BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Jaish set to cede lead aft er Gharafa INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2, 16 COMMENT 14, 15 shocker ARAB WORLD 3 BUSINESS 1-6, 8-12 QCB hikes rate by 19,858.51 10,224.13 50.96 INTERNATIONAL 4-12 CLASSIFIED 7 +65.96 -134.86 -0.08 ISLAM 13 SPORT 1-8 0.25% aft er Fed move +0.33 -1.30% -0.16% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

FRIDAY Vol. XXXVII No. 10304 December 16, 2016 Rabia I 17, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals QR93bn In brief

QATAR | Expatriates ‘No exit permit for set aside dependent children’ The option to apply for exit permits for expatriate male children above 18 years was found to be missing on the Ministry of Interior’s (MoI) Metrash2 application yesterday. According to information available for major on the Qatar government’s off icial website Hukoomi, “all expatriate residents, except wives and HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani being briefed about the Single dependent children under family Window Project for investor services at the headquarters of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce in Lusail City yesterday. sponsorship, require an exit permit to leave the country.” Page 16 projects QATAR | Offi cial Sunday declared Qatar expects QR28.3bn budget The minister said the projected defi - Single Window Project to deficit for 2017 cit in the 2017 budget was due to “a National Day holiday combination of low energy prices and The Emiri Diwan has declared By Pratap John a period of high development expendi- Sunday, December 18, an official Chief Business Reporter ture.” holiday on the occasion of The defi cit was down by 39.1% the National Day. Employees help investors launched compared with QR46.5bn in the 2016 will resume duties on Monday. ustaining spending in key sec- budget. Meanwhile, HH the Emir Sheikh tors such as health, education, Al-Emadi said the QR93.2bn budg- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has E the Prime Minister and Inte- sector, encourage local and foreign in- Transport and Communications, Mu- Sinfrastructure and transport, eted for major projects in 2017 “dem- pardoned a number of prisoners. rior Minister Sheikh Abdullah vestments and direct them towards nicipality and Environment and Qatar Qatar’s budget for 2017 has earmarked onstrates our commitment to com- Hbin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani value-added sectors to the national Tourism Authority and Qatar Chamber. QR93.2bn for major projects. plete all projects in the main sectors on REGION | Confl ict yesterday inaugurated the Single Win- economy, all in line with the Qatar Na- Each body will choose its represent- The State Budget announced by HE schedule.” dow Project for investor services at the tional Vision 2030. ative in the committee. The designa- the Minister of Finance Ali Sherif al- The minister said “an increase in the GCC warns Egypt over headquarters of the Ministry of Econo- The prime minister also issued yes- tion of the committee’s chairman and Emadi yesterday estimated revenues pace of construction activities on vari- linking Qatar to attack my and Commerce in Lusail City. terday decision No23 of 2016 to form members will be subject to a decision of QR170.1bn and an expenditure of ous projects will lead to higher alloca- Gulf Co-operation Council states The project is a result of the directives the Co-ordinating Committee for Sin- of the prime minister. An employee or QR198.4bn, thus expecting to post a tion for major projects during the com- have expressed concern over of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- gle Window System Management. The more will be in charge of the commit- defi cit of QR28.3bn. ing three fi scal years.” linking Qatar to the deadly attack mad al-Thani seeking to remove bureau- committee is under the Cabinet. tee’s secretariat. The shortfall is expected to be cov- He said Qatar’s “committed on Cairo’s Coptic church, calling it cratic obstacles that face investments The committee will be formed under The committee will co-ordinate with ered by issuing debt instruments in the projects” would entail an expendi- unacceptable. In a statement issued and unify ministerial procedures for the the chairmanship of a representative all government agencies on providing the local and international fi nancial mar- ture of QR374bn, excluding oil and gas by the GCC General Secretariat, GCC benefi t of citizens and investors, the Qa- of the Prime Minister’s Offi ce and the Single Window’s services, provide all ad- kets, while maintaining its reserves and projects and those set up by govern- Secretary General Dr Abdullatif bin tar News Agency (QNA) reported. membership of a representative from ministrative and technical services nec- investments. ment-owned companies. Rashid al-Zayani warned that making It is one of the most important gov- the ministries of Interior, Energy and essary to facilitate the Single Window’s The budget has been based on an oil Al-Emadi said it was expected that statements without checking them ernmental initiatives launched in order Industry, Finance, Economy and Com- work, implement comprehensive quality price assumption of $45 per barrel. Qa- the government would sign contracts would aff ect the close ties between to develop the business environment, merce, Justice, Administrative Devel- concepts to improve performance and tar’s fi scal year now begins in January for new projects worth QR46.1bn in the GCC and Egypt. stimulate participation of the private opment and Labour and Social Aff airs, raise the level of services. To Page 2 and ends in December. 2017. Page 2 Gulf Times 2 Friday, December 16, 2016 QATAR

Official Budget entails

FM holds talks with head of QR198.4bn Syrian committee HE the Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani held a telephone HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, arrives at conversation on Wednesday the headquarters of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce in Lusail City to inaugurate the Single evening with the chairman of expenditure Window Project for investor services. the high committee of the Syrian negotiations Dr Riyad Hijab. By Pratap John Emir issues law They discussed the situation in Chief Business Reporter adopting budget Syria, particularly the worsening humanitarian situation in the city PM launches single window of Aleppo, in light of the latest he government of Qatar HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim escalation. is expected to sign con- bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday The Foreign Minister reiterated Ttracts for new projects issued the Law No. 18 of 2016 Qatar’s solidarity with the worth QR46.1bn in 2017, HE the on the adoption of the State’s project to help investors people of Aleppo as well as Minister of Finance Ali Sherif al- General budget for the Fiscal Qatar’s continued eff orts to help Emadi has said. Year 2017. alleviate their suff ering, pushing Announcing the State Budget The Law shall be eff ective start- From Page 1 system of work including venue enced staff to provide it with for a ceasefire and ensuring the for 2017, the Minister said these ing from January 1, 2017 and It will also study complaints and dates of its meetings along the required advice, statements delivery of humanitarian aid. will include infrastructure and shall be published in the Off icial and suggestions of reviewers in with the rules for the exercise of or explanations. All parties will Riyad Hijab expressed transportation projects worth HE the Minister of Finance Ali Gazette, according to QNA. co-ordination with the compe- its terms of reference. The deci- be committed to submit to the appreciation and gratitude for QR25bn, projects related to Sherif al-Emadi tent units and authorities and sion states that the committee committee the information and Qatar’s stance and continued FIFA World Cup 2022 facilities take the necessary action, devel- will form among its members or data needed to perform its work eff orts to support the Syrian (QR8.5bn), health and education road, the new ring road for trucks Funds have also been provided op clear indicators for measuring others sub-committees to assist and co-operate with it within its people. projects (QR5.8bn) and projects and the new Al Khor road. Infra- for new projects at Qatar Uni- the level of quality and periodic it in performing its functions or terms of reference. in other sectors (QR6.8bn). structure projects include land versity, including the faculties of evaluation of the services pro- to designate whom it considers The decision also stipulates Al-Muraikhi The minister stressed that the reclamation in North and West education, pharmacology, law, vided for the Single Window by suitable among its members or that the committee will submit implementation of major devel- Doha, Al Khor, Al Mashaf, Al and laboratories for the Faculty all stakeholders, and co-ordinate others to examine any of the is- periodic reports on the results meets UN special opment projects would have a Wakrah and Al Wukair. of Sciences. with the competent authorities sues that fall within its terms of of its work, proposals and rec- envoy for Syria “positive impact” on economic Funds amounting to QR24.5bn Also, funds have been set and relevant authorities to sim- reference. ommendations to the prime growth as the International have been allocated to the health apart for the completion of plify and develop all procedures The committee will co-oper- minister. The decision will go HE the Minister of State for Monetary Fund expected Qatar sector, representing 12.3% of projects at the Qatar Founda- relating to the services provided ate with employees of ministries into force from the date of its is- Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad to achieve an overall GDP growth the total expenditure in the 2017 tion for Education, Science and and set a timeline for them. and other government agencies sue and will be published in the al-Muraikhi yesterday met United rate of 3.4% in 2017, the highest budget. Community Development (QF) The committee will establish a or other qualifi ed and experi- Offi cial Gazette. Nations Secretary General’s in the GCC region. This will fi nance many including research facilities, in- Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Also, the implementation of projects including the fi nal stage frastructure and transportation Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy in Doha. development projects will help of Sidra Medical and Research in the Education City. During the meeting, they sustain growth in non-oil sec- Centre. Outlay has also been Al-Emadi said the budget was reviewed issues of common tors, which achieved a “strong” made to expand facilities at Ha- focused on “maximising effi - concern. growth rate of 5.8% during the mad General Hospital and com- ciency” in current expenditure. Ooredoo, Nokia showcase fi rst six months of 2016. plete the Labourers’ Hospital in As a result of measures such Qatar-Belarus He said the total allocation the Industrial Area. as the consolidation of min- for key sectors such as health, Provisions for the following istries, allocations to “Chap- ties reviewed education and infrastructure projects have also been budgeted ter I – salaries and wages” 5G potential for Qatar (QR87.1bn) made up nearly 44% – health centres at Al Karaana, have been reduced by 3% from HE the Speaker of the Advisory of the total expenditure in the Al Ghuwariyah, Al Rawda, Al QR49.5bn to QR48bn and al- (Shura) Council Mohamed bin 2017 budget. Muntazah, Al Naeem and Umm locations to “Chapter II – cur- oredoo and Nokia have robots to complete the simple types of solutions and technol- Mubarak al-Khulaifi yesterday “This refl ects the govern- Salal, in addition to health cen- rent expenditure” have been showcased the poten- task of balancing a ball on a ogy that will become available met the Charge d’Aff aires and ment’s continued commitment tres under construction at Qatar cut by 9.6% from QR58.5bn to Otial of 5G services on platform and connecting them in Qatar as we become a truly First Counsellor at the embassy to delivering high quality social University, Al Wajba, Al Waab, QR52.9bn. the Ooredoo Supernet with a via 5G, according to a press ‘smart nation’,” al-Sayed said. of Belarus to Qatar, Vitaly services,” al-Emadi said. Muaither, and other health However, allocations to live demonstration of 5G-ena- statement. The demonstration used 400 Mirutko. Transportation and infra- centres in Al Khor, Al Sadd, Al “Chapter III – minor Capex” bled robotics at Ooredoo’s HQ1 The robots took just a frac- MHz bandwidth in the 4.5 GHZ Talks during the meeting dealt structure projects, which the Shamal, Al Mashaf, Al Wakrah were up by 16.2% from QR3.7bn headquarters in Doha for Qatar tion of the second to fi nd a bal- frequency and Multiple Input with bilateral parliamentary minister said represented a main and Ain Khalid. to QR4.3bn “due to the need to National Day. ance point, signifi cantly faster Multiple Output (8x8 MIMO) relations between the two pillar of enhancing sustainable Al-Emadi said the govern- fi t out several new health and Present at the demonstration and more smoothly than when technology, supported by eight countries and means of development, have been allocat- ment also continues to focus on education facilities across the were HE Sheikh Abdulla bin they used a 4G network. receiving antennas and eight enhancing them as well as ed QR42bn, representing 21.2% education, allocating QR20.6bn country.” Mohamed bin Saud al-Thani, Most importantly, as a result transmitting antennas to improve forming a friendship committee of the total budgeted expendi- to the sector, which represents Al-Emadi said the State chairman of Ooredoo Group; of the 5G network’s low latency network speed and capacity. between the Advisory Council ture. 10.4% of the total expenditure. Budget for 2017 had been aligned Waleed Mohamed Ebrahim al- and high speeds, the robots Ricardo Silva, head of Mo- and the House of Representatives Funds were allocated to rail Funds were allocated for the with the Qatar National Vision Sayed, CEO, Ooredoo Qatar; were able to communicate with bile Networks Product Port- of Belarus. projects, worth QR10bn and for construction of 17 new schools 2030, which focuses on the four and Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi, each other in real time to com- folio Sales, MEA, Nokia, said: The meeting was attended by the Hamad Port, along with a large and nurseries and the comple- main pillars of economic, social, COO, Ooredoo Qatar. plete the task, the statement “We are ready to support them Secretary-General of the Advisory number of roads including the Lu- tion of another 28 schools and human and environmental de- The demonstration recorded noted. (Ooredoo) with our latest mul- Council, HE Fahad bin Mubarak sail road, Al Rayyan road, Dukhan nurseries. velopment. the advanced performance of “This demonstration shows ti-standard 5G-ready Nokia al-Khayareen. 5G on the Ooredoo Supernet by not only the speed and latency AirScale radio as well as our programming three industrial of 5G networks, but also the smart city and IoT solutions.” Labour Minister attends Cairo meet HE the Minister for Administrative PHCC announces working hours Development, Labour and Social Aff airs, Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali Events lined up to celebrate al-Nuaimi, is heading Qatar’s during National Day holiday delegation to the 36th Session of the Council of Arab Social Aff airs Ministers, which kicked off in QNA The dental services will oper- shift from 4pm to 10pm. World Arabic Language Day Cairo yesterday. Doha ate daily in two shifts – morn- Al Wakrah health centre will Various problems related to ing shift: from 7am to 2pm and operate in two shifts: morn- poverty and development in the evening shift: from 4pm to10pm. ing shift from 7am to 2pm and he World Organisation language is one of the six of- of community development Arab countries will be discussed he Primary Health Care Health centres outside Doha evening shift from 4pm to 10pm. for Renaissance of Arabic fi cial languages of the United through the teaching and learn- in addition to the draft five-year Corporation (PHCC) has City in Al Khor, Al Shamal and Um Slal health centre; Al TLanguage (Woral) is set Nations; it is also the language ing of the Arabic language. plan of the Council of Arab Social Tannounced the offi cial Al Wakrah will work from 7am Daayen health centre; Al Karaana to celebrate World Arabic Lan- of the Holy Qur’an. Arabic has Dr Abdulaziz al-Subai’ei, Aff airs Ministers 2017-2021. working hours during the Na- to 11pm. health centre; Abu Nakhla health guage Day 2016 with a series of enriched the world in the fi elds chair of the Board of Trustees tional Day holiday on Sunday Al Khor and Al Shamal health centre; Al Thumama health cen- talks and performances on De- of literature, arts and science, of Woral, will deliver the key- Qatar, ESCWA December 18. centres will close from 2pm to tre; Gharrafat Al Rayyan health cember 21 at the Qatar National and is an inspiration to civilisa- note speech at the event. Other Health centres in Doha City, in- 4pm. centre; Leghwairiya health cen- Convention Centre. tion. We are proud to celebrate attendees will include Dr Mo- sign pact cluding Al Rayyan health centre; Al Sheehaniya health centre tre and Al Kaaban health centre The theme of this year’s cel- this day, and will continue to hamed Bechari, dean of the Ibn Madinat Khalifa health centre; will operate from 7am to 9pm will remain closed during the ebrations is ‘Strengthening the promote and preserve the Ara- Sina Institute for Humanities, Qatar and the United Nations Rawdat Al Khail health centre; while Jumailiya health centre National Day holiday. Scope of Arabic’, and will fea- bic language on all platforms, France, and prominent poets Economic and Social Commission Umm Ghuwailina health centre; will operate on call for 24 hrs. Ophthalmology, ENT and ture a seminar on the preserva- especially digital.” Mohamed Ibrahim al-Sada and for Western Asia (ESCWA) Abu Baker Siddiq health centre; Dental services in Al Sheehani- dermatology clinics will remain tion of the Arabic language, as The annual celebration by Mohamed Abdul Bari. signed a memorandum of co- West Bay health centre; Airport ya and Al Shamal health centres closed in all health centres which well as a school show, a choir Woral, an initiative of Qatar World Arabic Language Day, operation on the sidelines of the health centre; Leabaib health cen- will operate during the morning have these services. performance, and a poetry ses- Foundation for Education, Sci- which falls on December 18 commission’s 29th ministerial tre; Omar Bin Khattab health cen- shift only from 7am to 2pm. Premarital Examination Clin- sion by Mohamed Ibrahim al- ence and Community Devel- every year, commemorates the session yesterday. Ambassador tre and Mesaimeer health centre Al Khor health centre will op- ics will also remain closed in all Sada and Mohamed Abdel Bari. opment, is open to the public United Nations Organisation’s Tariq bin Ali al-Ansari, director will be working from 7am to 2pm erate in two shifts: morning shift health centres which have this Dr Ali al-Kubaisi, director and aims to enhance the cul- 1973 approval of listing Arabic of the Foreign Ministry’s and 4pm to 11pm. from 7am to 2pm and evening service. General of Woral, said: “Arabic tural and educational aspects as one its offi cial language. Department of International Co-operation, and ESCWA Deputy Executive Secretary Abdallah al-Dardari signed the memorandum. HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan Emirates Group releases sixth annual environmental report bin Saad al-Muraikhi was present during the signing along with ESCWA Executive Secretary Rima he Emirates Group, com- partners across the industry, we in carbon dioxide emissions. Khalaf. prising Emirates airline will continue to invest in tech- Other initiatives included the Tand dnata, has published nologies and processes that en- replacement of lights used for Real estate the sixth annual environmental able us to deliver our services aircraft cabin maintenance with report outlining the Group’s en- eff ectively, effi ciently and with energy-saving LED lights and a transactions vironmental performance for the the minimum environmental refurbishment of Emirates’ Lon- 2015-16 fi nancial year. impact,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin don offi ce with a focus on energy The total value of trading in real The report, audited by Pricewa- Saeed al-Maktoum, chairman effi ciency, leading to an overall estate sales contracts registered terhouseCoopers, presents envi- and chief executive, Emirates reduction of 60% in electricity with the Real Estate Registration ronmental performance data and airline and Group. consumption. Department at the Ministry of environmental sustainability ini- Airline operations constitute dnata’s cargo operations in Justice from December 4 to 8 tiatives from a range of Group ac- the main environmental impact Brisbane and Sydney achieved a reached QR456,564,715. tivities covering airline operations, of the Emirates Group. “A mod- reduction in power consumption The real estate registration dnata’s cargo and ground handling ern wide-body fl eet not only through energy effi ciency best department at the Ministry said businesses and other commercial delivers environmental benefi ts practices and by upgrading their in its weekly report, that the list activities on the ground such as with regard to lower engine and lighting systems. of properties that were traded engineering and catering. noise emissions but also helps Besides supporting ongoing by sale includes open plots of In addition to presenting off er customers a higher level of United for Wildlife Emirates A380. wildlife conservation eff orts in lands, residential buildings, the overall environmental im- comfort,” the statement noted. Dubai and Australia, Emirates residential compounds and pact, the report aims to identify Also, Emirates’ fl ight operations cient fl ight routings and opera- developments of the year was is made up of 2,990 photovolta- partnered with United for Wildlife multi-use buildings which are and feature best practices from specialists continued to work tional procedures to help reduce the installation of a one mega- ic panels, which are expected to to raise awareness about the dev- located in the municipalities of across the Group’s workforce, with air traffi c management fl ight times, fuel consumption watt array of solar photovoltaic generate over 1,800 megawatt- astating eff ects that illegal trade in Umm Salal, Al Khor, Al Thakhira, according to a press statement. providers and airports around and emissions. panels at the Emirates Engine hours of electricity every year, wildlife is having on the survival of Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Daayen and “Working together with our the world to deliver more effi - One of the most signifi cant Maintenance Centre. The array helping save around 800 tonnes most endangered animals. Al Wakrah. Gulf Times Friday, December 16, 2016 3 REGION/ARAB WORLD Hundreds evacuated from Aleppo

