not all erful nations is usually more tempered DOHA - QATAR children on the islands and riverine live or considerate. [email protected] n March 1, CNN aired a video or work with their biological parents. They do not describe as “child report titled, Freeing the However, this is not because of enslavement”, for example, the blatant child slaves of Lake Volta, rampant sale or trafficking of children, curtailment of the freedoms of children EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: which followed a succession as CNN and others have suggested. who are cruelly caged in immigration 4455 7741 / 767 O detention as a matter of state policy in FAX: +974 4455 7758 of similar “docufictions” and publica- The extended family system is still highly valued in Ghana as it remains the US, the UK, Australia and other integral to the social welfare system. It countries. We only ask for the same MANAGING EDITOR TEL: is, therefore, entirely normal to find nuance and considered examination in 4462 7505 children living with non-biological recounting similar problems in Ghana How CNN reported on parents or guardians who can offer and elsewhere in the Global South. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: them educational, apprenticeship and We challenge CNN, the Interna- 4455 7769 other developmental opportunities. tional Justice Mission (IJM), Free the ‘child slaves’ who were Additionally, due to expertise and Slaves and any other actor alleging LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7743 knowledge in fishing on the islands and “widespread” or “pervasive” child traf- riverine areas of the Lake Volta, it is ficking and child slavery in commu- not really enslaved BUSINESS NEWS SECTION similarly not unusual to find children nities along the Lake Volta to provide TEL: 4462 7535 from coastal and other fishing areas of independent evidence to corroborate the country (such as Winneba) in these claims. The fact is, cases that SPORT NEWS SECTION tions alleging the existence of pervasive apprenticeships and tutelage agree- should be described or defined at best TEL: 4455 7745 child trafficking and child slavery in ments with fishermen who are not as “child labour” are deliberately being fishing communities along the Lake their blood relatives. distorted to tell fantastic stories of ONLINE SECTION Volta in Ghana. We (two academics A largely ignored aspect of this “child slavery” and “child trafficking”, TEL: 4462 7501 who have studied this issue critically practice in the CNN and other feeding into stereotypes of supposed [email protected] and carried out extensive interviews reportage of this issue is that many primitiveness and backwardness of children and youth become self-suffi- African communities. with members of Lake Volta commu- PUBLIC RELATIONS cient fishermen in adulthood through The available statistics suggesting nities and a member of parliament TEL: 4455 7613 these arrangements and, in turn, also widespread child trafficking or child whose constituents overwhelmingly [email protected] live on and around the lake) deem it train other children and youth. For enslavement on the Volta Lake have been largely produced by anti-traf- critical to set the record straight as this sure, this form of fosterage and tutelage ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT ficking organisations and self-styled is a complex social issue which needs can be fraught with complications, par- TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 “contemporary slavery abolitionists” careful analysis rather than melodrama ticularly surrounding the mode of FAX: 4455 7870 and sensationalism. remuneration for child apprentices. with vested interests in making such [email protected] The allegations of child trafficking Some fishermen give the agreed claims, such as fundraising efforts, a and child slavery, which are mostly wages for the child upfront to their desire to boost individual and organi- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT made by Western-based or funded parents, in cases where the child’s sational profiles and so on. TEL: 4455 7857 journalists and NGOs with the help of family is in dire need of money. That The only semi-independent large [email protected] local affiliates, reflect a limited under- children do not get direct access to the scale study of children’s involvement in standing of the lived realities on islands income generated from their labour is work on the Volta Lake, which was SUBSCRIPTION & and communities along the lake. problematic, but the transfer of money conducted by the International Labour DISTRIBUTION Fishing is one of the few guaranteed from fishermen to child apprentices’ Organisation (ILO) in 2013, is emphatic TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 avenues of subsistence for islanders parents does not constitute “sale” of the that the claims of child enslavement FAX: 44557819 and residents of riverine communities child. are exaggerated. The ILO study con- [email protected] The allegations of along the Lake Volta, and children are The cases of child abuse and firms, as we also acknowledge, that child trafficking and rightly taught fishing skills by their exploitation in apprenticeship and fos- aspects of children’s work on the lake child slavery, which parents. terage arrangements in areas on and take place under dangerous and The lake also serves many around the Lake Volta are the exploitative conditions. This is clearly a All thoughts and views are mostly made by important functions for these commu- exception rather than the norm. Also, problem that has to be addressed. Western-based or nities. Virtually all economic and social such unfortunate outcomes from well- However, the study did not find any expressed in these columns funded journalists activities take place on or around it. It is intentioned child upbringing practices evidence of children involved in ser- are those of the writers, and NGOs with the not only the main source of are not unique to this part of the world. vitude or enslavement, contrary to the not of the newspaper. employment, but it is also the highway In 2017, for example, 674,000 persistent claims by some NGOs and help of local affiliates, which connects islands, a playground children in state care in the United journalists. reflect a limited for children, a marketplace, etc. It is, States were abused. We cite this The media and journalists have a All correspondence understanding of therefore, not unusual to find children number not to point the finger to other responsibility to provide a balanced regarding Views and the lived realities fishing, commuting by boat to other countries, but to challenge the ten- account to their audience. It is, Opinion pages should be islands or simply playing with their dency by journalists, NGOs and other therefore, unfortunate that the views of sent to editor-in-chief on islands and peers and siblings on the Lake Volta. commentators to resort to pejorative community residents and leaders are communities along Outsiders or those unfamiliar with this portrayals and characterisations when often excluded from these reports. As a office or mailed to the the lake. fundamental social set-up can wrongly reporting on such issues in the Global result, their efforts to address the [email protected] translate the sight of a child in a boat South. The language employed by problem are ignored or undermined. 10 EUROPE FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019

Dutch coalition Russia says intercepted US fighter jet near border govt set to lose majority in Senate REUTERS The ministry said the fighter The US Embassy borders, while NATO has con- a B-52 bomber was spotted close MOSCOW jets had returned to base after in Poland said demned Moscow for building up to the border with Russia’s BLOOMBERG the B-52 changed course and its own forces in Crimea and the European exclave of Kaliningrad AMSTERDAM The Kremlin yesterday headed in the opposite direction. B-52 bombers had Black Sea region. and the Leningrad region on complained that flights by US It did not say when the incident flown to Lithuania The US embassy in Poland Monday. At one point, the RBC The anti-EU Forum for nuclear-capable B-52 strategic occurred. and Poland on said that B-52 bombers had news portal reported, the US Democracy party is set to bombers across the Baltic Sea “In general, I will limit myself Wednesday to conduct flown to Lithuania and Poland plane, which had flown from become the largest faction in near Russia’s borders were to only saying that of course such on Wednesday to conduct inter- Britain, was less than 200km the Dutch Senate, leaving Dutch creating tensions in the region, actions by the United States do interoperability operability training with NATO (124 miles) from St Petersburg. Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s but Washington said they were not lead to a strengthening of an training with NATO forces. It said the planes, which Another B-52 was spotted in coalition government without needed to deter potential adver- atmosphere of security and sta- forces. were temporarily based in the Baltic region on March 16, it a majority, and highlighting the saries. bility in the region that directly Britain, had carried out simu- added. challenge of tackling populism Russia’s Defence Ministry adjoins Russia’s borders,” lated bombing runs. Such flights, seen as a show two months before key said earlier yesterday that it had Kremlin spokesman Dmitry strained since Moscow’s 2014 “Operating out of forward of force designed to test response European Parliament elections. scrambled two Sukhoi SU-27 Peskov told reporters on a con- annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea locations enables collective times and deter, are also carried While Rutte’s own VVD fighter jets to intercept a US B-52 ference call. and its backing for pro-Russian defense capabilities... needed to out by Russia. Moscow sends its party managed to limit losses, strategic bomber which radar “On the contrary, they create separatists in eastern Ukraine. deter adversaries and assure our own nuclear-capable strategic the overall outcome shows his systems indicated was flying additional tensions.” Russia accuses the Western mil- allies and partners,” it said in a bombers on similar missions, cabinet will need to seek other towards Russia’s borders, albeit Relations between Russia itary alliance of an unjustified statement. which NATO jets intercept in the alliances to push through his at a considerable distance. and NATO have been acutely military build-up near its Russian media reported that same way. policy agenda in a fragmented political landscape that shows the rise of a new populist group. UK police probe Forum for Democracy, which says it is inspired by Italy’s anti-establishment Five Star Movement, claims to be the overnight attacks only one to advocate a drastic revision of the Dutch political system, aiming to break what on five mosques it calls the “party cartel” of those in charge. It also shares some views with Geert Wilders, AFP working to identify evidence, and such as on the EU and calls for LONDON CCTV is being examined,” the stricter migration rules. West Midlands force added. Forum, which only entered A sledgehammer-wielding man Some 22 percent of the Bir- the lower house in 2017, is set was seen smashing windows at mingham population described to gain 13 seats in the 75-seat two mosques in Birmingham and themselves as Muslim in the 2011 Senate, with Rutte’s VVD party three more have been similarly census. British national police winning 12, according to a prog- vandalised overnight, the police chiefs last week announced nosis published yesterday by said yesterday. officers were providing “reas- news agency ANP based on 98.5 Counter-terrorism officers surance patrols” around mosques percent of votes counted. are investigating attacks on the in the immediate aftermath of Wilders’ Freedom Party is mosques in different areas in the Friday’s deadly gun rampage at poised to pick up five seats, central English city, West Mid- two mosques in Christchurch, down from nine. The four-party lands Police said in a statement. New Zealand. cabinet is set to be left with just For the elimination of racial discrimination The force added the incidents Anti-racism groups have 31 seats, down from 38. were “being treated as linked”. warned that Islamophobia is on Hundreds of people, mostly children, formed a human chain as part of the International Day for the “We don’t know the motive the rise in Britain and spurring a Elimination of Racial Discrimination, in Berlin, yesterday. for last night’s attacks,” said Chief spike in far-right activity in the Former ‘Stasi’ Constable Dave Thompson in a country. A report released last statement. month by the Hope Not Hate agents questioned “The force and the counter charity cited a poll which found Dutch tram gunman to face terror charge terrorism unit are working side- more than a third of Britons see over Lockerbie links by-side to find whoever is Islam as “generally a threat to the AFP statement yesterday. Netherlands’ fourth-largest city responsible.” British way of life”. AFP THE HAGUE Prosecutors and police are and saw security stepped up at Officers were first alerted in In another recent incident, BERLIN still investigating whether the airports and key sites across the the early hours yesterday to Mohammed Mahmoud - an Dutch prosecutors are to charge suspect, previously identified as country. reports of a man smashing imam who won praise for More than 30 years after the the suspect in a gun attack in a Turkish-born Gokmen Tanis Police later arrested a windows with a sledgehammer shielding the perpetrator of a Lockerbie bombing, German packed Utrecht tram with “acted out of a single terrorist second 40-year-old suspect in at one of the places of worship, 2017 deadly terror attack against prosecutors yesterday “terrorist” killings, saying he will motive or whether from per- the case. police said. a north London mosque - confirmed they have inter- appear for the first time before sonal problems in combination “It’s being investigated Following reports of a similar reported he was spat at and viewed ex-East German secret a judge today. with radicalised ideas,” it said. whether this suspect played a attack at another mosque in a abused this week. police agents, at the request of “The 37-year-old suspect Three people were killed and supporting role in the shooting,” nearby neighbourhood, officers Mahmoud said he was tar- Scottish investigators, over the will appear before a judge on seven others wounded after the prosecutors said. launched targeted patrols and geted on Monday while returning attack. Friday, charged with multiple shooting rampage on a tram in Tanis’ first appearance will discovered “further damage” at home from a solidarity event for Prosecutors in Scotland murders with terrorist aims, as the central Dutch city. be behind closed doors today two other sites. A fifth mosque the New Zealand massacre with want to ascertain whether the well as attempted murder and a Tanis was arrested after an where he is expected to be later reported that windows had other religious leaders, as well as defunct communist regime’s terrorist threat,” the public pros- eight-hour manhunt that vir- remanded in custody for two been smashed. interior minister Sajid Javid and ‘Stasi’ secret police force was ecution service said in a tually shut down the weeks before a next appearance. “Forensic officers are London Mayor Sadiq Khan. part of the Lockerbie plot by former Libyan dictator Muammer Gaddafi, who ordered the bombing. No-deal Brexit if Petition to cancel Brexit attracts over 0.8m signatures The Berlin prosecutor’s office confirmed via Twitter UK MPs reject BLOOMBERG that they had been asked for LONDON help by investigators “from again: Macron Scotland, due to which several More than 800,000 people alleged Stasi members, among AFP signed an online petition others, are being questioned in BRUSSELS urging the government to Berlin”, without giving any cancel Brexit, with support further details. French President Emmanuel rocketing in the wake of PM According to German news Macron warned yesterday that Theresa May’s statement on agency DPA, five ‘European if British MPs reject the Brexit Wednesday. investigation orders’ were withdrawal agreement once Whatever the Prime Min- received by prosecutors again next week their country ister hoped to achieve from her between June 28, 2018 and will leave the European Union address to the nation, in which March 13 this year. without a deal. she blamed members of Par- Reports say around 20 “In the case of a negative liament for the impasse in the people, from Berlin and nearby British vote then we’d be Brexit process and told people states of Brandenburg and heading to a no deal. We all who voted for Brexit that she Saxony, have been interviewed know it. And it’s essential to be was on their side, it’s unlikely with daily Bild saying they are clear in these days and she expected a slew of celeb- aged in their 70s and 80s. moments,” Macron said, rities to urge their social media The 1988 bombing was at arriving at the EU summit in followers to oppose her plan. the time Britain’s worst attack Brussels. Parliament’s petitions when a US-bound Pan Am British Prime Minister website repeatedly crashed as jumbo jet fell on the Scottish Theresa May came to the the number of signatures shot village of Lockerbie on summit to ask for Brexit, due up - fueled by endorsements December 21, claiming 270 on March 29 next week, to be from singer Annie Lennox, Demonstrators carry EU flags and shout slogans outside the Houses of Parliament in London, yesterday. victims, including 11 killed on the pushed back for three months actor Hugh Grant, science ground. The jumbo jet, heading to allow her parliament to broadcaster Brian Cox and including Facebook and Cambridge. But there were rank-and-file lawmakers to to Detroit via New York, ensure an orderly transition. comedian David Mitchell. Twitter. The tally passed also thousands of supporters decide whether one should be exploded over a residential area Macron, echoing other EU “The government 836,000 shortly after 12.30pm. in Leave-supporting areas held. May’s office was clear soon after take-off from Lon- leaders, said that a short “tech- repeatedly claims exiting the “I’ve signed. And it looks such as northeast England, the that she has no intention of don’s Heathrow due to a bomb nical extension” would be pos- EU is ‘the will of the people,”’ like every sane person in the Midlands and Wales. revoking Article 50 and concealed in checked baggage. sible, but only if British law- the text of the petition says. country is signing too,” Grant Data also showed signa- keeping Britain in the EU. Libya took responsibility for makers who have twice rejected “We need to put a stop to this wrote on Twitter. “National tories in countries around the “We have said probably the attack in 2003 and paid a withdrawal agreement vote claim by proving the strength emergency. Revoke Article 50 world, from Afghanistan to 12,000 times in this room - $2.7bn in compensation to next week to back it. of public support now, for and remain in the EU.” Zimbabwe, suggesting not all and she has probably said victims’ families. So far, there “We do respect the vote of remaining in the EU.” Underlying data showed may be UK voters. thousands of times herself - has been only one conviction the British people... In case of In just a quarter of an hour the most signatories coming Any petition exceeding that is something she is not for the Lockerbie bombing, the no vote, or no, directly it will yesterday morning, the tally of from areas that supported 100,000 signatures is eligible prepared to do,” the prime Libyan intelligence officer guide everybody to a no deal signatories rose by 20,000, as remain in the 2016 refer- for debate by Parliament. It’s minister’s spokeswoman Abdel Bassit al-Megrahi, who for sure,” he said. the link to the petition went endum, including Edinburgh, then up to a special Petitions Alison Donnelly told reporters died of cancer in 2012 still pro- viral on social media platforms London, Bristol and Committee comprised of at a briefing in Parliament. testing his innocence. FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11

