www.thepeninsula.qa SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8127 10 JUMADA I - 1441 2 RIYALS

BUSINESSBU | 18 SPORT | 21 FormerF Energy Qatar SC holdd Secretary Al Duhail to Rick Perry goalless draw;w; joins Energy Al Khor shockk TransferTrT Board Al Sailiya 2-1

FM, Rouhani discuss regional stability More than 330 publishing H E the Deputy Prime houses from 31 countries Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to participate in book fair

met with Iranian SIDI MOHAMED at the Ministry of Culture and President, Iranian THE PENINSULA Sports headquarters. The press conference was Foreign Minister and With the participation of 335 attended by the Minister of the Speaker of the publishing houses from 31 Culture and Sports, H E Salah countries, the 30th edition of bin Ghanem Al Ali; Deputy Iranian Shura Council. Doha International Book Fair Chairman of the Cultural Com- will be held from January 9 to mittee of the Doha Interna- 18 at the Doha Exhibition and tional Book Fair, and the QNA — TEHRAN Convention Center. Ambassador of France to Qatar, The Fair will be held under Franck Gellet, and many other President H E Dr. Hassan the slogan “Do you then not officials of the Ministry. Rouhani of the Islamic Republic ponder?”, under the patronage Al Buainain pointed out that of Iran met last evening with of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin the number of countries par- Deputy Prime Minister and Hamad Al Thani. ticipating in this edition of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E It is being organised by the Doha International Book Fair Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- Ministry of Culture and Sports, reaches to 31 countries, which rahman Al Thani. under the supervision of the reflects that large Arab and At the beginning of the Qatar Cultural and Heritage Event foreign participation, with the meeting, H E the Deputy Prime Center. The center is keen to first time participation from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Minister and Minister of Foreign utilise all its potentials to ensure Belgium and Australia. with President H E Dr. Hassan Rouhani of the Islamic Republic of Iran, yesterday. `P2 Affairs conveyed greetings of the success of the upcoming He also said that there will Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin edition of the exhibition. be discounts on books up to 25 Hamad Al Thani to H E the people further progress and also met yesterday with Minister H E the Deputy Prime Min- “Around 335 publishing percent, as agreed with the pub- Iranian President, wishing the prosperity. of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic ister and Minister of Foreign houses will participate in the lishing houses. The number of Iranian people further devel- During the meeting, they Republic of Iran, H E Mohammad Affairs also met with Speaker event, among them Arab and the pavilions of Arabic books is opment and progress. reviewed the latest develop- Javad Zarif, during His Excel- of the Shura Council of the foreign publishers and others 559, represented by 228 pub- For his part, H E the Iranian ments on the regional arena, lency's visit to Iran. During the Islamic Republic of Iran, H E Dr. for children books. There will lishing houses, and the number President entrusted H E the especially the recent events in meeting, the two sides discussed Ali Larijani, during His Excel- be 797 pavilions in addition to of foreign pavilions is 91 Deputy Prime Minister and Iraq, as well as calm measures the latest developments on the lency’s visit to Iran. During the participation by a number of pavilions represented by 35 Minister of Foreign Affairs to to maintain the security and regional arena, especially the meeting, they discussed latest embassies,” said Jassem Al foreign publishers, while the convey his greetings to H H the stability of the region. recent events in Iraq, as well as developments on the regional Buainain, Director of Doha number of publishing houses for Amir, wishing him good health H E Deputy Prime Minister ways of calm to maintain col- arena, especially the recent International Book Fair, in a children reaches 72 publishing and happiness, and the Qatari and Minister of Foreign Affairs lective security of the region. incidents in Iraq. press conference held yesterday houses, he added. `P3 02 HOME SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR04.59 am SUNRISE 06.20 am o o Misty to foggy at places at first becomes light to blowing dust and partly cloudy with a chance of rain maybe thundery at times. ZUHR 11.39 am ASR 02.38 pm 21 C 26 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 10:24 – 00:00 LOW TIDE 05:35 – 19:16 MAGHRIB 05.00 pm ISHA 06.30 pm W ALRUWAIS: 15o↗23o W ALKHOR: 19o↗24o W DUKHAN: 20o↗22o W DOHA: 21o↗26o W MESAIEED 21o↗27o W ABUSAMRA 15o↗23o FM meets Zarif and Iran's Shura Council Speaker

LEFT: The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H E Mohammad Javad Zarif, during His Excellency's visit to Tehran, yesterday. RIGHT: H E the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs with the Speaker of the Shura Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H E Dr. Ali Larijani, during His Excellency's visit to Iran.

Sidra lab finds reasons for sleep problems in children OFFICIAL NEWS The sleep lab variety of airway diseases and Qatar strongly accurately studies conditions including large condemns blast in tonsils or adenoids. In addition, northern Afghanistan cases of obstructive the sleep lab plays a critical role in studying non-respiratory DOHA: The State of Qatar has sleep apnea and sleep disorders as a result of strongly condemned the bombing in other sleep-related neurological issues like central Mazar-i-Sharif city, northern Afghan- respiratory disorders apneas or due to behavioral istan, causing death and injuries . abnormalities,” said Dr Muna In a statement issued yesterday, caused by a variety of Maarafiya, Medical Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reit- airway diseases and the Sleep Lab at Sidra erated the State of Qatar’s firm Medicine. stance rejecting violence and ter- conditions including Depending on the physi- rorism, whatever the motives and large tonsils or cian’s recommendation, the reasons. The statement expressed sleep study will be tailored to condolences of the State of Qatar to adenoids. suit each child’s medical con- the victim’s family, the government dition in line with international and people of Afghanistan, wishing standards. The child’s move- the injured a speedy recovery. QNA FAZEENA SALEEM ments are also recorded by THE PENINSULA video with infrared to ensure the safety of the child at all Earth at closest times. The state-of-the-art six room All recordings and test The state-of-the-art six room sleep laboratory at Sidra Medicine has received over 450 children and point from sleep laboratory at Sidra results from the child’s sleep helped to find the underlining reasons behind sleep problems. Medicine has received over 450 study are then analyzed by the Sun at 10:47am children and helped to find the technologist and interpreted by underlining reasons behind tonsils or adenoids. It also assess your child’s condition observe the patients. The ded- the Sleep Lab team. Results are THE PENINSULA — DOHA sleep problems in 2019. receives children with non-res- and decide which clinic is best icated Sidra Medicine team then discussed with the parents Children with sleep piratory sleep disorders, for your child’s sleep problems,” works closely with child life along with a treatment plan The Earth will be at the nearest problems usually have under- according to senior experts. Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Division professionals to provide child- during a follow up appointment. point in its orbit around the Sun lying illnesses or conditions. The “Our Sleep Disorders Chief of Pulmonology, whose friendly and child-focused care The highly advanced six- (perihelion) today morning at sleep lab accurately studies Program have been designed department currently manages to help the children relax and room dedicated pediatric sleep 10:47 (Doha local time). cases of obstructive sleep apnea to restore a child’s normal sleep the sleep lab told The Peninsula. go to sleep. laboratory was officially inau- At this time, Earth will be and other sleep-related respi- patterns. The care at our sleep Fully equipped with modern “The Sleep Lab studies gurated in August 2019. It approximately 147 million kil- ratory disorders caused by a lab includes providers who are technologies, such as video and cases of obstructive sleep apnea started to receive children few ometres away from Sun’s variety of airway diseases and specially trained in paediatric infrared monitoring, the lab will and other sleep related respi- months before the official centre; while it was at 152 conditions including large sleep medicine. Our team will allow health experts to directly ratory disorders caused by a opening. million kilometres away from Sun’s centre on July 4, 2019. So the Sun appears larger in the sky than at any other time of year, Qatar Calendar house Shop Qatar 2020 to open with a fashion show (QCH) said in a statement. The astronomer expert at Serving as a prelude to beIN will be holding an QCH, Dr. Beshir Marzouk, said exciting family game show at Earth (and all planets) moves the Qatar-France 2020 Mirqab Mall on January 23, 24, in its orbit around Sun on Year of Culture, the 30 and 31 at 3pm in which Ellipse (elliptical) orbit, so the by-invitation fashion four families will compete distance between Earth and the through 10 levels of mental Sun’s centre varies (when the show will showcase and physical challenges. Earth arrives Perihelion and on the catwalk latest A series of concerts are in Aphelion points) by approxi- store for music lovers mately 3 percent. Moreover, the collections by Qatari including the shows by Siwar average distance between designer Hind Al Choir on January 17 at The Earth and Sun is called Astro- Pearl-Qatar 9.30pm following nomical Unite (AU), where one Rumaihi and French the first raffle draw, Disney in AU equals 149.7 million kilo- collective Faith Concert with Qatar Philhar- metres approximately. monic Orchestra from January As known, Earth reaches Connexion. 17 to 21 at Qatar National perihelion point once in a year Convention Center (QNCC), during January, also it arrives Sonu Nigam on January 23 at at aphelion one time a year

RAYNALD C RIVERA Asian Town Amphitheatre, during July. Moreover, Earth THE PENINSULA New Year Concert at on was at perihelion last time on January 25 at Katara Opera Thursday, January 3, 2019, The fourth edition of the House, PK Music Festival at while will be at perihelion next annual Shop Qatar opens on January 30 at QNCC and time on January 2, 2021. Tuesday with a fashion show Video Games Live on January Earth’s high and low tem- featuring creations by Qatari 31 at QNCC featuring the Qatar perature does not depend on and French designers, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Earth’s distance from the Sun Jawaher Al Khuzaei from Qatar National Tourism Council presents full details of Shop Qatar 2020 National Tourism Council A new feature at this year’s as the Earth at the farthest point which officially opens on Tuesday.PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA (QNTC) revealed yesterday. festival is the Chinese New from Sun during summer, Serving as a prelude to the Year Celebrations comprising while the Earth at the nearest Qatar-France 2020 Year of total worth of more than QR2 including an international on January 13 at Doha Festival dragon parade at various point from Sun during winter. Culture, the by-invitation million during the three raffle fashion show on January 23, City, and Dalal Al Refai on malls from January 25 to 31, The temperature in summer is fashion show will showcase draws spread throughout the fashion show by international January 18 at Lagoona Mall. drums show at various malls higher than winter because of on the catwalk latest collec- festival period. celebrity designer Nicholas Throughout the festival, from January 25 to 31, Chinse the tilting of Sun’s ray on the tions by Qatari designer Hind For every raffle draw, five Jebran on January 24, fashion all participating malls will fashion shows at Al Hazm on earth. Al Rumaihi and French col- lucky shoppers will win show by local designers on host free roaming shows and January 29 and Chinese arts During the winter, the Sun’s lective Faith Connexion. QR10,000 each, four winners January 25, Al Hazm collection family-friendly entertainment and crafts activities at various rays hit the Earth at an extreme The full details of the will receive QR20,000 each, fashion show on January 26 as well as a colourful lights malls from January 25 to 30 angle (Sun’s ray is tilting on the 25-day shopping festival was two will get QR50,000 each, and 27 and Chinese fashion and confetti show every which include umbrella northern hemisphere), and the presented yesterday before and one winner will bag show on January 29. In weekend. The shows will painting, Chinese calligraphy days are very short, while the media by Jawaher Al- QR100,000, one lucky addition, Mirqab Mall will be include Masha and The Bear and face painting. during summer the Sun’s rays Khuzaei from QNTC. shopper will win a Mini presenting a kids fashion from January 9to 15 (three In addition, the third hit the Earth at a more direct The festival will be Cooper Hatchback and show featuring Al Mana Group shows a day), Shaun the Sheep edition of the breathtaking angle (vertical) than during offering discounts of up to another winner will get to brands on January 24. from January 16-22 (3 shows Aspire Lake Festival will be winter, and also because of the 70% and for every QR 200 take home a BMW 730 Li. There will also be a day), Justice League Parade held on January 10 at Aspire days are much longer than the spent at participating shops One of the highlights of the make-up masterclasses by from January 21 to 31, solo Park under the theme “Tree nights during the summer on in any of the festival’s retail festival are fashion-forward famous beauty experts musicians from January 9 to of Life.” The press conference northern hemisphere, Dr. partners, shoppers will get a events including fashion including Hanan Al Najada on 11, 16 to 18, 24 and 31, and held at Al Hazm yesterday was Marzouk added. chance to win any of the six shows majority of which will January 14 January at Park lights and confetti show attended by Shop Qatar 2020 The planet ‘Earth’ is the cars and cash prizes with a be held at the opulent Al Hazm Hyatt Hotel, Hanan Al Najada throughout the festival. partners. third planet from the Sun. SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 HOME 03

The Minister of Culture and Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali (third left), with Franck Gellet, Ambassador of France to Qatar (second left), and other officials at the Doha International Book Fair press conference at the Ministry of Culture and Sports, yesterday. RIGHT: The Deputy Chairman of the Cultural Committee of the Doha International Book Fair and Director of Doha International Book Fair, Jassem Al Buainain, during the press conference. PICS: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA Over 330 publishing houses from 31 countries to take part in book fair FROM PAGE 1 “In Qatar, there are no intel- The Fair coincides participation is the largest from selection of the enlightenment the Fair from various aspects. Al Buainain said that the lectual or political restrictions the private Qatari publishing as the title of this exhibition. The activities of the “Qatar Fair coincides with the launch against any book, or any pub- with the launch of houses, with the participation A number of ministries and School” include a set of various of the Qatar-France Year of lisher or writer, and we did not the Qatar-France of Lusail Publishing and Distri- governmental institutions will programmes and activities, Culture 2020, which will give a reject any book except few Year of Culture 2020, bution House, Rosa Publishing participate in the exhibition, which combine theatre, and greater chance for a significant books where there is racial House, Zakrit Publishing House, including the Ministry of Awqaf drawing. presence of French participants abuse or the books which which will give a Al-Watad for Books and Publi- and Islamic Affairs; the Ministry Around 13 training work- in the fair and its diverse cul- promote racism. Otherwise, we greater chance for a cations and others, Al Hajri of Education and Higher Edu- shops will be held within the tural presence and also to would have accepted them. noted. cation; the Ministry of Com- Fair activities. The Fair man- promote mutual understanding, Even some writers whose works significant presence of The Ambassador of France merce and Industry; the agement is keen to provide all recognition and appreciation had criticized Qatar but we French participants in to Qatar, Franck Gellet said: “I Planning and Statistics facilities and services for the between both sovereign nations. allowed their books.” would like to express our great Authority; the Police College; visitors of the exhibition. France is the guest of honor at For his part, Radi Al Hajri, the fair and its diverse pleasure in hosting the France Qatar University; the Katara Services to be offered at the Fair Doha International Book Fair said: “We in the Cultural Com- cultural presence. as the guest of cultural honour Prize for the Arabic Novel; Qatar include metal carts for carrying 2020. mittee of the Fair will held 21 for the 30th Doha International Museums; Hamad Bin Khalifa books, porter service, restau- Regarding the demand of workshops, poetry activities, Book Fair.” University for Publishing; the rants and cafes, ATMs and other the Fair, the Minister of Culture French musical activity, and in the event, he said. The Ambassador thanked all NHRC, and Arab Center for services. and Sports, H E Salah bin other activities aimed at devel- Regarding the timings of the those responsible for the Doha Research and Policy Studies. The Doha International Ghanem Al Ali, said that all oping cultural advancement Fair, Al Hajri said that the exhi- International Book Fair in its Also within the framework Book Fair is considered as one numbers were on increase and promoting culture.” bition will be held from 9am current edition, headed by the of exchanges with Gulf exhibi- of the largest international book whether publishing houses or The embassy of the United until 9pm, except Friday when Minister of Culture and Sports, tions, pavilions from GCC coun- fairs held in the region due to the number of pavilions States of America, Embassy of it will remain open from 3pm H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali. tries will participate in the Fair the great demand witnessed in therefore the organising com- Japan, Embassy of Palestine, until 10pm, while on Thursday, The French Ambassador from Kuwait and Oman. Arab and foreign countries, mittee had rejected partici- Embassy of Kyrgyzstan, activities will be held from 9am announced the cultural On the sidelines of the exhi- which has been increasing since pation of some publishers and Embassy of the Philippines and to 10pm. exchange between Qatar and bition, a number of various the establishment of its first chose only the best ones. Syrian Embassy will participate In this edition, the Qatari France in this exhibition and the activities will be held that enrich edition in the year 1972. Shop Qatar 2020 to attract more tourists Opening on Tuesday, the fourth edition of Shop “January promises to be one of the most exciting Qatar promises 25 days of colourful celebration months of the year with this of the country’s retail and entertainment whole exercise of enter- offerings catered to both residents and visitors tainment, fashion shows, master classes, and concerts. to explore and enjoy Qatar’s diverse retail It is going to be a really offering including everything from luxury malls world-class shopping event,” said Al Shawa, adding there and high-end boutique venues to themed, are other events that will entertainment-rich shopping centres, as well as coincide with the festival such as the Qatar ExxonMobil authentic souqs and bazaars. Open 2020, the 30th Doha International Book Fair and the third Aspire Lake RAYNALD C RIVERA shopping centres, as well as Festival. THE PENINSULA authentic souqs and bazaars. She added this edition of “With Qatar Airways and the festival “has been esca- Touted as a world-class the Qatar National Tourism lated and we have taken it to shopping event, Shop Qatar Council joining hands, this another level and hopefully 2020 is expected to entice year in particular we have every year it will be even more tourists to visit Qatar done global promotions to more world-class shopping. with its well-curated shows, bring in more tourists with We are trying to make it unbeatable shopping promo- some packages including really an international event.” tions and attractive travel and airline tickets and hotel Qatar Airways is one of hospitality packages. accommodation,” Salam Al the official Shop Qatar 2020 Opening on Tuesday, the Shawa, Senior Vice-President partners which also include fourth edition of Shop Qatar of Marketing and Corporate the Ministry of Commerce, promises 25 days of colourful Communications, Qatar Salam Al Shawa, Senior Vice-President, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Qatar Airways, Katara Hospitality and The celebration of the country’s Airways, said yesterday at a speaking at the Shop Qatar 2020 press conference, yesterday, at Dar Al Karam Restaurant in Al Hazm. Ritz-Carlton Doha, Alfardan PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA retail and entertainment press conference held at Al Automobiles-BMW, Vodafone, offerings catered to both res- Hazm to reveal the full details Qatar Television and Al Hazm. idents and visitors to explore of this year’s Shop Qatar. Kuwait which include return Qatar specially for the application process through Launched in 2016, Shop and enjoy Qatar’s diverse In line with Shop Qatar, it flights, two nights (plus shopping festival will enjoy its new Visa Portal through Qatar was aimed at enriching retail offering including eve- was announced that Qatar breakfast) at 5, 4 and 3-star seamless experience and easy which applications will be the country’s tourism offering rything from luxury malls and Airways Holidays is offering hotels, and a free shopping access as the Ministry of the processed within 24 hours for while positioning Qatar as a high-end boutique venues to fly-and-stay packages to vis- transfer tour. Interior (MoI) is offering vis- those identifying Shop Qatar major shopping destination themed, entertainment-rich itors from both Oman and Tourists travelling to itors a more streamlined as the reason for their visit. in the region. MoTC to hold 11 interactive sessions under DTSME IRFAN BUKHARI Security Solutions & Risk of These interactive using modern technology in the 20 while ‘The Digital Road to Reality and Artificial THE PENINSULA External Threats in IT’. business sector, it adds. Industry 4.0 and Beyond’ will Intelligence. ‘Smart Wireless Solutions sessions are aimed at A session under new phase be the theme of last session to With the extension of the The Ministry of Transport and for Hospitality’ and ‘Cloud accelerating digital of DTSME titled ‘Digital Adver- be held on January 22. DTSME programme, MoTC Communications (MoTC) will Platform to an Intelligent tising - How to effectively In November last year on further aims to strengthen the organise 11 interactive sessions Enterprises’ sessions will be transformation of market your business online to the sidelines of QITCOM 2019, ecosystem of business estab- starting from tomorrow to held on January 7 and 8, 2019 small and medium increase your awareness, the Digital Transformation for lishments through digital January 22 under its ‘Digital respectively. traffic, and sales?’ will be held Small and Medium Business empowerment in key sectors Transformation for Small and On January 9, under businesses in Qatar on January 13 while on January Enterprises (DTSME) had by creating value for all stake- Medium Business Enterprises DTSME, a interactive session under initiative’s new 14 another session will focus on announced the digital accel- holders in Qatar’s digital (DTSME)’ program. will be held on ‘Software as a ‘Smart Communications Solu- erator program — the next economy. These interactive sessions Service & Custom Devel- phase. tions for Health Care’. phase of its digital transfor- Officially launched in 2018, are aimed at accelerating opment’ while another session Another important session mation objective of trans- the DTSME program enabled digital transformation of small on ‘Arab Women in Tech V.4’ titled, ‘How to Launch an forming businesses in Qatar. technology partners to connect and medium businesses in will be held on January 12. Ministry said on the website. Online Travel Startup in 6 The digital accelerator with SMEs easily over a set of Qatar under initiative’s new The Ministry of Transport Considering the national Weeks’ will be conducted on program is an enriched interactive sessions detailed on phase. and Communications (MoTC) importance given to developing January 15 while ‘eCommerce version of the DTSME the online portal www. According to information is committed to developing and the Small and Medium Business & Digital Payments Solutions - program, with a realigned GoDigital.qa. The program’s on the official website and sustaining Qatar’s ICT sector Enterprises (SME) of Qatar, it is Growing SME Business’ will be focus on sector, business portal served a dual purpose of social media pages of the Min- through different activities. The within the mandate of the gov- the theme of another inter- establishment segments and transferring knowledge, tools, istry of Transport and Commu- mission of the Ministry is to ernment to initiate programs active session to be held on technology domains. It is tar- and opportunities; and it also nications, the first session will support the development of that encourage the usage of January 16. geted at increasing the overall provides a physical and virtual be held on January 6 Qatar’s knowledge-based information technology in ‘Emerging Tech - Virtual ranking of the country in uti- space for businesses and SMEs (tomorrow) under the title economy by developing and small and medium scale enter- Reality – Visualization’ will be lising Emerging Technologies, to network. The program has ‘External Threats and Solutions growing a sustainable and prises, and enhancing the subject of a session such as Internet of Things, executed around 250 inter- in the Digital Age. Cyber innovative ICT eco-system, the awareness of the benefits of scheduled to be held on January Virtual Reality, Augmented active sessions till date. 04 HOME SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 Daily bulletin brings down fish prices by 23%: Ministry