AFP Aleppo, Syria Gulf states undreds of civilians and condemn rebels left Aleppo yes- Hterday under an evacu- Assad for ation deal that will allow Syria’s regime to take full control of the violence city after years of fi ghting. The rebel withdrawal began a month to the day after Presi- Reuters dent Bashar al-Assad’s forces Cairo launched a new off ensive to re- capture Aleppo and will hand the regime its biggest victory in ulf Arab coun- more than fi ve years of civil war. tries condemned In a video message to Syrians, Gthe Syrian gov- Assad said the “liberation” of ernment’s handling of a Aleppo was “history in the mak- ceasefi re and evacuation ing”. in Aleppo and yesterday A revived agreement on a called for civilians trying ceasefi re and the evacuations to fl ee the war-torn city to was announced yesterday, after be protected. an initial plan for civilians and An emergency meeting fi ghters to leave rebel-held parts of Arab League represent- of the city collapsed the previous atives convened at Qatar’s day amid renewed clashes. request discussed the situ- The evacuation began with a ation in Aleppo. convoy of ambulances and buses “The Syrian regime and crossing into a government- its allies have not only been held district in southern Aleppo content with destroying around 2.30pm (1230 GMT). these cities one after the A Syrian military source said other, they persistently 951 evacuees, including 108 continue to brutally mur- wounded, were in the convoy. der our Syrian brothers Most were civilians but about and sisters without any 200 rebel fi ghters were among religious guidance or hu- them, the source said. manitarian ethics,” Saudi The convoy arrived just over Arabian delegate Ahmed an hour later in opposition terri- Kattan told the meeting in tory about 5kms west of the city, People gather to be evacuated from a rebel-held sector of eastern Aleppo, Syria, yesterday. Cairo. a doctor at the scene said. “The Arab League foreign wounded will be transferred to... would end up in the hands of re- and continue like that. We will ministers are expected to nearby hospitals for treat- gime forces. go on for as long as conditions meet on Monday to discuss ment,” said Ahmad al-Dbis, who On the dusty window of one of allow,” she said. the situation further. heads a unit of doctors and other the buses someone had written Syrian state television report- Meanwhile a senior volunteers co-ordinating the “One day we will return”. Each ed that at least 4,000 rebels and Syrian opposition fi gure evacuation of wounded people. bus carried a member of the Syr- their families would be evacuat- yesterday called for an in- The evacuees spent hours ian Red Crescent dressed in the ed under the plan. It said prepa- crease in Gulf Arab military gathering earlier at a staging organisation’s red uniform, rid- rations were underway for a sec- support for armed rebels area in Aleppo’s southern Al- ing at the front next to the driver. ond convoy to leave rebel-held following the fall of the city Amiriyah district. Ingy Sedky, the International territory. of Aleppo to government An AFP correspondent there Committee of the Red Cross’s A fi rst evacuation attempt on forces this week. saw people piling onto the green spokeswoman in Syria, said the Wednesday morning fell apart, The loss of the rebels’ buses, fi lling seats and even sit- fi rst convoy included 13 ambu- with artillery exchanges and re- last urban stronghold this ting on the fl oor, with some wor- lances and 20 buses carrying ci- sumed air strikes rocking the city week has dealt a devastat- ried that there would not be an- vilians. until the early hours of yesterday. ing blow to eff orts to oust other chance to evacuate. Once the fi rst convoy arrived But the agreement, brokered by President Bashar al-As- Many were in tears and some safely “it will return and collect Syrian regime ally Moscow and sad, after nearly six years hesitated to board, afraid they more people for a second journey opposition supporter Ankara, was of a war that has claimed revived following fresh talks. some 400,000 lives and UK ‘doesn’t see a future’ for Assad in Syria: Fallon The defence ministry in Mos- left 11mn people home- cow said that Syrian authorities Protesters hold a Syrian opposition flag, Turkish flags, and placards reading ‘Massacre in Aleppo, less. Bashar al-Assad has no future Carter backed his British had guaranteed the safety of the theatre at the UN!’ and ‘Aleppo is the world’s shame!’ as they gather outside the Russian embassy in “The support has not as president of Syria even if he counterpart, saying: “Political rebels leaving the city. Ankara yesterday, during a demonstration against Russia’s support of the Syrian regime. changed,” said Asaad al- overpowers rebel fighters in the transition is the only way that The head of the UN-backed Zoubi, chief negotia- stricken city of Aleppo, British the suff ering of the Syrian humanitarian taskforce for Syr- a member of the White Helmets people and their families will be rebel bastion is tor for the main op- Defence Minister Michael Fallon people can finally be brought ia, Jan Egeland, told reporters in civil defence organisation. evacuated.” Idlib province, position body, the said yesterday. to an end.” He accused Russia Geneva that most of those evac- On Wednesday, cold and hun- The United Nations this week which is con- High Negotiations “We don’t see a future for of supporting “incredible uated from Aleppo would head gry civilians had gathered for condemned alleged atrocities trolled by an al- Council, who is President Assad in Syria, even brutality” by backing Assad’s to opposition stronghold Idlib, the initial planned evacuation being carried out by pro-gov- liance dominated based in Saudi if he defeats the opposition in assault on rebels in Aleppo, in Syria’s northwest. but were instead sent running ernment fi ghters, including re- by former Al Qaeda Arabia. Aleppo,” Fallon told a London which he said was in “stark “Russians and others assure through the streets searching for ported summary executions of affi liate Fateh al- “I would like press conference. “There is no contrast” to the coalition’s us that there will be a pause in cover as fi ghting resumed. men, women and children. Sham Front. and I request victory in bombing hospitals, activities in Iraq and Syria. the fi ghting...when we assist the Russia accused the rebels of More than 310,000 people Rebels also hold for there to be an in restricting humanitarian aid US president-elect Donald evacuation,” Egeland said. having violated the ceasefi re have been killed since the Syrian territory in southern increase in sup- and ending up in a country that Trump has so-far struck a softer France yesterday requested while Turkey accused Assad’s confl ict began, and over half the Daraa province and the port. you only control 40% of.” He tone with Russia, but Carter urgent closed-door consulta- regime and its supporters of population has been displaced, Ghouta region around Da- The present situ- added: “We continue to work said it would be “logical” for tions at the UN Security Coun- blocking the evacuation. with millions becoming refu- mascus, although the ation requires ad- for a political settlement in him to stick to the current cil on the evacuation of civilians Yesterday, nearly 30 vehicles gees. army has been advanc- ditional support,” he Syria that is genuinely pluralist.” administration’s approach and plans for deliveries of aid to were headed to Fuaa and Kafraya The confl ict, which began ing there. said citing a need for Fallon was speaking alongside towards IS. Aleppo, diplomats said. to evacuate sick and wounded with anti-government protests Diplomatic eff orts specialised weap- US defence chief Ashton Carter “I can’t speak for the next The evacuation was going residents, the governor of neigh- that were brutally put down, saw — including several ons that the US after a meeting in London of administration. However, I do ahead despite reports earlier yes- bouring Hama province, Mo- a turning point last year when rounds of peace talks has blocked key members of the US-led have confidence in the future terday of pro-regime forces fi r- hamed al-Hazouri, told state Russia launched an air war in in Geneva — failed to Gulf partners coalition fighting the Islamic of the coalition campaign. It’s ing on an ambulance transport- news agency SANA. support of Assad. make head- from deliver- State group in Iraq and Syria. logical, it makes sense,” he said. ing the injured to Al-Amiriyah, A Syrian source on the ground With Aleppo out of rebel way in resolv- ing. wounding three people including said “1,200 injured and sick hands, the largest remaining ing the confl ict. Traces of explosives ‘on Street vendor Israel settlers reject bodies in EgyptAir crash’ relocation off er AFP Several took up position on Amona Outpost, Palestinian top of a water tower while wav- Reuters An Egyptian source familiar waiting to recover bodies and Territories ing an Israeli fl ag. Cairo with the matter said Egypt had personal eff ects of the victims They also hauled an empty informed France months ago and to know the causes of the dumpster with them for unclear about its fi ndings but French crash.” esidents of a wildcat Jew- reasons. gyptian air accident in- investigators had requested Two Western sources briefed ish settlement in the oc- A spokesman for Amona resi- vestigators yesterday more time to study them. on the investigation expressed Rcupied West Bank yester- dents who has lived in the out- Esaid traces of explosives “That is why it took so long reservations about the explo- day rejected a proposal to leave post for 14 years said they had had been found on the remains to make an announcement,” sives fi ndings and said a tech- voluntarily, raising fears of vio- not been given any notice of of victims of an EgyptAir fl ight the source said, declining to be nical cause remained the most lence as an evacuation deadline when an evacuation could hap- that crashed en route from Par- named as the investigation is likely. nears. pen. is to Cairo. continuing. One of the sources said the The Amona outpost, home “There is no diff erence be- Flight MS 804 plunged into Paris newspaper Le Figaro traces of explosives reportedly to some 40 families, is under a tween Amona and Tel Aviv,” said one of the deepest parts of the reported in September that found appeared to be identi- High Court order to be evacu- Eli Greenberg, a 43-year-old fa- Mediterranean Sea on May 19, French investigators had seen cal to samples previously held ated by December 25 since it ther of eight, referring to Israel’s killing all 66 people on board. trace levels of TNT on the in stock, whereas there would was found to have been built on economic capital. “There’s no Egypt’s investigation com- plane’s debris but were pre- usually be tiny forensic diff er- private Palestinian land in a case reason to take us out of here,” he mittee issued a statement say- vented from further examining ences. that has taken on international said as he sat on the front deck of ing the coroner had found trac- it. Neither source agreed to be importance. his mobile home near a hillside es of explosives on the remains Egyptian offi cials denied at identifi ed because of the sensi- The rejection in the early hours planted with rows of olive trees. of some victims. the time obstructing French tivity of the matter. of yesterday led to concerns the In a press conference yes- It gave no more details but inquiries. A spokesman for France’s army would move in imminently terday afternoon, residents said its fi ndings were sent to France has hinted at its frus- BEA air crash investigation to clear them out, leading dozens defended turning down the prosecutors investigating foul tration at the pace of the inves- agency said it was not involved of youths to stream into the hill- government’s off er. Resident play. tigation but has stopped short in the analysis and declined top outpost in windy and bitterly Avichai Boaron said when they “The technical investigation of openly criticising Cairo, further comment. The BEA is cold weather. inspected the terms they found committee...places itself and with which it enjoys broadly accredited to the investigation Many crowded into a small the government was not obliged its expertise at the disposal of positive relations and which as the Airbus aircraft was de- synagogue and dozed in sleep- to follow through with plans to prosecutors,” it said. has ordered French Rafale signed and built in France. ing bags on the fl oor, while oth- build them new homes in a near- A judicial source said the fi ghter jets. It provided help on the sea ers stayed in their cars or simply by area. prosecution had not received In a telephone call between search and repairs to damaged walked the streets. “The state made no com- details about the explosives the countries’ foreign min- fl ight recorders, but Western After sunrise, some of the mitment to anything and it is traces but would include the isters on August 3, France’s sources say it has mainly been Egyptian Um Adham, 43, cooks Falafel in a street in the more extreme youths spread putting a gun to our heads,” Is- coroner’s fi ndings in its inquir- Jean-Marc Ayrault spoke of the kept at arm’s length from the capital Cairo. nails on roads along with stones raeli website Ynet quoted him as ies. “diffi cult situation for families rest of the investigation. and wooden poles. saying. Gulf Times 4 Friday, December 16, 2016 AFRICA

EU off ers €610mn Congo govt orders ISPs to Niger to curb to block social networks migration AFP hamper the organisation of pub- structed us during the meeting the European Union on Monday in Kinshasa and several other Reuters Kinshasa lic protests against Kabila. to fi lter connections on social imposed travel bans and asset towns. Brussels The letter from the Congo’s networks,” one Internet com- freezes on seven top Congo se- Social networks mobilise pro- Posts and Telecommunications pany executive said, adding that curity offi cials because of “a dis- test because they are easy to use uthorities in the Demo- Regulatory Authority (ARPTC) “trials are likely to be carried out proportionate use of force”. on mobile phones and data costs he European Union of- cratic Republic of the requires the “temporary block- overnight Thursday (into) Fri- The president’s opponents are relatively low for the popula- fered €610mn ($635mn) ACongo have ordered that ing of sharing of images, video day”. have warned of nationwide tion of one of the world’s poorest Tto Niger yesterday for social networks including Face- and voice (data) over the net- “We will comply with what protests from Monday until he nations. keeping a lid on migration from book and WhatsApp be blocked work” but gave no reason for the has been demanded,” said a quits offi ce, but rallies are on Telecommunications Minis- Africa through the Mediterra- soon before President Joseph measure. manager at one of the aff ected hold while the Roman Catholic ter Thomas Luhaka said by text nean to Europe. Kabila’s mandate expires, three It gave a non-exhaustive list internet providers. “It’s part of Church mediates last-ditch ne- message that he was “not in- The bloc, anxious to curb im- Internet service providers (ISPs) of platforms subject to the block our (legal) obligations.” gotiations to bring about a polit- formed” of such measures. migration after some 1.4mn said yesterday. that included Facebook, What- An executive at another of the ical transition towards elections. During violent riots in Janu- migrants and refugees arrived The Congo’s telecoms regula- Kabila: his second and final term sApp, Twitter, and Skype. aff ected suppliers said that dis- Blocking popular social net- ary 2015, the authorities ordered this year and last, is stepping up tor issued an order, seen by AFP, on Tuesday, December 20. “In cases where partial block- regarding the order would result works would hinder the organi- a total 48-hour shutdown of the co-operation with key African demanding that providers cut ing is not possible, you are re- in off ending providers having sation of protests by the oppo- Internet, but the measure com- countries of origin and transit to access to social media services ised and the opposition accuses quired to block access to the rel- their licences terminated. sition after Kabila overruns his pletely paralysed the economy, ensure fewer people get to Euro- from 11.59pm (2259 GMT) on him of seeking to retain power. evant social networks entirely,” Two providers have indicated constitutional term, although mainly because banks were un- pean shores. Sunday. Under a controversial ruling it said. to AFP that they will go ahead one Internet provider said that able to complete transactions. The latest money announced Political tensions are running from the Constitutional Court, Text messages will continue to with the necessary technical messaging services could stay “This time the authorities for Niger comes from the bloc’s high in the country ahead of the Kabila may remain in offi ce be- function as normal. tests to determine if they can operational, but carry “no video, have learned the lesson,” one new Africa fund, as well as from constitutional end of President yond the end of his mandate. The government’s plan was impose the block as requested. photos” or voice call data. operator said. “There won’t be Germany, France and Italy. Joseph Kabila’s second and fi nal The government order, seen fi rst raised on Tuesday at a Kabila’s failure to step aside Since 2013, hundreds of peo- an Internet blackout (causing) Niger is a Western African term on December 20. by AFP and sent to at least three meeting of the ARPTC. has led to protests in which ple have lost their lives in politi- enormous harm in economic country where the desert city No elections have been organ- Internet providers, will likely “The ARPTC verbally in- dozens have been killed, while cally motivated urban violence terms.” of Agadez is a popular waysta- tion for migrants attempting to traverse Sahara to reach Libya and eventually Europe via Italy. The EU has also off ered in- creased assistance to Senegal, ‘Kabila family built a fortune’ 11 killed in two Mogadishu bombings Ethiopia, Nigeria, Mali, as well as Afghanistan, Jordan, Leba- non and Turkey, among others, AFP Bloomberg News said the journalists had DPA/Reuters/AFP bomber, police and witnesses said. Meanwhile, in Bosaso in the in similar money-for-migration Paris amassed “hundreds of thousands of pages Mogadishu Six people were reported to have north, gunmen shot and wounded deals. of corporate documents that show that been injured. a deputy police commissioner, local The bloc wants countries to (Kabila’s) wife, two children and eight of Witness Abdisalan Garad said media reported. prevent people from leaving resident Joseph Kabila and his fam- his siblings control more than 120 permits wo attacks yesterday killed at some of them were inside a nearby Cornell Jama Sahardiid was shot for Europe, as well as to accept ily in the Democratic Republic of the to dig gold, diamonds, copper, cobalt and least 11 people in the Somali restaurant hit by the blast. several times in the chest in the swiftly any deportations of those PCongo have created a personal eco- other minerals”. Tcapital, Mogadishu, police Parts of the building collapsed. morning. who make it to the bloc but have nomic empire worth hundreds of millions The Congo was swept by two successive and witnesses said. Another bomb meanwhile went The attackers escaped on foot. no case for asylum. of dollars, the Bloomberg News agency re- wars between 1996 and 2003, hard on the At least fi ve people were killed off at another restaurant near a The group Shebaab claimed the People fl eeing the war in Syria ported yesterday. heels of about three decades of kleptocratic when a car suicide bomber deto- checkpoint manned by security three attacks on pro-insurgent ra- have the strongest chance of re- “Together the Kabilas have built a net- dictatorship by Mobutu Sese Seko, who was nated his explosives near the presi- forces on the outskirts of the capi- dio Andalus, saying that it wanted ceiving protection if they make work of businesses that reaches into every long supported by the West as a regional dential palace. tal, to disrupt the presidential elections it to Europe but Afghans or mi- corner of the Congo’s economy and has ally. The bomber was reportedly chas- police offi cer Bashir Gedi told re- scheduled for December 28. grants from Africa who are seek- brought hundreds of millions of dollars to The vast country, about two-thirds the ing a convoy carrying two police of- porters. The militants once held large ing a better life outside the im- the family,” the US news agency said fi ve size of Western Europe, is known for tre- fi cers, but missed the target. Four civilians and two soldiers swathes of Somalia including poverished continent are much days before Kabila’s mandate to rule ex- mendous wealth in minerals, yet 90% of A civilian vehicle was caught in who were inside the restaurant Mogadishu before being ousted less likely to win asylum. pires. “The sprawling network may help the population lives on less than $1.5 (€1.4) the explosion instead. were killed, and seven other people from the capital in 2011 and losing A group of 38 Afghans arrived explain why the president is ignoring pleas a day, according to UN fi gures. The dead included three mem- wounded. ground, though they continue to in Kabul yesterday after being by the (United States), the European Union Though Kabila’s fi nal fi ve-year term runs bers of the security forces, who Police said the bomb appeared to pose a threat with bombings in So- deported from Germany (see and a majority of the Congolese people to out on Tuesday, no date has been set for the were patrolling in the area, and the have been set off by remote control. malia and neighbouring Kenya. page 10). hand over power next week.” next election and a contested ruling by the Bloomberg News stated that the report Constitutional Court allows him to stay in was based on a year-long investigation power until polls take place. by three journalists into the Kabila fam- Dozens of people have been killed this ily’s business network in and beyond the year during opposition protests against the mineral-rich yet dirt-poor central African prolongation of Kabila’s rule. country. Since 2003, the Kabila family has estab- Thrills and spills as seven vintage Backed by the Pulitzer Centre on Crisis lished an international business network Reporting, the investigators carried out stretching across at least 70 companies dozens of interviews in the Congo, where operating in the United States, Panama, Kabila came to power in war-time in 2001 Tanzania and the tax haven of Nuie island after the assassination of his father by a in the South Pacifi c as well as in the Congo, planes complete Africa odyssey bodyguard. according to Bloomberg News. The young soldier was later elected Apart from mining interests, “family twice, but his constitutional mandate ex- members also have stakes in banks, farms, By Philippe Alfroy, AFP pires on December 20, and the results of fuel distributors, airline operators, a road Baragwanth, South Africa the last poll in 2011 were rejected by the op- builder, hotels, a pharmaceutical supplier, position, while observers decried massive travel agencies, boutiques and nightclubs”, fraud. the report said. ike an aviator from another century, Lita Oppegard, 68, Lclimbs out of her biplane on a grass airstrip near Johannesburg – one more stage safely completed in an epic journey down the length of Africa. Seven vintage planes – from a to- tal of 11 starters – will fi nish today the 13,000km (8,000-mile) adven- ture fl ying from the Greek island of Crete to Cape Town. The 36-day challenge has been packed with incident, including dangerous crashes, wrecked planes, lost pilots and the whole fl eet be- ing detained in Ethiopia in a dispute over paperwork. Along the way, they have land- ed beside the Egyptian pyramids, soared past Mount Kilimanjaro, gazed down on wildlife across the Kenyan plains and heard the roar of the mighty Victoria Falls below. “It has been a wonderful adven- ture and we had so much fun and the people we met made it really spe- A picture taken on December 12 shows the aircraft after they landed at Baragwanath airfield as part of the Vintage cial,” Oppegard, from Alaska, told Air Rally airshow. AFP at Baragwanath airfi eld as the rally hopped across South Africa to en up and briefl y jailed as he fell se- his eyes shining with excitement af- that owned the plane and then four its fi nal destination. riously ill from malaria and sepsis. ter landing his 1936 Bucker Bu-131 landings by myself and then it was “I thought Alaska is huge, but But Kirk has vowed to fi nd and re- at Baragwanath. “You know imme- ‘OK, there you go’.” fl ying through much of Africa like pair his wrecked single-engine 1943 diately when the plane is fl ying per- “I was too confi dent,” he said, re- we’ve been through I cannot even Piper Club, which lost its propeller fectly and when there is a problem, calling how his plane had gone into begin to get into my head how vast and one of its legs in the emergency you feel it.” a downwards spin near Zanzibar be- this continent is. It is just sheer, ut- landing. Presser spent 36 years fl ying fore he just got it back under control. ter wilderness ... beautiful.” “One way or another, I am in a bit modern planes equipped with mod- Oppegard fl ew in the “Vintage The teams became the fi rst group of a jam,” he told the British press ern technology, but said he loves the Air Rally” with her husband Nicho- of aircraft to land at Egypt’s Giza last weekend from a hotel in the smell of oil splashing on his goggles las – a former commercial pilot – in pyramids in 80 years and were de- capital city of Juba, where he was and the challenge of navigating by an eight-cylinder Travel Air 4000 tained for two days in rough condi- taken under military escort. map. plane built in 1928. tions in Ethiopia after a mix-up with Sam Rutherford, the rally organ- “(In my career) I used to fl y an Nicholas Oppegard said the jour- their fl ight permits. iser, said the event had been a huge Airbus in the morning and fl y this ney was the highlight of his life An Irish father and daughter team success, but admitted: “I’ll breathe a one the afternoon, just for the spent in the air, and that the expe- escaped unhurt after suff ering a to- massive sigh of relief when we get to pleasure of fl ying,” he said. rience that produced a strong bond tal engine failure and crash-landing Cape Town.” For American Keith Kossuth, the among the intrepid participants. their 1930s biplane on the leg to The planes are mostly open to the journey has been full of testing mo- “We didn’t know each other and Nairobi. elements and have only basic navi- ments as he had little experience of there we were heading together to The rally has also attracted inter- gation and safety equipment – de- his plane – but he was determined to do the greatest odyssey of our lives national headlines after maverick manding high skills from the often complete the rally. ... honouring the guys who opened 72-year-old British pilot Maurice elderly pilots who have landed in “I just got the plane, but I’ve been up the skies of Africa to the world,” Kirk went missing – twice. tight spots including on the edge of dreaming of having it for over 12 he said. “This is a joy, this is a privi- After being released from Ethio- the Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania. years,” said Kossuth, who confessed lege (and) if along the way we could pia, he landed in confl ict-torn South “With an open cockpit, you be- that his specialism is actually old inspire one child to look up and say Sudan instead of Kenya. come one with the environment,” motorcycles rather than old planes. the sky is not the limit then it’s been He told how he was robbed, beat- said Ingo Presser, 72, from Germany, “I did four landings with the guy worth this trip.” Gulf Times Friday, December 16, 2016 5 AMERICAS

Venezuela minister joins Mercosur meeting uninvited Yahoo reveals hack

AFP had in fact taken over the pres- Buenos Aires idency at the meeting. Speaking in Havana, Ven- ezuelan President Nicolas Ma- enezuela’s top diplo- duro took a defi ant tone. aff ecting 1bn users mat turned up unin- “Nothing and nobody is go- Vvited to a meeting of the ing to remove us from Merco- AFP The statement added that “Ya- Chinese Internet giant Alibaba. South America’s Mercosur on sur because Mercosur belongs Washington hoo has taken steps to secure user Yahoo’s plan would place its Wednesday, despite Caracas’ to the people,” he insisted, accounts and is working closely main operating business within suspension from the trade bloc accusing an alliance of “ultra- with law enforcement”. Verizon, which has already ac- for failing to meet democratic right” governments in Argen- ahoo has said that person- Yahoo’s chief security offi cer quired another faded internet and trade standards. tina, Brazil and Paraguay of al data from more than 1bn Bob Lord said in a blog post that star, AOL. Foreign Minister Delcy Rod- trying to destroy the bloc. Yusers was stolen in a hack some of the intrusions were done The remaining portion would riguez pushed her way through Venezuela’s neighbours are dating back to 2013 – twice as big by hackers who accessed ac- be a holding company with stakes a crowd of riot police and jour- becoming increasingly wary as another breach disclosed just counts without a password by in Alibaba and Yahoo Japan. nalists to enter the Argentine of developments in the once- three months ago. using “forged cookies”, or data Verizon said in a statement foreign ministry in Buenos booming oil giant. In a huge blow to the strug- fi les which verify a device or user. late on Wednesday that it would Aires where the extraordinary Maduro has presided over an gling Internet pioneer, Yahoo “We believe an unauthorised await further news of the inves- meeting was held. economic meltdown marked said it made the discovery as it third party accessed our propri- tigation before making any deci- “These (Mercosur) presi- by food shortages, riots and was investigating what was al- etary code to learn how to forge sion. dents insist Venezuela can’t looting. ready the largest data breach of a cookies,” he said, adding that “As we’ve said all along, we participate,” she told reporters The opposition accuses the single company. “we have connected some of will evaluate the situation as Ya- outside the building. “Well, deeply-unpopular president “Yahoo believes an unauthor- this activity to the same state- A man walks past the Yahoo logo during the Mobile World Congress hoo continues its investigation,” we’ll come in through the of trampling on democracy by ised third party, in August 2013, sponsored actor believed to be in Barcelona earlier this year. the statement said. “We will re- window because we’re here to throwing its leaders in jail and stole data associated with more responsible for the data theft the view the impact of this new de- defend Venezuela’s rights and blocking eff orts to remove him than 1bn user accounts,” it said in company disclosed on Septem- card data, or bank account infor- cover from the debacle but that velopment before reaching any also defend the rights of Mer- constitutionally. a statement. ber 22”. mation, it said. “it needs to be transparent and fi nal conclusions.” cosur.” Announced on December Yahoo said this case “is likely Yahoo also said it was requir- The latest breach discovery is a show that it will emerge with the Verizon had said the prior She later tweeted a picture 2, the Mercosur suspension distinct from the incident the ing aff ected users to change their further embarrassment to a com- best security”. breach was likely “material”, of herself inside the confer- represents the international company disclosed on Septem- passwords, and had invalidated pany that was one of the biggest Patrick Moorhead, analyst at meaning it could allow the tel- ence room. community’s biggest rebuke ber 22, 2016” aff ecting 500mn unencrypted security questions names of the Internet but which Moor Insights & Strategy, said it ecom giant to scrap the deal or But her colleagues – who of Maduro’s government since users. and answers. has failed to keep up with rising is possible the disclosure will kill lower its off er. had explicitly said Venezuela the political crisis deepened The news poses a fresh threat Yahoo said in September it be- stars such as Google and Face- the tie-up with Verizon. Yahoo’s valuation hit $125bn was not invited – excluded her this year. to Yahoo’s deal to sell its core lieved the breach of information book. “In the end it will be deter- during the dot-com boom, but from the meeting, Argentine Venezuela joined Merco- operating assets to Verizon for on 500mn users was “state spon- Steve Grobman, chief tech- mined by how Yahoo customers it has been losing ground since Foreign Minister Susana Mal- sur in 2012 when fellow leftist $4.8bn. sored” but some analysts have nical offi cer at Intel Security, react and what Verizon thinks then despite several eff orts to re- corra said. governments held sway across In November, Yahoo disclosed questioned this theory. said that the two incidents show about this,” Moorhead said. “I boot. The other Mercosur coun- the region. that as part of its investigation The stolen user account in- “there were clear weaknesses in don’t think Yahoo is worth nearly In the mid-1990s, Yahoo was tries – Argentina, Brazil, Para- But the political tide has into the prior breach, it had re- formation in the newly dis- the architecture” used by Yahoo as much as it was before these among the most popular desti- guay and Uruguay – had sus- turned as a regional recession ceived data fi les from law en- closed breach may have included but that such hacks are not just two breaches because they can nations on the Internet, helping pended Venezuela earlier this bites, with Maduro now facing forcement “that a third party names, e-mail addresses, tel- about technology. no longer be trusted. Yahoo can many people navigate the emerg- month for failing to ratify rules sharp criticism from centre- claimed was Yahoo user data”. ephone numbers, dates of birth, Large organisations holding build back trust but it will take ing Web. on trade, politics, democracy right presidents Michel Temer Using outside forensic experts, “hashed” passwords and, in vast amounts of user data, Grob- investment and focus.” It became the top online “por- and human rights. in Brazil and Mauricio Macri in Yahoo now confi rms that this some cases, encrypted or unen- man said, “need to rely not just Yahoo, after a series of reor- tal”, connecting users to news, In a surreal turn, Venezuela Argentina. was indeed user data but added crypted security questions and on technology but use independ- ganisations, decided late last music and other content. insists it still holds Merco- Wednesday’s meeting was that it “has not been able to iden- answers, Yahoo said. ent or internal resources to de- year to sell its main operating But its fortunes started to fade sur’s rotating presidency – a called to discuss the regional tify the intrusion associated with The hackers did not obtain fend against attack scenarios”. business as a way to separate that when Google began to dominate claim Rodriguez repeated on impact of the Venezuelan crisis this theft”. passwords in clear text, payment Grobman said Yahoo can re- from its more valuable stake in with its powerful search engine. Wednesday. and progress toward signing a But Malcorra said Argentina trade deal with the EU. Trump renews questions about Russia hacking

US President-elect Donald Trump has yesterday that US intelligence off icials raised questions about Russia’s reported have “a high level of confidence” that Senator seeks security probe role in cyber-attacks on US political Putin was personally involved in the parties and individuals as well as the Russian cyber-campaign against the timing of the White House’s response United States. Reuters crat on the Senate Intelligence Committee under President Barack Obama. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lvarov Washington next year, described the hacks as “deeply “If Russia, or some other entity, was told state TV channel Rossiya-24 that he troubling”. hacking, why did the White House was “dumbstruck” by the NBC report. He said he had repeatedly asked Yahoo wait so long to act? Why did they only “I think this is just silly, and the futility of senior Democratic senator said yes- for briefi ngs about the 2014 hack, which complain after Hillary lost?” Trump the attempt to convince somebody of terday that he intended to investi- aff ected 500mn accounts, but had not re- wrote in a post on Twitter. this is absolutely obvious,” he said. Agate Yahoo’s cyber-security prac- ceived a response. Trump and his staff have repeatedly The CIA has assessed that the attacks tices after the company announced it had After the 2014 hack, which was disclosed dismissed reports over the Russian were aimed at helping Trump win the uncovered another massive data breach in September, Warner asked the US Secu- hacking as “ridiculous” and said 2016 election, a position not endorsed dating to August 2013 that aff ected more rities and Exchange Commission to inves- Democrats are upset that Trump won by the Off ice of the Director of National than 1bn user accounts. tigate whether Yahoo had fulfi lled obliga- the November 8 presidential election Intelligence (ODNI) or the FBI, according The haul of data is the largest on record tions to inform investors and the public over their candidate, Hillary Clinton. to a senior US off icial. and appears to be separate from a 2014 at- about it. In October, the US government The reports of Russian hacking tack the beleaguered Internet company “If a breach occurs, consumers should formally accused Russia of a campaign have raised concerns among both disclosed earlier, Yahoo said. not be fi rst learning of it three years later,” of cyber-attacks against US political political parties in Congress, with top “This most recent revelation warrants a Warner said yesterday. organisations. Republicans breaking with Trump to call separate follow-up and I plan to press the “Prompt notifi cation enables users to Obama said he warned Russian for closer scrutiny. company on why its cyber-defences have potentially limit the harm of a breach of Venezuelan Foreign Minister Rodriguez arriving at the President Vladimir Putin about The US Senate Foreign Relations been so weak as to have compromised more this kind, particularly when it may have Mercosur headquarters in Montevideo. She joined the meeting consequences and last week ordered Committee plans a closed briefing and than 1bn users,” Senator Mark Warner of exposed authentication information such even though the trade bloc had suspended Venezuela earlier this a review by the US intelligence agencies. a public hearing on the matter in early Virginia said in a statement to Reuters. as security question answers they may have month. Meanwhile, NBC News reported late January. Warner, who will become the top Demo- used on other sites.”