USC’s new US testing new President ready to ‘fix’ school rapid-deployment after scandals

AP strategy in Europe LOS ANGELES The new President of the AP Following the University of Southern California BERLIN Russian annexation (USC) said she wants to be a part of Ukraine’s Crimean of “fixing” the school following a More than 300 US soldiers arrived series of high-profile scandals yesterday in Germany from their Peninsula in 2014, including the massive college base in Texas in the first test of a the US has again been admissions bribery case that new American strategy to rapidly increasing military broke last week. deploy US-based troops to Europe Carol Folt, a biologist and to bolster the Nato deterrent activity in Europe former chancellor of the Uni- against possible Russian concert with Nato versity of North Carolina at aggression. allies. Chapel Hill, will become USC’s The soldiers, from the 2nd 12th president and the first per- Armored Brigade Combat Team manent female president in of the 1st Armored Division, based Washington decided to focus on Colombian President in Santiago school history, the board of in Fort Bliss, were part of a group smaller, lighter units meant to be trustees announced. Her first day Colombian President Ivan Duque and his Chilean counterpart Sebastian Pinera pose for the media of 1,500 to arrive this week in able to react more nimbly to on the job will be July 1. at La Moneda Palace in Santiago, Chile, yesterday. Berlin via charter aircraft, and are modern threats. Today there are Folt said she was horrified to on their way to Poland for some 34,000 American military learn of the bribery scheme, manoeuvres with local forces. personnel stationed in Germany, which involved wealthy parents They were only given orders down from a Cold War high of paying to have a college coun- to move out about a week ago. more than 250,000. Trump to order colleges to back sellor rig standardised tests or get The Abrams tanks, Bradley Following the Russian their children admitted as Fighting Vehicles and other annexation of Ukraine’s recruits of sports they didn’t play. equipment they will be using are Crimean Peninsula in 2014, the But it didn’t give her pause about being brought in from a pre- US has again been increasing free speech or lose funding taking on the position. positioned location in the military activity in Europe “I want to be a part of fixing Netherlands. concert with Nato allies. That this,” Folt said. “If you’re trying The soldiers were welcomed includes stationing four multi- AP of us.” Under the order, colleges said implementation details will to run an institution, you have to at Berlin’s Tegel airport by US national battalion-size battle- WASHINGTON that receive research grants from be finalised in the coming enjoy the fixing as well as the Ambassador Richard Grenell, US groups in four eastern nations federal agencies would be months, noting that enforcement advancing.” She’ll have her work Major General John L Gronski of the alliance, Estonia, Latvia, US President Donald Trump will required to agree to uphold free will be carried out by the Office cut out for her, said Roger and Major General Carsten Lithuania and Poland, led sign an executive order requiring speech policies. The order also of Management and Budget and Sloboda, a biology professor at Breuer from the German Military respectively by Britain, Canada, US colleges to certify that they would apply to certain education individual research agencies. Dartmouth College in New Bundeswehr. Germany and the US. protect free speech on their grants but not to federal financial Colleges pursuing grants Hampshire, where Folt started “The purpose is really all In addition, as part of a US campuses or risk losing federal aid that covers tuition and fees from research agencies including her academic career and spent about readiness, building read- proposed “readiness initiative,” research funding, White House for students. the National Institutes of Health three decades. iness, and also inter-operability the alliance is working on plans officials said. For public universities, offi- already are required to certify A lengthy search for a new with our Nato allies such as to be able to deploy 30 battalions, Trump initially proposed the cials would have to agree that that they meet certain condi- president led a 23-member com- Germany and Poland, two very 30 air squadrons and 30 battle- idea during a March 2 speech to they follow the First tions. The order would simply mittee to unanimously rec- essential allies in the Nato ships within 30 days as reinforce- conservative activists, high- Amendment, which already add free speech protection as ommend Folt, said Rick Caruso, alliance,” said Gronski, who is a ments in case of conflict. Nato has lighting the case of Hayden Wil- applies to them. Private univer- one of those conditions, and chairman of the USC board of deputy commanding general for also announced it is setting up two liams, an activist who was sities, which have more flexi- some colleges have said it’s not trustees. the US Army National Guard. new military commands — one punched in the face while bility in limiting speech, would needed. The 1st Armored Division was in Norfolk, Virginia, the other in recruiting for the group Turning be required to commit to their Trump’s son Donald Trump Man convicted based in southern Germany for Ulm, Germany - to better move Point USA at the University of own institutional policies. Jr. on Twitter called it a decades during the Cold War and troops and equipment across the California, Berkeley. At the time, How the federal government “momentous day,” saying the of threats was the last American division to Atlantic and around Europe in Trump said that Williams “took would enforce the order has yet order will “protect free speech return back to the US in 2011 as times of crisis. a hard punch in the face for all to be seen. White House officials rights for ALL students.” against Obama

AP 5 suspects at New Mexico NEW YORK Federal prosecutors say a compound face terror charges central New York man faces up to 20 years in prison for threat- AP The suspects have been in ening to kill former President ALBUQUERQUE custody since their compound Barack Obama and California was raided in August, when Congresswoman Maxine Five extended family members authorities said they found 11 Waters. According to Syracuse. who lived at a ramshackle New hungry children living in filth, com, a jury convicted Stephen Mexico compound where a guns and ammunition, a firing Taubert on Wednesday. 3-year-old boy was found dead range, and the remains of the The charges stemmed from last year are due in federal court young boy, Abdul-Ghani phone calls, including racial to face new charges that they Wahhaj. They were looking for slurs, that he made to Demo- plotted attacks on US law the boy at the request of his cratic Congressional offices. enforcement and members of mother in Georgia when they In 2018, Taubert called the military. found the compound. Waters’ Los Angeles office and A federal grand jury last The boy was the son of Siraj said he was going to kill the week indicted the five on Ibn Wahhaj, one of the five congresswoman and every charges including conspiracy to adults living at the compound, member of her staff. provide material support to ter- and had suffered from a medical Taubert called the Wash- rorists between late 2017 and condition that caused seizures, ington office of then-Min- August 2018. authorities said. nesota-Senator Al Franken in Authorities said the group He and Jany Leveille, whom 2017 and said he was going to travelled from Georgia to New Wahhaj considers his wife, had “hang” Obama. The jury con- Mexico and lived on a remote held hours-long prayer rituals cluded Taubert targeted Obama Security operation in Mexico property, where they built a over the boy in the days leading and Waters because they are makeshift settlement consisting to his death, but denied him black. That means the judge can of a camping trailer wedged into medication because Leveille consider Taubert’s offenses to Mexican Army members patrol the streets in downtown Guadalajara, Jalisco, during a security the desert and shielded by believed it suppressed Muslim be hate crimes when he is sen- operation in an attempt to bring down the high crime rates. stacked tires. beliefs, authorities said. tenced in July. Costa Rica President wants free elections for Nicaragua