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH The Ministry started issuing a daily bulletin of THE PENINSULA the maximum prices of fish and seafood from The Ministry of Commerce and September 9, 2019 which helped in stabilising Industry has said that fish prices the prices in the local market, where the declined about 23 percent compulsory price bulletin issued by the Ministry during the past four months compared to same period in on a daily basis took into account the benefit to 2018 thanks to the daily bulletin the fishermen, merchants and consumers. of fish prices. The popular king-fish (locally called Kanad) witnessed an average price fall of about seafood in the local market, fish at reasonable and balanced 26 percent during the period of where the compulsory price prices, in order to limit unjus- study from September 9, 2019 bulletin issued by the ministry tified price increases. to December 30, 2019, com- on a daily basis took into The Ministry also carried out pared to the same period in account the benefit between the inspection campaigns during 2018. relevant parties (the fisherman, the previous period on sales The price of Siganus rivu- merchant and consumer). outlets and consumer com- latus (Safi fish) declined 30 The bulletin achieved a bal- plexes to monitor the lack of percent, said the Ministry in its anced profit margin for both the compliance by sales outlets and consumer report on the prices fisherman and the trader and consumer complexes with the of fish and seafood, issued in maintained reasonable and compulsory bulletin of fish. And January. In month to month appropriate price levels for the seafood. These campaigns come comparison, the fish prices consumer, through conducting within the framework of the Customers buying fish from a vendor at fish market. went down by 32 percent in studies and comparisons of the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s October followed by 27 percent types and prices prevailing keenness to monitor the in November and 24 percent in during the current period and markets and commercial activ- markets in line with its juris- balance in the relationship the bulletin in a prominent and December 2019 compared to comparing them with price ities in the country in order to diction and taking the necessary between consumers and sup- clear place and providing the the same period in 2018. averages in the same period control prices and detect abuses measures to protect consumers, pliers or merchants, in order to buyer with a detailed invoice. The Ministry started issuing during the past years to find in order to protect the rights of combat commercial fraud, protect the commercial and The initiative also compels mer- a daily bulletin of the maximum reasonable profit margins for consumers. promote competition and economic environment. chants to comply with the prices for selling fish and both the hunter and the trader. The initiative of issuance of prevent monopolistic The initiative emphasised storage conditions of fish and seafood from September 9, The Ministry indicated that daily price list comes within the practices. the importance of abiding by seafood in accordance with 2019, which helped in stabil- it has sought through this pro- framework of the Ministry’s role Through the initiative, the the maximum prices outlined applicable health and safety ising the prices of fish and cedure to provide the types of in overseeing and regulating Ministry aims to maintain a in the daily bulletin, displaying standards. Ooredoo announces Silver Sponsorship for Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 THE PENINSULA — DOHA Some of the world’s top tennis players have Ooredoo announced yesterday confirmed their attendance, including three- it would continue its support for time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open at the 2020 event with Silver Switzerland and 2012 champion Jo-Wilfried Sponsorship. Tsonga. Tickets will be on sale online The 28th edition of the ATP 250 tournament, a popular at qatartennis.org, as well as at the fixture on the tour, is set to be tournament venue. held at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha from January 6-11. 2010 Monte Carlo Rolex social responsibility strategy is Some of the world’s top Masters. The event serves as an emphasis on supporting tennis players have confirmed the opener for the tennis sporting events that raise their attendance, including season, offering players the awareness of health and fitness three-time Grand Slam chance to warm up and prepare within our communities. We champion Stan Wawrinka of for the 2019 Grand Slam events look forward to welcoming the Switzerland and 2012 champion such as the Australian Open, on world’s greatest tennis players Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. the calendar two weeks later in to another exciting event with Other contenders include Melbourne, Australia. lots of great matches being Shine Gold & Diamonds announces draw winner 2013 champion Richard Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, played.” Gasquet, 2018 finalist Audrey Director PR and Corporate Tickets for the 2020 Qatar Shine Gold & Diamonds has announced the winner of the second lucky raffle draw of the ‘Winter Rublev, 2016 Wimbledon Communications at Ooredoo, ExxonMobil Open will be on Shopping @ Shine’ promotion campaign. The draw for Renault Duster SUV was held at Safari Mall, finalist Milos Raonic and Doha said of the support: “We’re sale online at qatartennis.org, Abu Hamour, on December 31, 2019. The winner, Alberto De Leon, a Filipino national (coupon number resident Fernando Verdasco, delighted to be partnering with at dedicated kiosks at Doha 56340), is seen with the Executive Director of Shine Gold & Diamond, Abdul Hameed, and other the 2009 Australian Open the ATP Tour again this year, as Festival City and City Center, officials. The third raffle draw will be heldon February 2, 2020, at Gold Souq - Doha. semi-finalist and finalist at the a key part of our corporate and at the tournament venue. Qatar Scientific Club holds open day for cars at Lusail International Circuit QNA - DOHA simulate the racetracks, which for the scientific club car des- simplify the steps to enter in and providing a safe envi- capable of competition at the the scientific club prepared for ignated for races, in order to this field through available ronment for practicing local and global levels, and Qatar Scientific Club has this purpose, as global circuit unify the capabilities of the local opportunities and to motor hobby. coordinate future events or organised an open day for cars models and various types of car. The contestant Hamad Al show the correct ways to fix This initiative aims to train championships in the Lusail at Lusail International Circuit cars were developed with the Sulaiti was ranked first, the car instead of costly and develop young people International Circuit, and with the participation of 35 aim of empowering young Mubarak Al Khalifa took the spending on equipment and who want to improve their highlighting their talents and contestants. people from the new con- second place, while in the fixing that harm the car, and leadership in the circuit, the spirit of competition Vehicle inspection of the testants and testing their third place was Hossam Al guide young people to enter provide instructions and among them by organising participating cars was con- driving skills in a realistic Qatami. the races in a more profes- advice to them regarding the events and championships in ducted before the start of the manner. In 2017, the Qatari Sci- sional manner, helping preparation and maintenance a safe environment away from race aiming to test partici- On the sidelines of the entific Club launched an ini- beginners in the field of cars of cars required before, during the streets and places where pants’ driving skills. In this event, ten contestants com- tiative in order to spread the or engines in general to and after their participation in they may cause danger to field, drivers were trained to peted to achieve the best time motor sport culture and enter competitions, the circuit, develop a team others.

Spring Festival at Souq Waqif concludes The third edition of the Spring Festival concluded yesterday at Souq Waqif in Doha. The event, featuring an array of cultural programmes and entertainment activities, attracted a large number of visitors including international tourists, giving them an opportunity to enjoy various art forms. PICS: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 HOME 05 HMC’s Bone and Joint Center performs 100th robot-assisted knee joint replacement surgery

THE PENINSULA - DOHA “Qatar has been investing heavily in the healthcare sector Hamad Medical Corporation’s to ensure it can keep up with (HMC) Bone and Joint Center the latest medical and surgical has performed its 100th robot- trends and comply with the assisted knee joint replacement highest international standards, surgery using MAKOplasty and this surgical advancement advanced technology. In March is one of the results of this 2018, the Bone and Joint Center investment. By providing high- became the first healthcare quality and safe healthcare facility in Qatar and the MENA services to its patients, HMC’s A team of orthopedic surgeons from the Bone and Joint Center of Hamad Medical Corporation. region to introduce this highly Bone and Joint Center is playing advanced surgical technology. an important role in the accom- Dr Mohamed Al Ateeq Al Dosari The surgery was performed plishment of Qatar’s health performed last week marked follow-up in our outpatient number of patients on the at the Center’s Short Stay Unit sector mission. As soon as the the 100th surgical procedure clinics where they are provided waiting list for knee arthro- by a team of orthopedic sur- treatment options. development of MAKOplasty performed using this with pain management care and plasty, which led to the geons from the Bone and Joint “Robot-assisted knee joint replacement technology technology. treatment for any complica- improvement of hospital per- Center led by Dr Mohamed arthroplasty technology offers was announced, we strived to “Medical and surgical tions. We also refer the patients formance, especially on logis- Mubarak Al Ateeq Al Dosari, many additional advantages obtain this advanced tech- advances and the continued to the Physiotherapy tical and financial levels. This Senior Consultant and Head of compared to traditional surgery, nology to enable our patients to improvement of nursing and Department to help improve clinical pathway has led to sig- Orthopedic Surgery Department including less damage to the benefit from it. We entered into allied healthcare services have their mobility and they can nificant improvements in peri- and Director of the Bone and tissues surrounding the knee, lengthy negotiations to import meant that this kind of surgery usually get back to their normal operative patient counseling Joint Center. The team also improved bone cutting pre- this advanced technology to can now be performed in a daily life within three months and education. included Dr Issam Al cision, shorter operative times, Qatar, which was at that time short-stay unit setting. We care- of surgery. The impressive Patient awareness and Muhaireeq, Dr Shamsi Abdul and less post-operative pain for exclusive to healthcare facilities fully screen our patients before success rate of this new surgical overall satisfaction have also Hameed and Dr Muatassim the patient. This has encouraged in the USA,” added Dr Al Ateeq. selecting them as possible can- technique has encouraged more increased, due to the encour- Salama. The surgery was per- more patients around the world Dr Issam Al Muhaireeq said didates for this surgery, and patients to request to have their aging success rate of this sur- formed for a 71-year-old female to opt for robotic surgery the new technology has helped then we prepare them for the knee arthroplasty done at the gical technique and its positive patient with severe knee oste- treatment options, which in turn in the treatment and rehabili- procedure. Patients are nor- Bone and Joint Center,” added outcomes in terms of improved oarthritis to improve her led to the advancement of tation of a large number of mally discharged home on the Dr Al Muhaireeq. post-operative mobility and mobility after she had tried all robotic surgery technologies,” patients since its introduction same day of the surgery and are The outpatient care the reduced post-operative available conservative said Dr Mohamed Al Ateeq. and the surgery that was then referred for post-operative pathway has helped reduce the pain. Bedaya concludes 2019 winter camp THE PENINSULA - DOHA creative thinking and other related These camps have been designed aspects that must be known to start to educate the youth and raise Bedaya Center for Entrepreneurship and continue in their future projects. awareness about entrepreneurship, and Career Development (Bedaya Moreover, recreational trips and many developing their skills and taking Center), a joint initiative by Qatar activities were included as well to add advantage of their holidays, and urging Development Bank and Silatech, a fun atmosphere in the camp. them to do and learn new things that concluded its 2019 winter camp which The participants also competed will enrich their capabilities and took place from December 24, 2019, among each other to present ideas for expand their horizons to start planning to January 2, 2020. different projects. for their future projects.” The 10-day camp was held to raise These projects where displayed in “During the camp, we provided an awareness among the youth about the final exhibition which took place opportunity for all participants to entrepreneurship and witnessed huge after the camp where the first three benefit from the most important con- participation from the age group 16 to winners were named. All participants cepts and foundations for entrepre- 24 years old. were given “50 hours volunteer” neurship through a number of educa- The camp included visits to a certificates. tional workshops. number of projects owned by Qatari Commenting on the successful "These workshops showed them entrepreneurs to give participants the winter camp for 2019, Hanane the most important theoretical con- opportunity of job shadowing at these Ibrahim, Business Development cepts on how to apply business skills projects to experience the work envi- Manager at Bedaya Center said: “We realistically, and to build a clear vision ronment and familiarize with the life are delighted to see the large turnout about the values, rules and standards Participants during the Bedaya Winter Camp. of an entrepreneur. for the 2019 version of our Winter pursued by institutions and companies A group of workshops were also Camp, which is a continuation of the through the job shadowing opportu- held to highlight several concepts, such camps initiative that the Center holds nities provided to them, which was a "We also extend our sincere grat- provided support and care to Bedaya as the best reasons for building a dis- twice a year during two different real and tangible chance to get close itude and appreciation to all institu- Winter Camp,” Hanane Ibrahim tinguished team, leadership methods, periods. to the various fields and sectors. tions, companies and individuals who added. 06 HOME SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 Mazzraty donates to QC’s ‘Warmth and Peace’ campaign

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Qatar Charity (QC) has received a donation from the National Group for Agricultural and Animal Production Mazzraty, which is one (Mazzraty) for the ‘Warmth and Peace’ of the leading groups in winter campaign launched by Qatar Qatar and the region, Charity recently to support refugees and displaced worldwide. plays a major role in Abdulaziz Jassem, Director of the supporting the Qatari Customer Service Department at Qatar Charity, received the donation cheque economy and local from Moaaz Rankoussi, executive growth,” said Abdulaziz director of Mazzraty, in the presence Jassem, appreciating of many officials from both sides. “Mazzraty, which is one of the Mazzraty’s contribution leading groups in Qatar and the region, to humanitarian action plays a major role in supporting the carried out by Qatar Qatari economy and local growth,” said Jassem, appreciating Mazzraty’s con- Charity. tribution to humanitarian action carried out by Qatar Charity. He also thanked Mazzraty man- executive director of Mazzraty, said: agement for the donation, emphasizing “This donation comes, as part of our the importance of partnership in pro- social responsibility towards the com- moting humanitarian action to max- munity, to support the humanitarian imize the number of beneficiaries. and charitable work carried out by Abdulaziz Jassem, Director of the Customer Service Department at Qatar Charity, receiving the donation cheque from He also hoped that cooperation Qatar Charity,” underling that Mazzraty Moaaz Rankoussi, Executive Director of Mazzraty, in the presence officials from both sides. from Mazzraty would continue to would constantly support Qatar Char- support Qatar Charity’s relief and ity’s charitable projects that would development projects, calling on other enhance the bright face of Qatar and coincide with the Qatar National Day the local community. countries, including those displaced companies to do likewise in support its people. celebrations and it has donated one It is worth noting that Qatar Char- from Idlib. Some 500,000 people are of charitable projects meant for those He added that the donation was riyal for each product sold during three ity’s ‘Warm and Peace’ campaign con- expected to benefit from shelter, food, most in need worldwide. raised within the framework of a cam- days, expressing the keenness to par- tinues to provide assistance to refugees, and heating aids provided within the On his part, Moaaz Rankoussi, paign organized by Mazzraty to ticipate in activities that would benefit the displaced, and affected in 17 campaign. AZF’s 3rd Lake Festival on January 10