Montana Congressman picked to lead Interior

Reuters Washington

resident-elect Donald Trump has named US Representa- Ptive Ryan Zinke of Montana, a former Navy SEAL commander who questions whether humans are the cause of climate change, as his choice for secretary of the interior. If the Senate confi rms Zinke, a Republican, to lead the Interior De- partment, he will head an agency that employs more than 70,000 people across the country and over- Zinke (left) arriving for a meeting sees more than 20% of federal land, with Trump at Trump Tower in including national parks such as Manhattan. Yellowstone and Yosemite. As a one-term US representative, ide emissions underground to fi ght Many environmental groups op- Land Tawney, the president and Zinke took several stances favouring climate change, a measure support- pose Zinke for his commitment to chief executive offi cer of the out- coal, which is high in carbon emis- ed by coal interests and some mod- fossil fuels and his view that the sci- doors group Backcountry Hunters sions when burned. erate environmental groups. ence on climate change is “unset- & Anglers, said Zinke would bring Coal output suff ered during the In introducing the bill, Zinke said tled”. a conservationist voice to Trump’s administration of President Barack he wanted to keep “coal, oil and gas Bradley Campbell, the president leadership team. Obama as the development of com- communities viable for generations of the Conservation Law Founda- Zinke is a proponent of keeping peting fuels natural gas and solar to come”. tion feared that Zinke would be giv- public lands under federal owner- and wind power soared. Zinke would replace Sally Jew- en the task of unravelling Obama’s ship, which puts him at odds with Zinke, 55, pushed to end a morato- ell, who in January put a temporary protections of the environment and some in his party who would like to rium on federal coal leases on public ban on coal mining on public lands, federal lands. privatise the lands or put them un- lands by 2019, saying it had resulted cancelled leases for drilling in the Considering Zinke’s history on der control of the states. in closed mines and job cuts. Arctic and Atlantic coasts, expand- climate and his defending fossil fuel “He’s been great at keeping pub- He also helped introduce a bill ex- ed wildlife protections and cracked interests, “it is likely that we will be lic lands in public hands and goes panding tax credits for coal-burning down on methane emissions from facing an uphill battle”, Campbell against the Republican establish- power plants that bury carbon diox- industry. said. ment,” Tawney said.

One inmate dead and eight others injured in Saskatchewan prison riot

One inmate died and eight others were injured as late on Wednesday evening. Saskatchewan Royal Canadian Mounted Police is a result of a prison riot in the western Canadian Prison off icers fired shots to regain control of investigating and said no arrests have been made province of Saskatchewan, the Correctional the situation, leaving six inmates with non-life- so far in relation to the death. Service Canada (CSC) said yesterday. threatening injuries, CSC said in a statement. An autopsy will be carried out today or early next Inmate Jason Leonard Bird, 43, died in hospital As off icers secured the prison they discovered a week. from injuries sustained during the riot, which further three prisoners with injuries apparently The CSC said that visits to the prison would remain broke out in the medium security unit of the caused by assaults by other inmates, one of whom suspended. Saskatchewan Federal Penitentiary in Prince Albert was Bird. Access to the prison is also restricted. Gulf Times 6 Friday, December 16, 2016 ASEAN/AUSTRALASIA

LAW AND ORDER TRAGEDY DECISION LEGAL WILDLIFE Thai temple continues Three dead, six missing as North Korea calls time on Australian court cracks Rare Omura’s whale stand-off with police boat capsizes in Japan 200-day mass mobilisation down on illegal downloads spotted off Australia

A controversial Thai Buddhist temple remained Japanese rescuers yesterday found the bodies North Korea yesterday wrapped up a 200- More than 60 websites devoted to helping A rarely seen Omura’s whale has been spotted in a tense stand-off with police yesterday, two of two fishermen from a sunken boat that day mass mobilisation campaign aimed people illegally download films and television on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, off icials said days after a planned police raid was called off . capsized a day earlier, though six others remain at boosting an economy struggling with shows will be blocked in Australia, the yesterday, one of the few sightings globally Entrance gates to the Wat Phra Dhammakaya missing, off icials said. The 76-tonne fishing boat upgraded UN sanctions imposed after its country’s Federal Court ruled yesterday, in a of a species that scientists know little about. temple were blocked by about 1,000 chanting Daifukumaru capsized in the Sea of Japan just two nuclear tests this year. Coming hard on landmark victory for content providers. News The whale was seen and photographed by a monks and other supporters as additional off Shimane prefecture on the western coast the heels of a similar 70-day campaign that Corporation’s local cable TV company Foxtel snorkelling boat operator, who submitted the police and soldiers arrived outside the early Wednesday morning. The two found ended in May, the 200-day version kicked off and cinema owner Village Roadshow won the images to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park complex, which sits in Pathum Thani province. yesterday were later confirmed dead, bringing in early June, pushing extra hours and working case, which requires Internet service providers Authority. They were then sent to an expert in Wat Phra Dhammakaya’s former abbot, Phra the death toll to three after a body was found weekends. On the final day yesterday, as on such as Telstra Corp Ltd, Optus and TPG to Madagascar, who confirmed it was an Omura’s Dhammachayo, is wanted by police on money- the day before. The latest bodies were identified every day for the entirety of the campaign, block access to more than 60 file-sharing whale. “This is the first recorded sighting of an laundering and land-encroachment charges. as the boat’s captain Yasushi Okishima, 53, and dozens of female propaganda troupes armed websites, widely used to download popular TV Omura whale in the Great Barrier Reef,” said Thailand’s department of special investigation chief engineer, Yasushi Yoshida, 59, the Japan with drums and flags put on early morning shows such as Game of Thrones. The ruling the marine park authority’s sightings network was granted four one-day search warrants to Coast Guard said. The man confirmed dead performances at strategic locations across the will stem illegal downloads in a country where manager Chris Jones. “The species is rarely seen enter the temple between December 13 and 16, on Wednesday was identified as Yoshihiro city, encouraging commuters on their way to more than a third of adults admit to stealing — it’s so rare we needed to track down an expert but so far no off icials have entered. Sakamoto, 54, the coast guard said. work. content online. to confirm the identity of this whale.” Weapons in S China Sea not militarisation, insists Beijing

AFP defensive weapons had “nothing Beijing to do with militarisation”. China’s defence ministry said on a verifi ed social media ac- hina yesterday said the count that the construction was deployment of weapons mostly for civilian use, and that Cin the South China Sea necessary military installations had “nothing to do with militari- were for self-defence. sation”, calling the construction “If someone were fl exing of defensive facilities “normal”. his muscles outside your door, The comments came after im- wouldn’t you get a slingshot ages released by the US-based ready?”, it wrote. Asia Maritime Transparency Tensions in the strategic area Initiative (AMTI) showed a se- have been brewing for years, with ries of hexagonal structures on China, the Philippines, Brunei, each of seven islets China con- Malaysia and Vietnam making structed on uninhabitable rocks competing claims in waters with and reefs. vital global shipping routes and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe leads Russian President Vladimir Putin upon his arrival at a hotel prior to their talks in Nagato, Yamaguchi prefecture yesterday while what is believed to be signifi cant Akie Abe, wife of the prime minister looks on. oil and natural gas deposits. Military dismisses The Philippine foreign ministry overfl ight concerns said Manila was still independ- Beijing dismissed concerns ently verifying the AMTI report. yesterday over recent reports If true, “then it is a cause for of Chinese military aircraft serious concern because it tends manoeuvres near Japanese to raise tension and undermine territory and in the South China peace and stability in the region,” Japan, Russia ‘may revive’ Sea, state media said, calling spokesman Charles Jose said. them routine exercises. Chinese In a statement Australia’s For- planes recently passed through eign Minister Julie Bishop said the the Miyako Strait between building of artifi cial islands and Japan’s Miyako and Okinawa possible militarisation was “cre- Islands, China’s defence min- ating an environment of tension istry said in a statement on its and mistrust” in the region. security talks after summit website Saturday. Without naming China, she said Australia urged countries to Reuters rov told reporters that Putin had The two met at a mountain- over the islands, known in Ja- its sovereignty over all four of “refrain from coercive behaviour Nagato, Japan off ered to resume security talks side inn at the hot spring resort pan as the Northern Territories the disputed islands off Japan’s The structures appear to be and unilateral actions designed to among their foreign and defence of Nagato in Abe’s home con- and in Russia as the Southern northern island of Hokkaido be large anti-aircraft guns and change the status quo in disputed ministers, suspended after Rus- stituency in southwest Japan. Kuriles, carries risks for Putin, confi rmed before a peace treaty close-in weapons systems areas” and warned such behav- apan and Russia will likely sia annexed the Crimea region in They will meet again in Tokyo who does not want to tarnish his is signed. (CIWS) designed to take out in- iour would lead to “reputation revive security talks and keep 2014, triggering Western sanc- today. image at home of a staunch de- But there have been signs it coming missiles and enemy air- and other costs”. Jdiscussing a territorial row tions. “After such a meeting be- fender of Russian sovereignty. has been rethinking its stance, craft, the AMTI said. Beijing’s territorial claims, that has kept them from signing “The prime minister has re- tween leaders, I promise you The isles have strategic value perhaps by reviving a formula Speaking at a regular press based in part on controversial a peace treaty formally ending acted positively, so we hope such can relax in onsen,” Abe said in for Russia, ensuring naval ac- called “two-plus-alpha”, based briefi ng, foreign ministry historical records, have also pit- World War II, Russia’s foreign a decision will be taken,” Lavrov welcoming Putin, referring to cess to the western Pacifi c. partly on a 1956 joint declara- spokesman Geng Shuang told ted it against the US. minister said yesterday, as the said as the two leaders continued the hot spring, after the Russian Putin also told Abe of Russia’s tion in which the Soviet Union journalists that he was not aware The American military has countries’ leaders met. their one-on-one talks. leader arrived nearly three hours concerns about the US pres- agreed it would hand over the of the report, but said that is- conducted several “freedom of Japanese Prime Minister The two sides are likely to late. ence in Asia, which Russia two smaller islands after a peace lands in the South China Sea navigation” operations in which Shinzo Abe and Russian Presi- clinch agreements on economic Abe has pledged to resolve the thinks is disproportionate to the treaty was signed. were the country’s “inherent ships and planes have passed dent Vladimir Putin held talks co-operation in areas from med- territorial dispute, in hopes of North Korea nuclear and missile Over the decades, the two territory”. close to the sites Beijing claims. at a hot spring resort, seeking ical technology to energy. leaving a diplomatic legacy that threat, Lavrov said. sides have at times fl oated the “To conduct construction on The US has sailed warships near progress on the row over wind- But both have sought to eluded his foreign minister fa- “We thought that our Japan idea of joint economic activity China’s own territory and deploy the islands, but the ships have not swept isles in the western Pacifi c dampen expectations of a break- ther, and of building better ties colleagues started to under- on the islands, but how to do necessary national defence fa- passed within the 12 nautical mile controlled by Russia but also through in the feud over the is- with Russia to counter a rising stand Russian worries in this that without undercutting ei- cilities is quite normal,” he said, zone that international law de- claimed by Japan. lands seized by Soviet forces at China. regard better,” he said. ther side’s claim to sovereignty adding that the deployment of fi nes as territorial waters. Foreign Minister Sergei Lav- the end of the war. But a deal to end the dispute Japan has long insisted that has never been resolved. Australian politician Kim visits army unit US missile defence plan ‘should wait’ gets fi ve years jail Reuters Russia also opposes it. Seoul The missile system has also raised opposition in South Ko- Guardian News and Media Beech-Jones said Obeid’s life, a senior bureaucrat to preserve rea, particularly in the area Sydney had he not committed the off ence, their leases in 2007. he former leader of South where it is due to be based. could have been remembered as Obeid, then a member of New Korea’s main opposition Uncertainty surrounding Park one of considerable public service South Wales’s upper house, was Tparty, who is leading polls following a vote in parliament to ustralian politician Eddie and hard work. pushing NSW’s maritime author- of candidates to be the next presi- impeach her last week, the tim- Obeid has been jailed for “Instead his time in public life ity chief executive Steve Dunn to dent, yesterday said deployment ing of the next election and the Aimproperly lobbying a sen- has produced a very diff erent allow the leases to be automati- of a US change of administration in the ior bureaucrat to secretly further legacy.” cally renewed without competi- anti-missile system that has US have contributed to ques- his family’s business interests. Obeid will be eligible for parole tive tender in 2008. antagonised China should be tions about the timing of the The former Labour power- on December 15, 2019, at the ear- Dunn, who is accused of no decided by the next administra- deployment of the system. broker looked shocked as he was liest. Immediately after sentenc- wrongdoing, was under the im- tion. Moon told a news conference sentenced to fi ve years with a ing, Obeid’s defence began argu- pression that Obeid was acting on Moon Jae-in, 63, who lost the in Seoul it should await a new non-parole period of three years ing an appeal, saying Beech-Jones behalf of his constituents, not to last presidential election to Park president in South Korea. for wilful misconduct in public had misdirected the jury during advance the business interests of Geun-hye by three percent- “It is inappropriate for the offi ce. the June trial. his family. age points, confi rmed he would THAAD deployment process to Justice Robert Beech-Jones Obeid’s barrister, Guy Rey- A draft commercial leasing run in the next election, which go on under the current political described Obeid’s crime as a very nolds, SC, attempted to have his policy was later changed to allow is scheduled for the end of 2017 circumstances,” he said. serious example of the off ence, client bailed after the sentence, the Circular Quay leases to be re- but could be much sooner if a The commander of US Forc- saying cases of corruption signif- pending appeals against the con- newed without competition in the Constitutional Court upholds es Korea said last month the icantly damage the public’s trust viction and sentence. That appli- fi rst instance, although the court an impeachment vote against THAAD battery would be de- in democratic institutions. cation was dismissed and Obeid found Obeid’s actions had not di- Park and she has to leave offi ce. ployed to South Korea within “Corruption by elected rep- was led to the cells by a group rectly infl uenced the decision. South Korea and the US agreed eight to 10 months. resentatives consumes democ- of corrections offi cers about The crown, during Obeid’s this year to deploy a Termi- Moon held out the possibility racies, it destroys confi dence in 1.30pm. sentencing hearing, argued Obeid nal High Altitude Area Defence of renegotiating the agreement democratic institutions,” he said. His family, who were emotional was unrepentant and showed (THAAD) anti-missile system in to deploy the system, saying do- “Given the nature of the off end- following the sentence, did not remorse only for being caught. response to North Korean nuclear ing so would not damage rela- ing, not withstanding Obeid’s comment as they left the court. Obeid’s defence, led by Braddon and ballistic missile tests. tions with the US. personal circumstances ... I’m Obeid was found guilty in June Hughes SC, had earlier argued But China vehemently opposes He said if elected, he would satisfi ed that no penalty other of hiding his family’s fi nancial the prosecution were infl ating the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un visits Fishery the system’s deployment in South work to maintain strong ties than imprisonment is appropri- interests in harbourside cafes at seriousness of the crime as one Station No. 15 of the Korean People’s Army unit 549. Korea, fearing its radar would with the US, which has 28,500 ate.” Circular Quay while lobbying more akin to bribery. be able to penetrate its territory. troops in South Korea. Gulf Times Friday, December 16, 2016 7 BRITAIN

JUSTICE CONTROVERSY LAW AND ORDER LEGAL INITIATIVE Danczuk’s brother jailed Great British Bake Off Murder inquiry after Check laws if you get a New park for city in TfL’s for raping her, two others winner ‘racially abused’ mother, son found dead drone, warns airport boss £220mn green drive

The brother of Karen Danczuk has been jailed The Great British Bake Off win- Murder detectives are investigating after the body People given drones this Christmas must check The first new park in central London in 100 for 15 years for raping her and two other women. ner Nadiya Hussain yesterday of a mother and her seven-year-old son were the laws about where to fly them, an airport years is to be opened as part of a funding Michael Burke, 38, was jailed at Manchester crown said she was racially abused found at their home. Police off icers found the pair boss warned yesterday. Will Curtis, managing package announced by Transport for London court after being convicted of eight counts of rape on a train. Hussain, 31, raised by after forcing their way into a house in The Fairway director of Biggin Hill airport in Bromley, said yesterday. The £220mn pot will be distributed and one other serious sexual off ence against her Bangladeshi parents in Luton, in Ruislip at 10.50am on Wednesday after being the vehicles pose a threat to civil aviation. to town halls across the capital to pay for and two other women following a trial last month. tweeted: “A man refused to sit called over concerns for the boy’s welfare. Detec- He said: “If you are thinking of purchasing a improvements to local transport, town centres Danczuk, 33, the former wife of MP Simon Danczuk, next to me on the train today tives from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime remote-controlled drone for Christmas, or you and public spaces. Transforming Alfred Place in waived her right to anonymity as a victim of sexual ‘I ain’t sitting near a Muslim’ Command are investigating what happened and already own one, then please remember that Fitzrovia, a few minutes’ walk from the British off ences to brand her brother a “monster”. During he said. His ignorance is his own ruin.” The mother- the cause of the deaths are yet to be established. operating a drone in proximity to an airport Museum, is among the projects intended to the three-week trial, the mother-of-two told the court of-three has previously said she has had to live Post-mortem examinations are due to be carried may place aircraft in danger, as a collision could make boroughs greener, healthier and safer. her brother abused her at the family home in Mid- with racist abuse as “part of my life”. Hussain said in out today on the bodies of the woman, who is cause a very serious accident.” Last month it Camden council, which will get £6.7mn from dleton, near Rochdale, from the age of six and went August on Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs: “I expect to in her mid-thirties, and the boy. A Scotland Yard was reported how record numbers of drone TfL, has said the new park could be open by on to rape her when she was aged 11 until she was be shoved or pushed or verbally abused, because it spokeswoman said: “ At this stage, the deaths are “pilots” were seeking Civil Aviation Authority summer 2017, though the timetable has not in her mid-teens. happens, it’s happened for years.” being treated as unexplained.” advice amid a mish-mash of bylaws. been confirmed. Primary pupils Troopers on the march in London are top of the class

London Evening Standard said: “This year’s Sats are the fi rst London that test the new primary school curriculum in English and maths that we introduced in 2014. This hildren leaving primary new curriculum raises expecta- school in London outper- tions and ensures pupils become Cformed pupils in the rest more accomplished readers and of the country in the three Rs, are fl uent in the basics of arithme- the Evening Standard revealed. tic, including times-tables, long The capital’s 11-year-olds were division and fractions. the highest performing in reading, “Many schools have responded writing and maths despite contro- well to this more rigorous curricu- versial changes to the Sats tests. lum, supporting their pupils to be New fi gures show that the leaving primary school better pre- highest performing local authori- pared for the demands of second- ties were in London — with 99% ary school.” Across the country, 53 of the capital’s schools meet- per cent of 11-year-olds reached ing the government’s expected the expected standard in the standard. Kensington and Chelsea headline combination of reading, topped the list of local authorities writing and arithmetic. in the capital with 70% of pupils Schools were considered to getting the required level in read- have under-performed if fewer ing, writing and maths. The City than 65 per cent of pupils failed to of London got 89% but has just reach the Government standard, one primary school. or to make suffi cient progress. Pupils in Bromley and Rich- London has the lowest propor- mond followed on 67%, with Sut- tion of under-performing schools ton on 65% and Greenwich and — just 15 primaries — and 20 bor- Stormtroopers were on the march at Millennium Bridge yesterday with only a 12-year-old boy to stop them. The squad was promoting Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Hackney both on 64%. oughs had no schools at all that It came as new analysis found failed to reach the target. Across that 70% of the capital’s schools the country 665 schools were faced budget cuts under plans considered under par. by the government to change the As in previous years, girls did school funding formula. better than boys in reading, writ- This year’s Sats tests have been ing and mathematics combined; fraught with controversy with a gap of eight points which was teachers raising concerns about bigger than last year. Girls outper- their diffi culty — particularly the formed boys in all subjects except reading paper — and schools and maths. Poorer pupils continued to Govt denies post-Brexit unions arguing that data gathered lag behind their wealthier coun- from the results was misleading. terparts, with a 21-point gap in In May, the answers to the Key attainment — 60% to 39% — al- Stage 2 grammar, punctuation and though the department for educa- spelling test appeared on a pass- tion claimed the gap was narrow- word-protected area of an exam ing. trade deal to take 10 years board website for several hours Chinese pupils were the highest before being removed. A “rogue achieving ethnic group, with 71% AFP Ivan Rogers, has advised ministers out.” May has said she will trig- “The intention is that we will rangement would be “helpful” to marker” was blamed for the leak. reaching the expected standard in London that the other 27 member states ger Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon have a deal within the timeframe smooth the transition. Russell Hobby, general secre- all of the three core subjects. They believe a trade deal might not be treaty, giving formal notifi cation we’ve set out which sees us exit Brexit minister David Davis on tary of the National Association of were followed by those of Indian done until the early to mid-2020s, of Britain’s intention to leave the the European Union and allows Wednesday said a bridging deal Head Teachers, said the data was heritage on 65% and Bangladeshi he government yesterday the BBC reported. bloc, by the end of March. us to trade with and operate in the could be struck “if necessary” — “not worth the paper it is written pupils on 56%. rejected a report that it In a meeting in October, Rog- single European market,” May’s although he said he still believed on” as it could not be compared White British and black African Tcould take up to 10 years ers also warned that even once it “This is the ambassador spokesman said. negotiations could be wrapped up with previous years, and ministers pupils were on 54%, those of Pa- to agree a new trade deal with was agreed, the new deal might refl ecting the views of others But two senior ministers this in two years. have admitted it cannot trigger in- kistani heritage on 47% and black the EU after Brexit, a move that be rejected as each EU country’s which have been put to week indicated they might be “What the chancellor is talking terventions. Caribbean pupils on 43%. Roma could leave businesses in limbo. parliament would have to ratify it. him, which is a role that all open to agreeing some kind of about, what the secretary of state “We warned the government children were the lowest perform- Prime Minister Theresa May’s “It is not the view of Sir Ivan ambassadors carry out” transitional deal, to bridge the gap is talking about, is how we ensure that publishing this data in league ing group with 13%. spokesman insisted that Brit- Rogers, it is not the view of the between Brexit and the comple- the smoothest and swiftest exit tables could lead the public and Older pupils performed better ain could negotiate its departure government,” May’s spokesman This begins a two-year count- tion of new trade arrangements. from the European Union,” May’s parents to make poor judgments than their summer-born peers in from the European Union and a said. “This is the ambassador re- down after which Britain will Chancellor Philip Ham- spokesman said. about a school’s performance, but all subject areas with a 14-point new trading arrangement within fl ecting the views of others which leave all the institutions and the mond, the fi nance minister, said “No decisions have been taken it has still chosen to do so,” he said. diff erence between September the current two-year timeframe. have been put to him, which is a single market, unless alternative on Monday that there was an on how the process is going to un- But Schools Minister Nick Gibb and August born children. Britain’s ambassador to the EU, role that all ambassadors carry arrangements have been agreed. “emerging view” that such an ar- fold.”