AP lasted nearly a year between the release, especially journalists SEATTLE government of Nicaraguan Pres- who have been detained.” More ident Daniel Ortega and a coalition than 25,000 Nicaraguans have Costa Rican President Carlos of students, businesses and civic crossed the border into Costa Alvarado has said Central groups called the Civic Alliance. Rica during the turmoil, America should not be satisfied Talks between the two sides broke according to the Costa Rican until Nicaragua holds free elec- down earlier this month over the government. tions and re-establishes a free government’s imprisonment of During the interview, press, democracy and human opposition members. Alvarado also pledged that Costa rights guarantees. The alliance has not specified Rica’s judicial system will fairly “We should not be tranquil if it’s demanding the release of address abuse allegations against until those (are) re-established some or all of the estimated 770 former Costa Rican President there,” he said in an interview last people jailed by the Sandinista and Nobel Peace Prize winner week during a tour of two western government following the protests Oscar Arias. US states. “It’s in the interest of the that started nearly a year ago. At least seven women have region that we have a political Since the latest round of talks accused Arias of abuse or har- institutional solution for Nica- began in late February, the gov- assment. One of the most recent ragua.” Alvarado said the turmoil ernment has freed about 112 accounts came from Arias’ one- Farmers march in Paraguay in Nicaragua is having a negative people on a form of conditional time personal trainer. Farmers attend an annual march demanding agrarian reforms and work, in protest against Paraguay impact on Central American release. “In Costa Rica, we pro- government of President Mario Abdo Benitez, in Asuncion, Paraguay, yesterday. immigration and the region’s Alvarado said the alliance foundly believe in the judicial economy. A political standoff has has “a point in asking for their system,” Alvarado said. 12 AMERICAS / CLASSIFIEDS FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019

Venezuela’s Bolivarian national police members secure the entrance of the Bolivarian Intelligence Service (SEBIN) headquarters in Caracas, yesterday, following the arrest of Roberto Marrero, the chief of staff of Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido. Venezuelan forces detain key aide to Juan Guaido

AP Lawyer Roberto visited the residence. Dozens of CARACAS Marrero was taken security forces were involved. Vergara and Marrero both Masked security forces detained away by intelligence accompanied Guaido on a recent a key aide to Venezuelan oppo- agents in an overnight Latin American tour to build sition leader Juan Guaido in a raid operation that was international support for his on his home yesterday, arriving promptly condemned efforts to oust Maduro. Marrero in a convoy of vehicles and heads the office of Guaido, who breaking down his door in a show by Guaido as well is leader of Venezuela’s National of force that escalated tensions as US Secretary of Assembly. with the United States. State Mike Pompeo, “We don’t know where he is. Lawyer Roberto Marrero was who called for the He should be freed immediately,” taken away by intelligence agents Guaido tweeted. in an overnight operation that immediate release of The opposition leader, who was promptly condemned by the opposition figure. had defied a travel ban to leave Guaido as well as US Secretary the country, returned to Vene- of State Mike Pompeo, who called zuela on March 4. The United for the immediate release of the States had warned the Vene- opposition figure. the opposition, though Maduro zuelan government against “We will hold accountable has often described his adversary taking action against Guaido, who those involved,” Pompeo as a “puppet” and a “clown.” has staged frequent demonstra- tweeted. Marrero reported the raid in tions in an attempt to remove The US has imposed oil sanc- a telephone call whose recording Maduro. tions on Venezuela as well as circulated on social media soon Venezuelan prosecutors say individuals linked to President after the operation occurred. As Guaido is under investigation for Nicolas Maduro in an attempt to he described how a large group alleged links to violence as well force him from power. President of intelligence officials was as the nation’s worst power Donald Trump has said tougher entering his home, heavy thuds outages. Maduro alleges the sanctions could occur and that could be heard in the back- blackouts were caused by US- “all options are on the table,” a ground. The neighbouring home directed sabotage, though US remark that Maduro and his ally, of opposition lawmaker Sergio officials and the Venezuelan Russia, have interpreted as a pos- Vergara was also searched. opposition say state misman- sible prelude to military Vergara said he was woken up agement and corruption caused intervention. by heavy banging at his door and the infrastructure collapse. The Venezuelan government that agents pointed weapons at The US and about 50 other had no immediate comment on him. countries support Guaido’s con- Marrero’s detention, which rep- The security forces broke tention that he is the rightful resented a sharp increase in through a metal screen door and leader of Venezuela and that police pressure on the opposition a wooden door to get into Mar- Maduro’s re-election last year after a period of relative calm. rero’s house, and left drawers was illegitimate. Maduro says Guaido had even said that the open during their search, said Guaido is a collaborator in a US government was ignoring him in Carlos Berrizbeitia, another plot to overthrow his an attempt to sap the energy of opposition lawmaker who later government. Brazil’s Temer arrested El Paso also starts sending asylum in ‘Car Wash’ probe seekers back

AFP REUTERS RIO DE JANEIRO NEW YORK

Brazil’s ex-president Michel The United States is adding the Temer (pictured) was arrested border city of El Paso to the tally yesterday, an official said, as of locations from where it will part of a sprawling anti- return Central American asylum corruption probe that has seekers to Mexico to wait out already claimed dozens of their application process, political and corporate scalps. expanding a new policy criticised Police arrested Temer, the for putting migrants at risk. 78-year-old predecessor of The programme in El Paso, current far-right President Jair just north of Mexico’s Ciudad Bolsonaro, in Sao Paulo, a Juarez, was rolled out yesterday, spokesman for the federal pros- Brazil’s business and political the Department of Homeland ecutor’s office in Rio de Janeiro elites. The centre-right politician Security said, adding that officials said. Former mines and energy took over as a caretaker figure were expected to turn back the minister Moreira Franco was after the last Workers Party first group of Central American also detained along with six president, Dilma Rousseff, was asylum seekers who arrived in others, including business impeached and removed from El Paso to Mexico next week. people, G1 reported. office in 2016. The policy, known as Temer, Brazil’s most Former leftist president Luiz Migration Protection Protocols, unpopular leader ever, faced a Inacio Lula da Silva is serving a or MPP, was so far only in force number of corruption accusa- lengthy jail term after being in San Ysidro, where hearings tions on leaving office last year. found guilty in two corruption began on Tuesday. The Mexican Launched in 2014, the Car cases. government said last week the Wash investigation uncovered Far-right leader Bolsonaro US would also send migrants a vast graft operation involving campaigned on a hard line back from Calexico, without Petrobras and major con- against corruption and crime specifying the start date. It is part struction companies and bribes and his victory in October’s of the measures by US President to politicians of several parties. election was in part attributed Donald Trump’s administration Temer is just the latest to the Car Wash investigation. to curb the flow of mostly Central former president caught up in Temer did not contest the American migrants trying to the probe that has rocked ballot. enter the United States. FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019 CLASSIFIEDS 13

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 E-mail: [email protected] www.iescoqatar.com. 44557857 BUSINESS Friday 22 March 2019 PAGE | 15 PAGE | 15 UK facing ‘national Twenty14 Holdings emergency’ on to debut South Brexit: Business Asia’s first Tribute leaders Portfolio

EU-GCC Business Forum discuss ways to boost ties

THE PENINSULA business environment and DOHA investment opportunities available for European com- Qatar Chamber (QC), the coun- The EU member panies in GCC countries to try’s oldest and largest private implement future development industry representative body, countries topped GCC projects. It included presentations participated in the third EU-GCC trade partners, and on health, digitization, innovation Business Forum, which dis- their trade exchange and entrepreneurship. cussed opportunities and chal- Addressing the opening lenges in boosting the level of between the two ceremony, Chairman of cooperation in business, trade regions reached Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and investment between the two €143bn. And 25 and Industry Ali Al Ghanim regional blocks. percent of foreign said that Kuwait is honoured The EU member countries to host the third edition of the topped GCC trade partners, and investments in GCC Forum, noting that the GCC their trade exchange between are European. and European regions have the two regions reached €143bn. witnessed rapid and deep And 25 percent of foreign invest- many meetings with many senior changes over the past three ments in GCC are European. officials representing Gulf and decades. The EU-GCC Business Forum European business sectors. These challenges, he said, was held from March 19-20 in The Forum offered an have propelled these regions to GCC likely to set up Gulf payments company Kuwait under the theme “An excellent opportunity for partners rethink the mindset and their The Governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Saoud Al Thani (third left) posing for Oasis of Opportunities”. The from the GCC region and the EU mechanism with these a group photo with his GCC counterparts and other digniteries, at the 72nd Meeting GCC Committee of Chamber’s delegation was to meet and explore new trade developments. headed by its Second Vice- and investment partnerships On his part, the First Vice- Governors of Monetary Institutions and Central Banks, which was held in Muscat, yesterday. During the Chairman Rashid bin Hamad Al between businesses in two of the Chairman of the Kuwait meeting they discussed establishing Gulf payments company, in addition to several topics related to Athba and included board world’s major economic regions. Chamber, Abdul Wahab Al the supervision and control of the banking system and payment systems. They also discussed the joint members Ali bin Abdullatif Al The Forum opening session Wazzan praised the initiative of dialogue between monetary institutions and central banks in the GCC countries and some groups and Misnad and Dr Mohamed Johar presented Kuwait Vision 2030, European Commission aiming economic blocs as well as other related topics. Al Mohamed. whereas the technical session at establishing GCC-EU Dialogue The chamber’s team held discusses ways of developing the in economic diversification. QSE index closes at 9,953.72 points

THE PENINSULA transactions. Market cap rose by Banking and Financial Services DOHA 0.40 percent to reach QR563.31bn sector accounted for 23.55 as compared to QR561.06bn at percent and Transportation Qatar Stock Exchange’s (QSE) the end of previous week, reports sector accounted for 6.53 percent. benchmark index lost 16.83 QNA. From the 46 listed companies points, or 0.17 percent, last week Banking and Financial 30 ended last week higher, while when the bourse closed yesterday Services sector led traded value 14 fell and two remained at 9,953.72 points. last week with 34.32 percent of unchanged. Trading value during last the total traded value. Industries QNB led trading value during week decreased by 46.09 percent sector accounted for 20.49 last week accounted for 11.96 to reach QR1.33bn compared to percent. Real Estate sector percent of the total traded value. QR2.48bn. accounted for 17.76 percent and Commercial Bank accounted 9.11 Trading volume decreased by Consumer Goods and Services percent and Qatar Fuel accounted 38.98 percent to reach 46.14 sector accounted 12.73 percent. 9.07 percent. million shares, as against 75.63 Real Estate sector led traded When compared on daily million shares, while the number volume last week with 31.13 basis, the QSE index dropped Rashid bin Hamad Al Athba (right), Second Vice-Chairman of Qatar Chamber, Ali bin Abdullatif Al of transactions fell by 11.28 percent of the total traded 23.08 points, or 0.23 percent, Misnad (second left) QC board member, and other members of the Qatari delegation arriving at the percent, to reach 27,553 transac- volume. Industries sector yesterday compared to Wednes- EU-GCC Business Forum, which was held from March 19-20 in Kuwait. tions as compared to 31,056 accounted for 27.33 percent. day’s closing.