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Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) announced the 3rd Lake Festival with the show titled “Tree of Life”. The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, (January 10, 2020) starting 7pm at Aspire Park - the gates will open for public at 5pm and will close at 6:30pm. The 3nd Aspire Lake Fes- tival is set to take spectators through half-hour topnotch performances which will showcase series of stories about Peace, Love, Family and Hap- piness. Magnificent Fireworks are also set to light up the sky Safari names 2nd lucky draw winners of Aspire Park during the show finale. Safari Win 20 Toyota Corolla Cars Promotion’s prize handing over ceremony for the winners of 2nd AZF organises such inter- lucky draw was held at Safari Hypermarket Al Khor on December 22, 2019. Safari management staff nationally celebrated events at Qatar’s lovely weather during The tickets categorized into handed over Toyota Corolla car keys to the winners. its world-class indoor and this time of the year. Gold and Silver are available for outdoor facilities, as part of its AZF is committed to purchase at Aspire Park next to commitment to support Qatar’s boosting the tourism and Burgeri, major restaurants in Aligarh Muslim Sports and Entertainment leisure sectors in Qatar by Katara and via online booking sectors. introducing new activities to through Q-Tickets website. University Through its events, AZF attract and excite visitors. Due The event is organised by seeks to engage with as many to this innovative approach, Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) Alumni holds community members as pos- Aspire Park has become one of in partnership with Vodafone sible and encourage them to go the most popular destinations Qatar, Qatar Airways, Ali Bin Ali out with their friends and fam- for both recreational and Holding and Qatar Tourism get together ilies to enjoy the outdoors and sporting events. Authority. THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Aligarh Muslim University Alumni organised its get together Al Khor and Al Zakhira Municipality recently at Museum of Islamic Art Park, Doha. The event was attended by over 50 expatriate removes encroachment in state property alumni and guests. The added attractions of the event were the THE PENINSULA — DOHA The municipality appeals to animal farms during the coming discussion of guests. the citizens and residents to period to ensure compliance Jawed Ahmad, President of Al Khor-and-Al Zakhira Munic- visit the its headquarters to with the terms of the contract. AMU Alumni Association Qatar, ipality in cooperation with the obtain the necessary approvals The inspectors will also monitor informed that this association Department of Mechanical and licenses in the case of and remove all existing viola- is now affiliated with Indian Members of Aligarh Muslim University Alumni during their get Equipment and Internal building the buildings, tions and take the necessary Community Benevolent Forum together at Museum of Islamic Art Park. Security Force, Lekhwiya, according to the conditions and actions against the violators. (ICBF) run under Indian carried out an operation to specifications specific to each The Ministry asked animal Embassy Qatar, so all the reg- remove the encroachment in case. In case of any inquiries or farms to cooperate with its ulations and laws to be this job and election for new Farman informed that there are the state property in Ras complaints, they can call 184. inspectors and rectify all viola- followed. unified team to be notified three other alumni bodies Meridija area. Meanwhile, The Ministry of tions in compliance with the Ahmad informed that their accordingly. Dr. Nadeem Zafar expecting to be unified. The violation was recorded Municipality and Environment laws, regulations and require- governing council is working Jilani; Mohammed Farman Members were apprised of the under building without a has called upon the animal ments regulating farming activ- for unification to bring all Khan; Faisal Naseem; Danish Constitution and Rules & Reg- license within the geographical farms recently to adhere to the ities, so that whoever violates alumni bodies under one Ali Khan including the Pres- ulations of which are in con- scope of the Municipality of Al regulations and to avoid all kind the norms will be subjected to umbrella and is getting full ident Jawed Ahmad and many formance with the established Khor and Al Zakhira, in vio- of violations. The Ministry legal accountability in support from its members and more well-wishers started the rules of the Indian Embassy lation of the provisions of Law noted that its authorities con- accordance with the provisions Embassy. Many unification campaign. (Qatar) and local government No. 10 of 1987 regarding public cerned will implement of the laws applicable in this coordinators are assigned for Unification Coordinator regulations of Qatar. and private property inspection drives on the sites of regard. Qatar Red Crescent Society deploys medical convoy to Bangladesh THE PENINSULA — DOHA medical suppliers in Doha, perform such procedures. The while the remaining were pro- Medical Convoy program is Qatar Red Crescent Society cured from the authorized sup- funded exclusively by individual (QRCS) has deployed a medical plier of the National Institute of and institutional donors in convoy to Bangladesh, under Cardiovascular Diseases Qatar. This shows how your the Little Hearts program. Over (NICVD) in Dhaka, which will donations are key to save the 10 days, a specialist medical host the procedures. “The lives of many ill children in team will perform cardiac cath- medical convoy is planned to underserved countries,” said eterizations for 100 children perform diagnostic and inter- Dr. Alamelhoda. with congenital heart defects. ventional cardiac catheteriza- He urged the donors in They include physicians and tions to correct heart abnormal- Qatar to extend help to assistants from the United ities in 100 children. We seek humanity by supporting this States, Jordan, Palestine, and to help them to regain their noble program. “We appeal to Qatar. normal lives and bring relief to your sense of solidarity and The mission is coordinated the parents that their little kids altruism,” he said. with Bangladesh Red Crescent are safe,” said Dr. Khaled Later this month, another Society (BDRCS), Hamad Alamelhoda, QRCS’s Medical medical convoy is set to launch Medical Corporation (HMC), and Convoy Program Coordinator. in Jakarta, Indonesia, to treat 35 Sidra Medicine. The total budget He said that focus will be on poor children born with heart is $202,157 (QR 737,873). the critical cases from the problems. The mission at the Most of the medical poorest families. “The cost is too cost of $105,591 will be coordi- The members of a medical convoy to Bangladesh, under the Little Hearts programme launched by equipment and consumables high, and there are few physi- nated with the Indonesian Red Qatar Red Crescent Society. were procured from HMC and cians in the country who can Cross Society (PMI). SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 HOME / MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 HBKU Press to launch over 100 new titles at Doha International Book Fair

THE PENINSULA - DOHA For a 10th Palmer-Wright, the book consecutive year, reflects HBKU Press’ growing As part of its commitment to interest in the health and promoting a vibrant literary and HBKU Press will wellness genre. scholarly community across participate in this A number of authors will Qatar and the Middle East, book fair and launch also visit the booth over the Hamad Bin Khalifa University course of the Fair to sign copies Press (HBKU Press) will have a during this coming and read extracts from their robust presence at Doha Inter- edition an eclectic publications. national Book Fair 2020. long list of books On January 13, HBKU Press For a 10th consecutive will host Dalal Ghanim Al year, HBKU Press will partic- spanning all genres. Romaihi, the author of Where ipate in this book fair and Is My Teacher? The 14-year-old Jarrah Bateiha’s Spring Bloom. at the Doha International Book to academic and reference launch during this coming Qatar Academy student follows The HBKU Press booth will also Fair. Qatar’s premier literary materials, and more, our new edition an eclectic long list of English as well as translated in her mother’s footsteps – stage a series of seminars and event provides the ideal titles amply demonstrate that books spanning all genres. works from other languages. Muneera Saad Al Romaihi - to signing ceremonies. opportunity to underline HBKU we publish something for eve- Between January 9 and 18, the These include A Beautiful become the second published Speaking ahead of the Fair, Press’ commitment to pro- ryone. We’re undoubtedly HBKU Press booth will Balance: A Wellness Guide to author in the family. Other Rima Ismail, Outreach and moting a love of reading and looking forward to continuing showcase over 100 new titles Healthy Eating and Feeling readings include Balsem Special Projects Manager, writing at home and abroad. our participation at the Doha including a mix of original lan- Great. Written by health coach Amura’s My Happy Language HBKU Press, said, “We always From fiction and non-fiction International Book Fair over guage works in Arabic and and nutritionist Zoë and Sadia Mir’s and Summer Al look forward to participating for adults and children, the years ahead.” Syria death toll tops 380,000 in almost nine-year war: Monitor Families continue protest against AFP — BEIRUT across Syria and were brutally Shia group Hezbollah whose powerful allies Russia and Iran, militants of HTS. An escalation suppressed by the regime, trig- members have been fighting in Syrian President Bashar Al in violence there in recent PKK for over 120 Almost nine years of civil war gering a multi-front armed con- Syria since 2013. Assad has inched his way back weeks has caused 284,000 in Syria has left more than flict that has drawn in militants The war has also taken the in recent years to controlling people to flee their homes, days in Turkey 380,000 people dead including and foreign powers. lives of more than 69,000 almost two-thirds of the according to the United Nations. over 115,000 civilians, a war The conflict has displaced opposition, Islamist, and country. In the northeast, Turkish ANATOLIA — DIYARBAKIR monitor said in a new toll or sent into exile around 13 Kurdish-led fighters. That comes after a string of troops and some other groups yesterday. million Syrians, causing billions It has killed more than victories against rebels and mil- control a strip of land along the On its 124th day, many families The Syrian Observatory for of dollars-worth of destruction. 67,000 militants, mainly from itants since 2015, but also his border after seizing it from took part in an ongoing Human Rights, which has a The Britain-based Observ- the Islamic State group and forces being deployed to parts Kurdish fighters. months-long sit-in protest network of sources across the atory’s last casualty toll on the Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), a of the northeast of the country Kurdish-led forces control outside the provincial office of country, said they included Syrian conflict, issued in March group dominated by Syria’s under a deal. the far east Syria, where US a political party in south- around 22,000 children and last year, stood at more than former Al Qaeda affiliate. Several parts of the country, troops have been deployed near eastern Turkey against the more than 13,000 women. 370,000 dead. The total death toll does not however, remain beyond the major oil fields. PKK group, also known as The conflict flared after The latest toll included more include some 88,000 people reach of the Damascus Syria’s conflict is estimated YPG. unprecedented anti-gov- than 128,000 Syrian and non- who died of torture in regime government. to have set its economy back Dozens of mothers started ernment protests in the Syrian pro-regime fighters. jails, or thousands missing after They include the last major three decades. It has destroyed the protest on September 3 southern city of Daraa on March More than half of those being abducted by all sides in opposition bastion of Idlib, a infrastructure and paralysing outside the Diyarbakir offices 15, 2011. were Syrian soldiers, while the conflict. region of some three million the production of electricity and of the Peoples’ Democratic Demonstrations spread 1,682 were from the Lebanese With the support of people that is ruled by the oil. Party (HDP), a party accused by the government of having links to the terrorist PKK group, when Fevziye Netanyahu clings to power Cetinkaya, Remziye Akkoyun, and Aysegul Bicer said their as corruption cases loom children had been forcibly recruited by PKK terrorists. ANATOLIA — JERUSALEM analyst said, “Netanyahu was Since then, the number of able to build a circle of an families in front of the building Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin alliance in the Israeli media is growing as they demand the Netanyahu became the first that would defend him against return of their children, who, leader in his country’s history anyone and anything.” The they claim, were deceived or to be accused of corruption second is more important and kidnapped by terrorists. during his tenure. is that Netanyahu’s ability to Yildiz Balli, who joined the Netanyahu, however, change the popular metaphor protests from the central unlike former Prime Minister of Israeli society. Konya province, said the fam- Ehud Olmert, did not resign According to Shalhat, on the ilies are determined to con- when faced with formal cor- one hand, Netanyahu tinue the protest. ruption cases. He rather strengthened the rule of the They will not leave decided to go head first against Israeli right, particularly set- although it is winter and cold the attorney general’s decision tlers, securing hundreds of outside. and run for another term. thousands of voters. Her daughter Yasemin was Ten years ago, Netanyahu, “On the second hand, taken away six years ago, Balli a prime minister immersed in Netanyahu opened the Israeli said, and that she smells her allegations of corruption, had market to foreign investment daughter’s shirt everyday. no “public or moral mandate and during his rule, the state “I can’t stand it anymore, A December 12, 2019 file photo shows tents at a camp for displaced Syrians at Khirbet Al Joz in the to make fateful decisions for witnessed economic growth,” let them give me my child. I west of the northwestern Idlib province near the border with Turkey. Residents survive mostly on the state of Israel.” Media he said. “Unlike Olmert, who want mine and all the mothers’ aid and barely have enough money to buy food and clothes to keep them warm. reported that Netanyahu was weak and did not have a children to come back,” she informed associates he would popular base, Netanyahu has said. not repeat the mistakes of the support of half of Israeli Istanbul hosts less Syrians under protection in 2019 Fahrettin Akkus, a father Olmert nor allow early pri- society and the media and the protesting for the return of his maries in his Likud Party to capitalists,” he said. ANATOLIA — ANKARA bloody civil war in Syria in 2011, the previous last three years. son, Erkan, said that no state- choose a successor. “He believes that he can Turkey has taken in millions of Yerlikaya also underlined ments were made yet by the According to Palestinian keep the prime minister’s port- The number of Syrians under Syrians who fled their country, that 37,582 irregular migrants HDP. political analyst Anton Shalhat, folio even if he defies the temporary protection living in making Turkey the world’s top had been deported from Akkus claimed that the top Netanyahu’s decision not to standards that have controlled Turkey’s metropolis Istanbul refugee-hosting country. Istanbul in 2019, while this management of the political step down is based on two main political life in Israel since its dropped by over 78,200 to Ankara has so far spent figure had been 11,292 during party, as well as its’ deputies factors. The first is his 10-year establishment,” Shalhat said. 479,420 people in 2019 $40bn on the refugees, the previous year. escape meeting him. alliance with media and Last November, Netanyahu compared to 2018, the city according to official figures. Turkey has been a key “This isn’t gonna work. You venture capitalists in Israel. was accused of bribery, fraud governor said yesterday. Yerlikaya said that some transit point for irregular can’t save yourself by “Netanyahu is a charismatic and breach of trust in three cor- “Besides this, 97,255 Syrians 118,432 irregular migrants were migrants aiming to cross to escaping,” he said. figure in Israeli society and he ruption cases. registered in other provinces caught in Istanbul during the Europe to start new lives, espe- He said the families “cry used this feature to forge alli- Jalal Rumaneh, another left Istanbul,” Ali Yerlikaya said year, while the number had cially those fleeing war and day and night” for their ances with influential people expert, also believes Netanyahu on Twitter alongside statistics been 28,364 in 2018. persecution. children. “We won’t leave even that helped him remain in his was able to control Israel by of the past four years on The figures showed that the In 2018, 268,000 irregular if it takes 124 years,” Akkus position for such a long time,” intimidation, by keeping the migrants and refugees in the number of irregular migrants migrants were held in Turkey, said, adding that the families Shalhat said. public surrounded by fear of city. held in 2019 in the metropolis according to the Interior have not grown up their In the past 10 years, the internal or external threats. Since the eruption of the was more than the total during Ministry. children for the terrorists. Roadside bomb kills children on bus in Burkina Faso Guinea-Bissau losing candidate

OUAGADOUGOU condemns vote as fraudulent AFP — Burkina Faso has seen frequent militant created to great fanfare in 2014. The centre piece of its Fourteen civilians, mostly attacks which have left hundreds of people strategy has been an initiative, AFP — BISSAU what happened at the ballot schoolchildren, died yesterday dead since the start of 2015 launched in July 2017, to pool boxes,” he said. when a roadside bomb blew up 5,000 troops from the five Guinea-Bissau’s losing presi- Some 700,000 voters reg- their bus in northwestern countries to wrench back dential candidate yesterday istered for the presidential Burkina Faso, a security source no immediate claim of respon- The north of the country has control from ruthless militant said the number of ballot election in the former Portu- said. sibility for the attack but jihadist been worst hit, with the capital groups. papers cast in two rounds of guese colony. Four people were seriously violence in Burkina Faso has Ouagadougou not immune to But, hamstrung by insuffi- voting exceeded registered Pereira received 46.45 hurt in the blast in Sourou been blamed on militants linked attacks. cient funds, training and voters by tens of thousands, a percent of the votes in last province near the Mali border, to both Al Qaeda and Islamic In a televised address on equipment, the force has only day after appealing to the week’s presidential runoff, the source added, as children State groups. Tuesday President Roch Marc now reached a complement of Supreme Court to annul the trailing opposition leader returned to school after The deaths came the week Christian Kabore insisted that 4,000 troops, and for many result. Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s 53.55 holidays. after 35 people, most of them “victory” against “terrorism” analysts seems to be losing the Domingos Simoes Pereira percent. “The vehicle hit a women, were massacred in an was assured. battle. The nimble rebels have has already rejected the result, The PAIGC on Friday filed homemade bomb on the Toeni- attack on the northern city of The entire Sahel region is spread from Mali to Burkina telling party activists on an appeal against the election Tougan road,” a second security Arbinda and seven Burkinabe fighting jihadist insurgency with Faso and Niger, as well as Chad. Wednesday the vote was “full result to the Supreme Court, source said. “Most of the dead troops were killed in a separate help from Western countries, Their hit-and-run raids are of irregularities, annulment and which judges will consider on are schoolchildren.” Mean- attack on their army base but has not managed to stem inflicting a mounting human, manipulation”. Monday. while, the army reported an nearby. the bloodshed. economic and political toll, Pereira, who heads the his- Pereira said that votes attack against gendarmes at Burkina Faso, bordering Five Sahel states — Burkina sparking fears that the coastal toric ruling party PAIGC, told a “were changed” to favour Inata in the north on Friday, Mali and Niger, has seen fre- Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger countries to the south are next news conference yesterday, the Embalo. saying “a dozen terrorists were quent militant attacks which and Chad — have joined forces in line. Since 2015, increasingly number of ballot papers “The people must have a neutralised”. have left hundreds of people to combat terrorism in the deadly Islamist attacks in exceeded those registered by guarantee that the one who Security sources said the dead since the start of 2015 fragile region that lies between Burkina have killed more than 30,000. presides over their destiny is bus was carrying high school when Islamist extremist vio- the Sahara and Atlantic. 750 people, and forced 560,000 “The results announced by the one they actually voted for,” students returning from the lence began to spread across Backed by former colonial people from their homes the National Electoral Com- he added, appearing visibly Christmas holiday There was the Sahel region. power France, the G5 Sahel was according to UN figures. mission do not correspond to annoyed. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

Britain’s then-Prime Minister Theresa May, and Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, give a joint press briefing after meeting at State EDITORIAL House in Nairobi, Kenya on August 30, 2018.

Sanity must prevail Can Africa really benefit from Brexit?