Seasonal treat Council to pay sex abuse Approval granted for ‘three-parent’ babies victims ‘tens of millions’ to remove mitochondria, which Reuters London act as tiny energy-generating bat- London Evening Standard tion quickly whilst minimising “They’ve accepted every child teries inside cells, and which, if London legal fees. in Lambeth was put in danger faulty, can cause fatal heart prob- “The proposed scheme is ex- and are going to pay a one-off ritain yesterday became lems, liver failure, brain disorders, pected to potentially pay out tens ex gratia payment to every child the fi rst country to for- blindness and muscular dystro- London council is to of millions of pounds to survivors that went into a Lambeth chil- Bmally licence an in-vitro phy. pay “tens of millions” of abuse at Shirley Oaks Chil- dren’s home,” he said. He claimed fertilisation (IVF) treatment “Mitochondrial donation off ers Aof pounds to victims of dren’s Home prior to its closure letters sent by Lambeth chief ex- designed to create babies from a real opportunity to cure a class of one of the capital’s worst child in 1983, and at other children’s ecutive Sean Harris to SOSA in- three people. potentially devastating inherited abuse scandals, the Standard has homes in the borough.” dicate every child who grew up in In a long-awaited decision, conditions and will bring hope to learned. SOSA said the landmark fi nan- the borough’s care between 1965 the Human Fertilisation and Em- hundreds of aff ected families in Hundreds of people who grew cial settlement showed Lambeth and 1994 will be able to apply to bryology Authority (HFEA) gave the UK,” said Dagan Wells, a pro- up in the care of Lambeth will be “accepts” the harm caused to the compensation fund. the fi nal go-ahead for the treat- fessor at Oxford University’s bio- able to make a claim after it admit- children between the Sixties and Payments would also apply to ment known as mitochondrial medical research centre and one ted to failings in the care of chil- Eighties. Today SOSA released those who lived at the Shirley Oaks transfer, which doctors say could of many experts welcoming the dren. its own report into child abuse in prior to the mid-Sixties, when it help prevent incurable inherited decision. Council leader Lib Peck said: Lambeth care homes. It includes was run by London County Coun- diseases. The treatment is known as “The council accepts there were harrowing testimony from 40 cil. Sums paid out are expected to Britain’s parliament last year “three-parent” IVF because the historic failings in the system set people who suff ered physical be “reasonable”. SOSA will begin voted to change the law to allow babies, born from genetically up to protect vulnerable children, and sexual abuse at the hands of preparing claims next year. the treatments if and when they modifi ed embryos, would have and Lambeth has previously staff and visitors to the 80-acre The report claims 31 paedo- were ready for licensing. DNA from a mother, a father and publicly apologised to those so Shirley Oaks site in Croydon. philes were connected to the This latest HFEA decision from a female donor. badly let down in the past. SOSA chairman Raymond home or the authority, including means the fi rst babies created by Jeremy Farrar, director of the “The investigation by the Stevenson, who was physically Philip Temple, a former senior the technique in Britain could be Wellcome Trust global health Shirley Oaks Survivors Asso- abused there, said the home be- housefather at Rowan House at born in 2017. charity, said it was a “landmark ciation (SOSA) has shone fur- came a “hedonistic delight” for Shirley Oaks who was jailed for The government’s chief sci- day for people living with mito- ther light on the suff ering of paedophiles. He added: “Lam- 12 years in August for abusing 12 entifi c adviser, Mark Walport, chondrial disease”. those entrusted into the council’s beth have made some ground- young people over 25 years. praised the decision as a “care- Research teams around the care. Lambeth council is prepar- breaking moves.” He added that Stevenson said: “Shirley Oaks ful and considered” assessment world have tested and trialled the ing a new, far-reaching redress from his own correspondence seemed to develop a model for Sumatran tiger cub Achilles opens up a Christmas which put Britain at the forefront techniques in a series of pre-clin- scheme for survivors of histori- with the council, he expects the paedophiles that worked ... the present in its enclosure at London Zoo, in London, of medical advances. ical experiments, but as yet they cal abuse in the borough. It will authority to go further than pay- ability to control the movement yesterday. The technique involves inter- have not been used to treat pa- allow them to secure compensa- outs solely for abuse victims. of children.” vening in the fertilisation process tients in Britain. Gulf Times 8 Friday, December 16, 2016 EUROPE

Journalists quit in row Europe’s Galileo goes live over PM AFP Its proud parents, the com- leo. To create new applications, Brussels mission and European Space new services,” said Bienkowska. Agency (ESA), said Galileo The civilian-controlled serv- coverage should be fully operational by ice is of great strategic impor- fter 17 years, numerous 2020, providing time and posi- tance for Europe, which relies on setbacks and three times tioning data of unprecedented two military-run services – GPS Reuters Aover budget, Europe’s accuracy. and GLONASS, which provide Helsinki Galileo satellite navigation (sat- People have become increas- no guarantee of uninterrupted nav) system went live yesterday, ingly reliant on geo-localisation service. promising to outperform rivals for anything from fi nding bars, Named after Italian astrono- wo Finnish journal- and guarantee regional self-re- pharmacies or the shortest holi- mer Galileo Galilei, the project ists quit public broad- liance. day route to tracing parked cars was fi rst approved with an initial Tcaster Yleisradio (YLE) Initial services, free to users or lost Alzheimer’s patients. budget of around three billion on Wednesday, saying that the worldwide, are available only Ultimately, Galileo’s free euros and plans to be operational company had suppressed critical on smartphones and navigation Open Service will be able to pin- by 2008. reporting on politicians includ- units fi tted with Galileo-com- point a location to within 1m, It suff ered several technical ing Prime Minister Juha Sipila. patible microchips. compared to several metres for and budgetary setbacks, includ- The case is unusual for the Some devices may need only GPS and Russia’s GLONASS. ing the launch of two satellites Nordic country, ranked by non- a software update to start us- A paying service will provide into the wrong orbit in 2014. profi t group Reporters Without ing the service, according to the even more precise data, to with- Its total cost until 2020 is now Borders as the global leader in European Commission, which in centimetres. calculated at about €10bn. press freedom. funds the €10bn ($11bn) project. Such precision would be in- The European Commission It follows a row over e-mailed “After years of intense work, valuable for safer driverless cars expects the project will ulti- complaints from the prime min- we are ready to declare the ini- and nuclear power plants, for mately be an important com- ister about the broadcaster’s tial services of Galileo,” EU In- example. mercial venture, adding some coverage. dustry Commissioner Elzbieta “When fully operational, Gal- €90bn to the EU economy in its The two journalists, Jussi Ero- Bienkowska announced in Brus- ileo’s Search and Rescue service fi rst 20 years. nen and Salla Vuorikoski, cited sels. “We are joining the closed will reduce the time it takes to Almost 10% of Europe’s gross diff erences of opinion over free- club of providers of navigation detect a person lost at sea or in domestic product is thought to dom of speech and journalistic services.” the mountains from three hours depend on satellite navigation independence as their reason for With 18 satellites in place so to just 10 minutes after a distress This file photo taken on November 17 released by the European Space Agency (ESA), the Centre Bational today – a fi gure projected to leaving. far, Galileo’s signal will be inter- beacon is activated,” the Galileo d’Etudes Spatiale (CNES, the French government space agency) and the Arianespace satellite launch grow to about 30% by 2030. “Me and my team have been mittent at fi rst, requiring a boost website says. company shows the Ariane 5 rocket with a payload of four Galileo satellites lifting off from ESA’s The system’s groundbreak- asked to cut back on any re- from satellites in the American Its signal will eventually reach European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Seventeen years and more than €10bn ($11bn) later, ing accuracy is the result of the porting that exposes abuses and GPS system. areas where none is possible to- Europe’s Galileo satnav system went live yesterday. best atomic clocks ever fl own misdemeanours. I cannot agree But it will grow more reliable day – inside traffi c tunnels and for navigation – accurate to one to this,” Eronen, a senior edi- and independent over time as on streets where high buildings owners of two Galileo-compat- ready chips produced by Qual- products can be consulted at second in 3mn years. tor, wrote on his Facebook page. orbiters are added to the net- shield radio waves from satel- ible cellphones (BQ’s Aquaris X5 comm, Broadcom, Intel, Medi- www.useGalileo.eu Galileo will also have stronger “The editorial line is most cau- work circling 23,222km (14,430 lites fl ying low on the horizon. Plus and Huawei’s Mate 9), and atek and u-blox. “We need the businesses to signals carrying more informa- tious on politicians, especially miles) above Earth. For now, free use is only for about a dozen types of Galileo- A list of Galileo-enabled invest in and innovate with Gali- tion, its makers say. the prime minister.” Last month, YLE reported that an engineering company Katera Steel, owned by the prime minister’s relatives had received an order from a state-owned Denmark EU deal reached to let Dutch ratify Ukraine pact nickel miner Terrafame around the time when loss-making Ter- rafame had been granted a cash fi nds way AFP pact does not entail future failure to reach a deal, which It also says the pact “does over the confl ict in Ukraine for injection from the government. Brussels membership for Kiev. should allow the Netherlands not contain an obligation for another six months until mid- Sipila, who has denied any “It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t to become the fi nal EU nation the union or its member states 2017, offi cials said. impropriety on Terrafame, forward pleasant, but it is necessary, be- to ratify the deal, would have to provide collective security The EU agreed the co-opera- sent several e-mails to reporter he EU reached a crucial cause it ensures that the EU can been a victory for Russia and guarantees or other military aid tion pact and an associated free Vuorikoski and chief editor Atte compromise with the continue to form a united front its involvement in the Ukraine or assistance to Ukraine”. trade agreement with Ukraine Jaaskelainen, complaining that on Europol TNetherlands yesterday against destabilising Russian confl ict. Rutte had warned earlier that in 2014 after pro-EU protesters he had not been given enough to save the bloc’s historic asso- foreign policy,” Rutte said. The 28 EU leaders agreed a it would be the “biggest-ever ousted Russia-leaning presi- time to comment on the story ciation pact with Ukraine, after “This decision is important special statement saying that present” for Russian President dent Viktor Yanukovych. before publication. Reuters Dutch voters rejected the ac- because it sets out once and for the Ukraine accord “does not Vladimir Putin if the EU- But Dutch voters opposed “I have zero respect for YLE Brussels cord in a referendum. all what the Association Agree- confer on Ukraine the status Ukraine co-operation deal was the deal on the grounds that it right now, which does not dif- European Union leaders gave ment means and – above all of a candidate country for ac- torpedoed by popular opposi- opened the door to Ukraine’s fer from your respect towards Dutch Prime Minister Mark – what it does not mean. After cession to the Union, nor does tion in the Netherlands. membership of the bloc and me. We’re even,” said one of the he European Union and Rutte special pledges limit- today there can be no misun- it constitute a commitment to EU leaders separately agreed amounted to a defence guar- messages. Denmark have found a ing defence commitments to derstanding on that score.” confer such status to Ukraine in at the summit to extend eco- antee for a country already em- According to Terrafame, the Tway to share data vital to Ukraine, and saying that the Offi cials had warned that the future”. nomic sanctions against Russia broiled in confl ict with Russia. order had been placed ahead of counter-terrorism and crime the government’s fi nancing de- fi ghting after Danes voted to cision and it would have been leave Europe’s police agency Eu- awarded even without extra ropol, the EU said yesterday. funds. The Nordic country last De- However, the prime minister cember rejected a government Germany slams Greece over migrant suspect later apologised for the e-mails proposal for new laws needed to and denied attempting to sup- keep the country inside Europol press coverage. when the agency’s status chang- AFP Authorities in both Germany to the EU’s largest economy – News of the young Afghan’s YLE chief editor Jaaskelain- es in May. Berlin and Greece confi rmed yester- as an unaccompanied minor arrest in Germany triggered en, who has admitted shelving Since then, Prime Minis- day that Hussein had previously and had been living with a host angry reactions on social me- follow-up stories questioning ter Lars Lokke Rasmussen has done jail time in Greece for the family. dia with some people saying an Sipila’s role in Terrafame, denied sought a compromise to main- ermany voiced anger attempted murder of a young Only now have police con- ironic “thank you” to German any attempt to restrict freedom tain some police cooperation yesterday that Greece woman, but was released early fi rmed, using the suspect’s Chancellor Angela Merkel. of speech. with the EU and access to Eu- Gfailed to issue a cross- and subsequently vanished. fi ngerprints, that he had been The chancellor said that Reporters Without Borders ropol’s database, crucial to ac- border arrest warrant for an Af- “This is very upsetting and jailed in Greece by a juvenile while any murder must be gave Finland top ranking in its quiring information from other ghan asylum-seeker who is now we will certainly have to discuss court for robbing and assault- condemned, the crime should World Press Freedom Index in EU police forces. the chief suspect in the rape and this with the Greek side,” said ing a woman in 2013 on the is- not be used to target “an entire 2016 for the seventh year run- EU leaders Jean-Claude murder of a female student. German Interior Minister Tho- land of Corfu. group”. ning. Juncker and Donald Tusk said The case against Hussein K, mas de Maiziere about the fact In that attack, he stole the Merkel, who will next year in a joint statement with Ras- who says that he is 17, has in- Greek authorities did not issue bag of a 20-year-old student seek a fourth term in offi ce, has mussen yesterday that they had fl amed passions in Germany, a European or international and then threw her off a cliff , faced criticism for her previous agreed on the need for opera- where debate is raging about alert. leaving her badly injured. open-door policy towards ref- tional arrangements to minimise how to integrate more than 1mn Greek media also slammed She later identifi ed him as ugees, although more recently the negative impact of Den- recently arrived refugees and the authorities for their mis- the same person involved in the the chancellor has tried to curb mark’s departure in May. migrants. handling of the prison release German case. the infl ux. The statement confi rms what The young Afghan was ar- programme and for failing to The Afghan teen was released Germany received 890,000 two EU sources had told Reuters rested in Germany on December alert the global policing agency from Greek jail in 2015. asylum requests in 2015 but that on Wednesday. 2 over the killing of a 19-year- Interpol that the teenager had Despite strict conditions re- rate slowed to 213,000 from “Such arrangements must be old female medical student two fl ed. quiring him to report to police January to September this year Denmark-specifi c, and not in Maiziere: we will certainly have months earlier after his DNA Hussein had arrived in Ger- every month, offi cials lost trace following a deal with Turkey any way equal full membership to discuss this with the Greek was found at the crime scene many in 2015 – when almost of him two months after he was and a series of border closures of Europol,” the joint statement side. and he was identifi ed on CCTV. 900,000 asylum-seekers came freed. on the Balkan route. Sipila said. “However, it should en- sure a suffi cient level of opera- tional co-operation including exchange of relevant data.” Doctor shoots colleague dead before The deal allows Denmark to committing suicide in Germany request data from a Europol Final results show Romanian leftists agent as long as it remains a A doctor shot his colleague dead before turning the gun on himself member of the border-free in a medical practice for radiology in the western German city of Schengen area. Marburg, prosecutor Christian Hartwig said yesterday. European Parliament Presi- winning parliamentary majority “There is no indication that there was an external perpetrator,” dent Martin Schulz described Hartwig told DPA, adding that the firearm used to commit the crime the deal as a sticking plaster. had been confiscated. “It is a solution for the time Reuters President Klaus Iohannis has PSD, which lost power a year ago Clarification has yet to be made however over an earlier statement being,” he told reporters. Bucharest invited political parties for talks amid mass street protests against that both men had been shot several times. Amid fears a backdoor deal on a new government, but the corruption, will still nominate The incident occurred around 12.50pm (1150 GMT) when witnesses with Denmark would set a prec- PSD declined to meet him on Dragnea or put forward an alter- heard gunshots and alerted the police shortly thereafter. edent for Britain’s negotiations omania’s leftist Social Wednesday, saying that it would native candidate. The doctors – aged 53 and 67 – were found dead inside a building to leave the EU, some lawmakers Democrat Party (PSD) only propose a candidate for The prime minister and his near the city’s main train station that contains the medical practice have warned they would weigh Rand their junior ally have prime minister after the new par- cabinet will need to win a vote of and apartments. in on the deal. won an outright majority in liament is sworn in next Tuesday. confi dence in parliament with at Details about the reason for the crime were not known, but Hartwig “A Europol agreement with both houses of parliament after PSD leader Liviu Dragnea, 54, least 233 votes to take offi ce. said that there was no evidence to suggest it was politically Denmark cannot be taken for a national election, fi nal results who keeps tight control of his The fi nal election results motivated. granted,” Manfred Weber, the showed yesterday, winning them party, has remained in his post showed the centre-right Nation- head of the European Parlia- the right to name the next prime as party chief despite being con- al Liberal Party, Iohannis’ former ment’s biggest political group, minister. victed earlier this year for rigging party, in second place with 99 No charge for boy who set man on fire the European People’s Party, The PSD, which promised a 2012 referendum for which he seats. said. higher wages and pensions dur- received a suspended jail sen- The newly formed Save Roma- A 12-year-old boy suspected of killing a homeless man in Serbia by “A backroom deal that would ing the campaign for Sunday’s tence. nian Union got 43 seats, the eth- setting him on fire was questioned by police but later released, the bypass the Danish referendum election, has a combined 221 Iohannis, who hails from the nic Hungarian UDMR 30 seats daily Blic reported yesterday. result is not an option,” he said. deputies and senators in the two centre-right but as head of state and the PMP centre-right party The boy, accompanied by two other children, allegedly threw a lit “We in the European Parliament houses, the Central Electoral Bu- must be politically neutral, has of former president Traian Bas- newspaper on the 64-year-old man, who was sleeping in the open will not endorse cherry-pick- reau said. said he will nominate the coun- escu 26 seats. at 4am local time (0300 GMT) early on Tuesday in the city of Novi ing.” With its long-time ally, the try’s next prime minister from The new government will re- Sad. Europol, which has 28 mem- ALDE grouping, the PSD will the parliamentary majority but place a cabinet of technocrats The man’s mattress and clothes caught fire and he suff ered fatal ber states, co-operates on po- control 250 of the combined 465 has also made clear he will refuse that ran Romania for a fi xed one- Iohannis: has made clear burns, the report said. licing matters with 12 others, seats in the two chambers, allow- to accept any candidate with a year period following the previ- he will refuse to accept any All three suspects, including the boy identified as the perpetrator, including Norway, Iceland and ing them to pass legislation fairly criminal record. ous PSD administration’s resig- prime minister candidate with were released to their parents because they are too young to be Switzerland. smoothly. It remains unclear whether the nation last year. a criminal record. held criminally accountable, Blic reported, citing police. Gulf Times Friday, December 16, 2016 9 INDIA

BREAKTHROUGH CONTROVERSY POLITICS JUDICIARY WILDLIFE Three held in Delhi CPI urges SC to review Congress slams move to Kerala HC to hear Another rhino killed over Punjab jailbreak national anthem verdict end Gogoi’s NSG cover Lavalin case on Jan 4 in Assam, horn taken

Three men were arrested in New Delhi for their The Communist Party of India has urged the The opposition Congress in Assam has condemned The Kerala High Court yesterday fixed January 4 Poachers have killed yet another one-horned involvement in a jailbreak in Punjab which led Supreme Court to reconsider its verdict mandating the move to withdraw National Security Guards for hearing on a Central Bureau of Investigation rhino in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and to the escape of two Khalistani terrorists, police cinemas to play the national anthem before (NSG) security cover of former chief minister revision petition in the SNC Lavalin case. Chief took away its horn, off icials said yesterday. said yesterday. Chanpreet Singh of Punjab, the start of movies. CPI leader K Narayana, in a Tarun Gogoi and termed it politically motivated. Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was an accused in the Park off icials said the incident came to notice Harjot Singh of Haryana and Ranjit Singh of Delhi letter to Chief Justice of India T S Thakur, said the Sources close to Gogoi said yesterday that the case filed, but a special court exonerated him in yesterday morning when the guards recovered were arrested on Wednesday night near the implementation of the verdict will create problems. three-time Assam chief minister has received a 2013. The CBI then approached the high court the carcass of the rhino from the park’s Moolchand flyover in south Delhi. They tried to He said the national anthem should not be taken letter from the federal home ministry conveying against the exoneration. The court said yesterday Burhaphar range. The horn was missing, which open fire but were overpowered, a police off icer so lightly to be played in every show of theatres to him the decision to withdraw the NSG security it was ready to hear all parties from January 4 and indicated poaching, park off icials said. This is the said. Chanpreet Singh, the main accused, along just before the film begins. “In our country right cover. There is, however, no mention about the Z+ hold continuous sittings thereafter till January 12. 16th one-horned rhino to be killed by poachers with Harjot Singh and Ranjit Singh, entered the now, an era of intolerance is prevailing. Many security cover, to which Gogoi is entitled. Assam Additional Solicitor General of India K N Natarajan, in the park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, Nabha jail on November 27, snatched the guard’s anti-social elements will also attend theatres. Multi- Congress president and Rajya Sabha MP Ripun who appeared for the CBI, said he needed three this year. “We suspect the rhino was killed on gun and opened random fire to give cover to six religious people come to theatres. Intoxicated Bora condemned the central government’s move days to present his arguments. The case pertains Wednesday night. The involvement of militant prisoners to escape, Deputy Commissioner of gangsters also will attend movies. Hence probable and said it shows the Bharatiya Janata Party’s to an agreement with Canadian company SNC outfits is suspected as we have recovered empty Police P S Kushwah said. A total of 14 armed men chances are there for eruption of communal vindictiveness. “This is unwarranted. This should Lavalin in 1997, when Vijayan was the state power cartridges of AK- 47 rifles from near the carcass,” stormed the jail in four cars, Kushwah said. violence in various states,” said Narayana. not have happened,” Bora said. minister, to repair three generators. a senior park off icial said. No economy can be fully cashless: Jaitley