QNB Group Barwa Bank targets full digital transformation completes $1bn LANI ROSE R DIZON role of chief digital officer as part of the Barwa Bank, which is in the middle bond issuance

THE PENINSULA management team. of its digital transformation, is cur- He said: “This is the first of its kind in rently ahead of other Islamic banks THE PENINSULA Barwa Bank, having recently launched its Qatar. And this will drive efficiency and which are still found lacking in DOHA mobile banking application, will soon innovation in terms of customer service financial technology. launch its Point of Sale (POS) product this and product innovation. We have started Speaking at the conference, Dr QNB Group announced yes- year as part of its long-term strategy with the new mobile banking app, Essam Al Enezi, faculty member of the terday the successful com- towards digital transformation, Barwa launched early this year. To be followed College of Shari’ah at Kuwait Uni- pletion of a bond issuance Bank Group CEO Khalid Al Subaie (pic- by our Point of Sale product that’s going versity, said Islamic banks still have under its Euro Medium Term tured) has said. to be launched also this year. This is a pos- not kept up with conventional banks Note (EMTN) programme in the Talking to The Peninsula on the side- itive step in our digital evolution”. with regards to technology and digital international capital markets. lines of the 5th Doha Islamic Finance Con- Barwa Bank’s merger with the ibq will banking. Under this programme, a ference which concluded on Wednesday, create a combined entity with total assets Al-Enezi added that adoption of $1bn tranche was issued on Al Subaie said the new digital services will of QR80bn and a shareholder equity base fintech applications by Islamic banks March 21, 2019 that matures create efficiency and customer satisfaction of over QR12bn. around the world will increase their after 5 years with an attractive for their clients. Al Subaie said, “We will also gain customer base rapidly and attract fixed coupon rate of 3.5 percent “We have decided that investment in much larger customer base and will 150mn new customers within two per annum. The Reg S issue digital innovation is paramount to our double our retail branches from the years. was oversubscribed with a book strategy over the next five years. We’re merger. For us it’s very important that we According to Accenture, of the of over $3bn, as it attracted now entering into a merger with the Inter- reach the customer, and we ensure that more than $50bn spent on fintech glo- strong interest from investors national Bank of Qatar (ibq), which will they are empowered to transact, and meet bally, only 1 percent has so far come around the world. The deal was be formalised next month subject to reg- their day-to-day banking requirements from the MENA. arranged and offered through ulatory approvals. And we’re using this conveniently. Our mobile banking app, in In its 2016 report, EY found that mobile human interaction, such as branches or a syndicate of Joint Lead Man- as a catalyst to launch our new strategy our opinion is one of the leading apps in banking usage in Qatar stood at 19 percent. call centres. It found that 38 percent of con- agers that included ANZ, Bar- that includes digital investment,” Al Subaie Qatar. It is constantly being updated and The survey also said that a large number ventional banking customers used mobile clays Bank PLC, Credit Agricole added. amended to ensure that customers can of bank transactions in the Gulf region are banking, compared with 26 percent for CIB, Deutsche Bank, ING, QNB He also said that to complement the do most of their banking transactions still made on home computers or at ATMs, Islamic-banking customers, and 36 percent Capital and Standard Chartered new strategy, the group has created a new through the app”. or through traditional channels involving for hybrid-banking customers. Bank. FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019 BUSINESS 15 UK facing ‘national emergency’ on Brexit: Business leaders

AFP risk of no-deal to soar,” read the asked EU President and summit LONDON letter from CBI Director-General host Donald Tusk for the with- Carolyn Fairbairn (pictured) and drawal date to be moved to June Britain faces a “national emer- TUC general secretary Frances 30 from March 29. gency” as the risk of a no-deal O’Grady. However, EU leaders are Brexit rises, business and union “Firms and communities likely to refuse her request, leaders warned in an open letter across the UK are not ready for leaving Britain vulnerable to to embattled Prime Minister this outcome. The shock to our departing from the bloc with no Theresa May. economy would be felt by gen- trade deal in place. -- one that protects workers, the The heads of Britain’s biggest erations to come,” added the pair, May’s Brexit deal has twice economy and an open Irish employers’ grouping, the Confed- who have demanded an “urgent been resoundingly rejected by border, commands a parlia- eration of British Industry, and meeting” with May. British lawmakers, and a third mentary majority, and is nego- union umbrella organisation the The grim warning, contained vote the premier hoped to hold tiable with the EU. Trades Union Congress, urged in a rare coming together of two this week was cancelled by the “A new approach is needed May to change tack and find a organisations usually at odds House of Commons speaker on to secure this -- whether through “Plan B” to avert the country with one another, comes as May procedural grounds. indicative votes or another mech- leaving the European Union meets the other 27 EU leaders in “The current deal-or-no- anism for compromise,” they without a deal. a Brussels summit to plead for a deal must not be the only choice,” added. “Our country is facing a three-month postponement to added Fairbairn and O’Grady in “We cannot overstate the national emergency. Decisions Brexit. their joint letter. gravity of this crisis for firms and of recent days have caused the The premier has already “A ‘Plan B’ must be found working people.” Twenty14 Holdings to debut South Asia’s first Tribute Portfolio THE PENINSULA Marriott, is a collection of excep- Area Vice-President, South Asia, DOHA tional independent hotels around Marriott International, Inc. He the globe. Tribute Portfolio is added, “We are honored to Twenty14 Holdings, the leading designed for travelers seeking partner with Twenty14 Holdings global hospitality investment fresh travel experiences that for their first hotel in India. With firm, yesterday announced that reflect their own unique indi- its unique design and vibrant they would soon launch Port vidual point of view. With a focus social spaces, we are sure this Muziris – South Asia’s first on expressive design moments, hotel will become a preference Tribute Portfolio hotel, part of vibrant public spaces, and a for leisure travelers.” Marriott International, Inc, near flexible food and beverage model, Port Muziris which includes the Cochin International Airport. Tribute Portfolio is for full- 55-keys, 2 F&B outlets and a The 55-room property is all set service developers keen on cre- 150-pax capacity ballroom is to be opened to the public in ating spaces that connect people Twenty14 Holdings’ first property April. and places. Diverse in experi- in India. Currently, the hospitality Port Muziris encapsulates the ences and robust with person- investment firm has over $750 rich culture, history and art of the Managing Director, Twenty14 ality, each Tribute Portfolio hotel million portfolio of properties port town of Kochi. Elegantly Holdings. “Kerala has long been is a magnet for the colorful and around the world, including the designed with imprints of the city, one of the most sought-after des- quirky, much like the travelers Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – the Port Muziris also boasts a large tinations worldwide, and we are who choose to stay at them. Caledonian in Scotland, Sheraton collection of artworks from local excited to be part of the state’s “We are delighted to Oman in Muscat and Steigen- artists. flourishing tourism sector. We announce the first Tribute Port- berger Hotel Business Bay in UAE. “We are thrilled to debut the look forward to extending our folio hotel in India, with the Earlier this year, Twenty14 first Tribute Portfolio in South legacy of providing outstanding opening of Port Muziris hotel in Holdings’ had announced its Asia. At Twenty14 Holdings, we hospitality to guests across Kerala Kochi. This will also mark the entry into mainland Europe with share the vision of offering a and India through our bespoke debut of our 16th brand to join their first property in Switzerland unique experience for guests,” properties.” the Marriott International port- – the InterCityHotel Zurich said Adeeb Ahamed (pictured), Tribute Portfolio, launched by folio in India,” said Neeraj Govil, Airport.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Ottam (2D/Malayalam) 2:15pm; Mard Ko Nahin Ottam (2D/Malayalam) 2:30pm; Manou The Swift Hota (2D/Hindi) 4:45 & 9:15pm; Ulan (2D/ (2D/Animation) 3:00pm; Mirai (2D/Animation) 5:00pm; Tagalog) 7:15pm; Hotel Mumbai (2D/Thriller) US (2D/Horror) 7:00 & 11:30pm; Captain Marvel (2D/Action) 9:15pm; Badla (2D/Hindi) 11:30pm; 5:00 & 9:15pm; The Brand New Adventures Of Aladdin (2D/ Manou The Swift (2D/Animation) 2:00 & Comedy) 2:30pm; Badla (2D/Hindi) 4:30 & 11:30pm; 5:15pm; Five Feet Apart (2D/Romance) 7:00pm; Hotel Mumbai (2D/Thriller) 7:00pm; Damascus Aleppo US (2D/Horror) 9:15pm; Wonder Park (2D/Ani- (2D/Arabic) 9:15pm; Five Feet Apart (2D/Romance) 7:15pm; mation) 3:45pm; Captain Marvel (2D/Action) Ulan (2D/Tagalog) 9:30pm; Tolet (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm. 11:30pm; Badla (2D/Hindi) 2:30pm; The Brand New Adventures Of Aladdin (2D/Comedy) 5:00pm; Damascus Aleppo (2D/Arabic) 7:00pm; Tolet (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm. ASIAN TOWN Ottam (2D/Malayalam) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 10:00pm & 1:00am; LANDMARK Mr & Ms Rowdy (2D/Malayalam) 2:00pm; An International Ottam (2D/Malayalam) 2:30pm; Manou The Local Story (2D/Malayalam) 5:00, 11:00pm & 1:30am; June Swift (2D/Animation) 5:00pm; Five Feet Apart (2D/Malayalam) 2:00, 8:00pm & 1:30am; Kumbalangi Nights (2D/Romance) 6:45pm; Damascus Aleppo (2D/ (2D/Malayalam) 8:00pm; Kodathisamaksham Balan Vakkeel Arabic) 9:00pm; June (2D/Malayalam) 11:15pm; (2D/Malayalam) 2:30, 5:00 & 11:00pm; Mard Ko Nahin Hota Wonder Park (2D/Animation) 3:00pm; The (2D/Hindi) 6:00pm; Tolet (2D/Tamil) 8:30pm; Ispade Brand New Adventures Of Aladdin (2D/ Rajavum Idhaya Raniyum (2D/Tamil) 11:00pm Comedy) 5:00pm; Mard Ko Nahin Hota (2D/ Hindi) 9:15 & 11:30pm; Badla (2D/Hindi) 2:30pm; Tolet (2D/Tamil) 5:00 & 11:30pm; Hotel Mumbai ROXY (2D/Thriller) 9:15pm; US (2D/Horror) 7:00pm; Captain Marvel (2D/Action) 7:00pm. Captain Marvel (2D/Action) 11:30am, 3:30, 6:20, 8:30 & 11:30pm; Kesari (2D/Hindi) 10:30am, 1:45, 5:00, 6:00, 8:00 FLIK Mirqab Mall & 11:00pm; Ottam (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 1:00, 3:40, 8:50 & 11:30pm; US (2D) 10:30am, 1:00, 2:00, 3:30, 6:00, 9:00 Captain Marvel (Action) 2D 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, & 11:30pm; Wonder Park (2D) 11:00am, 1:00, 3:15 & 5:30pm 7:20, 9:50pm 3D 2:20, 7:20pm & 0:20am; Five Feet Apart 11:40am, 4:20, 8:50 & 11:10pm; Greta (2D/Thriller) 11:25am, 1:35, 6:15, 8:25, 11:35, 10:20pm & 0:30am; AL KHOR Hotel Mumbai (2D/Thriller) 11:10am; 1:40, 4:10, 6:40, 9:10 & 11:40pm; Captain Marvel (2D/Action) 11:15am, 1:45, 4:15, 6:45, 9:15 Kesari 12:20, 3:30, 6:35, 9:40pm & 0:45am; & 11:45pm; Ulan 10:40am, 12:45, 2:50, 4:55, 7:00, 9;10 & Wonder Park (2D/Animation) 10:30am, 12:30, 2:30 & 11:25pm; 4:30pm; US (2D) 2:00, 3:30, 7:50, 10;10pm & 0:30am; Hotel Mumbai (2D/Thriller) 11:00am, 4:00 & 9:00pm; Wonder Park (2D/Animation) 10:15am, 12:10, Ottam (2D/Malayalam) 6:30, 9:00 & 11:30pm; 2:05, 4:00, 5:55 & 6:50pm US (2D) 1:30, 6:30 & 11:30pm

Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice.