THE death of the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary their efforts to charm Britain into may take considerable time for Guards’ Quds Force, Qassem Soleimani on Friday in a making them primary trade each nation to replace these with US airstrike in Baghdad, along with nine others has partners after Brexit. equivalent or better deals, and marked a dramatic escalation in tensions between the Following Boris Johnson’s they may be forced to pay US and Iran. stunning electoral victory on increased tariffs for their exports The killing of Soleimani triggered strong reaction December 12, for example, to the UK in the process. especially from the Iranian top officials, where Iranian Nigerian President Muhammadu But even if a new partnership Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who last year honoured RASHID ABDALLAH Buhari swiftly sent him a con- between the UK and African Soleimani with Iran’s highest honour, vowed “severe AL JAZEERA gratulatory message, wishing the nations does miraculously take retaliation” in response to Soleimani’s killing. The US is prime minister well and shape soon after Britain’s exit also deploying more troops in the region to enhance In August 2018, then-Prime expressing his hopes for stronger from the EU, it will not be easy security of its forces and defend its missions and Minister Theresa May became the ties between Nigeria and the UK. for a continent weighed down by interests. first British leader in five years to Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo multiple domestic challenges to This is one of the most serious developments since visit sub-Saharan Africa, making also offered his congratulations make immediate gains. the US decided to unilaterally withdraw from a 2015 a three-day trip that included to Johnson, saying, “we have an A significant percentage of nuclear pact signed by major world powers with Iran, meetings with the presidents of opportunity, together, to renew any gain African nations may and the US applied the maximum pressure policy on South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya. and strengthen the relations make from a lucrative trade Iran. It is still May was on the continent to boost between our two countries, partnership with post-Brexit Many countries in the region called on Iran and the questionable, post-Brexit trade and convince focusing on enhancing trade and Britain, for example, will imme- US to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation that African leaders that the United investment, and scaling up pros- diately be cancelled out due to will fuel tension. These calls for calm came from the fact however, Kingdom’s exit from the perity for our peoples”. their existing debt to the conti- that the current situation in the region is not likely to bear whether the European Union would provide Buhari and Akufo-Addo’s nent’s mega-investor, China. any further escalation. As well many countries in the their nations with new and statements were not empty While Chinese debt cannot stop region already suffer from wars and instability and hun- anticipated new lucrative trade and investment pleasantries, rather they were Africa from forming new part- dreds of thousands have lost their lives in Syria, Yemen, relationship partnerships with the UK. expressions of an ever-growing nerships, it will indeed make any Libya and Iraq where the operation took place. Others In a speech in Cape Town, belief across the continent that future deal less profitable. have witnessed political transformations such as Sudan will ever she pledged four billion pounds post-Brexit Britain could provide But beyond the debilitating and Algeria and countries like Lebanon and Iraq are still materialise ($5.3bn) in support for African a quick fix for stagnating African effects of the Chinese debt-trap under pressure of public demonstrations. and, perhaps economies, to create jobs for economies. It is still questionable, Africa is currently in, there are The State of Qatar, which is well aware of the dangers young people. She also pledged a however, whether the antici- other, and entirely home-grown of this development, has warned of the continuation of even more “fundamental shift” in aid pated new relationship will ever reasons why Africa will likely not the manifestations of escalation in Iraq, saying that could importantly, spending to focus on long-term materialise and, perhaps even be able to capitalise on Britain’s lead to unfortunate results. economic and security chal- more importantly, whether imminent exit from the EU. In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of whether Africa lenges rather than short-term Africa will be able to benefit from In the recent past, African Foreign Affairs urged all parties “to exercise restraint to will be able to poverty reduction. it if and when it does. countries have signed countless spare Iraq, its people and the people of the region, the May’s promise to create a First of all, it is highly unlikely cooperation agreements with vicious cycle of violence and the consequences of direct benefit from it “global Britain” that views Africa that Johnson is going to give pri- nations across the world, from the and indirect armed escalation”. The statement further if and when it as a primary trade partner trig- ority to securing new deals with EU to the US and Turkey. Every called on the international community to shoulder its gered excitement and expec- African nations following his country in the world, after all, responsibilities towards the region. does. tation on the continent. However, country’s imminent exit from the wants a share of Africa’s rich Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs her May 2019 resignation and EU. After all, the populist prime resources. But, despite the H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani yes- Boris Johnson’s rise to power put minister never embraced his plethora of investments, African terday discussed with the President of Islamic Republic the realisation of a stronger rela- predecessor’s dreams for a countries sank ever deeper into of Iran, H E Dr. Hassan Rouhani; and the Minister of tionship between post-Brexit “global Britain” and focused poverty. Today, Africa is the Foreign Affairs of Iran, H E Mohammad Javad Zarif, in Britain and Africa into question. instead on building closer ties world’s second-fastest-growing Tehran the latest developments on the regional arena, Unlike May, Johnson barely between London and region, and yet 100 million more especially the recent events in Iraq. The two sides also showed any interest in Africa, Washington. Africans live in extreme poverty discussed ways of calm to maintain collective security instead focusing his attention Moreover, many African today compared with the 1990s. of the region. solely on convincing the British countries currently have prefer- Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, The State of Qatar is particularly concerned because public that he is the right man to ential access to the UK because is home to the largest share of any further escalation and instability will lead to a new “get Brexit done”. of trade deals hashed out over people living in extreme poverty. conflicts in the region, therefore it is making full use of Nevertheless, African leaders, the years with the European The main reason behind diplomacy to maintain regional peace. especially the ones from former Union, such as Economic Part- African nations’ inability to reap British colonies who already nership Agreements (EPAs) and the rewards of international have significant trade relations the Everything But Arms (EBA) cooperation and investment is with the UK, doubled down on initiative. Following Brexit, it corruption.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] Five big macroeconomic questions for 2020 and beyond EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 NARAYANA KOCHERLAKOTA monetary policy so as to boost had about same per capita forecast is that, because of FAX: +974 4455 7758 BLOOMBERG demand, and make use of GDP (and population). In the falling fertility rates, the available supply? intervening two decades, per world’s population will be MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 As a new decade begins, I see How can governments capita GDP has quintupled in essentially flat by 2100. The five big questions facing take advantage of low interest China. What lessons, if any, combination of falling fertility DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 macroeconomists, which I’ve rates? The 30-year yield on can sub-Saharan Africa learn rates and rising life expectancy listed in a roughly increasing US Treasuries is just over 2% from China’s experience to means that we should expect LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 order of difficulty. - about half what it was a enable the same kind of rapid that the world’s population to Why not make full use of decade ago and about a third growth? In particular, China be much older in 2100 than BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 our productive resources? of what it was two decades has contradicted basic neo- today. Can an old and Inflation has been stuck ago. It would seem like a lot of classical economics by shrinking population be the SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 below the Federal Reserve’s public investments would be making many kinds of gov- basis for a dynamic economy? target of 2% for much of the profitable if financed at this ernment interventions in its Is growth still good? The ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 past decade. It is expected to remarkably low interest economy. Which (if any) of world’s climate seems likely email: [email protected] remain low for at least rate. Shouldn’t the US gov- those interventions have to change, and possibly another year or two. The low ernment issue (a lot) more helped lead to its unusually rapidly, over the next PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 rate of price increases is long-term bonds to finance rapid growth? Could those be hundred years. Should gov- email: [email protected] sending a clear message: increased subsidies to higher replicated by the individual ernments of developed coun- there’s too little demand for education? Increased sub- governments in Africa? tries around the world be ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 goods and services relative to sidies to research by univer- What are the policy conse- working to slow economic FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] the supply of resources sities and corporations? quences of a falling world growth to help reduce the - especially human resources! What are the lessons of population? At least since pace of climate change? How CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 - that can be used to produce China for Africa? Per capita Malthus, we’ve known that it is would it be possible to build email: [email protected] those goods and services. So, GDP for the 1 billion people of hard to make accurate long- the needed international why doesn’t the Fed respond sub-Saharan Africa was about run predictions about popu- popular support for this SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 to low inflation by easing $1,500 in 2018. In 1998, China lation. But the best current approach? FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar The cycle of violence, provocations and retaliations which we have witnessed In /Peninsula_Qatar Iraq over the past few weeks has to stop. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Charles Michel, +974 6698 6188 President of the European Council SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 OPINION 09 Why Soleimani’s killing is different from other targeted attacks by US