IANS sation fall-out. How do we man- New Delhi age demonetisation in the next few weeks and months,” Sub- ramanian said at an Associated n yet another clarifi cation on Chambers of Commerce and In- the government’s demoneti- dustry of India (Assocham) ses- Isation drive aimed at curbing sion here. black money, Finance Minister “However, this would be a Arun Jaitley said yesterday that short-term phenomenon,” he the move towards a cashless added. economy was actually a “less In a related development, the cash economy” as no economy Finance Ministry said the Re- can be fully cashless. serve Bank of India (RBI) was Making his opening remarks now focusing on printing of at the fi fth meeting of the Parlia- Rs500 notes which would ease mentary Consultative the liquidity situation over the Committee, Jaitley said dig- next two-three weeks. ital transactions were a parallel “The situation has consider- mechanism and not a substitute ably improved. I expect in two- for cash transactions as no econ- three weeks, the situation will Trinamul Congress party members hold placards during a protest against demonetisation at Parliament House in New Delhi yesterday. omy can be fully cashless. ease out because of the focus on He emphasised that a “cash- printing of Rs500 notes,” Eco- less economy is actually a less nomic Aff airs Secretary Shak- cash economy.” tikanta Das told reporters here. Jaitley said the “government Das said that initially the was trying its best to minimise focus was to supply enough common man’s pain”. Rs2,000 notes so as to replenish Admitting that there are vis- the demonetised notes as soon ible and hidden costs in reduc- as possible. ing cash volume in the economy, “More and more produc- Parliament’s session the government last week an- tion lines have been diverted for nounced a series of measures Rs500 notes as enough stock designed to increase the pace of of Rs2,000 notes is now there. digital payments. Printing of Rs500 notes has been Among the measures, pay- signifi cantly stepped up so that ment by card for petrol and Rs2,000 notes become more diesel will enjoy a discount of mobile,” he said. 0.75%. Das said that the process of headed for washout Customers will get a higher distribution has also been fur- discount on digital payment as ther streamlined with printing Advani upset over chaos, ending pandemonium. “There is one more day left be- Ali, who later told reporters he tion Ghulam Nabi Azad to speak all central undertakings will en- presses being linked to distribu- says feels like resigning He asked Home Minister Ra- fore the end of the session. A asked after the former deputy but members from the treasury sure that the transaction fee and tion areas nearer to them. jnath Singh to convey to Speaker discussion could have been ini- prime minister’s health, to which benches did not let him. merchant discount rate (MDR) Also yesterday, Income Tax IANS Sumitra Mahajan that she should tiated without any rules.” the latter quipped: “My health is “This should also go on record charges are waived on such pay- offi cials raided an Axis Bank New Delhi ensure that the house functions Parliamentary Aff airs Min- fi ne but the health of parliament that in both houses, it is the rul- ments, Jaitley said. branch in Noida and froze 20 today to discuss the November 8 ister H N Ananth Kumar raised is not.” ing party (BJP) that is not allow- Suburban railway month- suspect accounts with deposits demonetisation. the issue of the AgustaWestland “I feel like resigning,” said Ad- ing any work,” Azad said, adding ly and season tickets bought totalling around Rs600mn, po- arliament’s winter ses- In the Lok Sabha, both op- VVIP helicopter deal and said vani, his comments audible to that it was happening for the through digital payment will get lice said. sion – which ends today position and government sides the names of certain Congress those present in the media gallery. “fi rst time in the history of In- a 0.5% discount, eff ective from The accounts were opened in P– is headed for a virtual shouted at each other as Ma- leaders were re mentioned in Idris then asked Advani about dia”. January 1, beginning with the the name of several fake compa- washout as chaos reigned in both hajan warned the members middleman Christian Michel’s Vajpayee’s health. Advani re- Deputy Chairman P J Kurien Mumbai suburban railway net- nies and a few low-income indi- houses yesterday. against displaying newspapers diary. plied: “He would have been very kept on urging protesting mem- work. viduals, the police said. Members of both the opposi- in the house. She then adjourned This further irked the op- sad to see this.” bers to maintain peace but his Jaitley also announced that “Income Tax offi cials found tion and ruling parties indulged in the house till noon. position members, leading to “If the situation is the same on pleas went unheeded. online payment for public sector that directors/owners of these recrimination over demonetisa- The opposition accused BJP more chaos, following which the the last day as well, parliament “Why should both sides cre- insurance companies (life insur- fake/shell companies are daily tion, corruption and other issues. members of obstructing the de- speaker adjourned the house for will be slandered,” Advani said. ate problem? I don’t know,” he ance and general insurance) will labourers,” a police offi cer said. In the Lok Sabha, the lower bate. the day. “Such a thing has never hap- said and adjourned the house till get 10% discount for general in- The offi cer said these ac- house, the opposition pressed Telangana Rashtra Samithi Even after the Lok Sabha was pened in the House of Com- noon. surance and 8% discount for life counts came to the I-T Depart- for a debate on demonetisation leader A P Jithender Reddy said adjourned, Advani remained mons... adjourned for no reason. Later, the house was adjourned insurance for new policies sold. ment’s notice when a Noida jew- while the ruling MPs demanded he should be allowed to speak as seated while other members left. I feel ashamed,” he added. for 30 minutes and then again till Meanwhile Chief Economic eller sold gold worth Rs6bn after a discussion on the AgustaWest- he had started the discussion on From the media gallery, Ad- In the upper house Rajya Sab- 2pm. It was fi nally adjourned Adviser Arvind Subramanian the November 8 demonetisation land helicopter deal. demonetisation under Rule 193. vani was heard telling Rajnath ha, similar acrimonious scenes for the day after 2pm as the op- said managing demonetisation and deposited the money at the The continued disruption in “Every party has a problem Singh to convey to the speaker were witnessed. It was fi rst ad- position members demanded a was a short-term challenge for Noida bank branch. both houses angered veteran with the implementation of that she should ensure the house journed till noon amid chaos, debate on demonetisation and the next few weeks and months. “Most of the money reached Bharatiya Janata Party leader demonetisation... I was not al- runs today to discuss demoneti- minutes after it re-assembled the plight of farmers while those “One of the challenges for the the jeweller through RTGS (Real and Lok Sabha member L K Ad- lowed to speak,” Reddy said. sation. following a four-day break. on the treasury benches sought Indian economy in the short- Time Gross Settlement system),” vani, who said he felt like resign- Trinamool Congress leader Advani was then joined by Soon after the house met, the a debate on the AgustaWestland term is to manage the demoneti- the offi cial said. ing as an MP because of the un- Sudip Bandyopadhyay said: Trinamool Congress MP Idris Chair allowed Leader of Opposi- chopper deal. Scientists name new spider Court bans all liquor after Harry Potter hat shops along highways AFP in 2015 – a fi gure that amounts AFP warts School of Witchcraft and pop culture icon and then have New Delhi to around 400 a day and 17 every Mumbai Wizardry in the hugely popular the creator of that icon tweet hour – according to the ministry series. you saying she was congratu- of road transport and highways. By June, Mumbai-based lated and honoured? I was so he Supreme Court yester- Of those, nearly 5% – 6,755 ndian scientists have discov- Ahmed and his fellow scien- thrilled!” said Javed. day ordered the shutdown deaths – was due to cases where ered a new species of spider tists were “100% sure” it was a The discovery comes after the Tof all liquor shops along the driver was driving under the Ithat looks “uncannily” like new species so they went ahead recent release of the movie Fan- state and national highways, in infl uence of alcohol or drugs. the sorting hat in Harry Potter and named the pointy-shaped tastic Beasts and Where to Find a bid to reduce drunk driving in Harman Singh Sidhu of Arrive and have named it after its owner and nocturnal spider Eriovixia Them, a Harry Potter spin-off a country where road accidents Safe NGO, a petitioner in the Godric Gryffi ndor, they said yes- Gryffi ndori. based on a book Rowling wrote kill 17 people every hour. case, said liquor shops could be terday. A review by experts confi rmed in 2001. The court directed authorities found every 1.5km along Indian The ardent fans of the boy that the spider, which mim- It topped North American box to stop granting licences to high- highways, calling them “a great wizard came across the 7mm ics the shape of leaves to avoid offi ces on its opening weekend, way liquor shops with immediate temptation for road users and a spider in October last year dur- predators, was indeed a newly making $75mn. eff ect and said all existing regis- distraction”. ing a survey of the lush Western discovered species. Gryffi ndor’s spider is not the trations would be cancelled by While many cheered the court Ghats mountain range in south- The discovery was published fi rst species to be named after a March 31, 2017, setting a deadline decision, liquor vendors said it west India. in December’s Indian Journal of popular icon, fi ctional or real. of April 1 for their closure. would threaten their business. “My colleagues and I are geeks Arachnology and sparked a wave In 2009 a yellow spider dis- “(There should be) no liq- “It’s a landmark judgment as and we all thought, ‘Hey this cu- of excitement on social media, covered in Malaysia was named uor vends on national and state far as accident cases are con- rious little spider looks exactly with Harry Potter creator J K after late rock star David Bowie. highways,” Chief Justice T S cerned, they might reduce. But like the sorting hat.’ It was un- Rowling taking to Twitter to Three years later Austral- Thakur said. shop owners are in diffi culty cannily similar,” scientist Javed express her delight. ian scientists named a fly with Thakur also ordered the re- now,” V Balaji, a lawyer for the Ahmed said. “I’m truly honoured! Con- a golden-coloured rear “Be- moval of all liquor banners and Liquor Traders Association, told “So we made a pact that if this gratulations on discovering an- yonce”, while this year scien- advertisements from such routes NDTV news network. turns out to be a new species other #FantasticBeast!,” Rowl- tists named a tarantula they and said any shops selling al- Yesterday’s judgement is also we will name it after the sorting ing tweeted to Ahmed. found in Folsom, California cohol must be located at least likely to leave a big hole in state hat,” he added, referring to the “How many geeks have the after Johnny Cash, the Ameri- 500m away from highways. coff ers which reportedly rake magical headwear that assigns opportunity to describe a spe- can music legend who sang the The newly-discovered spider Eriovixia Gryff indori sits on a leaf in Nearly 150,000 people were in billions of rupees in alcohol students to their houses at Hog- cies, much less name it, after a Folsom Prison Blues. the Western Ghats. killed in Indian road accidents taxes and fees. Gulf Times 10 Friday, December 16, 2016 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN

Pakistan test-fi res Afghans deported from N-capable missile

DPA Germany arrive in Kabul Islamabad akistan test-fi red a bal- Reuters listic missile capable Kabul Pof delivering a nucle- ar warhead to a target up to 700km away, offi cials said on group of 38 Afghans ar- Wednesday. rived in Kabul from Ger- “Pakistan conducted a suc- Amany yesterday, the fi rst cessful test of an enhanced to be deported under an agree- version of the indigenously ment reached between the two developed Babur Cruise Mis- countries this year, following the sile,” said a statement from In- rejection of their applications ter-Service Public Relations, for asylum. the media arm of Pakistani Thousands of Afghans joined military. asylum-seekers from the Middle The latest iteration of the East and elsewhere entering Europe weapon system uses a ter- from 2015, and became the second rain-hugging missile that is Babur Cruise Missile being biggest group of asylum seekers in equipped with stealth tech- launched from an undisclosed Germany in 2016 after Syrians, ac- nology and can carry various location in Pakistan. cording to German data. types of warheads. A charter plane carrying the “Babur’s latest version can Pakistan and its fellow nu- Afghans, all men, arrived in the carry a nuclear warhead,” Am- clear-armed neighbour India Afghan capital from Frankfurt, a jad Shaoib, a retired lieutenant have fought three wars since Reuters journalist at Kabul’s air- general, told DPA. He said that the two countries won their port said. the speed of the missile has independence from Britain in “It was early morning and I also been improved. 1947. was sleeping when four police- men came to my home and ar- rested me,” said Ali Madad Na- Faisalabad loses famous Nishat Cinema siri, who said he had been living in Germany for three years. Pakistan’s third-most- The number was sadly “I didn’t have a chance to take populous city, Faisalabad, reduced to seven in 2011-12. my clothes, cellphone and laptop known for its love for cinema Earlier, a number of — all left behind,” he told Reuters has lost yet another place cinemas, including Shehzad, while carrying a small bag con- of entertainment – Nishat Metropole, Tariq, Nadir, taining a few belongings. Cinema – now a theatre, Novelty, Shabnum, Odeon, The deportations are taking as it has been sold and the Javeed, Reo, Regal, Naaz, place under an agreement reached new owner has started Bambino, ABC, Sangeet, with Afghanistan in October, a demolishing the decades old Shadman etc had been spokeswoman for Germany’s In- structure to build a plaza. demolished. The land of terior Ministry said earlier. The cinema, established these cinemas was later used But the deal has sparked pro- decades ago, had been either to establish residential tests in Germany in recent weeks Afghans, whose asylum applications have been rejected, arrive from Germany in Kabul airport, Afghanistan December 15, 2016. screening Punjabi, Hindi, colonies or commercial with critics saying much of Af- Urdu and English movies and plazas. ghanistan was not safe and the for early January, according to such as the Alternative for Ger- backed government is battling The government is also strug- was later converted into a Currently, Faisalabad returnees might face reprisals. German media. many (AfD) party. militants who have stepped up gling to develop the economy. theatre for staging dramas. has about seven modern The Afghan Ministry of Ref- More than a million migrants Last week, Chancellor Angela attacks since the withdrawal of “Everyone loves his country. According to the Pakistan multiplex cinemas. ugees will help returnees get from the Middle East, Africa Merkel’s Christian Democrats most foreign troops in 2014. I also love my country but Bureau of Statistics, in Former manager of Nishat back to their homes, a ministry and elsewhere have arrived in toughened their tone on mi- Western military offi cials esti- what should I do here?,” said 2003-04, Faisalabad division Cinema, Humayon said the spokesman said, adding that Germany since the beginning of grants and Deputy Finance Min- mate the Taliban control or con- Mati Ullah, 22, who said he had – Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh new owner would go for about 10,000 Afghans had re- 2015, prompting concerns about ister Jens Spahn said the legal test nearly a third of the country. no job prospects in Afghanistan. and Jhang – had 28 cinemas: construction of a commercial turned from Europe this year. security and integration. barriers to deportation must be Civilian casualties are near “Do I have to go and join the 18 in Faisalabad, five each in plaza that might also have a The next plane sending Af- The infl ux has boosted sup- lowered. record high levels, with thousands Taliban or Daesh?” he asked, re- Toba Tek Singh and Jhang. theatre hall on one of its floors. ghans home had been chartered port for anti-immigrant groups Afghanistan’s Western- killed and wounded every year. ferring to Islamic State militants.

Drugs worth $239mn torched Tearful farewell US to provide $81mn for dam in Pakistan construction in North Waziristan A staggering 51 tonnes of drugs, including heroin and cocaine, were burnt by the Anti-Narcotics Force Internews ambassador David Hale and challenge of harnessing water (ANF) in Rawalpindi yesterday. Islamabad Wapda Chairman retired Lt and hydropower resources in an The narcotics torched at the Gen Muzammil Hussain signed upfront manner. ceremony were estimated to be the agreement. “America and Pakistan have worth $239mn. he United States will Speaking on the occasion, a long history of co-operation These were seized in raids carried provide $81mn to the Asif said the USAID’s grant of in the energy sector,” ambassa- out by the ANF and from smug- TWater and Power Devel- $81mn for the project was a dor Hale said. “The agreement glers at airports during 2016. opment Authority (Wapda) for milestone in the civilian assist- signed today builds on decades At the ceremony, ANF Director the construction of the Kurram ance programme of the US. of shared eff orts to meet Paki- General Major General Nasir Tangi dam in North Waziristan. He said the project would stan’s energy needs and help Dilawar Shah said the force has The US Agency for Interna- boost socio-economic devel- improve lives of millions of Pa- arrested 1,479 smugglers in the tional Development (USAID) opment in the remote areas of kistanis.” last 10 years — 505 of whom have Followers, residents and off icials carry the coff in of late Pakistani pop pioneer turned Islamic and Wapda signed an agree- North Waziristan and Khyber The Wapda chairman been sentenced. preacher, Junaid Jamshed during his funeral in Karachi yesterday. Thousands of Pakistanis on ment for stage-1 of the project Pakhtunkhwa. thanked the US government He said Pakistan has been free of December 15, bid farewell to Junaid Jamshed, the top pop pioneer of the country later devoted Kaitu Weir. Referring to the increasing and the USAID for support- poppy since 2005, and added that himself to religion, who died in a last week plane crash. Jamshed, 52, died in the plane crash on Minister for Water and Pow- need of water and electricity ing Pakistan and the authority in the past decade, 298 tonnes December 7 near Islamabad, the Pakistani capital city, along with his wife and 45 other ill-fated er Khawaja Asif presided over in the country, he said that the for sustainable development of of narcotics worth $896mn have passengers aboard a Pakistan national flag carrier. the ceremony where American government had taken up the water and hydropower sectors. been set on fire.

Kabul security gates in storage as Afghan offi cials trade accusations

Four security hangars gather surveillance cameras. uty chief of Kabul police. According to documents seen dust in Kabul warehouse; Although there are many en- Sorting out exactly who is re- by Reuters, the security gates Interior Ministry blames trances to the city, security of- sponsible for what in Kabul has were part of a $13mn deal signed police, police say not their fi cials believe channelling large proved a challenge. between China and Afghani- fault; Infighting delays vehicles through the gates could The chief of police comes stan in September, 2012, called installation of up-to-date help reduce the risk of big truck under the authority of the Inte- an Agreement of Economic and Chinese equipment; Militant and car bombs that have previ- rior Ministry, but offi cials there Technical Co-operation. attacks on civilians have ously wrought devastation in have said he prefers to report to China, which fears an Islam- increased Kabul. the National Security Council, ist insurgency may by stoked The gates are to be equipped a body that answers directly to by fi ghters from Pakistan and Reuters with control rooms and surveil- President Ashraf Ghani. Afghanistan, has taken a keen Kabul lance scanners to enhance in- The fact that Afghan power interest in the Afghan confl ict, spections of vehicles. is shared between Ghani and a but major investment plans in Civilian deaths are rising across chief executive and former po- the mining sector have been held set of giant security gates the country as Afghan Taliban in- litical rival, Abdullah Abdullah, back by deteriorating security. fi nanced by China and surgents fi ght to topple the West- can add to the confusion of re- The documents show that the Aintended to protect Ka- ern-backed government and drive porting lines and decision mak- security gates built by Chinese bul from large bombs and drug out foreign troops, while an off - ing. fi rm NUCTECH Co Ltd, in ad- smuggling lie stored in a ware- shoot of Islamic State has claimed Almas said the police chief dition to 400 items of associated house more than fi ve months responsibility for several attacks understood and respected his equipment including scanners after they arrived, while Afghan in the last year. reporting line to the interior and jammers, arrived in Kabul authorities bicker over who Not all are carried out by car ministry. via neighbouring Uzbekistan in should install them. or truck bombs, but in Septem- A spokesman for the presi- eight shipping containers on July Intended for the four main en- ber a car bomb went off outside dential palace declined to com- 2. try points into Kabul, they have a central Kabul security offi ce ment and referred questions to Twelve Chinese engineers been delayed by infi ghting be- during rush hour, killing dozens the interior ministry. worked for two months to as- tween departments and by a land of people. Sediq Sediqqi, spokesman for semble the parts for the security dispute, underlining the diffi - “It shows that the ministry’s the interior ministry, said the gates. culty of getting things done in a diff erent departments are sadly feasibility study of the planned Two Chinese engineers are country where confl ict and cor- incapable of setting them (the Afghan policemen inspect passengers at a Kabul entrance gate checkpoint in Kabul on December 7. sites and training of personnel still in Kabul, waiting for instal- ruption have slowed progress. new gates) up, and Kabul police had been completed. lation work to begin. The hangar-style gates, each is delaying them for no reason,” ing their installation is a big in- the gates, had tried to subcon- been dragging their feet. “The Ministry of Interior is The company did not respond weighing around 30 tonnes, are said a senior Interior Ministry justice to the residents of Kabul,” tract the work, but the bids were “We understand it is our de- on track to install the new secu- to questions. to reinforce the so-called “Ring offi cial, speaking on condition of the offi cial added. too high. partment that is responsible for rity gates for Kabul, as it is one “We are not familiar with of Steel” that surrounds Kabul, anonymity because he was not He said the Interior Ministry’s Now responsibility has been the gates, but the government of its (most) important projects,” the situation,” Chinese Foreign a city of 5mn people already authorised to talk to the media. Support and Procurement Of- transferred to a similar body run has to purchase the land fi rst and Sediqqi said, adding that the Ministry spokesman Lu Kang protected by blast walls, armed “These gates are made with fi ce, which had agreed to pay for by Kabul police, who, in turn, re- then we need a budget for it from gates will be installed within told reporters at a regular brief- checkpoints and eye-in-the-sky the latest technology, and delay- and organise the installation of jects accusations that they have donors,” said Salem Almas, dep- three to four months. ing last week. Gulf Times Friday, December 16, 2016 11 PHILIPPINES ‘Duterte’s admission an impeachable off ence’