HOTEL MUMBAI The true story of the Taj Hotel terrorist attack in Mumbai. Hotel staff risk their lives to keep everyone safe as people make unthinkable sacrifices to protect themselves and their families. SPORT Friday 22 March 2019 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19 Serbia’s Australia’s Djokovic ready Smith and Warner to play tennis, face World Cup not politics test in IPL FIG World Cup: Stage set for thrilling It is a strong start and we are happy as we look forward finals in Doha as Zonderland cruises to hosting another successful edition FAWAD HUSSAIN Dutch star Epke Zonderland of the World Cup. THE PENINSULA AGF President praises in action in the qualifying The gymnasts will round of horizontal bars at definitely show Dutch star Epke Zonderland is on FIG ART Individual Apparatus good performances course of winning his second gold ‘excellent’ organisation World Cup in Doha, yesterday. to bag medals medal in Doha within a span of four months after he cruised into which will make THE PENINSULA the final of horizontal bars, as the the next two days DOHA two-day qualifying rounds at FIG very interesting: ART Individual Apparatus World Qatar Gymnastics Cup concluded yesterday. The President of the African Federation President Ukranian vault specialist Igor Gymnastics Federation (AGF) Ali Ali Al Hitmi Radivilov and China’s Zou Jin- Zaatar (pictured), who is here to gyuan also displayed sparkling attend the 12th FIG Artistic performances to storm into the Gymnastic World Cup being staged finals yesterday, and the stage is at the Aspire Dome, was all praise now set for spectacular finals, for the ‘excellent’ organisation by which will see top gymnasts bat- the hosts Qatar Gymnastics Feder- tling for supremacy in the next ation (QGF), and the participation two days at Aspire Dome. of athletes from the African region. Zonderland, who won a hor- Qatar has been hosting the izontal bar gold medal at the event for the last 12 years and World Championships in Doha Zaatar said there is no point talking trying to develop gymnastics last November, entered the final about the standards of the meet in despite the hardships,” he comfortably after scoring 14.100 Doha for it is obviously world class. added. points. The Dutchman finished He was also happy that the “Gymnastics is one sport where behind Croatia’s Tin Sribic championship provides a great a small error can make for the big (14.333), Kazakhstan Milad chance for Arab and African gym- difference between winning and Karimi (14.300) and Russia’s nasts to participate and gain losing. But the mere chance of experience. being involved in a championship Alexey Rostov. YESTERDAY’S RESULTS “It is good to be back in “Even if the difference in class which has world stars of artistic Doha,” Zonderland said after of performance is stark between gymnastics is a indeed great gain MEN’S QUALIFICATIONS entering the finals yesterday. the world stars and those aiming for those aiming to learn and reach “I have a lot of good mem- to match them, the common higher,” he stressed. VAULT: 1. Igor Radivilov (UKR) ories by competing in this arena platform provides a chance to excel Among many such athletes 14.916 pts; 2. Hakseon Yang (KOR) not only from the World Cham- and learn and compete,” said who were in action yesterday 14.900; 3. Artur Davtyan (ARM) pionships, but the recent World Zaatar while speaking to the media included Hamza Hossaini of Cups as well. It is always a good on the second day of the four-day Morocco, Ahmet Onder of Turkey 14.849; 4. Jorge Vega Lopez (GUA) organisation and as an athlete World Cup. and Abdulrahman Othman of Libya. 14.762; 5. Christopher Remkes (AUS) you know you can perform well, “There are African countries Hamza in particular was quite 14.699; 6. Marian Dragulescu (ROU) when the organisation is perfect. that are interested in gymnastics impressive in the men’s vault 14.616; 7. Wei-Sheng Tseng (TPE) I was looking forward to coming such as Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, totaling a score of 14.524 points to 14.599; 8. Giarnni Regini-Moran here,” the Dutchman added. South Africa and Nigeria, but ulti- finish 11th missing out on the final (GBR) 14.599. Qatar’s Ahmed Mosa also fea- mately the African Federation is berth by a narrow margin. tured in qualification and earned a creditable score of 12.066. PARALLEL BARS: 1. Jingyuan Meanwhile, Radivilov, the men’s vault qualification when which will benefit me in the Zou (CHN) D-Score 6.6; Total Points: London Olympic medallist, once Abdulrahman Othman became future,” he said. 15.866; 2. Phuong Thanh Dinh (VIE) again proved why he is rated as the first Libyan gymnast to make China’s reigning Asian Games 6.2; 14.733; 3. Ferhat Arican (TUR) one of the best in vault, as he his debut at the FIG World Cup. champion Jingyuan also looked 6.3; 14.633; 4. Andrey Likhovitskiy wowed spectators with his “ I am very happy to rep- at his best as he outsmarted his clinical finishes to top the vault resent my country Libya at this opponents with a huge gap in the (BLR) 5.5; 14.600; 5. Vladislav qualification with 14.916. The stage,” said Othman. men’s parallel bars qualification, Poliashov (RUS) 6.3; 14.500; 6. 26-year-old was followed by “It was a tough competition earning an impressive tally of Mitchell Morgans (AUS) 6.0; 14.333; 7. Korean Hakseon Yang and Artur as leading gymnasts were par- 15.866. Vietnam’s Phuong Thanh Vasili Mikhalitsyn (BLR) 5.4; 14.233; 8. Davtyan of Armenia. ticipating for the finals but I will Dinh, who finished second got Matteo Levantesi (ITA) 5.9; 14.233. History was also made in the take back a useful experience 14.733 while Turkish star gained confidence in his bid to clinch HORIZONTAL BAR: medal by finishing third with 1. Tin Srbic 14.633 points. (CRO) D-Score: 5.9; Total Points: Zonderland, however, failed In the meantime, American and still rings. The women will 14.333; 2. Milad Karimi (KAZ) 6.2; to qualify for the final of the event Jade Carey topped women’s floor compete on vault and uneven 14.300; 3. Alexey Rostov (RUS) 6.0; after he finished 10th with a score qualification to keep her chances bars. 14.133; 4. Epke Zonderland (NED) of 13.966. intact for another double victory “The qualifications rounds 6.1; 14.100; 5. Shudi Deng (CHN) 6.3; in the World Cup series. After have set the stage for interesting Derwael continues placing herself among the finals as top gymnasts will 14.100; 6. Hidetaka Miyahi (JPN) 5.9; golden form finalists on the Vault, Carey compete for the medals,” Qatar 14.066; 7. Randy Leru (CUB) 6.2; After topping the qualifica- earned the top spot on the floor Gymnastics Federation President 14.033; 8. Carlo Macchini (ITA) 5.7; tions in uneven bars on with 14.000. Ali Al Hitmi said. 14.000. Wednesday, world champion Two Italians, Lara Mori and “It is a strong start and we Nina Derwael scored maximum former world champion, Vanessa are happy as we look forward to WOMEN’S QUALIFICATIONS points in balance beam to remain Ferrari will also compete in the hosting another successful BALANCE BEAM: favourite for two gold medals in final tomorrow. edition of the World Cup,” he 1. Nina Doha. said. Derwael (BEL) D-Score: 5.3; Total The Belgian star secured Five gold medals to be “The gymnasts will definitely Points: 13.566; 2. Marine Boyer 13.566 points to finish ahead of decided today show good performances to bag (FRA) 5.7; 13.366; 3. Qi Li (CHN) 5.7; Frenchwoman Marine Boyer Today, five gold medals will medals which will make the next Qatar’s Ahmed Mosa in action during yesterday’s horizontal 13.300; 4. Yumika Nakamura (JPN) (13.366) and China’s Qi Li be awarded with finals scheduled two days very interesting,” he bars qualifiers. 5.0; 12.900; 5. Hua-Tien Ting (TPE) (13.300). for men’s floor, pommel horse added. 5.3; 12.800; 6. Adela Sajn (SLO) 4.9; 12.766; 7. Soyoka Hanawa (JPN) 5.9; 12.700; 8. Aneta Holasova (CZE) 5.1; TODAY’S FINALISTS 12.666. MEN POMMEL HORSE FLOOR WOMEN UNEVEN BARS STILL RINGS Chih Kai Lee (Taipei) Carlos Yulo (Phillipines) VAULT Nina Derwael (Belgium) FLOOR: 1. Jade Carey (USA) Xingyu Lan (China) Harutyun Merdinyan (Armenia) Xiao Ruoteng (China) Maria Paseka (Russia) Yilin Fan (China) D-Score: 5.9; Total Points:14.000; 2. Vahagn Davtyan (Armenia) Kohei Kameyama (Japan) Jonathan Vrolix (Belgium) Jade Carey (USA) Anastasia Iliankova (Russia) Marine Boyer (FRA) 5.0; 13.200; 3. Artur Tovmasyan (Armenia) Kaito Imabayashi (Japan) Ahmet Onder (Turkey) Coline Devillard (France) Diana Varinska (Ukraine) Kim Bui (GER) 5.2; 13.200; 4. Lara Marco Lodadio (Italy) Saeedreza Keikha (Iran) Rayderley Zapata (Spain) Alexa Moreno (Mexico) Kim Bui (Germany) Mori (ITA) 5.3; 13.166; 5. Varvara Courtney Tulloch (Great Britain) Zou Jingyuan (China) Christopher Remkes (Australia) Marcia Vidiaux (Cuba) Jonna Adlerteg (Sweden) Zubova (RUS) 5.1; 13.066; 6. Marta Samir Ait Said (France) Filip Ude (Croatia) Emil Soravuo (Finland) Marina Nekrasova (Azerbaijan) Martina Rizzelli (Italy) Pihan-Kulesza (POL) 5.2; 13.033; 7. Ali Zahran (Egypt) Stephen Nedoroscik (USA) Oksana Chusovitina (Uzbekistan) Yumika Nakamura (Japan) Ibrahim Colak (Turkey) Emily Thomas (Great Britain) Vanessa Ferrari (ITA) 5.3; 13.033; 8. Coline Devillard (FRA) 4.8; 12.833. FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019 SPORT 17

The iconic Khalifa International Stadium will host 23rd Asian Athletics Championships from April 21 to 24