Anthony Cordesman, the In 2011, a drone strike the Pentagon has accused Arleigh A. Burke Chair in killed the US-born Al Qaida militias linked to Iran of Strategy at the Center for operative Anwar Al Awlaki, killing hundreds of US troops Strategic and International marking the first acknowl- there. Iraqi militia com- Studies. After targeted killings edged case of the United mander Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, of extremists, he said, the In 2011, a drone States tracking and killing one also known by the name Abu greatest cause for concern strike killed the of its own citizens with a Mahdi Al Mohandis, was also SIOBHÁN O’GRADY “might be a brief intensifi- US-born Al-Qaida drone abroad. Three years killed in Friday’s airstrike THE WASHINGTON POST cation of fighting or some later, a federal court released near Baghdad’s airport. kind of limited reprisals operative Anwar a Justice Department memo The Trump administration against the US military.” Al-Awlaki, that had previously been has defended the attack, The strike alarmed In recent years, the United After the killing of Sole- secret, which outlined the which came amid escalating European allies States has launched several imani, the United States marking the first government’s legal justifi- tension between Iran and the risky military operations to could face direct Iranian cation for the killing. The doc- United States, with Iraq of the United acknowledged kill individuals it viewed as reprisals, including potential case of the United ument claimed that Awlaki’s among the venues where the States, which posing a direct threat to US cyberattacks, analysts said. ties to Al Qaida put him confrontation is unfolding. urged restraint to national security, including Iran’s supreme leader, Ayat- States tracking and “within the scope” of military Secretary of State Mike raids against the leaders of ollah Ali Khamenei, killing one of its force approved by Congress Pompeo told CNN on Friday avoid a full-blown the Islamic State and Al Qaida. threatened “severe revenge” following the Sept. 11, 2001, that the attack on Soleimani conflict. Analysts But analysts warned that but gave no indication of own citizens with a attacks. was necessary to avert an Friday’s airstrike on a two- what could come. drone abroad. Earlier in 2011, then-Pres- “imminent attack” against also warned that vehicle convoy near the Barbara Slavin, the ident Barack Obama Americans. the 2015 nuclear Baghdad airport that killed director of the Future of Iran announced that Navy SEALs But the strike alarmed senior Iranian military com- Initiative at the Atlantic had raided a compound in European allies of the United deal could now mander Qasem Soleimani and Council, said Trump is “trying Abottabad, Pakistan, and States, which urged restraint completely fall several other people differs to do a victory lap here and not. It’s much more serious,” killed Osama bin Laden, the to avoid a full-blown conflict. greatly from earlier strikes on beat his chest and somehow she said. leader of Al Qaida who plotted Analysts also warned that the apart. extremist operatives and puts show this is like killing Like Baghdadi’s, other tar- the 9/11 attacks. And last year, 2015 nuclear deal could now the United States - and the Baghdadi.” She was referring geted killings carried out by a US military operation in completely fall apart. Middle East - in dangerously to the October raid on the the United States have typi- northwestern Syria led Other recent attacks uncharted territory. hideout of Islamic State leader cally struck at extremist Islamic State leader Baghdadi against Iranians include the “This is a very different Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi in leaders without affiliations to to detonate a suicide vest, killings of four scientists affil- level of escalation,” said northwestern Syria. “But it’s a powerful state such as Iran. killing himself and three of his iated with Tehran’s nuclear children. program between 2010 and “He didn’t die a hero. He 2012. Iran blamed the United died a coward,” Trump said States and Israel for the about the raid. attacks, and in 2017 sentenced But in those cases, Cord- an Iranian citizen to death in esman said, “you were killing relation to the killings, calling a leader in a context of an the unnamed individual a ongoing operation against an “Mossad agent.” The United extremist movement which States denied involvement. did not have a major state And in 2008, a car bomb in sponsor.” Syria killed Imad Fayez “Here you’re talking about Mughniyeh, a Lebanese Hez- . . . somebody who was recog- bollah leader closely tied to nized throughout the gulf Iran. region, for good or bad, as a But Soleimani was an figure sponsoring groups and outsize figure in Iran and supporting countries with a across the Middle East. If Iran great deal of popular chooses to retaliate swiftly, support,” he said. Slavin said, “there are just Soleimani joined Iran’s myriad ways in which we’re Islamic Revolutionary Guard likely to see chaos flowing.” Corps in its early days after The United States has the 1979 revolution in Iran ordered Americans to leave and grew into one of the most Iraq immediately. Oil prices influential military com- spiked, and protests broke out manders in the region, even- in Iran. The Pentagon tually taking control of the announced that an additional elite Quds Force, a branch of 3,500 US troops would be the Revolutionary Guard, in deployed to the Middle East. the late 1990s. The group Iran has “enormous aligned itself with Shiite resources at its power,” Slavin Mourners gather during the funeral procession of slain Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi Al Muhandis, Iranian military commander militias in Iraq after the said. “I think Trump has no Qasem Soleimani and eight others in the Iraqi central city of Karbala, yesterday. US-led invasion in 2003, and idea what he’s done.” Legacy of 2010s will be growing international and political divisions numbers through crippling proceedings against him, watched for pointers on the Whether the world is critical national infra- whoever emerges from the future of the left and centre- structure such as water sup- fractured Democratic field left. Such parties performed prepared for any of plies or power plants. Like will be unable to defeat the unexpectedly well in 2019 in these trends remains 9/11, that could come from a American president. Spain, Portugal, Finland, non-state actor - but it could What a Trump second Denmark and elsewhere - a very open question. also be an act of state-on- term might look like is even although catastrophically in The first two decades PETER APPS state violence at a time of harder to predict than the Britain. New Zealand Prime REUTERS growing international first - the president would in Minister Jacinda Ardern will of the century tension, potentially igniting a many senses be more unfet- also face a close race to keep have proved rather devastating wider conflict. tered and more at home in a her job in the second half of different to what As a new decade begins, the At the very least, politics government system from 2020. first century of the new looks set to become more idi- which he has already dis- Even bigger questions, many expected. The millennium will already be a osyncratic and unpredictable. missed most of those however, linger over the next looks at least as fifth over. The last 10 years In the short term at least, advisers like former Defense world’s more autocratic have seen the world’s most populist forces - whether Secretary Jim Mattis previ- states. By the end of the unpredictable. powerful states increasingly pro-democracy protesters in ously seen to have con- decade, Russia’s Vladimir at loggerheads, with rising Hong Kong or leftist, right- strained him. At the same Putin and Chinese President political divisions in almost wing and environmental time, however, his inability to Xi Xinping will be in their every country on earth. The movements in the West - are run for a third term might late seventies, facing greater While the last next may well see at least unlikely to go away. Raised simply leave him bored or competition from younger decade has some of those trends produce geopolitical tensions will also looking for a legacy, rivals. Both appear likely to a crisis, perhaps even a major flow through into interna- whatever that might mean. become more authoritarian, arguably been turning point in global affairs. tional business and markets - A Democratic victory but Xi looks set to face ever defined largely by While the last decade has as the US-China trade war could put the United States in greater challenges in Hong further escalation of many arguably been defined and headwinds faced by almost equally uncharted Kong and perhaps of the proxy confrontations trends and series largely by trends and series China’s Huawei already territory, particularly if the elsewhere. that have driven the of events - the Arab of events - the Arab Spring, show. So too will the growing candidate were a left-wing How that is handled could bloodiest wars of recent the rise of Trump, Brexit and strains between governments challenger such as Bernie set the tone for much of the years, particularly Syria, Spring, the rise nationalism, growing strains and the world’s largest tech Sanders or Elizabeth Warren. rest of the decade - already, Yemen and Ukraine. Last of Trump, Brexit between the West, Russia firms - Google, Facebook, Even without that, like other China’s internment of more week saw China, Russia and and nationalism, and China - the first decade Amazon and others. That will left of centre parties around than 1 million ethnic Muslim Iran announce joint naval of the century is remembered be supercharged by techno- the world, the Democrats will Uighurs is attracting growing drills in the Gulf and growing strains much more for its twin logical change, perhaps in continue to be divided condemnation, and a highly stepped-up US military between the West, shocks, 9/11 and the 2008 the form of electric vehicles between left-wing, environ- public crackdown in Hong action against Iranian- financial crash. The next and other robots that could mentalist forces favoured by Kong would do so even more. backed forces in Iraq and Russia and China decade may well see another throw millions out of work. younger activists and a more Beijing also still clearly has Syria. Moscow’s military - the first decade financial shock of similar, Next year’s US election centrist, conservative track - ambitions to restore control intervention in Syria from perhaps even greater, mag- will set much of the tone for a battle that will likely con- over Taiwan, which it 2015 took many in the West of the century is nitude - hitting a world in the coming decade. An unex- tinue through the decade and regards as a renegade by surprise, and the coming remembered much many ways much less pre- pected defeat for President beyond. province. Both Moscow and decade could yet see Beijing more for its twin pared or coordinated to ride Donald Trump might be seen In Europe, the two elec- Beijing look set to continue too take a more assertive it out. as the beginning of the end tions that will set the tone ramping up their sabre-rat- path overseas. shocks, 9/11 and What is also becoming for a new generation of dem- will be Germany’s federal tling against neighbours and Whether the world is the 2008 financial more likely, however, is ocratic, often right-wing elections between August the West, potentially raising prepared for any of these another defining 9/11-type populists that also includes and October 2021 and the prospect of new Cuban trends remains a very open crash. event of geopolitical vio- Indian Prime Minister France’s presidential vote the Missile Crisis-style standoffs question. The first two lence, possibly involving Narendra Modi and Brazilian following year. In both, the that might lead to something decades of the century have nuclear force or some other President Jair Bolsonaro. But greatest question will be how worse. proved rather different to form of mass destruction, what seems at least as likely well the far right performs. Even without that, the what many expected. The perhaps even a devastating for now, however, is that As in the United States, each early years of the coming next looks at least as cyber attack that kills large even amid impeachment election will also be closely decade look set to see a unpredictable. 10 GULF / MIDDLE EAST/ AFRICA SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 Tens of thousands march in Baghdad to mourn Soleimani, others REUTERS — BAGHDAD The slain commander sharp increase in US-Iranian hostilities in Iraq since last Tens of thousands of people will be laid to rest in week when pro-Iranian militia marched in Baghdad yesterday his hometown Kerman attacked the US Embassy in to mourn Iran’s military chief Baghdad after a deadly US air Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi on Tuesday. raid on the Kataib Hezbollah militia leader Abu Mahdi Al militia, founded by Muhandis. Muhandis, killed in a US air Iraqis killed in the US strike On Friday, Iranian Supreme strike that has raised the took place in Baghdad’s heavily Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spectre of wider conflict in the fortified Green Zone. vowed to retaliate and said Middle East. Mourners included many Soleimani’s death would The US Embassy in Baghdad militiamen in uniform for intensify the country’s urged American citizens to whom Muhandis and Soleimani resistance to the United States leave Iraq following the strike were heroes. They carried por- and Israel. at Baghdad airport that killed traits of both men and plastered In Iran, some people Soleimani. Dozens of American them on walls and armoured worried that Soleimani’s death employees of foreign oil com- personnel carriers in the might push the country into panies left the southern Iraqi procession. ruinous war with a superpower. city of Basra on Friday. Prime Minister Adel Abdul “I feel so sad for Soleimani’s Close US ally Britain warned Mahdi and Iraqi militia com- death but what if America and its nationals yesterday to avoid mander Hadi Al Amiri, a close Iran start a war? I have all travel to Iraq, outside the Iran ally and the top candidate children. What if they send my autonomous Kurdistan region, to succeed Muhandis, attended. (university student) son to and to avoid all but essential Mourners later brought the war?” said Monireh, a retired travel to Iran. bodies of those killed in the teacher. Soleimani, a 62-year-old strike by car to the city of Mohamed Raad, a political general, was Tehran’s pre- Kerbala south of Baghdad. The leader in Lebanon’s heavily A placard bearing an image of slain Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani (left) with Iran's eminent military commander procession was to end in Najaf, armed Hezbollah movement, supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is carried by protesters during an anti-US rally over the and — as head of the Revolu- where Muhandis and the other said retaliation by the Iran- killings during a US air strike of Soleimani and others, in Tehran, yesterday. tionary Guards’ overseas Quds Iraqis killed will be laid to rest. backed “axis of resistance” — Force — the architect of Iran’s Soleimani’s body will be militia groups in countries from spreading influence in the transferred to the southwestern Lebanon to Yemen — would be Erdogan speaks Middle East. Iranian province of Khuzestan decisive, Al Mayadeen TV Nato suspends training Muhandis was the deputy that borders Iraq. It will be reported yesterday. to Rouhani commander of Iraq’s Popular taken to Mashhad in Iran’s Many Iraqis condemned the missions in Iraq Mobilisation Forces (PMF) northeast today, and from there US attack, regarding Soleimani and Salih umbrella body of paramilitary to Tehran and his hometown as a hero for his role in AFP/REUTERS — BRUSSELS earlier yesterday that US-led groups. A PMF-organised pro- Kerman in the southeast for defeating Islamic State militants forces helping Iraqi troops ANATOLIA/QNA — ISTANBUL cession carrying the bodies of burial on Tuesday, state media who seized large swathes of Nato has suspended its fight militants have scaled Soleimani, Muhandis and other said. The US strike followed a north and central Iraq in 2014. training missions in Iraq, a back operations. Turkey’s President Recep “It is necessary to take spokesman for the alliance Established in Baghdad in Tayyip Erdogan held phone revenge on the murderers. The said yesterday, following the October 2018 after three years talks with Iranian and Iraqi martyrs got the prize they US killing of Iranian military of war against Islamic State, counterparts yesterday, wanted — the prize of mar- commander Qasem Sole- Nato mission is a ‘train-and- according to presidential tyrdom,” said one of the imani. advise’ mission to help Iraqi sources. marchers, Ali Al Khatib. The Nato mission in Iraq, security structures and insti- In talks with Iran’s Hassan Many Iraqis also voiced fear which consists of several tutions fend off future Rouhani and Iraq’s Barham of being engulfed in a major hundred personnel, trains the insurgencies. Salih, the leaders discussed US-Iranian conflict, and of country’s security forces at Separately, the German latest developments in the militia reprisals against those the request of the Baghdad military said in a letter on region as well as bilateral rela- involved in months of street government. Friday that the United States tions, the sources said on con- protests against the Iranian- “Nato’s mission is con- and its allies had suspended dition on anonymity. backed Baghdad government tinuing, but training activities training of Iraqi forces. According to a statement over alleged misrule and are currently suspended,” said In a letter, a senior by the Iraqi presidency, the corruption. the spokesman, Dylan White. German officer said US Lieu- Turkish President stressed his They said Soleimani and He also confirmed that tenant General Pat White had country's keenness to stabilise Muhandis had backed the use Nato Secretary-General Jens decided to further increase Iraq, support its unity, and of force against unarmed anti- Stoltenberg had spoken by the level of protection for protect its sovereignty and government protesters last year telephone with US Secretary forces deployed in Iraq under independence. He stressed the and established militias that of Defence, Mark Esper, “fol- the Operation Inherent importance of enabling Iraqi Mourners attend the funeral of the Iranian Major-General Qassem demonstrators blame for many lowing recent developments”. Resolve, which he national institutions to address Soleimani, and the Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi Al Muhandis, of Iraq’s social and economic A US defence official told AFP commands. their role in protecting Iraq's in Baghdad, Iraq, yesterday. woes. security and stability. Turkey says Missiles hit Green Zone and Iraq base housing US troops: Sources AFP/ANATOLIA — BAGHDAD The Iraqi military said that rocket attacks in recent months the US military bases are diplomatic measures... on two foreigners one projectile hit inside the that Washington has blamed on located, amid recently escalated Friday morning”, the Guard’s Two mortar rounds hit the Iraqi zone, while another landed Iran and its allies in Iraq. tension in the region. Rear-Admiral Ali Fadavi said on involved in capital’s Green Zone yesterday close to the enclave. One attack last month killed The security forces were Iranian state television. and two rockets slammed into Sirens rang out at the US a US contractor working in told to stay at least a 1,000 They “even said that if you Ghosn flight a base housing US troops, compound, sources there said. northern Iraq, prompting retal- metres away from the US mil- want to get revenge, get revenge security sources said, a day after A pair of Katyusha rockets iatory American air strikes that itary bases from today evening in proportion to what we did”, AFP — ISTANBUL a deadly American strike. then hit the Balad air base north killed 25 militia fighters close onwards. he said, as quoted on the broad- The precision drone strike of Baghdad, where American to Iran. Missile attacks took place caster’s website. Turkey yesterday said two outside the Baghdad airport on troops are based, security Tensions boiled over on near the US Embassy in the Iraqi Fadavi did not specify how foreigners were involved in Friday killed Iranian com- sources and the Iraqi military Friday when the US struck Sole- capital Baghdad late Iran had received the message, businessman Carlos Ghosn’s mander Qassem Soleimani, top said. imani’s convoy as it drove out yesterday. even though Tehran and Wash- transit through Istanbul as he Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Security sources there of the airport and US diplomats No group has yet claimed ington have had no diplomatic fled Japan on his way to Mahdi Al Muhandis and a clutch reported blaring sirens and said and troops across Iraq had been responsibility for the missile relations for four decades. Lebanon. of other Iranian and Iraqi surveillance drones were sent bracing themselves for more attacks. The deputy commander Iran’s Foreign Minister “There are two foreigners figures. above the base to locate the rocket attacks. of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Mohammad Javad Zarif said in involved in the transit,” In Baghdad, mortar rounds source of the rockets. Meanwhile, Iraq’s Kataib said Washington had asked separate television interview on Turkish Justice Minister Abdul- yesterday evening hit the Green The US embassy in Baghdad Hezbollah, a militia group, Tehran to respond “in pro- Friday night that “Switzerland’s hamit Gul told CNN’s Turk Zone, the high-security enclave as well as the 5,200 American urged the Iraqi security forces portion” after US forces killed envoy transmitted a foolish broadcaster during an where the US embassy is based, troops stationed across the in a written statement yesterday Soleimani. message from the Americans interview. He did not provide security sources said. country have faced a spate of to stay away from areas where The Americans “resorted to this morning”. further details on their nation- ality or exactly what role they played. Ghosn, the former Nissan Chad troops leave Nigeria with boss, is accused of financial misconduct but he claimed his Boko Haram mission over upcoming trial was rigged before he made his escape AFP — N’DJAMENA insurrection in Nigeria a decade from Japan before New Year’s ago, leading to at least 35,000 Eve. There is already an official Chad has ended a months-long deaths with violence spilling Turkish probe into Ghosn’s mission fighting Boko Haram over into Chad, Niger and apparent transfer between in neighbouring Nigeria and Cameroon. private jets at Istanbul’s withdrawn its 1,200-strong A Boko Haram faction Ataturk Airport. force across their common aligned with Islamic State West After seven people were border, an army spokesman Africa Province (ISWAP) mili- detained earlier this week in said yesterday. tants is highly active around Turkey including four pilots, “It’s our troops who went Lake Chad where the group has five were formally arrested, to aid Nigerian soldiers months training bases on the Niger Gul said. The minister also said ago returning home. They have border and regularly carries out that there had been no formal finished their mission,” raids on military bases and judicial request from the Jap- spokesman Colonel Azem Ber- regional security forces. anese authorities in relation to mandoa said. “None of our sol- Last month saw 14 people the incident. diers remains in Nigeria,” he killed with 13 more listed as added, without specifying missing after an attack on a whether they might be replaced fishing village in western Chad. following Friday’s pullout. Countries in the region UN chief calls for Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni walks during the first day of a six-day trek, covering a distance “Those who have come have banded together to fight of 195km, in Galamba, about 30km North of Kampala, Uganda, yesterday. ceasefire in Libya back will return to their sector Boko Haram and ISWAP with at Lake Chad,” Bermandoa said. support from civilian defence ANATOLIA — ANKARA Ugandan President begins march through jungle However, Chad’s general committees leading to Chad chief of staff General Tahir Erda contributing 1,200 troops. The head of the UN urged AFP — KAMPALA longest-ruling leaders, having overthrow Obote. “The great Tahiro said that if countries in Those troops have now yesterday an “immediate seized power in 1986 after trek started today and will last the region which have con- pulled back across the border ceasefire” in war-weary Libya Ugandan President Yoweri taking part in rebellions to end six days. This is a journey that tributed to a multinational anti- to be “deployed in the Lake where the internationally Museveni yesterday began a the brutal rule of Idi Amin and the president is leading, a militancy force were in Chad region to strengthen recognised Government of six-day march through the Milton Obote, and is expected journey through the past to agreement, more troops will security along the border,” a National Accord (GNA) fights jungle to re-trace the route to seek a sixth term in office in appreciate the present,” Musev- likely be sent in. senior local official said. forces affiliated with General through which his guerrilla the next elections. eni’s senior press secretary, “If the states around Lake Cameroon says it is battling Khalifa Haftar. forces seized power three He began the walk from Don Wanyama, said. Chad agree on a new mission an upsurge in Boko Haram Secretary-General Antonio decades ago, which critics Galamba, and will end on “The journey will take a there will surely be another attacks and, according to an Guterres wants a “return to dismissed as a bid to rally January 10 in Birembo where week through the jungle, a route contingent redeployed on the Amnesty International report, political dialogue by all support ahead of 2021 elections. his rebel army faced one of its the liberators led by Museveni ground,” Tahiro said. 275 people were killed there parties,” the UN said. Museveni is one of Africa’s toughest battles in the fight to took to liberate the country.” Boko Haram began the last year. SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 ASIA 11 Thousands march in Hyderabad to protest against citizenship law REUTERS — HYDERABAD The new law eases the and, at times, violent protests against the Citizenship Over one hundred thousand path for non-Muslim Amendment Act (CAA), which protesters, many carrying the minorities from the was passed by Modi’s gov- Indian tricolour flag, took part ernment in December. in a peaceful march in the neighbouring Muslim- The Hyderabad protesters southern city of Hyderabad majority nations. But, held placards with slogans yesterday, chanting slogans if combined with a including “Withdraw CAA against Prime Minister immediately,” and “India’s only Narendra Modi’s new citi- proposed national religion in Secularism.” The zenship law. register of citizens, Reuters witness said the protest The protest, dubbed the remained peaceful, and esti- Demonstrators hold placards and flags as they attend a protest rally in Hyderabad, yesterday. ‘Million March’, was organised by critics of the new mated that more than one an umbrella group of Muslim and law fear it will hundred thousand people were civil society organisations. More in attendance. citizens, critics of the CAA fear pan-India protests politically cities in the southern state of Kar- than 40 percent of Hyderabad’s discriminate against The new law eases the path it will discriminate against motivated. At least 25 people nataka. Hundreds of men and estimated population of nearly 7 Muslims. for non-Muslim minorities from minority Muslims in India and have been killed in protest- women gathered at a rally in the million are Muslims. the neighbouring Muslim- chip away at India’s secular related clashes with police since tech hub of Bengaluru, with some Demonstrators were still allowed and that permission majority nations of Afghanistan, constitution.Modi’s government early December. accusing Modi’s government of pouring into the protest site late had only been granted for a Bangladesh and Pakistan to gain maintains the new law is nec- Protests against the CAA also trying to divide India along com- yesterday afternoon, according 1,000-person gathering. Indian citizenship. essary to help minorities facing went ahead in several other munal lines, to distract from a to a witness, despite police The Indian government has But, if combined with a pro- persecution in Muslim-majority Indian cities yesterday with hun- sharp domestic economic saying no march would be faced weeks of acrimonious posed national register of nations, and it has called the dreds turning out for protests in slowdown and job losses. Former Speaker Social outfit says of Tamil Nadu Kota kids died from hypothermia; govt implicating passes away hospital lacked equipment: Report it in false cases IANS — CHENNAI IANS — NEW DELHI IANS — JAIPUR warmers, their body temperature continued with the whitewash place irrespective of any political Senior AIADMK leader and continued to plummet. in wards where infants suffering leaning.” A social organisation has alleged former Speaker of Tamil Nadu The sorry state of Kota’s JK Lon The report said that 22 neb- from pneumonia were admitted He said the present gov- that the Uttar Pradesh Assembly PH Pandian died here Hospital is reflected in a ulisers out of 28 were dysfunc- for oxygen. ernment has not had annual government wants to implicate in a private hospital yesteday government-appointed panel’s tional, 81 infusion pumps out of According to sources, there repair contracts of the its people in false cases of morning owing to illness. report which shows that around 111 were not working and the was no record of 40 heaters pur- equipment purchased under its violence during the December Pandian, a lawyer by pro- 105 children died in a span of same was the story with para chased for kids. A hospital tenure. “There is no medical 19 anti-CAA protests in fession, had served as the over a month due to cold shiv- monitors and pulse oxymeters. official said despite Rs 6-crore inspection arrangement for the Lucknow. Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Leg- ering in the hospital as it lacked What made the matters funds lying with the hospital, no equipment purchased,” Rathore Rajiv Yadav, General Sec- islative Assembly from 1985 to everything a normal hospital worse was the absence of purchase has been made. said. Gehlot in December cele- retary of the ‘Rihai Manch’ said 1989. should have. oxygen pipeline in the hospital On Friday, when state brated one year of the formation that “the December 19 protest He was elected to the Tamil The committee formed by due to which oxygen was sup- Health Minister Raghu Sharma of his government and launched call was made by many organ- Nadu Assembly from his native the Rajasthan government to plied to kids with the help of visited the hospital, a green the ‘Nirogi Rajasthan’ campaign. isations and ‘Rihai Manch’ also Cheranmadevi in 1977, 1980 probe the lacunae in the hos- cylinders. carpet welcome was given to He also announced Janata called for the protest but at the and 1984. pital resulting in the deaths of Surprisingly, the ICU was not him, a gesture hardly suited for Clinics and spoke about intro- venue at Parivartan Chowk in Pandian hit the news head- kids has confirmed in its report fumigated for months, the report the grim situation prevailing in ducing Right to Health. Lucknow there was no inci- lines in 1987 when he said the that infants died due to hypo- said. the hospital. After drawing “How can Right to Health be dence of violence till noon but Speaker has ‘sky high powers’ thermia, a medical emergency “The children continued to severe criticisms, the carpet was launched when there is no in the afternoon the police in the case of jailing Tamil mag- that occurs when the body tem- die in December as Chief Min- rolled back. homework done by the state without any provocation started azine Ananda Vikatan pro- perature falls below 95 F (35 C). ister Ashok Gehlot celebrated A five-month-old girl suf- government?” questioned firing. Our President Mohd prietor S Balasubramanian for The normal body temperature the launch of ‘Nirogi Rajasthan’ fering from pneumonia died the Rathore. Shoeb was at his house and later contempt of legislature over a is 98.6 F (37 C). campaign in the state,” said same day when Sharma visited “The Nirogi campaign is was arrested by the police.” cartoon published in the Even as the kids in the hos- former health minister Rajendra the hospital as the officials were only on papers as there has He said: “We have made a magazine. pital continued to die in the biting Rathore. Hospital officials said busy getting the walls cleaned. been no discussion on it with documentary film against Yogi Pandian refused to accept winter cold, the hospital did not most paediatricians of JK Lon Former Health Minister panchayats or other stake- government and this is why our the summons issued by the have enough stocks of lifesaving Hospital have been posted at Rajendra Rathore said rampant holders,” Rathore said. “In a sit- organisation was targeted.” Madras High Court saying he equipment, said the report. The Kota’s New Medical College. transfer of specialists on political uation when 11,000 posts of The office-bearers of Rihai was the Speaker of the newborns should have body “The nursing employees, grounds has deprived the doctors are lying vacant, how Manch said that the head of the Assembly. temperature of 36.5 degree already under-staffed, prefer to patients of availing the best can the government talk about organisation was picked up He was one of the two can- celcius; therefore they were kept stay idle while ward boys rule medical services. Janata clinics”? he asked. from his home by the police didates who got elected in 1989 on warmers where their temper- the roost in the J.K. Lon Hos- Rathore said that during State Health Minister Raghu who later claimed that he was as part of late Janaki Ramach- ature stays normal. However, as pital,” said an official. BJP’s rule, “we ensured that all Sharma when contacted by IANS arrested from the Clark Awadh andran faction of AIADMK. the hospital lacked functional Also, the hospital staff specialists were kept at one was not available for comment. Road. 28th New Delhi Actor Dileep’s plea in actress World Book abduction case dismissed