Reuters cycle looking for “an encounter calling them vigilante killings. Senator Richard Gordon, who and critics to fi le an impeach- “He talked as he often does the president, he is used to ex- Manila to kill” just to show to local law Senator Leila de Lima, a heads the senate justice com- ment motion, saying removing about drugs, and killings and aggerate just to put his message enforcers he can do it. staunch critic of Duterte, said the mittee, also said Duterte opened the leader through a political criminality. And we had expected across,” the minister was quoted “I used to do it personally,” president’s admission could be a himself to possible impeachment process is a numbers game. that he would but we were there in radio reports as saying yester- hilippine President Rodrigo Duterte said. “If I can do it why ground for impeachment. proceedings following his con- There are less than 50 opposi- not to listen to that,” Wallace day. Duterte risks impeachment can’t you?” “That is betrayal of public troversial comments. tion lawmakers in the 293-mem- told Reuters by phone. “We were Even if that were true, Aquirre Pafter he admitted “person- More than 2,000 people have trust and that constitutes high “When he says that, he’s open- ber lower house of Congress. there to talk to him or listen to said it did not necessarily mean ally” killing criminals when he been killed in police anti-drug crimes because mass murders ing himself up, so what’s the legal A two-thirds vote is needed to him about business issues and I that he violated the law. was the mayor of Davao City, said operations since Duterte became certainly fall into the category of way, then go ahead and impeach impeach a president. was pleased that ... he moved on “It could be done with a justi- two Philippine senators. president in July. high crimes. him,” he told reporters, adding he Peter Wallace, who organised to those subjects.” fi able cause and justifi ed circum- The fi rebrand leader boasted to Almost all were shot when “And high crimes is a ground was not surprised by the state- the business forum where Du- Justice Minister Vitaliano stances as a public offi cer in order business leaders on Monday that they resisted arrest. for impeachment under the con- ment. terte spoke, thought the presi- Aguirre dismissed Duterte’s to arrest but if they resisted. He as Davao City mayor he used to Another 3,000 deaths are un- stitution,” de Lima told CNN Duterte’s allies in Congress dent’s statement was his “usual statement as an exaggeration. must have been forced,” Aquirre prowl the streets on a big motor- der investigation, with critics yesterday. dared the president’s opponents bravado”. “It’s like a hyperbole, that’s said, referring to Duterte. President keeps US agency withholds aid, ‘very good’ rating Manila says no problem after six Reuters/AFP President Rodrigo Duterte told help lift economic growth in the months, Manila US President Barack Obama to country of more than 100mn, “go to hell” in October, and has could tap other sources of fi - alluded to severing ties with the nancing in the region, including poll shows he Philippines govern- old colonial power, after being the China-led Asian Infrastruc- ment said yesterday that infuriated by US criticism of his ture Investment Bank (AIIB). Tit could live with less aid war on drugs, which has claimed The Philippines could raise Reuters from the United States after an 2,000 lives since he took offi ce on between $200mn and $500mn Manila agency put on hold a decision to July 1. in loans annually from the AIIB fund a second anti-poverty pro- The MCC’s fi rst fi ve-year to fund infrastructure projects, gramme. $434mn compact with the Phil- a senator said last week, after hilippine President Rodri- The Millennium Challenge ippines closed in May. the senate ratifi ed the coun- go Duterte retained a “very Corporation (MCC), a US pov- “It’s not going to be anything try’s membership of the China- Pgood” opinion poll rating erty reduction agency, said on its of signifi cance. And given the backed institution. after six months in offi ce marked website that its board had “de- amount of investments that “The AIIB president was here by surging deaths in his war on ferred a vote on the reselection many countries are interested in the other day. He was trying to drugs, but many worry that his of the Philippines for compact putting in, I would not lose sleep sell assistance,” Pernia said. tirades against some foreign development, subject to further over that,” Economic Planning Pernia said the government leaders could dent the country’s review of concerns around rule of Minister Ernesto Pernia told a had met the Asian Development image. law and civil liberties”. briefi ng. Bank and World Bank in recent Duterte registered a net satis- “This decision refl ects the The Philippine foreign min- days and would talk to Japanese faction rating of 63%, just lower board’s signifi cant concerns istry, in response to the MCC’s and Korean offi cials looking for than the 64% he got in Septem- around rule of law and civil liber- move, said: “The government projects to invest in. ber, the Social Weather Stations ties in the Philippines,” embassy remains committed to the goals The US government set up agency said in a statement yes- spokeswoman Molly Koscina to foster good governance and the MCC to promote econom- terday. said in a statement e-mailed to the rule of law in the country, and ic growth and reduce poverty “We are ... grateful to the AFP. will continue to engage the MCC around the world. Filipino people for giving the She said the MCC would board to ensure that accurate and However countries can only president two consecutive ‘very continue to monitor unfolding updated information on govern- qualify if they “demonstrate a good’ net satisfaction ratings,” events in the Philippines, but like ment policies and programs are commitment to just and demo- Duterte’s communications min- all country partners, it needed provided to its members.” cratic governance, investments ister, Martin Andanar, said in a to demonstrate “commitment to Pernia said the Duterte gov- in its people, and economic free- statement. the rule of law, due process and ernment, which has pledged to dom”, according to the corpora- The survey would inspire the respect for human rights”. raise infrastructure spending to tion’s website. president to “fulfi l his promise The United States has been a of getting rid of drugs, crime and vocal critic of Duterte’s war on corruption in our society”, An- drugs, with Obama in Septem- danar said. ber urging Duterte to prosecute it Duterte’s war on drugs, the “the right way”. key plank of his campaign for a The criticism has severely May election, has claimed about strained ties between the long- Duterte: his war on drugs has come under US criticism. 5,000 lives since July 1. time allies, which are bound by a In the same survey, 51% of re- mutual defence pact. to our worry about drugs. And into shanty homes and kill peo- This week Duterte said he spondents agreed that the presi- The Millennium Challenge he wishes me well ... in my cam- ple who have been tagged as drug had personally killed suspected dent’s habit of foul-mouthed Corporation announced on paign and he said that ... we are traffi ckers or drug users. criminals when he was mayor of attacks on foreign leaders who Wednesday that new grants had doing it as a sovereign nation, the Rights groups have warned of a a southern city to set an example anger him could be harmful for been given to Burkina Faso, Sri right way,” Duterte said about his breakdown in the rule of law with for police. foreign relations. Lanka and Tunisia. call with Trump. police and hired assassins oper- In September Duterte also lik- Duterte called President Duterte has said that he is Philippine police have report- ating with complete impunity. ened himself to Nazi leader Adolf Barack Obama a “son of a b****” looking forward to relations im- ed killing 2,086 people in anti- Duterte has insisted that police Hitler as he said he was “happy to before they were due to meet this proving under US President- drug operations since Duterte are only killing in self-defence slaughter” 3mn drug users. year, because he anticipated that This photo taken on October 18, 2012 shows an unidentified US elect Donald Trump. took offi ce on June 30. and gangsters are murdering the After condemnation from Jew- Obama would raise the issue of Millennium Challenge Corporation off icial delivering a speech during Duterte said following a phone More than 3,000 others have other victims. ish groups, Duterte apologised human rights. the inauguration of the Millenium Challenge road project, in call with Trump in earlier this been killed in unexplained cir- But he has also said he will not for his Hitler reference but said The United States called off Borongan City, Eastern Samar province. The US has not renewed a month that he had received en- cumstances, according to offi cial allow any police to go to jail if he was “emphatic” about want- the talks. major aid package to the Philippines because of ‘significant concerns’ couragement for the drug war. fi gures. they are found guilty of murder ing to kill the millions of drug Duterte had previously used about the rule of law under President Duterte, the US embassy said. “He was quite sensitive also Often masked assailants break in prosecuting his crime war. users. the epithet against Pope Fran- cis, although he later apologised, and the US ambassador to the Philippines. He also cursed the United Na- tions and European Union af- Reds ‘not ready’ to die for the president ter they raised questions about extra-judicial killings in his war on drugs. By Llanesca T Panti where our alliance is based upon,” Tinio “You bring me a document which says & Catherine S Valente said. that there is, or there would be ceasefi re. Manila Times Representative Carlos Zarate of Bay- Do not put a timeline. Duterte banknotes an Muna, vice-chairman of the House Then I will release the prisoners. Oust me? Reds will kill you, Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and That’s the deal,” he said. to be in circulation eftist lawmakers on Wednesday Unity, backed up Tinio. “I have conceded too much, even too from next week took exception to President Rod- “For the past 15 years, the peace talks soon. Duterte warns ‘Yellows’ Lrigo Ruterte’s remark that the Reds between the two parties have been Their main leaders have been released, Philippine peso bills with the will “die” for him, but confi rmed that stalled. Tiamzon,” he added. signature of President Rodrigo they won’t break their alliance with the Since CARHRIHL was signed [during Duterte was referring to top rebel lead- By Catherine S Valente LP was plotting to kick him out of offi ce Duterte will be out in circulation Duterte administration amid an impasse the Ramos administration], nothing sub- ers Benito and Wilma Tiamzon whom Manila Times to install Vice-President Maria Leonor next week, the central bank over the release of detained communist stantial happened, until now. he met last Friday in Davao City, where “Leni” Robredo. announced on Wednesday. rebels and the burial of ex-strongman Now, for the fi rst six months, there is he supposedly said he would “keep his Earlier on Tuesday, the president In a statement, the Bangko Ferdinand Marcos. already a second round of talks for the so- campaign promise to release detained resident Rodrigo Duterte has expressed confi dence that communist Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the The Makabayan bloc said the 434 de- cioeconomic reforms pact,” Zarate said. communist rebels”.At least 19 political warned the “Yellow” group that rebels won’t join any plot to oust him, initial batch of New Generation tained rebels, including 130 old and sick CARHRIHL is the Comprehensive prisoners, including the Tiamzon couple, Pcommunist rebels were not only claiming that they would even die for Currency banknotes with the prisoners, should not be used by the Agreement on Respect for Human Rights have so far been released, including rebel willing to die for him, they would also him. signatures of President Duterte president as leverage in ongoing peace and International Humanitarian Law. leaders who joined the peace talks that kill those who would oust him from Amid the alleged ouster plot and un- and BSP Governor Amando talks with the National Democratic Front Anakpawis party-list Representative formally started in August. power. clear reports about his illnesses, Duterte Tetangco Jr, was ready for release (NDF), the political arm of the Commu- Ariel Casilao told reporters: “The issue Duterte said he would release a number Speaking before Filipinos in Cam- also assured the nation that even as he to the public. nist Party of the Philippines. of political prisoners’ release should not of elderly and sick detainees before bodia on Tuesday night, he lashed out suff ers from a myriad of health prob- The banknotes will be issued to “This is a matter of justice because get in the way of drafting a peace agree- Christmas. anew at the “Yellows” over their al- lems, he does not have cancer. authorised agent banks once the they were detained with planted evi- ment.” But the president added: “I said I will leged plan to impeach him because they On Tuesday night, however, Duterte approval process is completed, dence and with no bail. “The 130 political prisoners are in- release them gradually, because I might “cannot accept defeat”. said he might not be around until the it said. They should be released on humani- capable of armed struggle anymore and run out of cards. “The Left will not allow my ouster,” end of his term as he had “found out “The notes are ready. tarian grounds. they were detained because of trumped- I will have nothing to negotiate over.” said Duterte, who has long claimed to very late” that he did not need the pres- The first batch is expected to be We’re not ready to die for the president up charges. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abel- be the fi rst “left-leaning president”. idency at his age. released next week after after … but we are willing to lay our lives for Actually, all 400 of them were wrong- la justifi ed Duterte’s position, saying that “They cannot accept defeat. The Yel- “I’m old … this is my last hurrah. completing the approval and those who are oppressed,” said Repre- fully charged, and that’s why we are still “what he wants is a mutual … a bilateral lows want to unseat me because they After this six-year term, at 77, I’m not release procedures with the sentative Antonio Tinio of the Alliance of calling for their unconditional release,” agreement”. In place are unilateral cease- cannot accept defeat. sure I would still be around until the end banks. Concerned Teachers. he said. fi re declarations announced by both sides “But the Left will kill you if you re- of my term,” the president said in a mix So next week … [it will be out and] The Makabayan bloc said it won’t sev- ‘Conceded too much, too soon’ in August as peace talks went underway move me from offi ce because I am from of English and Filipino. issued to the banks. er ties with Duterte and that the alliance On Tuesday night in Cambodia, Du- in Oslo, Norway. the Left,” he added. “It’s not a question of having regrets And therefore made available stood on solid ground, because the ad- terte reiterated that communist rebels The Palace has prepared a draft amnes- Although Duterte did not mention or none at all. to the public by next week,” ministration was committed to hammer- must sign a bilateral ceasefi re deal before ty proclamation containing the names of specifi cally who the “Yellows” were, he Because I entered it … I realise now Tetangco said. ing out a peace agreement with the NDF. their detained comrades are released by detained leaders and alleged members of had alluded in the past to groups aligned that I do not need it this time of my life. Earlier, the BSP estimated that “The peace talks are still on in spite of the government. communist groups. with the administration of former pres- But I tell you, I take pleasure in (it), about 3bn pesos worth of these concerns along the way. Speaking before Filipinos in Phnom Abella said he was hopeful the issue on ident Benigno Aquino III, led by the after the end of the day, that’s the only banknotes containing Duterte’s In fact, there is another round [of talks] Penh, Duterte stressed that he had made the release of political prisoners would be Liberal Party (LP). consolation, I have a job, I am doing signature would be printed in Italy come January 2017 … so that’s a lot of concessions to the NDF. “resolved before Christmas”. The president earlier claimed that the something right,” he added. annually. Gulf Times 12 Friday, December 16, 2016 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH Children take lead in sounding cyclone early warnings

Thomson Reuters Foundation message, asking him to return to own mother and fi ve siblings, to port from charity Save the Chil- she said, a warning should go out “We are closely working with have since cut the death toll from Cox’s Bazar shore and take shelter. the shelter 6kms away. dren and ECHO, a European Com- to the community that a cyclone the government to institutional- similarly large cyclones, includ- Fortunately, Ali was close The class V student had learned mission humanitarian aid eff ort, is coming. Two red fl ags are a ise school disaster management ing Cyclone Sidr in 2007, which enough to the coast to receive about disaster preparedness at aims to make school children danger signal, alerting people to in order to...protect the rights of killed around 3,500 people, and s Cyclone Roanu ap- the message. He forwarded it to school through a programme that ambassadors for disaster prepar- take shelter in their homes. every last child,” Bushra said. Aila in 2009, which claimed proached the coast of fi shermen on other boats, and teaches children in Bangladesh’s edness in their neighbourhoods, Three red fl ags mean extreme Low-lying and heavily popu- fewer than 400 lives. ABangladesh last May, they all returned as quickly as storm-prone coastal regions how spreading the knowledge they gain danger, and everyone should lated Bangladesh is one of the The drastic reduction in 10-year-old Mohamed Hossain possible. But Mohamed wasn’t to limit the damage from disas- at school among family members take shelter in cyclone centres or world’s most disaster-prone deaths is due in part to the in- worried about his father, a fi sh- done with his warnings. ters like cyclones. and the wider community. other safe places, she said. countries, particularly as cli- troduction of large-scale early erman out at sea in the Bay of He went door-to-door in his “During a normal tide, seawa- Eleven-year-old Tasfi a Sul- Zulfi qar Bushra, educa- mate change impacts become warning systems — many in- Bengal. community, which lies just 100 ter comes to nearly the edge of tana of the Mohseniapara tion director at Save the Chil- more severe. Cyclones hit the volving schoolchildren — as well But the schoolboy, who lives metres from the sea, warning Kutubdia Para. If a cyclone hits, Shikhon School, for instance, dren in Bangladesh, said his coastal regions nearly every year. as the construction of multi- in the Kutubdia Para neighbour- people — particularly the elder- our locality will be inundated due can now explain the system of organisation hopes to expand A 1970 cyclone killed more purpose cyclone shelters along hood of Cox’s Bazar, a town on ly, disabled and other children — to high tide, causing a huge loss red fl ags displayed at schools, the programme to 65,000 pri- than 300,000 people, while an- the coast, according to Moham- the southeast coast of Bangla- that a cyclone was about to hit. and damage,” Mohamed said. mosques or elsewhere to warn of mary schools, 35,000 secondary other in 1991 caused the loss of ed Atiqur Rahman, a joint sec- desh, knew what to do. He sent He then guided some of them, The educational programme, an approaching cyclone. schools and thousands of other over 100,000 lives. retary of Bangladesh’s disaster his father, Ramzan Ali, a text including a disabled boy and his run by the government with sup- When one red fl ag is displayed, educational institutions. Eff orts to reduce disaster risk management and relief ministry.

Pledge to Bangladesh pursue war dolphins criminals ‘genetically

IANS distinct’ Dhaka

IANS angladesh Prime Minister London Sheikh Hasina said it is Btime to try those who had sided with and rehabilitated war arine scientists have criminals of the 1971 liberation discovered that two struggle, the media reported Mspecies of dolphin in yesterday. the waters off Bangladesh are The Awami League president genetically distinct from those made the announcement at an in other regions of the Indian event organised by the ruling and western Pacifi c Oceans. party to mark Martyred Intel- The fi nding supports a grow- lectuals Day on December 14. ing body of evidence that the Bay But she did not specify any date, of Bengal harbours conditions bdnews24 reported. that drive the evolution of new “Those who handed them the life forms. fl ag of independence are also In the comparative study us- equally responsible for their ing DNA collected from both crimes. They will also be tried Indo-Pacifi c humpback dol- like the war criminals on the soil phins (Sousa chinensis) and In- of Bangladesh,” she said. do-Pacifi c bottlenose dolphins Hasina noted that the war (Tursiops aduncus) and data crimes trial in Bangladesh would from previous genetic studies, continue just like that of World the researchers found that both War II in Germany. populations of both species are “No strategy or conspiracy distinct from populations in will save them because this is the other parts of the Indian Ocean path of justice. Truth and justice and western Pacifi c. will always prevail,” the prime This discovery follows the minister said. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurates a photo gallery of the Liberation War Corner of the Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy in Dhaka yesterday. Public recent description of a possible The Jamaat-e-Islami, which Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam and State Minister for Public Administration Ismat Ara Sadique are also seen. new species of “river shark” in opposed Bangladesh’s inde- the same waters. pendence, was allowed to do “Our fi ndings indicate that politics in independent Bangla- there is a connection between desh after the assassination of the presence of these distinct ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur populations of dolphins and the Rahman in 1975. unique oceanic habitat that is The rehabilitation took place found in the Bay of Bengal,” said during the tenure of BNP (Bang- lead author of the study Ana ladesh Nationalist Party) found- Civil service help vital in Amaral of the Centre for Ecol- er Ziaur Rahman, Bangladesh’s ogy, Evolution and Environmen- fi rst military ruler. tal Changes, Universidade de Two Jamaat leaders – Motiur Lisboa, Portugal. Rahman Nizami and Ali Ahsan “The combination of a biolog- Mohamed Mujahid – became ically rich yet isolated seascape ministers when General Zia’s could be driving speciation, or wife Khaleda Zia, who leads the fi ghting terror: Hasina the emergence of new species,” BNP, was prime minister from Amaral noted. 2001 to 2006. By Mizan Rahman dressing the concluding func- Award of the 99th Law and Referring to the issue of es- themselves with the latest tech- Another ‘war criminal’, Dhaka tion of the 98th and 99th Law Administrative Course to Mo- tablishing 100 special eco- nologies to render exemplary Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, and Administration Courses hamed Nahidul Karim for their nomic zones countrywide, services to people. Police probe textile was Khaleda’s parliamentary af- organised by the Bangladesh excellent performance in the Hasina pointed out that many The prime minister said steps worker’s death fairs adviser at that time. rime Minister Sheikh Civil Service Administration respective courses. local and foreign investments have been taken to ensure bet- The much-awaited war Hasina yesterday urged Academy in the capital’s Shah- She also handed over certifi - would come to the SEZs and ter services are provided to the Police in Bangladesh are inves- crimes trial started after the Pnew offi cers of the civil bagh area. cates to participants who had assess which raw materials are public at an aff ordable cost as tigating the death of a teenager Awami League came to power in administration to stay alert so Public Administration successfully completed the two produced in these areas so that the aim of the government was at a textile mill who was killed 2009. Nizami, Mujahid, Chowd- that terrorism and militancy Minister Syed Ashraful Is- courses. the concerned agro-processed to serve people better. after a co-worker reportedly hury and three other war crimi- was not able to raise its ugly lam, State Minister for Pub- Hasina stressed that every and food-processed industries Innovation teams have been pumped air into his body by in- nals have so far been hanged. head in Bangladesh. lic Administration, Ismat Ara citizen of the country wanted could be set up there. developed at the fi eld and min- serting a compressor hose into In the verdict sentencing Ni- “New problems — ‘terror- Sadique, and senior secretary to live in peace. She said all will She said the government was istry level to develop newer his rectum. Mohamed Yamin, zami to death, the International ism and militancy’ — have now of the ministry, Dr Mozammel have to play their role in fi ght- looking to expedite the coun- strategies for providing faster, aged around 14, worked at a tex- Crimes Tribunal had observed emerged, and we have to keep Haque Khan, were present at ing terrorism as the aim of her try’s development through low-cost and hassle-free serv- tile mill in Narayanganj, on the that giving a ministerial berth to Bangladesh free from these the function as special guests, government was to turn Bang- maintaining good relations ices to people, she said. outskirts Dhaka, and died on Nizami was a “slap on the faces menaces. We’ve already taken while rector of the BCS Ad- ladesh into a peaceful country with the neighbouring coun- While pointing to the various Wednesday, police off icial Man- of millions of martyrs”. necessary steps in this regard ministration Academy, Dr M in south Asia. tries for which regional co- facilities, including the intro- jur Quader told Reuters. “We Hasina said that those who through involving the masses. Aslam Alam, delivered the The prime minister also operation initiatives have been duction of Bangla New Year Al- have arrested the co-worker, harboured the war criminals, All of us (including newly-in- welcome address. asked the new members of the initiated. lowance and increasing salaries who is the main suspect in the restored their political right and ducted administration offi cials) Earlier, the prime minister civil administration to instil Noting that the offi cials of the public servants by 123%, case and we are now investigat- handed them the fl ag “stained will have to remain alert and handed over the Rector’s Award confi dence in themselves so would encounter numerous Hasina said, “public service has ing.” In July, a 10-year-old child with blood of millions of mar- play their role in fi ghting this of 98th Law and Administra- that they could move ahead and challenges while working at now become more attractive worker of a textile mill was tyrs” were equally responsible menace,” she said. tive Course to Mohamed Sho- bring prosperity for the coun- the fi eld-level, Hasina said the in context of salary and allow- killed a similar fashion. for the crimes.” The prime minister was ad- hag Hawladar and the Rector’s try. offi cials would have to adapt ances.” As rains fail, manoeuvring for water grows in Lanka