Qatar’s Thulasi Tharumalingam (top) in action in this file photo. Arab Elite Boxing Doha ready to host Asia’s best athletes Championships: Qatar’s Thulasi to THE PENINSULA an enthralling summer of first-class shine on the global stage when the DOHA athletics with the IAAF Diamond city hosts the World fight for gold today League and IAAF World Athletics Championships. Doha, the world-renowned Championships to follow as top “It’s a great honour to welcome QNA athletics destination, is set to athletics events staged in Doha. some of the finest athletes in the KHARTOUM welcome Asia’s top athletes in a There is no better way to test our world to Doha for yet another month’ time when the city plays preparations for such major events major athletics event. As always, Qatar will compete for gold medal in the second host to the 23rd Asian Athletics than hosting the Asian Athletics our facilities and infrastructure are edition of Arab Elite Boxing Championships Championships from April 21-24 Championships,” Al Hamad added. ready to help athletes compete at for men in the weight of 69 kg, when Thulasi at the iconic state-of-the-art The four-day tournament takes their best and deliver an amazing Tharumalingam faces his Algerian counterpart Khalifa International Stadium. place at Khalifa International atmosphere for fans of the game Chamseddin Kramo in the final day of the The latest edition of the conti- Stadium where Innovative and in Qatar and the region,” said Qatar championships today. nental athletics showpiece brings environmentally friendly cooling Athletics Federation President Dr Tharumalingam continued his victories in together nearly 1000 athletes and technology has been successfully Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari. the tournament, where he managed to beat his up to 450 officials from 45 coun- operating, ensuring optimal con- Along with the Diamond Moroccan rival Sofiane Al Tachi yesterday after tries, who will compete for top ditions for athletes and fans alike. League round in May, Asian Ath- three rounds. honours in the world’s most pop- Over morning and evening ses- letics Championships will be the In preparation for today’s decisive match, ulous continent. sions in which participating ath- official test event of the IAAF Tharumalingam held his training session under “I’m thrilled to welcome Asia’s letes will compete for 186 medals Worlds, with all major operations, the supervision of coach Juan Carlos, who elite athletes to Doha, the global in 21 men’s events, 21 women’s including the venue, transport and praised the performance of the boxer so far, hub for athletics, where our out- events in addition to a mixed relay champion for 17 consecutive edi- accommodation, set to be stressing his ability to win the gold medal, if he standing facilities promise to event that makes its debut in the tions until it was unseated by last examined to ensure a smooth and continued to fight with the same performance deliver a flawless experience for Asian Athletics Championships. edition’s hosts and eventual spotless experience during the and with great concentration. everyone involved in the event,” The tournament will see the winners, India. global showpiece. Tharumalingam represented Qatar in all said Dahlan Al Hamad (pictured), usual continental powerhouses go With top Asian athletes Doha has a proven track record levels of boxing in the recent years including President of the Asian Athletics head-to-head for the number one descending on Doha from the dif- of bringing international athletics the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the Doha 2015 Association and Vice President of spot in Asia’s athletics. After an ferent regions of the continent, the to the region by staging the annual AIBA World Boxing Championships. the International Association of initial period of Japanese domi- Championships will surely produce Doha Diamond League, World The Arab Elite Boxing Championships is Athletics Federations. nance over the championship, promising athletes who can then Indoor Athletics Championships in being organised by Sudan for the second “Qatar is about to embark on China has taken over as undisputed return to Doha in September and 2010 and Asian Games in 2006. time in a row, with the participation of Qatar, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Palestine and Syria.

The players taking part in Youth U-16 event at Qatargas The coaches and Chess Championship at Al Mirqab Mall yesterday. officials of Qatar and Afghanistan teams pose for a group picture after the pre-match press conference in Doha yesterday. Both teams will square off in their opening match of AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers at Qatargas Chess: Anupama, Aspire Academy Gowtham share lead in U-16 pitch today.

THE PENINSULA AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers: Qatar from India. India’s Tom Allen and DOHA Amulya Guruprasad shared the fourth spot after yesterday’s India’s Anupama Sumith Aman and rounds. take on Afghanistan to kick off campaign Gowtham Ramamoorthy shared Today, the final rounds of the the lead after three rounds on the event will begin at 2.00pm. opening day of the Qatargas Rapid The Qatargas Open Blitz Tour- THE PENINSULA Al Annabi, who finished next January’s championship, reach the Finals again when DOHA Chess Tournament which began in nament will take place tomorrow, third in the last year’s which will also serve as the they face Jordan, Syria and Doha yesterday. starting at 10.30am and will be qualifying round for the 2020 Kyrgyz Republic in Group E. event which took place The Indian duo was leading in carried out over nine rounds until Qatar will be looking for a Tokyo Olympic Games. With Reigning champions and the Youth U-16 at Al Mirqab Mall, 6.30pm. victorious start to their AFC in China, are pitted Japan having confirmed their Group F host Uzbekistan will yesterday. The youth tournament Blitz Open Tournament will be U-23 Championship Qualifiers in Group A, which Olympic berth by virtue of begin their title defence against is part of the 6th Qatargas Chess conducted according to the Swiss campaign when they take on also includes Nepal, being the host, three spots will Tajikistan and India in Group Championship, organised by the System, consisting of nine rounds Afghanistan at Doha’s Aspire Afghanistan and Oman. be up for grabs in the AFC U23 F. Mongolia will be counting on Qatar Chess Association. (5 minutes + 3 seconds increment pitch today. Championship in Thailand. home support when they host Anupama and Gowtham, both per move, starting from move 1). Al Annabi, who finished In Group B, hosts Bahrain Group G, going up against DPR competing in the Under-10 class, The closing ceremony will take third in the last year’s event zones of West (West + South + will attempt to qualify for the Korea, Hong Kong and were tied at the top with 6.0 points, place at the same venue, starting which took place in China, are Central) with 23 sides, and fourth consecutive edition, as Singapore. followed by Manas Jaiswal, also from 6.30pm tomorrow. pitted in Group A, which also East (East + ASEAN) with 20 they go up against Palestine, Cambodia have yet to includes Nepal and Oman. teams. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Iran, reach the Finals but they are Qatar will take on Nepal on The 11 group winners and the host nation for Group C, determined to impress when Sunday, and their final group four best second-placed teams will test their mettle against they welcome Korea Republic, match against Oman will take will qualify for the champi- 2013 champions Iraq, Turk- Australia and Chinese Taipei place on Tuesday, as they aim onship, with hosts Thailand menistan and Yemen. in Group H. to make it to next year’s conti- receiving automatic Saudi Arabia, the 2013 Group I host Myanmar, will nental event which will be held qualification. runners-up, will be aiming to play against 2016 champions in Thailand. In the event that Thailand better their previous best Japan, Timor-Leste and Macau. Qatar played three friendly finish among the qualified result after failing to progress Malaysia, quarter-finalists in matches prior to the qualifying teams to the Finals (either top past the group stage in 2018. 2018, will be aiming to make event as part of their prepara- of the group or one of the four They host United Arab the Finals again when they host tions. They beat Al Arabi and best second-placed teams), the Emirates, Lebanon and Mal- Group J which has China PR, India U-23 team but lost to the next (fifth) second-placed team dives in Group D. Laos and Philippines. Vietnam, Iraq. in the ranking among all Kuwait were among the who finished runners-up in The Qualifiers’ draw was groups will qualify instead. teams who competed in the 2018, will host Group K with held last November and the The Qualifiers will see 43 inaugural AFC U23 Champi- Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei teams were divided into two teams jostling for 15 spots for onship in 2013, and will bid to Darussalam for company. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019 Djokovic ready to play tennis, not politics