Fair opens IANS — KOCHI arrested in connection with the case in July 2017 and after being IANS — NEW DELHI In a setback, the trial court here lodged in jail for several weeks, yesterday dismissed actor he secured bail. The 28th edition of the Dileep’s petition seeking a Dileep was named as a con- nine-day New Delhi World discharge in the actress spirator in the case and charged Book Fair (NDWBF) opened at abduction case. with revenge crime. Pragati Maidan here yesterday, The court’s decision came After securing bail, Dileep and saw Lt Governor of after the prosecution, during the has been trying to delay the trial Puducherry Kiran Bedi launch hearing, requested the court to in the case, through legal sub- a book written on her. reject the petition of Dileep, an missions, even before the apex Registering a sizeable accused in the case. court. Last month, the Supreme footfall on the first day, the fair Dileep will have to face the Court ruled that Dileep would saw the launch of ‘Where trial in the case that has begun not get a copy of the memory Kindness Spoke’, a book on recently. Sources revealed that card containing footage of an Bedi’s work in Puducherry and following Saturday’s setback, the alleged sexual assault. her leadership style, written actor will move the Kerala High After that he approached the by author Shivani Arora. Court. trial court which refused his Answering a question on In flight According to the allegations, demand for a copy of the records, the North-South linguistic Ruddy shelducks fly over the Rapti River in Chitwan National Park, some 150km southwest of an actress was abducted and but it allowed that he and his divide in India, she said a way Kathmandu, Nepal, yesterday. assaulted in a moving car on representative could examine to national integration is February 17, 2017. Dileep was the records. through teaching one region’s languages in the other, till the primary school level. “You can opt for German, French, Spanish, why not PM has assured Central aid to Karnataka: Yediyurappa Telugu?” she said at the event. The 2020 Fair was inau- IANS — BENGALURU Dal-Secular (JD-S) criticised Modi The state government had in a federal set up, it is my duty after the central teams assessed gurated by HRD Minister for not announcing additional also spent additional amount to seek Central funds for our the damage caused by floods and Ramesh Pokkhriyal ‘Nishank’, Under attack by the opposition funds to the state’s coastal and from its resources and funds projects, relief works, remuner- submitted a report to the central who said it will soon be the Congress for raw deal from the northwest districts, which are raised through the chief minis- ative price for farmers and government for releasing funds,” world’s biggest book fair. Centre to the state, Karnataka reeling in the aftermath of the ter’s relief fund and donations greater allocation of Central thundered Siddaramaiah. “We are in the midst of Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa August floods during his two-day from the people and funds to the state,” reiterated “Modi also had not visited the ocean of books,” he said, yesterday said Prime Minister visit to the southern state on institutions. Yediyurappa. flood-hit people in the state or adding that this ‘Mahakumbh’ Narendra Modi had assured him Thursday and Friday. “The PM has also told me to Accusing Modi of diverting announced Bharat Ratna to Sidd- of books is filled with thoughts, and the people of all help, “The Centre has given Rs prepare a report on issues the public attention by raising aganga Mutt seer Shivakumar the thoughts which give power including Central aid to the 1,200 crore in early October as pending with the Centre and national issues like CAA, abro- Swamiji at Tumukuru on to humanity. flood-hit. contingency funds to the state funds required for the devel- gation of Article 370 and surgical Thursday. This year, the book fair is “Modi has personally assured from the National Disaster Relief opment of the state,” he asserted. strike in Pakistan in his public “Though the ruling BJP themed Gandhi: Writer’s me of all help, including funds to Fund to compensate the flood- He reminded Modi on rallies, Congress leader and bagged 26 of the 28 Lok Sabha Writer. the state from the Centre. He also hit people and undertake relief Thursday that the state was former chief minister Siddara- seats in the state during the April- “We are celebrating 150 told me to meet him and other work, including rebuilding waiting for additional funds from maiah said the prime minister May general elections and 12 years of Mahatma Gandhi, in central ministries in Delhi soon houses, roads, and other infra- the Centre in response to its rep- had betrayed the people in mul- assembly seats in the November times when we need him the for approvals to pending projects structure that were damaged by resentation for completing infra- tiple ways. by-elections, the BJP-led NDA most. The world today is facing and addressing any issue,” Yedi- heavy rains and floods for a fort- structure and irrigation projects “Modi has cheated our people government had let down the several challenges including yurappa said in a statement here. night in August,” recalled the across the southern state. by not yet sending the financial state on all fronts,” added terrorism.” The Congress and the Janata chief minister. “As a chief minister of a state package he promised to do soon Siddaramaih. 12 ASIA SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 US to resume military training programme in Pakistan INTERNEWS — WASHINGTON The decision to The announcement comes will not waver,” Pompeo had decision to restore Pakistani par- South Asian nation to crackdown two weeks after the US State tweeted. Last month, it had been ticipation in IMET was “one such on militants United States President Donald resume Islamabad’s Department had publicly reported that the Trump admin- exception,” she said. IMET affords spaces to Trump has authorised the participation in the acknowledged that the US would istration had approved a The programme “provides an foreign military officers at US resumption of the International resume military training pro- resumption of Pakistani partici- opportunity to increase bilateral military education institutions, Military Education and Training IMET, which was gramme for Pakistan, and just a pation in the coveted US military cooperation between our coun- such as the US Army War College Programme (IMET) in Pakistan for more than a few hours after Chief of Army training and educational pro- tries on shared priorities,” she and the US Naval War College. A in order to strengthen military to decade a pillar of Staff (COAS) Qamar Bajwa spoke gramme more than a year after added. “We want to continue to second US official said on con- military cooperation between the to US Secretary of State Mike it was suspended, the State build on this foundation through dition of anonymity that Pakistan two countries and advance US US-Pakistani military Pompeo. Department said. concrete actions that advance was in the process of selecting national security. ties, underscored the The conversation between The decision to resume regional security and stability.” officers to send to the United The announcement was the COAS and the top US dip- Islamabad’s participation in the The start of the programme, States. made in a message on Twitter on warming relations lomat had focused on the IMET, which was for more than however, is subject to approval Pakistan’s suspension from Friday by the Bureau of South that have followed regional security situation fol- a decade a pillar of US-Pakistani by Congress. Republican and the programme in August 2018 and Central Asian Affairs at the lowing the US drone strike in military ties, underscored the Democratic aides for the Senate prompted the cancellation of 66 US Department of State and meetings this Baghdad that had resulted in the warming relations that have fol- and House of Representatives slots set aside that year for Paki- signed by United States Principal year between the killing of top Iranian general lowed meetings this year committees with jurisdiction over stani military officers in one of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Qassem Soleimani, sparking between the US president and the process did not immediately the first known impacts of South and Central Asian Affairs US president and global outcry. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran respond to requests for comment. Trump’s decision to halt security Alice Wells. Pakistani Prime “Pakistan’s Chief of Staff Khan. The State Department assistance. “To strengthen military to Minister Imran Khan. General Bajwa and I spoke today A State Department spokes- administers IMET. It was a small The US military traditionally military cooperation on shared about US defensive action to kill woman said in an email that facet of US security aid pro- has sought to shield such educa- priorities and advance US Qassem Soleimani. The Iran Trump’s 2018 decision to suspend grammes for Pakistan worth tional programmes from political national security, President (IMET) in Pakistan. The overall regime’s actions in the region are security assistance authorised some $2 billion that remain sus- tensions, arguing that the ties Donald Trump authorised the security assistance suspension for destabilizing and our resolve in “narrow exceptions for pro- pended on orders that Trump built by bringing foreign military resumption of International Mil- Pakistan remains in effect,” the protecting American interests, grammes that support vital US abruptly issued in January 2018 officers to the United States pay itary Education and Training State Department said. personnel, facilities, and partners national security interests.” The to compel the nuclear-armed long-term dividends.

Pakistan Army chief and top US Pakistan Army diplomat discuss security issues Act amendments to be passed INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD commander. In his message, he said that “severe revenge awaits by voice vote United States Secretary of State the criminals who have stained Mike Pompeo has reached out their hands with his and the INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD to Pakistan Army Chief Gen other martyrs’ blood last night. Qamar Bajwa in the aftermath Martyr Soleimani is an interna- A voice vote will be held to of assassination of commander tional figure of resistance and pass the proposed amend- of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary all such people will seek ments in the Army, Navy and Guard Corps Gen Qassem Sole- revenge”. The message sug- Air Force Acts by both the imani. gested that the response could National Assembly and Senate The conversation, which was be asymmetric. as per the rules of procedure part of the secretary’s telephonic It should be recalled that governing the proceedings of contacts with leaders around the Pakistan had recently tried to the two parliamentary world, was disclosed by Pompeo mediate between Tehran and chambers. on Twitter hours after the Washington on President However, if the result of Foreign Office expressed Trump’s request. the open voice vote is chal- “concern” about peace and sta- Prime Minister Imran Khan lenged, division between those bility in the Middle East. had at a conference in favouring and opposing any Secretary Pompeo tweeted: Islamabad in November said he legislative piece will take “Pakistan’s Chief of [Army] Staff “tried his bit” after President place. Under the rules, no General Bajwa and I spoke Trump asked him to facilitate secret ballot is held on it. about US defensive action to kill dialogue with the Iranian lead- The Fifth Schedule to the Qassem Soleimani. The Iran ership. “Hope it works out,” he National Assembly rules pro- regime’s actions in the region had then wished. vides the mode of division. It are destabilising and our The Foreign Office in its says when the minority desires resolve in protecting American statement worried about insta- Warming up a division and the Speaker is interests, personnel, facilities, bility in the Middle East. satisfied that the demand is not Afghan shopkeepers warm themselves during a snowy day in Kabul, Afghanistan. and partners will not waver.” “Pakistan has viewed with deep abuse of the rules, he will The Inter-Services Public concern the recent develop- order a division to be held; and Relations later said the dis- ments in the Middle East, which shall direct that the division cussion was about the possible seriously threaten peace and bells be rung for two minutes implications of recent esca- stability in the region,” said the Pakistan, Iran ink deal to resolve border issues to enable members not present lation in the Middle East. mildly worded statement that INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD Capt (retd), Fazeel Asghar, activities on both sides of the in the chamber to return to Gen Bajwa, it said, called for did not even clearly state which while Sistan-Balochistan border. their places. “maximum restraint and con- particular incident it was Pakistan and Iran have signed Deputy Governor for Security On the occasion, Chief Sec- Immediately after the bells structive engagement” for referring to. an agreement to jointly resolve Affairs, Muhammad Hadi retary Asghar, said, “It is imper- stop ringing, all the entrances peace and stability. He hoped Minister for Human Rights border issues, including Marshi led the Iranian side. ative to implement all the deci- to the lobbies will be locked that the new situation would Dr Shireen Mazari was, terrorism, unlawful trade, drugs Senior civil and military offi- sions taken during the three- and the staff posted at each not take the focus away from however, more specific about smuggling, illegal border cials were also present on the day meeting for increasing entrance will not allow any the Afghan peace process. the incident and its possible crossing and human trafficking. occasion. trade and strengthening border entry or exit through these Analysts believe that repercussions. The agreement was signed Both the countries have security. entrances until the division has Pompeo, besides explaining and She tweeted: “Killing of at the end of the three-day 23rd resolved to boost trade and He urged the Iranian dele- concluded. defending the US action, could General Soleimani by US has in Pakistan-Iran Joint Border security arrangements at the gation to encourage the people The Speaker will then read have sought protection for US an instant upped the military Commission meeting. border. Many decisions were living near the border on their the terms of the motion before interests in Pakistan. ante in the region as Iran has The Pakistani delegation taken to prevent illegal border side to create a peaceful atmos- the National Assembly and put Iran’s supreme leader Aya- declared it an act of war. It is in was headed by Balochistan crossing, stop illegal supply of phere and assured the visiting the question for second time. If tollah Khamenei has vowed to no one’s interest to have a war Home Minister, Mir Ziaullah Iranian diesel and petrol, curb team of the same measures to the division is still demanded, avenge the killing of his top in an already volatile region.” Langove and Chief Secretary border violations and terrorist be taken by the Pakistani side. he will say “Aye” to the right, “No” to the left; divide. Those who wish to vote will proceed to the “Ayes” or Pakistan energy giant SNGPL to refund Rs513m to consumers the “Noes” lobbies and pass in single file before the tellers INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD According to a notification, where the current site company was processing a that the exercise of physical appointed by the Speaker. On the SNGPL’s board of directors, pressure is less than the billing refund totalling Rs513m to the cross-checking and subse- reaching the desk of the teller, Pakistan’s state-owned energy on the advice of Prime Min- pressure. The measure comes consumers, out of which the quent adjustment of amount each member will, in turn, call giant Sui Northern Gas Pipe- ister Imran Khan and after after fluctuating gas pressure amount already refunded in will continue. out the division number, which lines Limited (SNGPL) critically examining the matter due to different technical February/March, 2019, stands In March 2019, the prime will be allotted to him for this yesterday announced that it has directed the management parameters, including supply at around Rs50m, while the minister had also directed the purpose. will refund Rs513m to its to arrange physical cross- and demand situation and sea- amount being refunded now, Sui Southern Gas Company to The tellers will then mark consumers in cases where the checking of actual delivery sonal impact. stands at approximately refund the excess amount off this number on the division site pressure was lower than pressure and in this respect, The gas supplier further Rs463m. charged from customers under list simultaneously calling out the billing pressure. cases are being identified said that as a result, the The company further said the pretext of gas charges. the name of the member. 1 million trees to be planted in Islamabad

INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD ICCI in levelling and landscaping support to make this drive of the area for tree plantation and successful. The Islamabad Chamber of cooperate with Chamber for Muhammad Ahmed Waheed, Commerce and Industry (ICCI) maintenance of planted trees. President, Islamabad Chamber and Deputy Commissioner The DC Office would also facil- of Commerce and Industry said Islamabad Office have signed a itate ICCI in engaging the rel- Prime Minister Imran Khan has Memorandum of Understanding evant ministries and organisa- set a target of planting 10 billion (MoU) for mutual cooperation to tions in Go Green Islamabad trees in the country during five plant one million trees in campaign. years and that Go Green Islamabad during 2020 under Speaking at the occasion, Islamabad campaign was ICCI’s Go Green Islamabad Hamza Shafqaat, Deputy Com- launched to support this mission campaign. missioner Islamabad said making of the prime minister. Deputy Commissioner Office Pakistan an environment- He said that local markets, constituted a team under friendly country was the key pri- schools and other organisations Waseem Ahmed, Additional ority of the current would also be engaged in this Deputy Commissioner Islamabad government. drive to make Islamabad green to cooperate with ICCI in Go He said that ICCI was the first er and beautiful. He said that ICCI Green Islamabad drive. Chamber of the country that has would welcome any institution According to the MoU, DC come forward to support the ini- to join hands in this noble cause. Office Islamabad in collaboration tiative of Prime Minister’s Clean At this occasion, Muhammad with MCI and CDA would identify and Green Pakistan by launching Ahmed Waheed, President ICCI and allocate land to ICCI for tree Go Green Islamabad campaign. and Hamza Shafqaat, Deputy plantation. ICCI in cooperation He said that this drive would Commissioner Islamabad and Pillow fight with DC Office would plant help in improving the envi- others also planted trees in the Two persons indulge in a pillow fight on a pole as Myanmar celebrates its 72nd Independence Day 100,000 trees of flowers ronment of the federal capital ICT Complex, Islamabad to on the outskirts of Yangon, yesterday. orchards in January. and assured that ICT adminis- promote Go Green Islamabad The DC Office would support tration would provide all possible drive. SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 ASIA 13 Bushfires rage out of control across Australia REUTERS — SYDNEY

Bushfires burned dangerously US pop singer Pink out of control on Australia’s east coast, fanned by high temper- to donate $500,000 atures and strong winds that had firefighters battling to save AP — SYDNEY lives and property, as a change in wind conditions merged American pop singer Pink said she is donating $500,000 to several large fire fronts. help fight the deadly wildfires that have devastated parts of By late yesterday evening, Australia. Victoria had 14 fires rated at “I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Aus- emergency or evacuate warning tralia right now with the horrific bushfires,” Pink tweeted yes- levels, and New South Wales terday to her 32.2 million Twitter followers. “I am pledging a had 11 rated emergency, with donation of $500,000 directly to the local fire services that are more than 150 others burning battling so hard on the frontlines. My heart goes out to our friends across the states. New fires had and family in Oz.” started, and others had broken The death toll in the wildfire crisis is now up to 23 people. containment lines. The fires are expected to be particularly fierce throughout the “There are a number of fires weekend. that are coming together — very strong, very large, intense fires bushland and forced thousands “There are a number Evacuees disembarking from MV Sycamore at Bluescope Wharf in Hastings, Victoria state, yesterday. that are creating some of these of residents and summer holi- fire-generated thunderstorms,” daymakers to seek refuge on of fires that are black and red from the smoke Andy Gillham, the incident recording a high of 48.9C (120F) New South Wales Rural Fire beaches. coming together — and glare of the fires, including controller in the Victorian town according to the BOM. Can- Service (RFS) Commissioner In Victoria, Premier Daniel in the Victorian town of Malla- of Bairnsdale, said the area had berra, the national capital, Shane Fitzsimmons said at an Andrews said while conditions very strong, very coota, where around 1,000 avoided the worst of the fires recorded a temperature of 44C evening briefing. were difficult, the job of fire- large, intense fires people were evacuated by sea yesterday but stressed this was just after 4 pm, which the chief “And unfortunately we’ve fighters had been made easier on Friday. an exceptional fire season. minister said was a record for still got many hours to go of by tens of thousands of people that are creating some The first of those evacuees “In a normal year, we would the territory. these elevated and dangerous following advice to evacuate. of these fire-generated arrived near Melbourne yes- start to see the fire season kick As the fires have flared, conditions.” It may be later before thunderstorms,” RFS terday morning after a 20-hour off in a big way around early many towns have been isolated The Bureau of Meteorology damage assessments can be journey by boat and a second January and we’re already up as major and minor roads are (BOM) said conditions were made. Prime Minister Scott Commissioner said at ship with about 1,000 people towards a million hectares of closed. Some fires are gener- deteriorating rapidly as a gusty Morrison put the national death a briefing. landed in the afternoon. burnt country. This is a mar- ating their own storm systems, southerly wind change pushed toll from the current fire season, The federal government athon event and we expect to which create the risk of up the coast and smoke plumes which began in September, at announced an unprecedented be busy managing these fires for lightning strikes generating new from the fires triggered storms. 23. Twelve of those are from not evacuated at-risk areas: “It call up of army reservists to at least the next eight weeks,” fires. Authorities are worried the this week’s fires alone. is too late to leave. Seek shelter support firefighters as well other he said. Six people remain unac- fires could turn out to be worse In updates, the NSW RFS as the fire approaches.” resources including a third navy Temperatures topped 45C counted for in Victoria, Premier than New Year’s Eve, when they repeatedly delivered the same Residents used social media ship equipped for disaster and (113F) in much of the Sydney Andrews said yesterday, down burnt massive tracts of blunt advice to those who had to post photos of the sky turning humanitarian relief. metropolitan area, with Penrith from 28 reported on Friday.