Thomson Reuters Foundation ers struggling with water shortag- had verbally approved the group’s others — including elephants, change is here and clear. What This year, when the rice har- In another case this summer, Hambantota, Sri Lanka es worsened by climate change are use of water from the tank. deer and other wild animals in we need now are measures to ad- vest was completed in May, Karunarathne used weather looking for any way to get a crop. Wildlife rangers say they can- the area — with less water avail- just to those changes,” said W H Karunarathne’s offi ce urged information provided by the Jayalath, who lives in a village not act to remove illegal crops in able, said Gunathunga of the Karunarathne, the Hambantota farmers to plant crops that need meteorological department to ucked inside a large forest near the banana plantation and forest land, as that action needs wildlife service. district secretary, the top gov- little water in their fi elds before authorise the release of water near the drying Andaraw- who would not give his surname, to be taken by the forestry de- “The problem is there is over- ernment offi cial in the district. planting paddy rice again the stored for rice production to res- Teva irrigation reservoir, a fearing legal action, said he and partment. use of water and the animals now Such measures should include following season. cue dry banana plantations, after well-tended plantation of young other residents had together But forestry offi cers say that fi nd it hard to survive. The un- more monitoring of water use That is a change from the the farmers sought his help. banana trees is growing strongly planted the bananas, as water as the farmers’ collective has predictability of the rains makes and planting of crops that re- traditional practice of leaving Such releases remain rare in despite dry weather. for other crops outside the forest received some type of offi cial this competition for water very quire less water, he said. dried-out rice paddies unused Sri Lanka. “I had a look at the The plantation, of at least 10 ran low. authorisation to use water in the serious,” he said. He admitted that it was diffi - until the next rains. weather updates and released acres, is unauthorised but has been “We sought government per- forest, taking action against the Rains are becoming increasing cult to take action against farm- Over 4,000 acres were plant- water based on that despite pro- growing for two years, say wildlife mission to use the water from plantation would be diffi cult. erratic in the region. ers who are struggling with a lack ed with government-provided tests by traditional paddy farm- rangers policing the forest. the tank nearby as a farmer col- The banana plantation is fed In May this year heavy rain of water. But the top government green gram seed this year. ers in the region,” Karunaratne “They just come in, clear the lective and got permission,” he from a water storage tank — in- fell, but then was followed by offi cial in the district added that Though the experiment was not said. jungle and plant whatever they said. tended for animals — located four arid months where tem- farmers and state offi cials were wholly successful, some farmers In the end, “we saved the want. There is absolutely noth- The group did not mention to about a kilometer away. peratures consistently hit 40 devising new means to adapt to were able to earn Rs 120 (80 cents) bananas as well as the paddy”. ing that anybody can do,” said the village offi cial who gave per- The water, sucked up by fi ve degrees Celsius, according to varying water availability. per kilo for the additional crop. Wildlife offi cial Gunathunga be- Ajith Gunathunga, head of the mission to use the water that it industrial water pumps powered meteorological department. “The crux of the problem is A number of farmers resisted lieves more such co-ordinated Hambantota wildlife offi ce. was for the banana plantation, by small tractor engines, fl ows in In the past, temperatures that water availability does not the eff ort, Karunarathne said, action is needed. “We are all on Illegal plantings in forest ar- Jayalath said. channels to the fi eld. would have been lower, with the follow traditional patterns now, but he believes fewer farmers the same page here: the farmers, eas are on the rise in drought-hit The offi cial, who did not want But the heavy use of water for summer months interrupted and people don’t know what to will be sceptical next year after the animals and the offi cials. We southern Sri Lanka, where farm- to give his name, confi rmed he the plantation is now leaving by rain. “The impact of climate do,” he said. seeing the harvest. need to work together,” he said. Gulf Times Friday, December 16, 2016 13 THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH Special rights for the Prophet putting his opinion over our own and Maryam, while they were commanded defending him if he is verbally abused. By Umm AbdurRahman Hirschfelder to worship none but One deity, none Malik said that when he was asked has the right to be worshipped but He. about Ayyub as-Sakhtiyani he said, “I Praise and glory be to Him, far above rophet Muhammad, sallallaa- have not reported from anyone without is He from having the partners they hu ‘alaihi wa sallam, deserves Ayyub being better than him.” He went associate.” (9:31) special rights, which are due on, “I went on Haj twice and watched A former Christian, Adi ibn Hatim, only to the fi nal Prophet and him. Whenever the Messenger of Allah said, “O Allah’s Messenger. They do P was mentioned, he wept until his eyes Messenger. These rights have been not worship them.” Allah’s Messenger enjoined upon us by Allah and are part were red. When I saw him do that and said, “They certainly do. They (ie, of safeguarding the perfect religion of the respect he had for the Prophet, I the rabbis and monks) made lawful Islam. Unfortunately many Muslims wrote down things from him.” things as unlawful and unlawful today have become confused with Respect for the Prophet, sallallaahu things as lawful, and they (ie, Jews regard to these rights and have in- ‘alaihi wa sallam, also includes and Christians) followed them, and novated practices that have no basis respecting his family. The Prophet, by doing so, they really worshipped in Islam. The Prophet himself knew sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said, them.” that such practices would happen “Recognition of the family of We cannot put our own desires and warned against them, “Beware of Muhammad is freedom from the fi re. above the laws of Allah and that which newly invented matters (in religion Love of the family of Muhammad is the Messenger brought. To do so that is) for every invented matter crossing over the sirat. Friendship for essentially, is to believe that we know (in religion) is a cursed innovation the family of Muhammad is safety better than Allah. Allah is our Creator which leads astray.” (Tirmithi and Abu from the fi re.” He also said about al- and He knows us better than we know Dawud) Hasan and al-Husayn, his grandsons, our ownselves. “Verily, he is the All So as Muslims we must stick to “Whoever loves these two and their Knower of what is in the chests.” giving our Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi father and mother will be with me (67:13) He knows what is best for us wa sallam, his rights as commanded on the day of rising.” Abu Bakr said, and He has perfect wisdom and He by Allah and stay away from the “Respect Muhammad by respecting is Just in all that He decrees. Ruling innovations that either ignore these the people of his house.” by other than what Allah revealed is rights or take them to extremes. It also includes respecting his therefore tantamount to disbelief. Allah sent Muhammad, sallallaahu companions. Allah says about those ‘alaihi wa sallam, to all of mankind, who pledged allegiance to the Prophet To send prayers and salaam with the divine message of la ilaha at al-Hudaybiyah, “Allah was pleased The seventh right that is due to the illallah (there is no deity worthy with the believers when they gave Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi of worship except Allah). He allegiance to you under the tree.” wa sallam, is saying the salah and brought glad tidings of Paradise (48:18) The Prophet said, “Do not curse salaam upon him. Allah says, “Allah to the believers and warning of my companions. If any of you were sends His salah (blessings, mercy) the punishment of Hellfi re to the The Prophet’s Mosque in Madina. to spend the weight of (mount) Uhud on the Prophet and His angels too disbelievers. He called to tawheed, in gold, it still would not reach the (ask Allah to bless and forgive him). the belief that Allah is the sole “I was the favourite child of my father in the Qur’an, but we do not fi nd the and the imams of the Muslims and measure of one of them or even one- O you who believe, send your salah Creator and Lord of the universe, and my Uncle Abu Yasir. When I was ‘travelling salah’.” Ibn Umar said, the common people.” Nasiha to the half of it.” on him and (you should) greet him and therefore He alone should be present they took no notice of their “My nephew, Allah sent Muhammad, Messenger of Allah is confi rming Likewise, it is forbidden to curse with the Islamic way of greeting (ie worshipped. Believing in Allah is also other children. When the apostle sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, to us his Prophethood, obeying him, the Prophet Muhammad. Allah said, ‘assalamu alaikum).” (33:56) Prophet believing in His Messenger. was staying in Quba with the brother when we did not know anything. We supporting and protecting him, and “Those who harm Allah and His Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa ‘Amr ibn ‘Auf, the two went to see him do as we saw him doing.” following his Sunnah. Messenger, Allah has cursed them in sallam, said, “Whoever blesses me To believe in him before daybreak and did not return When Umar, radhiallahu ‘anhu, Abu Bakr al-Ajurri said, “Nasiha for this world and the next world. He has once, Allah blesses him with 10 salahs There is no doubt that the fi rst of until after nightfall, weary, worn out, looked at the black stone he said, his sake includes two types of sincere prepared a humiliating punishment for and 10 wrong actions fall away from our Prophet’s rights is to believe in drooping and feeble. I went up to “You are a stone and can neither conduct. One is nasiha during his them.” (33:57) The Prophet, sallallaahu him and he is raised by 10 degrees.” him and to believe in the message he them in childish pleasure as I always help nor harm. If I had not seen the lifetime and the other is nasiha after ‘alaihi wa sallam, said, “Whoever And he said, “The nearest people to me was sent with. Allah says, “Believe did, and they were so sunk in gloom Messenger of Allah kiss you, I would his death.” During his lifetime it was curses a prophet, kill him. Whoever on the Day of Rising will be those who in Allah and His Messenger and the that they took no notice of me. I heard not have kissed you.” Then he kissed helping, protecting, and obeying him. curses my companions, beat him.” have said the most salahs on me.” light which He sent down.” (64:8) my uncle say to my father, ‘Is he the it. Umar ibn Abdul Aziz said, “The After his death it is “by maintaining It is also not allowed to even joke The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Qadhi Eyadh said in his famous and one? Do you recognise him?’ Can you Messenger of Allah made a Sunnah esteem, respect and great love for him. about the Prophet or the religion of sallam, taught one way in which to say important book about the rights of the be sure?’ ‘Yes!’ ‘And what do you feel and the people in command after By persevering in learning his Sunnah Islam. Allah said, “If you ask them, the salah on him. Abu Humayd as- Prophet, Ash-Shifaa, that, “Belief in about him?’ ‘By God I shall be his him made sunnahs. To adopt them and understanding his Shari’ah. It they declare, ‘We were only talking Saidi said that they said, “Messenger the Prophet Muhammad is therefore enemy as long as I live!’” is to confi rm the Book of Allah and is to love for the people of his house idly and joking.’ Say, ‘Was it Allah and of Allah, how should we pray on an obligation for every individual. Believing in something is more than to act on them is to obey Allah and and his companions, avoiding things His ayah and His Messenger that you you?” He replied, “Say, O Allah, Belief is not complete without it and just recognising that it exists. Satan, strengthen the deen of Allah. It is not disliked in his Sunnah and what were mocking?’” (9:65) It is reported bless Muhammad and his wives and Islam is only valid with it.” as explained in the Qur’an, recognises for anyone to change the Sunnah, or deviates from it.” that in the course of the campaign of his descendants as You blessed the Allah has linked belief in Him with that Allah exists yet he is the worst of alter it, or to look into the opinion of As loving the Prophet, sallallaahu Tabuk, a man came up one day and family of Ibrahim and grant blessing belief in His Messenger. They are the disbelievers. those who oppose it. Whoever follows ‘alaihi wa sallam, is an obligation, declared, “We have seen no people to Muhammad and his wives and inseparable. This is what shahadah, it, is guided. Whoever seeks help by it comes with an excellent reward. with greater appetite, more lying, descendants as You granted blessing the declaration of faith, means. Even To obey him it, will have victory. Whoever opposes Anas, radhiallahu ‘anhu, said that a or more cowardly in battle than the to the family of Ibrahim. You are the if a person follows other prophets like The second right, which is due it and follows other than the path of man came to the Prophet and asked, Prophet of Allah and his reciting Praiseworthy, Glorious.’” This is the Musa and Eesa, alayhemas salam, he to our beloved Prophet, sallallaahu the believers, Allah will entrust him to “When will the last Hour come, companions.” Awf ibn Malik rose and tashahud, which is said in the sitting is not a believer until he completely ‘alaihi wa sallam, is that we obey him. what he turns to and will roast him in Messenger of Allah?” He said, “What said, “It is rather you that are a liar. of the salah. Another way is to say, follows the teachings of Muhammad. Allah says, “O you who believe, obey the hellfi re, which is a bad ending.” have you prepared for it?” He said, You are a hypocrite, pretending to be ‘sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam’ when the Abu Hurairah, radhiallahu ‘anhu, Allah and His Messenger...” (8:20) “I have not prepared a lot of salah a Muslim. I shall tell the Prophet of Prophet is mentioned. reported that the Messenger of Allah Allah has mentioned obedience to To love him or fasting or charity for it, but I Allah about you.” The meaning of sending salaam said, “I was commanded to fi ght the Messenger in connection with A Muslim must love the Prophet, love Allah and His Messenger.” The Awf then went to the Prophet to upon the Prophet is asking Allah to people until they testify that there obedience to Him. You cannot have sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, Prophet said, “You will be with the inform him but found that revelation preserve him from any harm coming is no god but Allah and believe in me one without the other. Obeying the truthfully. Allah says, “Say, if your one you love.” He also said, “Whoever had already preceded him. (When the to him and it is also a greeting to the and what I have brought. When they Messenger means, following his fathers, your sons, your brothers, your loves me will be with me in the news reached) the man, he mounted Prophet. Abu Hurairah said that the do that, their blood and property are commands and staying away from wives, your tribe and the possessions Garden.” on his camel, sought the Prophet of Messenger of Allah said, “Whenever protected from me except for a right what he has prohibited. Abu Hurairah you have earned, the commerce you Love for the Prophet Muhammad, Allah and said, “But we were only anyone greets me with peace, Allah (they owe). Their reckoning is with narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu fear may slacken, dwellings you love sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, joking, trying to pass the time while will return my soul to me so that I can Allah.” (Bukhari and Muslim) ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “All of my – if these are dearer to you than Allah manifests itself in many ways. One travelling.” Ibn Umar said, “He was return the greeting.” The Prophet also Believing in the Prophet, therefore, ummah will enter Paradise except for and His Messenger and to struggle in will prefer what the Prophet came clinging to the saddle belt of the said, “I will hear whoever blesses me is about living according to his those who refuse to.” They asked, “O His way, then wait until Allah brings with, over his own desires. His anger Prophet’s camel as it ran, his feet at my grave. If someone is far away guidance. It is much more than just Messenger of Allah, who will refuse?” His command.” (9:245) against people will be for the sake of and legs being battered by the rough and blesses me, that is also conveyed mere recognition of the fact that he He replied, “Whoever obeys me will The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Allah. He will mention the Prophet ground and repeating, “But we were to me.” is a prophet. Allah says, “When the enter the Paradise. Whoever disobeys sallam, said, “None of you will believe often. He will have a yearning to meet only joking.” And the Prophet insisting Since Allah has commanded that hypocrites come to you, they say, ‘We me has refused.” (Bukhari) until I am more beloved to you than him. He will exalt and respect him without turning his face to him, we send salah and salaams upon the testify that you are the Messenger of your children, your fathers and all and be humble when he hears his “Joking? Joking with Allah, with His Prophet Muhammad then it is a general Allah’ and Allah knows that you are To follow him people.” Umar ibn al-Khattab said to name mentioned. He will have love revelation? With His Prophet?” obligation and not restricted to a His Messenger and Allah testifi es that Allah says, “You have a good model the Prophet, “I love you more than for the Qur’an, which the Prophet specifi c time. The obligation is that the hypocrites are liars.” (63:1) in the Messenger of Allah for one who anything except my soul, which is brought. He will have compassion for To judge according to his we must do it at least once. However, At the time of the Prophet hopes for (the meeting with) Allah and between my two sides.” The Prophet his community, striving for their best Shari’ah saying it more than once is highly Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi the Last Day.” (33:21) Commenting on replied, “None of you will believe until interests. And another sign of love The sixth right of the Prophet recommended and is the Sunnah. wa sallam, the Jews who lived in this verse, Imam Tirmithi said, “To I am dearer to him than his own soul.” for the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Muhammad is to judge by him and Other times include when one is Arabia had been waiting for the take the Messenger as a model means Umar said, “By the One who sent sallam, is that he who aspires to it, be pleased with his judgement. Allah supplicating to Allah for something. promised Prophet that they knew to emulate him, follow his Sunnah and down the Book to you, I love you more does without in this world and prefers said, “If you quarrel over anything, Ibn Mas’ud said, “When one of you of from their scriptures. But when avoid opposition to him in either word than my soul which is between my two poverty. The Prophet said, “Poverty then refer it back to Allah and the wants to ask Allah for something, Muhammad came they rejected him or action.” We should strive to follow sides.” The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi for those among you who love me Messenger.” (4:58) Therefore, it he should begin by praising and out of arrogance because he was not his mode of life, his sayings, and wa sallam, said, “Now O Umar, now comes quicker than a fl ood from the is incumbent upon us to look in extolling Him as He deserves, and a Jew. Many of the rabbis, however, doings, his conduct and manners. you have it.” top of the mountain to the bottom.” the Qur’an and the hadith of the then by blessing the Prophet. Then recognised that he was a Prophet We can see from Prophet’s Related to this love is nasiha. Messenger of Allah when we have a his supplication is more likely to but did not accept him or believe in companions, the way in which they Nasiha is usually translated as good To respect him question about something. We must be accepted.” Likewise, during the him. Allah says about them, “Those emulated the Prophet, sallallaahu counsel and sincere conduct. It is Allah says, “O Prophet, We have follow the laws that the Prophet Aathan, on Friday, when entering the to whom We gave the scriptures ‘alaihi wa sallam, followed his “used to designate the desire for what sent you as a witness and a bringer of Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa masjid and leaving the masjid, at the recognise him as they recognise examples, and modelled their is good for the one who is its object.” good news and a warner, so believe in sallam, brought and judge by them, funeral salah, and when writing letters, their sons. But verily, a party of them behaviours upon his. This is what Linguistically it means purity. The Allah and His Messenger and help him and rule according to them. are other highly recommended times. conceal the truth while they know it.” it means to follow the Prophet Messenger of Allah said, “The deen is and respect him.” (48:7-8) Respect At the time of the Prophet, The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa (2:146) Muhammad. A man from Khalid ibn nasiha. The deen is nasiha. The deen for the Prophet includes honouring sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, when he sallam, said, “Whoever blesses me in a Ibn Ishaq reports in his biography Asid’s family asked Abdullah ibn is nasiha.” They asked, “To whom, him, exalting him, calling him with the was once reciting, “They took their book or a letter, the angels continue to of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Umar, “Abu Abdurrahman. We fi nd Messenger of Allah?” He said, “To noblest title such as the Messenger of rabbis and their monks to be their lords ask forgiveness for him as long as my sallam, that Safi ya bint Huyayy said, the ‘fear salah’ and the ‘salah at home’ Allah and His Book and His Messenger Allah or Prophet of Allah. It includes beside Allah, and the messiah, son of name is on it.” Prophet Muhammad’s manners and disposition

llah Says (what means): “By generosity. He had charming manners He (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) company because of his bad manners.” him and had to ask which one was the not mean any disrespect. the grace of Allah, you are which won him the affection of his used to pray: “O Allah! I am but a man. [Al-Bukhari] Prophet. Quite frequently uncouth There was no type of household gentle towards the people; if followers and secured their devotion. If I hurt anyone in any manner, then He (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) was bedouins accosted him in their own work too low or too undignifi ed for Ayou had been stern and ill- Though virtual king of Arabia and an forgive me and do not punish me.” always the fi rst to greet another and gruff and impolite manner but he never him . ‘Aa’ishah has stated: “He always tempered, they would have dispersed apostle of Allah, he never assumed an [Ahmad] would not withdraw his hand from a took off ence. [Abu Daawood] joined in household work and would from round about you” [Qur’an, 3: 159] air of superiority. Not that he had to He always received people with handshake till the other man withdrew He (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) at times mend his clothes, repair his About himself the Prophet conceal any such vein by practice and courtesy and showed respect to older his. If one wanted to say something used to visit the poorest of ailing shoes and sweep the fl oor. He would (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: artifice: with fear of Allah, sincere people and stated: “To honour an old in his ears, he would not turn away persons and exhorted all Muslims to milk, tether, and feed his animals and “Allah has sent me as an apostle so humility was ingrained in his heart. man is to show glorifi cation to Allah.” till one had fi nished as reported in do likewise [Al-Bukhari]. He would do the household shopping.” [Al- that I may demonstrate perfection of He (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) He would not deny courtesy even the books of Abu Daawood and At- sit with the humblest of persons Bukhari] character, refi nement of manners and used to say: “I am a Prophet of Allah to wicked persons. It is stated that a Tirmithi. He did not like people to get saying that righteousness alone was He (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) loftiness of deportment.” [Maalik and but I do not know what will be my person came to his house and asked up for him and used to say: “Let him, the criterion of one’s superiority over would not hesitate to do the menial Ahmad] end.” [Al-Bukhari] permission for admission. The Prophet who likes people to stand up in his another. He invariably invited people work of others, particularly of By nature he (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa In one of his sermons calculated (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) remarked honour, he should seek a place in hell.” be they slaves, servants or the poorest orphans and widows [An-Nasaa’ee, sallam) was gentle and kind hearted, to instill the fear of Allah and the day that he was not a good person but [Abu Daawood]. believers, to partake with him of his Ad-Daarami]. Once when there was always inclined to be gracious and of reckoning in the hearts of men, he might be admitted. When he came in He (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) scanty meals. [At-Tirmithi] no male member in the house of the to overlook the faults of others. (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: and while he remained in the house, he would himself, however, stand up Whenever he (sallallaahu ‘alaihi companion Khabaab Ibn Al-Arat who Politeness and courtesy, compassion “O people of Quraysh be prepared for was shown full courtesy. When he left when any dignitary came to him. He wa sallam) visited a person he would had gone to the battlefi eld, he used to and tenderness, simplicity and the hereafter, I cannot save you from ‘Aa’ishah (radhiallah ‘anha) said: “You had stood up to receive the wet nurse fi rst greet him and then take his go to his house daily and milk his cattle humility, sympathy and sincerity the punishment of Allah; O Bani Abd did not think well of this man, but you who had reared him in infancy and had permission to enter the house. He for the inhabitants [Ibn Saad]. were some of the keynotes of his Manaaf, I cannot save you from Allah; treated him so well.” spread his own sheet for her. His foster advised the people to follow this Article source: http://www. character. In the cause of right and O Abbaas, son of Abdul-Mutalib, I The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa brother was given similar treatment. etiquette and not to get annoyed if islamweb.net/emainpage/ justice he could be resolute and cannot protect you either; O Faatimah, sallam) replied: “He is a bad person in He avoided sitting at a prominent place anyone declined to give permission, severe but more often than not, daughter of Muhammad, even you I the sight of Allah who does not behave in a gathering, so much so that people for it was quite likely the person his severity was tempered with cannot save.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim] courteously and people shun his coming in had diffi culty in spotting concerned was busy otherwise and did Gulf Times 14 Friday, December 16, 2016 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Deputy Managing Editor: K T Chacko Production Editor: Amjad Khan Aid sector grapples with

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar growing funding gap [email protected] Telephone 44350478 (news), The massive aid and relief 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) superstructure that has Fax 44350474 sprung up over the last 25 years is already under pressure to reform, to become more accountable GULF TIMES and more transparent