REUTERS World number one Novak “We had a small chat there “If it happens,ppens, it happens.” “We“We aarere in coconsultationnsultation and MIAMI Djokovic dismissed any was no time to talk about the For hiss part Djokovic collaboration with our playerpla suggestion of friction political stuff. appeared eeagerager to wash his board representatives.representatives. World number one Novak with Roger Federer and “That is hopefully something hands of thethe entire affairaffair “Board“Board members are the Djokovic dismissed any Rafael Nadal. we will have time in the next reminding eeveryoneveryone that it was ones voting on what they thinkth suggestion of friction with Roger few days to go through. the three playerslayers rerepresenta-presenta- isis appropriateappropriate for the plaplayersy Federer and Rafael Nadal as “It’s not necessary for you tives on thee ATP bboardoard tthathat side.side. tennis politics spilled over to the representatives on the ATP guys to create any tensions voted not too renew KermoKermode’sde’s “Federer“Federer anandd NaNadaldal hhave Miami Open. Board failed to endorse an between us. In contrary I have contract andnd not tthehe PPlayerlayer beenbeen icons ofof our sport forfo so Tension between the three extension of the Englishman’s a very good relations with both Council, whichich was ononlyly part ooff many years andand ttheirheir opinionsopini biggest names in men’s tennis contract. of them.” the discussion.on. are extremelextremelyy imimportantportant to appeared on the rise after As head of the 10 member With Kermode’s status The Serbrb added that if everyone.everyone. Djokovic, President of the ATP Player Council Djokovic had decided Federer said on Federer aandnd Nadal have “If“If they want to be activeac Player Council, rebuffed a been pushing for change while Wednesday that he is still willing opinions theyey were welcome to and part of it, either officialofficiallyl or request by Federer to meet Federer and Nadal backed to talk to Djokovic but with the share themm with the Player unofficially, I think it’s only pos-p during the BNP Paribas in Indian Kermode or at the least felt the decision made saw no urgency Council at anyny ttime.ime. itive news for us.” Wells earlier this month to issue needed more discussion. to meet. “The playerayer council is only discuss the future of ATP “I saw Roger today, we were “A lot of stuff has been part of thee structure,” said Novak Djokovic Chairman Chris Kermode. in the opening ceremony cutting decided already so we’ll see if Djokovic. Despite a tenure which the ribbon on center court,” said this week is going to happen “We aree not part of the brought record prize money and Djokovic during his pre-tour- or not but we are not chasing board or decidingciding anythinganything growth, Kermode was ousted as nament press conference on each other at this point,” said that is votedd on laterlater ATP chief when players’ Wednesday. Federer. on. Osaka sister act primed Match-fixing probe in tennis snares for Miami Open spotlight more players REUTERS MIAMI AP Seven French players PARIS were taken into Serena and Venus Williams custody this week usually get top billing at the Miami French police have ques- and later released, Open but this year there is another tioned another batch of taking the total sister act vying for the spotlight tennis players in a growing with world number one Naomi investigation into a match- number questioned Osaka showing older sibling Mari fixing syndicate suspected in France so far to at the ropes. of paying out hundreds of least 17. The Williams sisters have thousands of dollars to fix hoisted the Miami trophy 11 times low-level matches, judicial The probe is being between them and all those vic- officials said yesterday. led by authorities in tories were celebrated at Crandon Seven French players Park in Key Biscayne. were taken into custody Belgium, where the But this year the tournament this week and later syndicate’s suspected has moved to the suburbs and released, taking the total ringleader, an Hard Rock Stadium is Osaka number questioned in Armenian, is based. country with Naomi and Mari France so far to at least 17, growing up three miles away and the officials said. An initial The massive scheme, learning to play tennis almost in batch of four players was the shadow of the Hard Rock first questioned in January. organised via home of the NFL’s Miami Dol- The officials spoke on con- encrypted messaging In this file photo taken on January 26, 2019, Japan’s Naomi Osaka phins, who are part-owned by the dition of anonymity and involving dozens celebrates with the championship trophy after her victory against Williams sisters. because they aren’t of low-ranked players Naomi will be joined in the Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova in the women’s singles final of the authorised to publicly Australian Open in Melbourne. in small tournaments draw by her 338th-ranked sibling discuss the investigation. with little prize who needed a wildcard to get a The probe is being led place in the tournament. by authorities in Belgium, money, is believed to “It is a bit weird that I have to amassing $10.8m in prize money Whitney Osuigwe. On opposite of the nicer one in this where the syndicate’s sus- have spread tentacles give her advice and she is my while Mari, one year older, tries sides of the draw, the only way relationship.” pected ringleader, an to more than a half- older sister,” Naomi told reporters to claw her way up the rankings the sisters could meet in Miami Mari Osaka’s focus will be Armenian, is based. dozen countries, on Wednesday. with $58,000 in career earnings. would be in an all-Osaka final. getting past the first round and Belgian authorities say including the US. “But she has been doing like While Naomi now holds sway over Even if Mari’s stay ends up advancing any further would be Grigor Sargsyan remains in newbie mistakes. her older sister, that was not being short, however, Naomi is considered a wild success but custody in his home, mon- “Yesterday it rained out all day always the case. enjoying having her sister by her Naomi will have loftier itored with an electronic He faces organised but she came here at 11 o’clock and “Up until I was 15 she was side. objectives. bracelet. Investigators say crime, match-fixing, her match was the fourth on. 6-0ing me, it was ridiculous,” the “It’s nice because you can give “I actually drove past this corrupted players bought money laundering and “I mean, like, what are you Australian and US Open champion each other advice especially if you (stadium) a lot when I was a kid,” off by the fixers knew forgery charges. doing? Stuff like that I have to talk said. have played the opponent,” Naomi she said. Sargsyan as “Maestro.” In all, more than 100 to her about.” “In the win-loss record she is said. “I really enjoy having her “I grew up watching all these The massive scheme, players are suspected of The 21-year-old US-based up by a million or something.” around, most of the time we don’t great players winning it so just to organised via encrypted having worked with the Japanese player has taken the Naomi gets a first-round bye while play the same tournaments. come from being a kid in the messaging and involving syndicate, fixing matches, tennis world by storm, winning Mari starts her campaign against “For me I don’t really talk to audience to being the one holding dozens of low-ranked sets or games in exchange the last two Grand Slams and another wildcard in American that many people and she is sort the trophy would mean a lot.” players in small tourna- for payments of 500 to ments with little prize 3,000 euros ($570 to money, is believed to have $3,400). French Open prize spread tentacles to more Police say the syndicate than a half-dozen countries, employed mules, people including the United States. hired for a few dollars to money increases Belgian authorities say place bets on fixed matches they’ve requested that were small enough to by eight percent assistance from the FBI, as slip under the radar of well as counterparts in gambling watchdogs. AP Egypt, Slovakia, Bulgaria, The Belgian investi- PARIS the Netherlands and gator said evidence col- Germany. lected so far suggests that French Open prize money will This week’s additional the syndicate knew other increase by 8 percent at this year’s detentions were first match-fixers in Spain but tournament to 42.661m euros ($48.6m) reported yesterday by they weren’t working The French Tennis Federation French sports daily together. says the men’s and women’s cham- L’Equipe. Officials didn’t So far, France has the pions will receive 2.3m euros identify the players. biggest number of players ($2.62m), an increase of 4.55 percent A Belgian investigator questioned in the probe. from last year. Runners-up will said five of the French The first four were named receive 1.18m euros ($1.34m). players questioned so far by investigators as Jules The biggest jump was 15 percent have admitted to taking Okala, 21; Mick Lescure, 25; for those reaching the first round. money from the syndicate Yannick Thivant, 32; and They now get 46,000 euros (about to fix matches, and that one Jerome Inzerillo, 29. $52,000), while quarter-finalists get player believed to have None operated in the roughly 9 percent more at 415,000 fixed about two dozen highest spheres of tennis. euros ($473,000). matches confessed to The career-best singles Players who go out in the third police that he pocketed ranking of any of them was round of qualifying, failing to make 30,000 euros ($ 34,000). 354, reached by Inzerillo in the main draw, will receive 24,000 The probe has grown 2012. L’Equipe said it inter- euros ($27,000), an increase of 14.29 far bigger than Belgian viewed Inzerillo, accom- A picture taken yesterday shows the new Simonne Mathieu tennis court after its inauguration percent. authorities initially panied by his lawyer, this ceremony at Roland-Garros in Paris. Inset: (From left) Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Former French The men’s and women’s doubles expected when they first week and that he told the President Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the FTF (French Tennis Federation) Bernard Giudicelli champions will get 580,000 euros swept up Sargsyan and newspaper that he had and grandson of Simonne Mathieu, Bertrand Mathieu during the inauguration ceremony. ($660,000) and finalists 290,000 others in a wave of arrests never been approached to euros ($330,000) - both receiving in June. fix a match. about 3.5 percent more than last year. FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019 SPORT 19 Illness hits Hunt is on for remaining World Cup Australian camp in spots as Pakistan face Australia Sharjah

THE PENINSULA REUTERS SHARJAH SHARJAH Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur is confident new players will grab We designed this Australian all-rounder Glenn the opportunity to fill a few series for our players Maxwell may be rested from available places for the ICC for the simple fact the first one-day interna- Cricket World Cup 2019 through that we want to tional against Pakistan as the the five-match ODI series against tourists recover from a Australia starting in Sharjah test our best bench stomach bug that has hit the today. players: Pakistan team in the United Arab Pakistan have rested six coach Mickey Arthur Emirates. players – captain Sarfaraz Maxwell missed training Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Babar Azam, on Wednesday, two days Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah “We will have a series in ahead of Friday’s opener in Afridi and Shadab Khan – to England, which will give us a Sharjah. provide an opportunity to the perfect preparation for us going Spinner Nathan Lyon other leading performers to stake into the World Cup and we also missed training on a claim for the tournament to be would have been silly not to use Tuesday with illness but held in England and Wales from this series as a rest going into the joined his team-mates in May 30-July 14. biggest challenge, the World their Wednesday session Mickey believed it was a Cup.” Mickey, who also coached and is a good chance to be well-thought out and a sensible South Africa and Australia, picked in a dual spinning Pakiatani skipper Shoaib Malik (left) and Australaian captain Aaron Finch pose for a photograph decision. believes Australia are a resurging assault with wrist spinner yesterday with the JS Bank Cup which will be awarded to the winner of the five-match ODI series, “We designed this series for side after a turbulent period in Adam Zampa. our players for the simple fact starting in Sharjah today. the wake of last year’s ball tam- “The stats from here all that we want to test our best pering episode. suggest that spin takes a bench players,” said Mickey. has impressed with his pace in Mickey believes trying new Inzamam-ul-Haq and I have dis- “Australia are a fantastic side bigger impact. I’ll expect “There was planning, some- the recently concluded HBL players will help in long term. cussed that. So, these young and they have bubbled away, them to spin,” captain Aaron times people think that its ad Pakistan Super League. “For us, it isn’t so much players need to raise their hands they have gone through much Finch said in comments hoc. We want to test our bench- Middle-order batsman Umar about Australia, this is about us up and try make those places publicised crisis and they seem published by Cricket Aus- strength so that we could have a Akmal has also been recalled and those positions for the World their own. It’s an exciting time to be playing some very good tralia’s website (cricket.com. look at our final squad and com- after impressing with his match Cup and the opportunity created going into the World Cup.” cricket at the moment. au). bination. We know our major fitness in the HBL PSL. for a lot of players because for Mickey backed the decision to “To win the series from 0-2 “We even saw yesterday players for the World Cup.” “After this series, we go to us, we need to find who our rest skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed and down was a fantastic the training wickets looked Openers Shan Masood and England and there we go with a players are for every position. five others. achievement,” said Mickey of how we expect the middle Abid Ali have been prolific very very settled squad and the “If we could do that out of “Sarfaraz needs rest,” said Australia’s 3-2 ODI series win in to play. You’re never quite scorers in domestic and “A” roles will be defined. We want this series, then it would be good Mickey of the skipper of Pakistan India before this tour. “They have sure though, once there’s a series, while batsman Saad Ali to know where the squad stands. for us. across all three formats. got some fine players, (Usman) bit of traffic on it they start scored 900 plus runs in the We felt that we have done eve- “To be honest, it’s a new “As do Babar Azam and all Khawaja is in good nick, Pat to slow up pretty quick and 2017-18 first-class season. rything possible to be the best squad. This is a series of oppor- the guys that are resting. I was Cummins is in good nick. spin a bit. Paceman Mohammad Abbas possible prepared team for the tunities. You don’t have to be a telling the Australian boys we “They have some good Paceman Nathan is an established Test spearhead World Cup.” Pakistan also plays rocket scientist to work-out that have been in the hotels since 12 young guys. I am sure they will Coulter-Nile re-joined the who has the knock of doing well five one-day internationals a few positions are available for September. (if) we just keep rotate their players through the squad for the five-match in limited overs as well. Rookie against England before the the World Cup. There are playing our guys, they gonna get series as they also need their series against Pakistan after 18-year-old Mohammad Hasnain 10-team mega event. probably four available. injured and fatigued. major players firing.” missing the final three ODIs against India to fly home to Perth for the birth of his second child. South African After trailing India 2-0, Williamson and Kerr win big at Australia won the next three pacemen Ngidi, games in succession against Virat Kohli’s side to claim New Zealand’s Cricket Awards Nortje to miss IPL their first series victory in the format in over two years REUTERS won the Twenty20 gong. Kerr, 18, was AFP and enjoy a timely confi- AUCKLAND crowned the women’s ODI player of the JOHANNESBURG dence boost ahead of the year for scoring 415 runs at an average of World Cup. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and 59, which included a world record knock Two of South Africa’s likely World Cup fast Coulter-Nile, who is in women’s all-rounder Amelia Kerr picked up of 232 not out against Ireland last June in bowlers, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje, will miss the frame for the global national player-of-the-year awards at a a game where she also took five wickets the Indian Premier League because of injuries. showpiece while seamers ceremony in Auckland yesterday. for 17 runs. South African team manager and doctor Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Williamson, who led the Black Caps Kerr also picked up the Phyl Blackler Mohammed Moosajee said Ngidi has a left side Starc struggle with injuries, across all three formats, won the Sir Richard Cup for women’s domestic bowling while strain, while Nortje has a right shoulder injury. said there was a good mood Hadlee Medal for the men’s player of the Williamson and fast bowler Trent Boult Moosajee said Ngidi suffered his injury around the camp despite year and was also named their best test picked up the awards for first-class batting during the fifth one-day international against fierce competition for spots player after scoring 801 runs in the season and bowling, respectively. Sri Lanka on Saturday. He will need four weeks on the World Cup squad. at a remarkable average of 89. Sophie Devine, who has also played of rest, followed by rehabilitation. “Everyone’s performing, In the limited overs formats, Ross hockey for New Zealand, was named the Nortje will be out of action for six weeks. that’s why we’re winning but Taylor, who became New Zealand’s leading women’s T20 player of the year. Ngidi was due to play for Chennai Super even when someone has a run scorer in one-day internationals (ODIs) The awards ceremony also included a Kane Kings, while Nortje was signed by Kolkata bad day, they’re really sup- last month with 8,026 runs, was named tribute to the victims of the attacks in Williamson Knight Riders. The IPL starts this weekend and portive of other blokes who the ODI player of the year while Colin Munro Christchurch that killed 50 people last week. runs until May 12. The World Cup starts on May have had a good day,” he said. 30 when South Africa play hosts England. Smith, Warner face World Cup test in IPL AFP Mahendra Singh Dhoni, hosting Great to be Warner is expected to feature for Sunrisers Hyderabad NEW DELHI Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers back with the along with Afghan spin sensation Rashid Khan and New Bangalore tomorrow. @rajasthanroyals Zealand’s Kane Williamson against Kolkata Knight Riders here in Jaipur. The big-bucks Indian Premier League Warner, now hipster- on Sunday. Smith is likely to be in action for Rajasthan begins tomorrow with disgraced bearded, is expected to feature Very excited for Australian duo Steve Smith and David for Sunrisers Hyderabad along this year’s IPL: Royals, along with England’s Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, on Warner back in action and looking to get with Afghan spin sensation Steve Smith said Monday against Delhi Capitals. some runs under their belts before the Rashid Khan and New Zealand’s on Instagram World Cup. Kane Williamson against The timing of the Twenty20 extrav- Kolkata Knight Riders on player auctions, snapping up should “enjoy” the IPL but that their aganza, tentatively scheduled to end on Sunday. little-known Indian spinner workload would be “monitored”. May 12, is awkward, however, wrapping Smith is likely to be in action Varun Chakravarthy for $1.2m “Everyone knows that no one wants up less than three weeks before the start for Rajasthan Royals, along with -- making him the top buy along to miss the World Cup and cost the team of the 50-over World Cup in England and England’s Ben Stokes and Jos with Indian paceman Jaydev good balance,” he said. Wales on May 30. Buttler, on Monday against Delhi Unadkat, who went to the Senior batsman and Mumbai Indians Australia captain Smith and his Capitals. Royals. skipper Rohit Sharma echoed his national deputy Warner were both given Former Australia captain Apart from India’s Test reg- captain’s advice, saying the World Cup 12-month suspensions last March from Ricky Ponting said that although ulars making an impact for the -- when India will be one of the favourites state and international fixtures for their their bans will expire before the eight franchises, the IPL is a -- is “our priority”. roles in an infamous ball-tampering World Cup, winning back their breeding ground for young per- “Keeping everything in mind we scandal. places is not a given, particularly formers eyeing a place in the would take a decision collectively (on The bans did not include club games given Australia’s blistering national side. workload) on each individual,” the top- but IPL’s governing council decided not recent series victory in India in But there are concerns that order batsman added. to allow the banned duo in the 11th their absence. the gruelling, six-week IPL -- This year’s IPL also faces another edition of the T20 league last year in a “Those guys have not played eight teams all playing each hurdle in India’s mammoth general elec- bid to stay clear of any controversy. any high level cricket for a long other, plus the knockout stages tions that run alongside the glitzy tour- Both played in the recent Bangladesh time,” Ponting told the Times of -- raises the risk of fatigue and nament, and organisers are keeping their Premier League but both soon bowed India newspaper, saying Smith injury ahead of the World Cup. fingers crossed for its smooth running. out because of elbow injuries, and now and Warner “still have to prove they are Capitals. Famous for its pyrotechnics, Ponting told reporters in Delhi on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) chief they are keen to get noticed again by Aus- the best players”. cheerleaders and huge pay cheques, the Tuesday that he expected national executive Venky Mysore said that staging tralia’s selectors. “If they don’t have a good IPL, then league has consistently attracted top selectors might “put restrictions” on some the tournament just as 900 million The lucrative league kicks off with there will be a few more question marks foreign stars to play in India’s sweltering players, for example India and its fast people go to the polls in the world’s three-time winners and defending cham- regarding their names,” said Ponting, heat. bowlers, in the IPL’s closing stages. biggest democratic exercise to date is a pions Chennai Super Kings, captained by who is head coach for IPL side Delhi Punjab spent big in the Kohli, India’s captain, said players “miracle”. 20 MORNING BREAK FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS Chief of Staff visits Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy FAJR 04. 20 AM SHOROOK 05. 37 AM