Toll reaches 7 as China names new Hong Kong liaison director after protests two more bodies BLOOMBERG — BEIJING of the financial and economic the central government,” Wang business leaders, without address to defend China’s committee of the National Peo- said then. reaching out widely to all social system for running Hong Kong, found in Cambodia China appointed a new top ple’s Congress a month later. "The liaison office will also sectors especially the poor and in an unusually high-profile building collapse liaison official for Hong Kong, Hong Kong has been firmly support Hong Kong’s the needy,” Sonny Lo, a Hong acknowledgment of the Asian replacing the former director gripped by more than six police in strictly enforcing the Kong based political commen- financial center’s political AP — PHNOM PENH amid months of protests in the months of often-violent protests law, and the judiciary in pun- tator, said yesterday. “Also, his turmoil. financial hub. by activists demanding greater ishing violent crimes in miscalculations of Hong Kong” “Without a harmonious and Search and rescue teams in Luo Huining will take over autonomy from Beijing. China’s accordance with rules," he said. may have led to his downfall, stable environment, how can Cambodia found two more from Wang Zhimin as the Hong government has consistently With support for the pro- “especially after the 2019 Dis- people live in peace and enjoy bodies yesterday in the rubble Kong liaison office director, the backed Chief Executive Carrie testers undiminished after trict Council elections,” he said. their work?” Xi asked. “I sin- of a collapsed building in the government said in a two-sen- Lam, including on a visit to months of violent unrest, spec- Lam’s administration pro- cerely wish Hong Kong well. coastal province of Kep, tence statement that didn’t Beijing she made to meet ulation of Wang’s removal from posed a bill last year that would Hong Kong’s prosperity and sta- raising the death toll in the elaborate on the changes. Chinese President Xi Jinping in the position has been growing, allow extraditions to China for bility is the wish of Hong Kong disaster to seven, officials Wang was former director mid-December. particularly after the pro-gov- the first time. While she has compatriots and the expectation said. of China’s liaison office in Wang last month didn’t ernment candidates suffered a since withdrawn the legislation, of our motherland.” By yesterday morning, 18 Macau before he was appointed respond to a Reuters report that resounding defeat in district she refused to meet additional Luo worked for the Anhui people had been rescued, the top representative in Hong he could be replaced. council elections in November. demands including an inde- government between 1982 and injured but alive, and crowds Kong in 2017. Luo served as “Me, my team and col- “Wang’s dismissal was long pendent inquiry into police vio- 1999. In 2010, he was appointed watched in the afternoon as Shanxi party secretary from leagues in the China Liaison predicted because he appeared lence and direct leadership governor of Qinghai before two more survivors were 2016 until November last year. office will continue to perform to be associated too closely with elections. being made party secretary in pulled out and rushed to He was made deputy chairman faithfully the duties granted by the pro-Beijing elites and Xi used his New Year’s Eve the province in 2013. ambulances more than 20 hours after the accident. Kep provincial authorities said in a statement that in China’s FM urges US addition to the seven people who died, 20 were injured in the disaster. ‘not to abuse force’ The website of the National Police reported that the Cam- AFP — BEIJING Iran promised “severe bodian couple who owned the revenge” in response, as a property and hired the con- The United States should not number of nations — including struction workers were “abuse force” and instead seek China — urged restraint. detained by provincial police solutions through dialogue, “China opposes the use of for questioning yesterday. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang force in international relations. Prime Minister Hun Sen Yi said during a call with his There is no way out for military went to the coastal province Iranian counterpart yesterday. means, nor for extreme of Kep on Friday “to lead the “The dangerous US military pressure,” Wang said in his call rescue team,” he announced operation violates the basic with Zarif, according to the on his Facebook page. He also norms of international relations ministry. visited the provincial hospital and will aggravate regional China, a permanent member where the injured were being tensions and turbulence,” of the UN Security Council, is a treated. Wang told Javad Zarif key partner of Tehran and major Several of the hospitalised according to a statement by the buyer of Iranian oil. survivors were reported to be Chinese foreign ministry, Iran, China and Russia held in critical condition. referring to the killing in Iraq joint naval drills in the Indian Nguon Samet, deputy on Friday of top Iranian com- Ocean and the Gulf of Oman police chief of Kep province, mander Qasem Soleimani. last week and the Iranian said yesterday morning that it A US drone strike killed foreign minister visited Beijing was believed some people A landslide area at Pasir Madang village in Bogor district, yesterday. Soleimani — head of the Quds earlier this week. were still trapped under Force, Iran’s foreign operations China and Russia are also rubble, but he could not say arm — before dawn on Friday parties to the 2015 nuclear deal how many. Landslides, floods leave 60 dead in Jakarta in Baghdad, an attack that has with Iran, from which US Pres- Relatives of some of those sparked fears of a war between ident Donald Trump withdrew still missing gathered outside AP — JAKARTA It’s the worst flooding in the that had been isolated for days Washington and Tehran. in May last year. the site to pray, he added. area since 2007, when 80 by cut-off roads and mudslides Landslides and floods triggered people were killed over 10 days. and rescued more than 1,700 by torrential downpours have Rescuers recovered more villagers in weak condition. Europe helps secure release of N Koreans held in Vietnam left at least 60 people dead in bodies as flash floods and mud- Four days after the region and around Indonesia’s capital, slides destroyed several villages of 30 million people was struck REUTERS — SEOUL way to South Korea last month. forcibly repatriated, but refused as rescuers struggled to search in Lebak, a district in neighboring by flash floods, waters have Multiple European organi- to elaborate. for people apparently buried Banten province, Wibowo said. receded in many middle-class A group of 11 North Koreans sations played a key role, he “The European institutions under tons of mud, officials said Rescuers were still searching for districts, but conditions remain who were detained in Vietnam said. He declined to identify acted after we published a video yesterday. two villagers reportedly missing grim in narrow riverside alleys while seeking to defect to South them due to the diplomatic sen- of the refugees making des- Monsoon rains and rising in the landslide, he said. where the city’s poor live. Korea have been released sitivity but said they included a perate appeals for freedom,” rivers submerged a dozen dis- The number of fatalities Government data showed thanks to the help of European non-government group. Jung said. “The South’s foreign tricts in the greater Jakarta area was expected to increase, with that some 92,200 people were institutions, a Seoul-based The Wall Street Journal ministry got also involved later.” and caused landslides that rescuers and villagers also still unable to return home and activist group said yesterday. reported on Friday that US offi- Jung had distributed a video buried at least a dozen people. searching for at least three were crammed at damp emer- The eight women and three cials, including diplomats of some of the 11 protesting National Disaster Mitigation people believed to be buried in gency shelters. men were caught by border engaged in denuclearisation talks against deportation before Agency spokesman Agus another landslide in Cigudeg Indonesia’s Meteorology, guards in northern Vietnam in with North Korea, intervened to appearing to faint. Wibowo said most of the fatal- village in Bogor district, said Climatology and Geophysics late November after crossing secure the defectors’ release, About 33,000 North ities included those who had Ridwan, the village’s secretary, Agency said that more down- from China, and had been held citing unidentified sources. But Koreans have resettled in the drowned or been electrocuted who goes by a single name. pours were forecast for the in the northeastern border city Jung said he was unaware of any affluent, democratic South. since rivers broke their banks Ridwan said bad weather, capital in the coming days, and of Lang Son. US contribution. Most risked their lives to cross early Wednesday after extreme blackouts and mudslides were that the potential for extreme Peter Jung, who heads the South Korea’s foreign min- the border in a journey that torrential rains hit on New hampering rescue efforts. He rainfall will continue until next group helping the refugees, istry said the government made may entail persecution and Year’s Eve. Three elderly people said rescuers on Saturday month across the vast archi- Justice for North Korea, said immediate efforts to prevent slave labour, if caught and died of hypothermia. managed to reach eight hamlets pelago nation. they were freed and on their the defectors from being repatriated. 14 EUROPE SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020

Quim Torra to Pedro Sanchez appeal ban from public office makes new bid AFP — BARCELONA Catalan separatist president Quim Torra said yesterday that to govern Spain he would ask Spain’s Supreme Court to strike down a decision BLOOMBERG — MADRID Sanchez, Spain’s by the electoral board to disqualify him as a lawmaker, Pedro Sanchez began his bid acting Prime Minister, thereby making him illegible to yesterday to form a new needs to win the be Catalonia’s leader. government with assistance The electoral board from a Catalan separatist party endorsement of the announced its decision on Friday as he urged Spain’s parliament 350-seat chamber in after Catalonia’s High Court of to help him end the country’s Justice last month convicted political deadlock. a voting process that Torra of disobedience for failing Sanchez, Spain’s acting will continue until to remove separatist symbols Prime Minister, needs to win the Tuesday. from public buildings during an endorsement of the 350-seat election campaign and banned chamber in a voting process him from holding public office that will continue until Tuesday. for 18 months. He is likely to lose a first parliament divided among five Catalonia’s autonomy statute vote slated for today, but after major parties and a medley of specifies that the head of the 13 deputies from the pro-inde- smaller regional groups after a Spanish caretaker Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, during the first day of a Parliamentary investiture region’s government must be a pendence Esquerra Repub- second vote in November, debate to vote for a premier at the Spanish Congress (Las Cortes) in Madrid, yesterday. lawmaker in regional assembly licana de Catalunya agreed to Sanchez turned to Esquerra to and Torra has appealed against abstain, victory in a second vote make the arithmetic work in his central institutions,” Sanchez commits him to tax increases goals of the seditionists, of the High Court ruling to Supreme on Tuesday looks assured. favor after signing a coalition said, adding that many in Cata- for the highest earners and large people that have attacked Court. “Spain is not going to break pact with Podemos. lonia also feel let down by the companies, a higher minimum Spain’s democratic and consti- However, the electoral board up, the Constitution is not going Sanchez sprinkled his region’s pro-independence wage and tighter protection for tutional order,” Cayetana went ahead pronouncing in to break up,” Sanchez, 47, said speech with pledges to resolve politicians. workers, rolling back some of Alvarez de Toledo, the PP’s par- favour of right-wing parties in the opening remarks of his the dispute in Catalonia sparked “It’s clear that in our country the labor reforms enacted in liamentary spokeswoman, said. seeking Torra’s disqualification speech lasting almost two hours by the failed attempt in 2017 by there does not exist a single way 2012 at the height of a financial The investiture debate as member of the Parliament, that kicked off the parlia- separatist parties to split from of living or feeling national crisis. marks the latest attempt to even though the Supreme Court mentary debate. “What will Spain. He promised to set up identity,” he said. “We need to As Sanchez tries to steer his mend a political system that has yet to decide on Torra’s break up is the blockade of the mechanisms for negotiating start again.” government project through fractured in 2015 when former initial appeal. progressive government that with the pro-independence He also outlined the main Parliament, he has been coming People’s Party Premier Mariano Torra, who denounced the Spaniards democratically Catalan government to “put an terms of the political pro- under fierce attack from the Rajoy lost the parliamentary move as a “coup”, said yes- elected.” end to the conflict” within the gramme he struck with conservatives of the PP and majority he had won four years terday he would immediately Spanish politics has been in bounds of Spain’s Podemos under their planned Vox, a far-right party, who earlier. Sanchez ousted Rajoy present a petition to the stalemate since Sanchez dis- constitution. coalition, a form of government accuse him of betraying the in a 2018 confidence vote but Supreme Court seeking “the solved parliament to spark the “Today there exists in a not tried in Spain since before constitution. has struggled to impose his protection of fundamental first of two inconclusive general wide sector of the Catalan pop- the country’s 1936-1939 civil “He has positioned himself authority at the head of a rights” and suspension of the elections in April. With the ulation a sense of grievance at war. His pact with Podemos taking on the rhetoric and the minority government. electoral board decision.

Migrant granted residency in Spain Russia to resume limited oil supplies to Belarus amid talks AP — MINSK batch of crude oil sufficient to Russia stopped supplying oil were operating at low capacity, Russian President Vladimir for rescuing man ensure “non-stop operation of to its post-Soviet neighbour running on reserves. On Friday, Putin and Belarusian President Belarus has reached an the country’s refineries in after December 31, as the two Minsk announced it was sus- Alexander Lukashenko held two with disability agreement with Russia for January 2020.” countries failed to renegotiate pending its own oil exports, rounds of talks in December but limited oil supplies after Russian pipeline operator oil prices for this year amid which contribute up to 20% of failed to reach an agreement on AFP — MADRID Moscow earlier this week Transneft confirmed it would stalled talks on further strength- annual GDP. the closer ties and on oil and gas stopped supplying crude amid transfer 133,000 tonnes of oil ening economic ties. The Kremlin has recently prices. Spain granted residency to an stalled talks on strengthening to Belarus “in the nearest The suspension did not increased pressure on Belarus, Putin said Russia was not undocumented migrant from economic ties between the future.” affect oil transit to Europe or the raising energy prices and ready to “subsidise” energy sup- Senegal who was hailed as a neighbouring countries. According to a statement supply of natural gas but had cutting subsidies. It argues that plies without more economic hero after he rescued a Belarusian state-run oil from Belneftekhim, the oil consequences for Belarus. Belarus should accept greater integration with ally Belarus. disabled man from a burning company Belneftekhim, said would come at a discounted which relies on Russia for more economic integration if it wants Lukashenko insisted he would building last month. yesterday it was in the process price while negotiations for than 80% of its overall energy to continue receiving energy not sign off on the integration Gorgui Lamine Sow, a of finalising an agreement with resuming regular imports needs. resources at Russia’s domestic until the issues with oil and gas 20-year-old street vendor who a Russian oil company for a continue. The country’s two refineries prices. supplies were resolved. arrived in Spain in 2017, was walking down a street in Denia on Spain’s eastern Mediter- ranean coast on December 6 Serbia President cancels when he heard screams and saw smoke pouring from a first-floor window. visit to Montenegro He climbed the iron bars of the front door before AP — BELGRADE officials had said the visit entering the burning would add fuel to the existing apartment from the balcony, Serbia’s president canceled a tensions in the small Adriatic and then emerged with the private visit to Montenegro he’d state. man who uses a walker slung planned amid a row between At a news conference yes- over his shoulder, carrying the two former Balkan allies terday, the Serbian leader him down a ladder that had over a new law that Serbs say accused Montenegrin and been set up by a neighbour. discriminates against the unspecified Western officials Denia city hall quickly Serbian Orthodox Church. of launching “a hysteric cam- asked Spain’s central gov- Serbian President Ale- paign of lies” when he first ernment to give Sow a resi- ksandar Vucic said he would announced the visit. dents permit, a request backed not go to Montenegro as He said he canceled it by nearly 90,000 people who scheduled next week because because of possible “clashes” signed a petition hailing him of concerns Montenegrin offi- that would “hurt the Serb as a “model citizen”. cials might claim his presence people in Montenegro.” Spain’s labour and immi- fueled ethnic tensions and Montenegro split from gration ministry said it had jeopardised the country’s Serbia in 2006. One-third of its granted Sow residency in rec- independence. 620,000 citizens declare them- ognition of his “act of courage “I decided not to go, and selves as Serbs. and service to community”. that was agreed with (Serbian Serb protesters have Sow told Spanish media Patriarch) Irinej,’’ Vucic said. alleged a religion rights bill that that he lives in a crowded room “We respect their was adopted last month by the in the seaside town of Gandia independence.” Montenegrin Parliament will with his partner and their Vucic previously said he lead to the impounding of seven-month-old daughter, Children army would visit Serb churches in Serbian Orthodox Church and travels 40 km by bus every Montenegro on Orthodox property in Montenegro. Mon- Boys driving models of Russian WWII legend Soviet tank T-34 at the Sokolniki Park, in Moscow, day to Denia to sell bracelets Christmas, which is celebrated tenegrin officials have yesterday. and necklaces on the streets. on January 7. Montenegrin repeatedly denied the claim. Minor clashes break out at Paris Louvre's record numbers fall as museum tries to limit visitors AFP — PARIS down completely for some days Advance booking is oblig- He said the almost weekly protest against pension reforms during the peak summer atory for its blockbuster “yellow vest” anti-government The hordes flocking to the season, Martinez said, when the Leonardo da Vinci show but street protests in the French REUTERS — PARIS having to work for longer. Louvre in Paris fell to 9.6 French capital was also hit by Martinez said he did not want capital during 2019 had little “People have to think a bit million in 2019 as the museum a heatwave. to force all visitors to book their effect on numbers. French police fired tear gas about what kind of society they tried to limit overcrowding, its “We are the only cultural visits far ahead. “Seventy-five percent of our yesterday in low-level clashes want in general and, on a more director said. institution in the world to do Some 180,000 people visitors come from abroad”, in the centre of Paris with personal level, whether you’re After numbers rocketed by this and we are very clear with booked their tickets for the with Americans and Chinese the demonstrators protesting 20, 30, 40 or 50, one day you’ll a quarter the previous year to people,” he added. “once in a lifetime” Leonardo most numerous. government plans to overhaul retire,” said Jean-Gabriel a record 10.2 million, the most- “We do this because we show in the week before it “We have managed to open the country’s pension system. Maheo, an industrial technician visited museum in the world want to welcome people better opened at the end of October. every day, although sometimes Police briefly used the tear who said he was in his fifties. said it set out to actively dis- and not just take more and The sell-out show pushed a little later,” and the museum’s gas in the city’s Bastille area “If the currently proposed courage tourists in the peak more visitors.” visitor numbers up by 14 website has warned that some and at the Gare de l’Est railway system passes in the way it is summer months. The Louvre is by far the percent in November, with the rooms may remain closed station after demonstrators, laid out, it will be a social catas- “The real change was in most visited museum in the museum now laying on six because of staff shortages. who were joined by “Yellow trophe. Already, the previous June, July and August,” Louvre world, ahead of the National additional late-night openings “Around a fifth of our staff Vests” anti-government reforms are seeing people retire director Jean-Luc Martinez said, Museum of China in Beijing on to cope with the demand before have not been able to get in” activists, tried to enter the with measly pensions,” added when it “purposely” cut visitor 8.6 million visitors, and New it closes at the end of because of the lack of trains, station complex. Maheo, as he took part in the numbers by 600,000. York’s Metropolitan Museum of February. buses and metro, Martinez President Emmanuel demonstration yesterday. “We tried to limit the Art, which attracted 7.3 million “The message we want to added. Macron has said reforms are Much of France has been numbers so that there would people in 2018. get across is that only by Its satellite museum in Lens essential to simplify the current crippled by a national transport not be more than one million Internet reservations, which making a reservation are you in northern France has also convoluted pensions system, strike since the anti-pensions visitors a month, which hap- now account for half of Louvre guaranteed entry into the passed the half-million visitor but his opponents say they will protest first began in early pened in 2018.” visits, have helped regulate the museum within a 30-minute mark for the first time this year, result in many French people December. To do that, the museum shut numbers, Martinez said. window,” Martinez insisted. he added. SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 15 Mexico’s former security chief pleads not guilty in drug case