By Kristy Siegfried/IRIN Peace elusive as Oxford ast week, the UN announced that $22.2bn would be required to meet the needs of Refugees seen at the Dzaipi transit centre in northern Uganda set up by the UNHCR. Lan estimated 92.8mn people S Sudan marks aff ected by confl icts and natural requested. Ten years ago, when the already starting to partner with the countries and to instead contribute to disasters in 2017. It’s the largest annual appeal was a mere $5bn, it was emergency sector to develop strategies pooled funds like the Central Emergency humanitarian appeal ever launched, almost 70% funded. to respond to long-term crises. Response Fund (CERF), which can but current funding trends suggest The massive aid and relief One of the major outcomes of be allocated quickly and according three years of war that aid agencies will be lucky to raise superstructure that has sprung up the inaugural World Humanitarian to need. More unearmarked funding half the amount they’re asking for. over the last 25 years is already under Summit in Istanbul earlier this year could help address what Kapila calls the Given this ever-widening chasm, pressure to reform, to become more was a commitment to strengthen aid “lottery” in which some country Despite a brief truce, hopes for peace have crumbled in some aid experts believe it’s time accountable, more transparent, to collaboration between humanitarian response plans are 80% funded while South Sudan as its civil war hits the three-year mark with to prioritise, to focus humanitarian spread its power and fi nancial base and development actors with the aim others languish below 20%. ethnic violence only getting worse and no end in sight. eff orts on the most urgent life-saving from Western capitals to the Global of shrinking needs over the long-term, Gunther said Germany’s The international community, which strongly backed endeavours and ensure at least they South. for example through an increased contributions to pooled funding are fully funded. Speaking at the launch of last week’s focus on mitigation and preparedness are increasing and that they are the country’s drive to independence in 2011, has been “Today’s appeals are much more appeal in Geneva, the UN’s top relief for natural disasters and peace- encouraging other donors to do the powerless to stop the worsening violence, with the UN ambitious and sophisticated and offi cial, Stephen O’Brien, said the building to avoid confl icts. same. issuing stark warnings of potential genocide and ethnic want to do all sorts of things ranging growing funding gap was the result of Jemilah Mahmood, who led “Germany has been pushing cleansing. from tackling root causes to building neither donor fatigue nor aid sector preparations for the summit and for a while for a paradigm shift Both sides have been recruiting new soldiers - sometimes resilience,” said Mukesh Kapila, failure: “it’s that the demand out there is undersecretary general for towards more forward-looking a professor of global health and – primarily because of unresolved, partnerships at the International humanitarian funding such as disaster by force and including children - and are preparing for full- humanitarian aff airs at the University protracted confl icts – is getting greater”. Federation of Red Cross and Red preparedness,” she told IRIN. on war, while diplomats struggle with how to prevent it. of Manchester. “While those are The price tag for responding to Crescent Societies (IFRC), told IRIN Addressing the funding gap There’s no actual peace process or political plan right all highly desirable, whether one just three of the protracted confl icts needs had to be reduced or they will also mean looking beyond now. The international community has more less accepted would call them humanitarian in the covered in the appeal – Syria, Yemen would become a “bottomless pit” but traditional donors to new sources that more fi ghting is about to break out. traditional sense is a question. and Iraq – amounts to $10.5bn, nearly recognised the bind the humanitarian of fi nancing such as the private “I think the humanitarian sector half of the total. sector is in. sector, philanthropists and emerging War broke out on December 15, 2013 when President needs to revert to basic, fundamental Many in the sector believe that “On the one hand you need the economies like China and the Gulf Salva Kiir accused his former deputy and political rival, life-saving interventions only,” he the “back-to-basics” approach life-saving interventions, but you also countries. Riek Machar, of plotting a coup. told IRIN. “If you start getting into ignores the reality of more complex need the longer-term, peace-building “More and more now we have to A peace agreement signed two-and-a-half years later cash-for-food programmes and and drawn-out crises that demand initiatives,” she said. look for funds in diff erent places,” said raised hopes of an end to a confl ict marked by atrocities vulnerability reduction – extremely more complex responses - that it’s This shift beyond the traditional Mahmood, adding that traditional worthy things to do – those are not enough to just keep people alive, parameters of humanitarian work donors are reluctant to fund ostensibly which has left tens of thousands dead and more than 3mn huge, huge tasks, and by defi nition particularly if one of the goals is to has many “purists” worried. They less urgent programmes such as displaced. the humanitarian approach is a very reduce the likelihood of future crises argue that getting involved in peace- education to promote peace-building The deal’s implementation, however, lasted just over two limited one.” that would only create more need. building, stabilisation and recovery that the Red Cross runs in several months. In a recent commentary for IRIN, “In an ideal world, humanitarians work endangers basic principles countries. Machar returned to the capital Juba in late April to form a Antonio Donini, an analyst with would be focusing on the strict of neutrality, impartiality, and While humanitarian appeals have the Feinstein International Centre humanitarian work, and others independence, and could lead to aid grown in recent years, Halff pointed government of national unity with Kiir, but violent clashes at Tufts University, also suggested would be focusing on making sure being instrumentalised or politicised, out that $22bn represents “less than broke out in July, leaving hundreds dead. that the best response to the crisis these populations have access to the compromising trust in humanitarian the annual revenue of the chewing Machar was forced to fl ee through the jungles of the in multilateralism signalled by the infrastructure and livelihoods that are agencies. gum industry”. Democratic Republic of Congo, and is now exiled in election of Donald Trump and the going to enable them to live in dignity. Another challenge is the need for She also said the onus on plugging South Africa - isolated but still the bellicose leader of the jettisoning of humanitarian principles But in reality it’s not happening, and long-term programmes to have multi- the funding gap really fell on politicians from Syria to South Sudan could be “a very often it’s not possible,” said year, predictable funding instead of as much as humanitarians, whose rebellion. more narrowly focused ‘back to basics’ Kate Halff , executive secretary of the the 12-month cycle that is the current emergency relief work only acts as a band After its outbreak in Juba the war was largely restricted humanitarian enterprise”. Steering Committee for Humanitarian norm. Several countries covered by the aid for these spiralling, protracted crises. to the northern states of UN-led humanitarian appeals Response, an umbrella organisation 2017 humanitarian appeal – including “I really think as humanitarians, The international Unity, Upper Nile and don’t represent the needs of all people for nine large international NGOs that Chad, Cameroon, and Somalia – are we have to push back a bit against the Jonglei but has in recent aff ected by crises worldwide (they partner with the UN. hoping to secure funding for multi- narrative that you’re asking for a lot community exclude emergency appeals and aid “It’s about building broader year humanitarian response plans. of money and you’re not doing that months expanded into the fl ows that bypass the UN system), but partnerships for longer-term action,” “Money is limited,” said Annett much. The fundamental problem has more less southern Equatoria region they suggest the need for international she said, adding that debates about Gunther, deputy director general of is a political one and until that’s surrounding Juba. emergency aid is outpacing donor when development agencies should take humanitarian assistance at Germany’s addressed, we’re left trying to cover a accepted that As the rains draw to a governments’ willingness to increase over were beside the point. “It doesn’t foreign offi ce. “We need to move from gap that’s uncoverable. halt and the traditional contributions. In 2016, for example, really matter who does it, provided it’s ad hoc fi nancing to smarter, longer- “We really have to get this right more fi ghting fi ghting season is set to donors gave $11.4bn towards UN-co- done in a sustainable way.” term fi nancing of programmes.” and it’s a collective responsibility, ordinated appeals – a record amount, Halff pointed out that development The UN is urging donors to reduce it’s not a responsibility just for the is about to start, Kiir on Wednesday but still barely half the $20.1bn actors such as the World Bank are earmarking for specifi c projects and humanitarian sector.” called for a “national break out dialogue” in a speech to parliament, urging an end to hostilities and calling for forgiveness “for any mistakes I might have committed”. However he made no mention of his foe Machar and it is The Manchurian cabinet unclear how his call would be received by the rebels. Ethnic killings have intensifi ed in recent months, particularly in and around the southern town of Yei, By Nina L Khrushcheva The idea that a US president-elect (Russia Today), the Kremlin-backed perhaps more likely in Trump’s case, Moscow would take the word of the Kremlin cable news network that was a prime what happens if the president tries pushing tens of thousands of people to seek refuge in over that of CIA officials and even source of the slanted, and even fake, to shut down FBI investigations into neighbouring Uganda. the most senior members of his news that inundated the US during the his commercial activities involving These atrocities have drawn the attention of the S president-elect Donald own party is already bizarre and recent election campaign. Russia, or into the actions of cronies international community with UN experts in early Trump seems determined dangerous. But the simultaneous As for Trump, statements made by like Manafort? December reporting “ethnic cleansing” in several parts of to revive a forgotten nomination of Tillerson – the long- his sons suggest that, if the American The second question, which Hollywood genre: the time CEO of ExxonMobil, America’s public ever got a look at his tax returns the US Senate should ask before South Sudan. U paranoid melodrama. Perhaps the most powerful energy company, and business loans, they would fi nd confi rming Tillerson as Secretary Weeks earlier the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention greatest fi lm in this genre, The which has tens of billions of dollars that he has also been feathering his of State, concerns the extent of his of Genocide, Adama Dieng, warned of “a strong risk of Manchurian Candidate, concerns invested in Russia – to be America’s nest with Kremlin gold for some time. and ExxonMobil’s fi nancial interests violence escalating along ethnic lines, with the potential a communist plot to use the top diplomat takes this love affair He has undoubtedly taken money from in Russia. The Senate should also for genocide.” brainwashed son of a leading right- with a major adversary to a level countless Russian oligarchs. In 2008, probe how closely Tillerson has wing family to upend the American unprecedented in US history. he unloaded one of his Palm Beach co-operated with Igor Sechin, the That view is widely held. What is happening now, there is political system. Given the fondness For Tillerson, taking Russia’s mansions on Dmitry Rybolovlev, a chairman of Rosneft and a notorious clear ethnic targeting and if it grows, if it becomes massive, that Trump and so many of his side against the US is nothing new. fertiliser oligarch, for $95mn. Sergei ex-KGB operative, particularly in it will not be diff erent to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. appointees seem to have for Russian Consider the sanctions that the US Millian, who heads the Russian- renationalising much of the Russian Neither government nor rebel sides seem able to win President Vladimir Putin, life may be and Europe imposed on Russia in American Chamber of Commerce, oil industry and placing it under militarily or to turn battlefi eld gains into political ones. about to imitate – if not exceed – art. response to the country’s annexation is said to have facilitated countless Sechin’s personal control. (Similar To be sure, the attraction for of Crimea - a blatantly illegal act – investments from Russians into questions should be asked about International pressure forced the South Sudanese Putin that Trump, Secretary of in 2014. Instead of supporting US Trump projects. For Trump, no money Flynn, though, because the National government to accept the proposed deployment of an State-designate Rex Tillerson, and policy, Tillerson belittled it. Instead is too tainted to pocket. Security Adviser doesn’t need to be additional 4,000-strong UN “protection force”, but National Security Adviser General of fully honouring President Barack Trump’s adoration of Russia – or, confi rmed by the Senate, little can be months later it remains on paper only and the fi ghting Michael Flynn share is not the result Obama’s call for ExxonMobil not to more accurately, Russian riches – done about his appointment.) continues. of brainwashing, unless you consider send a representative to the annual was apparent well before Americans The biggest question of all concerns the love of money (and of the people Saint Petersburg International went to the polls, as was his habit the American people. Are they really The key to peace lies with South Sudan’s neighbours, if who can funnel it to you) a form of Economic Forum after the annexation, of surrounding himself with willing to accept a president who they can fi nd common ground. The problem is that their brainwashing. Nonetheless, such Tillerson cynically sent the head of likeminded advisers. For months, denounces men and women who interests are often competing. Kremlinophilia is – to resurrect a one of ExxonMobil’s international Trump’s presidential campaign was risk their lives to defend the US, and word redolent of Cold War paranoia – operations. And instead of returning run by Paul Manafort, a political equally quick to praise and defend decidedly un-American. the Order of Friendship that he operative who had worked to secure Putin and his cronies when their Consider the derision shown by received from Putin months before the disgraced President Viktor reckless, even criminal, conduct is To Advertise Trump and his posse for CIA reports the invasion of Crimea, Tillerson Yanukovych’s victory in Ukraine’s exposed? that Kremlin-directed hackers continues to celebrate his status as a 2010 presidential election. Trump At the end of The Manchurian [email protected] intervened in last month’s election “friend of Vladimir.” severed public ties with Manafort Candidate, another brainwashed Display to benefi t Trump. In typical fashion, Flynn, like Tillerson, has also only after Ukraine’s current character – Frank Sinatra’s Marco – Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 Trump let loose a barrage of tweets been feasting at the Kremlin trough. democratic government revealed escapes his programming to foil the blasting the CIA as somehow under After being fi red by Obama for his documents that hinted at the communist plot. But that was Cold Classified the thumb of his defeated opponent, incompetent management of the millions of dollars that Yanukovych War Hollywood: of course the good Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 Hillary Clinton. His nominee for Defence Intelligence Agency, Flynn had paid Manafort, in cash. guys won. Trump the Movie is unlikely Deputy Secretary of State, John immediately began to cultivate As Trump’s inauguration draws to end so well. – Project Syndicate Subscription Bolton, went even further, suggesting Russian business contacts. And Putin near, Americans must confront three [email protected] that the hacking of the Democratic seems to have been more than happy big questions. One, in a sense, is a take zNina L Khrushcheva is Professor of National Committee and Clinton’s to see that commercial doors were on a question that Trump raised about International Aff airs and Associate campaign chairman, John Podesta, opened to Flynn. There is a now- Clinton during the campaign: what Dean for Academic Aff airs at The New 2016 Gulf Times. All rights reserved was a “false fl ag” operation designed infamous photograph of Flynn seated happens if the FBI fi nds evidence of School and a senior fellow at the World to smear an innocent Kremlin. next to Putin at a banquet for RT criminal conduct by the president? Or, Policy Institute. Gulf Times Friday, December 16, 2016 15 COMMENT How climate action can make America great Global climate leadership America’s commitments under Trump, the climate-sceptic, might will require the US, fi rst and the Paris agreement could spur be convinced to sustain progress others to follow suit. After all, many on climate action: preserving and foremost, to fulfi l its Paris countries are already worried about enhancing America’s international commitments the costs of meeting their national infl uence. Other prominent global commitments, especially at a time leaders – including Chinese of sluggish economic recovery. And President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime By Vinod Thomas burning fossil fuels remains, in most Minister Narendra Modi, and Singapore economic activities, cheaper than German Chancellor Angela Merkel using cleaner energy (when one – have expressed concern about the does not account for the relevant devastation caused by pollution and limate change is the single environmental damage). environmental degradation. If the US biggest challenge facing Of course, in the longer term, repudiates its leadership role in this humankind. Yet the next burning more fossil fuels will drive area, it risks considerable reputational Cpresident of the US – the up healthcare costs and impede damage. world’s second-largest greenhouse- worker productivity. Then there Global climate leadership will gas emitter and a critical actor in are the economic and human costs require the US, fi rst and foremost, climate policy – does not believe it is of increasingly frequent and severe to fulfi ll its Paris commitments. It is happening, or at least that humans climate-related disasters – including vital that Trump upholds America’s have a role in driving it. If Donald fl oods, droughts, storms, and Clean Power Plan, which establishes Trump actually wants to “Make heatwaves, all of which are already on state-by-state targets for carbon- America Great Again,” as his campaign the rise worldwide. emissions reductions, with the goal slogan declared, he will need to change To be sure, Trump recently met with of lowering national emissions from his attitude and embrace the climate the former US vice president and vocal electricity generation by one-third agenda. climate activist Al Gore. Nonetheless, relative to their 2005 level by 2030. So far, the situation does not look it seems unlikely that Trump will The extension of tax credits for promising. Despite a mountain of change his tune on climate change, renewable-energy producers and scientifi c data, Trump claims that not least because the cabinet members consumers would go a long way there is no evidence that humans he has selected are largely singing the towards advancing this goal. contribute to global warming. He once same song. But even achieving the Paris even called climate change a “hoax,” The good news is that he may not agreement’s goals will not be enough invented by the Chinese to make have to. In fact, there are actions to avert a catastrophic rise in global US manufacturing less competitive that Trump can take for other ends temperature. We must overshoot our (though he later walked back that – from boosting the US economy to targets by advancing clean energy, accusation). He has not, however, enhancing America’s global infl uence clean transport, and clean industry. rethought his broader scepticism – that would also advance the climate For that, American know-how and about human-driven climate change. agenda. savvy will be indispensable. Refl ecting this line of thinking, The fi rst such action is to Trump already wants to invest in Trump has announced his intention increase investment in research and The economic and human costs of increasingly frequent and severe climate-related disasters include floods, droughts, energy and infrastructure. If he does to reverse carbon-emission limits for development in climate-friendly storms, and heatwaves, all of which are already on the rise worldwide. so in a climate-friendly way, the US coal-fi red power plants, step up fossil- sectors, such as energy effi ciency will reap enormous benefi ts - and fuel production, and roll back support and storage, renewable-energy revive steel and coal in the so-called 33% share in power generation now in dynamic and profi table energy- so will the rest of the world. If the for wind and solar power. He has also systems, and safer and smaller cars. Rust Belt states that were crucial to exceeds that of coal. Renewable- effi cient industries by entrenching mogul-turned-president does not pledged to pull the US out of the global Technological breakthroughs in these his electoral victory, that is likely energy sources and nuclear power are energy effi ciency in construction recognise the threat that climate climate-change agreement concluded areas – which the US is particularly impossible (as is bringing back large also on the rise, a trend that is almost codes. New buildings and other change poses, he should at least last December in Paris. Such a reversal qualifi ed to realise – would be great numbers of manufacturing jobs certain to continue. To create a Rust infrastructure should feature be able to recognise a tremendous would be catastrophic for global for business. And building high- from abroad). Indeed, coal power is Belt revival, Trump must capitalise energy-effi cient lighting (including business opportunity when he sees eff orts to tackle climate change. tech production and effi cient energy already on its way out in the US, as on these trends, advancing a more better use of sunlight), heating, and one. - Project Syndicate Just as former US president George sectors may be Trump’s best chance health and environmental (not just innovative, energy-effi cient approach, air-conditioning. There are also huge W Bush’s refusal to sign the Kyoto of fulfi lling his campaign promise climate) concerns force plants to much like the one that is helping to payoff s from retrofi tting existing zVinod Thomas, a visiting professor at Protocol on climate change in 2005 to create a large number of jobs for shut down. support growth in the economies of buildings for more effi cient energy the National University of Singapore, is initiated a spiral of rising emissions, Americans. Natural-gas production, California and New York. use. former Director General of Independent a decision by Trump not to fulfil As much as Trump might like to meanwhile, is at an all-time high; its Trump could reinforce progress There is one more key reason why Evaluation at the World Bank. Weather report Aleppo challenges Obama’s legacy Three-day forecast TODAY High: 23 C By Andrew Beatty Power, like the White House, the idea that they did nothing. diplomacy was the only way forward. Low : 18 C AFP/Washington pointed the fi nger of blame directly at “I readily acknowledge that we are “I think that we have done, frankly, Damascus, Moscow and Tehran. not seeing the results that we would as well as you can do under the Expected strong wind and high sea “The regime of Bashar al-Assad, like to see in addressing the violence circumstances,” Secretary of State he months-long siege of Russia, Iran, and their affi liated militia inside of Aleppo,” said White House John Kerry told reporters during a Aleppo is over, but the are the ones responsible for what spokesman Josh Earnest. recent trip to Europe. SATURDAY political postmortem is the UN called ‘a complete meltdown But, he added, “it’s off ensive to His repeated and vexed eff orts High: 23 C Tjust beginning and Barack of humanity’,” she told the Security somehow suggest that the United to coax Russia into a deal to end Low: 16 C Obama’s role is fi rmly on the slab. Council. States government and the world is the fi ghting were often ridiculed as Sunny “The United States did have “Are you truly incapable of shame?” not doing anything.” Quixotic. countless opportunities to mitigate she demanded. “Is there literally Throughout the slow motion Russia, critics said, had no intention and prevent slaughter. But time nothing that can shame you? Is there destruction of Syria, Obama has of making a deal. SUNDAY and again, decent men and women no act of barbarism against civilians, believed that putting American boots on But Kerry, like the White House, High: 24 C chose to look away. We have all been no execution of a child that gets under the ground would have been disastrous believes it was worth a shot. Low: 17 C bystanders to genocide. The crucial your skin, that just creeps you out a and establishing a no fl y zone would “I’m not going to spend time Sunny question is why.” little bit? Is there nothing you will not have risked war with Russia. regretting bonafi de eff orts to do Those were the words, a decade- lie about or justify?” Obama ignored his own “red line” things” he insisted. and-a-half ago, of author-academic But the question is once again, how on Assad’s chemical weapons use, Still, the White House knows that Fishermen’s forecast with power comes responsibility, and Samantha Power in a seminal work did it happen? and faced down aides who warned OFFSHORE DOHA exploring why “never again” – a Syrian civilians may have been that America’s reputation would be at the end of the day, Obama’s even Wind: NW 18-25/28 KT promise borne from the depravity of killed by Assad’s loyalists, Russian severely damaged by inaction. limited eff orts failed. Waves: 6-8/9 Feet the Holocaust – so often rings hollow. warplanes and Iranian-backed militia. Faced with no substantial public “The United States has a special INSHORE DOHA Wind: NW 12-20/25 KT This week Power – now Obama’s But for many, culpability lies at least pressure to act, the administration’s responsibility because we have the Waves: 1-3/4 Feet ambassador to the United Nations in part at Obama’s feet. mantra became: There is no military most infl uential, strongest country in – sat inside the Security Council From the president on down, solution to the confl ict in Syria. the world,” said Earnest. Around the region chamber as world powers argued over US offi cials acknowledge that the For critics, that carries eerie “We readily accept the Weather Weather this generation’s iteration of Rwanda, slaughter in Syria will forever be a echoes of Power’s observations a responsibility.” today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Srebrenica and Guernica. challenge to their reputations and decade-and-a-half ago: faced with Now, as Obama prepares to leave Abu Dhabi Sunny 26/19 Sunny 24/19 At least 300,000 people have died their conscience. unspeakable violence, American offi ce, his opportunities to intervene Baghdad M Sunny 14/03 Sunny 17/03 Dubai – no one really knows how many – in “There hasn’t been probably a offi cials often “spin themselves” to in a meaningful way are dwindling to M Sunny 27/18 Sunny 24/17 Kuwait City Sunny 17/06 M Sunny 18/08 Syria’s six-year war, which is reaching week that’s gone by in which I haven’t believe that US intervention would not nothing. Manama Cloudy 20/14 Sunny 21/15 a horrifying coda in Aleppo. re-examined some of the underlying work, or may even make things worse. All that is left is for the next Muscat Sunny 27/19 Sunny 25/18 Residents in the city’s last rebel- premises around how we’re dealing But events in Iraq, Afghanistan and generation’s Samantha Power to Riyadh Sunny 18/08 Sunny 21/09 held areas face death from the sky with the situation in Syria,” Obama Libya - even Vietnam - are seared onto adjudge whether and why “decent Tehran Sunny 08/01 P Cloudy 10/01 if they stay and likely torture or said in September. the American body politic. men and women” in Washington, once execution if they fl ee. But his administration bristles at Instead of force, Obama decided again, “chose to look away.” Live issues Smartphone app to help factory workers stay safe

IANS entirely new measure for assessing New York health outcomes. “We can programme phones to measure motions and quantify them esearchers at the University in a way that is not only more accurate of Wisconsin - Madison than the current method, but also in the US are developing a automatic and more objective and Around the world Rsmartphone app that can reliable,” he said in a statement. Weather Weather help reduce risk of injuries in factory “It’s not just for big corporations today Max/min tomorrow Max/min workers due to the strain of repetitive using ergonomics to cut costs “ it Athens P Cloudy 10/03 M Cloudy 08/03 motion required to perform their would allow medium-sized and small Beirut Rain 15/12 S Showers 16/10 Cloudy 28/21 work. businesses to access this technology as Bangkok 26/21 P Cloudy Berlin M Sunny 02/-4 M Sunny 02/-2 The strain of repetitive motion well,” Radwin noted. Cairo Sunny 19/09 Sunny 21/11 can lead to various musculoskeletal The measurements can assess Cape Town M Sunny 28/17 Cloudy 27/18 injuries, such as carpal tunnel factors such as speed – for example, if Colombo S T Storms 32/24 S T Storms 32/24 syndrome or tendonitis in the wrists, a worker is struggling to keep up with Dhaka Sunny 27/17 M Sunny 27/18 Hong Kong M Sunny 18/15 P Cloudy 21/19 arms and shoulders. a conveyer belt, they may have to move Istanbul Showers 06/01 S Showers 06/01 Risks of injury not only cause their arms and hands faster to keep up, Jakarta S T Storms 32/26 S T Storms 31/25 workers to suff er, but can create leading to fatigue and potential injury. Karachi Sunny 28/14 Sunny 29/16 massive ineffi ciencies for companies “I envision an app, and I think all London Cloudy 11/06 P Cloudy 09/03 Manila T Storms Rain 27/24 themselves, through hidden costs such the technology we need exists on my 28/23 Moscow Cloudy -13/-14 Cloudy -4/-5 as workers’ compensation, lost time Health and safety professionals often expertise and training in ergonomics smartphone today: a high defi nition New Delhi Sunny 23/09 M Sunny 23/09 and reduced productivity. make subjective judgments of risk and safety. camera, a high-speed processor, and the New York M Sunny -2/-4 Rain& Snow 08/07 “We want to solve these problems based on a 0-10 scale of hand activity. It also requires following the ability to do cloud computing,” he said. Paris M Sunny 10/02 Fog 06/03 before people get hurt,” said Rob Although these measurements nuanced actions of many individuals If Radwin can apply his measures Sao Paulo Showers 22/16 S T Storms 27/17 Seoul Sunny 01/-4 P Cloudy 10/02 Radwin, Professor of Industrial and provide fairly reasonable predictions, over a long period of time. to a smartphone application, Singapore S T Storms 33/25 T Storms 32/24 Systems Engineering. there is immense room for error With the help of videos collected manufacturing employers could assess Sydney T Storms 22/21 M Sunny 31/18 Existing methods for measuring in human observation, and such from a variety of institutions, Radwin risk of injury of their employees with Tokyo Cloudy 09/03 Clear 11/02 risk of injury leave much to be desired. conclusions require valuable time, and his colleagues will develop an relative ease. Gulf Times 16 Friday, December 16, 2016 QATAR

‘Dependent children do not require exit permit’ Five projects selected to join WISE Accelerator

The option to apply for exit he World Innovation nouka said, “These new projects permits for expatriate male chil- Summit for Education selected for the WISE Accelera- dren above 18 years was found T(WISE) has revealed the tor programme are responding to to be missing on the Ministry fi ve projects that will join the urgent needs in a variety of set- of Interior’s (MoI) Metrash2 ap- 2016-2017 WISE Accelerator tings. They refl ect the values of plication yesterday. programme and benefi t from WISE in supporting creative ac- According to information avail- mentoring and access to net- tion and empowerment globally, able on the Qatar government’s working. and we are confi dent they will off icial website Hukoomi, “all Launched in 2014, the Accel- continue to thrive and grow.” expatriate residents, except erator programme is designed The projects selected for wives and dependent children to support the development the 2016-17 WISE Accelera- under family sponsorship, of young, innovative EdTech tor programme are Edykasyon. require an exit permit to leave projects with high potential for ph (the Philippines), Chalk.com the country.” scalability and positive impact (Canada), Afl atoun Education Going by this statement, sons in the fi eld of education. The (The Netherlands/global), Learn above 18 also do not require an selected projects benefi t from Syria (Canada/Syria) and Joko’s exit permit as they also come a year-long mentorship pro- World (Australia). under the category of depend- gramme tailored to address their The 2016-2017 cohort will ent children. Until recently, it specifi c needs. offi cially join the WISE Accel- was essential for sons above The WISE Accelerator also erator at an engagement held 18 years who are under fam- helps connect the projects with by WISE, an initiative of Qatar ily sponsorship to get an exit an international network that Foundation for Education, Sci- permit. creates opportunities for knowl- ence and Community Develop- Unconfirmed reports said sons edge-sharing and identifying ment, early next year. up to the age of 25 years no donor and investor support. They will be invited to take more require exit permits but Kayrn Aguirre is the director part in specifi c working sessions those who are above 25 and of strategic partnerships at Ke- and off ered “unique” network- are still under their parents’ pler, a university network that ing opportunities. sponsorship have to get a travel brings high-quality aff ordable The Accelerator participants permit to go out of the country. degrees to African youth, and a have responded to diverse issues A passenger who was travelling participant in the 2016 Accel- such as teacher training, ca- to Dubai yesterday said the erator cohort. “The programme reer guidance, access to quality immigration authorities at the has given Kepler access to in- education in refugee camps, and airport did not ask for the exit credible resources and expertise developing students’ awareness permit of his 20-year-old son, as we’ve explored strategies for of other cultures and teaching who was accompanying him. growth,” she explained. them tolerance and empathy WISE CEO Stavros N Yian- through interactive games. Learn Syria, one of the five newly selected WISE Accelerator projects.

Aspire Zone cancels National Day festivities Dusty conditions hit visibility; n line with the directive of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim Ibin Hamad al-Thani, Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) has offi - cially cancelled its National Day festivities in solidarity with the strong winds expected today citizens of war-torn Aleppo. Instead, AZF has partnered trong winds are expected enveloped Doha and other parts weather office informed. with Qatar Charity to donate all in parts of Qatar today af- of the country, resulting in vis- Meanwhile, today’s detailed income generated for three days Ster dusty conditions pre- ibility of less than 1km at a forecast states that the wind until tomorrow in Aspire Zone’s vailed around the country and number of places, the weather speed may reach a high of 25 restaurants, and the QR100,000 led to a sharp drop in visibility offi ce tweeted. knots and 28 knots in inshore prize money it allocated to the yesterday evening. The office also issued a and off shore areas, respectively, Best National Day Instagram Off shore areas, too, are likely safety advisory, prepared in with the sea level rising to 9ft at picture competition, to Aleppo. to see strong winds and high seas co-operation with the Minis- times. today, the Met department said. try of Public Health, in view of Moderate temperatures and Yesterday afternoon, the Met the prevailing dusty conditions some clouds are forecast in in- Ministry off icial department issued a notice on and urged motorists to drive shore areas, along with slight to social media, stating that satel- safely, especially along the blowing dust in some places and visits Islamic lite images showed a band of dust highways. At the same time, it a cold night. Dusty conditions centre project moving from the northern Ara- observed that the dust was ex- are also likely in off shore areas bian Gulf towards Qatar. Though pected to dissipate gradually by at times. in Slovenia it was likely to weaken gradually this morning. Today, a minimum tempera- as it approached the country, it Northwesterly fresh to ture of 14C is expected in Me- Secretary-General of the Ministry would still bring down visibility strong winds are expected to saieed and Wakrah, followed by of Foreign Aff airs Dr Ahmed al- to 2km or less in some areas, ac- continue blowing until Monday 15C in Al Khor, Dukhan and Abu Hammadi has paid a visit to the cording to the notice. along with warnings for high Samra, 16C in Ruwais and 18C in Islamic cultural centre building Hours later, a shroud of dust waves in offshore areas, the Doha. A shroud of dust enveloped Doha yesterday evening. PICTURE: Ebrahim Almuftah project in the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, accompanied by Grand Mufti Nedzad Grabus, President of the Islamic Authority in Ljubljana. Dr al-Hammadi was briefed on the various stages of the project which is expected to be opened soon. He commended the eff orts made in order to establish this centre. For his part, the Grand Mufti praised the role of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani in the establishment of the centre, which he described as the first major Islamic project in region. The visit was attended by Qatar’s non-resident ambassador to Slov- enia Ali Khalfan al-Mansouri. A scene at Al Waab Street in Doha. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed

LuLu Exchange awarded ISO 9001:2015 certifi cate Katara honours winners of dhow

uLu Exchange has been Davies, general manager – cer- ISO certifi cation for manage- to award ISO 9001:2015 cer- festival photography contest awarded the ISO 9001:2015 tifi cation and auditing, TUV ment system is based on prin- tificate to LuLu Exchange. LManagement System cer- Middle East, in the presence of ciples such as customer focus, The organisation has dem- tifi cate by TUV NORD. the senior management of LuLu risk-based approach, process onstrated great commit- atara – the Cultural Vil- The certifi cation was awarded Exchange. approach, commitment from ment towards this quality lage Foundation has to LuLu Exchange for the quality “We are extremely proud of top management and continual management system through Khonoured the top fi ve management system associated our team for attaining the ISO improvement. The focus of this management commitment, winners of its photography with executing remittance op- 9001:2015 certifi cation. This endeavour is to provide conven- detailed process definition, contest, held on the sidelines of erations and dealing in sale and ISO certifi cation brings with ient fi nancial transactions that compliance and team work. the recently-held sixth Tradi- purchase of foreign currencies, itself greater commitment to fulfi l the core customer need This is the first financial tional Dhow Festival. according to a press statement. higher standards, quality service for a secure, quality, speedy and exchange certified by TUV Present at the prize distri- The certifi cate was presented and customer focus,” said Adeeb value-laden service, the state- NORD in the region for the bution ceremony on Tuesday to Arshad Hamza, general man- Ahamed, managing director, ment notes. 9001:2015 standard,” said were Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim ager of LuLu Exchange, by Shibu LuLu Exchange. “It was our great pleasure Davies. al-Sulaiti, general manager of Katara, and Ahmed bin Yousuf al-Khaleefi , head of the pho- tography contest jury and the photographic society. The fi ve top prizes of Ka- tara’s photography contest were bagged by Saeed Mohamed Dr al-Sulaiti with winners. Fairuz, Omar al-Surori, Abdel Aziz Esa, Esa Mohamed Abdul- all assistance and care needed and Arab photographers. “The lah and Bahir Ameen, respec- so that they can succeed while art of photography has proven tively. continuing with their creative to be a great tool to connect us “Our sponsorship of the projects,” said Dr al-Sulaiti. with other cultures,” he added. photography and the fi ne arts He stressed that initiative Abdullah, winner of the contest refl ects Katara’s lead- aims at upgrading the profi - fourth place in the photography ing role in and commitment to ciency levels of those involved contest, said: “I’m very happy the revival of visual arts, and in the art of photography, en- to be one of the top fi ve win- support of promising talent, couraging creative projects in ners. I always try to take shots Off icials mark the occasion. through providing artists with the fi eld and supporting Qatari with a diff erent eye and lens.”