ZUHR 11. 41 AM MAGHRIB 05. 48 PM ASR 03. 08 PM ISHA 07. 18 PM

WEATHER TODAY

20oC 26oC Minimum Maximum The Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces, H E Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem, visited Fincantierishipyard in Italy. During Scattered clouds with chance of light rain, maybe thundery at times and slight to blow- the visit he also met the crew of the Corvette for the Qatari Amiri Naval Forces in Massarosa, Italy. He was accompanied by Qatar’s Military Attache in Italy, ing dust at places. Relatively cold by night. Brigadier General (Navy) Hilal Ali Al Muhannadi; Head of International Military Affairs, Brigadier Yousef Saleh Al Hurr; and a umbern of senior officers in the

HIGH TIDE 05:15 – 17:24 LOW TIDE 00:00 – 12:50 Qatar Armed Forces. Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Acclaimed Panamanian artist featured at Pallas Arts inaugural exhibition

RAYNALD C RIVERA simultaneously. THE PENINSULA As education is at the core of Pallas Arts mission, co- founder and CEO Mariame Farqane announced they will Internationally acclaimed soon have a project with Olga Panamanian artist Olga for children in Doha. Sinclair’s paintings are prom- “We in Pallas Arts have inently featured at Art been working hard in edu- Acquainted which is the inau- cating children through art gural exhibition of Pallas Arts- and I’m happy to announce Qatar’s first registered arts that we are going to organize brokerage launched last workshop with Olga for month. around 1,000 kids in Doha in “We are glad to have for the very near future. Olga has the second time in Qatar been hosting workshops for master artist Olga Sinclair children in Latin America and who is probably the most rec- the US aimed at providing ognised painter in Panama them sensibility toward art,” and one of the most important said Farqane. artists in Latin America. She Four paintings created by was recognised by Forbes Oreste Del Rio Sandoval (second right), Ambassador of Panama to Qatar; Francisco Navarro Olga Sinclair between 1996 to Magazine in Latin America as (left), Deputy Head of Mission; Mariame Farqane (second left), CEO of Pallas Arts, and Alvaro 2012 are on show at the one of the most powerful Mejia Perez, COO of Pallas Arts, during the press conference to launch the Art Acquainted exhibition. women artists in the whole “These are amazing pieces exhibition at Katara Building 18 yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA continent,” Panama’s Ambas- because they show the evo- sador to Qatar, Oreste Del Rio lution of the artist’s style from Sandoval, told The Peninsula and Qatar in the field of parks to streets and even the collective exhibitions figurative art to abstract art. at the exhibition’s launch at culture, the Ambassador said, desert.” spanning continents from Her artworks always talk to Scientists tag sharks in Katara Cultural Village “We have been keen on Daughter of celebrated Asia to Europe and Americas. people spiritually,” said Building 18 yesterday. keeping in touch with coun- artist Alfredo Sinclair, Olga She is also active in social Farqane, lauding the Galapagos Islands to It was in 2017 when Olga’s tries that focus on cultural started her journey in art work as chair of Olga Sinclair increasing value of Sinclair’s works first featured in an development and we find production at a young age Foundation whose vision is to work in the art market year monitor their migration exhibition in Doha during the Qatar the best partner to under the tutelage of her hone children to be full human after year. Other artists whose Latin American Festival in develop together art and father participating for the beings through contact with works are on show at the Katara which also showcased artists in our own countries. first time in a group exhi- art. In 2014, she organised a exhibition are A. Benazzouz, AFP/QUITO other artists from Latin We are lucky to be in Qatar - bition of professional artists painting activity involving Abi Green, Ignacio Chillon, American countries, said a country that takes so much at age 14. She took up art 5,084 children to set the Cyril Kongo, Feisal Al Hajri, Scientists in the Galapagos Islands have Sandoval. care of art, evident in the courses in Madrid and Guinness World Record for Lulu M, Misha Milovanovich, attached tracers to five blue sharks for the Asked to comment on the presence of public art every- London and has had over 40 the most artists contributing Pinuccio Sciola, Oscar Man- first time as part of a project to study their relations between Panama where from the airport to solo exhibitions and 200 to the same painting tilla and Yousef Bahzad. migratory patterns, Ecuador’s government said. One female and four males were tagged in a marine reserve during a six-day expe- dition to the islands of Isabela and Floreana, Katara gears up to host 7th the environment ministry said. Conservationists do not fully under- stand if blue shark migration is a seasonal Oscar Della Lirica awards phenomenon, said Alex Hearn, a marine biologist with the Galapagos Science THE PENINSULA designed and organized by Alfredo Center who was part of the team that DOHA Troisi, has as its aim the promotion, tagged the sharks. Blue sharks, which are enhancement, and revitalization of the not a threatened species, can have as many The Cultural Village Foundation — cultural and artistic value of Opera as 100 babies a year. They move in the Katara will once again host the seventh performance. open sea and tend not to come into contact edition of renowned International The Awards are given to artists with humans. Opera and Classical Music awards involved in opera performances all over Hearn said the tracking devices will ceremony the “Oscar Della Lirica” on the world, who have received the most help determine how long blue sharks March 31 at the Katara Amphitheatre. approval from critics and audiences spend in the islands off the coast of Katara first hosted the awards cer- during the previous opera season. The The finale of the Oscar Della Lirica awards hosted by Katara in 2014. Ecuador or if they are just passing through emony in 2014. Nearly 20 internationally Award does not involve age limit except the vast protected marine reserve set up renowned artistes from all over the world for the special prize “Giovani Emergenti” by the government. Commercial fishing will take part in the ceremony featuring (Rising Young talents) which has an age also be several songs performed live the Best Youth Male and Female Opera and shark hunting is banned in it. several performances in addition to six limit of 30 years old. Award categories by Opera stars during the event, with Singers during the event as well as a “We have started to receive data. We of the biggest opera singers in the world. include Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Mezzo- music played by the by Qatar Phil- special award for one of the Qatari have seen that at least two of the sharks The Doha Orchestra will also be per- Soprano, Bass, Contralto, Conductor, harmonic Orchestra. artists whose career highlights will be have moved hundreds of kilometers forming at the ceremony. Orchestra, Choir, Costume Designer, Corps An international jury made up of screened during the event. A special toward international waters and the coasts The International Opera Award de ballet, Director and Set Designer. three international experts will finale will be performed by all the award of Ecuador and Peru, and there they are “Opera Star”, promoted by the “Verona The Oscar Della Lyrica will host announce the award winners. Several winners. Katara General Manager Dr vulnerable to fishing,” said Hearn. The per l’Arena” foundation, the Italian Con- several international presenters who spectacular items will be presented Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti will speak Galapagos Islands inspired Charles Dar- federation of Associations, Opera and will announce the nominated artists as during the event on the history and during the event, highlighting Katara’s win’s theory of evolution and are a UN Symphony Foundations and many well as the winners, in three languages: career achievements of the awarded vision and objectives in hosting the natural heritage site. public and private institutions and Arabic, English and Italian. There will artists. Special awards will be given to International Opera Awards in Qatar.