AP — NEW YORK A judge ordered Luna’s lawyer, Cesar de Castro, criticism. over his sworn duties as a public bribes, the cartel, at the Genaro Garcia Luna said he would ask the court at US prosecutors said in a servant and assured the con- direction of Chapo Guzman, Mexico’s former top security a later date for his client to be court filing this month that tinued success and safety of one Mayo Zambada and other official pleaded not guilty on be detained after granted bail. Garcia Luna had accepted “tens of the world’s most notorious leaders, sent multi-ton drug charges he accepted a fortune the Assistant US Garcia Luna was viewed as of millions of dollars” in bribes trafficking organisations.” loads to New York and other in drug-money bribes from the point man in then-President — often briefcases full of cash - De Castro declined to American cities, including the kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Attorney argued that Felipe Calderon’s 2006-2012 to protect the cartel. comment on the charges. federal district covering Guzman’s notorious Sinaloa he would pose an war on drugs. As public safety “Because of the defendant’s During Guzman’s 2018 New Brooklyn and Queens, cartel to let it operate with secretary, he was one of the corrupt assistance, the Sinaloa York trial, jurors heard former according to court impunity. “unacceptable risk of most feared members of Cal- Cartel conducted its criminal cartel member Jesus Zambada documents. Genaro Garcia Luna, 51, was flight” if released. deron’s government, but for activity in Mexico without sig- testify that he personally made Garcia Luna lived in Miami, indicted in New York on three years was dogged by allegations nificant interference from at least $6 million in hidden Florida, before his arrest last counts of cocaine trafficking about his ties to drug Mexican law enforcement and payments to Garcia Luna, on month in Texas. From 2001 to conspiracy and a false state- charges against him. traffickers. imported multi-ton quantities behalf of his older brother, 2005, he led Mexico’s Federal ments charge. A judge ordered him Calderon’s government was of cocaine and other drugs into cartel boss Ismael “El Mayo” Investigation Agency and from During his brief appearance detained after Assistant US criticised for not going after the the United States,” prosecutors Zambada. 2006 to 2012 served as Mexico’s in a Brooklyn courtroom, Garcia Attorney Erin Reid argued that Sinaloa cartel with the same wrote. It’s alleged that during the secretary of public security Luna shook his head “no” as he would pose an “unacceptable energy as the cartel’s rivals. Cal- They added that Garcia Luna time Garcia Luna protected the before relocating to the US, prosecutors outlined the risk of flight” if released. Garcia deron always rebuffed that “prioritised his personal greed Sinaloa Cartel in exchange for authorities said. Greens overwhelmingly Autopsy finds man fatally shot by two back Austrian coalition Texas troopers with Conservatives struck 16 times REUTERS — SALZBURG Freedom Party (FPO). AP — DALLAS “The future is made of Austria’s Greens yesterday courage. Yes but also of the The autopsy of a man fatally formally approved a coalition force of will, of a plan,” Kogler shot by two state troopers deal with conservatives led by told a party congress whose following a Dallas traffic stop Sebastian Kurz, backing their approval he needed to seal the shows he had 16 gunshot leader’s argument that it would coalition deal. He added that it wounds, including shots to the keep the far right out of power “makes a difference” whether head, front and back torso and and bring ambitious environ- Kurz governs with the Greens both legs. mental reforms despite or the FPO. The Dallas Morning News misgivings. He received a standing obtained the Dallas County The parties struck the deal ovation and repeated applause Medical Examiner’s autopsy on New Year’s Day, paving the before 93% of delegates backed report for 27-year-old way for Kurz to return to power the deal in a show of hands. Schaston Hodge. Troopers three months after winning an Kurz has made a hard line Joshua Engleman and Robert election and for the left-wing on immigration and “political Litvin shot Hodge on August environmentalists to enter gov- Islam” his trademark, and the 17 last year following what ernment for the first time. deal includes extending a ban police described as a short The awkward alliance is on headscarves in schools until pursuit after the troopers being closely watched in the age of 14 from around 10 attempted to stop Hodge for Germany, where the electoral currently. Werner Kogler, leader of the Austrian Green party, with its party members during the party congress, failing to use a turn signal. balance is similar, at a time of The OVP-FPO coalition col- in Salzburg, yesterday. “They killed my son like he growing calls for urgent action lapsed in May when FPO leader was an animal. They shot my on climate change. Heinz-Christian Strache was public safety, proposed after a The dominant mood, Another contentious point son 16 times, they almost blew Many Greens have balked caught in a video sting offering fatal stabbing apparently com- however, was one in favour of is that the Greens’ plan to his head off,” Hodge’s mother, at elements of Kurz’s law-and- to fix state contracts. A provi- mitted by an asylum seeker. compromise. overhaul taxation to better price Shandra Brackens-Hodge said order agenda, despite their sional government of civil Many Greens expressed “Sometimes you have to in planet-warming carbon in a statement. leader Werner Kogler saying servants has been in place since misgivings. work with the Klingons,” one emissions has been put off until Lt Lonny Haschel, a the deal had to reflect their June. “It is not enough to say that delegate from the eastern 2022. spokesman with the state’s party’s smaller share of the vote. The new coalition deal res- we blocked the FPO,” Flora province of Burgenland said in “What will happen in 2022? Department of Public Safety, The Greens won 13.9% com- urrects some of the previous Lebloch from the party’s youth a Star Trek-themed speech, I don’t know yet either,” said said Texas Rangers investigated pared to 37.5% for Kurz’s Peo- Kurz government’s ideas such wing said, calling Kurz’s OVP arguing the party should “boldly Kogler. “But we will work on it and turned a report over to the ple’s Party (OVP), whose last as preventive custody for “an authoritarian right-wing go where no Greens have gone and fight for it to move Dallas County District Attor- coalition was with the far-right people deemed a threat to party”. before”. forward.” ney’s office and a grand jury declined to indict the troopers. “The entire incident, cap- Past decade UK’s tured on video, was presented Rod Stewart, son face battery charges in New Year’s Eve fight to a Dallas County Grand Jury second hottest and returned a No Bill,” AP — FORT LAUDERDALE became loud and began causing him and his family.” Haschel said in an e-mail, the in last century a scene. Dixon, 33, told inves- Two Breakers employees newspaper reported. Rock icon Rod Stewart tigators he put his hand on the who were working the private DPS has declined to ANATOLIA — ANKARA (pictured) and his son are younger Stewart’s chest and event told police police they release videos of the shooting facing simple battery charges told him to back up and make saw Sean Stewart push Dixon incident. The past decade saw the after an altercation with a space, the report said. and Rod punch the guard. The pair were working in second warmest temperatures security guard during a private Sean Stewart then shoved The officer said he viewed Dallas as part of Gov Greg in the last century in the UK, event in a children’s area at The Dixon backwards. Rod Stewart, security footage at the hotel and Abbot’s decision to send as the country’s climate is Breakers hotel in Palm Beach 74, punched Dixon in his “left determined that the Stewarts troopers to help Dallas police getting warmer, the UK’s Met on New Year’s Eve, according rib cage area” with a closed fist, were the “primary aggressors.” during an increase in violent Office announced yesterday. to court records. the report said. Dixon signed an affidavit crime. “The 2010s have been the Security guard Jessie Dixon The police report said Sean saying that he wanted to press The troopers from Parker second warmest and second told Palm Beach police officers Stewart told investigators he charges against the Stewarts. County were placed on paid wettest of the ‘cardinal’ that Stewart’s group was at the became agitated when they Rod and Sean Stewart were leave after the shooting. They decades (those spanning years check-in table for a private party attend, a police report said. were not able to attend the event issued notices to appear in court are both white, and Hodge was ending 0-9) over the last 100 that they weren’t authorised to Dixon said the group “due to Dixon’s interaction with on February 5. black, documents show. years of UK weather records,” the agency said in a statement. The last decade currently holds eight high temperature Bolivia to hold presidential records, it said. “Witnessing the highest vote on May 3: Tribunal UK temperature for the months of February, July, and AFP — LA PAZ Morales, a socialist, said on provisionally December, 2019 December 24 that he was forced was a year of multiple records, Bolivians will choose a new from power by a US-backed concluding a record-breaking president on May 3, more than coup d’etat aimed at gaining decade,” it added. six months after a disputed access to the South American The UK experienced the election sparked violent street country’s vast lithium resources. warmest February day on protests and the resignation of Demand for lithium is record, with a temperature of Evo Morales. expected to grow globally as it 20.6 degrees (69 F) while the Interim leader Jeanine Anez is one of the key components in hottest July with a temperature has been overseeing a caretaker batteries used in high-tech of 38.1 degrees (100.5 F) was government since then, after equipment such as laptops and recorded July 25. Morales fled the country for electric cars. In the last month of 2019, Mexico. Bolivia does have the largest the UK has its warmest The new presidential confirmed lithium resources in December ever with the tem- election will be “the first Sunday the world, but they are widely perature topping 18.7 (65.6) of May, I can let you know that thought to be of poor quality, degrees. much,” said the vice-president and the country lacks the infra- In 2019, it was warmer, of the Supreme Electoral Tri- structure to exploit them wetter, and sunnier than bunal, Oscar Hassenteufel. profitably. average and the statement Once complete, the elec- Morales’ Movement for stressed it was the eleventh toral schedule will include dates Socialism (MAS) party has warmest year on record with for registration of candidates, named him campaign chief for A file photo of riot police clashing with supporters of Bolivia’s former President Evo Morales during an average increase of 9.42 the campaign timeframe, rules the upcoming poll. a protest against the interim government, in Sacaba, Bolivia. Celsius degrees. on advertising, and rules on a Morales said a new MAS “It is notable how many of potential second round. candidate will be picked during these extreme records have Bolivia has been in turmoil a party assembly on January 15, heir, was leading with 23 capital he would not rest until Police and military forces been set in the most recent since presidential voting on which could be held in either percent of voter preference, fol- justice is secured. crackdown November 19 on decade and how many more October 20. Morales’ insistence Bolivia or Argentina. lowed by conservative Carlos Morales said on Twitter that protesters supporting Morales of them are reflecting high- after 14 years in power that he Whoever the candidate is, Mesa, with 21 percent. the families met him in Buenos in the Senkata neighborhood of rather than low-temperature had been elected to a fourth Morales says he wants the next Rodriguez is still awaiting Aires, Argentina where he was El Alto left 10 civilians dead and extremes: a consequence of term in a widely disputed vote election to be monitored by a final decision from his party granted asylum, and asked for more than 60 protesters injured. our warming climate,” said prompted massive and violent international organisations. and from Morales. justice for the dead and injured. Public demonstrations have Mark McCarthy, head of the street protests. So far, there are several pre- Former foreign minister I promised that I will not yet to subside, with mostly rural National Climate Information On November 10, after candidates for the May vote. David Choquehuanca also rest until the de facto gov- and indigenous pro-Morales Centre. losing the army’s backing, A survey in late December wants to be a MAS candidate. ernment is tried for these supporters taking to the streets, The country’s hottest year Bolivia’s first indigenous pres- by the newspaper Pagina Siete On Friday, Evo Morales crimes and compensated including La Paz, as well as on record was in 2014, ident resigned and fled to found the young coca leaf promised that the families of 10 victims," Morales vowed and Sacaba and Cochabamba, since according to the UK Met Mexico, before moving on to grower Andronicus Rodriguez, victims of a military-police called what happened a he left the country saying his department. Argentina. considered Morales’ political operation near the Bolivian massacre. ouster was a coup. 16 AMERICAS SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 Trump seeks to shore up evangelical support in Florida

AFP — MIAMI Trump’s spiritual advisor. According to a recent According to a recent poll poll, 77 percent of US President Donald Trump conducted by the Public wooed crucial evangelical Religion Research Institute white evangelical voters on Friday with a speech (PRRI), 77 percent of white Republicans approve in Florida where he told them evangelical Republicans God is “on our side” ahead of approve of the job Trump is of the job Trump is this year’s elections. doing at the White House. That’s doing at the White Trump — who despite con- in marked contrast to the steady troversies has made himself a majority of the country disap- House. champion of right-wing Chris- proving of Trump’s tians — promised “another performance. monumental victory for faith And when it comes to In 2016, Trump won and family, God and country, impeachment over Trump’s election thanks to victories in flag and freedom.” alleged abuse of office, those several crucial swing states, “I really do believe we have evangelicals are even more despite trailing Hillary Clinton God on our side,” Trump told united. A crushing 98 percent by nearly three million ballots the crowd at the King Jesus majority oppose his removal. in the overall popular vote. International Ministry mega “We have not really seen So any bleeding of evangel- church in Miami. throughout Trump’s presidency icals — especially in battle- US President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event in Miami, Florida, on Friday. This was Trump’s first cam- any discernible cracks,” PRRI ground states like Florida — paign rally of the year and sets chief executive Robert Jones could doom a repeat of the feat. him up for what will be a tough said. “Our polling shows that Team Trump was taken by popularized televangelism in not stronger,” Perkins said in an think tank. Jones says Trump’s fight against his Democratic they have been largely unfazed surprise when evangelical mag- the 1950s and founded Christi- interview. appeal also rests in his wider challenger in November. by the impeachment pro- azine Christianity Today pub- anity Today — lent his support. Evangelicalism is the ability to reassure a group that Trump, who also faces a ceedings,” said Jones, the author lished a scathing editorial Graham said his father primary form of Protestantism feels increasingly vulnerable in looming impeachment trial in of “The End of White Christian before Christmas in favor of the “would be very disappointed” in America and the main reli- a changing, increasingly mixed the Senate, arrived on stage at America.” president’s removal from office, with the magazine’s editorial. gious group in the country, race America. the church to be blessed by Friday’s event at the King calling his behavior “profoundly Tony Perkins, president of ahead of Catholics (21 percent) “This election is about the several television pastors. Jesus International Ministry, immoral.” But allies rallied to the ultra-conservative Family and traditional Protestants. survival of our nation,” Trump “Every demonic altar that also known as El Rey Jesus, Trump’s side. Research Council, said the edi- One of every four Amer- told the rally, talking at length has been raised against him will aimed to lock down support for Franklin Graham — one of torial represented an “isolated icans identifies as evangelical, about a supposed “war on be torn down,” prayed Paula Trump in the key the sons of the celebrated late voice.” “I see the support just as according to the Pew Research religion” that he had managed White, frequently portrayed as demographic. pastor Billy Graham, who strong now as it was in 2016, if Center, a Washington-based to stop. Conservatives in US Democratic contenders condemn Iran strike, warn of war Pompeo: Europe Canada to pick REUTERS — WASHINGTON are set to face voters for the first not ‘helpful’ as time in a month, when Iowa leader in June Democratic presidential kicks off the nominating battle could be over contenders on Friday on February 3. AFP — MONTREAL condemned the air strike that Public opinion polls show Iraq strike killed Iranian military Americans in general are Canada’s Conservative party commander Qassem Soleimani, opposed to US military inter- AFP — WASHINGTON announced on Friday that it saying President Donald ventions overseas. will choose a new leader on Trump’s decision was reckless A survey last year by the US Secretary of State Mike June 27 following Andrew and could lead the United States Chicago Council on Global Pompeo said on Friday that Scheer’s surprise resignation. to another war in the Middle Affairs found only 27% of Amer- Washington’s European allies “We have an obligation as East. icans believe military interven- had not been “as helpful” as the opposition party to be “President Trump just tions make the United States he hoped over the US killing ready as quick as we can and tossed a stick of dynamite into safer, and nearly half said they of Iranian military commander this quickness puts us in that a tinderbox,” said former Vice- make the country less safe. Qassem Soleimani in Iraq. position,” party official Dan President Joe Biden. His cam- “There are serious questions Pompeo called officials Nowlan told CBC, indicating paign released a 30-second about how this decision was worldwide to discuss the the vote would take place in online ad that portrayed Biden made and whether we are pre- attack, which was praised by Toronto. as “tested and trusted around pared for the consequences,” US President Donald Trump’s In October legislative elec- the world” against Trump’s said Buttigieg, a former Navy Republicans and close ally tions, the Conservatives won “erratic, unstable” presidency. Reserve officer who served in Israel, but elsewhere met with Anti-war activists protest in front of the White House in Washington, 121 seats, 26 more than they “We’re on the brink of yet Afghanistan. sharp warnings it could DC, yesterday. had in the last legislature. This another war in the Middle East,” Trump said the strike aimed inflame regional tensions. helped deny Prime Minister said liberal US Senator Eliz- to disrupt “imminent and sin- “I spent the last day and a Justin Trudeau’s Liberals an abeth Warren. “We’re not here issues, such as health care and Elmendorf, referring to Biden, ister attacks” on Americans. His half, two days, talking to absolute majority in the House by accident. We’re here because money in politics, strategists Warren, US Senator Bernie fellow Republicans praised the partners in the region, sharing of Commons. a reckless president, his allies said. While that could be a plus Sanders and Pete Buttigieg, the president for restoring with them what we were Scheer, whose leadership and his administration have for the leading Democratic can- former mayor of South Bend, American strength and doing, why we were doing it, has been contested since his spent years pushing us here.” didates such as Biden, who has Indiana. leadership. seeking their assistance. defeat in the legislative elec- The overnight killing of stressed his foreign policy expe- “Nobody behind them will “At a time when the pres- They’ve all been fantastic,” tions, announced his resig- Soleimani was a dramatic esca- rience and credentials, lesser- have a chance to reset the race ident is under impeachment by Pompeo said in an interview. nation on December 12. lation of hostilities in the Middle known contenders could have or change things,” said the Democrats, there’s nothing “And then talking to our It came on the heels of an East between Iran and the a harder time being heard. Elmendorf, a Buttigieg sup- wrong with him showing partners in other places that internal report on the results United States. “The ultimate beneficiary in porter who served as chief of strength and resolve in the face haven’t been quite as good. of the legislative campaign. A protracted conflict could the Democratic race could be staff for former House Demo- of a foreign threat,” said Repub- Frankly, the Europeans haven’t It also happened the day reshape an election that has so the four candidates in front,” cratic leader Dick Gephardt. lican strategist Ron Bonjean, been as helpful as I wish that Global News revealed that the far been dominated by domestic said Democratic strategist Steve The Democratic contenders who is close to the White House. they could be,” he said. Conservative party had paid part of the tuition fees for Scheer’s children at a private school in Ottawa. US deportations of Guatemalans Scheer has led the con- servative party since May 2017. double over the past decade REUTERS — GUATEMALA CITY predecessor Barack Obama took office, there were 27,222 Mississippi US President Donald Trump’s deportations. administration stepped up “We associate the increase Senator qualifies deportations of Guatemalans with migration policies of the in 2019, doubling the number United States,” Alejandra Mena, for re-election of migrants sent back from the a spokeswoman for the Guate- United States a decade earlier, malan Institute of Migration, AP — JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI data from the Central American said. She expected 2020 to country showed on Friday. follow a similar pattern. Republican US Senator Cindy Trump has made cracking There were more than Hyde-Smith of Mississippi filed down on illegal immigration a 400,000 deportations to Gua- papers on Friday to run for major policy focus and has con- temala during the decade re-election, emphasising her tinued to press the issue in the through 2019, the institute’s loyalty to President Donald run-up to the November US data show. Trump on border security and presidential election. Deportations increased other issues. Last year, the United States steadily in the first half-dozen Speaking to more than 100 deported 54,547 people to Gua- years of Obama’s two terms as supporters at the state GOP temala on 486 flights, the president, peaking at 51,157 in headquarters, Hyde-Smith highest since at least 2007, 2014, and then fell sharply the recalled how she backed Biden campaign event according to data from the following year. In 2017, the year Trump’s nomination of Brett Guatemalan Institute of Trump took office, 32,833 Gua- Democratic presidential candidate and former vice-president Joe Biden speaks during a campaign Kavanaugh to the US Supreme Migration. In 2009, the year temalans were deported from event in Independence, Iowa, on Friday. Court in 2018, when Trump’s Democratic the US. Kavanaugh faced accusations of sexual misconduct as a young man. “Guys, we got through that, Appeals court weighs Mueller grand jury access for Congress and right won,” Hyde-Smith said. She said Trump told her AP — WASHINGTON of two separation-of-powers A Justice Department House’s general counsel, said in his report and therefore con- that she “went through the fights between Congress and the lawyer argued on Friday that the Russia material is on point, sidered relevant to his fire” for Kavanaugh, and she Democrats in Congress are Justice Department argued on the grand jury material bore no given the momentous stakes of investigation. said she told the President that seeking access to secret grand Friday before judges on Wash- relevance to the impeachment deciding a president’s fate in “It’s limited because it’s he goes through fire all the jury testimony from special ington’s federal appeals court. inquiry, which centers on impeachment proceedings. what special counsel Mueller time. counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia At issue is whether House Trump’s efforts to press his “There’s nothing more decided to put in his report,” “You know what we’ve got investigation, arguing in court Democrats can obtain grand Ukrainian counterpart to inves- important than determining Letter said. “This is already to do? We’ve got to march on Friday that it is relevant to jury testimony outlined in Muel- tigate a political rival and con- whether the president of the vastly more limited than us just through that fire,” Hyde-Smith President Donald Trump’s ler’s 448-page report, which cerns activities that occurred United States should remain the coming in and saying, said. “We cannot let the lib- impeachment and could even examined the Trump cam- after the Mueller investigation president of the United States,” ‘Impeachment, we get erals win.” Hyde-Smith was be a basis for additional accu- paign’s ties to Russia and had concluded. he said. everything.” the state agriculture commis- sations against him. whether the president sought “The House has now Letter said the House was Freeman said Congress has sioner when Republican Gov- A three-judge panel that to obstruct that investigation. adopted two articles of seeking a “discrete” disclosure, over time changed its argu- ernor Phil Bryant appointed heard the argument, including The Justice Department impeachment that have nothing noting that lawmakers weren’t ments for why it needs the tes- her in early 2018. She is the a Trump appointee, appeared appealed a judge’s order from to do with this case,” Mark seeking access to all grand jury timony. He also questioned the first woman to represent Mis- divided and did not immedi- the fall directing it to produce Freeman told the court. testimony but only to testimony House’s need for the sissippi in Congress. ately rule on the case. It was one that material. But Douglas Letter, the that Mueller made reference to testimony.